Shape Shifter’s Demons in the Mist: Angel Academy

by Thomas, Kiesha

  “Where are you going,” asked mom?

  “I’m not feeling good. Give me a minute.” I closed the bathroom door and locked it. I rinsed my mouth out with warm water. I lifted the toilet seat and leaned over the toilet. I felt hot like my body was in a bottle of chemicals. My skin was itchy and sensitive. Looking out of the small circular window I saw a flash of lightning.

  I’m not an angel. There won’t be adventure and new people in my destiny. What great change can I affect here working my job? Another flash of lightning struck. This time it was close to the house. I could smell the burnt grass out front. Flipping the seat down I stood up. Thunder rumbled loud and dark clouds appeared in the sky. Lightning struck, crushing the glass hitting me in the chest. The force of the impact knocked me against the door.

  “Ari, wake up.” Mom’s voice sounded distant, but the force of her hand against my cheek had my eyes flying open.

  “Please stop slapping me.” I sat up. Frowning I looked at mom then to Kyra whose lips thinned.

  “I guess you got what you wanted. You get to go to the academy. But I wouldn’t be so eager with that hideous red hair. You looked better with blond hair.”

  “Shut up, Kyra,” said Mom.

  “What are you talking about Kyra?” I felt my hair. Yanking out the bobby pins and strands of my hair, my eyes darted to mom when she grabbed my hand.

  “It’s only hair.” Mom held up the cracked mirror that she kept in her pocket.

  “What happened?” My hair was fire hydrant red and I looked pale. How could being struck by lightning permanently change my hair color? My skin still felt itchy. I didn’t feel nauseous which was always a plus. I don’t throw up often and have only done so twice in my life. Both times were because of Kyra’s cooking.

  Kyra didn’t look any different. Well, she looked like I ate the last candy bar from her. She hasn’t even asked if I’m alright, but she has instead focused on herself. There was time for her to get powers too. I don’t know if I have powers or if that was a freak accident.

  “You were in the bathroom, then something loud happened and you ended up in the hallway.” Mom slipped the mirror back inside her pocket and helped me to my feet.

  “She probably laid herself on the ground before we came to the door.” Kyra rolled her eyes and snickered when I frowned holding one red lock in front of my face.

  “Kyra the door is locked. There’s still time for you to get your powers if they find you worthy. Let’s try to take care of Ari right now,” said Mom.

  “Don’t pretend to care about me now.” Kyra looked me over from head to toe then walked past me to our bedroom.

  “I don’t think I have any power. I remember smelling the burnt grass from the bathroom when the lightning struck close to the house. I think I was struck by it too.”

  Kyra came back out with her phone. She snapped a photo and the bright light blinded me for a second.

  “Kyra. What are you doing?” I moved away from them and staggered over to the sofa. All my strength was zapped. My mouth was dry, but I couldn’t bring myself to walk to the kitchen for some water.

  “I’m taking a picture of you just in case something happens. I’ll always remember you.”

  “I am not surprised that Ari has been gifted with power and you have not. If you change your ways maybe the gods will take pity on you and give you powers later in life.”

  The knock at the door startled us. It was twelve forty-five. It felt like two days had passed and I had done hard labor. I tried to rise but mom waved me down.

  “It must be them. Kyra go to your room and pray,” said Mom. She unbuttoned her jacket tossing it over the sofa before opening the door. She pulled her hospital scrubs down and flung the door open.

  “Are you Mrs. Dorothy Renee Deeds?”

  I frowned. The voice was female. Kyra rushed past mom and sat on the sofa next to me trying to peep behind mom. Everyone that knows mom, knows that she prefers people to call her Renee, which was her middle name.

  “Yes. Who are you?” asked Dorothy. Mom leaned against the door for a moment then opened and allowed the woman to come inside.

  “My name is Sylvia Wilson. I’m head recruiter for the Angel Academy. These must be your lovely daughters.”

