Gene Magicka

Chapter 4

 I woke up to the sound of Journey blasting through the car, my uncle on full rock out mode with Aleric being his backup singer and Kal bringing in the air drums. I rubbed my eyes, looked around the minivan we called our own and laughed. It was a funny sight to wake up to. It really made my day, then the realization of what happened the night previous hit me like a semi-truck. I couldn't breathe. Tears filled my bright blue eyes as I looked out the window at the farms that we drove by. I couldn't get the image of rotting flesh on the monster's face out of my head, the dream I had hadn't helped either. I knew it meant something, but what it was I did not know. I stared at the black and white cows passing us by.

I put my feet up on the dashboard and untied my bun. My platinum blonde hair fell down in waves as I took the scrunchie out of my hair. I began using my fingers to brush it out and braid it. When I was depressed, had too much on my mind, or anxiety filled, I braided my hair. It helped me to feel in control of something else for a moment and helped me focus. My uncle saw me braiding my hair. He knew what it meant and decided that we all needed a break. "Anyone up for some eggs and pancakes?", he said with a giant smile. It was a unanimous yes and so we looked for a breakfast house.

About thirty minutes later, we found ourselves parked outside of a small ma and pa restaurant that lay on the side of the road. It was the first of any restaurant we had seen. Since we were in the middle of nowhere, there wasn't much of a line nor many people eating in the restaurant. There was only two other people. A man and a woman, chatting to each other merrily.

A woman looking very similar to Lucille Ball (whether she was trying to or not, was never quite understood), walked over to us and asked how many people would be in our party. Everyone looked at each other and my uncle chuckled uncomfortably, "Only four of us ma'am."

The lady look at my uncle and blushed, "Come right this way ladies and gents." She guided us through the tables in the middle of the floor and seated us in a booth seat. "My name is Marble, this here is my fancy schmancy diner." She gestured at the diner. "I love it here but personally, no one comes other than the residents. I am their only salvation from home cooked meals once in a while and while I hate not having many people come in, I love giving them that." She grinned at us awkwardly, which made Aleric blush and my uncle glare at Aleric. I rolled my eyes. She cleared her throat. "So, thank you for coming in. It means a lot."

"No pro-", Aleric started to say before I elbowed him in the ribs.

"No problem, ma'am." My uncle said with a grin.

"So, what can I get you fine folks to drink?" Marble asked.

"Coffee for me." My uncle said, looking at... well. Not her face.

"A chocolate milk for me." Aleric said.

"Me too!" Little Kal called out.

I, though, did not know what I wanted.

"And for the gorgeous doll?" She said trying to get me to smile. I didn't smile, which disappointed her.

"I will have an orange juice." I said flatly. I felt like hundreds of eyes were piercing me from all directions. Everyone had turned to me and stared, I was done. I got up from my seat, "I am sorry ma'am, please excuse me." I said, choking down tears. I ran walked outside and sat down on the hood of the car. Tears poured from my eyes and I couldn't help but let out one huge sob. I needed to be strong but how could I when I can barely close my eyes. Trying to sleep was a nightmare, trying to blink reminded me of the face. I was going to go insane if I couldn't get myself to feel normal. I wanted to yell, to scream out and shout. I wanted to ask God why me? But I didn't, I just sobbed. I just sat on the hood of our worn out mini van and cried.