While we’re holding hands, I feel the warmth radiating from her fingers and, for a moment, feel so secure and snug that I get distracted; enjoying this pleasant moment, I only see her face. Her eyes, enigmatic, invite me to guess what she’s thinking. Could it be that she likes what’s happened? Was she being totally sincere when she thanked me for my company? Her smile says yes. Considering everything that’s transpired over the last two days, meeting someone this fine couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s good to wind down a little, to forget about warlocks, the government, rebels. I want to get back to being a normal guy, at least for a while.

“You’d better run,” she says, interrupting my thoughts. “I just saw the train.”

I look down and see it coming west on the line. It’s running. I can go home now.

“I guess it’s time to leave.”

“Yes… It’s getting late, isn’t it? You mother’s going to be worried.”

She’s right. In fact, my mother must be extremely worried by now. Principally because Luana must have told her I was going to see my grandfather. Regrettably, I leave Judra’s side, grab my backpack, slip it on and give her a little goodbye peck on the cheek.

“Take your jacket,” she says, handing it to me.

“No, you keep it. It’s cold. You can give it back to me later.”

“Are you sure?”

I shake my head yes, in part because this will give me an excuse to see her again. I take off running so I won’t miss the approaching train. When I start down the steps, I hear:

“Le, catch!” Judra shouts, tossing me a folded-up slip of paper.

I catch it with my hands and keep on running.

“Can we see each other on Monday?” she asks.

“Of course!” I shout back.

While running, I open the wadded-up paper and see it has a time and place written on it. Downtown. In one corner, there’s a faint pink imprint of kiss. “Yes!” I say softly while punching the air with my hand. Oops… I think she saw me. I dissemble and continue running to the station. I look up and Judra’s smiling. Dang! She did see me!

I arrive at the stop as the train is leaving. I sprint to catch it and the doors close right behind me. I sit down and take the water bottle from my backpack. The train’s quite empty now, but I’m sure it’ll fill up when we get to the central station. After about fifty minutes, I reach Oliveiras and go home.

When I arrive, my mother’s fixing supper. I give her a kiss on the cheek and take the flowers from my backpack. She’s pleased when she sees my present. Judra nailed it. I go to the living room to make sure Luana doesn’t hear us; she’s in her room. I return to the kitchen and sit at the table. I ask Mom to sit down also. I begin what has all the makings of a very difficult conversation. I talk about what’s happened, about the argument she had with my grandfather and even about my conversation with him in his shop earlier today; well, not all of it, obviously, but enough to reassure her. After finishing, I give her a hug and say I won’t let anything happen to us – not to me, not to her and not to Luana. She nods her head and says supper will be ready in a few minutes.

I go to my room and think about everything we talked about. My mother said she took a walk this morning to gather her thoughts. She also told me that I’m now a man and she can’t spare me from the truth any longer. She’s relieved when she learns that I’ve discovered everything about my father and apologizes for having lied all this time. She says the government terrifies her and that the best thing we can do is keep on living the way we always have. In the end, she asks me not to tell Luana anything, since we need to protect her. I choose not to argue, but I don’t agree with that. In fact, what could have been an argument was more of a calm chat. Everything is fine, at least for now.

I go to Lua’s room to see how she is. Despite our having exchanged a few words these past few days, it’s been a while since we’ve really talked. I knock on her door and wait for an answer.

“Come in.”

I open the door and look around her room. Even though she’s lowkey and minds her own business, Luana expresses herself with little things. All her belongings look like her… and her room is no exception. At times, I think she’s strange, but I respect her. I see her sitting on the bed with sheets full of purple designs. She’s reading another of her suspense and horror stories. I’ve tried to read them before and, sincerely, I think they’re crap, but she loves them. Her room is dark and only a small twisted iron lamp is on to make reading easier. I’m still not used to her rustic furniture. Everything has a sinister sort of tone to it. Her burgundy curtains are open, which helps lighten up the ambience a bit.

“Am I disturbing the vampire queen?” I ask sarcastically.

“Of course not. Come in,” she says, laughing. “I just finished this.”

She puts her book on the dark wooden chest of drawers. After walking from the door to the center of the room, I sit at the foot of her bed, glance about once more and say:

“To complete your decorating, you could put a coffin right there,” pointing to a corner of her room. “What do you think?”

