The journey begins
1316 Words
"I see you went to the Psychic" Jack called out to her as she walked past his mum's coffee shop. Her bad! She had forgotten to avoid following their path after what Jackie warned her against speaking to him. "What did she say?"
"Just some superstitious stuffs. She spoke about my soulmate. She'd said he will be strong and powerful and loved by all or something like that" She replied walking toward his direction.
"Woah! What a strong man you have there. I hope he doesn't break your bones though"
"Haha. Really funny" Helia said sarcastically.
"Helia, i have gotten my things ready for our trip tomorrow. My mum and dad are leaving for a vacation which makes it more easier for us both. I will borrow one of her horses in the barn and meet you up at your house" Jack informed enthusiastically.
"You can't come with me" Helia declined.
"What? Why?"
"You have to stay back and take care of Jackie. She needs you more. I can't risk taking you with me"
"Jackie spoke with you. I see" His voice sounded disappointed.
"She is right. I can't take you with me. What if something harmful happens to you. I have powers to defend myself but you have nothing…"
"I have a rifle and a knife. You can't take that for granted. You think you're powerful enough to take care of yourself. Helia, you can barely shoot flames talk of fighting off some criminals on the way. How do you expect to use your powers?" He asked.
"My evil side will protect me" She answered with an unsure look.
"Your evil side? The same side which almost killed you the last time. Your powers doesn't care about you Helia. I do"
"I know you care about me Jack. Your twin sister will never let you go with me. What don't you understand in that?"
"Sure! I won't let you too hop off into the wild. Either only Helia goes or no one goes" Jackie voice was heard from the entrance of the shop. They bought caught sight of her stern look as she cleaned up her hands on her apron.
"You have no control over me Jackie" Jack reminded.
"Sure i don't but i am still your elder sister!'
"By few seconds… just kill me then. We are equal siblings okay. No one is older than the other. I do whatever i want and no one can stop me"
"So you won't listen to me then. After everything i have done for you in the past"
"I am a grown man Jackie. I am 20 years. I am no more the 11 year old you protect anymore. Stick that in your head" He argued with a frown.
"You guys should calm down. I am going on my own. No need to argue" Helia tried calming them down realizing the unpleasant rage.
"Really now Helia? You don't need someone who reads map anymore? It's either you let me go or our friendship is over"
"Come on Jack. You are better than this" Helia said with an unpleasant stare.
"You will need to choose"
Helia stared perplexed at Jackie and then Jack. She wasn't sure of what to do anymore. Of course she valued her friendship and really needed a good map reader but then putting Jack life at risk wasn't anything she wished to compromise. She'd lost her dad already.
"Jack…" Jack threw her a stubborn stare and began walking back toward the door of the coffee shop.
"Wait! I really need you. Please come with me" Helia sounded out the words she didn't want to. A grin came on Jack face. "But you have to insist, you will come with a weapon and sufficient food"
"Sure Helia. Sure. Trust me on that one. I have travelled for miles. I know the right food to bring along" He agreed with a wink. "You did the right thing Helia"
Helia knew she hadn't done the right thing. She had made Jackie even more upset just for the purpose of saving her friendship with Jack. It was almost like she valued Jack more than hers.
"Jackie…" Jackie shushed her immediately and walked back into the coffee shop without saying a word.
"She is such a character right?" Jack asked nonchalantly.
"No. She is just looking out for you"
"Cease the lecture. She acts like my mother which she isn't. I hate when she does that"
***
The next day came almost in a jiffy. Helia had her sword and backpack ready for the journey. All she needed left was a goodbye kiss from her mum and to wait patiently for Jack. It was just 6am in the morning. The neighbors were beginning to come out. Everyone's chores were to start at 6am on a normal note so it wasn't a surprise when she caught sight of her neighbor Mrs Olivia bringing out her goods to be transported to the market. 'Another hectic day for her' Helia thought with a smile.
"Are you really sure about this Helia?" Her mum asked as Jack rode his horse toward them.
"Yes mum. Remember you allowed me to do this yesterday" Helia reminded.
"Sure i know darlin. But i am scared. I am worried for you…"
"There is no need for you to be. I will be fine" Helia promised before giving her a peck on the cheek. They exchanged a quick smile before she hurriedly climbed up her horse.
"Be careful"
Helia nodded at this statement and turned to Jack who was waiting patiently for them. He noticed her mum's worried look and proceeded to promise her he would take care of Helia. What a drama queen! She might have to be the one taking care of him eventually since he was a big baby. Grabbing hold of her map, she glanced through it and offered it to Gerald hoping he processes it.
"You should take a look at this before we set off. You are gonna be our saviour after all"
"Sure" Jack said with a timid tone as he collected it from her. He took a quick look at it and gulped a mouthful of saliva. "This map looks like one in a children's book. It will be hard to figure out something on it"
"You're trying to tell me you cannot figure this one out? Wow Jack…."
"No! Wait. I can figure it out. I was just kidding. I just have to figure out"
"Jack if you have no clue how to study this map. Just tell me and i will…"
"Helia, you worry a lot. I promise. This will be worth your time" Jack promised as he turned his horse toward the small path toward his home. "We have to go to my home first though. I forgot something there"
"Alright."
They both rode their horse down the road toward his home which wasn't far from hers. As soon as they arrived despite the stares and whispers made by their neighbors, Jack got down his horse and hurried inside immediately. He arrived out with a big bowl of food which baffled Helia.
"I almost forgot you love food. How could that have slipped my mind?" Helia said staring at his bowl.
"My diet is important to me"
She said nothing. As they turned to leave, there heard a high pitched voice begging them to wait. Helia turned toward the voice and caught sight of Jackie rushing toward them with her backpack.
"If you're taking my brother. You have to take me too" She told Helia stubbornly climbing up the horse without asking her consent.
"Here we go again" Jack rolled his eyes.
"It will be fun Jackie. I promise" Helia gave her word glad her friend agreed to come along.
"Just ride on. I am still mad at you" Jackie responded rudely throwing her an angry look.
- Writer
