Children of Semyaza Read online

  In no mood to get hurt, Garrick sprinted away from the behemoths. Naturally, they chased after him—three athletes pursued one sickly skinny boy. Somehow, Garrick was able to keep some distance between himself and his pursuers. As soon as he sighted the storefront of Theodore’s, he decided to run in.

  “Mr. Theodore!” he cried when he saw his boss talking to a disgruntled customer. “Help me! These three guys… they’re going to kill me!”

  Lawrence Theodore was accustomed to Garrick running into the store for succor and, without asking a single question, opened the back entrance for him. Garrick ran through it and took a moment to catch his breath. His feet were already sore, and his breathing turned into an asthmatic wheezing. Yet he had begun to laugh. His impending doom could not douse the flames of his happiness.

  A few minutes later, the three boys had forced their way through the back door of the store and Garrick instinctively climbed up the fire escape of the adjacent building which was several floors high. His legs were giving up midway into it, but he forced himself to continue when he realized his pursuers were not getting fatigued in the slightest. On the roof, he sprinted toward the edge of the building.

  “What the hell are you doing?” he could hear Lester call out.

  Running away from you fools, Garrick thought in response. As he reached the edge, he pushed himself even further to jump as far as he possibly could and was soon airborne. The three boys were still yelling at him, but he couldn’t hear them because of the whishing wind in his ears.

  As he landed on the next building’s roof he tripped and rolled on the floor but stood up as quickly as possible unhurt. He was about to continue running when he noticed the three boys were no longer chasing after him. Instead, they stared at him in disbelief. Garrick was unsure what the flabbergasted looks on their faces meant, so he began to examine himself. Maybe there was some huge gash on his forehead he didn’t know about; or he’d landed into a rod that was sticking through his stomach.

  No, nothing… he was fine. As he looked back at them one more time, the source of those confused faces became evident.

  There was quite the distance between him and them.

  “How…?” Garrick mumbled. He walked back to the edge of the roof and looked down. “No way,” he said in disbelief. Below him, separating the two buildings he’d jumped, was a two-way street. He must have jumped thirty feet! But it couldn’t be possible. It only seemed like a small gap to him when he did it. How could he jump such a distance? He wasn’t an athlete. And it seemed the athletes who pursued him were also shocked by this feat. Still confused, Garrick surmised that spending more time trying to figure out how the impossible happened would give the three boys time to realize they could run back down the fire escape and catch up with him on the other side. He had to keep running. He would make sense of it later.

  The three were still petrified by their disbelief, however, and did not consider continuing the chase. Also, below them in the streets, in utter amazement, Octavius looked up.

  “Impossible,” he said to himself.

  5

  “I’d like to take this moment to congratulate you all on finishing this leg of your academic journey!”

  Several weeks had passed since Garrick’s adrenaline-fueled long jump. Yes, he attributed his unlikely feat to the pumping of adrenaline. He had also spent a great deal of time avoiding Dennis and Lester. This wasn’t entirely difficult. All he had to do was act out of character by skipping some classes, especially the early ones, and he left school the moment the bell was rung. Yet, despite his impressive avoidance tactics, he was more than certain that he was going to run into them eventually. It was only a matter of time.

  “… and as you traverse even further into this vast and varied island called life, you may fall several times, but the lesson is to rise again!”

  But none of that troubled him then. He was finally graduating. As he sat in the last row of graduates half-listening to Principal Devin’s speech, Garrick mapped out his next step. His scholarship only provided him with tuition, but this did not bother him as much. He’d made enough money over the years doing odd jobs and working for Mr. Theodore to sustain him and Arianne for several months until he could get another job closer to Dartmouth. It was going to be hard and stressful but that was something he had ample experience with. He would not let himself be saddened by stress so long as he was with the girl he loved.

