Soul: Book 1 (DISCONTINUED)

Memories

Flashback...

"Honey, wake up! It's time for school!" Deadlox's mother yelled loudly, making Deadlox open his eyes. He squinted in the morning sunlight.

"Okay, okay, I'm coming." Deadlox said as he dragged himself out of the warm bed and down the stairs. He plopped down on the chair and sighed. His mother emerged from the kitchen, her brown hair tied messily into a bun and her red eyes gleaming with pride.

"I baked your favorite!" his mother said happily as she placed a slice of pumpkin pie in front of the thirteen-year-old.

"Oh. Thanks Mom."

His mother's lips pursed as she gazed at his son with concern. "Are you alright, hon?"

"Yeah." Deadlox said as he forced a smile.

"Those bullies still bothering you?" Deadlox kept silent as he stabbed the pie with his fork and brought it to his lips, chewing it slowly. It felt like glue in his mouth. "DEADLOX TYLER MORTUI, DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE ME LIKE THAT!" Deadlox's back instantly straightened as he looked at his mother straight in the eyes. She composed herself and said in a more quiet tone, "Now tell me: are those bullies still bothering you?"

"No."

His mother scoffed. "And I'm expected to believe that when you look so depressed."

"Really, Mom, I'm just tired. And aren't you supposed to get to the bakery in ten minutes?"

His mother looked up at the clock in alarm. "Oh Notch, you're right!" She leaned over and pecked a kiss on Deadlox's forehead. "We'll continue this conversation later. Just ignore them. And please, at least try to make some friends. Love you, hon! Gotta go!" The frantic woman smoothed out her plain dress before racing out of the room. Deadlox sighed again when he heard the door slam shut. Reluctantly, he got ready for school.

---

"You are late, Mr. Mortui." the teacher drawled as he scribbled something on the board. "You were expected to be here at precisely 8 o'clock. You are one minute late."

"Sorry Mr. Reeder. It won't happen again."

Mr. Reeder frowned in disdain. "Take a seat, Mr. Mortui." Deadlox felt every eye in the room staring at him as he made his way to his desk in the very back. He fiddled with a blaze rod as he zoned out like usual, wondering if Mr. Reeder's purpose at Crafting Middle School was to bore everyone to death. Mr. Reeder suddenly cleared his throat and announced, "Class, we have a new student that moved here recently."

Deadlox almost dropped the blaze rod as he looked to see a boy his age spring up to the front. And please, at least try to make some friends. His mother's voice echoed in his mind. The boy had curly black hair and honey-colored eyes that were lit up with excitement. Deadlox's face fell when he saw the purple and golden amulet that hung over his fine black clothes. He was a rich kid, and he'd never befriend poor Deadlox. The boy would join the other kids like him and maybe even become a new bully.

"Hey guys!" the boy chirped as he waved his hand. "I'm Adam Amica, but most people call me Sky. I just moved from Spawn City!" Murmurs instantly broke out. Spawn City was one of the most expensive cities to live in. "I'm really excited to meet everyone here!" he continued.

"Thank you, Mr. Amica." Mr. Reeder said. "Find a seat. Class, set up your brewing stands and continue practicing how to brew a Potion of Night Vision. You may work with a partner."

Chatter filled the room as the students started working. Deadlox watched as Sky's smile faltered. The boy looked completely lost. "Hey Sky! You wanna work with us? I'm Michael!" a tall and gangly kid with spiky red hair and steel-gray eyes suddenly piped up.