Echo

Chapter 7

***

Date Published: June 24, 2023

Date Edited: June 24, 2023

Author's Note:

Hi everyone! I am going to rant because tomorrow is my birthday and I have been sick for the past four days. I hate being sick. Okay that is all for my rant.

I would love some feedback on this chapter! Please don't be afraid to leave any comments, likes, or feedback!

Enjoy! :)

***

    "Evelyn come on! We're going to be late!" John yelled from downstairs. I quickly tied up my hair as I grabbed my bag and rushed down the stairs. Mom was sitting at the table with Vivian as she caught her sleepy head from falling face first into her bowl of cereal.

     I kissed my mom's cheek asking, "Couldn't sleep again?" Mom shook her head as her brows scrunched together, worry written all over her face. Ever since Monday night Vivian has been waking up from nightmares of the sky falling and our house burning down. My dad and our neighbors were able to put out the fire that tried to take over the barn. Since then, we have been working on repairs on the barn and the fence as well.

     "She got more sleep this time, but she was also crying for you." I faltered in grabbing the breakfast wrap mom had made for John and me. I frowned at my little sister as she slept on the table.

     When I had gotten back to the edge of my family's property just half a mile away from the fence John, Dad, Mr. Steven, and Mr. Jessie were yelling out my name as they waved flashlights around. I couldn't tell if Dad wanted to cry or yell at me when I finally made it back. He did both – although if you were to ask him, he would claim the tears were from the smoke.

     "Why did you go after that animal! You realize you could have gotten hurt or worse?" My Dad yelled as he hugged me tight. I hugged him back just as much and cried. I even yelled back at him.

     "I wasn't going to leave him. He was scared!"

     "It doesn't matter! You don't run off like that!"

      "I didn't run off – Taffy got spooked and I lost control!" I sniffed wiping the tears from my eyes.

     "Sweetie, when nature gets spooked it's going to take control in its own way. You never have control over that to begin with. You must respect it and be patient. Do you understand?" No, not really, but I nodded my head anyway.

     The whole event had drained my entire family. My parents had called our school principals explaining the events and requested an excused absence just for the next day to calm down. Since it made the news and it happened partially on our property our request was accepted. However, I was mystified to learn that the scaled-beings I had encountered that night miraculously vanished without a trace. The spaceship that I witnessed at the crash site appeared on the news – only it looked like parts of a satellite this time. Even the capsule that was in the barn was nowhere to be found.

     I shook my head as I glanced back at Vivian again. I kissed her forehead and waved to Mom as I left the house. John was waiting in the truck, honking the horn for me to hurry up.

     "Come on Evie. We got to go."

     "Good morning to you too, John." I grumbled as I munched on the wrap.

     "Hey, remember when we get to school – ignore the questions."

     "John, it's Friday now. I'm sure everyone already interrogated us enough." I said watching the sun rise in the sky. I rolled the window down letting the wind graze my face. The morning was cool but the light from the sun felt warm on my skin. I placed my hand inside the zipper pocket of my jacket to find the Heart inside. The warmth of it comforted me and served as a reminder that night wasn't a dream.

     "I know but nothing ever happens in Lakewood – especially in the part we live in." John pushed as we entered the city. Lakewood city sure looked nice with its tall buildings and the nearby landscape. It's not like there was nothing to do here. We had two big malls, one with a very retro arcade place inside. We had museums, parks, and fancy attractions, but it was a city. An average city with the normal hustle and bustle. So, when something new happens the city runs to it like a moth to a flame. Especially when word got out that I got lost for a few hours in the Lakewood Forest trying to save my horse.

     The subject was dropped as we pulled into the parking lot. Students were starting to arrive as classes would start soon. John waved to his friends as they called out to him. "Hey, remember – be cool alright? And if you don't ask Wendy and Abby about the part tomorrow, I will disown you." John stated as he grinned before walking away.

    "What if I disown you first?" I said flipping him off as he walked away.

     "I know what you're doing!"

     "Good!"