17 KiB
Chapter 17
Packing took almost no time at all, as no one really had that much they were looking to take with them. Everyone was excited for the beach and were all acting out of the ordinary! Sarah was giddy and trembling with excitement, running around looking for clothes to wear and helping other to pack their luggage. Tamil stumbled around his room wildly, trying to find his suitcase. When asked why he needed it, he would answer “You take suitcase with you when travel, yes?” Abraham found his response hilarious and pointed out that he didn’t need to pack anything...just a towel. Michelle was in her room packing. She had been to the beach before, and already had some idea of what she was doing. She had a small bag of towels, a book, and her swimsuit. Katie was by far the most reluctant to pack. She seemed a little reluctant, but in the end, she couldn’t her excitement at the thought of seeing it for the first time. Abraham didn’t have much to pack, as he had very little to call his own. It was by far Calypso and Asher that were acting the most out of character. Calypso had never looked so excited before. The thought of going to the ocean had affected her attitude and actions greatly. Rather than shyly shuffle around the house, doing whatever she could to help out, here she was happy, and bouncing around the house, asking everyone if they needed any assistance and trying her hardest to contain herself, and failing at it. Asher on the other hand was nervous. He seemed kind of distant now and a lot more on edge. He was nervous about going to the beach where there was no protection from the sun and, furthermore, he would have to turn into Ashley for the journey up there. He was also packing his bags, but along with his swim trunks and clothes, he was packing monstrous amounts of sunblock and Abraham even saw him squeeze an umbrella in. He was taking all the precautions necessary.
“Abraham, a moment before you all leave.” Abraham turned to see Solomon standing by the door. He walked outside and joined him in the hallway. “What is it?” Abraham asked. “Since my spirit is tied to this house, I can’t go with you all, but I trust all of you to stay safe and look out for one another.” Solomon explained. “Right.” Abraham said with a grin. “Abraham, you may not be a monster or a supernatural being…but you are, without a doubt, one of us.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out seven tickets for a train. “Catch the 11:45 train to take you to Key West. If all runs smoothly, you’ll reach your destination by 1:30.” Abraham nodded and stuck the tickets in his back pocket. “I’ll take good care of them.” Abraham said. Solomon suddenly became very serious and leaned close to Abraham. “Listen, child…there are three things you need to keep in mind on this trip. The first is that the full moon is only a week away. Michelle will be acting a little odd, as this comes closer. Try to keep her calm and keep her focused on the beach…not on the lunar calendar. Second, Katie is just starting to get used to you…but don’t push your luck. She’s got a long way to go before she trusts you. I suggest keeping some distance between you two.” “I understand.” Abraham whispered. “Finally…Asher is walking into very dangerous territory going to the beach with you. I almost don’t want him too go, but I don’t want him to miss out either. Listen, keep an eye on his condition. If he starts burning, tiring out, or sweating really bad, get him out of the sun and somewhere shady fast.” Abraham nodded, considering the possibility of messing up or the thought of Asher dying. It was enough to make him shiver.
“Hey Abraham, you coming?” Abraham looked to see that everyone had gathered downstairs. They were all carrying large bags and were waiting on him. Abraham couldn’t understand the need for bags as big as they were carrying. “I’m here, what’s up?” Abraham asked. Michelle looked around the room at everyone. “Okay, we’re almost ready to go. Abraham has our train tickets and we have our supplies, tents, and food. Now there’s only two things left to do. First, Katie and Sarah, take these.” Michelle handed Katie and Sarah two giant suitcases each. Both had wheels on the bottom for them to roll. “When we get to the train station, you two will hold those on either side of you to cover your lower half as you move. Once we reach the ticket booth, it will be up to Calypso and Tamil to make a distraction while you two board. Any questions?” “No.” Katie answered. “We understand.” “Excellent, and lastly,” Michelle turned to Asher who was standing behind the group, looking quite nervous, “you need to get changed.” Asher grimaced and nodded. “Fine…gimme a sec.” Asher breathed in slowly and then shot a dangerous glare at Abraham and Sarah “Don’t laugh.” Suddenly Asher’s body began to turn darker and darker until it looked like a living shadow. The shadow began to shrink and remold itself until, standing in the middle of the room where Asher had been was the small form of Ashley. “Okay, I’m ready.” “Not yet your not.” Michelle laughed. “Go put on your dress and hat. We gotta keep the sun off of you.” Ashley sighed and walked off to go get changed. “Abraham, while we’re going there, Ashley is going to pretend to be your little cousin. Keep to that story, okay?” “Uh, right.” Abraham said nervously. Though the thought was funny, he also feared what Asher would think of this plan. A few moments later, Ashley walked back in wearing a large brimmed hat and a cute yellow dress. She looked adorable…but also very pissed. The others were stifling giggles. “What’s so funny?” Ashley snapped. “Nothing,” Michelle smiled, “but we need to get going now.” “How do we get there?” Abraham asked. The question had been on his mind for a while as to how they got to the train station. It was about 30 miles away…how would they get there without arousing suspicion? Solomon suddenly stepped beside Abraham and dropped a set of keys in his hand. “There’s a van out back…used to be mine. It should have enough gas to get you there.” Solomon explained. “Abraham, you’re the one who looks the most normal…you’ll drive.” Calypso explained. The truth was that Abraham had never driven before. However, the looks on all their faces was too much to resist. Everyone was so excited about this trip, and he couldn’t let them down. “Alright, let’s hit the road…how hard can it be?”
