The smell of a hot breakfast made Dominic's mouth drool as he entered the small restaurant with Lina. Breakfast time was pretty busy, and waitresses, dressed in red shirts and black pants, hurried around from table to table. There were four television screen set up around the room, one showing cartoons, the other sports, another a soap opera, and the last a talk show.
Fortunately for them, the wait wasn't too long dispite the crowd, and after five minutes of waiting they were seated. Lina still had the pop song in her head that she was blasting in the car, and Dominic silently wished that she would stop hunting it because quite frankly it was annoying him.
While they waited Dominic took the chance to get a good look at Lina. She had shoulder length strawberry blonde hair, brown eyes, and a nice smile. She wore braces, which were colored in red white and blue. Her earrings today were of little hearts, and smiley faces were painted on the hearts. Lina also wore a long brown T-shirt, most likely the one she slept in, and those cherry colored blue jeans she slipped on sometime before she ran out the door this morning. At the moment she had a restless expression on her face. Dominic thought on this a moment, but it was interrupted by Lina's tap on the shoulder.
"Are you falling asleep?"
"No. I was just thinking about that book. It's important that I find it, and the quicker I find it the better off I will be. Books of that nature have always been very important to my family."
"Is it a family heirloom?"
"Not exactly. It has a lot to do though with the culture I come from," That is putting it lightly, "and a lot of the work I've been putting in to study things like that."
"I know I must seem like a television and cooking show junkie to you, but I like to study things as well. I have a great interest in art philosophy and artists of the 18th century. As corny as it sounds, I believe art is a window to the soul, a way for mortal men to elevate themselves beyond their physical limitations and show a level of mastery and creativity that would shine through to the heavens themselves. They say the most beautiful art reflects nature. But I see nature as anyones habitat, whether it be bustling cityscapes filled with noise and yelling and clammering or a quiet sunny field where its so quiet you can hear yourself inhale and exhale. It is about self discovery, sciences, spirituality and soul. One day we might be able to move art into another form besides visual and audio, and when we achieve that one day, I will be proud to call myself an artist." Lina nodded at Dominic, and traced her hand along the border of the menu, as if trying to find some pattern in it that most do not see.
The seer was taken aback by Lina's statement. The way she talks, she has the same passion that Luna and I do about our work. All of our notes and philosophies that we learned over the years, its a lifestyle that we want to enjoy and expound upon to make ourselves better. It's never been about strength, but about learning and discovering. If only I could tell her, we would all find a stage of enlightenment where no one would bother us. He started to blush. Ack, no you don't Dominic.
Lina tapped Dominic on the shoulder again, a little tired of bringing him back to reality when he spaced out. "Have you decided on your order?" She asked him politely.
"I can't read this language remember?"
"Right. Okay, how does this sound to you. A double pancake platter with blueberries and strawberries, bacon, french toast, a huge bran muffin for digestion, but don't worry its covered in honey, hot coffee, donuts, and juice."
"I'm not that big of an eater. Any way we can share that?"
"I don't mind, but if you want the whole meal to yourself-"
Dominic waved his hands in front of his head, "No no no, you've already spent enough on me. I want to thank you for taking me in, and...its kinda a good thing getting a break from home. More specifically my job. I had to deal with the most idiotic people. The questions they asked, you would not believe!"
"Oh Oh!" Lina stood up for a moment, "I know what you are talking about. I once worked at a help desk, and the most common question I got was..lets see. 'My computer isn't working, tell me whats wrong?' and I would ask 'Well what is it doing?' and they would say 'The screen is all black' so I would be like 'you forgot to turn it on didn't you' and they would apologize, turn it on, and hang up. One person even called me asking how to fix their radio. I'm like 'Hello! I work in computers. Why are you asking me about a radio' ...but I think the worst question by far is, 'Can you tell me how to reach the person at the help desk..'
Tears came to his eyes. He slowly put his head down on the table, and let out a laugh. "For a while I thought I was alone in the world."
"Stupid people like to disguise themselves as smart people to bug us." Lina put both of her hands on her friend's shoulder and looked him straight in the eye. "Its all about keeping your sanity, my friend. Either that, or find a job where most of the people have that rare talent called common sense"
Storm clouds hovered over this innocent little tavern. Most of the citizens of this small town were happy enough, cuddling up with their families in front of hot fires and watching the rain from outside. It was peaceful, despite the weather, but in one of the rooms at the inn at the edge of town, the mood was as bleak as the clouds above.
