The Mimics

Chapter 1

Slouching in my beanbag chair, I watch, mesmerized how the light from the open window streams through, wrapping me in a gentle blanket. Funny how many patterns light could make. You just needed to weave it. Breaking out of my thoughts, I jump out of my chair. I can't waste more time, it has to be perfect for her. For Tina. I place the final touches to the wrapped gift, carefully writing 'Happy Birthday' on top of the gift-wrap. Down the street, in Ardes, gift wrap is like 20 bucks, and I spent my whole allowance on it. She better love this present. I drop the gift into my backpack, throwing on the purple jacket I never left the house with.

I slack down the hallway, pushing into the bathroom. My hair is a mess, black locks tumbling down my back, stubborn stormy grey eyes blinking back at me. Suddenly, an icy feeling engulfs me, threatening to choke me, prickling at my skin, making me shiver. I clench my fists, shaking my head as I step out of the room, the icy feeling vanishing. It was as if something was watching me, carefully, steadily. Trudging down the stairs, I enter the brightly lit living room, smiling as Mom winks at me.

"Good morning, Celene! Early today?" I shrug, swinging myself onto a chair in the dining room.

"Gotta catch Tina today. We're going on that trip, remember?" Realization dawns on her face, and she purses her lips, unhappy.

"Family movie night tonight! I totally forgot about it, but you could've reminded me, Celene." I shovel mouthfuls of food into my mouth, rubbing my temple.

"I'm so sorry Mom, I totally forgot too, what should I d-"

"Sweetie, it's fine. Go have fun. See you tonight?" I nod, placing my dirty bowl in the sink. She reaches for my hand, squeezing it three distinct times. I... love... you.

"Love you too, Mom. See ya." Then I'm out the door,  freely running through the wind as I make my way through the melting snow on the ground. It is summer, but it snowed today morning, an unusual event. Nevertheless, I had Tina, and we were going to go on the best road trip to celebrate her birthday.

Stepping up to her door, the house right beside mine, I step forward to ring the doorbell, but she opens the door at the exact time, making me lurch backwards.

"Gosh, Tina you do this every single time. Like you know exactly when I'm coming." She smiles, her hazel orbs filled with pleasure.

"Just built like that." I roll my eyes when I turn my back, dragging her by her hand to her grey oil-painted grey car.

"Happy birthday!" I launch myself on top of her, wrapping her in a bear hug. She shares the affection back, her curly blonde hair swarming in my face.

"Finally you say something. I was almost sure that you forgot, Cel." I ruffle her hair, golden in the light illuminating her features.

"Ah, never." She motions to the car, smile full-fledged as she gets into the driver's seat. I drop down into the passenger's seat, throwing my bag to the other side of the car. As we leave the long line of houses in the neighborhood, I scream with joy. "Happy birthday, Tina!!"

We drive through the winding mountains, never-ending and steady, extending forever. Ever since I was born, I always felt at home in the mountains. There's a different feel, a different vibe that only I can understand when I step into the peaceful forests. Just as the trees stay calm, silent, and strong forever, so can I, melting into the ground and becoming part of the vibrant beauty of the outdoors. I was never much of a stay-at-home person. When I ever get an opportunity to escape my trapped cage in the house, I would take it and fly. This is gonna be the perfect trip for both of us!

Finally, we arrive at a small isolated clearing, surrounded by fluttering willow trees, undulating in the peaceful breeze. At the edge of the clearing, there's a beautiful pond, filled with thriving plants and baby ducks swimming through. I slowly open the car door, deeply breathing in the outdoor air, warm and welcome on my face. Tina clasps a hand on my shoulder, a delightful smile spreading ear-to-ear.