Something Unexplainable

Try Outs

When I reached my house after the big blow out at the Drive-In, I was ready to get an ear-full of Johns ranting on how I disobeyed him.

"John?" I asked, speaking into the air, "I'm back. And I know what you're going to say," Silence. "But let me say first that I'm sorry that I didn't listen."  I walked around the house, but he wasn't on the couch where I left him. 

I continued to hear no answer.

"Look," I started,  "I know I left even when you said I wasn't allowed to. But if I didn't go, then Kara and all of my friends would have been in danger, and I wouldn't have been able to save them. They could've died." I paused. "It was the right thing to do, I had to make sure they were safe. And I did it without exposing myself. It's all okay."

When I finally found him, he was on his bed, his shoulders were hunched over, and his head sloped. I noticed his face. His eyes were red and his mouth was open and dry.

"Uncle John?" I questioned, my voice shaky.

He glanced up at me plaintively. He held out his hand, a note lying on his palm. "I got this letter, I shouldn't have read it, but I did. It's for you and it's from Alice."  The tone of his voice was hoarse.

Tentatively, I took the letter and held it like it was going to bite me. I unfolded it to reveal beautifully written cursive. I would have known her handwriting anywhere. My stomach dropped to the floor.

It read:

My dear brother, It's been some time hasn't it? I wish I could say that I missed you and our family, but I don't like to lie. You're probably wondering why I've decided to write to you, given that I haven't spoken to you in years. But some important news has come up, and it is dire that you received it.

Our Dad is dead. He was in the way, and I needed him out of it. He was futile to my plans. Plus, he was old and grumpy anyways. He lived in that squalid shack, pitying in his own misery, missing mom. I could say I did it for his own good, but that isn't necessarily why. Dad wants us to use our magic for helping people and to be equal with humans. What he never understood is that there can be so much more to our legacy, that we could be rulers; Gods even. Dad made me feel small and weak. Kurt, I have learned so much without him holding me back, I'm just sad you couldn't see my way. 

To be forthright, my army and I know where you are. There has to be one sole leader, it is my destiny. I know what you've done, and what you're planning. You were always so predictable/  You can't hide from me, Kurt. I'll be coming. You just won't know when.

Your sister, Alice.

By the time I finished reading her letter, tears were almost cascading down my face. My Dad was dead. I never even said goodbye. The last conversation I had with him, we fought. I felt sick to my stomach.

I suddenly was on the ground, holding myself. I just couldn't hold it all in. I wept and sobbed. My Mom and Dad are gone, and I didn't stop it. I have all this God damn power and I couldn't even save my own parents. What kind of son am I?

Not even realizing it, I cried even harder.

"Why?" I choked, being the only word I could manage.

John rushed to me, his arms around my shoulders, holding me in a warm hug. It wasn't a friendly hug, no, it was a real hug, which I haven't had in a long, long time.

My Dad was right. I needed to defeat her. She has to be killed.

**

The next day, I still went to school. There was no reason not to. Yes, my dad is dead, and I can't focus on that. There isn't anything I can do to change it. Time travel is not in my power. It's not in anyone's power.