“I’m Oddily,” she gave the girl a shy, questioning look. “Who are you?”
“I’m a friend of Maxim’s. Where is he?”
“I’m not sure, but I think he’s kind of busy right now.”
“Get out of the car, and let me take a look at you!”
Oddily leaned away from the door. “Excuse me?”
“Don’t give me attitude.”
“I…I’m not. Maxim should be back in a few minutes.”
“I said, get out!”
“I’m sorry, but Maxim…” Oddily’s voice trailed off when the girl picked up a large rock and lifted it over her head. “If you don’t get out of the car, I’m going to smash in the window.”
“All right…all right!” Oddily jumped out of the car and backed away.
“You are so small!” She made a face as though something stunk. “I was expecting my competition to be much prettier.”
Oddily began to clear her throat nervously. “Listen, I’m not here to compete with you. I…I don’t even know what we would be competing for.”
Without warning, the dark haired girl dropped the stone and began to listen carefully to her surroundings.
Oddily took advantage of the distraction and slid over to the other side of the white Suzuki, not once taking her eyes off of the stranger. She moved with caution towards the Manor, and stepped onto the porch testing each board before putting her weight on it. She eyed the front door hanging off one hinge, and believed she could escape until one of the wooden floor boards squeaked, and the girl’s head snapped in her direction.
Oddily cried out—she couldn’t help herself as she bolted for the barely opened entrance and squeezed inside. The interior was in ruins. Thick vines full of greenery had taken over one side of the interior, growing through the broken windows like large green snakes. Floorboards had rotted through, and colossal roots from the outside trees found their way inside, stretching themselves across the floor.
Oddily became confused, not knowing which way to run, until she spotted a wide spiraling staircase overgrown with plant life. She charged upstairs and ran along an arched hallway full of closed doors, up several more stairs, through another hall, and then another. It was like running through a giant labyrinth of hallways, and she became lost until finally, she gave up and entered one of the rooms.
Oddily bumped into the remains of a chair, and then stumbled over a low table before going to hide in the closet. She left the door ajar while huddling in the corner as she peeked through the opening and stared out the broken windowpane. Through the shards of glass, she could view the trees reaching up to receive the magical warmth of the yellow sun; but despite this beautiful view, she became horrified that the girl would find her.
Suddenly, Oddily sat upright and listened to the sound of the bedroom door opening, and then footsteps from just beyond the closet door. Someone was walking around the room with a slow and steady pace. Was it the girl? Of course, it was. It had to be, but why was she looking for her? Who was she, and what did she want?
Oddily cowered in the corner, cold with real terror. If this girl found her, she was going to die of fright—she knew she was!
But she didn’t want to die—not with Maxim in her life, so she prepared herself to fight back. She drew up her legs and as soon as she caught sight of the girl’s shadow in front of the closet door, she used all of her strength to kick the door open.
The girl staggered backwards giving her just enough time to stand up and bolt from the room.
Oddily noticed the hair on her arms rise while moving quickly down one of the corridors only to find intertwining passageways. She couldn’t remember which way to go, but realized that she wasn’t anywhere near a stairway. She turned in the opposite direction, fearing she would run into the girl again; and when she entered another corridor, she did collide with a tall figure. All she could think of doing was blindly swing her fists.
“What are you doing?” Maxim wrestled with Oddily, grabbing her arms to keep her from hitting him. “Calm down! Why are you upset?”
When Oddily realized she had been hitting Maxim, she stopped struggling and became weak at the knees, but Maxim helped her stay on her feet.
“Who is she?”
“Who are you talking about?” Maxim glanced up and down the hall.
“Your friend with the spiky black hair,” she gasped between breaths. “She said I was her competition, and was going to break the window if I didn’t get out of the car, and…and…!”
Maxim grabbed hold of Oddily’s hand as a sudden sense of foreboding came over him knowing he had no friends other than his sister. “Let’s get you out of here.”
With a quickening of her breath, Oddily picked up her pace but continued to glance over her shoulder. “Aren’t you going to try and find her?”
“I will, in a few minutes.”
Maxim guided Oddily back downstairs to the main floor, and then headed through what was once a kitchen. He stopped in front of a door, and hesitated before he turned to her.
“Remember our conversation the other day at breakfast, when I told you about my hobby?” Maxim decided that was the safest word to use for describing his ‘high-tech’ creations.
Oddily’s eyes opened wide with the remembrance. “How could I forget? It was fascinating.”
Maxim gave her a nervous smile. “I’m glad you think so because one of my workshops is beyond this door.” Maxim entered a secret code into the keypad attached to the wall and the door slid into a panel.
After Maxim nudged Oddily through the door, she gasped for air when she eyed an army of giant metal spiders lined up in formation.
“You look pale.” Maxim quickly tilted her head to face him, worried by her reaction. Viewing mechanical insects was nothing compared to what she would eventually see. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Yes, I think so, but what are those things?”
“They are surveillance cameras that I designed to monitor the property. In fact, I’m going to open the garage door right now and release them so they can locate the girl if she’s still on the property.”
