ANGELA BARNES
AUGUST 2019
The beginning of a school year was approaching, and so was a new life in another town as Angela passed the Entering Arkansas, one of the stated of the Southern Republic of Texas, sign a couple of hours ago.
It was the dead of night when Flynn and her were driving, and Angela was glancing around cautiously, her eyes on the road mostly, but occasionally she glanced at the rearview mirror to make sure that her half-awake son was ok.
It was quiet in the car after she turned off the radio a couple hours ago to let Flynn rest and make sure that she had a clear head.
It was a few minutes later when she heard the faintest bit of movement in the back seat, followed by, “Are we there yet?”
Angela suppressed a sigh, glancing at her phone. “Fifteen more minutes, and we’ll be there.”
There was more silence for a few seconds, but then Flynn said, “Why do we have to keep moving?”
Angela gritted her teeth. “Because that’s our life now, honey. People are watching, and we can’t afford that.”
“You still haven’t told me what people are watching,” Flynn said, his voice whinier.
“Because you’re not old enough to understand yet,” Angela said, “but you will later.” Hopefully, this will be over by the time that happens, she thought.
“Can I make friends wherever we’re going?” Flynn asked.
Angela swallowed, almost glad that she had to pay attention to the road, so that she wouldn’t have to see her son’s face fall on what she was going to say next. “Not likely. I’ll let you know if you can…but honestly, if this is going to work, we need to stay as safe as possible.”
“So I can’t talk to people. Not even at my new school?” Flynn asked.
Angela said, “No, you can. Just don’t say everything. Where we’re from, my name, things like that. And no matter what, you can’t draw attention. Ok?”
Flynn said, “Yes, Mom.”
And it was silent the rest of the car ride to the motel.
FLYNN BARNES
NOVEMBER 2024
In the midst of the celebratory air, Flynn’s eyes were on the bleachers. He hadn’t trusted himself to look at Tara when the final word was called, but now he was wishing he had.
Tara was still sitting in the bleachers with her parents, who had their arms wrapped around her, no doubt telling her that she did a good job and they were proud of her.
Flynn closed his eyes. I should probably go, he thought.
But he opened his eyes and gave Tara and her family another look, only to see that Tara was watching him as well.
Flynn swallowed. I suppose I can’t leave without saying something, he thought.
He walked over to where Tara and her family were.
Tara stood up, as did the rest of her family, and they were face to face with Flynn.
“Hi, Tara,” Flynn said awkwardly.
“Flynn,” Tara said, surprised. “I didn’t think you’d stick around after it was over.”
Flynn didn’t know what to say to other than, “You did really well.”
“You too, Flynn,” Tara said. “Congrats on the win.” She half-turned to her parents. “This is Flynn Barnes.” Tara closed her eyes. “But you already knew that.” She chuckled a little. “Flynn, these are my parents and my sister, Samantha.”
Tara’s mom smiled with a tired look in her eyes. “This is the boy that Tara keeps telling us about.”
Flynn’s heart dropped as he tried his best to school his expression. Tara talks to her parents about me? he thought. “Yes, ma’am. It’s nice to meet all of you.”
Tara’s dad nodded. “Likewise. Congratulations.”
Samantha, Tara’s sister, took a step closer to Flynn, her eyes almost assessing him, before smiling tightly. “It’s nice to meet you, Flynn.”
“Nice to meet you,” Flynn said, casting a glance at Tara, who rolled her eyes and shot a look at Samantha.
“Ease up, Sammy,” Tara said.
“I’m just trying to get to know your friend,” Samantha said.
Tara scoffed. “That’s one way to put it.”
She has that right, Flynn thought dryly. Aloud he said, “I should probably—go. I haven’t called my mom yet. Just wanted to talk a little before I left.”
Tara nodded. “Ok. See you tomorrow, Flynn.”
Flynn nodded back. “Bye, Tara.”
And Flynn turned around and left the gymansium, Tara’s mom’s words—-This is the boy that Tara keeps telling us about-—and Samantha’s searching expression fresh on his mind.
Thank you so much for reading, and welcome to Arc Two of Speller’s Genesis, Honor Thy Mother! Buckle up, because things are going to start getting intense!
Also, until further notice, I’m only going to be posting only one chapter per posting day!
Stay tuned for Chapter 9 coming Friday!
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