The next morning, I was jolted awake by a text from my mom. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I squinted at the screen:
*Good Morning!!!! Haven't heard from my bestie. I'm assuming you're having an awesome time and adjusting well, just like I knew you would lol. I'm stopping by the school today to meet with Miss Harriet. I was hoping I'd get one last goodbye from you before I head back to Atlanta? Let me know, Dax. I love you!!!*
Reading the message made my heart swell. I wished I could tell my mom everything—about the school, the powers, the friends—but I knew it would risk my place here. And that was the last thing I wanted to do. I *loved* it here. Besides, my mom stressed out enough as it was; it was better she didn't know. So, I texted back:
*Hey Ma! Morning! And yeah, the school's awesome. I've already made a few friends, and I'm really excited about my first day of classes today. Just let me know what time you're coming. I'll be here. Love you too!*
I tossed my phone onto the bed and started getting ready for breakfast. After running through my morning routine, I stood in front of the mirror, assessing my first-day fit. I had to look fresh—first impressions and all. Dark denim jeans, a red shirt with anime graphics, my jean jacket to top it off, and a couple of gold chains. And, of course, my solid red and white Air Jordan 11s. Dripped out. I smirked at my reflection.
"Ayyye! I need a mop, bro!" Kaze's voice startled me as he popped his head in.
"You spill something?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nah, man. I need a mop for all that *drip* my boy got!" He grinned, pointing at my outfit. We both laughed and gave each other a dap, hyping each other up like brothers.
"Look at you, though!" I said, eyeing Kaze's style—a laid-back Cali skater vibe with the perfect mix of effortless cool. "You got that skater thing down, man. It's clean!"
"Hype me up, bro!" Kaze called out dramatically, and we left our room laughing all the way to the cafeteria.
The second I walked in, I was hit with the mouthwatering scent of bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, and freshly baked muffins. This place was basically heaven on Earth for breakfast lovers. I wasted no time, grabbing a heap of eggs, piling on crispy bacon and sausage, and washing it down with a tall glass of orange juice before heading to our spot with Kaze and Jenobi.
"Eww. Clogged arteries much?" Ember's voice cut through the morning vibe like nails on a chalkboard. She was sitting across from me, curling her lip at my plate with disdain.
"I'm a growing boy," I shot back, not missing a beat as I stuffed my mouth with eggs.
"I literally hate the way you eat," Ember said, her eyes rolling so hard I thought they'd pop out of her head.
"Then literally stop watching me," I mocked back, copying her valley-girl accent. Kairo, Kaze, and Jenobi erupted in laughter, while Ember rolled her eyes and let out an exaggerated sigh. Despite her sharp tongue, I could tell she thrived on this kind of "friendly" banter.
I looked down to grab a slice of bacon, and suddenly, it started wriggling, turning its little crispy body to face me as it oinked loudly. I stared in horror as it stood up, squealing like a pig. My first reaction was to freak out, but then, in the blink of an eye, it looked normal again—a perfectly still strip of bacon on my plate. I glanced at Jenobi, who wore a wicked grin.
"Nice try, Jenobi," I said, laughing as I shoved the bacon into my mouth. Her expression faltered, turning to surprise.
"How'd you do that?" she asked, leaning in, her eyes wide. "Nobody sees past my illusions."
YOU ARE READING
Nephilim: Genesis
Teen FictionFifteen-year-old Daxton Jackson lived a normal, privileged life with his mother, District Attorney June Jackson, in Atlanta. But everything changed when he was recruited to a mysterious new school in Alexandria, Virginia: AZ Academy. It's not just a...