  I couldn’t take my eyes off Sylvia. She wore a thick coat and the only thing visible was the black combat boots underneath it. Her long silver hair shined in the light and her eyes were the color of amethyst stones. I’m not sure how angels look, but she looked like a model. Maybe with her recruiting job, she was far removed from the fighting. I guess that made sense.

  “Yes. Can I get you anything to drink?” asked mom. She closed the door and rushed to sit down on the loveseat.

  “No, thanks. I’ve come to grab Arianna Deeds to attend the Academy for Angels,” said Sylvia.

  “I’m Arianna.” I glanced at Kyra and mouth ‘I’m sorry’ but her eyes narrowed.

  “I’m Kyra Deeds and we were both supposed to be recruited. Feel free to come back when you have your orders right. I’m sure the headmaster wouldn’t take kindly to your mistake.”

  “There has been no mistake. You have not been extended an invitation to attend the academy.”

  “Kyra stop embarrassing yourself. You do not have any power,” said Mom.

  “When I went to my bedroom, something happened and I woke up on the floor. I was going to tell you but you were fussing over Ari. I get to go too since I have powers.”

  “Kyra that is not how this works. It does not matter if you have powers or not. The headmaster does not make mistakes and he did not extend an invitation to you. I’m sorry but everybody with magical abilities do not automatically get into the academy,” said Sylvia.

  “You can go on with the life you planned,” said Dorothy. She rolled her eyes at Kyra.

  “What does it take to be accepted in the academy if it isn’t magical ability,” asked Kyra. She pulled a stick of gum out of her pocket and placed it in her mouth.

  “It requires many different factors, and I don’t have all night to educate you. I’m going to nip this in the bud now,” said Sylvia. She pulled out her cell phone and punched in the number.

  “Who are you dialing?” asked Kyra? She stood up.

  “Good. It’s after twelve-thirty. She can verify your admission and take Ari to the school, and I can make my shift on time.”

  “What about me, mom?” Kyra’s hands fisted at her side as she stood near the sofa. When mom picked up the house keys off the table, she turned to me.

  “Ari, do something.” Kyra bit her lower lip while her right leg started shaking.

  “What do you want me to do? The headmaster can verify that you have powers and reconsider admitting you to the academy so just be patient.”

  “Yes. Kyra Deeds. She is adamant that you have made a mistake,” said Sylvia.

  “I didn’t say he made a mistake, I said you made a mistake. Don’t try to get him to deny me because of your mistake.” Kyra walked toward Sylvia but mom grabbed her around the waist and covered her mouth with her hand.

  “Shut up for once in your life,” said Mom. Her eyes narrowed at Kyra before she removed her hand from her mouth.

  This night was crazy. I’m not surprised that Kyra is making a fuss and trying to get her way. She has been doing this her whole life. Just this once, I wish she’d just do the right thing. I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life and now that I’m here I don’t know what to do.

  Kyra backed up from her but grimaced when mom jerked her back to her side.

  “Ari, go to your room and pack. You don’t have time to sit here. You don’t want to keep Sylvia waiting.”

  “Thanks, mom.” I stood up. Placing a kiss on her cheek I headed to my room.

  My legs were still weak and I wasn’t sure that I could make it to my room without falling flat on my face. Who cares? Kyra was embarrassing the family enough and there wasn’t anything I could do to stop the disrespect and disdain she’s shown Sy
lvia tonight.

  Closing the door, I leaned up against it for strength. Looking around the room at my side, I appreciated how immaculate I kept my things. It makes packing much easier when your things are organized. Grabbing my bookbag and my duffle bag off the top shelf I folded my things neatly inside. Sinking to the bed, I placed my last pair of shoes in the bag. I’m going to miss my room.

  Glancing at Kyra’s messy side, I grabbed her bag out of the closet. Her dirty clothes were mixed with the clean clothes so there was no way I could help her pack. I’m not sure if she’s being admitted to the academy but if she is admitted she may appreciate it. Creeping to the door, I placed my ear to it. Dang. I couldn’t hear anything, so I went into the kitchen. Pouring myself some water, I watched as mom stood against the front door. Mom was ready to run out of the door and head to work. She wasn’t going to say goodbye to me.