“Stop that!” she cuts me off irritatedly. “So, are you going to tell me what you want or not?”

“Sorry, I was just joking.” I say, backing off a bit. “I just want to see how you are. We haven’t really talked in a while. “

“I’m fine. You know. Last couple of weeks of school. Lots to do. Unlike you, I’ve still got two years ahead of me. I’ve just been a little tired.”

That’s true. It’s a good thing I’m finishing up with school. I know how she feels. I’m truly relieved that I don’t have to go next year. I just don’t know what my future will be like. And what about Lua in two years? She’ll probably be facing the same situation I’m in now, that is, of course, if a war doesn’t break out in the city. In the end, she doesn’t have much to look forward to either. My sister is very good with texts, math, and she’s very studious, but what could she do? Perhaps she’d be a good teacher; she’s always been patient explaining things and loves kids. However, her appearance would frighten the little ones. Someday she’ll have to stop wearing black clothes, leather bracelets and dark makeup. At least I hope she does. Taking out her nose ring would help too. I still don’t understand why my mother let’s her do that. We talked for half an hour while Mom finished supper. We were able catch up on things.

Discovering the truth about my father’s death unearthed the good times I’d had with him. I really miss him. I don’t want to lose out on the opportunity to enjoy my family while I have it. It’s the little things that make a difference.

~ ~ ~

And that’s what I decided to do. That weekend, I spent every minute with my family. We dined together on Saturday. We played some board games before going to bed and, on Sunday, we did outdoor activities – a picnic in the woods near our house and a walk. I took advantage of the time to help my mother with some household chores. In the evening, we got together in the living room and talked. I told them about Judra, which turned out to be a big mistake. They didn’t leave me alone for the rest of the evening. Now my mother wants to meet her. I don’t even really know her that well; I think it’s too early to introduce her to the family. What’s she going to think? She’ll probably run away from me, thinking that I already want to marry her. It’d be best to take things slowly.

On Monday, as agreed, I met her downtown after class. We stayed in the plaza, ate ice cream, had some popcorn and got to know each other a little better. I now know that Judra likes blackberry ice cream and knows how to dance, even though she hasn’t shown me a single step, despite my insisting.

And that’s how it was for weeks: class in the morning and Judra in the afternoon. I decided to take a break from studying at my grandfather’s. Actually, I haven’t been to the market in weeks. I’ve started meeting Judra near our home. I’ve even shown her where I live, but I prefer not introducing her to the family quite yet. For the record, my lovely mom was relieved when she discovered that I was going out with my supposed “girlfriend” frequently instead of seeing my grandfather. Yes…. Reality is that every day it’s getting harder to stay away from Judra. Could I be falling in love?

After all these days of “dating” and very little scholastic achievement, my last week of classes finally arrived. We had some festivities at high school and were let out early almost every day so we could take better advantage of the summer. But what we’re all waiting for is the big end-of-year party. The largest high schools in the city get their students together for a graduation ceremony and most of the young people are there. Parents don’t usually attend, which makes it even more fun. This year, I won’t miss it for anything in the world.

I invited Judra to the celebration; she said she’d try to go. Her reaction was like taking a cold shower. I want her to be my date and not just so she can congratulate me. She said she’s having some problems at her aunt and uncle’s and that she wouldn’t be able to stay out all night. I didn’t ask her for more details. I can’t even get upset. Even though we’ve known each other for almost two months and have seen each other virtually every day for the last few weeks, we aren’t officially going together. What right do I have to demand anything of her? None.

~ ~ ~

This Saturday evening, just two weeks after classes ended, I’m getting ready for the much-awaited festivities. I dress in very elegant clothes. I choose a light green shirt my mother gave me on my last birthday; according to her, it goes well with my eyes. I put on a pair of black serge slacks that belonged to my father and slip on my black shoes and belt, both bought at Mr. Pinmur’s store. In front of the mirror, I put a little gel in my hair to keep it parted on the side and, for once, it looks good. I descend to the living room where my mother is sitting, all proud.

“What a good looking young man! Let me give you a kiss!”

“Stop that, Mom.” I step back. “You’re going to mess up my do.” No matter how old I get, she still treats me like a child.

