Edge of the Sky

Chapter 4

Oops (exclamation) -used to show recognition of a mistake or minor accident, often as part of an apology

With help from me, Ezra had managed to put out the fire before Dad got home. We were all seated at the dinner table silently now, munching away at some chicken and mushroom Alfredo. I had asked Ezra what had happened to start the fire in the kitchen. He said he left a cloth close to the burner. I didn't believe him. He acted so defensively about it and I could tell he was hiding something.

"So," my dad cleared his throat, "Rather quiet today. What have you two been up to?"

"Not much," I replied, glancing at Ezra before putting another forkful in my mouth.

"Not much besides hanging out with your new boyfriend," mumbled Ezra.

I kicked him under the table and he yelped. My dad sat there looking at us sceptically for a moment before shrugging letting it slide. After a moment of silence I decided to speak up.

"So um, dad?"

"Yes?" he replied through a mouthful of spaghetti.

"Have you ever heard of the name Enigma Tribe?" I asked nervously.

He dropped his fork with a loud clatter, messing up the dark carpet and startling Ezra who began choking on his water. Even Riot shot up from his space on the carpet and left the room. Dad was looking down at his plate, eyes wide, breathing hard.

"What did you say?" he asked quietly.

"Um, I asked if you knew about something called Enigma Tribe?" It came out as more as a question than a sure statement.

Dad stood up harshly, knocking his glass of water down onto the table cloth. Ezra and I were stunned. It was extremely rare to find my dad angry.

"You will never say that name under my roof ever again. You hear me?" he commanded, pointing at me, "Both of you!" he shouted, causing Ezra to jump in his seat.

We nodded vigorously, both of us remaining silent, not wanting to make him angrier. He sighed and ran a hand over his face.

"Please just clear the table and lock up," he said softly, picking up his jacket and walking upstairs.

"Great going Zahra," Ezra rolled his eyes as he stood up from the table.

"I didn't know it would get him that upset!" I defended myself, clearing up the table.

"Well it did. Congratulations."

"Can you just shut up," I snapped on my way to the kitchen.

As soon as we had the kitchen sorted, Ezra retreated to his room. I locked up and spent some time flipping through channels on the television before deciding I could find better stuff on my laptop. Riot bounded up the stairs behind me, deciding to spend the night in my room.

I got to my room and searched for it only to find nothing. I groaned when I realized that Ezra borrowed it. Again. I could see light emitting from the space under Ezra's door. Sneaky bastard was probably using it right now.

Not bothering to knock, I opened the door ready to cause havoc. I was surprised to find Ezra seated on the edge of his bed and no laptop. He had his head tipped back, mouth wide open. A bright white cloud of smoke was billowing past his lips, ribbons of it now filling the room.

I leaned against the doorpost for some time, just watching him until he was finished. He slowly closed his mouth consequently putting out the fire. He was staring at his arms, the now white veins visible through his skin.