  “Yes, I will let her know. I’ll be there right away,” said Sylvia. She slid the phone in her pocket and turned to me.

  “Headmaster, Mr. Moretti, stated that there was no mistake and that the invitation is for Arianna Deeds, but he wants to see you so you will come and speak with him directly.”

  Wow. Kyra has managed to get a chance to talk to the headmaster himself at the academy. I’m not surprised that she has done this. If there is anyone that can sweet-talk their way into the academy it’s her.

  “Let’s go finish your packing. I started it for you.” I smiled at Kyra who was shocked speechless. I was waving her over, but she stopped in the middle of the living floor staring at mom.

  “Has this happened before? Is it normal for the headmaster to request to speak with a student that was not extended an invitation?” asked mom. She looked from Sylvia to Kyra then to me.

  “No. I have never seen this situation happen before, and I have been with the academy since its inception.”

  “He probably wants to admit me to the academy himself. I’ll take his apology and join the academy after I get a feel for the place,” said Kyra. She smirked and tossed her hair over her shoulder.

  “The headmaster has requested that I return to the academy at once, and I will be back to pick both of you up in half an hour so be ready.” Sylvia headed toward the door.

  I rushed back to my room. The beginning of our lives was just starting, and I wanted to make sure I had everything packed. An hour was just enough time for me to calm down and relax before she came back to get us. I’m nervous for Kyra, but she isn’t nervous. Opening her third dresser drawer I discovered a silver notebook under a red tee shirt. What is this? Biting my lip, I quickly thumbed through the journal. Kyra has a diary. The floorboards creaked. I closed the journal and tossed some clothes over it.

  I carried a handful of clothes out and folded them in the bag. The bedroom door opened and Kyra walked inside.

  “What took you so long to get in here? I would’ve rushed in here the moment she said I could go.” Kyra stood at the door lost in her thoughts.

  Maybe she was worried about what the headmaster had to say to her. I’m not sure I would be excited to meet him.

  “Sylvia handed mom a package when you came upstairs. Mom slid it inside of her jacket, but I saw it.”

  “So what. It was probably some information on how mom can reach us while we’re away at the academy.”

  “Ari don’t be stupid. Mom is glad to get rid of us. Well not you. You would’ve worked that job giving her all of your money until you died but not me.” Kyra threw up her hands and sat on her bed.

  Fumbling in my bag I pulled out my small mirror. My new hair color was bold for my skin color, but I guess that’s ok. I worried about mom and how she would make ends meet while we were at the academy. The house expenses should go down but she would still struggle. I would rather not argue with Kyra over mom. She must be upset that mom put a stop to her excuses.

  “Ari we’re going to the academy. Can you believe it?” Kyra looked at Joe’s cage on the desk and frowned. She walked over to the pile of dirty clothes on the floor and tossed them on her bed.

  “I started packing for you but I don’t know what clothes are clean and which are dirty. You can’t take dirty clothes with you.” I missed Joe, but what could we do. Once we left this area and went to the academy, we would never see him again.

  Kyra sniffed a paisley shirt before tossing it on her bed. “I’m taking all my stuff. There must be a way I can wash them once I get there.”

  “The room will stink.” I looked around the room. The room was cramped and bland, but it was home. Time was flying and soon we would be at the academy. I hope that Kyra won’t make trouble for us while we’re there.

  “I’m taking all my clothes. So, deal with it.” Kyra looked at her third drawer open and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Did you go through my stuff?”

  “Nope. I grabbed some clothes and folded them in your bag. I was trying to help you pack, but you have stuff everywhere.” I opened my book bag to make sure I had the photos of mom and dad. My memories were the most precious thing to me and they were priceless.

  “Good. Don’t go through my stuff.” Kyra bent down and picked up all the clothes that were tossed haphazardly underneath her bed.

  “Is there something in there I can’t see?”

  We were going to the academy and I didn’t know what awaited us there. I know that Kyra has changed but I’m glad that she has an opportunity to see the academy. Dad said miracles happened every day and I think what I witnessed tonight was certainly a miracle.

