cause and effect part 1/2

unclear / adjective

not easy to see, hear, or understand

not obvious or definite; ambiguous, feeling doubt or confusion

It’s almost 4 a.m. I stagger up the stairs. Just ten minutes back in the monster truck and I was fully awake. Now I can’t seem to keep my eyes open, the sound of Ramsey’s car engine still vibrating in my ears. I reach the third floor and open the door to my flat and then bang it shut. My shoes and jacket land on the floor, my bag that was already there, keeps them company. I land on my bed, face down and stay like that till the morning. My eyes close and I fall into a peculiar, almost narcoleptic state. Strange images and scenes rolling around in my mind. Strong vines that I cannot see twisting and grabbing my consciousness. The remaining of the night taking me in.

My whole body shuts down. I disappear.

***

I wake up and groan. What time was it? I look at the window and a bright light almost blinds me. I didn’t roll down the blinds last night, too tired to focus on the meaningless details. I look at the clock and yawn - 9:08 a.m. Funny, it felt like noon, but then again I did usually recover quite fast. It came with the powers and my particular life energy. I rub my eyes and sink into the pillows. Something still bothering my not fully awakened mind. I push the pillow to the side and open one eye. I squint at the light and close it again. Why was I so tired last night? It wasn’t exactly like the alcohol that I drank did anything to me, my metabolism was too fast for that. And neither was it the fact that I came home late. That was never an issue.

I think of Raven and that guy I used my energy on. It was hardly anything, I had walks in the park that took more power from me - but I did exercise before, so maybe... I quickly shake that thought away. Those were just little distractions, nothing significant or essential to how my body reacted. I strain and there is a strange panic in my mind.

Why do I feel anxious all of a sudden? I concentrate on each and every part of my body and for a moment it seems that my ribs hurt. Impossible. I touch my waist and stomach, but as soon as the notion came, it also left. I felt perfectly fine now. My eyebrows furrow. Sympathy pains? Oh, rubbish - I think and quickly get out of bed. On my way to the kitchen, I wonder about my dreams, but can’t seem to remember any of them, so I just brush it off. Whatever they were, they couldn’t have been that important.

Time to move on.

I turn on the coffee machine and lean on the counter. My eyes gaze outside the window at the sunny and peaceful weather - the view that she saw did not reflect what was going on inside of her. But this wasn’t the time for those kinds of reflections. So instead, I just shrug my shoulders and go to take a quick shower. I could still taste a faint tang of gin and tonic on my tongue and the smell of cigarettes covering the dress that I never took off. I walk into the bathroom and gaze at my reflection for a long moment. As if I’m waiting to see something out of ordinary. But it’s just me in there, the same as always, just with bigger bags under my eyes. I wave my hand in the air and turn on the water. I wiggle out of the dress and underwear, and then step in. The hot water soothes my senses as I try not to think about anything. I don’t let even a single grain of sand that makes my throughs slip out.

Ten minutes later I walk out of the bathroom, wearing a white cotton shirt and dark blue shorts. I turn on the TV and start to get ready. It’s 9:30 and the local news are on. I dry my hair and listen without special interest. I hear the coffee machine click and head its way when a speaker on the show catches my attention.

“Local small town man confessed to drugging and assaulting women. There were no charges against him but women have been coming forth since this morning saying it’s true. Guilt finally ate...”

I shift back to the TV and a huge smile stretches on my lips. I see his mangled and tired face. Ah, look at that. Mister ‘sticky hands’ is famous now. How lovely. My towel lands on the floor and I cross my arms, listening intently. Instantly my good humor returns and my worries disappear like they were never there. I look at the screen and a reporter with a big square jaw and pearly white teeth. My head tilts to the side. Silly creature, that wasn’t guilt, roaming about in his empty mind and heavy veins. It was a delightful thing called fear. So tasty.

My fingers tap against my arms, and a faint blue light starts to pour out. Like tiny fireworks or microscopic explosions on the sun. Powerful but on a much smaller scale. Worlds colliding in the palms of my hands. I stare satisfied and notice that the water dripping from my hair no longer falls down, but lifts in the air, gliding effortlessly before my eyes. The small drops of water mixing with my energy and filling themselves with light. I smirk. I finally felt good, back to my old self. I start to sip on the hot coffee that I just made and know that the smaller objects in the space around me start to lift as well. This reminds me of something. My lips form a thin line and then I hear my cell phone ring. I push the green button and listen.

Boss, we need to talk.

Not now, Ramsey. I am enjoying myself with a little entertainment.

Sorry boss, but the news is big and can’t wait.

Fine, what’s the issue?

I ran into our little friend from last night.

Yes, and?

She was in an alley close to some diner place...

It’s probably where she works.

I cut in and no longer seem to enjoy my coffee. It feels cold and tasteless. There is silence on the other side of the line. I sigh.

Continue.

I was there because you said to inspect her place and the area around it. She left early in a rush and disappeared into the diner. After some time she stormed out of it and ran into a group of some shady looking types. There were three of them, all sizes. They got her cornered against a wall.

