The six elements

Chapter 12 -The replacement ceremony-

The arrival to Calzuma was a lot more shocking and unpleasant than all the other times. A sustained tension was spreading in the circle during our path to the library. This time, I brought a loaded suitcase to have everything that I need in Calzuma, having the impression that I wont be back on Earth very soon. When I arrived at the manor in the middle of the afternoon, I took the opportunity to take off my uniform and to put shorts and a t-shirt. After two hours locked in my room stowing my things and directing everything that was happening, I decide to go see what Jake was doing downstairs. It takes me a while before I find him. I confess that I nearly lost myself in this huge manor, but sounds of police siren led me to a room that looked like a little cinema. On the big screen plays probably a crime show or something like that. Five rows of black leather benches stand before the screen. I look up at the back of the room, narrowing my eyes to see Jake sitting in the last row, looking thoughtful. I climb slowly the few steps and slide on the rather comfortable seat to his left. I try to concentrate on the show that hes watching. Maybe for sharing a common interest with him or maybe because Im interested in it. I dont know.

Sherlock Holmes. Hes a detective well-known for his meteoric memory and his terrifying capacity to solve crime scenes, he recites, almost ignoring my presence.

I know this character. I know very well that hes a great detective. I also know that despite the fact that he is endowed with a destabilizing intelligence, hes an eccentric and sociopath person, I affirm.

Youre a Sherlock specialist? he asks surprised, turning towards me.

Lets say that I read his books, I specify, turning myself to him.

I remain of marble when I see the reflection of images that reflect on his face. He lays his eyes on my lips for a short while.

Lets say that it my way of forgetting, he whispers. I stifle a little embarrassed laugh which makes him smile. Why are you laughing? he asks.

I do the same thing but Thomas makes crises when I stand in front of the television to watch my series.

With me you could spend days doing that

I would become obese, gorging myself without doing anything for days. I turn my head quickly, trying to breathe normally. I came here because I wanted you to explain me whats a replacement ceremony?

Its when a brother or a sister from a member of the circle replaces a child thats dead, he sighs.

You know how to do that?

We did it once a long time ago.

He gets up from his seat and invites me to fallow him. We get out in silence, as if we dont dare disturb the people in the room. However, we are alone. Only Jake and me.

We walk along the long corridors while chatting quietly. Kelly? Youre talking about her, arent you?

Yes I didnt know that you knew, he admits.

Sam told me, I specify, I dont think she would have told me one day.

With reasons, Jake continues, why would she tell you while you didnt even know she had a sister? I cant find something to answer. Jake didnt realise how much his words are powerful and destabilizing for me. But she did that to protect you. That is what was foreseen.

I have enough of everybody protecting me you see whats going to happen to Kevin by my fault? I add.

Kevin and Sophie knew very well that there would one day be a price to pay for your protection. We all knew it