Chapter Two

Lost ☆ Spirits

~Ripley M. Dennison

Chapter 2

__________________________________________________________________________

"Woo-hoo!" Brian shouted at the top of his lungs. They were at Heather Park five blocks from Mikhael's house. The three of them walking to the basketball goals, Brian was walking less than skipping and jumping to the court.

"Oh Gods! Dude, you've got to tell what happened." Brian flipped his shoulder length black hair out of his face and walked backwards in front of Mikhael.

"I will. Calm down." Mikhael and Erik grinned at each other. "There's no reason to get so excited. Damn."

"Yeah calm down you mutt, or you'll pee yourself." Erik jested and bounced the basket ball he was holding to his not-so-elated-now brother.

Brian gave Erik the finger but calmed down some. He bounced the ball a few times facing the basket a few feet behind the three point line. Knowing it was an impossible shot for him he spun the ball three times in the air and took the shot saying 'swish' at the last moment. As expected the ball was all net and he gave himself praise for a good shot, even with a little help. Turning back to his brother and Mikhael, he saw a string of light shoot in his direction. He swore and quickly threw up his arm to block the attack with an energy absorbing shield surrounding his arm. The bracelet he wore started tingling with magic.

Mikhael lowered his hand and turned to Erik. "Think perhaps he's adopted?" Erik let out a laugh. "Yeah so I've been telling myself since birth." He answered Mikhael, ignoring his brothers mutinous curses as he walked towards them with the ball cradled in his arms. "Of course," he added quietly, "then I have to reason with the fact he looks like me and has some pretty good energy bursts when he wants to. But don't tell him I said that." Laughing despite himself Mikhael dismissed his annoyance at Brian's lack of discipline and stuck his hands back into his pockets.

"Here," Brian shoved the ball at his brother and turned to Mikhael, "you didn't have to attack me. You could have just told me not to use magic." he said pointedly but relaxed. "So-o. Are you going to tell us what the gorgeous Adrian said to you or what?"

Remembering it was him who brought this on and that Brian and Erik were his best friends, he nodded solemnly. "Yeah." he said smiling brilliantly from the flashback.

*****♥*****

Mikhael had gotten out of Algebra early. Figuring it was too soon to be in the school yard where he usually ate, he headed to the library. He didn't usually need a pass as he was friends with the Librarian and she almost never asked for one, it helped that he was in there at least twice every day. So far every one trusted him, except his peers, which was fine by him.

He glanced through the Library windows at the usual six rows of bookshelves and two rows of computers that ran along the back of the Library. Only a couple of people were on the computers and the same with people browsing the books.

The school Library was strangely placed and was surrounded by windows, even the half that was on the inside of the building. One corner faced the outside and the rest was open to the large blocky hallways. The only other door to go through went towards the school office. Passing window after window reached the library door directly in front of the Circulation Desk. When he walked in the Head Librarian looked up from her seat and nodded somberly at him. He smiled and nodded back.

Mikhael wondered over to the computer station furthest away from people and logged in his Student ID. He wanted to check his email and then randomly Google things to waist time until the lunch bell rang so he could head outside.

It wasn't long before he got bored. No one emailed him of interest, just a crud load of sponsors and money grubbing sites. Even Google got boring. He ran out of random topics to search. It was probably best if he stayed in the Library so he didn't get into trouble, he thought bitterly. He checked his watch for the hundredth time.

Only 11:47. He sighed, "Damn." He logged off and went spend the last thirteen minutes looking at books.

The Library at Wakefield High school was a good one. The shelves towered and Mikhael thought they were worthy of a real library, like the ones that you saw in the old eighteenth century movies. Multiple coloured books stood upright on the shelves, proudly displaying their knowledge. The book cases touched the ceiling and filled half of the windows surrounding them.

Mikhael wondered if he would ever find a library that smelled and looked as old as this one did during his lifetime. He reached the third isle which at a glance read G-H. Green eyes sifted through all the spine labels, his hands trailing past book after book. Finally he reached the author he was looking for; Holly Genivar, his favourite Irish author. Her tales of sorcery had always entranced him.

He pulled a very interesting title out of the many books Genivar had written. It was labeled 'Lancelot's Mistress' in gold print against a blue binding, a sword was planted on the background. Mikhael flipped to the back. Liking the description on the back of the little book, he brought it with him to the check out counter.

