Reflection Read online

  “Can’t you dig up something?”

  “There’s nothing to dig up. The small ruins were abandoned long ago and nothing was left behind—no writings, no drawings. The ruins on Earth were staged, so to speak. They were created to leave hidden messages to future generations. But the ruins here are empty.”

  “No pyramids?” I ask.

  Dad laughs a little. “No pyramids.”

  “Would you like some tea?” I needed something normal and familiar.

  “I have some great Passifloral tea, you’ll love it. It’s a flower from Journey’s moon.”

  We go inside. Makayah is upside down on the couch with her head on the floor. She’s watching the television, which is a large flat-screen mounted on the wall.

  “What are you doing?” I ask as I stop to check on her.

  “They say we have to watch it this way,” she answers as she chews on her popcorn.

  “You’re going to choke. You need to sit up to eat that stuff.”

  “No, I don’t, silly,” she argues.

  Shaking my head, I sit next to her to see what’s on. It’s kids dancing and singing and running around a large complex that resembles a zoo. But it’s inside not outside. Monkey-looking animals are hanging upside down from a tree branch and dancing. It doesn’t look very interesting, so I give her a pat on the leg and join my father in the kitchen. He hands me a cup of hot tea.

  Our cabin is just right, comfortable and cozy. The front faces the lake and is all glass. A small parlor with a fireplace is to the right when you enter. The porch swing is just outside the large windows. Across from the fireplace is the kitchen with a bar and four chairs. Behind the parlor is the den and my father’s study. We live very much the same as we did in the mountains of North Carolina.

  The furnishings are simple. But I can sense my mom’s presence everywhere. A painting of a fox and bear drinking from a stream hangs over the fireplace, and I know that it belonged to her. She loved animals. A day after he took me on our little walk, I snooped in his bedroom and found mom’s clothes still in his closet. It’s sad.

  “Dad?” I ask, trying to find the right words. “Why did you leave Makayah and me on Earth? Why weren’t we raised here?”

  He doesn’t answer. Instead, he walks into his study and returns carrying a brown album with both my and Makayah’s baby pictures on the cover. I’ve never seen it before. Every page is filled with pictures of either him or my mother, or of me and my sister. The pictures are endless and I start to cry.

  5

  INTRODUCTIONS

  THIS MORNING, Takodaovi, wearing jeans and a long sleeve shirt, captures my heart. He’s just as beautiful as the previous day. Makayah runs up and gives him a hug before entering the cabin. If only I can be more like her with all that self-confidence.

  Deciding that everyone on this planet wears jeans, I wear mine. But because it’s a little chilly, I add my dark-brown sweater to the mix. Instead of tennis shoes, I pull on my tall brown boots with the one-inch heels. It just seems like the perfect match. My hair, being hopeless as ever, is pulled back into a ponytail. As always, several strands pop out curling tightly about my face. Having dark eyebrows and thick eyelashes, makeup is never required. But I did decide on a little lip-gloss to brighten my face.

  “Good morning, little one,” Takodaovi says in his vibrant voice.

  “Want some breakfast?” Makayah asks, with a smile. “We got some great cereal yesterday at the store.”

  “No, thank you. I ate before I left,” he replies.

  “I thought it’s only polite to accept what’s offered?” I ask, walking in from the front porch. I’d been standing under the tree and he obviously didn’t see me. I can’t believe how forward I’m acting after yesterday’s stupidity. But I feel the need to say something.

  “Yes, you are correct, Miss Journey. Perhaps I should have some cereal,” Takodaovi says as he nods to the left.

  I sigh. “You don’t have to eat cereal. I’m only kidding. One of my dad’s friends hates beer, but he forced himself to drink it the other day just to please my father. I thought it odd, that’s all.”

  “So, she does speak.” Dad yells from the kitchen.

  I laugh and Takodaovi smiles. “Yes, I speak. It’s just that…”

  “You are shy?” Takodaovi suggests.

