The Disappearing Fields

chapter 12

+ Haven+

Frowning, I watch the sleeping child on my bed. Niko's light breathing is the only sound in my room. A low pain assualts my heart. His mother is still alive. Its not that I want her dead but why does the fact that she still around make me sad? Maybe it has something to do with the strange urge to keep him and Kaz safe.

But why would that bother me? I should be happy that Niko's mom is still around. After all, I know how it feels to not have a real one. Even after Tabby took me in, I didn't feel part of the family for a long time. Well after I met Jake.

I shake my head hoping to shake away my negative feelings.  I hop off the bed and go hunt for clothes. I need to get ready for school. I'm almost excited to get there. To just be around other creatures that I'm just finding out exists, is like going on an adventure! I use to tell Jake that someday we're going to wake up and realize we're aliens.

Although I'm not quite an alien but I suppose Sole is close enough.

I throw on some shorts and a short sleeved black shirt that has a peace sign on it. I grab my back pack and before i can get out the door, Niko wakes up.

"Havy? Gotta pee." He rubs his eyes sleepily.

a smile worms its way to my face. "okay, kid." I scoop him off the bed and carry him to the bathroom. When he's done, I carry him down stairs.

Kaz is awake, standing in the kitchen, probably making breakfast.

"Morning loser " I call as I set Niko down on a chair in the kitchen.

"Morning. What do you want to eat?" He spoke with his back to me. Kaz has a thing for wearing aprons without a shirt. I'm not quite sure why, I would have thought popping grease would burn him. Oh but then again, maybe he doesnt burn, considering his Essence.

Either way, the main thing that catches my attention are the scars as always. His back has quite a few of them. They crisscross and bisect just like they do on his chest. Some mornings, I find my eyes following the scars that run into each other, wondering how he got them. I know if I ask, he'll tell me but what if its something I don't want to hear?

"Uh don't worry about me. Ill grab a pop tart at school."

The look on his face says it all. He disapproves entirely. Last night I told him about what Zeek said about the school being full of creatures, and he didn't exactly approve, said something about them not being trustworthy. But he doesn't have to deal with them, I do.

I get that he's worried about me for his sake and all but it's not possible for me to just stop going to school. Not without Tabby and Tyler worrying. Speaking of which, I should give them a call. I haven't spoken to Tyler in about 2 months usually he'd call me.

"I just have a bad feeling about this" Kaz voice snaps me out of my head.

"Well then, I'll be extra careful. I won't get myself into trouble." He gave me that one eye brow look that I hate, as if he's doubting what I'm saying.

"Haven. You always get yourself into trouble."

I stuck out my tongue. He leaned against the counter arms crossed, unamused. I gave in. "Fine, I won't get into trouble without telling you. Then I'll listen to whatever suggestion you have."

He shook his head. "Fine. But when you wind up in trouble again, there will not be a third time, got it."

I gave a nod and he turned back to the stove. "Pop tarts aren't food. Stay until I cook you something."

"Aww but I love poptarts."

I saw a smile play out in his face and I had to smile I don't know why, but I get so happy whenever Kaz smiles. Probably because he's not frowning or sneering at me. "I know. But I don't care. I'll make you an.....omelet?"

I heave a sigh, but can't help but find this funny. "Sure I'll take an omelet."

I can't imagine spending my mornings any other way.

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I close my locker just as the 3:30 bell rings, signifying the end of the school day. Somehow I made it through without one mean glare or snide comment from Jennifer's gang of sluts. Probably too busy fooling around with the football team.

"Sky, I'm postponing practice till 4. There are people you need to meet. "
Zeek leaned on the locker next to mine. There was a gleam in his eye and I knew he was up to no good.

"Fine. Lead the way Captain."

He frowned. "Don't call me that. I hate the title."

I shrug my shoulders. "Are we going or not?"

He rolls his eyes then smiles. Grabbing my backpack, he led me down the hall way toward the gymnasium.

I always hated Gym. Running and playing different sports. Not my thing. I like to run but only when I can unleash my full potential. I can't do that inside so I'd rather not do it at all. It didn't really make it better that Jennifer was always in my gym classes. Always taunting me and saying rude things. Although, ever since she and Zeik broke up she hasn't shown up to gym. Maybe shes still taking it bad.

My gaze wandered to Zeik's back. He wasn't holding up well the last time I went to practice either. He seems better but maybe not? I had no idea he was a Shifter. So maybe he's just good at concealing what he doesn't want folks to know.

"Whats on your mind? I can feel your eyes analyzing me. Whats plaguing you?"

"How are you feeling?"

He looked over his shoulder at me with a smirk on his face. "Aww worried about me?"

"No just curious"

"Curiosity killed the cat."

"Nuh uh. My Kitty Cinnamon is very curious and she's still kicking. Not to mention my dog Melon, he's very curious and lazy. Once, there was something in the street and he got curious about it, so he walked into the middle of the road and started sniffing around but he got lazy and laid there. Me and my brother had to sit with him so he wasn't hit by a car."

"Really? Now that's funny."

"Yep. The point is, are you okay?"

He gave me a smile. "Yeah Sky. I'm fine. " the smile grew wider. "You know only friends care about how a friend is feeling. Here I thought you didn't want friends."

I smiled too. "I don't. But it seems as if I'm destined to have friends so why fight against it?"

He shook his head. "I think you're too stubborn to admit that you want them. "

"I think you're too nosey. Besides I never said we were friends."

"Well, I say we are."

"Whatever." I ducked my head to hide the smile on my face. I haven't had a real friend since Jake died. Now I have two and a half.

That thought halted my steps. Since when did I consider Kaz a friend?