The Chronicles of the Caltamere Twins: The Prophecy

PART 1: THE BEGINNING - Jenny Chase

Stillness. Silence. In this void pure of hatred, guilt, and regret, I lay lifeless, staring eternally. Life stops at this point. I feel so cold. But, no. I don’t. I felt nothing but my trembling soul and weeping heart. Then, voices from nowhere came. Disturbing my solitude, these voices made such a ruckus to my heart and soul. 

“Stop,” I said. As I resisted, the voices grew louder.  Purging my ear to break my solitude, I begged the voices to stop. 

“Don’t let him kill me!” a small voice emerges among the noise. I recognise that voice. 

“Don’t let him kill me!” the voice said again. 

“I’m sorry,” I forced a whimper. “I’m sorry!” 

No, I don’t want this. Not this. Not this memory. And just like that, my whole body was sucked into a whirlpool pulling me towards that night of tragedy, 

I fell on my back hard making me run out of air. Ringing on my ears makes me so nauseous I can’t get my bearing quickly.  There were warping sounds in the distance like my head was underwater. I struggled to shake my head to hear clearly. Where am I?

“Jenny!” a small, scared voice echoed through. I tried to struggle with the nausea. One minute, I was on the floor, now, I’m standing in front of a shadowy giant with a knife in his hand. I felt terrified and at the same time, I needed to face this fiend. 

“If you want her, you have to get through me first,” I said, trying to be brave. Behind me was a girl cowering in fear as this giant came close. He let out a cold laugh like I’ve just said something funny.

“Don’t get into places where you ain’t invited, kid,” he raised his knife at me and I braced myself. He swung it down but caught it with both of my hands. The man’s hand was so heavy that I was trembling to hold on. I kick his side but he won’t budge. He was like steel that couldn’t bend.  My balance started to quiver and my knees couldn’t bear the weight any longer. The knife’s pointed blade is near my shoulder, any minute now I would be stabbed. 

Next thing I saw, the whole area was crimson red. Atop of me was the girl, staring blankly at me. Her lips moved but I can’t hear any sound.

“N -- no!” I stammered. But I know what this girl just said. I could feel the heaviness on my chest. The girl kept moving her lips without making any sounds. Like she formed three words, and I knew those three words. 

“You killed me.”

“Iris!” It was just a dream. That was a good way to start my morning.  I woke up from that nightmare. Every year, I would dream about that dreadful night whenever her death anniversary is near. I know it’s been three years, but I couldn’t shake off my guilt from it. That person, whom I swore to protect, died because I broke that promise.

The sun is shining through my window and it’s supposed to be a new day for everyone. Not for me. This day, I lived this day every year. A day from now, I would remember how I failed her.

“Jenny!” A distant voice called me and brought me back from my inner thoughts.

“Jenny, are you up?” It’s getting louder as it ascends the stairs near my room. I know who that voice belonged to. My door creaked open, and I could sense someone hovering above me.

“Jenny!”

I startled from the loudness of her voice. I literally almost jumped out of bed, exaggerating my response to her. The voice came from my mom. 

“Jenny! You better get out of bed or you’ll be late for class!” she said. Her name is Rachel Chase. She’s a doctor, a very good doctor. I can say she’s clever and nice but she’s way too scary when it comes to disciplining me. 

“Jenny! I’ll cut off your allowance for a month!” she grumbled as she walked out of my room. She was wearing the silly banana apron I got her for Christmas last year. Honestly, I got it from a garage sale. Never expected she’ll like it. I just noticed she tied her golden blonde hair up. She never did unless there's some things that needed extra effort to be done with. Anyways, whatever that is, she could handle it. 

“Jenny!” she shouted from below and I sensed her annoyance and impatience. I better get up. That was my cue.

“All right. I’m up! I’m up!” I stretched my body lazily. I dragged myself towards the mirror behind the door and looked at myself. I see a well-toned girl in a tank top and black pyjamas. The face looked so weary from doing nothing the other day and her hair was messed up. Talk about morning glories. 

“Jen, if you don’t come down now I swear I’ll cut it!” mom shouted.