"What do you mean you don't know?!" Luna paced back and forth around the room while Gregory frowned at her. "I'm so tired of everyone saying they know nothing about Dominic! Does anyone in this stupid family know anything?!?"
Miranda Deegan gives Luna a look, and it quiets her.
"I- I'm so sorry. I know you are doing everything you can. But its been several days and no one has seen from or heard from him." Luna wiped the tears from her eyes and huddled in the corner. "Its harder for me to deal with it, I've gotten used to him sleeping beside me, holding me..."
"...aaaannndd?" Gregory giggled, making a funny face.
Luna's lip twisted up. "And what?"
"Its hard for me to believe that you and my brother never..never..." Gregory never finised his statement because his mother was now giving him the same look that she had given Luna earlier. He shrugged and twisted himself around so he could sit by his father.
"Wherever Dominic is he can take care of himself," Miranda rested her staff against the wall and addressed the group,"You all know by now he is capable of doing that. I raised him well, he knows all he needs to to survive." She looked over at her husband and nodded, and he could only return a weak smile.
"What is this Donovan? I've never known you not to have confidence in our son?" She rested her elbow against him, and he fell over playfully. Gregory snickered. Luna dried her eyes and sat down on the other side of Gregory.
"The only thing that worries me is," Gregory pressed his lips together in thought, and ran his fingers through his dark brown hair before looking back up at everyone, "I just feel better when I know I'm not too far away to heal him. But you are right, he does have his second sight. He will be okay."
Miranda frowned and looked away.
"He..does, doesn't he?" Gregory asked.
Miranda shut her eyes and crossed her arms against her chest. "Take my word for it, Gregory, he is fine. If he wasn't I would be worrying and.." she smiles at her son, "Does this look like a worried expression to you?"
"No arguing with her now." Donovan walked out of the room, waving to everyone, "Im hungry, so if you'll excuse me."
Gregory jumped up at the mention of food, worrying had made him hungry, but before he could even stand up Spark had already bolted out the door. Miranda followed after Gregory, but Luna remained in the room,
"Remember what I said." Miranda told her.
"I know," Luna replied, "I will, Mrs. Deegan"
As she wanted, Luna was left by herself in the room. She curled up, then stretched out on the bed and tried to get her mind on other things. "Dominic, ever since I met you we have had a connection. You showed me kindness when not even my own mother did. Dominic I'm not sure if I ever said the words, but, I..I love you. Dominic why did you run away and not take me? I have always stood by your side, and you disappear without a trace? Why! Tell me, Dominic, I want to know! I should be there with you, I am your assistant, I am your...I have...so much I need to tell you Dominic. Come back here right now." She bit her lip and cried softly. "If you could only give me a message, this would be so much easier to get through." She shut her eyes and slowly fell asleep.
If Dominic could read any of the books that were there, he would be in heaven. Miles of shelves going up to very tall ceilings displayed books of every shape, size and topic. The building was very modern in design, shiny sharp angular design, chrome everywhere, with a set of escalators to the north and the stairway to the south. There were paintings on the floor of the building, replicas of famous paintings from the masters of various ages, as well as the markings showing the various sections of the massive library. The scent of the air was of freshly printed pages and printer ink being printed at a mile a minute, but the people there were obviously enjoying every minute of it.
"I've visted large libraries before, "Dominic told Lina as he held onto her arm, "but I don't even know what to make of this."
"Libraries can be kinda cool. Especially this one because the designer really went to town on this one. We should go up to the electronic section first, run a search for your book, and see what comes up. I know this library does have books in spanish and french, so its worth a shot." She took him across the room to the escalator on the far right and stepped on.
This isn't magic. This is all technology, I can tell. If there were ever a point in existence where my world and this one were one, the point of the split must've been some time ago. The evolution here is totally different, though everyone here has forgotten their extra senses they have put their energies into creating technologies that I still can't...believe...Im witnessing. Dominic squoze Lina's arm tighter as his eyes tried to take in everything that was being flashed before them.
"My..arm...man.." Lina loosed her arm and shook her head at him. "Don't freak, small town. We are almost to the top." Lina rested her hand against the railing as the escalator twisted around the various statues and exhibits, and let them off at the third floor. This sight was even more fantastic as before, giant viewing screens lining the walls and four hanging from the ceiling, various computer ports and more of the paintings from the first floor decorating the floors on the third. She walked up to a port and typed in the name that Dominic had given her, and began to scroll through the list of options.
