almost - post war storm au

Chapter Four - Hayden

It's times like these when I wonder what people think when they see my family. A Red and A Silver. Mom and Dad. Married with me and Em tagging alongside them. Not to mention their role in the way the world is today. The lightning girl and the exiled prince. My parents.

When I first started school, kids didn't mind who my parents were. They didn't know then. It was only the teachers who'd glance up at me from attendance with that concerned glance I've gotten used to. My classmates know more now, it's hard to even go through one hallway without getting looked at funny. I have to admit, it's like the world expects me to be just as great. Just as persistent. Just as rebellious. To be honest, that's too much pressure for a fifteen-year-old kid like me.

My best friend, Alec Samos, makes it all bearable. We've been best friends for as long as we can remember. Alec has always been a know-it-all and sometimes I swear he inherited the Samos death glare, even though he's adopted. Which means he doesn't have any of his moms's abilities, not like me or Em. I first thought my little sister would have abilities like Mom's, if she had any at all. But nope, Em takes after no one, able to project illusions simply with her mind.

Speaking of abilities, that's why I'm on this metal tin can hurtling through the sky. Turns out Norta's Premier isn't a good choice to lead the country. Apparently, there's some government authorized group of Reds and newbloods trying to capture and in prison Silvers before killing them.

That's were I fall short of Dad's personality. Everyone says I act like him and look like Mom, but none of us are the same person. Mom's...well, she's, uh Mom. While Dad's always trying to help person and putting himself before others. Now, I'm not saying I'm selfish, it's just I don't see myself risking my skin to do...well, anything. Dad's the bravest guy I know. Him and Mom. Along with Uncle Shade, Aunt Diana and basically all my family. Even though I've never met Dad's parents.

Which brings me to another part of why everyone stares at me. I'm Hayden Calore. House Calore ruled Norta for over 300 years. King after king. In another life, that would still be going on. Dad would be king, if I even existed, I'd be next after him. And let me tell you this, I don't know a squat about leading. Everyone says I'm a natural, including Alec. He's right about most things, but not this. I digress, thankfully, Dad stepped down and let Norta be a democracy where Reds are just as important as Silvers.

At least that's how it's supposed to be, where I am is proof that's it's not. I stare out the window of the jet, watching the clouds cast shadows on the tiny world below. Alec sits next to me, reading, as always. Next to him is his moms and after them is his uncle, Ptolemus. On my other side is my little sister. Next to her is Dad and obviously Mom follow after that. Oh and I almost forgot and the very end of my own row is Dad's brother, my uncle, Maven. Of course he's trying to be inconspicuous, uncomfortable around Mom's family and friends. I must say, he hides it well. And that fills our row.

Across from us are, in order: Uncle Shade, Aunt Diana, Clara, Aunt Gisa and my youngest cousin, Skye. Skye's father left before she was born, which of course made Mom want to go kill the guy for breaking Gisa's heart. But anyways, next to little nine-year-old Skye is Kilorn Warren, Mom's best friend even though Dad and him are closer than they ever were. Seated beside Kilorn is his wife, Cameron and the twins Nora and Jess. Across from Uncle Maven is his boyfriend, Thomas. Em considers him our uncle even though they aren't married. (Dad bets it'll be Thomas who proposes since Maven 'doesn't have the guts').

Emery taps her foot next to me, humming a song we were both obnoxiously singing along to the day before Dad got back. Her head rests on Dad's shoulder, eyes she inherited from him closed. Em bobs her head softly, smiling through her favorite parts. Dad tries to resist tapping his own foot, recognizing the song. It's from when he was my age. Norta might of had horrid morals but at least some of the music was good.