A Friend from the Start, an Enemy to the End: Ch. 3

A Friend from the Start, an Enemy to the End: Ch. 3

Chapter 3

It’s been almost a month since Zola and Aislynn met. He spent every weekend with her. Her father had made him promise to not let anything happen to his daughter. Zola made that promise with gusto. The two were nearly inseparable. The two never admitted they were in love, but all the rumors that were started said they were. They didn’t want to say something neither of them thought was true, after all they’re only seventeen.

The two were snuggling on the side of a hill in a park. A large tree was at the top of the hill. They were watching a spring sunset on a Saturday. Zola’s raven hair was slicked back again and Aislynn let her go, cascading around her shoulder. Zola wore dark pants with white vertical stripes and a dark blue short sleeved shirt. Aislynn wore the hooded sweatshirt and zipped it up over her orange spaghetti strap shirt. Her pants were dark blue jeans with holes in the knees.

“Zola, do you think what everyone’s been saying about us is true?” Aislynn asked.

“No, I don’t think teenager: the most ignorant things on the planet could possibly be in love. I don’t give into the drama like everyone else.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear it.” Aislynn pushed herself closer by his side

“Wow, most girls would be pissed to hear me say that. How are you so cool with this?” Zola moved over a little to look at her.

“We just have the same point of view on relationships. Everyone else our age lets it get in the way, but we’re mature enough to not have that happen.”

“It’s a good thing we’re so mature now or, let’s face it: We’d make terrible parents and we’d be even worse adults.” Zola couldn’t help but laugh at the thought.

Some kids were kicking around a soccer ball on the other side of the hill. As they played one of them kicked the ball too hard and went over the snuggling couple. The kids ran to the top of the hill to try and find the ball. It was rolling down the hill and headed for a busy intersection. Zola was already on his feet and chasing the ball down the hill. His feet pounded on the hill as he sprinted for the ball. He lost his footing and started rolling. After tumbling a few times he was able to regain his footing and kept on running.

As the ball got closer to the intersection he had thoughts of stopping but refused to. The ball barreled through the intersection with Zola right behind it, he hurtled the hoods of two cars that honked at him. He’d finally caught up the ball when it landed in a shallow river that started taking it away. He still ran after and went into the water. He got out of the water with ball in his hand and lay down next to the river. From his knees down he was soaked from the water. His upper body was dripping with sweat.

“Wow, that guy’s so fast!” One of the children said, still at the hill. They saw Zola with the ball by the river. “C’mon, we have to go thank him.” Another one said.

“I’ll go with you.” Aislynn said. The children followed her down to the intersection where they waited for a red light so they could cross.

All the children were beaming when they got to meet Zola. Storm clouds started to move in over head.

“Thanks a lot Mister!” A little girl said. Her brown hair was up in pigtails. She wore a pink shirt with flowers and a pair of shorts. “Thank the nice man now, Taro.” She said to a child that hid behind her. “I’m sorry, but my little brother’s kinda shy.”

“It’s no problem.” Zola rolled over and sat on his feet. Beads of sweat dripped from his brow. He wiped them a way his hand. He held the ball out to Taro. “Here ya go little guy. Now, all of you be more careful with that ball. I’m too tired to save it again.” He pushed himself to his feet and dusted dirt from his wet pant legs.

“Hey, Zola, we should probably get going. It’s getting pretty late.” Aislynn said.

“Yeah, you’re right. But first we have to make sure these guys get back to their parents.” He turned to look at the kids. “They’re at the park right?” He asked and the kids nodded in response. “Okay then, off we go.” Zola led the way carrying Taro, the youngest of the kids. He fell asleep while Zola gave him a piggy back ride.

“Oh, their all alright, thank you so much. How can I repay you for looking after my children?” One of the children’s mothers said.

“It was only for a few minutes, no big deal. Now if you’ll excuse I have to make sure my friend gets home safe and sound.” He pointed his head at Aislynn. “Have a good night.” He said to the kids and waved to the parents.

“Come on Zola.” Aislynn said gently, she clung to Zola’s left arm, resting her head on his shoulder. The street lights started coming on. The clouds in the sky grew thicker.

“Aislynn, do you have any plans for tomorrow?” Zola asked her, he kept looking forward.

“No, I don’t think so.” She replied sleepily.

“Good, I’ll stop by your house around noon, how’s that sound?”

“That sounds good to me. We just have to make sure with our parents.” She said softly with a yawn.

About half and hour of walking the two were outside of Aislynn’s house.

“See you tomorrow.” The young man kissed her on the forehead.

“Wait a minute, Zola.” She held his hand tightly. “I have a very important question for you…” She let it hang.

“Uh, what is it?” He cocked his head.

“Zola Averiz, would you be my Guard?” Finally, the rain drops started falling first slowly. The two stood out in the light rain.

“What did you say? I’m afraid I don’t understand the question.” A flash of lightning lit up the sky.

“Come inside and everything will be made clear to you.” She pulled the young man along in the house, out of the rain.

“I take it my daughter has asked the question?” Ulysses said from the balcony in a serious tone. A flash of lightning came through the stain glass window.

“Yes, Father. I have asked him.” Aislynn said with a bow.

“Now, my boy, do you accept our offer?”

“Offer for what, I still don’t understand?” Zola asked, pure confusion washing over him.

“There are far more things in this world than what we know, or rather, what we think we know. My daughter, Aislynn is very important. Several people need her for their plans. Will you accept the invitation to be her Guard from those people that wish to do her harm?” Ulysses said very seriously as he started walking down the stairs to his left.

“I’ll have to make sure it’s alright with my mom first. For some reason I don’t think she’ll like me doing something like this.” Zola said as he tried to come up with an excuse.

“Now, now, my boy, did you honestly think that that wouldn’t come to mind? I’ve already asked your mother if it’s all right for you to stay with us. She said that it’s fine, she even sent over some clothes. We’ve already made living arrangements for you to stay here. But before all this is finalized you need to meet our weapon smith… He’s the best at his job.” Ulysses said with his usual booming voice. He reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Come with me, Zola. I’ll take you to Damuclease.” Aislynn said in a soft tone as she walked down hall to their left. Zola followed close behind her. After a while of going down the dimly lit hall they reached a hardwood door. “Don’t let Damuclease fool you, Zola.” Aislynn said as she opened the door.