He was amazed at how a writer could incorporate their own name into a book. The authoress Genivar used the old Welsh spelling of Gwenhwyfar, to be her main character. It was one of the facts that caught his interest to the amazing writer.

Lydia the Librarian smiled. "Hello. How are you today, Mik?" she asked over the head of another student. "Fine, thanks." he answered, lips quirking at the nickname.

The person in front of him turned around to glance at him. Vague recognition crossed the two boys faces.

It was a Sophomore boy that sat near Mikhael in Spanish class. Even if Mikhael and him didn't talk much, every one knew that the older boy was Class President material and the second most popular student in school. Everyone loved him. Even Mikhael didn't mind him, he wasn't stuck up like the other popular kids.

Bentley smiled and gave a small wave.

Mikhael smiled and jerked his head in a friendly nod. "Hey."

"Sup," the boy responded. A book was pushed in Bentley's direction by the librarian. "Ireland?" Mikhael's curiosity became him.

"Uh, yeah. History project."

"Ah, green hills, Faerie creatures, and potato famine." The blond teen was well accustomed to being a smart ass.

"Sorta." the older boy smirked. "Later." He grabbed his book and left.

"You're a dreamer Mikhael." The Librarian told him fondly. Smiling, he didn't disagree with her.

Book check out happens rather quickly since he never had late fees and always turned in his books a week after he got them if not sooner.

"Its only been 9 minutes. " He whispered to himself in disbelief. ~oh well.~ He pushed his hand through his locks. At a quick glance around he spotted an empty wall that wasn't covered by windows or books. The perfect little niche. He leaned against it and propped his foot up on the bricks as he got comfortable reading.

He hadn't even finished reading page three of the prologue before he sensed a person walking towards him. He peeked over the top of the paperback and felt his stomach drop quickly. The same feeling he had when his mum or dad drove over a small hill and back up from the dips of narrow roads and his stomach suddenly went light and his heart raced. Only ten times more than that.

A tall, dark, and brown haired male was sauntering down the aisle of books. His tall lanky frame was unsuccessfully hidden by baggy clothes. Mikhael could see the way his body fit neatly inside the cloth. The boy moved very gracefully and with purpose.  Mikhael stared amazed at the long elegant hand the boy used to tilt a book off the shelf.

Other than the boys hand, he could see a very proud and straight nose, as well as pursed lips and a near cleft chin tinted with dark stubble, a shadow of facial hair. The only features Mikhael could see with the boys neck length dark straight hair covering the rest of his face.

Mikhael, entranced, found he couldn't look away from the figure he knew as Adrian Mathews, a Junior and the hottest Goth in school. The only other thing Mikhael knew about him was that he was deadly infatuated with the black wearing model.

Aware he was openly staring he quickly composed his face and demurely returned his gaze to his book. He concentrated some energy and opened his mind to his second chakra to watched Adrian with his third eye. To his surprise he found he couldn't see a thing; everything was covered in darkness. Bewildered he closed his mind and returned his attention to his real surroundings.

His eyes were trained on the book and his breath was slow and steady in a meditative way. He also knew that it had taken little more than a full minute to enter and exit the astral realm. More than enough time for his quarry to move or worse notice him.

Slowly he glanced up from his book and thanked the gods he knew how to keep a straight face and didn't startle easily.

From the top of his book he saw Adrian giving him a very curious look from only five feet in front of him. Mikhael's breath faltered, the only sign to give him away, other than his hearts flutter at the sight of Adrian's wonderful grey eyes. Uneasily his stomach dropped again as he watched Adrian walk towards him.

 Mikhael straightened so he was standing instead of leaning and resumed his meditative rhythm to keep his mind and emotions in check.

The dark haired older boy put both his hands in his pockets and stopped in front of Mikhael's silent form. "Hey Mikhael." Adrian's deep voice said lightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "I haven't seen you or the twins around the school lately."

"Uh, yeah," Mikhael blinked and made his mouth form real words instead of focusing on the way his name sounded on Adrian's lips. "Me an the twins usually just hang out around outside during lunch. Sometimes before school too." Mikhael replied evenly.

"Outside?" Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Not across the street I hope."

He frowned. "Really? you think. Oh nah. " He waved his hand incredulously. "We don't smoke. No normally we just go out to the soccer field and sit around watching Jocks and punks do face plants!" He laughed.

Mikhael could not believe the immediate dislike in Adrian's voice when he had said they went outside for lunch. It wasn't as if he didn't have friends over there, but he himself would never go just to give himself cancer for pleasure.

