Night Drop

Sanity.

An absurd evidence for those who never had to face the darkness inside, nor deny their own eyes. Those, oblivious of the folds beneath reality…

I gaze out of the cab’s window with awe. I see nothing but humongous trees, no buildings, no cars, no signs of life... It felt serene and fascinating. For a moment, I felt like I was heading to oblivion; maybe by then, the chattering voices in my head would disappear.

The monotonous sceneries brought me back to a recent conversation I had with William. Yesterday, as I finished packing all my belongings, excited for another adventure on the move, I went to the living room as I heard William come in from an errand he had to take care of.

“Welcome home! It’s starting to get cold out there isn’t it?” I said happily helping him off his coat. He hummed in agreement. “No worries though, I packed everything we could need for the upcoming weather.” I finished with a wink as I held him a glass of water.

He downed the liquid at once and shot me one of his usual unreadable looks. I smiled and asked curiously “So when are we leaving this time? And most importantly where to?” slightly jumping up and down.

“About that...” He muttered avoiding my gaze. “Have a seat.” He gestured to the dining table leading the way. I sat down in front of him, expecting.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and adjusted his voice “Bethany, over the past years you have beco-...”

“Nah-ah, that’s cringe, we don’t do that here, just get into it” I interrupted him proudly, holding my hands up.

He chuckled first before his smile faded, “We’re not going anywhere...” He announced, so I interrupted him again, “What? But why?” I asked worried, and as he was about to open his mouth, ideas flooded my brain, “Is it because of the weather? It’s okay, we always sort it somehow, we can postpone it for another time, mayb-...”

“No, we’re not!” He sighed exasperated. “We’re not going anywhere, you’re not moving anymore, it’s time for you to…” He squinted before finishing, “…settle down.”

Silence fell and the sound of the ticking clock in the kitchen was merging with that of my drumming heart, as I tried to process his words.

William fell back on his chair and waited for my reaction. Never has he ever waited for my reaction, he only announces our next step and throws orders around to get ready. I never complained or objected, I just followed. This time, something about his phrasing was making me anxious.

I gulped the hard knot in my throat, “Where do we settle down?” I asked already dreading his answer.

He averted his eyes, “It’s only you this time Beth,” He said bringing down his face, and my breath hitched.

“Why?” I croaked dryly.

“Because it’s time for you to stop hiding. You have got to stop running.” He explained still not looking at me. His voice grim but still forever stern.

I have known William for over ten years, we never settled in one place for more than twelve months. There were even times, where we would camp in the wild for several days aimlessly before he decided on somewhere precise. It always felt like we were running, and hiding our tracks.

I used to ask a lot of questions as a little girl, and William answered all of them generously, except for the ones that tapped into forbidden topics, he would simply brush them off with “Someday it will all make sense to you!”

“But you’re all I know!” I splurged incredulous.

“You’ll meet others” he retorted immediately, as if he prepped for my questions beforehand.

I sighed, “Who have we been running from William? Why stop now? Is it time for it to make sense?”

He nodded, before rummaging through his bag, allowing a file and an envelope out. He put them on the table and pushed them towards me. I eyed them suspiciously, “What’s this?”

“Your college admission, and some money to hold you up before you can figure it out.” He said softly.

“I never applied.” I returned disoriented by the shift in the conversation.

“It doesn’t matter, I took care of everything, so all you have to do is go, and have the life you always wanted,” he explained calmly.

“What makes you think it’s what I want?” I shot back, now feeling anger crawling up my back. William home-schooled me for all I can remember. I once voiced my desire to go to college, but it wasn’t serious, and it was a long time ago. Why bring it up now?

He laid his back on the chair, and took a deep breath, “You’re almost twenty-one Beth, you have so many more things to learn, and I can’t teach you everything you need to know.”

“What you taught me is enough! I don’t want to go to college, I want to be with you, I want us to keep having the life we chose together.” I said slightly raising my voice, as the feeling of betrayal grew stronger.

“You never chose anything child, it was I who always made the decisions, you just stuck to them, because you had no other choice!” He replied calmly.

I looked at him in disbelief. “Can’t I choose to stay with you then?” I pleaded my eyes watering.

