Chapter Ninety Six
“Would you like to explain how you plan on playing tennis with that iPod attached to your hand?” my first period, gym teacher asked me sarcastically.
I blushed from embarrassment. My morning routine had been disrupted and it had obviously rattled my mind. I awkwardly stood, all red faced with my illegal contraband gripped in my hand for the whole world to witness.
“I’m sorry – may I please go put it away in my locker, Coach Pressman?” I inquired desperately and I knew exactly what would happen if she didn’t allow me to.
“Ember, you know the consequences. Electronic devices are not allowed on campus period…” she stated, firmly.
I’m moving Criminal Mastermind to the bottom of my list of “Careers to Have Before I Die” list because I don’t have the skill set necessary to pull it off…
Sadly, I did know the drill because Greg just lost his DSI last week and received a day in detention as a result. I waited for the coach to scrawl a note that explained my offense. It would instruct the vice principal to throw the proverbial book at me.
My chaotic morning really threw me off balance. Willow had stayed at Rave and Celeste’s house last night to watch my Boo-bear. Rave had an annual sacred ritual ceremony that he was scheduled to lead and an all night planning session was required. They didn’t want to take Boo with them because of the amount of people in attendance. So they asked Willow to spend the night and babysit him. They wouldn’t be back until late this afternoon at the earliest.
Tray and I had overslept this morning and then, had to rush around like two lunatics in order to get ready. I was forced to dress in my gym suit because I knew I wouldn’t have time to change when I got to school. So my school clothes were stuffed in my backpack instead of the other way around. It would have to go in my regular locker because it was much closer than the one in the girl’s locker room. Backpacks aren’t allowed on the tennis courts and there was no place to hide it. That meant after gym class I would have to rush to my main locker in my gym shorts. That was not an appealing prospect, but that was my only choice.
My brother was scheduled to open Sunridge for Rave. He dropped me off at school in a hurry and he couldn’t stay with me like usual. That meant he was filled with anxiety, but didn’t want me to know it. By the time I jumped out of the truck at school, we were both on edge and rattled.
Coach Pressman handed me the note and then, pointed toward the office. I decided to pop my ear buds in and listen to my music as I walked from the tennis courts to the high school stockades. I figured I didn’t have anything to lose, so I might as well enjoy it while I can.
The song rang loudly in my ears as I turned up the volume to the highest setting. I would blast the music in defiance of all that was wrong with my school’s decision to forbid iPods and MP3 players. After all, high school should be all about the whole musical experience – shouldn’t it?
All those extra hours of practice had really paid off. I could easily control my spirit light now even being outside in the breeze while listening to music. Preparing for the approaching debate with the vice principal, I wasn’t paying much attention to my surroundings.
My focus stayed averted until I reached the place I had first encountered the silver mist in November. For some strange reason, I stopped walking and held my breath. I stood transfixed with my full attention riveted on the memory. For one quick, but fateful moment I closed my eyes to relive the blissful event. My mind wandered into the enchanting memory.
Then suddenly, I felt a painful stinging sensation on my neck like I had just been assaulted by a monster-sized mosquito. I tried to reach up and squeeze the pain away, but strangely my hands were no longer under my control or command. I opened my eyes and they were already hazy.
All I could do is watch in helpless horror as I felt myself being lifted from the ground. Someone grabbed my iPod out of my hand hard enough to break it. It sounded like a man’s voice curse as he threw both the player and my ear buds across the concrete. They bounced into the bushes near the gym. He tossed me into the back of the waiting van…
The cracked screen on my iPod was the last thing I remember seeing before the van door was slammed shut…
My mind shouted insanely for Tray…for the silver mist…for my spirit light…
My lips however, were still and silent…
The inner fire and my light slowly began to fade from my awareness…
Then…
Darkness falls…
Ember Rising Light (Book One) Page 100