 Adrian visibly relaxed, " Oh okay, so -" he looked behind him for a second, "You headed there when the bell rings?"

His heart flipped again, "Uh yeah." ~Yay more intelligent words.~ A voice in his head thought darkly.

Smiling Adrian turned away and called over his shoulder. "Cool. The 'Punks' and I are going to be doing some more face plants." A laugh followed his footsteps as the gothic model left.

The blush filled Mikhael's cheeks before he could even think to close his mouth in his astonishment. He walked slowly back to the computer desk where he had left his bag all the while shaking his head.

Of all the things he'd said or could have said, he had to say they watched the punks face plant. Even knowing full well that Adrian was a part of that group. And truthfully Mikhael had spent time more than just watching the punks skate. But just watching Adrian and his hot group of friends was a great pastime, he added to himself.

In the background a dull bell rang four times. After that everything was a mad scramble. Students picked up their bags and books and belongings, then crowded in the Halls ready to eat or just take a break from teachers and work.

Now begins the decent of the wolves Mikhael mused, and went directly to find his friends on the school grounds so they could watch the punks and Goths in their black guises do face plants and more.

*****♥*****

Mikhael turned to face the goal and did a quick jump shot pushing the memory away with the ball. When he got back from retrieving the basketball he saw Brian giving him a speculating look and Erik a quiet smirk.

"So- ?"

"Why haven't you told us about all this stuff before?" Brian demanded holding a hand in front of Erik's face. A flash of irritation showed in the gingers eyes then nothing before looking at Mikhael.

Mikhael spun the ball in his hands without looking at his friends. "I just didn't want to say anything." A pair of hands reached out and grabbed the ball. He looked up into Erik's kind green eyes , then blushed. "You guys don't really want to know how my non-existent love life is."

"Of course we do butthead." Erik told him matter-of-factly. "As your friends we are allowed to know who you are being bullied by, and or crushing on."

There was a reason Mikhael considered Erik a really good friend.

"Hello?" Brian wave his hands between the two boys. "Can we get over this now? Marcy is on her way and we can set up a barrier before she gets here."

Incredulous both Erik and  Mikhael stared at him. "Are you ADHD?" Mikhael asked him. "Because if you don't remember, you were the one who wanted to know about Adrian."

Erik sighed. "Come on." he brought his hand up and companionably patted Mikhael on the arm. "The dweeb is just anxious to use magick, he thinks it'll make him smarter."

Laughing Mikhael shook his head and helped the twins set up the magick wards around the court. Once they were up no one could see exactly what they were doing and no would be caught in a stream of stray energy.

When they were finished he could see a large box of light in his minds eye. To passers-by it would look like an ordinary basketball court, but they wouldn't want to come near it.

Impulsively Mikhael tilted his head to the sky and let out the words in his mind.

"Ave Maria,

gratsia plena dominus tecum,

benedicta tu mulieribus,

et benedictus, fructus ventris tui, Jesus

Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Maria,

ora pro nobis, nobis peccatoribus,

Nunc et in hora, in hora mortis nostrae.

Amen."

He sang under his breath. A catholic prayer; never the less to the Goddess and in Latin, a language full of power for him. Feeling proud about having done his part he looked to where Brian and Erik were a few yards behind him metaphysically cleaning the space.

"Ah.. the familiarities of ritual," a poetic voice announced.

 Mikhael glanced over and watched a small pony tailed girl step through the light-barrier after drawing it aside like a curtain.

"Hey Marcy, " He waved. "Brian called ya?" She skipped over to him. "Yep. I was just finishing my homework when he reached me." She tilted her head back and looked behind Mikhael at the twins. "He's an excitable one but you'll find he's also caring in the best situations."

The blonde just looked at her blankly not having a clue what she meant. She smiled at him and told him not to worry, "You'll see soon enough," she added happily.

Amused Mikhael laughed and shook his head. Marcy was the seer of the group and would spat random phrases, warnings, and prophesies that nobody understood till it ended up happening.

"So what's this about Mathews?" she asked knowingly.

"You heard? Or you probably know more about it than I do." he smirked, then told her about his day.

Marcy gave him a puzzled look when he finished, "That's weird."

"What is?" he asked seeing the disappointment in her eyes. "I don't know," she shrugged and smiled suddenly.

"Oh well, lets play while we can." Looking heaven ward, Mikhael let the petite girl pull him to the center of the ball court. "Since we're all here why don't we have some real fun?" Marcy sang out.

