The Changeover Aria

I lay in my bed as I hear sirens wailing right past the town house my mom, dad, twin brother and I live in, in the town of Avery, Kinsun. The result of a 911 call that happened around eight minutes ago. The sirens are going to 3579 Ridge Drive, about three town houses down the road from ours. Truth is I did not get woken up by the sirens, I was already awake by a nightmare I had 10 minutes earlier. Two minutes before the call was made, a six year old boy drank bleach and then got poisoned. Chances of him living…slim to none. “Anthony can you watch little Kory while I go do some laundry please Hun? I should only be 10 minutes at the most. Such a happy family, two loving parents with an adorable little boy. It’s a shame that he is not going to live for very long…unless a miracle happens. I thought to myself as the nightmare continued that I had earlier. “Yes my dear Josie, I will watch our little man. I won’t take my eyes off of him for a second while you are gone.” “You better not take your eyes off of him. He is an adventurous little boy who loves to use his imagination, he could be playing something and when he goes to get a secret potion ore something… it could very well be chemicals.” Such a loving family. I felt the usual tears come down my eyes and cheeks, when I remember the rest of my horrid nightmare. “I am going now, remember don’t take your eyes off of him. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” I watched Anthony as he watched his little Kory playing whatever game his active imagination can come up with. I watched as he tried not to blink. He couldn’t help but to blink a few times. Our eyes need to blink so they don’t go all dry. His wife came back up and she was all smiles. I watched Kory as he had a curious face upon him towards the cupboard under the sink. “No no nooo, don’t play with that son, in there are very dangerous chemicals. We will put them somewhere else as soon as we can.” Soon enough Josie came sauntering back up the stairs, cheery as ever. “There done! Laundry is in the washer and some laundry is hung up. Did you take your eyes off of him?” “Nope never did. Let’s go put little Kory to bed, he must be getting sleepy. It’s way past his bedtime.” “Indeed.” The young couple hugged and kissed like a happy family would. Next thing they know little Kory opens the lock and takes a bottle of bleach and took a few sips. “KORY NOOOO!!!” Both parents yelled but it was too late. Josie was in tears as she saw her little son dying in front of her very own eyes, while Anthony called 911. Will they get there in time…probably not…depends how much he ingested. That was when I woke up, and five minutes later I heard sirens go towards that house. I started crying into my pillow. Trying to not wake my family up. My sobs were loud, especially if it involves a nightmare and little kid dying. My brother was right beside my room, and my parents were across from us. I heard a knock, when I heard my brother Kieran’s soft and comforting voice I let him in. “Hey Kira, can I come in?”

“I have some news, it isn’t good news either…” I knew what he was going to say, it would be about Josie, Anthony and Kory. Sirens always wake my family up, I don’t know why. Maybe because we lived in the country then moved here so my mom could open up her own bookstore. My dad works as an architect. He designed our old country home. We are looking for something bigger with a huge back yard. “What is it Kieran? What happened?” “You know the nice little family you baby-sit sometimes for…the Piersons.” “Yes, Anthony, Josie and little Kory. What about them?” I always did this, played the stereotypical dumb blond, even though I am far from the stereotypical dumb blond. I have black hair with purple streaks and dark emerald tips. I like to be different. “Seems little Kory got into some chemicals…” “Oh No! Is he okay?” “We don’t know the paramedics got there in time but it really isn’t looking good. He broke into the child safety lock on the cupboard. It was below the sink. Do people ever learn?” “That is a good question Kieran. You would think they would learn from television and stuff but still things like this happen.” “I know, you would think…Mom and Dad went over to comfort them. You know they were good friends with Tony and Josie, actually they were named the god parents of Kory. It’s so sad.”

“Yup. Mom and Dad have known the Piersons since they were in school. Tony and Josie were jealous that mom had us twins when they couldn’t have any. Then they had Kory and this is what happens.” Kieran spoke in a sad voice I tried not bursting into tears but it failed. Kieran right away grabbed me into his arms and comforted me, like he always did when I broke down like this. It’s happened more than once. Many times before today, I would lie in my bed and I would have these strange nightmares of people who are about to die. Whether they be elders, adults, young adults, teenagers, kids, toddlers or babies. I would see them all die. Every time I would either scream, cry, or both. Kieran has always been there for me, and he still is even though we are like 18 years old. I know he will always be there for me how ever old we happen to be in the future. “It’s okay Kira, its okay. I am sure they will all be okay whatever the outcome is…all will be well…trust me.” I did trust him, I will trust him with my life forever. As we sat there mourning the loss of Kory, my mind wandered to when all this started