Lina waved Dominic over and showed him the screen "Do you think there would be an english copy of this book?"
"English..probably not."
"We need to split up so we can cover more ground and find that book. Since you probably don't know how to use these computers, you can go over to that room on the right side and look for the books manually. I'll dig up all I can here, and then meet you at the center table. Sound good?"
"Sure." Please, please be here. Knowing my luck this will all be a waste of time but...He looked back at Lina hovering over the computer, shook his head, and walked into the side room.
This room wasn't nearly as elegantly designed as the others. It looked like something he wouldve been used to at home, so he could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. Well this should be easy. All I have to do is look for something I can read. With an old tune his mother once sang in his head, he scanned the shelves, occasionally getting up on a ladder to reach a book. Im going to take the time to learn this language. I just wish I had the time but...he grabbed one book and climbed back down the ladder, In my spare time I'm sure I can learn something. I should ask Lina about an art book..
Dominic continued his search but after a while realized it was hopeless. As he walked through the last aisle in the room he saw something through the space in the shelves, on the other side, that sent a chill up his spine.
"Here is the book you are looking for, sir." An older woman smiled and handed a green leather back book to a fairly tall man with long black hair. Dominic clenched his fist as he saw this, his other arm tightening around the book he picked up. All he could do was keep himself from snarling, but as the man left, a low growl escaped from Dominic's throat as he whispered..."Jacob..."
"Did you find anything? I didn't come up with anything on that topic that wasn't in english." Lina called out and circled her way around to find Dominic. He looked back at her and loosened his grip, before lightly leaning against the bookshelves.
"Something up?" Lina asked.
"Doesn't take much for you to tell, does it? I just saw someone I wish I hadn't. He is a really bad person, and if I see him I want you to stay far away from him. Do you understand?"
"Who is this person?"
"I'd rather not say. Not now, telling you that might put you in danger. Right now, the less you know the better.." He steps out past the shelves and looked around, and expectedly Jacob is nowhere to be seen. "He always wears black, has long black hair with streaks. Keep an eye out okay?"
"Criminal you used to know, busted out from prison, or maybe they let him out but you know he is still crazy?" Lina smirked at her own hypothesis.
I wish she would stop treating all of this like a joke, but I can't exactly blame her for it either considering the fragmented information I have given her. Since Jacob is here, however, this might escalate into something big, and I'm not sure if her ignorance will hurt her or help her. I don't have direct access to my second sight, I still have no clue where I am and I miss Luna.
He looked up as he felt Lina's arm wrap around him. She breathed softly on his neck and whispered in his ear. "If you are worried about anyone hurting you, you need to tell me. I've had friends who have been beaten by abusive boyfriends and fathers before, and another friend who crossed a man who he now fears to this day. If something is wrong, promise me you will be honest with me and let me know. Promise me this." She let him go and rubbed his arm, then took his hand and led him out of the room.
"There are a couple more floors we can check for this book. And on the offchance it really isn't here, I have a few more locations in mind that we can check." She took a seat back at the main table she had pointed out earlier, and stretched. "You know, when I was little, I was passed around alot from family to family. My parents were basically a no-show since the day I was born, so beside distant relatives I've been raised by good friends. I'm better for it, too. Some people ask me if I hate my parents because of them leaving me, but my answer is definately no. They are my parents, and I love them, and nothing is ever going to stop that. If I ever get the chance to meet them one day, I'm gonna do so and welcome them with open arms. I have a feeling they are feeling bad enough about what happened to me, so the last they ing they need is some whiny 'im blaming all my problems' on you kid with one sob story after another.
I've never been an attractive person. Im not the type of person anyone would date, or like in that way. That sort of thinking kept me an introvert for quite a while, but after some time I just stopped caring. Who cares about all that stuff anyway? You should do what you can to help people in life, and smile when everyone else is frowning.You just don't know what good you do when you try that out."
"I've got a supportive family waiting for me back home," Dominic said as he sat down at the table, "and from what I can gather, a good friend sitting right across from me. " He handed her the book he picked up, "You think you could help me learn to read this?"
"Sure, " she grabbed the book and opened it up, " 'Events in modern history, how single moments have changed lives.' Interesting topic, we could give it a try though." She got up and sat beside him, "Just listen and watch, and you'll be reading this in no time."