Fragile Remembrence - 1. Chapter 1

Chapter One:

“You look like someone killed your puppy” Mariposa Philomeia stood idly between the door into his room, and into the hallway.

After no response from the boy who sat with his elbows on the windows ledge, she stomped forward, her four inch heel boots making demanding clonks. Tyson Pharisses peered his eyes out of his hands enough to see the beautiful young women that stood before him. With an ivory white complexion, and lips that rivaled those of Angelina Joile, Mariposa Philomeia was a lovely creature who stood at five foot eight, however in the designer boots she wore she was much taller. At a first glance one would think that Mariposa Philomeia was Caucasian, but here naturally wavy long raven hair, and eyes so dark they were almost black, one could only wonder what secrets her bloodline held.

“Why are we here?” He asked.

Mariposa sat beside her troubled friend knowing all too well what he meant. She also wondered on many occasions why they had to leave the welcoming streets of manhatten. Manhatten was the place that she’d lived all her life. It was the place where she stomped down the streets, entering any store, taking out any card to buy anything she desired.

She loved New York, she loved the city that never sleeps. How could this small town in Oregon even come close to competiting with New York? Even comparing the two seemd ridiculous because for the lovely Mariposa there was no comparison, New York had given her everything she’d ever wanted. New York offered her the breathtaking parks where she roamed with her groups of friends chatting about what boys seemed cute, or what girl was being a bitch. New York was a place that was familiar with her, receiving warm welcomes in every store that they new she was a favorite.

Yes, Mariposa definitely wondered why.

“This is where we have to be for now Ty”, she reminded not only him, but herself. After what had happened days ago, they couldn’t go back. They didn’t understand why, but for now that was all they were told. “ Gavin said that we couldn’t return until everything was safe, that’s what he’d been told”

She reached out placing a hand over Tyson’s in a hope to comfort him. “Why isn’t Gavin with us huh?” the tone in his voice rising with anger, “Why isn’t Dulcina Rose here? Why the hell is Tabitha not here, or Adorabelle, or anyone else? Huh?”

Mariposa didn’t know what to say to the panicked Tyson. All she could do was watch his resentful eyes. She wanted to comfort him, offer him a warm embrace, but she knew that Ty would shrug her off, why bother?

The young girl also wondered every why he’d spoke. She understood that they couldn’t be home, where the belonged. What she didn’t understand was why everyone was separated. She knew Ty was worried about his older brother Gavin, the way she worried for her sister Dulcina Rose, “They’re fine Ty, we talked to them yesterday on the phone”

“Yeah, but we’d be safer together, right? What was the point of sending us all in different directions, sending us to different places on the map? W’d be safer, no,we’d be way stronger together” he snapped.

Mariposa winced, “I know Ty, I wonder too but for now we have no other choice. Gavin is in charge, and the elders told Gavin what he had to tell us, what we’re allowed to know” she said unable to hide the venom in her voice.

Tyson smiled apologetically. He knew he was acting childish, and being selfish. He wasn’t the only one going through this. He could see that Mariposa wasn’t happy with the situation either and in times like these they needed to understand each other.

“I don’t’…I don’t think the school approves of four inch boots” he said attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

Mariposa gasped in feigned surprise, “What do you mean they won’t like my boots? They’re by Dolce and Gabbana okay! They have to like them”

“Sorry Mariposa, but I’m kind of sure nuns don’t like anything four inch heels. It goes against they’re morals. You might offend them” Mariposa puffed a breath of air.

Ty watched her lost in thought. He wondered what she was thinking about. Maybe she’d give in to the dress code of the conservative private high school they’d be transferring to today?

She bit her lip in a mischievous grin, “Maybe this place won’t be boring after all” she said with another benevolent smile.

Tyson knew that smile. It was the smile that he’d seen many times on his friend’s face. Such a pretty girl, but always loves to make a scene, “We’re trying to blend in Mariposa, not send the nun’s into cardiac arrest.”

“Ty, would I do that?” she batted her eyelashes

“In a minute” shaking his head in disapproval.

Tyson and Mariposa were close friends because they shared a Godmother. It was normal in their community to know one another, and to associate with each other. However, both Tyson and Mariposa never purposely spent time together in school, usually gravitating towards there respective social circles. They hung out after school, or before, never during. It never occurred to them to try.

