Goodbye Normal (11 page)

“I had a tiny crush on him when he was in Doomsberg high.”

“Is that the same Josh? The cute humble kid?” her eyes were narrowed with unexpected realization.

“Not very humble these days but yes mom, what did you think?”

“I just never thought he would be a…model, he was always too naïve. And he has really changed, that’s why it never crossed my mind.”

“Well he
has
changed. So I saw him again two days ago and it didn’t go too well. I guess that is why he is apologizing and asking for my friendship.” Carol walked to the table for the note.

“May I?”

“Sure.” she replied not really caring.

 Carol read it through “that’s very humble and tenable if you ask me.” she looked impressed.

“Yeah right, you have no idea. That is a wolf in sheep’s skin”

“Coming from the girl who not very long ago told me that everyone had baggage and needed opportunities to show people their goodness n-”

Zoe interrupted “It’s not the same thing, he has become different, it’s like he is a new person all together.”

“The more reason to forgive him. The words he wrote you are very true you know.”

“You know what the problem is? you have such a sweet childhood memory of him and I have the grownup stuck up, snobby version of him.” She said aggravated.

“Are you sure you are not exaggerating honey?” her voice was back to the velvet melody she was accustomed to.

“Very sure.” she felt sure.

Carol observed her closely. “What did he really do to you?” she inquired.

Zoe gave the un-detailed version of the real story. Cutting of some sentences like “how can I do you?” and choosing her words very carefully. While on it she wondered why she couldn’t just say it as plain and disappointing as it was.

“Wow! that is not very entertaining. But honey I believe his career is a tough one and for one so good looking and young it’s easy to stray. Nevertheless it doesn’t count for his current behavior. Although I hope the innocence he once had wouldn’t be gone for good. It must be there somewhere. And since he has specified that it’s your friendship he is after, I think it’s okay to see how it goes. You can never have enough friends. And no offence darling you don’t have many of them either.”

“None taken.” She signed and pulled the paper to her eyes then stared at the number.

“I will think about it.” she promised.

“Good.” Carol paused then said “Sorry about shouting earlier.”

“I understand.” And she did, considering the cute evidence lying on the table.

“Alright then. First put those lovely flowers in a vase then come over and help me out in the kitchen…we are cooking shrimp and gumbo.”

“Did I hear A we and help?”

“I can always change my mind?”

“Right away maam.” she giggled.

What a Carol way of making amends.

As dusk was about to break through, Zoe’s mind was fantasizing about how beautiful the pictures she was going to take would turn out. If only the weather she was witnessing would keep it’s end of the bargain. She watched through her window shade as the multi colored skylight heightened her spirits. It was a mix of sun-ish yellow, white and a blue that was turning to violet. In regards to the awe she was feeling, she decided not to take heed on her mother’s warnings.

 Carol had been persisted about her not going to any dangerous location, but her mind was in desolated dangerous locations. She drove up to Palm Street. It was a dangerous street in Doomsberg which was largely avoided by anyone who was in their right mind.

In the far end of the street, there was a tall abandoned building that would serve her purpose for the life threatening visit. She wanted her pictures taken from high elevation, close to the sky and a distinctive environment that would produce an overwhelming view.

 Regardless of irritating glances she faced on her way, Zoe got to the location unharmed. She got out of the car, made sure all doors were closed and windows were up. She looked up at the twelve story walkup but her enthusiasm didn’t diminish. She walked through the narrow alley with music playing in her ears totally disconnected to the world around her. She got in the building and jogged her way up the numerous stairs.

By the time she made it to the roof top terrace, she was gasping for breath and her legs were screaming at her. Spikes of pain and fatigue jolted up and down her legs. She breathed out noisily and had to promise herself to spare time for real jogging. Heat from the exertion saw her getting rid of her cardigan and was left with a spagetti top. She wrapped the cardigan around her waist and tied it with a tight knot for support.    

 Her camera was left hanging above her cotton top below the Channeler necklace. It had proved useful when she was not having it on. This time she decided there won’t be explaining to do if she went through the same ordeal. Not like she was planning to get into trouble but going to Palm Street was already enough trouble.

Despite all the danger she was surrounded by, Zoe was overwhelmed by the breathtaking view and mesmerizing breath of fresh air. The breeze smoothly crushed over her skin and she felt good to be alive, it momentarily washed her worries away.

She loved Doomsberg no matter what.

It was a sudden but heartfelt realization that was true, at least for the moment. She closed her eyes, opened her arms and airily felt like a little princess on a castle tower.