happening. It was when I was 8 years old. “Mommy can I get a kitty pleeeeeeeeease!” I begged my mom when I was six years old. “I don’t know pumpkin, do you think you could handle a kitten?” My face scrunched up in an eight year old version of a sarcastic glare. So basically a pouty, no fair face. “Yes mommy I know I can. I will care about the kitty all I can.” “Okay if you are sure you can, I will let you have a kitty.” “YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!! Thank-you mommy.” I hugged my mom so tightly that very day. My mom took me to the pound to get a little kitty. It was a multi-coloured calico cat, that I named Mimi. I was spoiled when I was little. I always wanted this and that but my brother just asked for a lizard he named Calli, whom is still living to this day. So I had the cat and he had the lizard. So I had Mimi until I was 8 years old…I had a nightmare that Mimi was going to get sick and die in a day. I woke up screaming and my brother immediately came to my side and my parents as well. “Kira what’s wrong?” “Princess what’s wrong?” My dad asked me. “Pumpkin what’s wrong, are you hurt?” My mom asked me. I told them “Mimi…she…she…she’s going to…die.” I spoke between sobs. My dad then called my cat and she came as healthy and perky as ever. Nothing seemed to be wrong with her. “Kira, Princess you just had a nightmare, go back to sleep now okay.” I just nodded and went to sleep. A few days later, Mimi started acting different, like she was sick. I ran to my mom and she grabbed me because I was in tears. “What’s wrong?” She asked worried. “Mimi, she isn’t eating…no matter how much I give her. She isn’t eating or drinking! She just lies in her bed all day!” My mom inspected Mimi. “Mimi…Mimi wake up! Wake Up… Please Mimi Wake Up.” I yelled frantically. “Mommy what’s wrong with her!” “I don’t know, I’m calling the vet right now. We’ll get her in as soon as we can.” “Okay…” I sniffled. An 8 year old Kieran came to see the ruckus. Grumpy his sleep was interrupted. “What’s going on? I was in the middle of a good dream.” “It’s Mimi, we think she’s sick. Mommy’s calling the veterinary.” “Oh no, I am sorry.” Kieran said and hugged me, all traces of grumpiness gone and filled with worry. She came back and told me to get my coat on, the vet will see her right now. So I did. We arrived and I was told to stay out of the veterinarian office. I wanted to go but mom said it is best if I didn’t. She came back out without Mimi and the doctor. She had a sad face as she approached me. “Honey your cat is very sick.” “What’s wrong with her mommy? Will she get better?” My Mom was very silent for a while when she said to me, “I’m sorry pumpkin, she is going somewhere else. We can’t take her home.” It was then that I knew this was my nightmare coming true. I didn’t know how, but, I just knew that it was coming true. I was an eight year old little girl who foreseen my cats death in a nightmare. To be that young and have this happen it was traumatic. It was then that I became the quiet and weird kid, hiding the fact that I dream of deaths, exactly how they happen. I knew I was different then all the other kids. I knew if I told anyone then I would be considered more of a freak then I thought I was. I didn’t want that, so I just went through the motions of school. Not worrying about any of this, hoping it was a coincidence but secretly knowing it wasn’t. After that day, my parents and my brother never asked me if I have been dreaming of more deaths. Just like me, we all dismissed it as a weird coincidence. I never thought that it would continue after Mimi, but here I am 10 years later, 18 years old and I dream of death. What else could happen? My brother took me out of my memory as tears still streamed down my cheeks. Kieran was still there hugging me. I didn’t care, I wanted and needed the comfort. “Are you almost done crying sis?” He asked me in an even tone. “Yeah, I am. I don’t know why, but I always melt into a baby when someone close to our family dies. There was our great grandmother, from natural causes; Ashley our cousin, a car accident; and Ms. Stewarts, mom and dad’s friend from her house burning down. I just…I don’t know…” “You care a lot about people Kira, it’s a good thing.” “Yeah you are right, I do. I care about people, even ones who don’t deserve it.” I spoke to him in an even tone. It doesn’t help I saw them all die either. “We need more people like you Kira, don’t ever forget that Kira.” “I know people with hearts is a lost art, but…I am just tired. I am tired of always breaking down every single time…it’s exhausting.” “I can’t say I can relate to how you feel, I never will be able to…but it isn’t a bad thing…it is a good thing. I see it this way: the reason you react so strongly to deaths close to the family is because your heart is made of a light, and purest of golds. Your heart shines through you, and your emotions. Remember that Kira.” Kieran finished comforting me. I was silent as a smile formed on my face. “Ah, there she is, the Kira I know, love, and will do anything for her to keep her safe from sorrow and sadness.”

“You’re welcome Kira. Anyways I don’t know how long mom and dad are going to be, we should get to bed. We have school tomorrow. Good Night.” “Good Night Kier.” He left my room and I tried falling back asleep. I found myself waking up to a bright sunny morning. It was beautiful. I got up got dressed did my make-up and went downstairs searching for breakfast.