“Ty its important to make an impression. We need to let this small town folk know we mean business”

“We don’t have any business with them”

She sighed, “Always the outcast aren’t you? Jesus Ty! You need to learn to loosen up a little, mingle with our peers. If we’re gonna be here for awhile we might as well make friends. And if we’re gonna be living together then we have to have my type of friends.”
He shook his head, but Mariposa simply smiled, “Come on Tyson! Please, for me!” she batted her Maybelline treated lashes again, “Tyson this is only for your own good. You have to get out there, I worry for you kid”

He stared into her pouty face knowing all too well he’d never get anywhere, “Fine” he said. She giggled in victory, “But if I make friends, and they’re not your kind of people…” he trailed off with a smirk.

“Yeah, yeah, I won’t meddle” she said dismissing the idea with her hands.

Mariposa never understood Tyson completely. He could be known like she was, but instead he valued more hanging with those two human friends of his, Simon and Rick. Boring, geeky, and born without a sense for dressing, Mariposa never understood. She was different. People back home knew who Mariposa was, the beautiful, rich, popular Mariposa Philomeia. If anyone could make things happen, it was Mariposa. The Humans she felt worthy enough to hang with her knew that, and even more the ones like her, like Tyson, those of her community knew it also.

The smile on Tyson’s face faded, disdain, “What’s wrong Ty?” said Mariposa with concern.

“I’m sorry to bring down the mood again, but- what are going to do about this?” he asked raising the right sleeve of his white tee.

Mariposa frowned, raising dainty fingers to her neck and felt along the scarred tissue. Tyson nodded from her reaction, knowing they were both on the same page. From the right shoulder down to where the elbow bent, were black swirving lines. Black curves, thorns and leaves could be seen. If any other person ever saw it they’d think it was a daring tattoo made beautifully with wonderful intricate design, but In truth there was a darker fresh history to them.

Mariposa stood sharply, and Tyson simply watched her as she walked to the gold framed mirror which hung on the wall. Mariposa stood there in a stance Tyson would never remotely suspect Mariposa had, vulnerability. She stared resentful at her neck in the reflection, and again brought dainty peticured fingers to her neck. Wrapped around her neck was the the black lines, intricate and lovely design of rosevines, thorns, and in the middle was a black budding rose, shaded in a way that most painters dreamed they could shade.
She touched the black scarred rose, and remembered the two thumbs that broke the skin as the rest of the hand, graceful and welkept as hers, had choked her out of breath without any sympathy. She closed her eyes and could make out the screaming echos in her mind of that moonlit night.

She opened her eyes, remembering where she was. “We live with them. If any people as questions we tell them what we agreed to-they’re nothing but tattoos.” She turned around with a tense smile, “We’re from New York, Ty. The y probably think we’d do something like this”

She had to be strong. She had to be brave. She had to be ready. Gavin had made her promise to watch his brother Tyson. It’s only fair she thought. Gavin would care for Dulcina Rose, and she would care for Tyson. They may be the same age, but Mariposa couldn’t forget the family secret surrounding Tyson.

“Tyson?” she walked over clonking with the confidence she had wearing the four inched heel boots, “Remember your cellphone, okay? If anything happens, or you need me, text me or call me.”
“-And you call me too, kay?” she smiled and nodded.

“Let’s go now before a penguin yells at us for being late”

On that final note Mariposa left Tyson to he’s own. Down the stairs and out the door, Mariposa smiled feeling the warm Oregon morning air against her ivory skin, translucent against her black top, only by Versace.

Mariposa eyed the front door from the driver seat in her car, idily she waited paitiently for Tyson. He worried her, and not only because of his antisocial lifestyle but his well being as well. She was never like this before, never. Tyson’s keeper from the day he was born had been, and should be right now his older brother Gavin. And without Gavin here she could only think, what could happen to Ty?

Bang!

Dragged out of thought by none other than by Tyson himself, Gavin’s way hotter, she thought to herself. Tyson, despite what he truly was, was not the most conventionally handsome boy. With his ash blonde hair, browner in some parts than other due to the sun, skin olive and freckles scattered about his face. He was quite average. His only self standing trait was hid turquoise colored eyes that never seemed to be green without another guessing them blue.

Well maybe he’s not sexy, but he is cute, she corrected herself mentally.

