CHAPTER 4: NOWHERE NEAR THE HUMAN WORLD!

My eyes were closed and cold air whistled into my ears. The breeze invaded nostrils and I was forced to inhale and exhale through my mouth. I felt like I was spinning even though I was sure I was standing still, or at least I was trying to.

'You can open your eyes now,' Meghan giggled. I lifted my eyelids slowly and my eyes immediately caught the amazing scenery. The dark sky was illuminated by silver stars and the beautiful shining moon. Looking down I noticed the reflection of light on the water. There was a waterfall, creating a shimmering lake with water lilies and other hydrophilic plants on the water surface. Since it was dark, I wasn't sure if the lilies were white or blue, but they looked great on the water.

'It's beautiful isn't it?' Meghan said softly without shifting her gaze from the amazing view as she sat on the swing.

'It sure is,' I answered as I sat beside her. 'I used to come here frequently when I was a kid,' she said with a faint smile, her face carrying mixed expressions of relief, sadness, happiness and something else I couldn't quite put a finger on.

'My mum used to comb my hair here. I was home schooled so this was my playground and classroom, including the library of course. I never thought I would have to grow up away from these memories,' she said and her eyes became glassy with tears threatening to leave her eyes. She blinked a few times to stop herself from crying and sighed. The girl sitting next to me wasn't the person I had earlier pictured her to be. From all indications, she had been strong for too long and she just needed all the comforting she could get.

'Well my mum's been in a coma for two months now. We never had the amazing memories you had with your mum but she was kind, warm and a bit annoying, but I guess all mums are. She was attacked by…,' I was still saying with my gaze fixed on the lilies, still contemplating what color they were when I was interrupted by Meghan.

'What about your dad?' She asked nervously which was weird, but I guessed it was because she was a bit emotional.

'My dad…' I was about to say when I was struck by realization. It was later than seven pm and it was a Saturday. My dad must have been back home at least thirty minutes ago and I wasn't anywhere near home. As a matter of fact, I was nowhere near the 'human world'!

'Uh…I need to get home,' I said trying to hide my sudden panic.

'You're right. We aren't really supposed to be here,' she smiled and then held my hand. 'Why?' I asked not sure of why I did.

'It's… complicated,' she replied simply.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A pair of dark devious eyes lingered in the bushes, staring at the teenage duo. His long black robe only intensified his dark and mischievous aura.

'Uziel!' He summoned calmly, parting his lips in a fashion that exuded grace, his hands crossed, holding each other behind him. A young man with an outstanding physique and black hair just like his appeared behind him.

'Master,' Uziel said bowing slightly behind Forneius.

'It's to proceed with the next course of action. Where is my son?' Forneius asked. 'Young master is completing his assignment,' Uziel bowed.

'I see. You may go,' he said seemingly displeased and Uziel disappeared. Forneius walked gracefully to the swing. He stared at it with disgust written all over his perfectly sculptured face. His fists were clenched and his eyes were filled with hate. He eventually left leaving a sprinkle of ash where he stood.

Meanwhile, Mike had just speedily rushed to his room. He's dad wasn't home yet and was probably not coming back this weekend. He sighed as he lied his back on the firm bed, face up, staring at the ceiling. He smiled as he recalled the day's strange events. Mike had a clean space. His footwear, which were mostly sneakers of different colors were neatly organized on the rack, the bin which was by the door was empty and his clothes were in the wardrobe. Thanks to his mum's constant nagging and scolding, he grew to be a neat young man.