Fire and Ice

Max

I don’t understand why my brother acts like that, like he’s the boss. Like he’s the one in charge. We are exactly the same age, yet he thinks he’s “super amazing older brother Denver”. I don’t care what he says anymore, I can take care of myself. I threw on my best dress and brushed my hair, putting it into my usual braid, and threw on a pair of moccasins. I studied my reflection carefully in the mirror before grabbing my bag and opening my window. It had been two years since I left the house. Two years since I’ve been outside, in the fresh and open air. I took a deep breath and inhaled the beautiful scent of leaves and frost before jumping out and walking into town. I was going to find the boy from my dreams, figure out who he was and why he was in all of my dreams. I didn’t know how long the walk would be, but I didn’t mind. It was nice out, the leaves were falling off the trees and they made a pleasant crunching sound when I walked on them. The air was chilly, but it felt nice on my skin. I walked on, listening to the crunch of the leaves, humming a little, when I heard the sound of a boy screaming. I stopped in my tracks and waited a couple of seconds, the scream came again. I looked around me, searching for a boy, but I saw nothing. I heard the scream again, it was growing louder and louder. It was getting closer to me. My heart was racing inside my chest, pulsing up and down. I felt sweat trickling down my forehead and onto my neck. I ignored it and put my hands to my ears, trying to drown out the noise of the screaming boy. The sound came so close, it sounded like it was right behind me. I slowly turned around, not sure of what I would find. When I saw him, the guy I’ve been looking for. The guy from my dreams. He was covered in mud and bruises, and his nose was bleeding. He had cuts and scrapes all over his arms and legs, like he had been running from someone. His hair was matted with leaves and dirt and his clothes were covered in holes. His eyes widened when he saw me, like I was going to turn him over to whatever he was running from. I opened my mouth to speak, but he put a finger to his lips and spoke with his eyes “Hide me, don’t let them fine me” I grabbed the boys hand and ran.

We ran through the woods and kept running until I found the safe house. I grabbed his hand and pushed through the mess of leaves and bushes hiding the house, and in through my window. He crashed onto my bed, his chest rising and falling quickly, like he was trying to get enough air into his lungs. I pulled myself off the floor and brushed the dirt from my dress. The boy sat up on my bed and stared at me, studying me as if I was a test. He looked up at me and smiled. I cleared my throat and held out my hand. “Who are you and what were you running from?” The boy grabbed my hand and pulled himself up, brushing the dirt off his pants. “I am Reuben, and who might you be?” “Max, I’m Max Floyd.” Reuben smiled at me and nodded his head approvingly. “That’s a nice name. Short for Maxine I’m guessing.” I cringed at the sound of my full name being used. “Yes, but I prefer Max, if you don’t mind.” He held up his hands in surrender. “Okay Max. Back to your second question, I was running from the Takers. The ones who take those with the powers of the elements.” My ears perked up at the sound of “powers” “You have powers?” I asked. Reuben nodded and closed his eyes; my room slowly became full of beautiful flowers. “I have the power of nature. Not the manliest power in my opinion” He sighed and picked one of the flowers, handing it to me. “For you, beautiful Max.” I took the flower, my face becoming red. “Thank you Reuben, it really is beautiful.” He waved his hands and the flowers started vanishing. “Now if you don’t mind, where can one get a nice shower and some clean clothes?”