The objects in the room hit the surfaces with a low clinking noise. I look down and notice small pulls of water next to my feet. I clench my jaw.

And what happened then?

They attacked her. One by one. Like a pack of hungry wolves. She got a punch in the jaw and in the ribs.

Enough with Animal Planet, Ramsey. What followed after it?

There is silence on the line again and my hand clenches itself around the phone.

Ramsey, I am running out of patience. So be so nice and answer the damn question.

My voice is low but it vibrates. It could cut through steel right now.

They attacked her and really beat her up. But, boss... she took them on.

Excuse me?

I imagine Raven’s slim and petite figure. Her small hands and gentle smile. I shake my head in disbelief.

More words before I end you.

Another short silence.

It’s just hard to explain. She’s human but she took them on with ease. I mean at first she was getting it, they were pounding her. But just minutes later and something changed. I could hear moans and some bones breaking. And it wasn’t her bones that got broken, boss. It was a big show. Finally, one of them punched her and she landed on the ground, then this guy walked out. I think he was a bartender and that he was trying to help her out.

And then?

She tells him to back away. She seemed terrified by what just happened. Like it was the first time. So the guy walked up to her after he already received a warning. She screamed out and he flew up in the air and landed on his back, sliding backward with speed. But he didn’t look damaged much, just shaken up.

I don’t see Ramsey’s face but I feel him smile. Like he’s proud of her. My fingers clench and the energy that slips out of starts to change its color to a dark blue color that breaks into a soft orange. I quickly try to calm myself down. This was not a good thing. It meant I was really dangerous and could cause damage. I didn’t want to pull this building to the ground, so I started to shift my energy. I focused on how good it always made me feel, the only thing in this world that made me experience the closest thing to happiness. My guilty pleasure when all I was meant to do was to concentrate on the annihilation of it all. Changing the future of all mankind. But not this time. I felt the energy and filtered it, moved it in each cell of my body until it was clean. Until it was pure again. I sigh with relief, regaining my composure.

Boss, you alright?

Yes, perfect as always. What was the final outcome of your charming little tale?

She started to run and bumped into me by “accident’. She’s sure fast, I will give her that. She didn’t look at my face, just kept running like all hell was chasing her.

Where is she now?

My voice is cold and distant, emotions on lockdown. The most practical ability I have learned from my mother.

Just a moment later she went into the diner and hasn’t got out yet. She might have passed out. I’m watching the entry as we speak.

Good. We will have to pay our “friend” and the owner of the diner a little courtesy visit. Pick me up from my place and don’t hold on the breaks. We are short on time.

Of course.

And Ramsey? Did you see where our other three companions ran off to?

They drove away in a beaten up Honda Civic. Probably stolen. I got the license registration and it is already being looked in.

I smile, knowing that Ramsey meant the other likes as him, just worse. Those boys will have a really hard day.

The same instructions as yesterday or do you want them to be treated with special honor?

Special is the right word here... but keep them alive and after, call the cops. I want the ‘gentleman’ from last night to have his team with him. Maybe they can talk about their experiences. Now hurry. I have some storytelling of my own to do. The girl needs some clearance on her missing hours.

I can at least give her that after all the turbulence that she had to endure. I hang up and get dressed. Just a white t-shirt tucked in a pair of bright jeans. Heels from yesterday and a leather jacket on top. I stare at my fingers for a moment. There are some medium size scratches left and pink spots surroundings the burns. They should be gone in less than two days. I lock up and slip my cell phone in the back pocket of my jeans. I usually didn’t bother to take the phone, but lately, I felt more alert. I run downstairs as if I was wearing my sneakers and not 3-inch heels and then hop into the already parked car. I sigh. Let’s get this show on the road.

***

We arrive at the coffee shop and park the car nearby. I leave my helper behind and walk in, ignoring the ‘closed’ sign. My heels click against the ground with a steady rhythm. I look around but don’t see anyone, so I head straight to the kitchen. I hear quiet sobbing as I walk in. It’s the cafe owner, and she is sitting next to the girl. Her head snaps up as she hears me. Her eyes widen and the flow of tears stops immediately. She squares her shoulders and stands up, shielding Raven’s body with hers. I try not to roll my eyes at her. She didn’t deserve any of my natural attitude right about now. She had bigger things to worry about.

The cafe is closed, come back some other time.

Relax, gorgeous. I’m actually here to help.

She crosses her arms and stares me for a long time.

Why are you here? It’s a bit early for you to be enjoying some deserts. We’re closed.

I lift my hands in the air, pretending to give up and lean my back against the kitchen counter.

Mel, right?

You know it is.

I’m not here to cause any ‘extra mess’ - I point to Raven - I just came to clear some stuff up.

What do you mean?

Well, I am guessing that she has some memory loss after last night?

The woman looks surprised by this but quickly controls it.

How do you know?

Because I was there, alright? So stop sending me those looks.

Where? At the bar or...?

Yes, at the bar, where else.

My hands lean against the countertop and I cross my ankles, letting the information sink in as I think about one more place. The girl’s flat. But I don’t mention it, instead, I wait.

Why?

Why what?

I ask irritated and a bit confused breaking away from my own thoughts.