Erik, Brian, and Mikhael exchanged glances and conspicuously looked in different directions.

"Give it a rest pervs." She rolled her eyes at their interpretation of her words. "Am I the only un-crooked one here?" she asked in an exasperated tone.

Erik held up his hand. "Hey I'm straight." pointed to his brother, "They are the crooked ones."

"Hey!" Brian and Mikhael protested together. They grinned at each other. Brian bounced the ball to Mikhael, "Are we crooked?"

 Mikhael grabbed the ball and scoffed, "Of course not. They're just weird." he bounced the ball a few times and looked at each of his friends in turn. "So who wants to test themselves first?"

Silence and conspiratorial glances past around.

"I will," Marcy chimed in. "No cheating I promise, and I've been working on my aim." she added savagely.

"Well then, lets see if it works," Mikhael passed her the ball.

It was simply a battle of skills. A battle in which Marcy would not be found lacking. She set her converse in perfect stance, and with practiced skill shot the ball into the hoop. After bowing to an encore of whistles she called the ball back to her. It came rolling across the concrete only to stop at her feet.

"So?" she inquired mockingly.

"Point taken." Mikhael admitted.

He walked behind her a yard and telekinetically grabbed the ball. In a flash he grabbed it and sent it flying again. He was making a longer shot than Marcy but he knew it was an easy shot for him. The orange ball bounced off the rim; perfectly knocking it into the net.

They played ball testing each others skills with and without magick till dusk settled.

Erik rubbed at a small lightening burn on his wrist. He was lying on the grass semi drifting into sleep while he listening to Marcy's mantras and the laughter of Mikhael and his younger by two minutes twin brother.

Those two were always up to something and constantly flirting. He smirked to himself. It would surprise him if the Moon shone her beams on them in light of love. As if to prove his small foreshadow, a cloud moved leaving the smiling waning moon in its wake. Knowing an omen when he saw one he chuckled. The ginger shifted his back against the ground trying to get comfortable when someone called out to him.

"What?" He leaned his head back to look behind him.

"What time is it Stargazer?" Mikhael's voice drifted from the shadows.

Digging in his pockets he checked his the glowing screen of his cell. "7:27," he read loudly.

"Damn," was the quiet reply.

"You supposed to be home soon?" Marcy called.

"Unfortunately." Mikhael told her, standing three feet away.

Erik yawned. Pushing himself to his feet he pulled out his keys. "Alright, we're going." He glanced back at Mikhael and Marcy, "So ya'll wanna go to the mall tomorrow?"

Mikhael kicked a rock out of his way to the Jeep. "Sure, How about noon."

"I'll pick you up Mikhael if you need me to." Marcy chimed in.

He grinned at her. "All right." Thinking of something stupidly important he stopped walking, "Hold on." He turned around and kneeled on the grass. Placing his hands palms down in the dirt he whispered. "Great Mother from above, release this circle with our love. Thank you for your generosity, As we will so mote it be."

"So mote it be." Chorused behind him.

The invisible light barrier disappeared as he straightened up.

"Let's go blue eyes." Brian taunted. "Or you'll be late." Mikhael cuffed him on the back of the head lightly. "Don't call me blue eyes."

Brian snorted and opened the Jeep door. "I could have called you 'Blondie'" he tossed his hair in a flippant manner before climbing up. "Bye Marcy" he called over the top of the vehicle.

"Night Marcy." Mikhael said to her as well before getting into the hoodless Jeep.

"Night Boys," Marcy replied from her car window and peeled out in her hippie Volkswagen.

Erik winced visibly from the drivers seat. "Damn, she's really gonna ruin that bug like that."

*****♥*****

A couple hours later Mikhael fell asleep thinking of what had happened during the day and what he would be doing tomorrow, as well as his conversation with the dark, broody, and gold-grey eyed Adrian.

He had said his nightly prayers and blessings to the Goddess before going to bed and still his mind was full of Adrian when full sleep hit him.

Chapter One

Lost ☆ Spirits

 ~Ripley~  M.  Dennison

Chapter 1

He was walking home from school when he felt a tingling sensation on his neck. He quickly turned around and walked backwards for a few steps.

When he turned back around a sharp bark came form a nearby house, then soon all the neighborhood dogs were barking wildly. The boy stopped a little curiously and quietly told them to shush, that they were being silly. They didn't stop.

