Chapter 9

Destiny got out of the shower and put on her favorite light blue blouse. She then put on her brown overalls and put on her boots. She figured a walk outside would be a great break after her endless note taking on the mysteries of the town. She needed to know what the heck was going on.

As she stepped outside her apartment, she saw what appeared to be a giant hermit crab running through the snow. At first, Destiny rubbed her eyes. She must have been imagining things. She looked up again and smiled. She wondered if this was a float. For a parade. A parade in the middle of the snow. Destiny walked up towards the street and the hermit crab stopped right in front of her.

Destiny fought back the urge to scream. The hermit crab in front of her was real. Very real and it was standing right there! Right in front of her! Just then, she heard two voices. Voices that he had heard before and she looked up slowly.

"Hey!" cried out Matt.

"Sup?" said Tyrone nervously, shaking his hand.

Destiny looked at two boys and then at the hermit crab. She was standing there speechless for about a minute until she quietly spoke.

"Please explain." she said quietly.

Tyrone got off from the Bubbles and stood in front of her with a smile.

"I know what this looks like, but trust me. This isn't what it looks like." said Tyrone.

"Look like what? What on earth is this thing?!" cried Destiny.

"This is Bubbles the Hermit Crab. He doesn't bite! He's actually really cool!" said Matt aloud.

"Bubbles. You gave it a name." said Destiny, still with her eyes wide open.

Tyrone put his hand behind his neck and smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, about that Destiny. We need your help. Like right now." said Tyrone.

Destiny was still not taking her eyes off Bubbles.

"You must understand, we have a lot to explain and we have little time. Our parents are trapped in a forest right now because this snow is like a …. Gosh I sound so stupid." said Tyrone.

Matt stood up and breathed in deeply. What followed was a very fast paced summary of current events unfolding. Read on.

"What my brother is trying to say is this. There's a hidden world in Oregon. It's so secret no one knows about. So this winter we are having is some sort of spell. We think the person kidnapping the kids did this, and as a result our family is probably stuck in the hidden world unless the snow goes away. We know of a person who can make things go back to normal. And we need you because our boss says so. You're like chosen or something." said Matt very fast.

Destiny then looked at Matt and Tyrone couldn't help but chuckle. "What he said." said Tyrone, still trying to hold back his laughter.

"So this winter we're in is actually a spell? And there's somebody who can stop this? And you want me to come? Why?" asked Destiny.

"Because a friend of ours thought you would be a great help to us. I know it's a lot to take in. Believe me, I've been there. And so has Matt. So we understand that you are scared and of course freaked out, but we'll guide you along the way. The best way we can." said Tyrone.

Destiny bit her lip and thought for a moment. Then she spoke. "So this winter was caused by the person who's taking kids?" asked Destiny.

"You saw the news?" asked Tyrone.

"I did. And I'm in shock that no one suspected anything. First that, then this snow, and now this thing in front of the apartment! It's just so much!" said Destiny.

"We know. We're sorry this was a shock. But this is the world we live in now. And I don't know why our friend believes in you, but if he does, we'll have to trust you." said Tyrone.

"Who is your friend?" asked Destiny.

"For that, you are going to need to get on the crab and we'll explain everything on the way." said Tyrone.

"You want me to get on this giant thing? What if it bites?" asked Destiny.

"He won't! I'm on top of him and he's actually nice to me!" said Matt, placing his face on Bubble's shell.

Destiny slowly walked up towards Bubbles and gently placed her hand on his shell. She took a deep breath and tried not to move. Bubbles stood perfectly still and made happy clicky sounds.

"If I go with you, then my answers will probably be answered. This changes everything." said Destiny.

"We know. It's too much, but believe us, you're not alone on this." said Tyrone.

"This is kinda going to be like a road trip. There will be pit stops, and singing along the way!" said Matt. He then started to sing out loud. Of course, he was sounding like a Mariachi singer and Tyrone chuckled.

"I thought you hated that kind of music!" said Tyrone.

"There's no shame in exploring my Mexican roots!" said Matt.