“Mariposa!” he snapped frustrated slipping into the seat beside her. He’d had to resort to using his own set f car keys in order to unlock the door.

“Sorry, I wasn’t thinking” she said reaching over to muss his hair, “Am I forgiven?”

He sighed, and she knew all was forgiven. Tyson never was the type of person to hold a grudge. It annoyed Mariposa as much as worry her. Tyson was always apologizing, a habit he had because he wanted to be a good boy. He didn’t want any trouble, a pacifist. Never wanting to be better then people, wanting to treat everyone equal. She knew well that was impossible. A time would arrive where he’d find someone special, and when that time came he’d have to acknowledge that person. It really does piss her off, but as long as he always forgave her, she had no problem.

She started the car, pulled out of the drive way and for that second in time she forgot about Tyson, Gavin, her sister Dulcina Rose, and the tattoo seeming scar wrapped around her neck like a choker. She let out a suffocating breath which she’d realized just that moment she was holding, and headed for school.

St. Annabelle’s Private High School, located on the rustic hills in Ice frost City, Oregon, was what people from Oregon would refer to as quaint. Centered in the clearing of woods that spread for miles, isolation from the outside world as if to protect all students from reality. A safe haven for religion, Christians in other words. No one other than students, parents, fellow sisters, and Fathers were allowed a safe, unquestioned visit. To say the least rules were strict, the teachers were strict; and the atmosphere of this fine institution was unnerving. But once a student would get past the Nun’s, the rules, and the watchful intrusive eyes, St Annabelle’s could be a very peaceful, tranquil, environment.

Vast well kept Gardens, lovely bridges over shimmering streams. St Annabelle’s itself was truly a small slice of heaven in this small town in Oregon. The enivroment outmatched the small school but despite the structures size, it was presentable to the masses. It made the people proud of the small, all knowing, neighborly community.

Mariposa drove up the ten minute one way street. She felt uncomfortable with the isolation of the Private school’s locale. Ten minutes driving up the main entrance of the school seemed ridiculous to the lovely raven haired, but when she glanced at Tyson, he seemed in awe.

“Ty, don’t you find this kind of creepy? She asked, “What kind of school is this, seriously. It’s stranded so faraway from civilization!”

Mariposa knew it wasn’t that she was afraid or anything of the sort, but she was cautious. After the events that had taken place that night, days ago, being smart was the way to survive and quick emergency exits were crucial. Even more because of their situation, being incognito and all, quick escapes could be necessary. Quick exits could have saved more people that night, Mariposa was certain of it. She blamed the Fay council. If only-if only, then more would have survived the dark fey attack.

Of course the chances of another attack in Oregon, where it’d be rare even for Fay like her to find another of her kind, were slim to nothing. They were safer her. She was certain of it. More importantly, from the length of this main entrance, the days of open lunch, a trip to the nearby star bucks for a quick strawberry’s and crème, or even skipping class for a trip to the mall with friends…all of it nothing but a distant memory.

‘This really sucks’, she thought to herself.

“Mariposa it’s a private school. What did you think it would be like?” he asked amused by her dilemma.

“We went to a private school Ty, so don’t get smart with me kid.” He frowned, “But seriously Ty, these Nuns have some serious issues to have a school all the way out here” she replied before running another manicured hand through his ash blonde hair. He smiled, and she returned his smile, ‘What the hell was the Fey council thinking to send us here?’ she thought morbidly.

“I’m actually excited to be here. I wonder if they’ll have a church” replied Tyson cooly.

Tyson was an innocent guy. He said things sometimes without thinking, but of course never trying to hurt anyone. A devout Christian such as Tyson always tried to appease to people. There again came his desire to treat everyone equal, for in his mind for him to love himself he must be able to be a good person. To be a good person he must find ways to never be troublesome, always be kind and respectful. It was a non conscious thing, he was by nature this way.

Mariposa was the opposite, and like most other fey, she didn’t believe in Christianity. The idea of morning prayer, Sunday mass, and all the other pro Catholic rituals already made her sigh internally. She admired Tyson though, because of his devout and kind nature. She also knew that she wasn’t special to him the way she wanted, best friendship. She was one of the many people he always offered a warm smile that despite his unconventional looks, seemed to send the message. However she always thought herself closer than the others, but then again it was Tyson.