  “…I consider it an especial honor to have been your Principal. Over the years, I have watched boys become men and young ladies become women…”

  But she was still a girl, and he a boy. Were they being young and reckless? There wasn’t any guarantee their relationship would last, and all this could be their hyperactive youth at work. Was he being inconsiderate? Was he forgetting to think as he had done so well for so many years? He had never been one to make rash and uncalculated decisions. What was happening to him? How could one girl have so much sway over him?

  “And now, for the Reading High School Class of 1952 valedictorian… Garrick Hartmann!”

  The sound of his name snapped him out of his internal struggle. The applause that followed was, by Garrick’s standards, surprisingly loud.

  He slowly stood up and walked up to the podium as he was greeted by his fellow students with boos and insults (Garrick wondered whether the parents in attendance even took note of this).

  Both arms hung at his side with clenched fists. As he stood before the Principal, he was handed a certificate and received a firm handshake. Garrick took a moment to imagine the speech he really wanted to make.

  “Fellow graduates, the moment we’ve been yearning for these long arduous years is finally here. Most of us have known each other since we were in the first grade and I can comfortably say that things between us have never changed. Some of you have stolen my lunch money more than a couple times—lunch money my selfish drunk of a father didn’t provide! Lunch money I worked for! But hey, I’m not complaining. Some of you made it your life’s ambition to make mine a living hell—but I’m not complaining. Others have said someone like me, who doesn’t get the love of his own parents and is psychologically unstable could someday turn into a serial killer. So, I’ve been called a psycho and a freak. I am not complaining! I’ve been called a communist! I’ve been beaten and abused at home and at school. And yet, I refuse to complain! I refuse to complain today because I am graduating with better prospects than any one of you bullies. A bright future awaits me with the woman I love and one day, when I return—and I assure you I will— you shall all kneel before me and beg for your lives! You shall beg for forgiveness! You shall beg for mercy! And you will not receive it! So, I say to all of you—enjoy the rest of your miserable lives while you can! Congratulations.”

  Garrick took a sigh and suppressed his inner demon, gave a rather basic and unemotional speech about successes and failures, and walked back to his seat amidst another round of cheers and boos.

  “Congratulations, Garrick. I’m proud of you,” said Octavius as he shook his hand.

  “Thank you, Octavius. You were here longer than anyone expected. Are you going to be a full-time teacher now?”

  Octavius chuckled as old men did. “That’s highly doubtful. I prefer to be on the move.”

  “If I were still a student here, that would be very bad news.”

  Octavius bowed his head in thanks. He scanned his surroundings for a moment before looking back at him with a stern and ominous air around him. “I hope we’ll be able to have a chat about something soon?”

  “What about?”

  “Your future. You see, Garrick, I…”

  Arianne had jumped in-between them and gave Garrick a hug. She had become much bolder with her public displays of affection over the weeks and Garrick was no longer prone to looking over his shoulders when she jumped him. “Valedictorian! Obviously!”

  Garrick looked at Octavius whose stern expression had turned feeble and grandfather-like. He said, “you kids have fun. G
arrick, we’ll talk later,” after which he hobbled away.

  “What was that about?” asked Arianne. Garrick shook his head in response. “Anyway, I figured you wouldn’t be invited to any graduation party tonight.”

  Garrick grinned at the reality of that statement. “Yes, thanks for rubbing that in.”

  “No!” she said. “What I’m trying to say is, well, I’m hosting a party tonight at my place.”

  He held her by the hand and walked away with her. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. Your ex is likely to make a scene. You did invite him, yes?”

  “Even if I didn’t, he’d be there. But you should come. I’ll be very upset if I don’t see you.” She let go of his hand and walked away. Having a girlfriend was hard work.

  The only party Garrick had attended was Celina’s fourteenth birthday, but he wasn’t attending as a guest—he just lived there. After that, Celina never celebrated her birthday at home.

  He wasn’t saddened by this. It gave him a few hours of alone time in his room. No parents; no Celina; no chores. He’d lie on the cold floor and sigh “dolce far niente,” only moving the moment the house was full again.

  And that evening, the house was very full.