Apparently it was very hard. Abraham had nearly wrecked twice and everyone in the car was clutching their hearts, terrified of the prospect of eminent death. When they had finally made it to the train station, Abraham couldn’t help but blush and feel embarrassed as his friends all threw themselves out of the car, practically kissing the ground. “Okay, it wasn’t that bad.” Abraham said, trying to retain some dignity. “Yes it was.” Katie snapped. “Abraham, don’t bother getting your liscene…cause no one will let you get behind the wheel EVER.” Sarah laughed. “Why does the world spin under foot?” Tamil teetered on his legs, trying hard to stay balance. Abraham ignored their complaining and motioned for them all to follow him. The group made their way to the trainstation. Sarah and Katie both pulled out their suitcases and walked with them on either side of their bodies. The cases did a good job of keeping their lower halves hidden, but it didn’t stop people from looking and wondering what they were doing with such large luggage. The others were getting their own share of attention. Calypso and Tamil were both the subject of a lot of stares and whispers. Calypso couldn’t hide her blue skin and Tamil’s bandages were very easy to see. They tries their best to act natural and continue onward. Michelle and Abraham didn’t get much attention as they looked rather normal, but it Ashley had less luck as plenty of people commented on how cute she looked. Ashley would simply smile and say thanks to everyone who said this, but it was clear there was frustration behind her voice. “Just bear with it, Asher.” Michelle whispered. “We’ll be there soon.” “Don’t talk to me until we’re on the train.” Ashley hissed back. She rushed forward and took Abraham’s hand and walked with him, playing the part of a little cousin or sister very well.
“Tickets?” Abraham stopped at the front of the line and reached into his pocket for the ticekts. “There are seven of us.” The man took his tickets and suddenly frowned. “These tickets look old…not even from this decade.” Suddenly Abraham realized that these were tickets from long ago when Solomon was still alive to get them himself! He’d messed up! “I…um…” Suddenly Ashley pulled on Abraham’s sleeve and smiled. “Can I ride on your back?” She asked. Abraham nodded and lifted her onto his back, giving her a piggy back ride. She then smiled and stared at the ticket man. Her eyes glowed in a familiar hypnotic way. “The tickets are fine.” She whispered. The man stared at her and his eyes glazed over. “The….tickets are…fine…” “Let us get on the train, please.” Ashley said firmly. “Of course…you may board…” He stepped aside. Abraham carried Ashley onto the train car with the others following closely behind. “Wow…nice work Asher.” Michelle whispered. Ashley giggled. “I’ve been at this for a long time now, Michelle.” Ashley replied. “Well, thanks to you, we didn’t need to cause a scene just to get in.” Michelle commented. “Shame too…Tamil and I had brought fireworks for that purpose.” Calypso said. “We save them for beach.” Tamil said kindly. He had his hand on Sarah’s arm as she escorted him onto the train. Katie brought up the rear, and slithered onto the car, closing the door behind her and locking it. “Okay, we won’t be bothered now.” Katie said assuredly. All of them gathered in the middle of the train car and sat down. They were tired, but happy. They’d finally managed to make it, and their next stop would be the beach! Everyone was itching with excitement and anticipation. Abraham looked around and noticed that Katie had taken a seat in the back. He made sure the others were preoccupied with conversation before going to take a seat across from her.
“Hey.” He said. Katie looked up at him and gave a stern gaze. “Hey.” She replied. There was an awkward silence for a moment. “Did you need something?” She asked. “Just, wanted to know if you wanted some company.” Abraham replied. Katie looked at him and then out the window as the train was pulling out of the station. “Why do you care?” She asked harshly. “I haven’t been especially welcoming towards you.” “Well…you’re still part of the family, right?” Abraham asked. Katie gave a small laugh. “Listen, Abraham…the others all consider you one of us, so I will too. But don’t expect me to trust you right away.” Katie stated. “Why don’t you trust me?” Abraham asked. Katie suddenly glared at him darkly. “Boy, you have some lousy tact.” She sneered. “Fine, I don’t trust you because you’re human and you’re male.” “And you hate me for that?” “I’ve been surrounded by your kind since the day I was hatched…you’re all nothing but trouble, and I have yet to be proven otherwise.” Katie muttered. “Well…maybe I can prove you wrong.” Abraham said hopefully. Katie laughed darkly. “Ha! I doubt that.” She snapped. She then closed her eyes and leaned against the window. Abraham got up to leave. “But I hope you can.” She whispered, almost inaudibly. “What did you say?” Abraham asked. “I didn’t say anything. Now let me sleep.” She hissed, before turning away. Abraham knew what he’d heard though, and was now more determined than ever to reach her…but that would have to wait. It looked like Sarah was trying to sort through luggage and he needed to help her.
