———
Time passed ever since I saw that orb, I couldn't get it out of my mind, It was a beautiful dream, but I had no idea what it meant.
Also Dad lied. He still didn't want me going to kindergarten. I asked him every single damn day, eventually even Mom started 'asking'.
He gave up on October 3rd. My first day of kindergarten.
[Sunshine Sprouts Kindergarten, Havok, Monday, 8:00 AM, October 3rd, 2015]
Once I met the head-teacher there I was sort of left to my own devices in the playroom where a bunch of kids were.
I was really shy and awkward back then so I didn't really say anything to anyone and then suddenly as I was spinning on a swivel chair a hand tapped my shoulder—
???: "Hey! Come play with us! You look lonely over here."
I looked at him with a raised eyebrow and hopped off the chair.
James Karawei: "Uh... Hi. Why do you have three ponytails? Aren't ponytails for girls?"
The moment I asked that question I felt someone running up behind me and I ducked.
A girl jumped to hit me but ended up bumping into this kid.
She stood back up and looked at me as if I offended her.
???: "How dare you say ponytails are for girls! You're so bloody judgy and pushy, I can't stand you! Moron! Hmph."
She scoffed and turned away, the boy from earlier just laughed and shook his head
Jack Daniels: "Don't worry about her, she's like that with everyone... I'm Jack Daniels! Nice to meet you!"
He extended a hand in greeting and I promptly shook it.
James Karawei: "I'm James Karawei, why DO you have three ponytails though?"
Jack Daniels: "Oh it's just I don't like cutting my hair, so I learned to tie my hair and stuff. No biggie."
The girl from earlier suddenly pushed Jack out of the way and and came to shake my hand, then crossed her arms again.
Cathy Ariston: "I'm Cathy Ariston and I helped him tie his ponytails this morning! I also made this grumpy cat drawing! Not that you care... Weirdos!"
Jack then pulled me away by the sleeve of my shirt, Cathy trailed behind still looking grumpy and irritated. We reached the corner of the playroom and saw a girl playing with a train set.
Jack Daniels: "James meet Jasmine, Jasmine meet James! We're gonna play Cops and Robbers together and we need a good cop! I'll be a robber of course."
Jasmine Olson: "Heya! You look confused... Don't worry, I don't bite! I'm Jasmine Olson! You can call me Jazzie, Jamie~"
The girl then got up and ran over to the other side of the room, Jack followed... Only Cathy stayed behind to glare at me.
James Karawei: "Sorry... I've never had friends before or talked to people other than my family for this long."
Cathy's eyes softened slightly at my words and her hands dropped to her sides, she got closer to me and still tried to fake a pout.
Cathy Ariston: "W-well... Don't be stupid, we're friends now... Let's talk about it! My dad kind of sucks too!"
And that's how I met them, my four good friends... We spent a lot of time together from that moment onwards, I learned a lot over the years as I grew up around them. We ran every day around town, stole apples and swore we'd never grow up.
But time had other plans.
[Outskirts of Havok, Saturday, 6:47 PM, May 7th, 2020]
A whole five years had passed since I met them, we've been through a lot together. Getting into all sorts of trouble around town.
In fact they were the ones who helped me get out of the house more and break down my parents stupid rules. They even helped me gain enough confidence to explore outside of our little town, Darrilyn, and sometimes near the outskirts of the city.
Which is where we were headed.
I was walking alongside the group as we were approaching the city of Havok. My parents were already waiting by the car up ahead on the road. It was my last day here before leaving the country.
My parents have been planning this trip since 2 years ago, we were headed for the country of Taured where aunt Lara was living. Apparently there were better business opportunities there, being a mortician in Ryomania wasn't paying well since the population kept rising. More born than dead. Which was good overall, just not for my parents.
And obviously them also being farmers didn't help much, so the plan was to move to Taured for a while... maybe five years and then return rich! But that's only in theory.
I kept my head down as I kept walking alongside them, the sun was already faded over the horizon. I was just deep in thought.
Jasmine Olson: "Jamie... You're so quiet, something on your mind handsome?~"
I snapped out of it and glanced around, suddenly stopping. I looked behind me to notice the golden wheat fields in the distance, my house could faintly be seen.
James Karawei: "Huh? Oh... sorry, I was just thinking. It's nothin—"
Cathy suddenly threw a rock at me and went over to lean against one of the fences by the side of the road (they were put in place to stop small animals getting into the fields).
Cathy Ariston: "What's wrong dumbass? Stop acting all nostalgic and keep walking! You have a ride to catch, remember?"