  Garrick walked into a conference of sorts. Jared’s circle of friends, which pretty much consisted of people not so different from him, had gathered in the living room sharing sordid stories. Seeing as the living room was so close to the house’s entrance, Garrick knew it would be impossible to pass by unnoticed, but he tried regardless.

  “Where the hell have you been, Garrick?” demanded Jared. “Get us some more beers!”

  Later, he passed Celina’s room upstairs and couldn’t help looking in. Her hair was loose over her shoulders and she wore a red and white cotton gingham strapless dress with a diamond necklace rested on her neck. Garrick would never admit this out loud, but he thought she was gorgeous.

  She noticed him. “What are you gawking at?”

  Garrick coughed uncomfortably. “N… nothing. You, er… look good.”

  “I look great,” she corrected. “What do you want?”

  “I was just passing by.”

  “Then pass,” she said shooing him away like a dog. This irritated him, but he was accustomed to her demeaning mannerisms and withstood them for the sake of peace. Looking at her, all he could do was think about Dartmouth. The smallest mistake and Jared would mess it up for him somehow. He had to tread carefully.

  “See you at the party,” he said as he left her alone. Celina cringed for a moment, and then a malevolent smile formed on her face. What would be a worse punishment? Allowing her dumb cousin to attend the party and get himself beaten to a pulp by Dennis? Or making Jared keep him indoors and away from the girl he loved? She paced around her room as she thought. Finally, as she put on her shoes, she decided.

  Garrick was already used to getting beaten up by Dennis.

  “What do you mean I can’t go?” Garrick demanded. “I graduated today! It’s only normal that I attend a graduation party!”

  “I need you here,” replied Jared without looking up at his son.

  Garrick rubbed his hands together and took deep breaths as he struggled to remain calm. He wasn’t sure what spurred him further: a desire to be with Arianne, or an unfamiliar contumacy. For once, he was determined to have fun. “Dad,” he began, the veins in his temple pulsating. “Not only did I graduate today, I’m the valedictorian. Now, please, don’t you think I deserve a reward for once? Aren’t you the least bit proud of me?”

  There was silence for a moment. Jared’s friends looked back at him and Jared looked into Garrick’s eyes. “I’ll only ever be proud of my son,” he mumbled.

  Garrick stiffened for a moment. “What did you just say?”

  “He’s drunk,” mumbled one of Jared’s friends. “He didn’t mean that.”

  “You’re not going to any damn party,” bellowed Jared. “We need more beers!”

  “How about you stand up and get them yourself!” The words had forced their way out of his mouth without permission. Everyone was silent with shocked expressions. Jared looked the most appalled. Delilah had walked into the living room to understand what was going on. Garrick was trembling. He couldn’t figure out what else to say. Jared was already on his feet and staggered toward him.

  “So, you talk back now?” he asked jeeringly.

  “I’m so…” A slap landed square on his face before he could apologize. Despite the heat and itchiness on his cheek, Garrick did not touch his face. He turned slowly and looked back into his father’s eyes unfazed. This didn’t go well with Jared who slapped him again on the other cheek, but the boy reacted the same way.

  A little shaken up, Jared ordered Garrick back to his room. Without further protest, he walked upstairs, put on his jacket, and jumped out of the window. “Fuck you, Jared,” he said under his breath as he walked away from the house.

  That night was the first time he had entered Arianne’s house through the front door. The ostentatious house was brightly lit that night and crowded by dancing teenagers who completely ignored their surroundings. Though he never considered himself a fan of the fine arts, Garrick was pretty taken by some of the portraits that hung on the walls. Some depicted peace and family life; others depicted war and strife.

  He walked up to a table and helped himself to a cold soda as he watched his former classmates dance to Al Martino's "Here in my heart.”

  “I was beginning to think I was going to have to kill you.” The sweet and sultry voice came from behind him. Arianne wore a blue strapless dress and her brown hair had been straightened.

  “You look breathtaking,” he almost yelled. Arianne giggled and pecked him lightly on the lips.

