Throwback

"Utazimala!" a young voice alarmed following a continuous thunderstorm. It was totally monstrous, cloudy and rainy. Lightening struck everywhere. The trees were dancing to the tune of the wind, rustling to and fro for their precious lives. Only two individuals were left behind.

"You can't escape this time!" another voice echoed following him around but he could not see well due to the fog. "You won't find me even if you try!" the voice answered trying to hide among the smoky areas with an unnoticed face. The pursuer had a strict young face, with scars all around his hand looking so pale as harmattan as he joined both his hand to do something.

"Dan ti ut mo ma sin talaman kata zin," the young voice yelled again and the smoke disappeared. Suddenly, there was noisy calmness everywhere. The two faded gradually and only one of them was left to talk to himself. Looking around in desperation, he dropped his hand angrily.

"Damn you! I won't spare you next time! Rety what you stole from me!" the other voice screamed echoing in the deserted place. "Zuta!" he exclaimed energetically and disappeared into the midst.

The forest trees moved violently against each other. The sun rays shone directly on the sun providing heat. The chirping of birds were heard with flowers opening up to sunlight and bees hurrying up before night approaches to gather honey .The atmosphere was too hot for beach time.

The sounds of students' footsteps drew closer revealing a tertiary institution full of students on their break, others cheering players while some playing basketball and the rest serving as audience.

"Wait! Clara," Nathan muttered racing towards me as I was running to the exit to change. I turned back and saw my childhood friend calling out to me. Taking a deep breath, I slowed my pace so he could catch up. "You didn't come for biology classes?" Nathan said panting and I nodded.

"I was late so I didn't bother." He looked at me laughing. His lips pursed for a moment when I returned a light smile. Throwing his eyes hapazardly, it felt as if he wanted to say something which he found difficult to.

"Meet me at the lovers bench I want to show you something." As I checked the time on my watch, my eyes widened in surprise.

I nodded again before giving him a high five. He winked an eye at me. This kind of made me confused. Looking back, he adds, "Don't forget." I rushed back to the dressing room.

When I opened the door, Jess, Tricia and Kate and Lucy sat opposite each other taking off their cheerleader boots and untying their hair. Kate was as usual distant from me sometimes. She continued lacing her her shoes without looking at my direction.

"So how was it?" I rattled trying to locate a seat near them. "You did pretty well there Clara," Jess commented and smiled at me.

Tricia, on the other hand did something I wasn't expecting. She looked at me in horror and said, "Don't you have class now?" I freaked out checking my watch.

Sighing, I lifted my head and glared at all of them. "You're right, see you guys later." Smiling lightly at them, I knew I was really late so I tried to speed up and run out.

I saw other girls moving towards the same direction so I joined them. In the midst of the chaos I couldn't see my foot nor anything. The atmosphere was so noisy as everyone wanted to reach the class on time. Fortunately, the chaos cleared on time, but my books had fallen down when I crashed with someone. As I gathered them, I saw below me a boy in black long boots probably about sixteen to seventeen years in all black: black men jeans , black t-shirt with white spots drawing a star and a watch as I gradually stood up.

He was moving with a sudden swiftness which was pretty weird. He had a rounded shaped head, black curly hair which fell down perfectly, bonniest blue sparkling eyes and the sweetest smile that drew my attention quickly and most of all his fresh fair complexioned skin which were as bright as diamonds. When he realized I was watching him he turned back racing towards me as if to ask why I was looking at him.

I became immobile at that moment. My heart was racing thousand meters and beating so fast like beats from heaven on the Judgement day. When he was drawing closer with his mesmerizing eyes I just stood there thinking of what to say.

Just when I had gathered my thoughts and he was about to meet with me, my head jerks up with a yell. "Clara!" Tricia yelled pulling me towards her after she grabs my hand. Suddenly my mind drew back to reality .

"What are you doing here?" she asked curiously. I looked around wondering in thoughts.

"...uh nothing. I thought I saw someone." I stammered while pointing the hall but no one was there. "Are you okay?" she asked concerned. Not wanting to worry her, I nodded sharply in return. I was so confused at this point so I was walking slowly, step by step wondering if I was daydreaming.

Finally pulling myself together, I followed Tricia immediately to Algebra class. I knew I was late as usual. Grinning, the normal thing to do was simply to throw my bag for Jess, move slowly through the wall sides and then squat when I'm almost there. Then finally I'll jump and get seated, and I can say that's exactly what I did.

"Solve them for me now, and," Mrs. Susan taught turning to watch me as I tried to dodge her. Turning back to the projector, she continued, "And submit them before break." Dropping the pointer on the table, she grabbed her laptop as if she didn't see me.

"Phew! Jess guess who I saw before coming here," I exclaimed. She looked at me quite disturbed and started rattling names. "Courtney?" she asked but I shook my head.

"Catherine?" I squeezed my lips and shook my head. "Tell me! You're making me nervous." she said curiously smiling.

I took my books out of my bag and nodded. "Well I'm not sure but I think I saw a boy our age."

Immediately I said this she looked at me discontented while turning away. "That's it?"

Dropping my bag over the chair, I looked around and sighed. "Am not done! He had something. I don't know...special," I explained. She smiled and quickly pushed her hair to me. "Now you're talking. Tell me more."

