John 8:44

Smart Kid

We were too busy laughing at our own jokes to notice some had appeared. It wasn't until he cleared his throat did we look over.  

"Tristan I presume?" The figure asked briefly.

"Yes, and you are?" I say taking a step back.

"Your father sent me, please follow me." he turned and walked away without answering my question.

We followed him down the dimly lit hallway. After a few turns, we arrive at two glass french doors covered in red silk form the inside.

"Your father awaits." the man said before opening the door. Once we were all through the promptly shut it behind us.

The scene before us was something out of a movie. Eight chairs surrounding a black granite table. Two at the head, three on each side, and five occupied. My father, who was at the head, pointed to the other end and the two opposite chairs.

"Please, do sit. Make yourself comfortable." He said, voice cold as a September morning.

I take the other head of the table then nod for Brett and Aaron to take the other two. Now that I'm closer I notice the detail on the table. 'בהתחלה היה טוב ורע. הרוע הוטל מן השמים.'. Inscribed in red. Roughly translated to 'At first, it was good and bad. Evil was cast from heaven.' and from there it went on to tell the rest of the story. My attention was brought back to reality as four caterers came into, each carrying two wine glasses. One was set aside each person, I didn't dare sniff it.

"Now back to business, Perro? How are those new guys doing down south?" my father began when we were once again alone.

Perro glanced up from his drink and cleared his throat. "Oh yes, they go unnoticed until Guadalajara, Mexico."

My father rolled his eyes. "That's only 6 hours from Mexico City, find a way to make it work."

I cleared my throat. "May I?" I ask. No one stopped me so I continued. "Alcohol is in the top 15 goods imported to Mexico. Do a fake importation. Border control only checks the first and fifth truck. Take it from Guadalajara to Mexico City." I explained using my hands. When I looked up I was surprised to see everyone was looking at me.

Al spoke up first. "That's not a bad idea, that's a smart kid you've got Apollyon."

I could see my father's face tighten then relax.

"Yes, thank you. But as he said that might work, put that idea into play Perro." My father responded.

The conversation went on for a little while longer, but after my input, I zoned out.

I was brought back to reality when everyone stood to leave. I shook hands with Al, hugged my 'uncles' and left. Brett and Aaron followed me out.

Once we were back in the cemetery I had to race home so I could get changed for college. When we reached Boston it was already four minutes into the class. So I just dropped Brett and Aaron off at my house and went straight to the uni.

I ran from my car to the door through the door to the main building. From there I sprinted to the room. Peeping through the window I see only one seat open, the one by the redhead. When Ms. Kenly turned her back I quickly snuck through and jumped in the seat.

A snicker came from the girl next to me. "Late again uh? Is this a recurring thing?" the redhead joked.

"No, it's not, if you must know-" my sentence was cut short by the door opening once again. A blonde haired boy limped through.

"Jeeze whos the crippled," I say to myself. Yet again an answer came from beside me.

"That's the one you threw on the wall, remember?"

"Oh, yeah of course so. I just don't recognize him not on the ground."

She laughed. God, that laugh. All I know is I wanted to hear it more.

"Okay guys, now comes the part everyone hates. The next project will be a group project, so I suggest you find a partner before you are assigned one." Ms.Kenly said, followed by many groans.

The blonde boy looked up at the two of us as if pondering the idea of coming up to her. He must have decided against it. I was lost in thought but soon brought out due to the fingers snapping in front of me.

"Uh?" I said looking at the ginger-haired girl they belonged to.

"She assigned us as partners. Is that okay?"