"Okay. Little brothers. Am I right?" asked Tyrone.

Destiny smiled. "I know the feeling."

"So, you want to hang out with us and pretty much save the world?" asked Tyrone.

"If it means saving children from some phantom, count me in." said Destiny, placing her knuckles on her hips.

"Okay! Get on! You get to sit by me, Senorita." said Matt winking.

Destiny smiled. "My what a gentleman."

Tyrone chuckled and went on Bubbles. Matt was in the middle while Destiny was behind him.

"You guys ready to move on?" asked Tyrone.

"In the words of Spongebob, I'm ready!" cried Matt.

"I think I'm having second thoughts." said Destiny worriedly.

"Let's go Bubbles!" cried Tyrone. Bubbles then made clicking noises and sprang into action. He then ran into the snowy road with his mighty claws.

Tyrone and Matt both held on tight while Destiny wrapped her arm around Matt's waist.

"We're gonna die." she said aloud.

"No we're not. Open your eyes and look at the view!" cried Matt.

Destiny opened both her eyes and her jaw dropped. Bubbles was running on the road, past the scenic route. Destiny saw the snow drop, but it looked so majestic. With the ocean on the horizon and the snow dropping from the heavens, it looked like something out of a fantasy movie. Indeed, there was some form of beauty in this snowy curse they were in.

After a while, Bubbles stopped right in front of a motel.

"Looks like this is our stop for the night," said Tyrone.

"It was kinda slippery on the road." said Matt as he got off Bubbles.

"This was amazing! You guys do this every time!?" cried Destiny.

"Not really. Bubbles belongs to two good friends of ours." said Matt.

"This is the first time we actually rode on him." said Tyrone.

In a second, Bubbles then shrank back into his cuddly little normal size.

"Great job Bubbles. Get some rest." said Matt.

Once the group got a room with two beds, they settled down. Tyrone felt a little embarrassed that they only had enough money for one room, but Destiny didn't mind. In fact, she brought some money along as well.

"Matt and I can share a bed. No problem." said Tyrone.

"Yeah! Bunk buddies!" cried Matt.

"Someone is excited." said Destiny.

"Are you kidding! I get to spend time with my favorite person in the whole world!" cried Matt, hugging Tyrone and then running around the room with such boyish energy.

"Calm down dude. You'll break something." said Tyrone.

Destiny sat down on her bed and stretched her arms out. "So tell me what this is all about guys. We got all night. Are there things I should know about?" asked Destiny.

"Boy, there's a lot of things!" said Matt. He took a deep breath and Tyrone quickly put a finger on his lips.

"Perhaps we'll start from the beginning and slowly. It's a long story." said Tyrone.

The boys then explained everything to Destiny. What they currently knew of the hidden world, how they were adopted by their foster parents, the trials they faced and the dangers that were now present.

"So this wizard that escaped; is he responsible for the missing kids?" asked Destiny.

"We don't know for sure." said Tyrone.

"All we know is that we have to go to Mt. Hood to find the Groke and bring her back here." said Matt.

"The Mothman never did gave us a lot of details. He gets visions, but they are always in a riddle of sorts." said Tyrone.

Destiny scoffed. "And that's it then? He just sends you both unprepared with a giant crab and you don't have anything to defend yourselves?" asked Destiny.

"I knew I should have brought my rifle." said Tyrone.

"I thought you brought it with you." said Matt.

"I thought so too. It must have fell while Bubbles was walking in the snow back home." said Tyrone.

"Don't worry. We'll think of something. I just so happen to know self defense and I might know a place where we can get weapons. If we are really going to Mt. Hood, we'd best go prepared." said Destiny.

Tyrone and Matt exchanged looks and Destiny cleared her throat.

"There is a weapon store in Washington Square Mall. They sell fake weapons of course, but believe me, they can be effective if we're going out into Oregon." said Destiny.

"With what money? We broke." said Matt. Tyrone nudged his elbow and Destiny chuckled.

"We'll earn money. I also happen to know how to dance hip hop." said Destiny.

