The world doesn't need superheroes, is one of the things I am certain of. I'm also certain that they should have never gotten in that car.
The world rushes by me, a whirl of trees and raindrops. In about ten minutes we'd be home, and would have fallen asleep twenty minutes ago if not for my mom and sister shout singing to every single song on the radio. Today had been the perfect day, we had spent the day shopping in the city and now we were heading home. The only problem was that it was raining cats and dogs.
I can remember every second as if it were in slow motion. Lightning illuminates the sky, startling a deer on the side of the road. The deer panics and runs into the doors. Brakes squeal. The car hydroplanes. Tires slide off the road. A bloodcurdling scream pierces the night as we roll. We roll and roll and roll. Tree branches break. Windows become daggers as seatbelts turn to nooses. My world fades to black.
I couldn't comprehend the world before me when I came to. Sirens, flashing lights, stretchers, crushed metal, ruined lives. I was the only survivors.
That is why I am certain that the world has no need for superheros. They claim to fight for good, truth, and justice. They claim to save people, and yet they disappear when we need them most. When I needed them most.
That night is the reason I must go live with my aunt in Myst City.
***
I dragged my oversized luggage out the front doors of the airport. After coming to terms with my useless noodle arms, I pause to catch my breath and admire the city before me. An intriguing balance of neoclassical architecture and futuristic skyscrapers, Myst City would be breathtaking if not for weather. The sky is a blanket of gray, the air is muggy, and the wind that carries the scent of rain is enough to chill anyone to the bone. The only reason anyone would ever move to such a city is for the allure of superheroes, or if they have to live with their aunt. Mine is the latter.
My mood shifts to that of the gloomy weather as I continue my grueling task of carrying my luggage to the taxi waiting for me. Hoping that the weather isn't always like this.
As a step off the sidewalk, I twist my ankle and land in the nearest puddle. The muddy water soaks my clothing and chills me to the bone. Oh Astrid, what great way to start the rest of your life.
"Get out of the road!" Yells an angry person from the nearest car. My heart does a barrel roll as I grab my luggage and scramble out of the road. As the angry person drives off I shove my glasses back up my nose using my middle finger. Not a high point in my life, but I'm getting into the spirit of Myst City.
"Hey you! Are you going to get in my cab or not? I haven't got all day." The driver of my cab yells at me. Why is everyone yelling at me? Probably the weather.
Once I manage to climb in the waiting taxi, I slouch down into the seat. If I could be anywhere else right now, I'd choose to curl up with a fuzzy blanket and binge watch Netflix all day. I'd probably have chocolate or ice cream, if I had my way.
I could probably come up with a detailed explanation of the ride to my aunt's place, but I don't feel like doing that. All I'm going to say is that it was raining cats and dogs, and all I did was absentmindedly stare out the cab window.
***
After having to drag my luggage up 12 flights of stairs. Why the heck there was no one to help me carry my stuff, I don't know but my aunt should have been there for me. According to google I'm in grieving, so people should be there for me (Oh fudgesicles, that sounded self-centered).
I shove my glasses up my nose as I ring the doorbell to my Aunt Madeline's apartment. Before I have a chance to be stuck there waiting, the door flings open revealing my aunt. A small lady in her late twenties with ash colored hair (worn only in messy buns), with rimmed glasses, jade green eyes, and the biggest grin you can imagine.
"Astrid!" She exclaims wrapping me in a hug.
"Can't breath." I mutter as she squeezes me. She releases me, and steps back awkwardly.
"You've gotten so big since the last time I saw you." She gestures below her knees, "You were four back then. My you've grown. How old are now?"
I blush at her fussing over me. "I'm 16 now."
"Do you have your driver's license?" She asks placing her hands on her narrow hips.
I shake my head no. I could never driver a car, not after what happened. I inhale sharply, my eyes starting to water.
"Oh my, I'm sorry." She hugs me again. "I won't bring it up." She releases me her trademark tight hug, and grabs my bags. "Here come on it."
I follow her into the apartment. A three bedroom apartment crowded with mismatched furniture and unfinished art projects. I'm just about to pick up one of her art projects when something, well someone catches my eyes. There is a boy slouched on the couch. He has jade green eyes and golden blonde hair.
"Raffe, you get your lazy butt up of the couch and come introduce yourself to your cousin Astrid!" My aunt orders him while setting down my luggage so she can turn off the tv.
Raffe rolls his eyes and gets up off the couch. He towers over me by what seems like a foot maybe more, and at 5'5 I'm relatively tall for a girl. Other than his height, Raffe and I look alot alike with our blonde hair and green eyes. In fact, our whole family is overwhelmingly blonde (probably not a good thing).
"I'm Raffe. I'm 16 years old, and were cousins." Raffe says in a monotone way. Then he smiles mischievously at my aunt before flopping back down on the couch.
"Na uh mister, you're going to carry Astrid's bags to her room like a gentlemen." My aunt places her hands on her hips again.
Raffe rolls his eyes and gets back up. Then he does as my aunt said to do, and picks up my luggage. This whole situation makes me question my aunt's sanity, as I allow Raffe to lead me to my 'new' bedroom.
***
I know this chapter is short and sweet, but I've been procrastinating this book and needed to write something.
QOTC-
What are your thoughts on Astrid?
How about Raffe?
Are any of you guys Breaking Butterfly fans? This book takes place in the same universe with crossovers possible.
Until next chapter, or whenever I stop procrastinating. -AureilliaSkyland
YOU ARE READING
Artificially Super
Adventure'I don't think this is a good idea' 'Don't worry, it's not' *** Myst City, is famous for two things; bad weather and superheroes. Well, at least it used to be until the Superheroes defeated their nemesis and went into retirement. They did however le...