“We got back at like 3am. We stayed with the Piersons, while Kory got taken to the hospital. He isn’t dead yet, but he may stay there for a bit. I hope he comes through. Your father is sleeping. It was a rough night for all of us.” “I hope he does too, I really do. They don’t deserve something like this at all. It is just so unnatural for a six year old to die like that, well for any six years old to die really.” “I agree with you. Anyways, here is some bacon, toast, and eggs. We have chocolate milk, and juice in the fridge, as well as hot chocolate, tea and coffee. Pick what you wish to eat.” “Okay, thanks mom.” I grabbed the eggs, toast and bacon with a big glass of chocolate milk. Kieran came to the kitchen chipper and happy which is weird, shortly after I was done.” “Morning sleepy head, did you end up falling back asleep after last night?” I asked him. “Yes I did actually. Thank-you for asking mother” “What has you in a good mood today?” I asked bitterly jealous. “Well I heard from a friend who co-ops at the hospital last night, that little Kory seems to be doing just fine. It’s a miracle really. On top of that I had a very nice and tension free dream last night. It helped the whole anxiety of little Kory last night.” He spoke cheery. “Wait, you don’t have any friends who co-op at the hospital. I know all your friends.” “Of course I do, she is a new friend of mine, and her name is Angel Stormwell. You know me, I talk to everyone. So what’s for breakfast this morning mother dearest?” “Bacon, eggs, toast and whatever beverage you want. We have coffee hot chocolate…” I began zoning out when she was saying what she told me for our beverage choices. Something isn’t right here. How can he be all chipper after a night like last night, and he doesn’t have a friend who works in the hospital, and he certainly doesn’t have a friend named Angel Stormwell. I do know all his friends. When I first started dreaming of death, I made an effort to know everyone of his friends, my friends and anyone I can around us. Who knows what one person could accomplish when he/she is young and alive. I wonder if he just shakes off the 911 calls and deaths and whatever. My mom is sad I can tell. My dad is asleep, and I am trying not to be a wreck form the inevitable unfair consequences of parents. Kieran is happy, like he always is after things like this happen. He mourns when the time is appropriate. Hmmmm, very strange. I told my mom I am leaving early to study at the library for an upcoming test, when I actually was going to the hospital to snoop. I don’t know how I will manage that one. I could say I am visiting Kory because I used to baby-sit him, it is the truth. I also really don’t want him to die. I don’t even know how he can be doing well. It makes no sense. I got into my emerald green jeep that I love and sped down the road, into town and to the hospital. I went to the front desk and asked to visit Kory and his parents. I can say I am his baby-sitter, which is true; I can say I am technically his god sister, which is true as well; I’ll think of something. “Hello, I am here to see a patient” I said casually. “What is his or her name young lady?” The secretary spoke calmly. “His name is Kory Piersons. I am a family friend of his parents, and I baby-sit him.” “I am sorry, only immediate family allowed. I am sorry for the inconvenience.” I stood their trying to figure out what to do, when a lovely girl came rushing towards me and the secretary. “Misses Fern, is that Kira Torrence?” “I don’t know Miss Stormwell, she didn’t say her name. Is your name Kira Torrence? “Yes that’s me. Here.” I said as I showed her my driver’s license. “Yeah Angel it’s her, why?” Stormwell…Angel…Angel Stormwell, that’s the girl who Kieran claimed to be friends with. I have to find a way to get her and ask if she knows my brother. “Mr. and Mrs. Piersons Okayed for her to come into the room. Her and any other members of the Torrence family. They said if Mrs. Fern has any suspicions to give them a call in Kory’s room.” “Hmmmm, I’ll just go and call them just to make sure. I don’t want any hooligans messing with Kory’s healing time.” “Okay.” I said completely calm. “Okay” So Mrs. Fern called them up. After her phone call she looked at me and gave me the answer. “You can go on up. Stormwell can you bring her to their room?” “I certainly can Misses Fern, room 208 right?” “Yes 208.” “Thank-you. Come this way Kira I followed her as she led me to the room. I decided to take this moment and ask her if she knows Kieran. “Angel isn’t it? “Yes, how can I help you?” “Oh I was just wondering how you got a job here. Just out of my curiosity? If you don’t mind me asking.” “I don’t mind at all. I am actually here in a co-op program for my school. I want to be a doctor and this hospital helps me learn. I was an exception. Hospitals don’t allow high schoolers, but I was lucky. They loved how interested I was in this stuff. I am really honoured.” “Cool. So if you can answer, how is Kory Piersons doing anyways? Do you think he will survive?” “Honestly, I think he will. He is a small boy with a little body, and he did ingest some sort of chemical but he is still looking pretty good. He is a very lucky boy that the chemical didn’t kill him. It’s a miracle if you ask me.” “When did you figure out he was okay?” “We figured out, at 6 o’clock this morning.” “So not last night?” “Nope, it was too hard to tell last night. We needed him to stay overnight for observation.” “I see, another question that may seem odd…” “What is it Kira?” “Do you happen to know a Kieran Torrence? Did he ever enter this hospital ever