When the train finally came to a stop, the group held back for a while. Michelle had explained that it wasn’t safe for them all to leave with the crowd of people. It was best if they waited for the crowds to clear first. After about 10 minutes, Abraham led the group of the train. Ashley was riding on his back like before, just in case they ran into anyone else asking questions. Michelle walked behind them with Sarah and Katie following, carrying their enormous luggage. Tamil and Calypso followed behind, keeping their eyes out for a place to slip away if things got ugly. They were all working in sync. “Okay guys, we’ll be at the beach soon…so go find a bathroom and change into your beach clothes.” Michelle announced. The group scattered and headed off to the bathrooms. The only ones who didn’t leave where Abraham, Tamil, and Ashley who were all fine in what they had on. After a while, the others did return. Michelle was wearing a bikini and so was Calypso. One look at Calypso caused Ashley to blush and turn away, which looked incredibly odd. Sarah and Katie had put on bikini tops, but their lower halves were wrapped with a strange sash to cover themselves. The sight of their smooth skin was breathe taking and Abraham couldn’t help but gaze at them. “What’s wrong with you?” Michelle asked. “Um…nothing.” Abraham answered, trying to regain his composure. “Then stop staring like an idiot…let’s go to the beach already!” Michelle laughed.
The trip to the beach would only take about 20 minutes…however, they wanted to avoid the populated areas, so instead the trip was much longer than that. With all the sandspurs, crabs, and other nuisances waiting in the sand, it felt like they would never reach the sandy shores…however as they made their way to the beach, everyone was growing excited to the point of bursting. Calypso took the lead and sprinted ahead of the rest as the sound of the surf could be heard. The rest ran to keep up with her, but this was a hard thing to do, as Calypso seemed unnaturally drawn to the sound and the smell of the shifting tides. When she made it over the hillside, she gasped. “Oh…my…God…” She fell to her knees on the sand and wept slightly, staring in awe at the sight before her. The sea was gorgeous. It’s rippling tide ran across the powdered white sand and licked it’s edge. The rocks and formations surrounded the area and dotted the crystal clear waters. The suns light reflected off of the turning tides and waves like diamonds floating in the ocean. The relaxing roar of the waves was breathe taking and the clear skies covered everything as far as the eye could see. The sand tickled their feet and welcomed them to its warm and beautiful shores. As everyone caught up, their reactions were all very similar to Calypso’s. Michelle walked down the sand and smiled a big smile, gazing from the beach to her friends. Katie and Sarah wandered down the sand with Tamil holding onto Sarah’s arm. Tamil could feel the sand under his feet and he smiled, staring blankly around, as if he could take in the sight into his being rather than see it. Abraham carried Ashley down on his back, and she looked happy, but she also looked tired. The suns rays beat down on Ashley, and despite the big hat she was wearing, the heat and the light was starting to affect him, making him weaker. “You okay, Asher?” Abraham asked nervously. “I’ll be fine…I just need rest is all.” Ashley answered, resting her head on Abraham’s shoulder. Abraham watched as the others all got to work setting down beach towels and umbrellas. One was quite large so that Ashley could fit under it. Abraham walked Ashley to the umbrella and let her sit down under it. She relaxed and looked out over the water. “Abraham?” Ashley whispered sadly, “What’s it feel like…to walk in the sun? To embrace the light of day freely?” Abraham didn’t know how to answer her, but only stood watching her. “There was a time, when I could walk in it like you do…until that right was stripped from me by that cursed bite.” “I’m sorry, Asher.” Abraham muttered. Ashley laughed and waved it away. “Don’t worry…I’m just being kind of melodramatic I suppose. Go enjoy the beach.” Ashley reached into her own bag and pulled out a book and began to read, the coastal winds whipping at her dress and hat. Abraham nodded and turned to look at the others. Calypso was already in the water, swimming and splashing with her tail. She was clearly having the time of her life. Tamil was on the edge of the shore with Katie. He had his bandaged hands in the water and was feeling it, as if the touch of the ocean was a new experience for him…which it probably was. Katie was giggling and spraying water in his face, which caused him to gasp in shock. Michelle and Sarah were wading through the surf and letting the water wash over their legs as they laughed and splashed each other. “It seems like they’re all having fun already.” Abraham commented. “Don’t you want to enjoy yourself?” Ashley shook her head. “This is enjoying myself…don’t worry, when the sun goes down, I’ll come out and join you. But for now, I will wait.” Ashley assured him. “Now go.” “Okay, but I better not come back and find a pile of ash where you are sitting.” Abraham laughed. “I’ve got sunscreen,” Ashley snapped, “now GO.” Abraham chuckled and ran out to the water to join the others. Ashley watched him run off and then shot a glance at everyone. There were smiles on everyone’s faces. They all seemed so happy…so carefree. This was all he wanted to see.