  Once she sorted through the clothes on the bed, the room smelled like corn chips and stinky feet. If she and I are going to be sharing a room, I was guaranteed to smell her sweaty stinky feet.

  Her phone rang. Kyra dove off the bed sliding on a pile of her dirty clothes to answer the phone. Frowning, I looked at the clock. It was two in the morning. Who is calling her this late?

  “What? Are you serious?” Kyra jumped to her feet waving her hands in the air. She grabbed her coat and walked out of the bedroom.

  “You can’t leave.” Following her down the hall I yanked her to me.

  I bit my lip. What could she be so excited about that she would rush out of the house? My muscles tensed. Kyra does not listen and when she is determined to do things her way, she will.

  “I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes.” Kyra slid the phone in her pocket. Glancing around the room she tossed her stuff on the desk before looking at me.

  “That was Trevor. He found Joe.” Kyra smiled she clasped a hand over her heart and closed her eyes.

  Tilting my head toward the ceiling I shook my head. “He didn’t find Joe.”

  “He did!” Kyra’s nostrils flared as she stomped out of the room slamming the door behind her.

  We looked everywhere for Joe. It is two in the morning. A flare of adrenaline made my heart flutter. Running out of the room, I caught Kyra down the hallway.

  “Sylvia will be here in an hour and you still need to pack.” I looked past Kyra to the clock on the wall in the hallway. Time wasn’t on our side and too much had happened for her to take a chance on not being here when Sylvia came back.

  Kyra stepped into my personal space and lifted her chin. “I’m going to get Joe. I’ll be back before Sylvia comes to get us.”

  “I’m going with you. You can’t meet him late at night alone.” I don’t like Trevor and I doubt that he has Joe. My sister’s going to be mad when she gets there and he doesn’t have Joe. She’s going to be devastated. What kind of big sister would I be if I let her go out there alone?

  “Ari, you need to stay. If I’m a little late you can stall her until I get here.” Kyra flushed and grabbed her house keys off the coffee table and slid them in her pockets

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I gasped. Slowly shaking my head, I stepped back at a loss for words. Turning around I headed for my room. I needed the rest of my energy to deal with heading to the academy. I need to have all my wits about me.

&nbs
p; “I need you to pack my stuff for me.” Kyra rushed out of the door slamming it in my face.

  Muttering under my breath, I locked the front door. Once in my room, I sorted her dirty clothes by color and placed them in the washing machine.

  Cade

  “There must be some mistake.” Nathaniel Cohen was Derrick Grand’s son. How could my sister deal with that slime ball? I leaned against the wall for support. All my strength left my muscles and my legs couldn’t support my body weight.

  “I know you blame Maximus for her rape but now you know the truth,” said Liam.

  What the hell is going on? “I don’t know what is going on. How do we know the baby wasn’t Maximus’?”

  “I walked in on Derrick raping Letoya. I thought she had lied to me that day and she had. I went to a council meeting first and when the meeting was out, it was too late.”

  “He sleeps around. Why would he want her?” I closed my eyes. I didn’t pay enough attention to her. I was so focused on showing Liam that I could handle more responsibilities here at the academy.

  “He had already raped her. I almost killed him that day but Letoya didn’t want my death on her hands.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me? I don’t understand why everyone thinks Maximus raped her.”

  “Bethanny Holland found out that Letoya was pregnant. She told the whole academy that Letoya was a nasty girl who didn’t know how to prevent pregnancy.”

  Frowning, I did recall hearing Tim and the guys in the bathroom talking about her but after I knocked four of his front teeth out, he never repeated that mess again. Bethanny was not a nice girl and I’m willing to bet that she’s slept with half the guys here.

  “Maximus had asked me for Letoya’s hand in marriage, and I approved.”

  “What! How could you agree to marry her off to a werewolf? He’s a man whore.” I paced back and forth. My stomach muscles clenched and I regretted coming in here to confront him. I’m not sure I can handle the truth. Letoya and I were close, or so I thought. She never told me she loved Maximus or that she had been raped.