since Kory got brought in?” “Ummmm, nope. I don’t even know your brother, he is your brother right? I can say I do hope to meet him. Well here is Kory’s room.” “Yeah, he’s my brother.” So he was lying, I knew it. He can’t hide the truth. Though if he did lie…how did he know? “Thank-you Angel, I appreciate it. So another question, what school do you go to? Again just curious.” “My you love asking questions…” She spoke as she chuckled and continued. “I attend Kinsun Avery High. I know the name is so unoriginal, but I like it there. What about you? You seem like a high school student, which school do you go to? If you don’t mind me asking.” It was my turn to chuckle. “I don’t mind at all, besides I asked you more than one question today so it’s only fair. I also attend Kinsun Avery High. Maybe I will see you there one day. If I do I wouldn’t mind, you seem like a nice person.” She blushed. “Well thank-you and hopefully we do some day see each other at school. I am sorry to cut this conversation short but I need to get back to my duties and shouldn’t you be in school right now?” “Nah, this is more important. I’ll come up with some excuse when I arrive. I’ll see you again I am sure. Now enjoy your co-op Angel.” “Enjoy you visit.” She spoke with a smile. I entered the door after I knocked a few times. I hugged both Josie and Anthony and sat next to Kory in the hospital bed.” “Thank-you for coming Kira, we appreciate it so much, and especially since it is a school day for you. Shouldn’t you be there right now?” Josie said with tears of happiness, sorrow and fear strolling down her face. “Hey visiting you guys in the hospital is more important, and besides I can come up with an excuse.” “We don’t want to be bad influences on you Kira.” Anthony said tired but amused. “You are hardly a bad influence on me. It’s okay my school should understand and my parents should understand. So how is Kory doing?” “Well, he is stable. Doctors say it’s a miracle.” Josie said relieved. “Yeah, we have heard ‘We have friends in high places’ so many times now.” Anthony spoke happy and annoyed. “Well you do. It’s amazing, and bewildering that Kory survived.” “Yeah.” “Do you mind if I sit with Kory for a bit? Don’t worry about school.” The two shared glances between them both until Anthony spoke to me. “It would be a pleasure. Josie and I could use something to eat. If anything happens to him while we are gone, don’t hesitate to get someone to page us okay Kira, we will be in the cafeteria.” “Righto Anthony. If things change I will call you guys right away.” “Thanks sweetie.” Josie spoke as she kissed my forehead. “We are so glad you came.” As soon as Josie finished speaking, they left the room for something to eat. I walked over to the chair beside the bed and took his hand. I quietly whispered to Kory. “Kory its Kee-ra…” He always pronounced my name Kee-ra it was so adorable…”Your mommy and daddy stepped out for a minute to get some food. They will be back soon.” I sat there and held his hand like he is my own child. I looked at the clock and it was 9:00. I am totally late for school. Mom isn’t gonna be pleased. When I get the chance I should call the school. I am 18 after all, I am a legal adult. After a while of sitting on the chair I started mumbling little hopes for Kory. I was mumbling softly that no one else could hear except myself and Kory if he understands a word I am saying. It was then that another vision of Kory’s death crept up into my mind. I saw myself staying in here with him, doing what I am doing now. I saw the EKG start to malfunction and a scared me freaking out. I saw myself call the nurses and doctors and then, they were calling Josie and Anthony. Anthony was holding me and Josie in his arms, and I was hugging Josie tightly. I saw myself mumble something quietly to myself. I couldn’t make the words out. Guess I’ll eventually figure out. After the vision faded the EKG started malfunction, so it was starting. “I NEED SOME HELP IN HERE!!!” As I yelled people came in to the room. I moved myself out near the door and yelled at some other workers to get Josie and Anthony back in here. “QUICK GET JOSIE AND ANTHONY PIERSONS BACK TO THEIR SONS ROOM! SOMETHING IS HAPPENING! THEY’RE IN THE HOSPITAL CAFETERIA!!!!!” I immediately felt tears come into my eyes. Josie and Anthony shortly came and Josie was bawling her eyes out. “I swear I didn’t do anything, it just happened all so suddenly.” I yelled defending myself. “We believe you Kira.” Josie said between tears. So me and Josie both were crying and like in my vision Anthony held on to both of us and I was hugging Josie amongst Anthony’s hug. “Please don’t die Kory. You’re too young to die Kory. It’s not your time to go, I will not let you die” I kept mumbling to myself quietly over and over again like I could actually do something about this situation and like I actually could save him by the power of my voice. “Please don’t die Kory. You’re too young to die Kory. It’s not your time to go. It’s not your time to go! IT’S NOT YOUR TIME TO GO!!! I WILL NOT LET YOU DIE!!!!” I realized I started yelling loud and panicky like my mom. No one was focused on me so I yelled once more with all my might and my voice panicked and filled with fear. “IT IS NOT YOUR TIME TO GO KORY MERRIK PIERSONS!! I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO LEAVE THIS WORLD!!” I screamed to the heavens from an unknown part of my heart and soul, in hopes that even though it can’t happen, he will live on. It was at 10 o’clock in the morning, that something incredible happened right then and there in the Avery Town Hospital.