Well, this is my morning routine. My mother is my alarm clock, I get threats every day from her, and I look messy. Mom’s trying her best though. She knew how I feel every year when the day comes. She doesn’t like it but she always forced a smile and pretended everything is normal. But I know she’s hurting and she’s sad. Her patience to me is so admirable. I guess all mothers have it, the patience. I’m glad she doesn’t pry too much. I’m grateful she’s always there for me.  So I fixed myself up and went downstairs to start my day.

I found mom in the kitchen, prepping breakfast and coffee. She saw me entered the room and signalled me to sit. 

“I won’t be coming home tonight. The hospital gave me a night shift. Just for tonight though,” Mom said as she handed me my pocket money for a week. I received them with an open palm but she hasn’t let it go yet. I stared at her and she was sneering.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing,” she seemed amused at something. “I’ll leave you an extra later for your dinner. And, please, always be careful. Okay?”

“Mom, I’m 17,” I said matter-of-factly. “I’m turning 18 two days after.” Then my mom’s face fell and immediately withdrew it. I know perfectly why.

Mom heaved a sigh and produced a soft smile. “I know, but still no bars dear.”

I rolled my eyes and scoffed at her. “Seriously, mom? I don’t even like those drinks.”

“I know, dear.”

Then the doorbell rang.

 “I’ll get it! It’s probably Joan,” I said. I got the door and saw my best friend, Joan Carter, standing on the porch with her jeans and red tee. Well, whatever she wears, she’s damned pretty. She’s pretty enough to have four guys fall in love with her. But no one won over her except for Alvin. 

“Hi, Joan,” Mom greeted from behind.

“’Sup, Doctor Chase,” Joan greeted back and glanced at me. “Ready for class?” she asked whilst raising her eyebrow. She looked at me with humour as if this day will turn out to be something we will never forget which probably will be. She set out her smile and waited for my reply.

“Oh yeah!” I grinned. I put on my black, leather jacket, bid goodbyes to mom and closed the door behind me. We stroll along the cobblestone walkway towards my car. My mom gave this car to me on my 16th birthday, a maroon Ford Angela. 

We’re always together. We have never been apart since.

Three years ago, October 27th 

The night was always the same during the rainy season. Redville was covered by heavy rain and fog, the usual. I was on my way home from training when I saw a girl across the street drenched and shivering from the cold. She was no more than my age, 15. She looked lost and homeless. She wrapped her arms around her to give herself a little warmth from the merciless cold of the night.

I could help her but I can’t. I leaned back on the wall as I waited for a cab when five guys passed by me. They reeked of alcohol and eventually looked for something to give them fun and pleasure.

Pathetic creatures. I said to myself. I’ve noticed a guy stopped on his track and was looking at the girl across the street. He was staring at her like he just found something to play with. 

I sensed trouble. 

They crossed the street like they owned the place and walked towards her. My muscles tensed as I saw one guy wearing a bonnet touch her cheek. She jerked his hand away.

The group laughed, as if they found it amusing. The guy with a bonnet didn’t stop. He approached her more in a despicable manner. I couldn’t hear what he said to the girl but his companions let out a laugh as the girl tried to run away. She was caught back when a guy in his mid-twenties, I bet, pulled her back and they were surrounding her in.

“Let’s have some fun, shall we darling?” the bonnet guy said loud enough for me to hear as he started to get close to the girl.

I heard the girl whimpered for a scream but her mouth was covered by the guy wearing a leather jacket. I couldn’t watch any longer. I ran towards them and pried to their circle. I pushed each guy away from the girl. I gave punches and kicks to each who tried to get near her. She was at my back now, cowering and shivering from the cold and fear. I spread my arms, protecting her from them. 

“Don’t you dare lay a hand on this girl,” I said in gritted teeth. Then they attacked.

The guy wearing a leather jacket gave me his right hook but I side-stepped, grabbed his right arm, pulled it in and gave him a blow in his throat. He let out a choking sound as I released him from my grip. He looked surprised by how I managed to do that to him. 

The Mid-twenties guy started for my head but I ducked and shoved his feet hard and he stumbled down on the pavement. I stepped on his chest with my heels and he let out an ugly groan. The leather jacket guy recovered and he came with his fist high aiming for my face. I did the same to him earlier but this time, I aimed for his armpit, his side and kicked his knee. I heard a slight c***k and I think I might have broke it. He stumbled down and wasn’t able to stand up again.