"You? A white girl who knows how to hip hop!? Nah uh!" said Matt, folding his arms.

"Mateo." said Tyrone sternly.

Destiny chuckled. "Actually, my family originally came from Ireland. I was born here of course, but my grandparents immigrated from Ireland." she said.

"Excuse him Destiny. Matt makes poor tasting jokes like this sometimes, and I told him to keep his thoughts to himself." said Tyrone looking at Matt.

Matt stuck his tongue out at Tyrone. He then gave Matt a scowl and Matt backed down, folding his arms.

Destiny noticed and quickly tried to break the ice. "I'll be the one dancing and Matt could be my little DJ. Tyrone will be security in case a cop shows up or something."

"To get to Washington Square… that means…. Wouldn't that be a detour from Mt. Hood?" asked Tyrone.

"It would be, but believe me, if we are going into the unknown, we might as well go well prepared or we will die out there." said Destiny gravely.

"You sound as if you were in this sort of thing before." said Matt.

"My oldest brother was in the army. He knew a lot about being prepared and all that. He passed away two years ago, but his lessons are still stuck in my mind." said Destiny.

"Sorry to hear that," said Tyrone.

Destiny checked her phone. "It's time for bed everyone. Why don't we turn in a little early so we can travel to the mall tomorrow." said Destiny.

"Good idea." said Tyrone. He stood up and pulled Matt's arm.

"I want to talk to you." he then added.

Matt knew where this was going as he was pulled by Tyrone. Destiny tried not to chuckle and awkwardly watched as Tyrone closed the door.

"Matt, what did I say about making jokes like that?" asked Tyrone in a whisper.

"I was only joking." said Matt.

"You know I don't like those jokes. Anyway, forget it. Please don't say or do anything that can embarrass me." said Tyrone.

"Oh I see what this is. You're embarrassed to have a Mexican boy be your brother!" said Matt, almost saying it aloud.

"What? That's not true!" cried Tyrone.

"C'mon! You think I'm estupido? You cringe every time I speak in Spanish." said Matt.

"Matt, this isn't what you think. I just want you to have common sense." said Tyrone.

"That's the problem with you white people! You are so APAGADO!" said Matt.

"What?" asked Tyrone.

"Turned off. That's what I said!" said Matt.

"Listen Matt. I understand why you are angry or perhaps resentful. The news has been affecting you as of late and it's my fault to show you clips on the protests or the new presidential debate and… why are we even talking about this?" said Tyrone.

"You are the one bringing it up." said Matt.

"Listen, don't say things like this in public. At home, you are free to say whatever you want, but we are with a friend and how do you think she might feel if you say something like that?" asked Tyrone.

"She didn't mind." said Matt.

"When Mom and Dad heard one of your jokes, they laughed. Why? Because you're their son. And I'm your brother. But as your brother, I ask you not to say a joke like this again. How would you feel if I say something about Mexican people? Have you thought of that? When have you ever heard me say something to make fun of you?" asked Tyrone.

Matt lowered his gaze and Tyrone breathed in. "You know why I don't say things like that? Because I grew up in a community of people from different parts of the world. And for the record, I'm not mad at you. I'm just… looking out for you. I don't want you to get in trouble for saying a joke that could… hurt you." said Tyrone.

"Tyrone; have you ever had people make fun of you for your skin color? I was bullied back in my old school for being Mexican. My skin is brown, my hair is messy and it's dark brown. Plus, I heard people make fun of Mexicans on TV and at school." said Matt, frowning and putting his hands in his pocket.

Tyrone placed his hand on Matt's shoulder, which was a very common thing he did to show support to Matt.

"I have a lot to learn from you Matt. Listen, let's go to bed and forget about all this okay. I know there is so much going on in the news and on TV, but we'll be fine." said Tyrone.

The boys opened the door and Destiny was standing a few feet. She backed away and smiled awkwardly. "I wanted to use the bathroom." she said.

"Go ahead! Sorry!" said Tyrone. Destiny nodded and closed the door behind her.

….