Why were you at the bar?

How evil do you think I really am?

I ask and she seems to be taken aback by my words.

I don’t... I actually don’t. It’s just that this was one stressful morning, to say the least. I’m just trying to make sense of it.

Alright, I understand. I was at the bar for the simplest of meaning. I went to get a drink - well, a couple of them. I had a bad evening and needed to let go of some steam. She was there.

I point to the girl again and watch her chest rise at a steady pace. She should be fine. Things could have gone much worse.

Did you see what happened?

I look back at her and smile.

Did I see? Oh, I joined the show... or should I say intervened - I add as Mel’s face turns to that of true terror, her skin growing pale - I helped out in my own special way.

What did you do?

I shrug at her question.

I stopped something bad from happening and taught a certain male a very valuable lesson about respecting women and the word ‘no’. I think he learned plenty that evening and won’t forget it anytime soon. I assure you.

My eyes turn dark and my lips stretch into a heavy smile as I remember all the details of last night. At the last moment, I stop myself from giggling. That kind of reaction wouldn’t be appreciated right now. I stare at her with confidence but then my stare traces slowly behind her. My eyes narrow and my lips turn into a thin line.

Can you move away?

What? No.

Please step aside, I need to see the whole damage.

Mel crosses her arms again and looks like a mother not trusting the new bully in school to be friends with her child. I stare at calmly and wait. This has to be her decision. Finally, she does as I asked and steps aside, slowly sits down, and tries to have an eye on both of us at the same time. My lips move up but then I look at the girl... and gasp. Her face is all bruised and banged up. Her lips are swollen and so is her jaw. A purple mark that seems to be spreading with each passing moment. I look at her right cheek and see a nasty cut. I make myself stay calm but it’s hard. Whoever did this was already paying for it with the help of her ‘friends’. Ramsey would see to that. I look at her chest and wonder about the bigger damage.

Lilly?

I turn to the side and see the woman standing beside me. She puts a hand on my shoulder and squeezes it. I lower my gaze to match hers. She must notice the anger in my eyes for her grip tightens, bringing my mind into focus. I nod and then look down, I see a pair of pale pink ballerinas and a small, simple apron covering her jeans. I inhale deeply, hold it in for a moment, and exhale. The floor under me stops to vibrate. I wonder if she felt it? Well, either she didn’t or she doesn’t show it. I look at her hand and she lets go of me abruptly but isn’t abashed by it. She is a strong person with a head on her shoulders. Something tells me, she is also a mum.

I just sense it because I know how that kind of energy feels. It’s more stable, solid. It feels safe. Something I never felt when growing up. I look at her again - my eyes narrowing - or maybe she will be a mum soon. I had a hard time placing my finger on it. But the energy felt so familiar. My mind snaps back to life.

I’m fine now. How are her ribs?

She got it hard but it’s being fixed.

I look at her questioningly but don’t ask any further on the subject - there were other matters that needed explanation.

In what state did you find her today?

Mel sighs and seems very tired all of a sudden.

She was late for work and that almost never happens. She ran in and was trying to hide whatever was really going on. But I know her, she was really messed up and her ribs... I just, things were bad. She was really panicked and didn’t seem to make much sense. She was terrified and when she heard the news on the TV something just snapped. She burst out of here like an animal burning alive. I didn’t know where she was. She disappeared before I could even walk out. Raven is such a fast runner. she really loves it...

The woman’s voice trails off. I watch as she walks up to the sink, takes a dishcloth, and starts to dry the dishes. After, she washes them and dries them again. I walk up to her and take a plate from her. I put both of my hands on her slim shoulders and stare into her eyes. She blinks a couple of times and goes to sit by Raven.

I’m sorry. I’m just worried. I have known her since she was a teenager and had no place to go. I watched her grew up into this amazing woman and now I am not sure how to help her. She’s so confused.

I will try to clear up some things when she wakes up.

The woman nods again.

Thank you for coming here.

It was something that needed to be done.

I sit down on Raven’s other side, keeping a space between us. My eyes wander off to Mel, sitting on her other side. Her face that of constant worry. I couldn’t really blame her, she seemed to be very emotionally attached to the girl. Like an older sister would be or a caring mother - well, from what I heard, I couldn’t base it on my own experience. My ‘life giver’ was a very specific person. I shake off the thought and try to minimalize the memories that were breaking through. I slow down my breathing and block everything.

Time passes and we just sit in silence, with only the ticking of the clock on the wall and the sounds of our breaths. I’m starting to regret the decision to even come here. What was I thinking? I look down at the girl and my fingers curl up and tighten, new energy buzzing inside of me. Some things just needed to be explained, no other way around it. Otherwise, the situation would get even more complicated, and dangerous. This Raven warrior lookalike had to learn some rules because everything about her seemed to attract danger. After all, it brought me to her of all people. Her biggest life risk... and she, mine.

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a link to the book:

https://theprose.com/book/1661/worlds-colliding

and a previous chapter seen from Raven’s perspective for the curious ones

https://theprose.com/post/262607/it-s-a-bright-new-world-part-5

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