The Bonnet guy came down with his liquor bottle in the air. He was about to land it on my head when I caught his arm and kicked him on the chest. I sent him flying at least four feet away from me. The other two, which I could not distinguish with this rain but I bet they were just schoolboys, were just standing, watching the fight. They were in their fighting stance but slowly backing away. The others ran away. I turned to look at the three guys who I’ve put down. They all cowered in pain. I let out a soft satisfying scoff. 

“Run,” I grunted. I watched them struggle scrambling to their feet and ran away. When they disappeared over the bend, I walked towards the girl who was shaking. Sitting with her knees near her face, she secured herself tightly as I approached her.

 “Hey,” I called out as I reached for her face but she jerked away. “Easy there buddy, I’m not going to hurt you.” Still the girl didn’t respond. 

“Look, the rain’s not getting any better. You might want to tell me where you live or at least your name,” I exasperated, trying hard to hide the annoyance. The girl still curled up on her little zone and not even a peep or nod did she manage to let out to answer me. I looked around and found out that the boys I’ve beaten were gone. I dread they’ll come back and bet they’ll be more of them.

“We have to go. Those guys, they might come back. Come with me,” I used my sincerest and less frightening voice to win this girl’s trust.  “You can trust me.” 

The girl’s head slowly emerged from her knees. Her eyes swollen from crying and she looked so pale and weary. Her sunken eyes tell me she hasn't eaten anything yet. Her shivering lips tried to form words and only could manage a whisper. 

“Jo-an,” she said trying to speak even louder. “My name’s Joan.”

“Joan,” I started. “Okay, I’m Jenny. Come with me for a while. Let’s get you dried up and tell me where you live after. The storm’s getting worse.”

Present, September 10, 2015

Driving around town just to get to school is fun and interesting when my bestfriend's with me. Joan, sitting shotgun, rolled out the window and let her long dark, hazelnut hair have blown away by the wind. She wore her thick, round shades that complimented her thin rosy lips. Her lips grew thinner as she smiled to the sunlight on her face. 

“Hmm, I just love the feeling of the wind and sun on my face,” she said. “It helps me relax and forget all the things that bother me.”

“What kind of things?” I asked with a bit of sarcasm in my tone. I found Joan to be an easy going girl who doesn’t have the care in the world but always brings joy and happiness to all the people she could meet.

She turned to look at my direction and pulled her shades down slightly. She raised an eyebrow showing she cannot believe I didn’t believe she had worries. 

“Why, Jenny, my worry is after junior high. We’ll be senior highs soon and be picking up colleges and universities. Thinking about the careers we could have in our future are worries.”

“Wow, since when did you have any understanding about careers?”

“Since I’ve seen Alvin work for his,” her tone dropped and ended the conversation. Yikes, I think I’ve just triggered the not-so-good-mood mode of hers. She doesn’t like being told that she’s not matured enough to learn new things that could manage her whole life. Alvin is one good student and a good son. He studies and works and pays the bills for their house due every month. He is one responsible man and eventually, Joan thinks she does not deserve Alvin for she is the exact opposite of him. So she tries so hard to change for him. 

“Look, I’m sorry, I just don’t think that way immediately. I mean it’s still a year from now and we’re in Junior high! We should make the most of it before the serious stuff starts!”

“Seriously? You talk to me like that?” She stared at me waiting for my response to her sarcastic quote. Though I couldn’t stare back but my laugh couldn’t resist from bursting. I heard Joan started to and we ended up laughing our hearts out. 

We passed by the coffee shop just three blocks from school to grab our morning lattes. The lady in the cashier knew that we always drop by for coffee so she already laid them out. I went out first, Joan still talking to the lady. We still have time before class starts so there’s no rush.

I watched the road as people started to gather and pave their ways to their own businesses. Finance Road is a busy street. Most of the business runs here and most shops are also here. My training school is also here, a few blocks away and just across from it, the street where I found Joan. I could still remember that day, from three years ago. From the helpless girl I knew, now it seems the past is starting to fade on her. She’s not that helpless anymore, in fact, she’s stronger than me, emotionally that is. I could still remember how I practically died for her.