The Twins

Chapter 3: The Token

(Part 1: Silver)

   Even though their first conversation was pretty awkward to say the least, soon Amani and Matthew were messaging everyday. Matthew suspected Amani texted him back just because they were expected to. Regular messaging was the whole point of the pen pal thing.

   Amani never really said too much about themself, always keeping the conversation small and steered it away from personal topics. Matthew didn't even know their gender. He didn't really mind. After all, Matthew was pretty anti-social as well. Still, he wished Amani would talk about things to him. Especially since Marie was still bugging him about it.

    The more vivacious of the two twins had taken an unnatural and kind of unhealthy interest in Matthew's social life. She had pestered him with questions all about his new friend. It was annoying but Matthew was used to it by now. Marie had been pestering her brother about making friends for quite a while. She said it was so that she wouldn't have to babysit him all the time since he was too much of a loser to get out of the house. Matthew knew that was a lie. Marie was just afraid He'd be lonely in the future. She worried about him a lot as he had noticed.

   A few days after first taking to Amani both twins were in history class waiting for the teacher to arrive. It was rare for her to be late and the class seemed a bit on the pensive side. Even 150 years in the future students still hate having substitutes.

    Soon a teacher walks in. It's not Ms. Mortal. The class groans inwardly as they watch the tall male teacher enter the room and stand at the front,"hello everyone my name is Mr. Blackwater and I will be your new teacher."

    The class gasps in surprise almost at the same time,"so...He's not just a substitute?" Some people whisper to each other,"what happened to OUR teacher? Is she ok?"

Mr. Blackwater raises a hand for silence,"I know you all have questions. Before we begin class I will answer those questions." He explains. His voice is soft but has an edge to it that seems to demand respect. Unlike Ms. Mortal, this teacher is old with graying hair and beady, cold, eyes. Matthew decides he doesn't like him.

"Where did Ms. Mortal go?" One student asks

"Your teacher has been discovered to be a Saru Tokai." The man said bluntly,"she is going to be sent to the surface soon."

    The class is silent. The confusion swirls around the air like smoke. Ms. Mortal? A Saru Tokai? Matthew was just as surprised at the others but somehow...not. it felt like that was a fact he had always known he just hadn't thought about it until now.

"What is her token?" Another voice asks

"Telekenisis as far as I know."

"How long did she know about it?"

"She only found out last night."

"What colour are her eyes now?"

"Still silver."

   The questions continue for about 5 minutes. Once everyone seems to be satisfied the teacher speaks up again,"alright. Now for the rest of class we will be working on a gift for your teacher. Something thoughtful that she can remember you all by when she's on the surface."

   This seems to lighten the mood. The class splits into groups to plan the project and soon everyone is writing personal messages for their former teacher. It was peaceful. Happy. Something about the room seems off though to Matthew. He was happy for Ms. Mortal. After all it was a great honour to be a Saru Tokai. Something though enough this whole situation seemed wrong. He couldn't quite place what it was.

   Soon the project is done and the class leaves for the day. The new teacher assures the students that Ms. Mortal will get their gift. Matthew knows He's lying.

_____________________________________later as Matthew is texting Amani_________________________________________

Matthew: so yeah turns out  my teacher is a Saru Tokai.

Amani: seriously?

Matthew: yeah I was pretty surprised.

Amani: what happened in class then?

Matthew: we made a gift for her.

Amani: oh.

Amani: so she didn't even get to come say goodbye?

Matthew: no she didn't.

Amani: typical.

Matthew: what?

Amani: I said That's typical. The government just whisks them away with barely more than a word to anyone else.

Matthew: well....I'm sure there's a good reason for that.

Amani: yeah...sure.