She sighed already more relaxed, “Tyson, I regret the day Gavin dropped you on your head” , she teased.

Tyson glanced back at her, her cheeks rising in her smile that tended to be much more sensual, but for Tyson always mischievous. “He did?” he asked with a clueless smile.

Mariposa couldn’t resist. She ran her hand again through his ash blonde hair, and she chuckled, “Tyson with that boyish , clueless nature of yours I expect you to bring a girl home this year. You have to present her to me first, and I’ll offer my blessings” she giggled, “Unless that is- you become a priest or something”

“Why would you say that?”

“Ty, remember? Back home you had that nickname, uh, what was it?”she bit her lip in thought, “Now I remember” she giggled, “The Angel of the Chapel’s Bell”

“They actually called me that? I never knew” he admitted solemnly.

The rest of the ride to St. Annabelle’s was a quiet one.

Mariposa Philomeia smiled , and a part of her hoped the ‘penguin’ as she called her noticed. Mother Trinity was an elderly lady around her mid-fifties. With a stout body, round full face, and the wrinkles around her mouth, eyes, and cheeks, she was well going into sixty. She narrowed her eyes at the lovely raven haired, already having noticed the stelleto boots, and the face full of makeup. Mariposa couldn’t help but grin her signature mischevoius grin at the head Nun, tapping her French manicured nails, detailed with fine white curves, pink polish. She was most definitely enjoying herself.

‘one more thing’ she thought to herself. She brought up from the desk and ran it through her long wavy hair, styled beautifully with mousse.

“I wish to remind you two that the rule book should be read before you arrive tomorrow so that you’re well aware of what we expect in our blessed St. Annabelles” she smiled, tense and forced.

“Of course Mother Trinity, and the uniforms?” asked a less than timid Tyson, but not fully comfortable talking to the head Nun herself.

She smiled, already seeing the ring of light over the young boys head, “After the final bell they’ll be ready for you in the office. Just come by and tell Sister Magdalene you’re here for the uniforms.” The printer was done printing. She reached for the contents handing Tyson and Mariposa their respective packets, “On top are both of your schedules.” She looked past Mariposa’s head, “Homeroom has just started. You’ll both be expected to arrive to homeroom on time, everyday. After that will you then move on to your other classes.”

Mariposa stood up, already feeling the long conversation not only boring, but about finished. Mother Trinity eyed her, but said nothing, “I hope you’ll both enjoy your first day here. You may leave” she said with a nod.

Tyson smiled rising from his seat, Mariposa was already holding the door open, “Ty, hurry” she said almost desperate to leave. Tyson made his way to the door, backpack strappe around his shoulder and papers in his hand. He turned around briefly, offering an apologetic smile at the Head Nun, she nodded in awknowlegement and he closed the door gently behind himself.

“Homerooms that way” pointed Mariposa. Home room wasn’t far from the Head Nun’s office, Tyson was grateful for this. “Pay attention Ty. Otherwise you’ll get lost tomorrow. The room is B24, and you get there from the mainentrace first, straight throught A hall, past that fountain, and its right across the Trophy case. Got it?”

“Don’t treat me like a kid Mariposa. And I don’t get lost that easily anyways, I think I can handle this.”

“Don’t get snappy hun, you’ll piss me off” she said back.

“Sorry” he said back solemly. Mariposa shook her head, ‘What am I gonna do with this kid?’ she thought desperately.

Truth was, Tyson was the type to get lost easily. Not so much because he was slow, because he wasn’t. He was a bright young man, but was easily distracted, leading to him missing a turn, or forgetting where he was supposed to be. Mariposa wondered for a minute if this was truly for the best.

They didn’t need to be in school. If they were hiding they should be home! But the council had made it quite clear to them both. They’d reside in the house of the Godmother they shared, in the city of Ice Frost, Oregon, and they’d both be expected to attend school as they would back in New York.

Tyson tried to turn the door knob, “It’s locked” he spoke to Mariposa.

She walked, her boots announcing each powerful step through the empty hallway. She banged the door crudly, “Hello! New Students here!” she yelled. They waited seconds before the door opened and a small man of about forty opened the door.