I lay my hand above his heart for no more than 5 minutes...it wasn’t until after those mere minutes that I started feeling changes in his heart. His heart beat that once was on the brink of death, gradually quickening like an accelerando tempo. “See, I told you I wasn’t going to let you die Kory and I was telling the honest truth.” I started whispering to him. It was a few minutes after that I whispered one more thing to him before things returned to normal. “Apparently Kory, you do indeed have someone looking out for you. It just so happens to be me, Kee-ra and she doesn’t know why or how and is freaked out. Though I am glad you’re okay, welcome back Kory.” After I spoke those words my world, and the world around me returned to normal. No longer was it frozen and. the EKG returned to normal as well. Now the question is…how in the hell did I do that exactly. I suddenly felt exhausted. “EKG is no longer flat lining or malfunctioning, heart beat is normal…everything is normal. He is going to live. He has to stay here overnight though okay. Mr. and Mrs. Piersons, you have an angel watching over your family. We are sure this time he should stay stable. After a day without any malfunctions he can go home.” The Doctor spoke to all of us. “Thank the heavens, stars, clouds, and skies.” Josie spoke grateful, thankful and full of bliss. “It’s a miracle.” Anthony spoke happily. “It sure is.” I agreed with him. I looked at the clock and it was 10am. Oh boy. “Kira, we are going back to the cafeteria. Are you okay to stay here? I know you have school and all.” Anthony asked me “Yeah I am. Kory’s health is more important than school...at least in my books. You guys finish eating. If something happens again, I’ll call you again.” “Kira Rayven Torrence, always such a saint. Kory is lucky to have such a soul watching over him. Okay we’ll be back in a jiffy. When we get back we want to tell you something.” Josie spoke calmly. Then they left. Nothing will happen this time, I am rather sure of it. 20 minutes later Josie and Anthony were back and we all sat in Kory’s hospital room. They readied themselves to speak to me. “We really want to thank you for showing up here today.” Josie thanked me. “Even though I am missing school” I asked amused. “Yes, even though you are missing school.” Anthony spoke chuckling. “We don’t know why but I myself as well as Anthony feel that if you hadn’t shown up, Kory wouldn’t have been alive.” Josie said with a grateful tone to her voice. “I agree. Somehow we feel he wouldn’t be alive right now if you weren’t here. So thank-you very much Kira” “We also want to thank-you for baby-sitting Kory when we wanted to be alone or when we have a date night.” Josie added to their thank-yours. “We also wanted to let you know that, even though you are our sitter…” Josie started the sentence. “We also think of you as our own daughter.” Anthony finished the sentence. I waited for a bit to be sure they were done expressing their gratitude towards to me. When it seemed they were done speaking, I spoke to them. “Thank-you for your kind words, I too feel like we are family. I have every intention of continuing my baby-sitting for you guys. I didn’t mind coming here today. In fact, I will visit you again later after school. My mom is probably freaking out so I should get going and clear everything up. I’ll see you later.” “Okay we’ll see you then.” They both said as I left. I went past the secretary to the entrance, out the door, and lastly to my Jeep. Man that was weird. I saved Kory’s life, by reviving him. I knew it wasn’t his time to leave this earth. How in the hell did I know that, and not to mention how Josie and Anthony felt afterwards. They both agreed they felt like if I wasn’t there, Kory wouldn’t have survived without me. I am so confused. I decided to call the school on my cell. ‘Hello, Kinsun Avery High how can I help you?” A cheery secretary spoke into the phone. “Yes, this is Kira Torrence. I am calling to tell you I am late because I have been at the hospital visiting. I didn’t expect to be this long but I was. Stuff ended up happening and I needed to be there. I am on my way to school now. I should be there in 10-20 minutes or less.” “Okay I will call all of your teachers and let them know you’re on your way. Your mother has been frantic and worried sick about you. You should call her.” The voice spoke still cheery. “Thank-you, I will be there soon and I will let my mom know where I am at.” I hung up and called my mother. “Kira Rayven Torrence! Where have you been!? I was worried sick! You said you were going to the library, where did you go instead?! Was it a guy? You better not have been with a guy or guys! You swore you have changed and are a different person then what you once were in your dark past, remember? At the beginning of the summer you swore your oath to me! I don’t want to have any more disease or pregnancy scares from you young lady! Tell me right this instant!” My mom’s horrified, worried, frantic, and angry voice came from the phone. “Mom calm down. I didn’t go to the library and I didn’t go with some guy to a lame ass, dingy and dirty motel to have sex. Instead I went to the hospital to visit Josie, Anthony and Kory. I wasn’t expecting to stay so long. I let them go eat until they had to get called back into Kory’s room.” “Oh my gosh! What happened?” Worry for Kory pierced my mom’s voice. “I don’t know, one minute he was fine and the next he was flat lining. I stayed to offer comfort. It actually turned out to be Anthony hugging me and Josie, while I was hugging Josie amongst Anthony hugging both of us.” “Is Kory alright?” My mom asked with tears in her voice. “Yeah, by the time I left he was stable.” “Thank the heavens.” “Yeah I know. Anyways after he was stabilized I let them finish eating. Thankfully this time when they left, Kory didn’t flat line. They told me before that after they came back from eating they wanted to talk to me. They thanked me for being there with them as well as thankful for the comfort I gave them. They also told me that they feel like I am a part of their family. I plan on going back to the hospital after school to see how Kory is doing now, see if anymore complications have happened since I left. I already called the school and explained why I am so late. The school