I looked around again before narrating "He had the perfect black curly hair which could drive any girl crazy," I added. I could see the effect in her eyes and the eagerness in every word I said.

When I was about to continue with my story, I saw five fingers on my desk playing beats continuously. As I raised my head to see who they belonged to, it seemed familiar.

"So Clara how was the class today?" Mrs. Susan asked after staring at me with fierce eyes making me shiver. I glanced the room as everyone's eyes was on me. I turned back silently to her gulping calmly.

Tricia quickly turned around and kept quiet. As I was left alone to deal with her,I stammered trying to find my feet, "Algebras?"

She took off her glasses and gave me a horrifying stare, "You think I didn't see you. I'd report you to the principal for this."

She put back on her glasses and started walking away. "Wait!" I yelled. She turned back expecting me to plead with her, but I got up instead.

"Remove bracket and group like terms, equate to zero and solve for x , and that's a wrong question ma'am," I added. My answer created a noisy atmosphere in the class.

I looked down in shame but I realized it wasn't me they were laughing at but her. She modeled to me and wrote something on my book and then left the class. When I bent down my head to peep at what she had written, it said, "WELL DONE."

I smiled although I was still confused because I hadn't even seen the projected lecture. Closing bell had tolled so I got up quickly and put my books in my bag before proceeding to walk towards Tricia.

"You're awesome!" Tricia winced as everyone gathered around me demanding for my trick. I couldn't think of what to say but someone pulled me by my hand and dragged me out.

Before I realized, I was already at the hallway.

"You never seem to amaze me," he suggested while laughing at him. I kicked him on the leg. He stared at me surprised and hopping. "Oouch! Why did you do that?" he argued as I frowned.

"It's not funny. I almost got suspended," I replied. Pissed off, I started walking away. "Wait! I was just kidding," he explained but I didn't mind him.

He shook his head as he watched me leave. Walking along the hall, I met Jess on the way.

"Did Nathan tell you to meet him?" she asked and I nodded. Her eyes sparkled with joy after I ended my statement. "You're so dumb, can't you see the guy's into you?" she rattled.

I furrowed my eyebrows in disapproval. "No, we're just friends." But she kept on insisting, "Can't you see the way he looks at you? Give him a chance."

I was quite disturbed with this news. My best friend was in love with me? I think she's overreacting. I walked out on Jess in thoughts towards my locker packing my books It was lemon in color with an inscription "love is all" in black and white spots around it.

When I removed an algebra notebook, a small note in red fell off. I got down to take a look at it.

"To Clara Dickson, a summer night party is held at the Black Street. I'd entreat you to attend."

I was wondering who had left this without a name. Could it be Nathan? I thought rushing back to my house. I called Tricia and sent her a picture of the letter. She was sure it was Nathan. Texting back, she told me to go but be careful.

I dropped my phone and looked at the letter again thinking,before walking into the kitchen. "Mom, I'm going out," I commented in a red flashy dress with red high heels and pearls necklace which mom gave me.

"It's late. Can't you stay back?" mom answered. I looked away immediately and rushed to my room to changed. She glared at me hesitantly until I stepped out running over to a taxi.

When I got there, I was speechless. There were trees everywhere moving violently against each other. Bats song could be heard and the croaks of frogs were all around. The chirping of birds was scarce.

I was extremely terrified to get off the carat first. After gathering courage, I stepped out allowing my feet to lead me. As I took each step, it felt as if I was stepping on something delicate.

After walking for sometime, I heard weird noises from the bushes which were shaking, but gradually I came across a tall ancient building in the midst of the tall trees. This gave me more hope to continue. But as I dived deeper into the forest I heard whispers from ghosts probably and the more I went deeper the darker it became. Silhouettes of trees drew goblins and other creepy things. As I walked I felt a tap on my shoulder which was pretty cold.

When I turned back to inquire, no one was there. This was the last straw, I thought before running away hurriedly. The place looks incredible though. I started having second thoughts when I turned back. "I'll try," I accentuated while walking back.

I went deeper according to the description in the letter. I suddenly stopped when I heard two voices conversing.

I stood behind one of the trees eavesdropping "Sire, we've not found them," one said referring to the master.

"You idiot, find them no matter what!" the master shouted. This sent spikes down my spine and the servant left immediately. I was afraid so I took a step back unconsciously. But I accidentally broke a twig on the floor and this alarmed the master.

"Who's there? Show yourself if you want to live!" he yelled.

My heart was pounding vigorously but I kept on hiding behind a tree and covered my mouth. The party seemed to be over as people were exiting from the main entrance from afar. I stood there for minutes thinking of how to escape. I checked around and then without wasting time I run as quick as possible.

My pursuer was undoubtedly faster so he caught up with me in no time.

I stood quietly looking around for any hideout. My feet were hurting terribly. "You humans are so weak," he said laughing.

I was about to ask him why he was chasing me when he confirmed, "Your eyes, they seem...familiar." Standing in front of me, he said, "Finally, you're the one!"

I was confused as to why he was saying that. The trees moved intensely fast. My vision grew dim. "You have to tell me where it is," he chorused about to attack me. But a hand grabbed me by my mouth and carried me with an unimaginable speed from his clutches.