She laughs and asks about Luana. I tell her that I don’t know if she’s ready yet, so my mother goes to check on her. I sit on the couch and wait. It’s not long until they both come down. Lua’s style surprises me. Her long hair is loose and very straight. She has a chain headband on that goes under her hair but is visible on her forehead, where it holds a small jewel in the form of a circle with a ruby stuck in the center. This was a present from our father. Her blue eyes are highlighted by her black shadow and a small nose ring sparkles in the ceiling light. She’s wearing a knee-length skirt with tights that rise from her black boots. She’s also sporting some red bracelets to match the jewel on her forehead and, finally, she’s has a blouse on that shows off her cleavage.

“Mom!” I shout indignantly. “You’re not letting her go like that, are you?”

“What choice do I have?”

“No way! You can go change right now, young lady,” I insist, pointing upstairs.

“Le, in all due respect, go look to see if I’m standing on the street corner,” Luana says without paying the least bit of attention to my demand as she goes through the living room toward the door.

I can’t believe this. It’s supposed to by my party. Now I’ll have to keep an eye on her. How am I going to have any fun? Would it hurt if she dressed a little less “comfortably”? All the guys will be hitting on her. I’m not going to have any peace and quiet at all.

“Well, at least you’re going to wear this,” I say, covering her with a black jacket. “You’re lucky it goes with your clothes.”

She keeps the jacket on and goes to the door.

“Okay, let’s go. Come on.”

I follow her and, before leaving, I hear:

“Take care of your sister!”

I leave the house without saying anything and furiously slam the door. She lets that girl wear those sexy bloodsucker clothes and then asks me to take care of her? She’s got to be kidding. But, hey, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. Not today.

“Is your girlfriend coming?” Luana asks, already heading to the train station.

“She’s not my girlfriend,” I reply brusquely. How many times am I going to have to say that? Luana realizes I’m not interested in talking and says nothing until we reach the station. The party will take place near downtown but, to get there, we need to get off one station before the marketplace. From the station to the ballroom, we must walk down a dark, deserted street. I ask Lua to stay behind me and I walk attentively to see if there’s anything suspicious. There’s isn’t. I’m just a little paranoid.

After walking for a few minutes, we reach the spot. I’d forgotten how large it is. Last year, the party was here too. Its walls are easily over two meters high. On top, an enormous white dome covers the entire space and a flag with Acigam’s coat of arms is attached to the principal entrance made up of four immense wooden doors. The people who will greet the guests are already there. I give my name and am quickly searched before being allowed in. They want to keep weapons out: knives, swords, arrows – none of which are appreciated at a party. Luana follows me in.

We’ve gotten there early. The ballroom is practically empty, which helps me assess the space calmly. The stage where the solemnities will probably be held is off to one side. I see some things covered by black tarps. They must be instruments belonging to the band that will play after the ceremony. On the other side of the stage, there’s the buffet where dinner and drinks will be served. On a table, I can see the evening’s menu and discover that I’m going to eat rather well: for starters, we have cheese-filled pasta with a burgundy sauce, the entrée will be steak smothered in an herbal sauce accompanied by risotto with mushrooms, and for desert we have vanilla ice cream with chocolate cake and bananas flambéed in rum. Wow! I think this might just put me in a coma. Besides all that, they say there will be a table with just salads and different kinds of breads as appetizers, perfect options for Luana.

The ballroom is decorated with gold balloons and banners sporting “Congratulations” along with other positive messages. There’s a dance floor in the middle. On the main floor, I see abstract designs mixed together in a variety of vivid colors. Just above, hanging from the ceiling, there’s a huge ball that reflects light while the band is playing. The organization seems perfect. Every detail has been envisaged to make this party unforgettable. They’re now serving drinks and I go to the counter to get a juice. Lua takes a glass and is sitting at one of the tables around the dance floor. I sit down next to her.

Little by little, more people start arriving, including some I know. I get up and greet them. Luana has also found a friend and they’re sitting at the table conversing. I keep an eye out on the lass to guarantee she won’t be approached by any ill-intentioned young men. Even though she doesn’t have many friends, Luana attracts a lot of attention. It’s common for boys to try getting close to her, even with her eccentric style, but not with me here. As soon as I see a boy ogling her, I return to the table and sit there for a few minutes.