secretaries understand. So I am fine, Kory’s fine, Josie’s fine, and Anthony is fine. All is well. Now I should hang up and get to school.” “Well that is terrific! Yes Kira you should get to school. We do not need you to fail at the beginning of the year.” “Yes mom. Bye, I love you.” “I love you too sweetie. Behave.” “Yes.” Then I hung up. I raced to school and stopped at the office. We were in the second half of the morning period by the time I got to class. “Dude, Kira where have you been?” My best friend Mercy Mercedes asked me concern in her voice. “Yeah, were you with Brad again?” My other best friend Justice Junction asked me. “Dude, me and Brad have been over for like forever. He’s already moved on to some cheerleader… I think it was Cherissa, you know the bimbo skank who’s slept with every jock ever created in this school.” “Ah, yes so where were you then for the first half of the morning? You missed Drama. We started some sort of Shakespearean monologue, script project.” Justice spoke to me.” “Kira you’re sure you weren’t with Brad, or even Lucas, what about Chad? Darren? Wait what about Tomek? You weren’t with that sleaze Rexler again were you? He was the worst out of all of them. He was like Satan reborn. ” My other best friend Carlos Cyrano asked me. “No!” You know every time I am late doesn’t mean I am with a guy.” “You are sure; you do have a reputation going around the school you know.” Mercy clarified.” “Yeah. Ever since last year with Myrick. He said that you left him to be a hooker.” Justice mentioned to me.” “No! He just spread that rumour around because I wouldn’t sleep with him. I had two pregnancy scares already in that year. Besides hookers, do business at night. I dropped that whole other me at the beginning of the summer. It’s a new me” “Right, I believe you fully. I bet your hooker name is Kraven Kitty” Carlos replied completely not believing me. “Shut up Carlos!” I yelled a little bit too loud the teacher heard and confronted me. “Miss Torrence! You come in late and disrupt my class. I don’t care where you were, be silent.” I sunk into my chair and nodded my head in agreement. Six pairs of eyes still wanted an answer so I quickly and quietly spoke to them all. “I’ll explain at lunch” All of our focus went to the teacher’s intro on what to expect in Creative Writing. As well as mentioning different writing genres. Time went on, class was eventually over and it was time for lunch. I knew that three curious minds would be waiting for an explanation of this morning’s tardiness. “So spill it!” An impatient Mercy blurted out as I sat down at our usual table. “Why were you so late this morning?” ‘Yes you have to give us the details.” Justice added to the enthusiasm and the wonder. “I still think she was with a guy.” Carlos spoke to me. “Carlos I have not been with a guy like I used to be since the end of school last year. Frankly I haven’t even had a boyfriend or even sex for that matter in a while! I gave up that side of me!” “Kira, too much info.” Carlos spoke disgusted. “You keep asking I will tell you the truth of my statuses with guys. I haven’t even been on a date in a few months. I gave up that wild side of jumping from guy to guy nonsense at the beginning of summer. I said I am done with that all. Too much drama and too much scares… disease and pregnancy! Now if you are done with your false accusations, I will explain where I was.” “Okay, I’ll stop.” Carlos gave. “Okay. The truth guys is, I was in the hospital.” “OH MY GOD! WHAT HAPPENED? ARE YOU ALRIGHT.’ Mercy spoke in her usual worrisome voice. “Calm down I am fine. Last night there was a 911 call on our street. It woke me and my family up.” I can’t possibly tell them I was awake beforehand from a mysterious dream vision of the exact same death, with the exact same person and family. “Oh, who was it? I hope it wasn’t the nice little Piersons family…you baby-sit their little boy…Kory isn’t it?” Justice said hiding worry in his voice but I detected it. “That is who exactly it was. The Piersons called 911 after their little boy guzzled some chemical under the sink.” “Oh no, is Kory okay?” Mercy exclaimed. “Of course not, he guzzled some harsh chemical.” Carlos stated negatively. A debate started between the fate of Kory’s life and different chemicals that could have shortened his life. “Guys be quiet. Stop jumping to conclusions…” They immediately shut up. “Kory is surprisingly alive. This morning I was at the hospital with Anthony, Josie and Kory. I decided to go there to dig up dirt on my brother. He claimed to be friends with this girl who told him Kory was alright. Turns out they didn’t know he was okay until today. Kieran claimed that he got told Kory was okay by the girl at the hospital he claimed was his friend. Kieran was way too happy after the night we had last night. I was suspicious so I nosed around at the hospital and figured out what I told you just now.” They all stared at me gesturing to continue. “So I got the info I wanted and decided to visit the Piersons. They have been by Kory’s side since yesterday. They asked if I could watch Kory while they ate food in the cafeteria, I said yes. Sometime later the EKG started malfunctioning and Kory a little boy of six years, started flat lining. I was there comforting Josie, while Anthony hugged Josie and myself.” “Wow an interesting morning. You said Kory is okay, how is he okay when he was flat lining.” Justice asked me. “Well what happened was incredible…” Yeah, I managed to save Kory by saying phrases over and over again until I yelled ‘It is not your time to go Kory Merrik Piersons!!!!!’ quietly, filled with heart and filled with soul. Then I somehow stopped time magically, made his heart beat properly bringing him back to life. I gave him the life he is supposed to live. I thought quietly to myself and continued. “Kory’s EKG went back to normal and was no longer flat lining. It was a miracle really. Josie and Anthony went back to finish eating and Kory was still okay by the time I left for school.” “Well what an event filled morning wouldn’t you say Carlos? Do you still think she is still jumping from guy to guy?” Mercy questioned Carlos. “No I believe her. I am sorry for the things I said to you in class.” Carlos apologized. “That’s okay Carlos.” “So anything else happen in the hospital, or was it just the Kory excitement?” Justice asked eager to know all the details and gossip. Nosy guy. He is not gay either he is straight. “Well not really. Josie and Anthony talked to me after they got back from eating. They basically just thanked me for being there with them in the hospital.” “Well that’s nice of them.” “Yeah…so what did I miss in first period? Please update me” “Nothing really, all we did is just looked up Shakespeare monologues. We have to recite a monologue written by Shakespeare, or we can partner up with one other person to perform a scripted scene.” Mercy recapped for me. “Cool, so are you guys partnered up with anyone?” I asked all my three friends. “Yes. Me and Carlos are partners. Justice has no partner.” “Is that so, what no one wanted to be partners with you, or you wanted to work alone?” I asked jokingly. “No one asked me to be partners, and I don’t mind speaking Shakespearean by myself. It is rather fun.” “Darn, because I would’ve been your partner no problem. Me and you are one of the best people who can grasp the works of William Shakespeare, but if you want to work alone it’s okay with me.” I teased. “Darn, because I wouldn’t have minded if I was partners with you. As you said we are two of the best people who do understand the works of William Shakespeare very well” He teased back at me. I’ve been friends with Justice ever since we were babies. We are one of the better William Shakespeare comprehenders in the world...or…at least in our class. We also both love Shakespeare and joke about it all the time. “You’re sure you can handle my Shakespearian knowledge, or would it make you feel like less of a man?” I asked teasingly. “Understanding Shakespeare is not something that makes a guy a man. Standing up for women they care about, being themselves, doing what’s right makes a man a man.” He teased jokingly knowledgeable. “Oh is that so. Well I thought, what makes a man a man is: trying to get laid, being with every girl he can possibly be with, and being as buff as he possibly can get makes a guy a man. ‘Your knowledge is wack, my lady.” “Oh just be partners already guys.” Mercy said with a smile. “Yes please before this gets even more gagtastic.” Carlos spoke also with a smile. “Okay let’s be partners, partner.” I said to Justice.” “Yes let’s be partners, partner.” Justice said to me. “Finally, you guys can go on FOREVER, when you have your best friend since forever moments.” Mercy said amused. “You are totally right Mercy. They can go on and on.” Carlos agreed quickly. We just laughed and smiled. Lunch went on; we talked all the way through lunch about Shakespeare stuff. Justice may come over to talk about our Drama project depending when I get home. We may be good Shakespearean actors, but every actor or actress needs to prepare and practice.

“I love this class. I learn stuff about computers and cameras. Together you can use the knowledge of this equipment and do any movie/computer related projects.” I said excitedly. “Well that was a brilliant description of what you can do with what you learn in this class.” “Shut up Justice.” I said as I elbowed him. “So what are we learning today?” “Today is the basic safety precautions when using the computer and camera. The basics we need to know for this class in case anything happens while we are here.” “Ah okay.” “So it’s going to be a rather boring class, but important.” “Yeah I guess.” Me and Justice made it through this class with ease. It was indeed incredibly boring but again necessary. Our next class was spare with Carlos and Mercy. The bell rang and we made our way to the cafeteria which is where we go to meet up and decide what we are going to do for our spare. “Well what shall we do for spare today?” Mercy asked openly. “Well, it’s last period, so why don’t we leave for home. We are all 18 and licensed drivers. We can leave if we want.” Carlos suggested to us. “Hey how about we go for pizza at Bartelli’s. Bartelli’s has great pizza, pizza that isn’t too greasy, not to saucy and pizza that is just plain delicious.” Justice suggested to us. “Oh yeah, I could totally go for pizza. It would be a good thing to eat before I go to the hospital again. I told the Piersons that I will come by again after school.” “So you are seriously not just with a guy…or guys?” Carlos asked once again, just to make sure. “YES!! FOR THE HUNDREDTH TIME I AM NOT WITH ANY GUY OR GUYS FOR THAT MATTER!!! The Piersons are like my other family before and after Kory! I have known them for a while and even more when I started baby-sitting Kory!!” “Okay, calm down I am just making sure. Yes, pizza does sound good. Let’s go.” Carlos spoke as he finally dismissed this repetitive conversation. “Agreed, let’s go to Bartelli’s.” Mercy spoke after Carlos. So we left the caf and went to the office to sign out early. I got into my Jeep as well as Justice, Mercy and Carlos got into their cars. I was the leader and they followed me to Bartelli’s. We soon arrived at the pizza place and grabbed an extra large for all of us to share. “Mmmmm this pizza is so delicious. It never seizes to amaze me, and fill me up with deliciousness. It’s a little slice of Heaven.” I spoke as I chomped on my slice. “Kira, you do know that what you just said could have a dirtier second meaning right?” Justice mentioned as he laughed. “Oh, I didn’t realize that what I said could have a dirtier meaning.” I spoke cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Justice, get your mind out of the gutter!” Mercy yelled to Justice.” “Oh come on Mercy, you know you were thinking it too. Not just Justice. The thought had crossed my mind as soon as the words were in the air.” Carlos accused them and not me. “I’ll just watch what I say now. You guys all have dirty minds.” I accused all of them.” “Oh please Kira, your mind isn’t as squeaky clean as you claim it is.” Justice accused me this time. “Whatever.” Was my glorious come back. We sat there talking and enjoying our pizza. Eventually, Justice asked me about the hospital and Kory’s miraculous recovery. “So you are sure that he was flat lining and that he came to, phenomenally…even though all evidence proved he was clinically dead?” He asked curiously. “Yes, I am positive. One minute he was like dead and the next he was alive.” No thanks