While Oddily continued to stare at the metal insects, Maxim took advantage of the moment to listen in on her thoughts. The sight of the spiders had awakened a vague memory of an encounter she had with one of them—an encounter that consequently had caused her to fall into a ravine. It wasn’t until she dismissed her remembrance to an overactive imagination that Maxim got back to business.
Okay, this may freak you out a little so I want you to stand behind me while I activate them.
Oddily did as Maxim suggested and placed her hand over her mouth, waiting for the unthinkable to happen. It’s a good thing she did, because when the spiders came to artificial life, she wanted to scream. It was like watching a horror movie unfold right before her eyes as the giant spiders rose to their full height and headed out into the woods.
Maxim turned around to check on Oddily. “Are you still with me?”
“I think so!”
“Good…now see that monitor over there?” Maxim pointed to the second screen on the wall. “Let me know when you spot the girl.”
Maxim sat down in front of a modern computer while Oddily waited in front of the monitor. Suddenly, the screen began to replay the activities that had taken place in front of Stafford Manor. Oddily viewed her green Smart car pull up in front of one of the garages. Nexa climbed out and headed for the front door of the Manor. The white Suzuki showed up a short time later with Maxim jumping out and heading for the woods.
Oddily became curious. “That reminds me…where did you go in such a rush?”
“We have intruders, and take a guess at who they were?”
“Please don’t say Kip and Starla!”
“I have to. Unfortunately, they managed to follow Nexa home, so now I’m wondering if this girl we’re searching for is connected with them. I’m going to speed up the data a little.”
Oddily’s eyes remained glued to the
screen while the momentum picked up until a short time later she called out, “Stop…there she is!”
Maxim left the picture frame on pause and went over to the large screen for a closer look. The girl’s overall appearance had an air of both poise and edginess; but what stood out most was…the girl wore a wig.
“Who is she?” Oddily’s sweet voice broke into his thoughts.
“I don’t know.”
“But the girl said you were friends.”
“She lied.”
Maxim went back to the control panel and continued to view the following frames until he witnessed the girl lift a heavy rock and raise it over her head.
“See! That was when she threatened me to get out of the car.”
“I have seen enough,” Maxim returned the monitor to observation mode, and used thought transference to contact his sister. I want you to come home, sis. Someone other than Kip and Starla has been lurking around on the grounds, and apparently, she is strong!
I’m intrigued.
I have just set all security monitors to high alert, and now I’m going to take Oddily home. Hopefully, this girl will be located.
What about the cars?
Our intruder may still be around, so we’ll leave them where they are parked for tonight. By the way, did you find Starla?
Yes, she’s alive.
If everything is all right, why are you blocking a portion of your mind from me?
Nothing is wrong. I’ll be home soon.
Maxim desperately wanted to search the grounds himself and be rid of this intruder; but for now, Oddily’s first orientation into his world had to remain his priority. With some reluctance he asked, “Are you ready to go and see your new home?”
“This isn’t where I am going to live?” Oddily’s heart began to pound in her chest.
Maxim laughed. He had forgotten that he was sidetracked from telling Oddily the truth about Stafford Manor—that the place was simply a facade for the curious minds of trespassers.
3
After Nexa had spoken with Maxim, she stiffened in Nero’s arms, unnerved by her father’s ability to control her mind. He wouldn’t allow her to tell Maxim that he had returned, and she wondered why all the secrecy.
You did well, my child. Nero’s deep voice vibrated through her head before releasing her.
Did you leave me any choice? She glared up at him.
Are you questioning me?
The air around them began to change, reminding Nexa to watch her tone of voice.
No…I’m sorry, father. She felt like a naughty child again under his scrutiny. Then can I at least ask why you are here? Your timing couldn’t be more…out of the ordinary.
This visit was unexpected for me as well.
By his comment, Nexa thought she understood what he was hinting at. After all, Oddily was now only minutes away from invading their private world.
Maxim and I have already discussed the fate of Oddily. Nero answered her unspoken thought.
Nexa was startled. When did you two talk?
Nero smirked at her. It appears that Maxim has chosen to keep our meeting a secret. How interesting.
Nexa’s body stiffened—the disappointment she felt over her brother’s betrayal became obvious.
Maxim is behaving differently. Am I correct?
Nexa shrugged without comment.
Nero’s mood changed to one that was more serious. You like this girl Oddily, don’t you!
Nexa frowned for a moment, her angelic face distorting into an adorable pout.
There’s something lovable about her but I don’t want to like her. I know she will hold Maxim back from his true calling if they stay together.
Nero nodded in agreement. Maxim believes he is in love.
I know, Nexa rolled her light blue eyes. I’ve never seen him so caught up with something other than his inventions.
Therefore, you agree that your brother is resisting his fate.
Nexa nodded.
I assume you tried to change his mind. He cocked his head like a bird while waiting for her reply.
Yes. She hesitated, and then added, but he’s as stubborn as you are.
Nero laughed as he turned to acknowledge the unconscious girl behind him. I presume that this is not Oddily.
No—her name is Starla, and she’s annoying.
I agree.