When she began taking random pictures, her camera couldn’t stop clicking. The view was perfect. There were a lot of palm trees growing in a disorganized order. Every angle she took and side she explored was catchy. The buildings around her were not very classy but had a classic story to tell on her films. They were mostly old and unattended. At the front was a playground that looked like a basketball ground.  The artistic graffiti on the walls of neighboring buildings were calling out for attention, which she was gladly going to give. There were few people walking around but none of them looked as dangerous. As if she could tell from looking at them on a roof top.

 At a far distance she could see the glistening ocean and a threatening dusky sky making a point on her. It would get dark any time from then. She took a picture of the thrilling horizon and forgot about keeping time.

 In between shots she heard hilarious motorbike noises and rushed to the parapet for closer view. There were two black guys.  Each one had a bike and they looked like they were headed toward her ride. Before she could lose her car to a bunch of narcotic gangsters she bellowed from the roof top.

“Hey leave that alone” she snarled.

The guys looked up at her, and smiled cruelly. One guy beckoned her to go down to them.

“Tough chick huh? come down baby, les talk bidness” he yelled.

Zoe had no doubt that she was running towards deep trouble. Despite that, she was not about to give up her newest ride without a fight.  

She ran down the stairs three at a time until she was in the ground floor. She was clinging to her camera by the shoulder like a backpack strap. She could feel fear encircling her, overwhelming uncontrollable fear. Her hands begun to feel damp and her heart beat double the usual speed.

Zoe closed her eyes, braced herself for the unpleasantness she was walking into. She breathed in and out then announced her presence by small foot flaps. They looked young, tough and dangerous, with huge dark muscles and numerous tattoos. She noticed a pistol over a sheath on one and a portable knife on the other. All that she had was pepper spray which was somewhere in her purse, and sad enough it was in the car. Her knees felt weak for a second before her mind remembered her new identity. If she had any element of witchcraft that should be the perfect time to summon it to the surface.

“What do you want?” She called out. Her voice echo came out better than she expected. It was strong and commanding.

They had parked their motorbikes beside her car. One stood staring at her while smoking a cigarette and calling out the shots while the other was busy inspecting her ride.     

“We want so much from you baby. Give a homeboy some credit…I have good taste in women, so I don’t think you would be lonely tonight and that ride isn’t very bad either.”

“I am sure you do. But you don’t know what you are getting yourself into so just go away. I won’t report anything to the police.”

“Why should you even call them if we go away?” he and his friend laughed annoyingly.

By then they were ten feet apart, a favorable distance for her but clearly not for them. She spied around for a glimpse of hope but there was no sign of anyone else on sight. The street was deserted. Screaming for help would do her no good than cause a painful throat. In front of her was a fence for the basket ball court. Beside her were two empty buildings. Darkness was seeping in and so were the attackers.  The guy who had been inspecting her car, moved around to murmur something to his comrade, who inhaled some more nicotine or whatever it was he was smoking, and then blew the smoke crudely through his nose. Staring straight at him she felt her tummy betray her.

Zoe tried to swallow but there was nothing to swallow, her mouth was dry. She then closed her eyes, breathed in and out as calmly as her nerves could let her and impelled her mind to concentrate on pushing them away from her. In the process she heard distant footfalls closing in on her, but didn’t want to be daunted by them.

She was taking a huge leap of faith.

Zoe kept meditating, then it felt like she was in another place all together. Her fear was gone and her body felt powerful. She opened her eyes and saw the men three feet away with ominous smirks on their faces.

 The pendant on her chest began gleaming. She smiled back at them struttingly, rubbed the dampness of her palm against her jeans and directed the energy she channeled towards them. Their faces were hilarious and they were gawking at her. It was like they were seeing a crazy person make a joke of themselves.

A supernatural force pushed through her hands and caused the guys to get thrown twelve feet from where she stood. They landed and slid against their rides with a smash that could account for a broken rib or two. She winced after seeing her collateral damage which was gradually followed by numerous shrieks and snarls.

She glared at her hands in disbelief.
I have had really done that?!
She finally believed and succeeded in channeling her virgin powers.

It was crystal clear that she definitely was a wizard.

Zoe ran to her car and drove away leaving gravel bobbing up and down the tarmac. She stormed away fast not wanting to be there any other second. When she got to a peaceful neighborhood she stopped and then parked it on the roadside.

She sighed and looked down at her fingers then turned to her palms. They were no longer damp but they were shaking. Her body was in turmoil of mixed feelings. She was amazed, scared and shaken. She actually did it, she made it.

Zoe pulled out the pendant from her top, and then refreshed her memory from the scene minutes ago. The pendant had been gleaming. Why did it do that? Was it supposed to do that when she channeled her powers? Bad enough the guys had witnessed everything and she hoped they had enough baggage not to report her. Or they probably think it’s some sick joke of a female copycat of Robert Downey Jr., with a glistening iron heart. Ooh darn it they could not! They can’t see the chain, they were not witches. She almost applauded when she remember that glorious detail. Hopefully the police would think they are crazy. Probing further into the subject just got her jittery.