The boy was puzzled by the dogs sudden behavior.

He had been living in that same part of his home town of Avalon, New Jersey for over six years and has been walking home from the bus stop for the last two. The dogs had never barked at him before.

He pondered it a while longer, watching the late October winds blow in the trees. After a minute or so he forgot the dogs and watched leaves stood on end and danced, swirling in the breeze. Chanting softly a few lines under his breath the boy followed the wind with his finger as he walked to a gravel drive. Finally at his destination he looked over his shoulder one last time as he hopped up the few steps to his door and entering his house.

Inside he dropped his school bag in his bedroom floor, glancing around as he did so, mentally checking to see if anything looked out of place. Deciding nothing was wrong he went further down the hall to the living room around the corner. Seeing nobody sitting on the couches or in the recliner watching TV, he guessed they were in the kitchen.

Hearing voices and the combined noise of clunking and splashing he made his way past the living room to the large kitchen.

"Mikhael is that you?"

A small blonde woman called from over her shoulder, her arms sunk to the elbows in soap suds, her hands moving systematically to scrub and rinse the dishes she was washing.

Mikhael pulled out a chair from the dining table and sat down next to his little sister., Yeah, I'm home." He told her, then snagged a glance at his sister plate before grabbing a piece of toast. Ignoring her mutinous glare he got up and walked over to the stove. "Is there any food left." he asked mildly, looking at the partially empty pots.

"Just some Ramon noodles the kids didn't finish eating." His step mom told him. "Cool." he grabbed a bowl from the cabinet letting the door slap shut. "Is Dad coming home soon."

"Yes, and don't be slamming the cabinets like that." He heard her scold him dimly as he filled his bowl. He wonder briefly if any one else would want some. Smirking he glanced over his shoulder at his sister, putting the toast in his mouth, he purposefully upended the pan into his bowl.

Noting the growling in his stomach he found a single spoon in the silverware drawer. "Man, where's all the silverware at?" he mumbled shutting the drawer and reached over the counter to the dish drainer.

"I just washed those!" his step mom reprimanded him.
"Don't worry. I'll wash 'em." he told her through a mouthful of stolen toast. Once he turned his back on her he rolled his eyes. He never left his dishes unwashed and he really wished she'd realize it. 'Fat chance.' he thought bitterly.

Deciding to eat in his room, he turned to leave the kitchen. "Missed." he hissed under his breath as his sister stuck her sneaker shod foot in his way, failing at getting her revenge.

Careful to step around her, he tilted his head back and took a noisy bite of his toast before he went through the door. Now he was in a better mood and he was glad. His day really stank before he came home, then the mysterious barking. He wondered what that was about. Shrugging dismissively he let himself into his room, making sure the door was shut if not locked.

Mikhael couldn't wait till he turned 16, because then his parents would finally let him have a lock on his door. Then his pesky siblings -and nosy step mothers- he added, wouldn't be able to bug him or get into his stuff or borrow things without asking.

Not that he minded people borrowing his stuff and going into his room without permission but he couldn't honestly say there was absolutely nothing in his room to hide. ~In a perfect world~ he thought bitterly.

Laying on his stomach atop his twin sized bed stirring his noodles, he made a mental list of the crap he hid from his parents. Smiling he toed off his Keds and pushed them off the bed. under which a very R rated magazine was hid. Plus a few heavy metal magazine's his step mother would probably kill him for if slash when she ever finds out about them. ~And she'd probably burn those.~ he said to himself after a glance at his small three shelved book case, where three Wiccan and Pagan books were masked with false covers. At least his other blasphemes collection was camouflaged as an assortment of things on display.

No one would assume that the table in the corner was full of objects that made up his alter. Maybe someone who knew what to look for would see the pattern of the huge Pillar candle in the center and how the perfect conch shell, bowl of rocks, dragon censor, and small red candle were in the positions of West, North, East, and South. Perhaps they would even notice the two identical white candles on the left and right side of the desk symbolized the two forms of the Deity. On the far left and far right, sat a long handled snuffer and an Ivory handled dagger, completing the symmetrical display. Making the perfect blend for a teenage boys sacred alter.

So many things that would scream out that he was definitely not a Christian alter boy, just seemed to fly past his parents. Even though they had already pegged him as abnormal and suspected him of being anti-Christ, they were oblivious. He hoped they stayed that way.

