CHAPTER 2

The woods and the fire, killing innocent animals, engulfing them inside. The horrendous view to slaughter makes a cub, shiver in fear. He runs without an aim in the black woods to find a shelter but his lungs are filled with smoke and gas by the fire started by an enemy wolf.

He is a big and dangerous wolf who gazes aggressively at the poor cub. The steady and firm steps approach the sacred cub and lashes at him with his sharp canines.

Suddenly, an adolescent man wakes up from the terrible dream and gasps for air.

Onyx

The sweat drenched me from head to toe, as I woke up from the most terrible dream I saw last night. I rub my hands over my face, wiping the sweat away. My throat aches from dryness, and I gulp the water directly from the bottle.

The eyes hurt because of lack of sleep these days. No matter what, I try to sleep, I always wake up in the middle of the night seeing these dreadful dreams from a few days ago.

I got up from the bed and went to take a cold shower. It relaxes my hot skin when the coldness of water penetrates into my skin. I dress for the college, being a third-year student in biochemistry. I am a geek nerd, but a cute nerd.

I approach the dining table and gaze at my mother who is serving delicious pancakes to my dad.

“Good morning, mom and dad!” I greet them.

“Good morning, bunny bunch.” The funny nickname they gave me haunts in my dreams too.

“I am 21 now, please stop calling me by that name.” I snorted.

“No matter how much you age, you will be our bunny bunch.” Mom said.

“I guess, I have to live with this sin.” I mumble under my breath.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Dad asks.

“The dreams are bothering me again.” I state.

“Do you want to see your physiatrist?” Mom suggests.

“I am fine. I had enough of these therapies. People bully me for this.”

“Then beat the shit out of them, we will take care of the things.”

I look at them with a raised eyebrow, “I Am leaving. Have a delightful day.”

“Have an outstanding day, son.” They greet me.

I walk to the bus stop and take the first coach to reach my college. Being a topper in the school, it granted me a scholarship and allowed me to get admission in one of the best colleges in Copenhagen.

Being one of the most expensive cities in the whole Denmark, they curse the education with money. I did not want to burden my parents for my education so I worked hard on it to achieve it. Books, notes, and the library are my priorities when the kids of my age are at parties, boozing and going on trips to have fun. Life is not the same for everyone.

I cross the primary entrance of the college but my awful luck that my favorite bully is waiting for like usual.

“Mikkelsen! Where is the nerdy boy going? I remember we have a test today. You know what you have to do.” he winks at me and leaves.

Today, we have a test in class and he wants me to help, actually help him copy my answers. As I take more steps towards my classroom, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn to see Ben, and Martha, my best friends. A silly smile erupts on my face.

“What’s up?” Martha asks.

“Cooper bullied me to help him in the test today.”

“Poor Onyx, I pity you.” Ben states.

“You should be happy that you are not in my place. It sucks to be me.” I sigh heavily.

“Yes, you are right. Being the best student of the college, you are a coward and candy ass.” Martha states and I roll my eyes.

After the test, we had no other class to attend, so we went to roam in the campus. The summer holidays will begin tomorrow, and everyone is discussing their plans for vacations.

“My parents are taking me to the farmhouse of my paternal uncle. This will be interesting to be there.” Ben says and we chuckle.

“I will visit my aunt and help her with the babies.” Marth says.

“What about you?” Ben asks me.

“I am staying home, hidden in my closet like a vampire.” I joke.

“What a poor joke? Have a life, onyx. One for a while, you should visit a bar or a club.” Martha hisses.

“Look Who's Talking, I know you badly want to go to a club, but it does not allow the nerds like you.” Ben states.

“You better keep your mouth shut before I slice your tongue with a clipper.” Martha jabs.

“Guys! Please! Stop it!” I try to control the feud.

“Anyways, I am leaving. I have plans before going to visit my aunt. See you guys later.” Martha bids goodbye to us.

Ben and I walked out from the campus and we both left on our way to home. I enter my house and greet my mom. She is busy preparing dinner. I went to my room and took a shower which relaxes my sore muscles. I wear normal clothes and take out my notebooks to study. I hear a soft knock on the door and mom enters the room with a tray in her hand.

“Honey! I bought some cookies and milk.” She smiles widely.

“Thanks mom.”

“Finish your homework fast. Your dad will be home soon. He is going to discuss something important at dinner.” Mom informs.

I look blankly at her but then, I nod my head in agreement, “sure! I will be at the table, joining you.” I assure and focus on my study.

Soon I went to join my parents at dinner and the aroma of delicious pasta made my stomach growls. I fill my plate and eat the pasta in silence. I notice my mom signs my dad something but they act like I haven't seen them, such bad actors they are.

I push my plate and take it to the sink after dinner, when my mom approaches me, “we have a discussion to start. Come, join us.”

I smiled and went to join them at the living room, "thy dad! How was your day?” I asked.

“Quite boring! We followed the same schedule. I did 5 deliveries today. Hope i will get a bonus for being the best employee of the week.”

“I am sure, you will be, honey!” my mom sweets.

“How was your school?” dads asks.

“Just normal, nothing interesting happened today, except for the vacations. Students were excited, Ben is going to some farmhouse with his family and Martha is going to take care of her aunt and babies.” I elaborate.

“Oh! So what are your plans?”

”nothing much. I was thinking of competing in a quiz competition.”

“We are thinking of spending the vacation in Rolf Skov, to make one trip memorable one.” Dad states.

“Are you sure dad? It wouldn’t be budget friendly to be there.” I was informed.

“Don’t worry about that son, I have managed to save some money for this trip and I think it’s the best time to make this happen.”

“If you insist then it is fine with me. When we have to leave?” I ask.

“Tomorrow, in the morning. Pack your stuff because we will be there for 3 days.” Dad informs me before going to his room.

I was really shocked when he mentioned the trip but I am happy. I want to see him happy and that is the reason why I decided to be a part of his trip.

I went back to my room and packed the bag for the morning and went to sleep after setting the alarm.