James Karawei: "Sorry! Owch... Uhm... I was just thinking about when I met all of you... How much we've been through, my head feels kind of weird. Oh but not from the rock... Like deja vú but weirder... I dunno."
I trailed off in thought as my legs started moving on their own, already walking ahead. Cathy quickly hopped off the fence and followed behind, Jack reached over to put a hand on my shoulder.
Jack Daniels: "Look, it's not your fault we broke Old Lady Dana's windows... I told Jasmine to not kick the ball at me and well... you know her. Plus Cathy wasn't being a good goalie."
He shot Cathy a glance while smirking, she threw another rock at him but he ducked just in time, laughing.
James Karawei: "No... It's the fact that I'm leaving for Taured I guess. I don't think I'm ready to leave you guys."
Jasmine Olson: "Aww, well aren't you sweet? We'll miss you too Jamie... But don't feel too bad, you'll get to see my homeland before I do! That must be a bonus, huh?~"
She snuck up behind me and grabbed both of my shoulders as we kept walking.
Jack Daniels: "The land of water, eh? Heard it's really pretty. My dad sent me a postcard from there once! Not that it contained anything, other than the price tag."
Cathy snorted and elbowed him, suddenly walking ahead of us and turning around, looking at me as she began walking backwards.
Cathy Ariston: "Don't worry James, I'm sure we'll see you again one day. Plus it's not like you won't be able to call or anything... And you'll only be there until your parents have enough money! That's like... what, 5 to 8 years?"
James Karawei: "5 years. And it is a long time..."
We eventually reached the car, Jack suddenly took the bags from me and threw them to my parents. My dad luckily caught both.
Alexander Karawei: "What a strong boy you've become Jack! Thanks for helping James out, I'll make sure to remind him to call all of you rascals."
He opened the door for me. I looked back at my friends, my right hand already on the car door.
James Karawei: "I'll miss you guys, thanks for... being cool and for everything I guess! I promise to return in five years!"
I smiled genuinely, Jack shook my hand and nodded. No words needed.
Jasmine hugged me however briefly and smiled.
Cathy... stood there, arms crossed. Looking away into the Red Woods on the other side of the road. Her hands started shaking and there was a tremble in her voice.
Cathy Ariston: "Goodbye dumbass, don't cry too much..."
She slowly turned her head to meet my gaze and then suddenly turned away towards the Red Woods, her hands balled into fists.
Cathy Ariston: "Ugh! Whatever... Stupid James, stupid trip... Stupid car..."
She muttered to herself and started walking past the car and further up the road, Jack followed after her.
Jack Daniels: "Cathy what the hell kind of goodbye is that—"
His voice cutoff as he ran after her. Jasmine chuckled as she leaned against the car, watching the two of them argue in the distance.
Eleanor Karawei: "Don't mind her sweetie, I've known that girl since she was just a little beansprout, she gets that attitude from her dad."
My mom then pulled me into a hug, suddenly letting go and pushing me into the back of the car.
James Karawei: "Agh! Mom! Stop being uncool..."
She laughed and hopped into the passenger seat, Dad got in front. I rolled down my window to look at Jasmine one more time.
James Karawei: "Hey Jazzie? I trust you to take care of Jack and Cathy, and the farm... Okay? You know where the key is."
Jasmine Olson: "Yeah yeah, while I'm at it I can steal your crops too! I know. Don't worry. And make sure to have a safe trip!"
"safe trip", the last words I heard from her as Dad started driving away. The engine rumbling, it was an old sedan and it was damn loud too.
I looked back and saw Cathy headed North into the Red Woods after arguing with Jack. Arms still crossed and still not looking my way—Or atleast the car's way. My guess is she knew I'd look at them one last time.
Jack started walking South into the wheat fields, he always knew where the best shortcuts where. Heck in fact I'm pretty sure he knew the entire layout of the city, the town AND the nearby farms outside of Darrilyn further up south. He took a shortcut to get into the suburbs of the city. Right near the subway station.
Jasmine just turned back West, heading towards my farm. She was the only one who actually lived close by anyway. She didn't really have any parents to worry about her... But that's a story for another time. So the plan was for her to basically live in our house for five years. Not sure if that's even legal but we all agreed on it.
As for me and my family? We went East. The Land Of Water, Taured.
~~~
Author's Note:
Thank you for reading another chapter of Divinity! If the story isn't making much sense so far, I guarantee it will. And you'll learn more about these guys later on. Be sure of it.
I wonder if we'll see Reno again... Anyway—
That's kind of all I had to say, honestly I don't know what to put here lmao.
Um... recommend Divinity to your friends if you liked it, ok then g'bye.