After spoiling the third pick-up attempt, she jerks my arm and says loudly:

“What’s up with you? Are you going to keep on messing with my life? Go have some fun and leave me alone.”

She gets up leaving me at the table unable to react. Some people are eyeing me after our little spectacle. Embarrassed, I stand up to go after her, but I can’t exactly enter the women’s toilet, which is where she is right now. My only option is to go back and spend time with a few acquaintances. Minutes later, I manage to forget about Luana. Besides, with the ballroom full, it will be difficult to find her.

People from all over the city are here. Individuals from the different social classes, children of merchants, aristocrats, workers. There are the rich and the poor. We can say that diversity is well accepted in Acigam since we see everyone in the same place. It’s clear this is what the government wants us to believe, but these events always make it clear how much the rich and powerful, generally members of the government, are privileged in detriment to all others. For example, there are some boys getting soused and I already know they’ll cause problems. They’re the sons of government ministers and of Acigam’s VIPs. They’re arrogant and completely inconsequential. They’ve already started playing jokes in poor taste on other guests but no one reproaches them since we all know the power their parents exercise over everyone’s lives.

Youth like them grow up without limits, do what they want when they want. They don’t need to worry about their future; they’ll have positions awaiting in some area of the government as official secretaries and ministers or perhaps as counsellors, even when, more often than not, they’re totally ignorant and incapable of occupying a position of that caliber. But it doesn’t matter, because those positions serve no purpose any way, other than to let people live off the taxes paid by merchants and workers. That’s just one more incongruence existing in this city.

A little ditty plays over the loud speakers, interrupting the sound of people talking. It announces the entrance of a short man with straight auburn hair who’s wearing a white coat and a yellow flower in his lapel. It’s the evening’s master of ceremonies, Lui Servante, known for organizing large scale events for the government. Before beginning to speak, he asks for something from his helpers; I see that it’s a small footstool so he can reach the lectern. His high-pitched voice is grating.

“Welcome to the end of school celebration. We have the pleasure of bringing together students from all over the city to honor those who have just finished this initial phase of their lives and who will now be joining the adult world.”

Ah, the adult world… How exciting. I can’t wait to run my family’s business.

Servante continues:

“This evening will be replete with activities. You will remember it for the rest of your lives. Now let me tell you a little about our program.” Taking a red card from his pocket, he says, “We’ll begin our festivities with a delicious dinner, and, after that, we’ll hear a speech from one of our great heroes, the commander of Acigam’s royal guards, General Felix Barolfen.”

Many applaud tirelessly upon hearing Felix’s name. I refuse to do so. He’s Cadorcia’s general, responsible for all guardsmen and soldiers; I’m certain that he’s also who is behind the hushers. For many, the royal guard is an excellent opportunity for the future, especially for the poor. To see the army’s leader would be inspiring for them. We’ve been lobotomized since childhood to accept the government and its rules, but those who join the army suffer even more severe brainwashing. They blindly defend everything the government does and are capable of killing the innocent if their commander orders them to do so.

“After General Barolfen’s speech, the band will bring our evening to life. Enjoy your meal. We’ll see you in a bit.”

His assistants leave the stage, giving the waiters the signal to enter and begin serving our meal. I watch Luana pick some greenery from the salad bar and then sit down by herself at a table near the buffet. I join her.

“Enjoying yourself?” she asks.

“Yeah, but I’m anxious about the band.”

“I can see you’re really anxious. I just don’t think it’s because of the band.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, nothing,” she says and then stays quiet for a few seconds, puts a forkful of food into her mouth, chews, swallows and speaks again. “Maybe your waiting for someone, I don’t know…”

My expression due to her comment is obvious: I’m furious. Sometimes I want to wring Luana’s neck.

“You’re mistaken,” I snap.

But, actually, she’s not. I’m anxious because Judra said she might come but hasn’t arrived yet. And what if she doesn’t come? Will that mean I’ve been rejected? And if she does come? What will I say to her?

“Calm down, Le. From what you’ve told us, she likes you. If she can’t come, I’m sure it won’t be because of you,” Luana says, giving me a pat on the back.

“Thanks,” I respond, looking down. Even though my sister irritates me at times, I really do like her. She always says the right thing.