He shook his head, “I can’t take care of you anymore Beth, from now on, you’re on your own!” He said his nose flaring and his eyes red. I could tell he was supressing his feelings as much as I was. After all, it is him who always insisted on maintaining composure and controlling emotions.

“What if I don’t fit in, what if I end up alone? What if I end up hurt?” I asked anxiety knotting the inside of my guts.

“You’ll be fine Beth, you shine.” He said with a proud tight smile on his face.

The cab hilted to a stop, drawing me back from my thoughts. I looked through the window only to see that the woods were still surrounding us.

So I adjusted my voice. “Why did we stop? I believe that we still didn’t make it to town?”

The driver looked at me over his shoulder, then he gestured to a sign on the road that read in big bulk letters, “Welcome to the Private lands of Rain Bridge town, 20 km ahead.” Then he turned back to me satisfied.

“And? We still have 20 km to go.” I told him with a blank face.

“Umm, no actually this is the farthest I can take you, I can’t get past the borders.” He smiled.

Ah, yes of course, the borders.

“I am sorry but you drive a cab, you’re supposed to have the necessary permits, and this is not what we agreed on at the station,” I explained sarcastically leaning to the front and holding the sides of the front seat.

“Well, you never detailed what you meant.” As I was about to argue he interrupted me, “Look you can call the cops if you want, but as you know, it’s the law, and I can’t take you further.” he finished holding up his hands.

Unbelievable, but there was truly no point in arguing with him.

I struggled out of the car with my big backpack, all while he watched me. He detoured the car and I eyed him ferociously. Once he was on the other side of the road, he put down the glass of the window and yelled “If you are lucky enough someone will give you a lift” he gave me a pathetic smile and speeded away, back to that deserted train station.

I sigh once, then twice, only to take a deep breath and remind myself that nothing had the power to ruin this day, I am here to start anew after all.

I stood in front of the sign and rummaged through the small bag around my neck looking for the infamous permit. I myself have never been on private lands before and always had to round them up with William. So, I almost chocked on my own saliva when I found it along the college files, for I always wondered about how it looked, and what was written on it.

Long story short, I was kind of disappointed, it was a plain green card with personal information on it. But before putting it back, I stared one last time at my birth place; Wood’s leaves. The name ringed no bells to me…But I was almost sure it was as fake as my birth one, I scoffed internally.

I tightened my grip on the straps of my backpack and inhaled deeply before stepping inside the borders. Instantly, a wave of anxiety established itself at the bottom of my stomach, making it sink and twist to my dislike. I mechanically brought my right hand to my chest and tried to breath slowly in hope of gaining control over my faltering body.

“You’re fine Beth, you have always been, you’re in control” I whispered to myself continuously until I felt my nerves calm down.

Once I was ready, I picked up towards Rain-KISS MY ASS-Bridge town. 20Km goes a long way after all.

I walked for 30 minutes straight completely lost in my thoughts, unconsciously going back to William. I could’ve refused to go to college and go anywhere else instead. But...Where to? ...To do what exactly? ... All I have known for the past ten years was harsh training, ... Moving in and out ... Or should I call it running and hiding as he described it himself?

“You’ll be fine Beth, you shine.” He said with a proud tight smile on his face. How can he be so calm?

I dragged the seat and stood up at once fuming, “FUCK YOU! You could have at least warned me! This is not another one of our scouts and errands!! We’re parting ways for god’s sake!” I screamed at William for the first time of my life. It was wrong at so many levels, yet I couldn’t help but feel power and thrill rush through me as I let my emotions flow in front of the sole person who never allowed it.

“Don’t raise your voice at me child.” He warned sternly, making me even more agitated.

“OH LORD! How can you be so damn calm?” I inquired my eyes teary and my fists curled. “How can you do this to me?” I yelled again, but this time he fixated me with a deadly cold stare.

“Didn’t I teach you anything these past years?” he advanced, “Did all my efforts go to waste? Is this how you intend on living? A slave to your emotions, an easy prey to your enemies?”