Mariposa frowned looking at the small man. Not only was he old, overweight, and had a comb over, but his skin was greasy. The arm that was slightly raised from holding the door opened slightly revealed a sweat stain on the armpit of his dress shirt. Mariposa had expected another Penguin for a teacher, but compared to the old man, she preferred the old man already glad she’d be away from the typical Penguin beady watchful eyes.

“Yes?” he spoke in question.

“Sir, we’re new and the schedule said this was our homeroom”

“New students?” he said with an accent Mariposa identified as Italian.

“Yes, I’m Tyson Pharasses, and this is my cousin Mariposa Philomeia”

He nodded, “Come in. Come in” the door allowing them in, “Class, we’ve got new meat” he announced.

They stood at front next to the overweight man. Already all eyes fell upon them, and Mariposa smiled assuming her natural causaul stance which happened to be a hand on her narrow waist, and the other arm holding her big Louis Vuitton Purse which could also be used for papers. She stood in a way that could only demand attention, her womanly figure clearly outlined to perfection.

The hush words spread across the classroom, and Mariposa smiled, a satisfied smile. She’d done her job, and she’d done it well.

“Class, class quiet down.” The whispers seized, “Here we have-“ he looked at both schedules before handing them back, “Mariposa Philomeia and her cousin Tyson Pharasses”

Mariposa frowned, “Its not Mariposa like the butterfly, its Mary and posa”

“Yeah, uh ha” he said disinterested, “Mary and Posa take your seat, you too freckles”

“Excuse me sir”, Mariposa noticed Tyson already beginning to figet under the overbearing eyes of their new classmates as he spoke, “Where should we sit?”

“Any empty seat will do fine Tyson” he said before turning his attention back to the writing on the board which Mariposa assumed he was working on before they’d arrived. “Since we’re done with morning prayer, just sit and talk amost yourseleves” he said over his shoulder.

Mariposa scanned the room, and it was almost as if they were being expected, only two empty seats. Unfortunately for Tyson, one seat was on one side in the back, and the other on the other side next to the window, they’d have to separate.

Mariposa turn to Tyson almost on instinct, “Ty?”

“Its okay Mariposa, you don’t need to hold my hand, I’m not a child” he said angrily.

“Kid, don’t start with me” she said in a quiet tone. He smiled, and she did too, the smile that was only meant for Tyson, sensual and genuine. Only for Tyson, “Remember text if you need anything?” she said ruffling a hand through his ash blonde hair.

“You too” he stated back, “But I get the window seat” and with that he left her side, taking self conscious steps after self conscious step through the aisles of the classroom desks until he was at the back.

To worry so much about him was unsettling. She’s have to find a way, a friend for him. But something about it seemed selfish to the young girl. Was she trying to find help to have time for herself? To escape her duty? Or was there in fact reason that she needed the help?

‘If it helps him, I’ll do it’ she thought to herself before strutting down the aisles, leaving many wandering eyes following her as she took one step in front of the other.

The final bell made its ring. Tyson was not only late, but he was also lost. Somewhere along the walk alongside a new guy he’d met during homeroom, he’d wandered aimlessly. Somehow it had occurred to him that perhaps walking through the stone path he’d arrive at his destination, but instead he felt farther from walking a while.

He quickened his pace, looking side to side desperately for the next class. Nothing but the side of the church on his right, and the garden to his left. If it had been another time he’d have had time to admire the hues that painted the hills of the area. The aroma of the many species of flowers St. Annabelle’s seemed to have, and of course he’d visit the church, kneel in front of his almighty Father and thank him for another day-but that was not the case.

He slowed his pace, already feeling the need to contact Mariposa. She’d know, she always knew what to do, and she’d help him. He walked a few more steps till he noticed a familiar checkered pattern. He walked-hesitant-coming closer, and more and more did the figure come into view. First the checkered pants, then the brown blazer, his shape was scattered crudly about the trees roots.

‘Is he hurt?’, Tyson rushed forgetting his ideas of reaching Mariposa, desperately asking for help. He knelt infront of the person, who’s face was still an unmoving. ‘Did he fall from the tree?’ Tyson wondered anxiously. He’d never trained in first aid, and the idea of phoning for anyone, Mariposa, police, the school, Gavin even came to mind.

He stirred.

The person stirred. Tyson fell back on his bottom in surprise. It hadn’t occurred to him the possibility of him sleeping, only the danger that he was hurt. Tyson watched the person continue to move.