Ezra
I have to admit I was anxious. Like Mark, I've never left Wantera. How am I supposed to know what to do if something happens? I always know what to do, yet here I am on the dirt road just outside the threshold. Very confused and disoriented.
"Cesoro is to the west so left," Marcus says, breaking my train of thought. I look up and down the road.
"Really? How do you know?" I ask, amazed. Mark never pays attention to things like that. He just looks at me blankly and motions for me to take off my backpack. I slide it off my shoulder and hand it to him.
He takes out a map from the pocket and spreads it open, pointing to Cesoro, and then the compass.
"I've got to learn never to doubt you," I comment, impressed.
"Damn right, Ez," Mark smirks.
"Your ego could use some alterations though," I note.
He rolls his eyes, "Because your ego is justifiably large?"
"Correct again, you're on fire today Mark," I mockly applaud. He punches my arm in good fun and begins to hike down the path.
"Another thing, you never wait for me. Ever. Not even between classes at school!" I complain as I catch up, "And yet I still beat you to classes."
"That's because I just have so many people to wave to in the hallways," he remarks sarcastically, spreading out his hands.
"Pfft, totally," I laugh.
"It's not like you're Mr. Popular either, sir," Marcus remarks. I shrug, shifting my backpack into a more pleasant position. Our steps fall into sync and we walk in a comfortable silence.
I stare at my moving feet, the soothing rhythm organizing my brain. Wantera is a small town, if it even qualifies. It doesn't take up nearly as much land as the other two cities on the map, Terenti and Cesoro. The three locations circle each other but Cesoro is pushed into the middle more, between Wantera and Terenti. Wantera is a wetland, it has a marsh. Terenti is located near an expansive bay, it's near the ocean. Cesoro however doesn't have a major water feature other than possibly a river. It was hard to tell on the map.
The plan is to go in a line, Cesoro then Terenti and around to Wantera. If we could get all the information we need we wouldn't even have to go to Terenti. Although, it may be nice to visit Esmé.
"What's that sound, Ezra?" Mark questions. I stop walking and I listen carefully. It sounds like rushing water, but there's no way we have already made it to Cesoro. What is that?
"I've never heard anything like it," I say, curiously, "Almost like a fountain but much more water and much more powerful."
He takes a step towards the dense forest, an opening in the direction of the sound catching his eye. I instinctively grasp his wrist, holding him back.
"Maybe we should think about this more?" I suggest.
"It's just water, plus the sun is getting close to setting and we need somewhere to stay the night," he reasons.
"That's fair but we should still-."
"It's okay." We stare at each other, willing the other to agree. Unfortunately, we do need a place to stay and I'm dying to know what the sound is.
"Fine, lead the way o' wise Mark," I bow dramatically and follow him into the thicket. I assume Marcus knows where we're going because he stops going randomly, cocks his head to the side, listening, and keeps walking in a new direction. We finally push past a packed cluster of trees and spilling over a rocky cliff area is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
YOU ARE READING
My Third Eye
Teen Fiction"You have a sixth sense?" Ezra questions, curiously. Marcus nods, unsure of what his best friend's reaction will be. "Incredible," Ezra grins, and playfully punches Mark in the arm. "Should've told me sooner, man. Of course I'll help you out."