I inhaled and looked at him dead in the eyes, “At least my enemies won’t abandon me when I need them the most”

“Don’t play that card on me…You’re a grown ass woman, capable of taking down a grizzly bear and more if you so want to.” He finally stood up, “You knew this was coming!” He said throwing me one last disappointed look.

His cold unsatisfied stare forced me back to composure. He did not deserve my attitude, therefore I cowered back. “Will I see you again?” I asked dryly.

“I hope not!” He replied with the same unwavering tone.

Ouch.

“Did you hate it all that much? Taking care of me?” I scoffed, hiding the pain, unconsciously biting my lip.

“Get your shit together child.” He added before storming out of the house.

I knew it was coming, he was not going to stay by my side forever, he made it clear the first day we met. I looked up at the long road I still got ahead, and marched forward. “Knight’s Fang could be my salvation to a new start after all. Maybe I should just go with the flow for now, and hopefully, the path will get clearer.

A rustle from the trees nearby pulled me out of my daydream. I instantly reached for my belt strap. It was chilly and foggy, and the forest was so thick and dark that I had to squint my eyes in the hope of having a glimpse of the origin of the sound but in vain. So after a little while, when I made sure nothing was alarming, I decided to continue down my path.

I lost track of time until I heard the sound of a car approaching, my eyes widened and my body moved on a pulse to stand in the middle of the road, gesturing for the car to stop. As it came to a halt in front of me, I rounded to the driver’s door and waited for the young lady to let down her glass.

“Hey! Can you give me a lift to Rainbridge please?” I asked with a smile, slightly feeling uncomfortable as the lady faintly scrunched her nose as if she smelled something foul. I know I have been walking for a while, but I am very cautious and self-conscious about my hygiene, I know I am smelling pretty nice.

“If it’s not too much to ask of course,” I added as she was still eying me.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I kind of drifted in my thoughts, please hop in,” she suggested finally returning my smile.

After I secured my backpack in the backseat, I hopped into the passenger seat and fastened my seatbelt.

“Thank you for the lift, I appreciate it.” I made sure to thank her again.

“Don’t mention it, it’s nothing” She softly smiled before killing the engine, a simple act that made me all tensed and alarmed, waiting for her next move.

She shifted in her seat so that she was slightly facing me, “So! What brings you to our town, visiting someone?” she asked studying my face. What was her deal?

I hummed, “No, I am here for college.”

Her attitude immediately changed from threatening to relaxed, “Oh! You’re here for Knight’s Fang?”

I nodded with a tight smile, still suspicious of her behaviour.

“You’re missing the integration speech then!” She scolded, and I frowned at her attitude.

She chuckled at my confusion, “I am Camellia Reinghart, the principal of Knight’s Fang, welcome to our lands.”

Oh, she looks so young for a principal. I adjusted my voice, “Pleasure to meet you, Madame, I am Bethany Col-”

“Collins” She interrupted, “This year’s one and only half-blood!”

Half-what? I tensed even more and subtly lifted my baggy jeans allowing my other strap under the palm of my right hand. This young lady was clearly off and I had to be prepared.

“May I do a quick scan of your admission file? One can never be too sure.” She finished holding her hand in anticipation.

I cautiously did as she asked.

She went through every paper in deep focus, as I scanned her every move, “Yep, that’s you, you’re staying with Miss Louis, she is very kind and accepting, I am sure you’ll have a great time amongst us.” She finished handing me back the file with a tight smile before waking up the engine of her light blue Volvo P1800, and setting off to the road.

I studied her for a while before I looked through the window, we were heading to the mountains. The trees were a dark flamboyant green that embraced your very existent. The sun was creeping up in the sky, slightly dismissing the fog and cold. What did she mean by half-blood?

We spent most of the ride in silence, Camellia would glance at me from one time to another without uttering a word, and I would do the same.

However, as we steadily approached our destination, I was stunned at the view that came to my sight. From the top of the highway on the closest hill, I could see modern buildings standing in different shapes and heights.

“This is no town!” I blurted out.

“Well, what did you expect?” She asked amused.

“I don’t know? A bridge?” I answered sarcastically.

She chuckled, “We are currently one of the top thriving private lands around the continent,” Announced Camellia proudly.