  “Let’s dance,” she said.

  “I don’t know how.”

  “Oh, come on. Everyone knows the jitterbug.”

  “Everyone with a social life, maybe,” he joked. But she had already dragged him to the center of the dance floor. As she swayed and spun around, Garrick stood rigidly and uncomfortably. He occasionally tapped his feet but stopped whenever he felt silly. Realizing this was probably the most she was going to get out of him, Arianne laughed and did not complain.

  A few minutes later, the song was changed to a slower one and she held onto his shoulder. “Follow my lead,” she whispered soothingly, as the two circled around not caring for the multitude of eyes that were firmly fixed on them.

  “My parents are going to freak out when I tell them I’m leaving with you.”

  Garrick felt a sudden jolt in his chest. “Shit, I totally forgot. I didn’t think about what your parents would think. I was so taken by the moment.” She caressed his face gently and shook her head, telling him not to worry without uttering a single word. Such a girl—how did he ever end up with her? “I haven’t made any plans. I have little money and still need to find a place to stay.”

  “My parents will help out. They may not love my decision, but they won’t disown me. One of the benefits of being an only child.”

  Spurred by a gush of emotion, Garrick realized his eyes had moistened. “I love you.” The words were only barely out of his mouth when he was dragged away from her and hurled toward the drinks table. Glass cups and bowls crashed on the floor with him and cut his cheek..

  He adjusted his crooked glasses as his blurred vision gradually stabilized, then he noted Dennis in a heated exchange with Arianne.

  Someone had bent over beside Garrick to glare at him. “What the hell are you doing here?” hissed Celina. “Did you sneak out?”

  “Not now, Celina,” he said as he removed broken glass from his elbow and stood up.

  “You do realize you’re in serious trouble, don’t you?”

  “I said not now!” Garrick had left the gawking Celina and approached Dennis who was still berating Arianne over her choice of replacement. “Calm down, Dennis,” cautioned Garrick with false bravado.

  “You’re seriously going to leave me
for this commie bastard?” he said as he looked at Garrick like a maggot-infested dead animal.

  Arianne, whose eyes had darkened with rage, snapped at him. “For your information, I’ve already left you. And I didn’t just leave you for him. I’ve been fucking him for months! That’s right. I cheated! If you want to be angry with someone, be angry with me! Leave Ricky alone!”

  Garrick understood how Arianne’s rage could cloud her judgment. Deep down she knew saying such a thing would be the end of him.

  What confused Garrick even more, however, was the look of utter amazement on Celina’s face. “That’s just not possible!” She screamed. It was strange, Garrick thought. One would think she was jealous.

  Dennis grabbed Garrick by the collar and threw him into a shelf. On all fours, Garrick scanned for a weapon of sorts but found nothing adequate. Instead, he threw books at him. This angered Dennis even more. He picked him up and punched him on the nose. The cracking sound that followed startled Garrick more than the pain. Arianne jumped on Dennis and hit his back rapidly. The fuming jock turned and slapped her away.

  Garrick watched Arianne as she hit the floor. All sound seized. His heart rate tripled. His feet felt lighter. All went black.

  When Garrick came to, he lay spread-eagled on the lawn with Dennis face-down and moaning in pain beside him. With no recollection of what happened the last minute or so, he thought it wise to leave. Bolts of pain shot through him as he got up and ran down the street. Not long after, he realized he was being chased by an awakened Dennis and his usual gang. He wasn’t strong enough to elude them this time, so he gave in to his fate, stopped running and faced his would-be assailants.

  “There’s nothing you can do to me that my father hasn’t done already. You don’t scare me,” he mocked.

  “We’ll see about that!” yelled Lester as he knocked him down with a left haymaker. Garrick folded up in a fetal position as the three of them stomped and kicked him intent on breaking every bone in his body. Was it possible that no one in the entire neighborhood could hear his cries of pain? Were they all minding their business because he didn’t matter? Would his death be inconsequential?