Griffin

Chapter 5: The Curse

I missed first period, arriving at school 15 minutes late. 

I could have still made it to class, but I didn't want to. Not today.

Instead, I found solace under a large oak tree in the school courtyard, alone with my thoughts. 

I glanced down at my baggy jeans and worn-out sneakers, feeling a lump form in my throat and a sting behind my eyes. Sitting quietly, I stared into nothingness as memories flooded my vision.

I entered my father's study, finding my mother already there, standing silently by the window.

 "Come in, Elena," my father called. 

I approached cautiously, sensing the tension in the air.

"Have a seat. Your mother and I need to discuss something with you," he said, his voice unnaturally calm.

As I sat down, I glanced at my mother, who remained facing the window, offering no acknowledgment.

"As you know, Gerald Godson graciously paid us a visit today," my father began, forcing a smile.

 "Our families have been connected for generations. What I'm about to tell you is a story passed down from my father." He paused, looking to my mother, she remained silent.

"The Godsons and our family were once close until one of our ancestors took something that belonged to them. Since then, inexplicable misfortunes have plagued us. We believe... the Godsons placed a curse on our family." My father's eyes darted nervously between my mother and me. 

I'd never seen him like this before. 

I smiled back, trying to ease his discomfort.

"I know it's hard to believe. I didn't at first, but I've witnessed the consequences of ignoring it. Remember your grandmother's funeral? She didn't die from a heart attack. She was in perfect health until her last breath. The same happened to my grandfather and those before him. Their deaths were sudden and devastating. And then there's me – I was very ill until recently."

I sat in stunned silence, my mind reeling. 

Curses couldn't be real, could they? Especially not ones that spanned generations. But I held my tongue.

"What did our family take from them?" I asked instead.

My father turned to my mother, who still offered no help. "We don't know," he admitted, his eyes filled with sadness as he looked back at me.

"I'm telling you this because the Godsons have come to collect their payment."

My hands clenched tightly, knuckles turning white. "Are we going to lose our home?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"No," my father replied. "They asked for you."

I first encounter Griffin when we were young. I had approached him first, and we played together. 

Growing up, I knew his family was wealthy, but I never imagined it would lead to this.

If I had known he'd grow up to be such a problem, I would have tried harder to stay off his radar.

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I stopped by my locker to drop off my books.

"Elena, may I have a word with you in the classroom?" Mr. Mattigon's voice cut through the hallway noise.

I followed him into the empty classroom.

He held the door open, waiting for me to pass before closing it behind us. 

Nervously, I glanced at the glass window, scanning the hallway crowd before turning back to him.

Mr. Mattigon settled behind his desk, his brows furrowing with concern. "I know I've asked before, but... is everything okay at home, Elena? If something is wrong, I want you to know you can trust me. Whatever you say won't leave this room."

I weighed my options carefully. 

After this morning's incident with Griffin, involving Mr. Mattigon would only complicate things. My heart sank.

"Nothing's wrong," I lied smoothly, surprising myself with my own convincing tone.

 "I'm just stressed about college applications."

A voice in my head quipped: Actress career might be your calling, Elena.

He studied me for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck in an awkward gesture. "Griffin approached me yesterday," he said carefully.

My back instantly stiffened at the mention of his name.

"He said he was going to see you that night," Mr. Mattigon continued, his voice trailing off. "Did he give you the form?"

"Yes, he did," I responded, my voice flat.

"Oh," he said, a world of unspoken questions hanging in the air.

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the trip," I added quickly. "Something's comes up. Thank you for considering me."

"Is that so," he murmured.

I cleared my throat. "If there's nothing else, may I go?"

"Sorry, yes. You may go," he responded slowly.

I offered a polite smile and walked out, my mind racing.

In the hallway, I spotted my brother. "Hey," I said, reaching him.

He smiled back. "Hey."

"I'm coming back to the house this weekend to visit," I said, hoping to sound normal.

My brother's face lit up. "That's great! It'll be great!"

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But it wasn't great. I hardly see my brother while I was with my parents, I saw him during breakfast time then he was gone.

He said he has a job serving at the local restaurant, I'm happy for him, but I want to spend time with him, he told me it's just bad timing, and he promised to make it up to me.

Sunday hits.

It was a quiet night; I sit on our front porch with the light off so I can see the night sky better.

An expansive black SUV pulls up a few blocks away from where I'm sitting, curious who would own such an expansion car in our neighborhood. I keep watch, and my brother emerges from the backseat.

He quickly shuts the door he starts walking, the window at the backseat where he just got out begins to roll its window down. 

My brother looks up at the sky in frustration before turning back around toward the roll-down window and speaking to whoever is in the backseat.

My brother didn't seem to like whatever he was hearing because he run his hands through his hair in frustration.

After a few minutes of talking, my brother walks away again. The car stays for a few minutes longer before pulling away.

After a few minutes, his phone lit up, and he read the message before muttering " Jesus Christ, what's his problem " as he walks closer to our front porch " Whose problem? " I ask

Elric startles "Jesus, Elena! What are you doing sitting in the dark? " 

"Whose car was that, Elric? "

Elric turns in the direction of the car that's no longer there; he runs his hand through his hair staring at the spot.

"Elena, I'm tired. I don't want to do this tonight."

He looks exhausted.

I sigh "Ok, I just want to make sure you're ok." 

"I'm ok." He said in passing before he makes his way inside the house.