to me and my creepy, freaky, unnatural and eerie ass power I suddenly possess that saved him. I thought quietly to myself like I always do. “Helloooo…Earth to Kira…are you there in your head? Justice asked you if you are sure he swallowed chemicals?” Mercy spoke to me, while waving her hand in front of my face, trying to get my attention. “Yes I am sure. I am 100 percent sure, that he ingested bleach. It wasn’t anything else.” I exclaimed exasperated. “Bleach? How do you know it was bleach? People are just saying chemical.” Carlos asked me. I then realized that my secret of the death dreams could have been out, until I realized I could say something that will make sense and isn’t the real reason I said what I said. The reason is, I saw him drink bleach in my death dream and I am getting fed up with getting asked if I am sure. “I visited them at the hospital, and got the info there.” “Makes sense.” Justice spoke ending the conversation, but not necessarily believing me. “I guess it does. Anyways new topic, any ideas on what you are doing for the Drama project?” Mercy asked us moving this conversation along its way. “Hmmmm, haven’t really thought of that actually. I just got my partner you know… after the class was over.” He said smiling at me. “Hey, I am sorry I was fulfilling a very important duty at the hospital. If I have time after I leave I’ll call you and we can meet.” “Okay, cool.” He said happy and cheery. Too cheery. “What about you guys? What are you thinking of doing?” I asked Carlos and Mercy. “Something along the lines of Midsummer’s Night Dream.” Mercy said excitedly. “Yeah along the lines of that play. Not sure on what characters though, we may be the faeyries.” Carlos said kind of bored at the subject, or was he just uncomfortable with Shakespeare? Meh, whatever. So we continued eating and soon it was time for me to go back to the hospital. “Hey guys, I am going to go back to the hospital. Justice if I get out early enough, I will call you to come over or something.” He nodded and I left out the door. I went to my jeep and drove to the hospital. This visit is intended for me to see what’s up with Kory and his parents. I don’t plan on nosing around to find dirt on the statement that Kieran spoke to me. I figured that out earlier. He doesn’t know Angel, and the hospital didn’t get the results of his status until after Kieran said he knew Kory will be okay. “I’m baaaack, Mrs. Fern. Can I go to Kory Piersons room?” “Ah, Miss Torrence right?” “Yup.” I said as I showed my id again to her. “Great. The Piersons wish to talk to you, and I am to let you go. Do you remember the room number?” “Yes I do and thank-you. So how is Kory?” I asked hesitantly. “I’ll let you hear it from Mr. and Mrs. Piersons.” She said normally. “Okay, I should get going.” I said and walked towards the room they were in. “Kira! You came back!” Josie yelled excited and happy.” “Yes Kira welcome back! Did you get in trouble by your school?” Anthony asked concerned. Ah Anthony, always caring whether I get into trouble or not. “Nope, I did not, you don’t have to worry or feel guilty. How is Kory?” Smiles immediately claimed Josie and Anthony’s faces. “He is very well. He hasn’t had another slip ever since this morning. The doctors say that any signs of ingested bleach up and disappeared. He is as healthy as a horse now. The doctors say that if this keeps up we can take him home tomorrow.” Josie spoke happily. “Well that is just amazing! I am so happy for you guys.” I exclaimed out loud, happy, and joyously. “We are too. What is more amazing and incredible is the fact that the doctors said that he will wake up sometime soon.” Anthony spoke filled with joy. “That is truly amazing Anthony and Josie. You guys are so lucky.” “We know. We want to thank you again for this morning. We don’t know how to thank you enough. We still feel like if you weren’t there, Kory would be dead right now. It’s odd but true” “We really don’t know why, but we just feel it. We aren’t trying to freak you out either.” “I am not freaked out, so don’t worry.” “Okay…so how was school? Learn anything new?” Anthony asked me. “Yes have you learned anything, or met any cute boys?” Josie asked me wanting to hear the latest gossip. Well at least they are happier than this morning. “It’s the beginning of the year, so right now it’s just a bunch of intros to what we are going to learn…well except for Drama. The only class that I missed this morning was Drama and we got a Shakespeare project. We have to perform a monologue or a two actor/actress scene. I am partnered with Justice, Mercy and Carlos are partners.” “Well Shakespeare should be fun, but can be all sorts of complicated to comprehend.” “Actually me and Justice can comprehend Shakespeare’s works of art, and will enjoy performing them to the class.” “Well that is good.” We continued chatting about different things in the room. When yet another miracle happened. Kory, who has been poisoned, asleep, dead, and then alive was now awake. We were just getting to talking about how my family is, when we heard him choking on the oxygen tube that was jammed down his throat. “Doctors, Nurses everyone come in here we need help! “Josie screamed happily. Instantaneously multiple hospital workers filed into the room. Everyone began doing everything they had to help this boy who woke up and can breathe on his own. Just six years old. After a while of fiddling with things the doctors left and it was just me, Josie, Anthony and a now awakened Kory. “Oh my precious baby boy!” Josie spoke and ran to her child. “Oh Kory, thank the heavens.” Anthony spoke as he ran to Kory too. “Mommy, daddy!” Kory spoke after his parents. I am so glad he is alive. “Oh. Baby! You know who else is here?” Josie asked her six year old. “Kee-ra?!” He spoke and his face lit up like a star. It made me smile broadly. I know he can pronounce my name properly but, I love it when he pronounces it Kee-ra. “Hey their Kory. I’ve been waiting with your mommy and daddy while you were asleep.” I said in a calm and tender voice. “KEE-RA!!!” Kory shouted happily as he ran towards me for a hug from his bed. “Whoa, take it easy Kory. You just got up after you were really sick.” “Am I okay?” Kory asked worried. “Yes my little Kory, you are okay now.” Josie said soothing her little Kory.