I pursed my lips impressed at her statement, it does look like a thriving land indeed. I made a mental note to explore the city as soon as possible, since we did not go through it, and directly took a detour towards the depth of the woods, where a sign red “Knight’s Fang Academy”.

A few minutes later, I could see gorgeous grand gates standing in the middle of a vast sieged property. I looked at the building with utter admiration, for it reflected superiority and wealth in all their aspects.

The gates opened up automatically and Camellia rolled in as the guards saluted her at each side.

Once parked, she shifted her attention to me again, “Most half-bloods don’t like to mingle with fellows from other packs until they’re fully bloomed, so I can already tell you’re a brave one...”

There she goes again with this half-blood story!

I did not react to her statement and simply got out of her car, secured my backpack on both my shoulders, and looked at her with a blank face, although thoughts and suspicions were storming at my head like an avalanche.

She looked at me from above her side of the car, her gaze this time serious and demanding, “You know, I am impressed at your heart rate and nerve control...They didn’t waver for a second there!”

I frowned at her statement, talking about someone’s heartrate is not common unless you’re a doctor with a stethoscope.

“Thank you for the ride Miss,” I voiced firmly, ignoring her odd comments.

She sighed, dismissing me and heading for the stairs. “You go straight to the orientation office, and get this year’s freshman’s handbook, and read it thoroughly, especially the safety instructions!”

I watched her as she pierced the great hall and disappeared into the crowd. I let out a sigh of my own and took a look around the grounds. Aside from the guards at every other corner of the siege, nothing seemed wary, all I could see was students and staff members roaming around. Yet, something was knotting at my stomach urging me to break free and run away as far as I could.

Pushing down my anxiety, I headed to the dorm, getting out my admission file.

I am in room 109 as indicated, it’s medium sized but seems comfortable already, just what you would imagine having in college. Two transposed beds were at the opposite corner of the door, with two desks placed at their side, separated by a pretty big window, while the closet was facing all these items. I could already see that my roommate Jane as it was transcribed, had already settled down her belongings on the upper bed. So I dropped my backpack on top of the remaining one at the bottom and got to unpacking too.

Once I was done, I headed downstairs and found my way to the administration. I knocked at the door and pushed it open. The lady sitting behind her desk was old, her hair was grey and silky and looked in good shape. She scrunched her nose up instantly, “There is nothing I despise more than the scent of a half-blood that did not awaken yet”. Taken back by her statement, I threw at her with a very confused face “Excuse me?” She rolled her eyes “You smell so human child ... Now what is it that you want?”

I looked at her soundless, she pressured “So? I don’t have all day you know?”

“What are you talk...I- I am here for the freshmen handbook.” I finally managed to answer annoyed, after she threw all kinds of death glares at me.

She reached out to a pile of them sitting in front of her and handed me one, “You were supposed to get these at the integration speech, the mayor was a delight to the ear as always” I could swear her eyes sparkled at the mention of the mayor.

“I missed it” I explained annoyed and confused at her tone,

“Wouldn’t expect less of a half-blood” she huffed going back to scrunching her nose up. I opened my mouth to ask but then decided to shut it immediately. Instead, I smiled at her and took my leave.

“Well that wasn’t weird at all”, I said to myself once I was out of her office and out in the sun. The campus was humongous, with diverse departments surrounded by vast yards all the way, the campus was bright and modern yet connected to nature and wildness.

I found a bench nearby and sat down opening “the” handbook. I read the welcoming wishes, and the staff organization, then the subjects and course schedules, on to the events and activities forecast, to finally stumble upon warnings and safety instructions. I flipped the page and began reading thoroughly as I was asked. At first, they were common and very usual until they became gradually confusing and weird;

...

23. Students are not allowed to phase on college grounds;

24. Students are only allowed to phase in secure private grounds;

25. Protection is always provided, in case of an emergency or a problem, please go to the nearest staff member or guard you find;

26. On full moons, underground facilities are equipped to keep you protected and those around you.

...

I felt my heart tightening.

40. This year, and due to special circumstances, it has been decided on a curfew, students should all be back on college grounds before sunset.

...

“Is this some kind of joke?” I whispered.