They serve the first dish and I eat all the pasta. Next, I go for the steak with risotto. The sauce is delicious, but the meat’s a little tough. Luana doesn’t even try it. She’s not a fan of red meat. Dessert is marvelous. The vanilla ice cream with bananas and chocolate cake are a perfect combination. I eat three helpings; I’m so stuffed I can’t even stand up.

“Why don’t you get fat?” Luana asks.

I shrug my shoulders, indicating I have no idea and then, underneath the table, undo the top button on my trousers to free up my full belly.

While recovering from my gluttony, I notice movement on the stage. They’re preparing for Felix’s speech: they remove Lui’s footstool, put Acigam’s flag in the background. A few soldiers go on stage and stand next to the platform. There are four, two on each side. They’re probably the commander’s body guards. Lui announces Felix’s entrance over the loudspeaker. The applause begins and everyone stands up, even me. After all, I do want to at least see what’s going on.

A man with a beard and short hair enters the ballroom, approaching the stage. He’s wearing armor with epaulettes, a breast plate with a wide skirt. The rest of his clothes are normal, but of high quality: blue slacks with some buttons and a red long-sleeved shirt beneath the armor. He’s also wearing a cape affixed to one of his shoulders. This is Felix Barolfen. I’ve never seen him in person; there’s no way someone his size could pass you without being noticed. He must be almost two meters tall!

Arriving at the lectern, he begins:

“Young people of Acigam,” his voice is so deep that even with the ballroom full, it seems to echo from all corners. “I am here today to offer you an invitation – an invitation to reflect on your future.”

His presence on the stage and his cavernous voice keep everyone attentive. You can’t hear any sound other than what originates from his speech.

“Today, you will abandon your lives as children. As men and women, you will be needed to protect our society.” He moves to the other side of the stage and looks at the people, showing great charisma. “Many years ago, I made a choice. I swore to protect my city, my people. And honoring that oath, I have confronted innumerous challenges to get where I am today. Here and now, you should also make your own choice. Some already know what path to take. Nevertheless, most of you are confused and need help at this moment.”

Of course, we’re confused! What options do we have, other than to become employees in someone’s store or join the army? Unfortunately, the government doesn’t offer us better opportunities. Despite being tired of studying, I know the importance of doing so and, in Acigam, you can only go as far as high school. In other cities, adults can also continue in schools called universities; they’re always studying so they can progress even more. Here, we have none of that.

“Acigam is going through a difficult time,” Felix continues, projecting a tone of tension into his speech. “Many of you are unaware, but an occult enemy is growing and is now threatening our customs and our peace.”

What’s he talking about? As soon as Felix finishes that phrase, I hear murmuring from people trying to understand what he’s attempting to say.

“You, our youth, can help thwart this. You can protect your families and friends from this common threat. I know that everyone here lives by the rules, according to Acigam’s laws.” At this moment, he looks to the part of the ballroom where I am. I have the clear impression that his eyes are on me. “That is why you are perfect to join our forces, to unite your youth and willingness with our experience and skills. I am here today to invite you to participate in our selection for the Acigam Royal Guards. You will have a promising future with us and will keep your families and the city safe. I’m counting on you. Thank you.” Everyone applauds and Felix leaves the stage, followed by his guards.

A promising future? Without a doubt, for those dying of hunger, entering the guard is much more promising than begging for crumbs on the streets of the Old Town. The government gives basic commodities to members of the army, which helps keep their families fed. However, that’s not all they’re dealing with now; they’re calling young people to defend the city from an occult enemy that intends to threaten its peace? He’s undoubtedly referring to warlocks. What strategy can this be? Are they inciting fear in the populace to drum up followers for their cause?

I find that idea perplexing and frightening. Without reacting, I sit down, and stay that way for a few minutes before noticing Luana at my side.

“Is everything all right?” she asks, looking me squarely in the face. “You’re pale.”

“Everything’s fine. I don’t think the meat went down well.”

“I told you that red mea…” She stops and uses with her face to point behind me. “I think those guardsmen are looking for you.”

“What?” I turn around and look where Luana points. I see two guards talking to a boy from my high school who points in my direction. They immediately start out for our table. My heart jumps.

“Are you Leran Yandel?” one of them asks as they approach.

“Yes,” I respond softly. “Why?”

“General Barolfen wants to see you now.”