Essence

Chapter I

It was a humid Christmas Eve as I sipped my beer, relaxing at the end of the bar. I observed the overall conversation as people chattered and laughed with themselves. It felt great to relax for once after getting my last paycheck for the year.

Or at least it was great, until River obstructed the sunlight coming in from outside. I rolled my eyes as he chugged the last of his beer and walked in, tipsy. River was the town, not even town, the whole deserts drunk and nuisances really. Always causing trouble and flirting with the youngest and prettiest girls he could lay his eyes on.

His eyes wavered over the whole bar making everyone uneasy. Yet of course, he noticed me. If I could roll my eyes any further they would fall out of my head. He smiled and teetered his way toward me. I turned toward the wall of booze before me. Maybe he'd go away or fall over and die for all I care.

"Hey Rocky! How you doin'?" River slid next to me, in the open seat that just happen to be there. I gritted my teeth at his damp rustic smell.

"What are you doing here? I thought you left Tosmix a while ago." I sipped my beer not even looking at him.

"Aw I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to my sweetheart." He put one of my black curls behind my ear. I grabbed his wrist and twisted, staring him dead in the eyes. He cried out.

"I'm not your sweetheart or whatever the hell you think I am to you." I pushed him away and he tripped and fell to the ground.

"Alright! Geez!" He got up and straightened his leather jacket before glaring at anyone who saw the ordeal.

"You alright Rocky?" My friend Felix set down another bottle and leaned on the edge of the bar. "River's a bit, slippery." He said picking his teeth with a toothpick.

"No kidding." I sat back down and sipped my drink once more. Maybe, hopefully, he finally left once and for all.

"Hey, what are you doing later?" Felix asked. Lighting up his toothpick and crushing the ashes. Showing off really. As most do.

"It's Christmas Eve Lix. I'm going home to my daughters." I cracked a smile at his forgetfulness.

"Oh right... forgot about that." He brushed his hand through his flaming red hair in embarrassment. I chugged the last of my beer and left an overpriced tip for him.

"Merry Christmas Lix." I nodded his way and left.

Living hidden away in the desert has its ups and downs. One being the government can't find me. Two being, people like me have the same idea. Like River and Felix, having powers are kind of a big deal.

My ripped jeans and green t-shirt were light in this weather as I put my helmet on and got on my motorcycle. I road home, hoping my daughters behaved themselves. Lyla being three and Ivy being six they can get in a lot of trouble.

Driving through this windy village was fun. Turning corners sharply and attempting to avoid pedestrians gives you a thrill. Turning the last corner and skidding to a stop, I walked my motorcycle up the driveway. I parked and took my helmet off, shaking my hair out.

Looking over my shoulders I saw curious eyes watch me. No one knew they were here. They knew they had to keep quiet. Pushing aside the cow skin curtain, I walked in and hugged them both.

"Hey girls." I whispered. "How have you guys been?"

"Goooooood." Ivy said with a toothy grin.

"Mama!" Lyla giggled, clapping her hands happily.

Their father left us right after he found out I was pregnant with Lyla. I've never heard of him since.

"Hey mama... what are we having for dinner?" Ivy asked, wide eyed.