The Child

5

Cain chuckles as he carefully holds the rhinoceros beetle.

"Do you know what this beetle uses it's big horn for, class?"Mr. Bellini says.

The class begins small chatter as Johnathan smiles.

"They use it to help get the attention of the female rhinoceros beetle. They even use it to drive away other makes, isn't that interesting kids?"he says, using his cane to feel his way around the room to his desk.

Suddenly there's a knock, and Mr. Bellini looks towards the door.

There was Alice standing in the doorway.

"Yes?"he says.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but do you think we could have a word?"she asks.

"Of course! Cain, you're in charge of the class while I talk to your mother, alright?"he says, feeling his way towards her.

....

I wait for him to close the door a bit and turn around before speaking.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to thank you. Cain was very afraid to come in yesterday and you made him feel right at home, you were all he could talk about at dinner."I say, making him chuckle.

"Well he's a wonderful boy! You really did a very good job teaching him."he says as I see Ace walking up behind him.

"Well, I tried my best. Sometimes he's the one teaching me."I chuckle.

"Oh-"he was cut off by Ace bumping I to him, and knocking his glasses off his face.

"Oh my goodness I'm so sorry!"Ace says, scrambling to pick up the glasses.

"It's fine, it's fine. Happens all the time. Usually I'm the clumsy one."Johnathan chuckles as he looks up at us.

One of his eyes was completely white, and the other was partially white with a hint of green, his original eye color.

No reptilian eyes.

Ace hands him back his glasses and he puts them on as he speaks.

"Well, I should be thanking you for bringing me such an incredible student to teach. I'm gonna get back to that now, you two have a nice afternoon."he sends me a charming smile and then steps back into his classroom.

"I told you he wasn't a demon."I say.

"You can't be right about everything."Ace says as we begin walking towards the exit.

....

The bell sounds, and lunch begins. Cain quickly takes out his lunchbox and smiles as he sees the insect themed lunch Alice had prepared for him.

"Cain."Mr. Bellini says.

Cain looks up.

"Why don't you stay in class for lunch today. I have a new friend I'd like to introduce you to."he says, taking a covered terrarium out from under his desk.

"Oh wow!"Cain says excitedly as he runs over to his desk.

"Any guesses as to what it could be?"Johnathan asks with a smile.

"Is it a praying mantis?"Cain asks.

"Better."Johnathan says.

"A stag beetle!?"Cain asks.

"Even, better."

"I give up! What is it, what is it!"Cain says, jumping excitedly.

Johnathan chuckles as he slowly lifts the cloth off of the terrarium.

Inside, was a very large spider and it made Cain's eyes glisten with curiosity.

"Wow!"Cain says.

"Do you know what it is?"he asks.

"It's a tarantula!"Cain says.

"It's a very special tarantula. Know why?"Johnathan asks as he kneels down besides Cain.

Cain shakes his head.

"Because it's very venomous. It it's venom is golden."Johnathan whispers, making Cain gasp excitedly.

"You see, very special creatures have very special abilities, don't you think?"he asks.

Cain nods, staring at the spider.

Johnathan slowly takes off his thick glasses, revealing almost neon, reptilian eyes, and they make Cain step back in fear.

"You, are a very special creature Cain. And you have very special abilities. Just like me."he says.

"I do?"Cain says.

"Oh yes. And your abilities are the most important. Do you want me to show you?"Johnathan asks quietly.

"I don't know if my mommy would like that."Cain says.

Johnathan smiles.

"Well, as soon as you're ready, you let me know."he says, standing and putting his glasses back on.

"Now, don't tell anyone about Mr. Bellini's eyes, alright?"he smiles, offering Cain a fist bump.

Cain smiles and then bumps his fist against Johnathan.

"Good boy."

....

Alice

I look closely at the basement door.

"Maybe we don't need this."I say, tugging at the boards.

"I say we keep them up, just in case."Ace says.

"And if Cain gets curious and makes it his main concern?"I say.

"Well. Maybe just make up an excuse."Ace says as he walks towards the fridge.

He opens it and reaches in as he speaks.

"Leave it for now, I'll take it down."he huffs.

I nod and then step away, walking towards my bedroom. I place my hand on the back of my neck as I walk down the hall.

I walk slowly as I found myself to be a bit sleepy.

Then, I feel a chill run up my spine and I abruptly stop and gasp.

I close my eyes and shiver as I feel a rough hand slide up my body and grip my jaw.

I attempt move but couldn't, suddenly feeling lips against mine.

I whimper quietly as my mouth was forced open, and this invisible force slips it's tongue into my mouth.

"Can you feel my love from here, puppy?"

I hear his voice and then feel a sharp pain in my breast.

I suddenly cry out, whining loudly and alerting Ace.

...

Ace jumps and then quickly gets up, running towards the hall. Just as he does, Alice falls to the ground and begining to convulse on the ground.

"Oh-fuck!"Ace says, rushing to her aid.