Zoe stayed motionless for awhile, watching whatever would pass by her car. When she felt that her nerves had calmed down, she drove away back home.

 When anxiety wore off and equanimity finally kicked in, that night Zoe slept a true novice of the wizardry world of Doomsberg. The experience was powerful and very new, but she could no longer deny the fact that, it was well impinged within her. She had to accept her fate once and for all, denying it any further may bring harm than good. It was already happening to her. Whatever lay before her, she would have to fight willingly and whole heartedly. And maybe she would save lives in the process. Maybe she will help her town stay as peaceful as it was supposed to be.

 Only that she was blind to the profound knowledge that she was among the most powerful wizards of all time. Switching to positive thinking mode helped her sleep tight rather than dwell on her misfortune.

The rest of the week turned out quiet eventful, unlike her expectations. She had gone through a series of different lapse of events and emotions like worrying, destruction, fun time and confusion. She had nearly burned her room to ashes while trying to light a candle on her bed. When the whim to try out her super power drove her senses, Zoe was adamant to stop trying whatever popped in her learners head.

She went for a candle in the pantry and brought it to her bedroom ready for experiment one. She placed the candle on top of her bed and sat on her chair directly proportional to it. She closed her eyes and begun concentrating on lighting the candle. Her concentration got out of control and when her skin started to feel hotter than usual she opened her eyes to what was a burning bed. The bedspread, few clothes and pillows flamed away.

“Oh my God, oh my god.” she yelped, running to the bathroom for water.

When she was done clearing her mess all she could think of was what could have happened if Carol had walked in on her. She was lucky they were both at school until in the afternoon. The smoke stench was still redolent to her nostrils hours after the incident.

She literally terminated her air freshener trying to get rid of the foul odor which proved in vain.  

  The mixed up odor that resulted from her mess became too strong for her to bear. Later in the day, when everyone was home, she made sure visits to her room were totally abstained at all costs.

Destruction number two was when she nearly burned her skin by wanting the shower water to get warmer and instead it got steaming hot. Despite the numerous disasters, she had some fun with her new talent.

On Friday after the movie Zack had been wobbling about all week, they went for an ice-cream takeout. The night turned out to be a family date after all. There she had explored her talent to another level. Like playing around with Carol’s car keys, which made her feel gawky after thinking she was getting old because she kept forgetting and misplacing them stupidly. Better yet was the look on Zack’s face when his ice-cream became warm-cream after a single spoonful. She figured it would work perfectly for a fine payback alternative.

Zoe was looking forward to meeting this mentor. It looked like she had a lot to learn about her powers. She had gone out of control in more than one occasion and was not sure how not to. Part of her wanted to be who she was becoming and another part of her wanted to remain the same old Zoe.

The sad part of her new life was secrecy. She was having a hard time having to keep it all to herself, not being able to share it with her family or friends. Of which to her case was just her friend. Whenever she talked to them about anything and witchcraft popped in her mind, it felt like she was lying and that life was becoming frustrating.

She desperately needed someone to at least talk to as a friend, someone who would not think she was going crazy, someone who understood exactly what she was feeling and going through. She had been through that same emotional state, and there was no one.

Chris was not available throughout the week, she had tried calling on different times of the day, this time not caring if it was midnight or midday in Los Angeles but his phone kept going back to voice mail. As infuriating as it was whenever she thought of him she couldn’t help but worry herself sick.

They had not talked in such a long time. Chris texting her out of the blue must have meant something. She couldn’t help but feel apprehensive for the unknown. Of late she had been surrounded by too much unbelievable craziness that her mind went along to make scary conclusion of any weird situation she came across. Optimism was quite an achievement for her those days.

Liz thought she was been selfish with her time, but at the same time she figured that something else was keeping Liz busy lately. Her day out with Margaret turned out fine. They chatted a short while about the day’s events and the day was over. The remaining couple of days had seen few or even no messages at all between them. The new habit was not very common. She had not called as frequent as she used to and it seemed like they were both having some secret life of a sort. To Zoe that was a consolation, if by any chance it happened to be the case.

On Wednesday morning just after a short workout, Zoe was home alone. It was well past ten o’clock and she had nothing interesting to do. With a mug of hot coco on her hand and bored out of her mind, she had already freshened her sweaty body and was getting used to listening to her own groans and footsteps echo around.

She was reading to an extent her eyes had black spots underneath. It was not healthy being that lonely. Even the reading itself became a depressing agent.