Of course he never entirely dismissed their beliefs in the White Christ, he just decided it's not his path to take. Naturally at 15 he was a rebellious teenager, but something sincere called to him from the Pagan arts. After doing a research paper on all forms of religion in 6th grade, it was the only belief he related himself to.

Sighing through a wave of steam from his Ramen he flicked his eyes over the random symbols of protection and balance that hung on his walls as posters, necklaces, and stones. His eyes lingered on a sun sign dangling off the edge of his grandmothers old fashioned mirror and downed the rest of his noodles before getting up and stepping in front of his reflection.

His sister might call him conceited, he just liked looking into mirrors. A critical expression evaluated what he saw. His longish slightly blond hair was blown around form the wind and pushed behind his ears, in which an odd combination of earrings were present. A single hoop sat on his left ear and two studs stood out on his right. but his choice in earrings was nothing compared to the row of necklaces that adorned his black clad chest. A short stringed Hematite crescent moon, an amethyst rock pendant, a silver chain, and hanging low underneath all the others, a small quarter sized five pointed star with a red faux jewel in the center hung form his neck. His black tank was a good fit and matched the baggy cargo pants that were being held up by a queer belt with silver buds on it and a buckle - two and a half inches long that looked like a dark metallic inside out egg tray.

Despite the Gothic look nobody had ever accused him of not being stylish - except his parents and siblings, but they didn't matter.

"Speaking of siblings." He muttered. He glanced behind his shoulder and listened for any body near his door. Not hearing anything he turned back to his reflection. Taking a meditative breath he stared directly into his own gold dusted chlorine coloured eyes. Once his mind was clear and his purpose, he started a slow simple incantation. "One two three, Change for me.." Keeping his mind set he continued his chant. "One two three, Let me see. One two three, green to blue, Change for me."

After repeating it several times his eyes got lighter and changed slowly to forget-me-not blue, the colour he was going for. Smiling at the affect he closed the spell.

"As I will it, so mote it be."

He liked how the colour commented his curls. "Hell yeah!" No one could accuse him of being ugly either. Even being a bit of a loner didn't stop him form being a little conceited. And he loved the fact that he had all the looks in the family.

Turning away from the mirror he walked over to the door and picked up his book bag. He ruffled through it for a while before he found his physical science paper that he was supposed to finish. Smiling wryly he tossed everything including his paper on the bed. He'd do it later.

Just to do something productive he picked up his empty bowl and took it to the kitchen to wash. He saw his little sister in the living room her own school work spread out before her. Not wanting to miss his chance he looked around for his step mother. When he didn't see her he entered the room and walked behind the couch his sister was sitting on.

"So Rebecca, what did you learn in school today?"

"Obviously more than you did Blondie!" she retorted, she shook her reddish died hair out of her eyes ignoring him and keeping her concentration on her math books.

Simply shrugging he took a glance at her work. The numbers jumbled on the page made him want to look away; he decided no to bug her further if she was trying to do that kind of brainwork.

"Dang-. Never mind, have a nice brain-ache." he told her, walking back the way he came. as he turned toward the kitchen he distinctly heard her snort in return.

He strongly disliked numbers, but they were highly useful if not demanded to know in the current time and age. He was having trouble as it was as a freshman in high school and his little sister was learning new math that wasn't yet taught to him.

He made a grim face and turned on the kitchen sink to wash his bowl and fork.

As if on cue his step mother walked into the kitchen with a basket full of laundry. "I want you to gather up your dirty clothes so you can wash them when this load is done. I want to get all the laundry done this weekend."

"Okay." he replied turning off the water. "Do you know if dad got paid?"

"He gets paid on Fridays so yeah, I'm pretty sure he did." she told him while stuffing clothes into the washer. "Okay." automatically he responded in an unemotional voice. Not needing a confrontation he forced his mind to his school day as he walked to his bedroom.

It was admittedly better day than others. If not the best. He hadn't done anything to get into trouble and trouble hadn't found him. He managed to get to all his classes on time and even received only a few pass fail grades on his half semester progress report. Even the incident after fifth period with the jocks hadn't been that bad. They didn't make a big scene and only mocked him and jeered, of course the only reason they had done that was because he had dropped his books in the hall way to French class. Its what he gets for daydreaming over stupid crushes. He had a good reason to dislike jocks and he believed they only disliked him because he didn't do the kinds of things they did. He normally stayed out of the public places including the cafeteria where they were comfortable and, by some kind of jock rule, where they were supposed to congregate.