  “Yes, shy.” It’s almost as if Takodaovi is protecting me—and it feels good.

  “You’re prettier without the juice on your face,” he adds, with a cute grin.

  Shaking my head, I shrug. I guess I deserve that one.

  “You two stay safe today.” Dad calls from the kitchen.

  “I will have her home in a few hours, sir,” Takodaovi replies, nodding to the right.

  I run and give my father a kiss on the cheek. “Love you, Dad.”

  I guess the change in my attitude is a little unexpected. Because it even takes me by surprise. But I’m really happy right now.

  Takodaovi has, what can only be called, a covered jeep. It’s kind of cool, but its neon-green color is not.

  “Nice color,” I muse, as he opens the passenger door for me.

  Luckily, he doesn’t catch my sarcasm and replies, “Thank you.” Again, he nods.

  When he gets in behind the wheel, I have to ask, “Okay, why does everyone here nod their head when they answer a question?” Takodaovi looks puzzled so I clarify. “Both you and my dad’s friend nod. You did it just now when you said thank you, you nodded your head like this.” I demonstrate for him.

  “Oh. If you nod to the right, you are in agreement. If you nod to the left you are apologizing? Saying you are sorry.” He hesitates a few moments before he continues as though he’s thinking of the best way to explain it. “Yes, I believe that is a good example for you.”

  “So where are we going today, Takodaovi?” I do not wish to dominate the conversation. Takodavoi’s accent is almost a melody, and I want to hear his voice, not mine.

  “May I ask a favor of you, Miss Journey?” Takodaovi asks as he starts the vehicle.

  “Of course, anything.”

  “Would you please call me Takoda?”

  “Certainly, Takoda,” I try out the nickname. That he even asked me kind of makes me feel special. “And call me Journey; no miss is necessary.”

  We start down the mountain road with big smiles on our faces. But instead of turning onto the main road, we head in the opposite direction. I’ve never been this way before.

  “I’m honored that your father asked me to show you around school. We don’t call it school, but I am told it is what you will call it.”

  “Great!” Takoda glances over at me and my stomach tightens. I’m still nervous around him and do not wish to make an idiot out of myself again.

  We park at a small station. Long silver train-looking vehicles are hovering over tracks, a thick flat dull strip of metal embedded in the ground. I stop to look under one of the trains. Nothing but air is holding it in place.

  “Where are we?” I ask knowing the answer as soon as I ask, which again makes me feel stupid.

  “We live far away from campus. We must ride the train.”

  “Floating trains?”

  “There are no roads, Miss Journey. All travel is by train.”

  I sigh. “Journey… please, call me Journey?”

  He nods to the right, which makes me feel a little better.

  The station is empty except for one other person. There are no attendants. Everything’s purchased from vending machines. Takoda buys two electronic tickets and two drinks. We sit on a bench to sip and wait.

  “Are you happy living with your father?” The question comes from out of nowhere and startles me.

  Before I reply, I take a sip of my drink. Something bitter meets my tongue. I cough and almost spit it out. Takoda frowns and the look on his face frightens me. I’m not making a good impression on this guy.

  “My apologies, Miss Journey. Have you not tasted this before?”

  “No…
what is it?”

  “Everyone our age loves it.” He reaches for my can. “May I get you something else?”

  After thinking about it for only a second, I pull the can away. It’s better if I can fit in. “No, I think I like it,” I lie, “I was expecting something sweet, that’s all.”

  He smiles and adds, “Next time I will warn you first.”

  “Okay, and yes I’m happy here. As happy as I can be. I mean…I never thought in a million years I would lose my mom.”

  With a sincere gaze Takoda looks at me. “We never expect to lose our parents when we are so young. May I ask how she died?”

  His soft voice seems so warm, that I believe he really does care. Takoda is just so sweet I want to tell him everything about me. “She was sick for a long time, a blood disease. It wasn’t easy for her—or us.”