 It had been a rainy week, June was settling in at a very wet speed. But the funny thing about tropic weather was, it may rain cats and dogs in one minute and shine burningly in the next. Either way you just have to deal with it. She summed up her troubles and though she going to get crazy if Liz is not at her disposal for the next twenty four hours.

Liz would have to save her from going crazy with boredom. Whatever has been keeping her busy she would have to let loose for her.

“Hey Liz, can you please fit me in that presidential schedule you’ve got going on.”

“Zow, It’s not like that. I really am sorry. I know… I know I accused you of being selfish but I have been quiet because I have something new to tell you. This is a good excuse. I was really gonna call you. ”

“What is it Liz?” she asked.

“Amm…can you come over at Joe’s. I am just about to go there my self. Then we could talk about it.”

“That’s not a problem, and that sounds serious are you okay?”

“Ofcourse I’m okay, I assure you that you would have known if I wasn’t.”

“K then. I will definitely come. At this point I could follow you to the moon or do anything for you, if you’d only ask.”

“Huh, then I shall ASK! Can you please come over with those favorite neon crazy colored heels; I would love to have them.”

“What… what did you say? Liz… I can’t hear you… Lizzy you are breaking up on me?” She faked a misconnection.

Liz half laughed “So much for moon talk huh… I miss you.”

“Oh NOW I hear you perfectly. Aaaww, I miss us.”

“See you in five dear.”

“Okay.”

       Zoe went to dress up felling jolly. Liz was such a treat at times. She could make her troubles disappear or at her crazy impulsive times, pile them up. She hummed her way through a pair of black skinning jeans and a pink top, with a pair of boots. Perfectly ready for a rainy day.

She arrived at Joe’s twenty five minutes later. She greeted the two waiters visibly working their shift. One was George and the other was Monica. Joe was nowhere in sight so she went ahead and asked for Liz.

“Hey George have you seen-”she asked while checking around, the place was nearly empty. The busy hours start an hour from then. She quickly spotted Liz at the very end of the restaurant grinning broadly at her.

“Arrrgh…there you are.” she said walking towards Liz. Liz was already standing and stretching her arms towards her on a beautiful flower filled knee length gown. They hugged, kissed lightly then settled down. They sat facing each other. Zoe’s back was facing the door.

Zoe looked over at her colorful plate, and a half full glass of juice. Liz was fiddling around a plate of fruit salad. There were watermelons, strawberries, pineapples and apples.

“That looks tasty?” Zoe salivated.

Liz swallowed “It is! You should try it” she vouched.

Zoe half turned to order but Liz beat her to it.

“Sweetie, please come over with another plate.” she asked George, directing her finger to her own.

“Sure babe.” George said casually.

Zoe rolled her eyes and turned slowly toward Liz’s reddened face. She was just glowing.

“Now I get it, the silence, sassy cute dress and the lovely hair do. It’s all the new guy.”

“He is scrumptious. He is sweet, funny, fun, easy to talk to and so not boring.”

“What? Was I in Africa or something? When did you have the time to dig out all that?”

“It’s amazing what four continuous dates can do to you”

“You already went out for four dates?

“Unhuh” Liz agreed looking so lively.

“Seriously? How could you keep all that for a whole week?”

“You’ve been enveloped somewhere yourself. Besides I’ve been having the time of my life, so I named it The Ultimate rehab.”

“Selfish bitch” she teased.

“I don’t care, call me names all you want.” she smiled proudly.

Immediately George came to their table with a plate of salad on a tray with a dazzling smile to top it up.

“There you go, juice is on the house.” he said, placing the plate and a glass of mango juice in front of Zoe.

“Thank you. Now I see why.” Zoe confessed, taking a sip of her juice.

Both George and Liz chuckled as he placed a slight peck on her cheek. As he occupied the empty space beside Liz, Zoe made a not that they were a beautiful match. She sure felt like the odd one out, in no time she may need her phone to keep her from getting constant blushes.

George stretched his arm to Zoe for a handclasp then said.

“We haven’t been introduced formally. My name is George Gordon, and you are?”

Zoe had a better chance to take a good look at him. George was good looking, with short black hair and calm brown eyes. She estimated he was taller than her by an inch or an inch and a half.  

“Pleased to formally meet you, Zoe Brown.” she smiled back then casually broke of the contact.

“This is really good, there is a different element in it.” Zoe said, taking another sip of her juice.

“You wanna know the secret?” George asked.

Zoe tilted her head and raised her brow in response.

“It’s lime. We blend a sliced piece of seedless lime with the mangos and it brings out that sweet sourness.” He supplied proudly.

“Nice, couldn’t have guessed that.” Zoe admired, poking some fruit on her fork.

George leaned back on his seat and extended his arm to take a hold of Liz’s shoulder.