CUSP

I wake up with a terrible headache, the same that I have been feeling but this time around I am freaking out because the last thing I remember is being in the river and watching the three chant some things hit how we got here is still a mystery - like everything else that has been happening.

‘Take this, it will make you feel better.’ Astridah says, she is back to her younger self

‘What is this?’

‘Just take it Wane, that headache might be worded by the minute.’

I get the glass and pour the liquid to the floor looking straight in her eyes, she sighs before getting the cup from me and pouring in some more from a jar. I didn’t even see it there until now.

‘I figured you would do that, now drink up because this is the last of it.’

‘I am sorry Astridah but I am not drinking it, I came here trusting that you were protecting me from I don’t know what but from the way it looks I might still be in danger and I am not about to do anything that you want me to without an explanation.’

She sighs

‘What do you want to know?’

‘Yes the doctor said that I am pregnant, but it is not for Besa because I have never slept with him. The only person this baby could be for is his father O’Brien because obviously he is the man I am having sex with. But then why is his son claiming ownership of the pregnancy and why all of a sudden is everyone making a big deal out of it to the point where my brother had to give me pills so that it’s gotten rid of?’

‘I am not the best person to give you all the answers right now Wane, but what I need you to know is that we have your best interest at heart.’

‘We? But we who exactly are you talking about? Are you people some sort of cult and you want to use my child for rituals?’

‘We are not a cult, we are actually bigger than that.’ She says standing up

My mouth is ajar, I don’t know anyone who would say such things and pretend like it’s simple news that has just been delivered. Why in God’s name would you tell someone something like that with a straight face like it is natural?

The headache coming back, I pick up the cup and drink the green contents without stopping until everything has been downed.

‘You will feel better in a few minutes, now come you eat something. Tomorrow is a big day as everyone is excited to meet you.’

I just nod my head and get out of bed, I notice I have been changed into a white baggy dress. On my feet are ankle laces made out of beads, I have matching ones on each of my wrists and another one around my head. At this point I know asking questions will not bring me any answers so I choose to keep quiet.

We walk to the living room and there Curtis and Naomi are playing a board game, they are also back to there younger selves. Immediately they see us they now down.

‘You may sit.’ Astridah says with a smile

A few seconds later some men dressed in traditional skirts walk in with trays of food and set the table, they have beads around their wrists and have writings on their chests. I am the only one in the room that doesn’t seem to know what’s happening.

‘How are you feeling?’ Curtis asks

I look at him weirdly because I am not sure why he is trying to be nice to me when his behaviour towards me was different early.

‘I don’t mean any harm, it’s just strange that the gods had to choose you.’

Astridah and Naomi shoot him daggers.

‘What? She is human, and human bring nothing but trouble. I mean we have so many powerful people in the kingdom so why did it have to be her? And O’Brien for pets sake? We know of his wandering ways and the gods could have at least made a better choice.’

‘And the better choice was you?’ Naomi asks

‘I am just saying that maybe there was a mistake.’

‘The gods don’t make mistakes.’

He laughs

‘So why would they pick someone that isn’t even a virgin to carry Yakari? And why give the gift of the seed to O’Brien? We all know he chose to be among the humans and he doesn’t deserve to be welcomed back here.’

‘Enough!’ Astridah roars turning back into her older version

‘And who are you to decide what choices the gods should make? When did you become their voice of reason?’

‘Mother it’s not fair!’ He says turning back into his older self too

‘Not fair? Do you have an idea the task before our hands? Do you have an idea the task that was placed upon your brother?’

‘He is not my brother, he seized being one when he chose to live and dine amongst the humans. He seized being my brother when he chose to have a human family!’

‘May the gods forgive you because no child of mine would utter such abominations!’ She says walking away and it’s not long after she has gone that he too leaves the living room to God knows where.

I turn and look at Naomi, who has this frightened look on her face and I know this is the best time to get answers from her.

‘Will you speak now or maybe you are waiting for me to ask?’

‘We come from a line of that chosen ones; the gods blessed mother with us three, O’Brien the oldest, myself and Curtis the last. We were each given different gifts and when we turned a hundred years we were each to decide what we wanted to do with our lives for the ages to come. Curtis chose to help protect the Kingdom, I chose to rule by mother’s side and O’Brien chose to be sent to the humans to help fight the dark world. We were all scared, but mother assured us that the gods would be with him. What we didn’t realise was that Curtis felt betrayed as he wanted us to always be together.’

‘So you are saying that O’Brien is some sort of witch?’ I ask

‘Not a witch.’ He responds walking in

..

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Winnie

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