  “I feel as you feel, Journey. My mother died when I was young.” His eyes echo my feelings.

  Sharing our grief makes me feel closer to him. “What happened to her?”

  “She died giving life to my younger sister,” he says as our train comes to a silent stop just a few feet from us. No sound, not even a hum or a vibration. “It is nice having someone who understands.” He stands and reaches for my hand. “This is our ride.”

  I take his hand into mine. The touch sends ripples through my body, and the sensation exhilarates me. Never in my life have I felt like this. I never want to let go. I can tell he’s feeling it too because he stops and looks into my eyes. We stare at each other for what seems like forever, although it’s only a few seconds. But in those few seconds, it’s as if our minds merged. I sensed his breathing, his beating heart, and my internal rhythm synced with his.

  Together we board the train and find seats next to a window. We sit in silence as the train pulls out of the station. I’m too afraid to speak. I don’t want to ruin the special moment we just shared.

  As the train flies down the track at a tremendous speed, I try to see the countryside. I can’t see much of anything except for a big blur. I just sit back and try to empty my mind. The train makes two stops before we arrive at our destination. Our campus is a hectic place with lots of people coming and going. Since the school is not yet in session, everyone is wearing colorful clothing and blue jeans. The girls are gorgeous, with their long hair and delicate features. The boys are even more god-like, with their long hair decorated with various colorful straps of leather. I hear laughter and talking. There’s both humans and Swetaachatas, and everyone seems to be friends with everyone else.

  Maybe I have a good chance to make friends here. Back home, I didn’t have many. Most girls were into heavy makeup and skimpy clothes. That’s not me. Feeling only a little out of place, I follow Takoda through the crowd. Every now and then someone calls out his name and waves. It’s obvious he’s popular, and despite our shared moment, I’m worried that he’s out of my league.

  “Not much farther, Journey. This way,” he urges.

  Walking slightly behind Takoda, I’m a puppy following my new master. I just hope I don’t look like one. As we leave the small courtyard, the campus spreads out before me. Large buildings, a mixture of gothic castles and modern skyscrapers, nestle quietly between two huge mountain ranges. Rolling green lawns surround and hug each building. In the center a small lake surrounded by flowering trees reminds me of a postcard.

  “Wow,” is all I can say.

  Takoda chuckles and tightens his grip on my hand. He guides me down the walk and toward the first building. The warm sun’s hitting my face. I’m enjoying his hand in mine. My dad told me that holding hands doesn’t mean anything. However, there’s no reason I can’t pretend.

  “Takoda!” A high-pitched voice echoes from under a nearby tree. It’s a Swetaachata girl who was talking to several young women who are nothing less than blue goddesses.

  Takoda grunts and grabs my hand tighter. “This is not what I need right now,” he whispers.

  “I’m sorry?” He seemed to be happy, being able to see everyone after their short break. But the look on his face gives away his true feelings. He doesn’t like this person.

  She’s tall and slender with dark red hair. Her skin is a bluish green just like Takoda’s. I must assume they’re both from Journey, my namesake. Her hair’s thick and she wears it straight. She walks toward us and beads woven into her braids make a tingling sound that would have been pleasant on another individual. The scowl that’s plastered across her face takes away from her beauty. I dislike her immediately.

  “What is it you want, Anneeta?” he asks, glaring.

  Anneeta fixates on me with a hateful stare. Her chest is puffed out and her hips are swayed to one side; it’s unlike what I’ve experienced so far on this planet. But Anneeta definitely has a problem and I know why—it’s me.

  “Perhaps I should leave you two alone?” I say, trying to pull my hand away, but Takoda’s grip tightens.

  “Anneeta,” he says, a little louder this time. “What exactly do you want?”

  She hesitates. Her eyes never once leave my face.

  “If you have nothing pressing, we must be leaving. We have much to do today.”

  As we try to go, Anneeta blocks our way.