All of it was absurd to him. He didn't even know why there was even a such thing as a 'Status quo' or 'cliques'. For all he cared they could be running around the school naked and he still wouldn't glance their way. Well maybe one glance.

 Mikhael picked up his science paper once he was back in his room. Looking at the periodic table of elements in his science text book he had the paper finished within thirty minutes.

Momentarily forgetting the jocks and his science homework, Mikhael jumped out of his sitting position when he heard a loud vehicle pull into the gravel drive. Hoping it was his dad he glanced at his clock. Seeing it was five twenty he went outside to check.

The red ford driver side door slammed shut and a burly, tall man with light brown hair walked up to find Mikhael standing against one of the porch railing waiting for him.

"What."

"Nothing." Mikhael shrugged. "I was just wondering if you got the payment for the work I did last weekend."

"Right." The man huffed, shuffling his feet on the porch steps. "Just give me a sec." he said after looking up at Mikhael's raised eyebrows. Mumbling under his breath he pulled 2 twenties out of his wallet and placed them into the slender out stretched hand.

"Thanks dad." Mikhael smiled gratefully, transferring the money to his back pocket. He straightened up and followed his dad into the house. "I think my friend is coming over later is that okay?"

"Yeah. 'S long as you guys keep it down." his dad called over his shoulder and continued through the house.  Mikhael stopped at his room and deposited his money into his wallet. His friends Brian and Eric were coming over soon and he doubted his parents would really care, but just to be sure he went to call them from the living room.

The phone rang twice before Erik picked up the other end. "A'lo?", came the response.

"Hey it's Mikhael, you guys coming over or what?" he heard his own voice echo in his ear. "Uh- yeah. Brian's just finishing his homework then we're headed to your place." Eric's somber voice replied.

"Okay. See ya soon."

 Mikhael sat down the phone and looked around wandering what he could do till they got there. Eric and Brian were twins and lived with there parents across town. It would take them about twenty minutes to get to his house under normal circumstances. Smiling knowingly he thought of the extra time it would take them to get here if Brian was doing homework. Brian wasn't what you would call super genius, but he got by.

Nothing better to do and everyone in the house was off doing their own thing, he went back to his room to read a chapter or two from his favourite romance novel.

***** ♥ *****

An hour later Erik sauntered first into Mikhael's room, Brian right behind him. Mikhael finished chapter two of his book and was in the middle of chapter three by the time the twins had gotten there.

Only once had his mother come in and told him to get his laundry done. As soon as she had left he went back to his book, but know the twins were here and he didn't want to have to hear her gripe at him.

He glanced behind him at Erik's ginger covered head and the dyed black of Brian's from inside his closet door.

"Hang on, I've got to do some laundry." He told them and bent down to pick up a shirt from the closet floor then stuffed it into the waiting basket. It was already full but its broken bottom would just have to hold a bit more. Stuffing a few more articles of clothing into his extremely abused clothes basket he hauled it out the door, telling his friends to entertain themselves. They knew how. He knew they would have the video games out and started before he returned.

Sure enough when he reached his door for what seemed like the fiftieth time that night, he heard the distinct male sounds of brotherly combat issuing form within. He shook his head and noted that they were at least nice enough to have gotten out a spare controller for him. Even it it wasn't currently plugged in.

"Were you two planning on letting me kick your butts?"

"Nah, we wanted to let you play housemaid just-" Brian retorted quickly then leaned to the left hard trying to blow up his brother, "Just a while longer!" he finished , turning to Mikhael and snickering. Erik turned to goad him as well and so his avatar could regenerate. "And who said you could kick our butts? As I recall. It was you begging mercy when we had you pinned the last time we played."

Mikhael snorted. "Yeah right, the only reason you two numbskulls pinned me was because my health was crappy after an that dang alien ambush." He aimed a kick at the red head who ducked it. Laughing he joined them on the floor. "Plug me in."

"Whatever- " Erik scoffed.

"-You're closer." Brian finished for his brother, but tossed the controller to Mikhael anyway.

"Fine. We'll see how it is when I beat you both." Mikhael quipped. Sitting down in between them after he hooked up his controller.