What’s wrong with her father? Why is she unconscious?
Not knowing that it would be you stepping out from the woods, I needed silence.
You weren’t very successful. Nexa wrinkled her nose. She snores as loudly as a man does!
Nero threw back his head and went into a spasm of laughter while Nexa glanced down at Starla’s limp body. Is she hurt?
There was an injury to her leg, but I have healed the wound.
Nero had been eyeing Nexa since she came out of the woods—surveying her as though she were a lab rat. It was beginning to make her feel ill at ease to be around him. May I ask you again why you came here?
Nero gave her a cocky grin. You head back in time for your reasons. I go forward in time for mine.
Nexa grimaced when she realized that Nero knew of their visit to spy on him. Did you know all along that Maxim and I were there?
Not at first, but your departure was noisy.
How did you find us? Nexa became curious. Did you follow our molecular trail back here to this timeline?
A good guess, but your answer is incorrect. Maxim’s body involuntarily returned to my timeline; and your little stunt, taking him along, nearly killed him.
Nexa gasped and shook her head defiantly.
It is the truth, Nexa. You are being dangerously careless with your developing powers.
I’m sorry. I had no idea.
It doesn’t matter now. The danger is over because Maxim will be able to guide you both safely through time from now on.
Ahhh, that is when you two talked and where he went when he disappeared. But Maxim has changed since that meeting, and I want to know why. Will you tell me what happened to him?
No, I will leave that up to Maxim.
Can you at least explain why you are here? I can’t seem to get an answer from you.
Nero wasn’t about to reveal to her the truth for his unlikely visit. He was only going to allow himself to stay a few minutes after he brought his traveling companion to the right timeline. At least, that was the plan until the unfortunate turn of events. Who was to know that in this remote part of the woods he would run into an irritating primitive female, along with his own daughter?
Nexa, where are you?
When Nero overheard Maxim contact Nexa, he listened in on their conversation to make sure she didn’t mention that he was there. In annoyance, Nexa turned her back to him.
Yes, I’m here with…Starla. I’m removing her from the property right now, and then I’ll be home.
I don’t understand. Why can’t Maxim know you’re here? Nexa turned around to confront her father, but ended up staring at the space where he had been standing.
Then she noticed Starla staggering to her feet. “Wha…what happened? What am I doing here…with you?”
“Oh crap!” Nexa moaned, and then smiled prettily. “Hello, Starla. Don’t look so scared. You won’t remember a thing.”
4
Maxim’s world was getting stranger by the minute, but Oddily dared not ask too many questions for fear he would change his mind, and return her to the Lodge. Or even worse—back to the custodian’s office at Forest Ridge High.
Oddily’s thoughts begged for her to run; but her heart didn’t agree, so she stayed by Maxim’s side while he led her to where he lived. There was only one question that continued to flood her mind. Where was the place that Maxim called home?
Slipping through a trap door hidden inside the Stafford Manor fireplace, descending a steep narrow stairwell leading to an underground roadway, and brought to a place like no other in the world—was not what she had anticipated.
&nbs
p; “What is this place?” Oddily couldn’t maintain her silence any longer as she stared at the unfamiliar plant life in lush shades of vibrant green. “I feel like I’m in another world.”
“My sister and I grew up here.”
“Wow…how strange! I mean…”
“No, your description is fine,” he smiled at her reaction because at least she wasn’t scared.
“Are you ready to see your new living quarters?”
“Mmm…yes, I think so.”
Maxim led Oddily deep into the extraordinary forest until they came upon a sleek structure camouflaged by plant life. Oddily would have walked right on by if Maxim hadn’t pointed the building out. He guided Oddily to the front entrance, but she jumped back when the door automatically opened.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Maxim tried to set her mind at rest.
Oddily went ahead and stepped inside, but abruptly stopped when an electronic contraption glided up to them.
“Greetings, master.”
“Hello, Sweeper.”
As soon as Sweeper began to scan Oddily, the robotic thing-a-ma-jig started to go haywire. “Intruder…intruder…!”
Oddily ran back outside, and then turned to watch Maxim open up a panel at the base of the robot’s head. After the warning mode had been deactivated, Sweeper glided over to her again. “Welcome Oddily.”
When Maxim caught a glimpse of fear in Oddily’s eyes, he was at her side before she could blink. “Sweeper, you are excused.”
“Yes, Master.” The robot that reminded Oddily of a talking vacuum glided off into another part of the structure.
Maxim wrapped his arm around Oddily and kissed her on top of the head. “Come inside and I’ll show you around, okay?”
Despite Oddily’s reservations about Sweeper, she allowed Maxim to guide her back inside. She clung to his arm while he guided her from room to room and, when Sweeper hadn’t returned, she began to relax—her focus now on her surroundings.
Other than enormous windows overlooking the lush landscape, soft lighting embedded in the walls, and surveillance cameras, the rooms were sparse with only a few well-placed pieces of modern furniture. Upstairs in Maxim’s bedroom, the environment was no different. It was spacious and empty except for his bed in the middle of the room.
MAXIM: A New Type of Human (Oddily Series #2) Page 2