That night, Tyrone and Matt had to share a bed while Destiny slept on the other one. She couldn't sleep. A whole lot has happened up until now. First, the crab that lifted her off her feet and taking her someplace new with two curious newfound friends. The conversation they had in the bathroom was something that Destiny never heard before. In fact, she was very taken aback by how mature the boys were in a very delicate situation.

She did notice Matt was an Hispanic boy, but she never questioned why he was with Tyrone. For her, they were just a normal family. But upon hearing them discuss race and in a way that didn't result in a big argument or anything like that, it was very different. She admired how the boys handled such a situation.

She never experienced racism in her life, and it was a topic she never really thought about. Race was always a hot button issue and it was something that was never really brought up at home. Tyrone mentioned earlier something about the news. Destiny knew what he was talking about. A new presidential campaign was going on, and of course, immigration was brought up a lot as well as the treatment of people of color. For the past few months there have been protests and brave people speaking out against racist politicians and the like. Destiny heard about all of this, but she then realized that she never really cared about any of that. She never thought about how it could affect people. And after hearing Matt talk to Tyrone about this sort of thing, she then realized how fragile all of this was on a child's mind.

Destiny's thoughts were all over the place. She wondered about real world events first, then she wondered about the novel Rood Bridge Park she was starting to hear about. Were people there aware of current events? In fact, were there even people living there. The boys hardly knew anything about this strange hidden world. What of the person who is kidnapping children? Was this person even from Rood Bridge Park? What kind of society is it?

Destiny could not sleep. She thought so much, she was beginning to have a headache. She stood up and went to get a drink of water. She stretched her neck to the side when she heard a moan. However, the moaning got louder and sounded very unusual. She turned to see Tryone, his body shaking in bed.

It was Matt who woke up instantly and turned on the small light on the nightstand near the bed. He then put his arms around Tyrone, trying to move him to the side.

Destiny quickly figured out what was going on.

"Matt, what do you need?" asked Destiny.

"Give him some air. A fan or something!" said Matt as he tried to push Tyrone to the side.

Destiny went over and grabbed a magazine from the nightstand. She then started to blow some air for Tyrone. The seizure lasted about a minute. When Tyrone settled down, Matt spoke in his ear.

"Tyrone. Wakey wakey." he said softly.

Tyrone opened one eye and Matt didn't stop hugging him. "It's okay. It passed. It passed." said Matt.

Destiny pulled out her phone. "Do you need me to call for help?" she asked.

"No thanks. Tyrone will be fine after a while. He just needs to rest and get his energy back. When he wakes up, he'll need to take his pills." said Matt.

"He's got pills for this?" asked Destiny.

Matt went over to their backpack and pulled out Tyrone's medicine. "I see. He skipped a dosage. It must have been when we left. With all the excitement of leaving, he forgot to take his pill." said Matt.

"I see." replied Destiny.

Tyrone then stood up from the bed and stretched his arms. "Gosh. My head." he said.

"Ty, you good?" asked Matt, running over to him.

"Matt. I'm sorry. Oh! Destiny… you saw." said Tyrone embarrassed.

"I did. But please, don't worry. Do you need anything?" asked Destiny sweetly.

"I'm good. Matt can handle the rest." said Tyrone as he stood up. He looked at the bed and cringed. Matt quickly covered him with his orange hoodie and pulled up the bedsheets and took him to the bathroom.

"You need anything, call me." said Matt.

Tyrone nodded and closed the door behind him. Matt then walked up to the bed and pulled out the sheets. "We'll throw these in the garbage." he said.

Destiny shook her head. "That won't be necessary. People will come and clean this anyway." she said.

"Are you sure? Tyrone showed me a video on how messy hotel rooms can be. And we are in a low budget motel!" said Matt.

"I'm sure we're good." said Destiny chuckling.

Matt sat on a chair and Destiny sat a few feet away from him.

"So…. how did you and Tyrone meet?" asked Destiny.

Matt looked up at her and smiled. "It's a pretty long story. You might have to hear the whole thing." said Matt.

"We got all night. And I rode on a giant hermit crab. I can handle anything." said Destiny.