"See how you get your butt kicked, we will." Erik said in his best Yoda voice. They all laughed till the sound of sci-fi weaponry got their attention. "So anything happen of worth today?" Brian asked Mikhael. He shook his head, "Na nothing. Though..." he paused to look for cover as the twins avatars double teamed him. "Though what?" Erik grunted trying to dislodge a grenade at a group of aliens that just happened to be near Mikhael's avatar. "Damn-" he muttered, "though, there was a small uh.. tête-à-tête." he guessed that was a good enough word for what happened earlier at the school. "With the sports gods." he told them distractedly.

"Wait-"

"-a sec!" Erik and Brian said together looking at him. Erik quickly paused the game and then looked concernedly at him. "What happened?"

"And why didn't you say anything earlier?" Brian added. He shrugged, "It really wasn't anything big. he looked from one boy to the other then rolled his eyes. "Come on! They only jerked around when I dropped a few of my books going to sixth."

"But I'm in your French class and you didn't say crap about it." Erik reprimanded him.

"Why on this good Earth would you endure that and not tell Erik?" Brian demanded of him.

"Before you start the Spanish Inquisition I'd like to let you know that at the time I was in a good mood and didn't really care." The twins exchanged looks. "What did you do?" they exclaimed.

"I didn't do anything." he told them honestly, but he felt his cheeks flush all the same. "Just something was on my mind at the time."

"Like what?" Again in unison.

"God." Mikhael held his hair out of his eyes and looked down at his controller. Its stone grey colour vividly reminded him of the same grey eyes that put him in such a dreamy mood that day. His blush deepened. "I saw- ." He coughed gently clearing his voice as it came out dry, and knowing his friends would hate the suspense.

"Who?" Brian cried grabbing his shoulder. Looking at it he raised his eyebrow at Brian, who quickly let go looking away sheepishly. "Sorry."

"Okay Mr. touchy get over it. Spill. Who did you see that has you blushing?" Erik put in quickly.

"Don't." Mikhael looked pointedly at them both, "get so freakin' excited. It's not like I saw a celebrity or anything although I did talk to Bently." Erik and Brian rolled their eyes. "That's all?" Erik asked astonished, thinking all that drama for nothing.

Brian held up his hand to silence his brother. "Wait. That can't be all. Who was with Ben?" He asked Mikhael seriously.

Rolling his own eyes, Mikhael  tossed his controller down thankful that the games background music was loud. "Will you two ever let me get my words out?"

"No. Who was it." they asked again.

Smirking he said coyly, "We-ell... " he dragged out but could tell it was getting old with the twins so he spat it out quickly. "It was after I was talking to Bent and Adrian walked up!"

Erik released the breath he was holding and let out a low whistle. Brian gapped. "You mean Adrian. As in Adrian Matthews? The Junior? The one you've been- ?" "Ssshhhhh!!" Mikhael panicked and leaned over forcing his hand over the other boys mouth.

Erik and Mikhael both glanced at the bedroom door. Looking directly at Brian, Mikhael inclined his head towards his door and mouthed "Yes." then said out loud. "My house remember!"

Wide eyed Brian nodded and Mik let him go.

Knowing Brian's big mouth couldn't stay shut for long, Erik suggested they go to the park and shoot some hoops. Mikhael avidly agreed. "Fine I'll go ask." In an undertone he added. "You think you can keep him quiet for a few more minutes?"

Erik grinned mischievously. "Oh yeah. I've had lots of practice remember, he's my brother."

"Cool, but nothing major." He said pointedly knowing the red head was a master at Silencing spells. With that he left to go ask his parents.

Lost Spirits

Lost ☆  Spirits

I have decided that I am going to work on my Life Resolution.. which was to Publish/ finish one of my novels. I Have decided that I am going to work on 'Lost Spirits'. My second teen Paranormal Romance novel.

Summery:

   Lost Sprits is a tale of Mikhael Francis, a freshman boy in High School. He hates labels, although if you had to use them on him, He would let you know he was a "Gay-pagan-goth-loner-nerd" with a troubled past. Just don't tell his parents.
   He tries to be normal and have fun with friends, procrastinating schoolwork and wishing for dates to fall in his lap. Unfortunately for him, the forces of Destiny mock him. Angels and Deamons meet while dark powers collide and collapse his normal want-to-be world.
   Love and Destiny are not nice to him.

*****♥*****

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

I started this story about 6 years ago when I was 15-ish years old. I have only written 3 chapters but have outlined plot for 8 chapters. I will type them out and see what people think of it so far. It is kind of weird to write a story that is based in high school and I no longer have that muse to preoccupy me. I hope my Chocolate covered Vampires will help my on this. :)