Dawn Of Jaide

An Unexpected Guest (Part 2)

Jaide reclines on her bed, her fingers mechanically flicking through images and texts on her phone. With a huff of frustration, she tosses the phone onto the bed and buries herself in the sheets. It's not long before sleep claims her.

***

Jaide perches on her bed's edge, phone cradled in her hand. The display reads 3 AM. A notification pings - a text from Ezra.

You ok?

Jaide types out her reply,

Yeah, just got some sleep.

Beside her, her laptop sits on a small desk. She flips it open and types into the search engine Interdimensional Travel. She's met with theories and conjectures, but nothing to soothe her conscience. Frustrated, she snaps the laptop shut and reclaims her sleep.

***

The quaint neighborhood was bathed in a golden hue as Jaide, Ezra, and Quentin made their way towards school. Their conversation was easy, the kind that came naturally after years of shared history.

"Just went to sleep, and I was fine," Jaide admitted, the weight of her recent dreams evident in her tone. Quentin said gently, "You don't have to hide anything, Jai. We're here, always." "That's why you two mean the world to me," Jaide replied, her voice thick with gratitude. Ezra rolled her eyes, a grin on her face. "Oh, please hold the tears. We have an image to maintain."

Their laughter echoed down the street, a testament to the strength of their bond. They were just reaching the yard of the school when Jaide, distracted, bumped into a striking girl. She had long brown hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and her eyes held an intensity that Jaide felt rather than saw. Her accent was unfamiliar, exotic.

"My apologies," the girl began. "Jaide?" "Yeah, that's me. Do we know each other?" Jaide questioned, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. Gwen smiled faintly, extending her hand. "No but I'm Gwen."

Quentin and Ezra exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them. After a brief moment, Quentin said, "We'll be at our spot. Take your time, Jai." Gwen's gaze followed them for a moment before refocusing on Jaide. "I've travelled far to get to you. To aid in your return to Amberfalls."

Time seemed to pause. Jaide blinked, her mind racing to process Gwen's words. "So, it wasn't a dream?" she finally managed to ask. Gwen shook her head. "Afraid not." Jaide's voice trembled, "Look, Gwen, I can't just leave. I have school, a life here."

Gwen's eyes bore into hers. "You can, and you must. But I understand this is overwhelming. "I'll find your home. We'll talk later."

Feeling as if the ground had shifted beneath her, Jaide nodded. "Fine. Until then." As Gwen departed, Jaide took a deep breath, steadying herself. The weight of another world, of a destiny yet unknown, pressed on her. But first, she had to find Quentin and Ezra and make sense of it all if she even told them.

***

The sun cast warm rays through Fairport High's tall windows, illuminating the bustling cafeteria. Jaide weaved through the maze of students to reach the familiar corner where Quentin and Ezra sat. They occupied the same table every day – their spot, a realm of secrets and shared memories.

She slid into the bench, catching the swift exchange of knowing looks between the two. "So, who's the new face?" Quentin asked, a teasing tone evident. Jaide hesitated, then replied, "Her name's Gwen. I guess you could say she's a... new friend." Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Sure"

She sighed, her voice dripping with feigned annoyance. Quentin leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "So, anything we should know about?" She hesitated, and then said, "No, but I've got something else I need to handle." Jaide stood, adjusting her bag and clearing her throat. "I will see you guys later," she said, leaving the duo behind.

Once she was out of earshot, Quentin's demeanor shifted to one of genuine concern. "There's something off about this I mean for one Jaide doesn't know that girl and now shes acting weird. That accent isn't local. I mean, Jaide hasn't even been out of the state, let alone overseas."

Ezra crossed his arms, contemplative. "Do you think it's linked to what Jaide told us yesterday?" Quentin ran a hand through his tousled hair. "I don't know. But the timing? It's suspicious." Ezra looked out the window, then back at Quentin, the weight of concern evident in his eyes. "Whatever it is, we need to watch out for Jaide."

Quentin nodded. "Always."

***

Her daydreams painted vivid pictures, colors swirling, places and faces unknown blending into one. The hum of Mr. Jones's voice faded into the background, replaced by thoughts of faraway lands, gods, and whispered prophecies.

Suddenly, her name cut through the air, bringing her crashing back to reality. Mr. Jones, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a sharp gaze, fixed his eyes on her.

"Jaide, care to share your perspective on the topic?"

She blinked rapidly, trying to pull herself out of the fog that clouded her mind. "Um... I'm not entirely sure, Mr. Jones."

His gaze didn't waver, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Perhaps if you were more engaged, you would have an answer. Let's endeavor to be present in the moment, shall we?"

Nods and suppressed giggles echoed through the classroom, but Jaide hardly noticed. Her face flushed, she tried to sink deeper into her seat, her gaze once again seeking refuge in the world outside her eye's view.