LIGHT

Chapter 8

"Hello, class. Good Monday and good morning. Mirage, our current topic, should have been read over the weekend. Those chapters are pivotal to the entire concept of the book. So, who would like to lead us into the love triangle of Marcel, Madeline, and Amira?"

Ah, the love triangle of three insignificant mortals, whose fictitious lives are used for both entertainment and so-called educational purposes. The life of a mortal: useless.

"Shut up, Zeal," I whisper, eyeing the class for anyone within earshot of my crazy.

"Zain, is he doing it again?"

Of course Vince had to notice me talking to myself; especially since the whole weekend was spent giving him a dream-world crash course. His favorite subject: twin telepathy.

"Vince, please ignore him."

He can't even hear me.

No, but he knows you're the only a-hole capable of talking in my head.

You don't have to be mean. Name calling has got to be against some rule at this poor excuse you call a school.

"Alright, that's enough."

"Well, Mr. Knight . Since you and Mr. Calhoun here seem to have such interesting side conversations, enlighten the class of your views on Marcel's search for self in the material I assigned over the weekend. I know you read the chapters, right?"

I should've said no. That was the truth, anyway. Between Zeal's not-so random portal pop-ups, and Vince's hundred and one questions, I forgot I even had homework. Lucky for Vince, he read the whole book already. He loves chick flicks.

I, on the other hand, was screwed.

Let me take a crack at it.

Zeal, quit. Just stop. Because, I know what you're hinting at.

Come on, brother. For old time's sake.

The answer's no, Zeal.

Brother, come on. Think about it. You haven't read the material. You're mind is occupied with so many other things. Plus, we both know you don't like crowds. And this batch of idiots will eat you alive if you get in front of them mumbling at the mouth.

Zeal—

And would you want to disappoint Mrs. Shields? I don't think so. Come on, brother. It'll be fun.

I knew what he was getting at. He wanted the body switch. A Seer is a vessel, amongst other things. But an anchor between worlds is apart of the job description. I hated the responsibility they bestowed on me so young. A kid doesn't want to be told that he's a bridge between two plains. However, the trick came in handy when I use to let Zeal get a taste of Earth living for a while, gifting me a break from it all, and a homecoming gift all in the same trip.

When I was home sick, I'd body switch. When I was bored, I'd body switch. And when Zeal asked, I'd body switch. Even if it was only for moment, I'd do it for my brother, the better half of me who desperately wanted a peak into a new world. I always obliged Zeal; no matter what.

"Mr. Knight , are you ready? The class and I are eager to hear your thoughts."

Come on, brother. For old time's sake.

Reluctant wasn't even the word. It wasn't strong enough. But I did need a break. My head was floating on egg shells, cracking the whites of each fragile edge. I needed a five minute nap. A slight rest from it all. Plus, all Zeal was going to do was use Mrs. Shields thoughts as his little cheat sheet.

Dream peaks were always his specialty, peering into the second layer of consciousness of anyone he chose. I'd been out of practice for some time, a downfall Zeal undoubtedly wanted to exploit.