AWAKENING

CHAPTER ONE: ENCOUNTER

Genesis had always felt left out since she was a child. Being a Seraph born made her an oddity, and she never could've been prepared for the life she would be thrust into. Her father was a scientist who specialized in human genetics and a big part of his work involved anti aging. Mostly, they lived a quiet life, and with her father's job made it so they could live comfortably, until recently at least.

Times were changing, and money was running dry. It was no secret that the collapsing of society was extremely close, especially with crime and poverty rates being at an all time high. Genesis felt an anxiety over school, since security had increased in the recent weeks and because her father had been working extremely late nights for the past two weeks.

She tried to focus on her English Literature homework, but she found herself zoning out to the sound of the television, which was broadcasting national news. She usually preferred the background noise, but this time the reporter was only amping up her anxiety even more.

"A recent spike in crime has caused government elected officials to push for more military presence due to the growing threat of supernaturally gifted humanoids, otherwise known as Seraphs. The military and the police are now reported to be working together to investigate mass murders in congruence with the possible danger of unstable or rogue seraphs," the reporter stated.

Genesis shifted in her seat, recollecting her focus, and grabbed the remote control from the coffee table to turn down the volume of the TV.

She returned her gaze from the reporter back down to her homework. After forty minutes of working on her essay she completed the assignment and took in a breath before letting out a sigh. When she checked her phone she noted the three missed texts from her father stating tonight would be his last night working so late. Genesis rolled her eyes at that, and scrolled to read the next two messages; one stated that dinner would have to be leftovers, and the other was her father discouraging her from watching any news.

Genesis decided to call friend Cassie, who picked up within two rings. "Hey," Genesis started. "Have you seen the news at all today?"

"Oh come on, you're not worried about all of that Seraph stuff are you? You have nothing to worry about, in my opinion," Cassie said in an attempt to reassure her.

"You think so?" Genesis asked, biting her lip a bit.

"Totally, I mean you don't have any extra dangerous abilities like the others do. You're practically a human," Cassie said with a light laugh. "Seriously. Yeah, my dad saw the news too, and he's been pretty irritated about work. He's technically deployed, but now he's being stationed here in the city. He's happy to be closer to us, working from home and all that, but he's pissed that he doesn't get to use any of his special training," Cassie giggled.

"Right, or any of his fancy guns," Genesis laughed too. "I don't know," Genesis said with some uncertainty. "A part of me is relieved I don't have to worry about it, but having wings on your head with supernatural power is one kind of freak. A powerless freak though?"

"Keep your head up. The school year is finally almost over, and we'll be graduated before you know it. Then you can start focusing on finding yourself a boyfriend instead of hyperfixating over getting points deducted on any given school assignment," Cassie said. "What are you doing tonight?"

"I don't know. I need some air though, I'll call you back later," Genesis said.

They exchanged goodbyes and Genesis slipped on both her tennis shoes, clutching her cellphone, and she pressed play on her current music playlist before heading out the door. As she walked, she adjusted her headphones, and she decided she would make her way to the library. Nature was shedding its winter sadness, and Spring brought a warmth to the evening air as Genesis took in the bright orange sunset.