Broken Genes

Chapter Thirteen

 Finally Friday arrived and I couldn’t be happier to have survived my first week as a sophomore.

My run into this morning was as quick as the last few days but I left later than usual so I got to school at a reasonable time. Jase had got of his bus and met up with me. I know he has figured out that something’s going on since I have looked over my shoulder at least fifteen times this morning. It is only now – sitting in homeroom – he asks me about it.

“So what’s going on?” He asks staring at me. I avoid his eyes and instead look down onto my desk. For once it’s Mr Relding who is late.

I decide to play it dumb on my answer. “What do you mean?” I ask just as Mr Relding makes his appearance. He apologises to the class and tells us to talk amongst ourselves until next period while he catches up on some work. “You know what I mean!” Jase whisper-yells, “You have barely talked to me since the start of term. You are so distant like you’re on another planet!” I have to hold back my laugh. I had been thinking about this for a while, what am I? Jase’s last comment had made me laugh because he doesn’t even know that it’s a possibility. I dismiss the idea for later and focus on now.

“Look I’m sorry man, I’ve just had a crazy week.” I say, biting back a smile. I hear Jase huff out in exasperation.

“I give up with you.” Jase mutters. But I see a smile tugging at his lips too. Jase was always rubbish at keeping a straight face.

“Hey what if we go out for a boy’s night out tonight?” I ask. However, the second I say it, I hear Margore’s voice in my head. You have to train, it says. Please, I plead inside my head, I just want a night out with my best friend. I’ll train extra on the weekend. I don’t know whether it’s a reply and I actually just communicated with Margore telepathically, but I think I hear a sigh of defeat! It’s only then that I realize Jase had replied to me. “I’m sorry, what?” I ask.

Jase huffs again and says, “I said, that sounds great. There is a party tonight – which you would know about if you had been on earth at all these past few days.”

I reply quickly and enthusiastically. “That sounds great. Write down the details and meet me at my house so we can go together.”

“That sounds good.” Jase replies with a joyed smile on his face as he scribbles down the details of the party.

Finally the bell goes and we are dismissed.

***

The rest of the day passed with little happening. Eventually it ended and I rushed home. Once there, I got ready for the party. Finally, Jase arrived and I am now sitting in Jase’s dad’s car, on my way to the Party.

We pull up to Jakes house and are immediately greeted with the smell of alcohol and the sound of loud music. Once inside, we are swept in. The air is sticky and hot. I lose sight of Jase quickly. I meet a few people I know but most of them are so drunk they can barely stand, let alone hold a conversation.

After about an hour, I get frustrated with the cramped scene and go out into the back. I pass four couples making out at the back porch and have to decline drinks at least thirteen times – I have never liked alcohol. I send Jase a quick text: Where are you? I’m leaving – this isn’t my sort of place.

I get a reply almost immediately: Not mine either. I’m out front, meet me there and we can go. After reading this I make my way towards the front yard. I see Jase immediately and walk over.

“Ready to go?” He asks. I nod and we start walking towards the car. We climb in, but when Jase tries to turn on the engine, nothing happens. He tries again, but it doesn’t work. We both sigh.