  “I have not heard from you in many days, Takoda.” Her gaze falls to the ground and her shoulders drop. “Why not?”

  He answers her more gently than I would have. “I told you many times, Anneeta. I will not union with you.”

  “Who is this?” She points at me.

  “This is Journey, she is the daughter of—”

  “I know who she is, but I can’t believe she is here with you. Or better, why are you here with her?” She’s so loud, it’s as if she wants everyone on campus to hear.

  “That is really none of your concern, and you are being rude, Anneeta. Your attitude is not appropriate. It is time that you take leave of us.” Takoda’s serious and his grip tightens. If she doesn’t leave soon, my hand may not survive. “Now, Anneeta!” His words have such conviction that they make me want to leave.

  “I will not accept this, Takoda. I will be your nubere alicui, not her.” Tears form in her eyes and her voice trembles as she tries to be forceful. “It was foretold in the writings, remember?”

  “Look,” I say, feeling completely out of place. “Takoda and I just met, and my dad asked him to show me around the campus.”

  “I care not what you have to say!” Anneeta screams so loud that I take a step back. “Your words mean nothing to me. You are nothing here, and I do not see you.”

  This is definitely not a good way to start my education. I glance around to see if anyone is watching, but no one is. In fact, it’s as if everyone suddenly disappeared into thin air.

  “Enough, Anneeta!” Takoda yells. “What a shameful display of disrespect for our statesman’s daughter. Select your words carefully. Do not say something you will come to regret. Now I demand that you let us pass.”

  Takoda isn’t backing down, but I want to leave. I want to run away. Ever so cautiously, I slip behind Takoda trying to hide the best I can. But he’s still refusing to release my hand.

  It’s not long before several men in uniform come running up to us. They must be the campus police.

  “Excuse me,” a police officer states. “What is the problem here?”

  Anneeta replies in a language I don’t understand and gawks sternly at the officer as though she’s now challenging him to invade her space.

  “Miss, would you come with us, please?” One of the officers orders, grabbing hold of her arm. “Do not make this more difficult than it has to be.”

  Anneeta gives me the death stare and then glances at Takoda one last time. She makes a strange motion, which touches my heart. Anneeta strokes her cheek with her knuckles and opens her hand to Takoda. He stands there staring. His lack of response obviously hurts her, and she starts to cry. She leaves with the police and it is all too clear how she feels about me. As soon as she’s out of earshot, Takoda relaxes his
grip on my hand, which is a good thing because I think the blood stopped flowing to my fingers.

  “Okay, what was that all about?” I ask.

  Takoda notices the people staring at us and shrugs. With the warm sun calming our nerves, we again start our walk toward the first building. I can’t resist looking over my shoulder. Anneeta is nowhere in sight. I just know I have not seen the last of her, and I know she’ll definitely not make my life here an easy one.

  “We were to be unioned,” he says, pulling me from my thoughts.

  “You mean married?”

  “I believe that is how you understand it,” he replies. “I saw what she is like inside, her heart is not good.”

  “I see.” I want to know more, but I’m hesitant to intrude.

  We stop under the shade of a large tree and he explains. “A good heart is important. If the heart is sad, then life with that person would not be happy but filled with sorrow. I want a happy life.”

  “She said it was written. Are your marriages pre-arranged or something?”

  “Yes and no. She is talking about the Oracles who predict what will be. Their writings do not always come to pass.” Takoda smiles, and it’s nice watching his face light up again. “Come, let me show you around. After all, this is why we are here.”

  Our first building is some kind of a student center with offices and a cafeteria. There’s a bookstore in the middle, and I can look straight up through the building to the glass ceiling many floors above. Hanging vines drape to the floor and trees reach up to meet them.

  “This is Administration.” He says, pulling me around the lobby. “You sign up for your classes here, buy your books and other supplies over there. There’s a place to sit and eat too. The gym and swimming pool are on the second level. The higher floors house the library, our philosophy classes, and healing classes.”