Chapter 2 (Part 1) - Days To Come

In the month's since 'the man' mysteriously appeared back into their lives, Jolentru's family had dealt with many obsticles. Neighbors and friends that were once supportive became strangers. Jolentru hadn't been to school in two terms now. Tutors came and went. He excelled at all subjects and 'the man' predicted that he would be well ahead of his peers should he ever return to classes.

There was little evidence of the incident that happened in the street below. The Poly-Crete column had been completely replaced. Jolentru rarely talked about the incident with anyone. After the incident, the nightmares increased to a level where Father had seriously considered asking the Med-Techs for sedatives. 'The man' had said that they would soon stop as Jolentru learned to control his abilities.

Father thought back to all the events that had led up to the night the bully died. He couldn't recall how 'the man' had ever entered the house. He had never even thought to ask. Actually, he really didn't care. Since 'the man's' arrival, things seemed to fit into place. The things that didn't seem fit just worked out. 'The man' paid close attention to how Jolentru reacted to things. His presence seemed to be calming for the whole family.

Today, the family ate breakfast together out on the balcony. The morning was crisp and cool. Father had already been on the communicator for some time this morning. Jolentru wondered what that was about. As usual, he wasn't afraid to ask and did so as soon as Father sat down at the table. Father had hoped that he wouldn't have explain the calls, but knew his son was far to observant to miss the fact that he didn't usually take calls this early. He explained to Jolentru that the calls were from the school system. They had reviewed his grades and would not be sending any further tutors. Father was impressed that Jolentru had reached this level so early.

Jolentru stared off into the clouds. He longed to go back to school. It was the one thing he really missed since the incident. Well, It was the second thing actually. The girl from his class was the first. He couldn't forget the look on her face as she ran from him in terror that day. He vowed, as he daydreamed, that he would find away to set right the pain he had caused her. Mother broke him out of his stupor by ruffling his hair. Had she said something? All he was sure he heard was "... eat." There was something soothing about his mother ruffling his hair, always had been. He rememberd many nights after the nightmares when all he could recall was his mother's singing and her hand running through is hair. He picked up his utensils and began to eat.

Jolentru went with 'the man' after breakfast. Every morning, they went for a walk in the park, discussing any dreams or nightmares he had the night before. This morning was different. They went to a building that Jolentru hadn't been to before. Inside, there were many large rooms. Some were full of training equipment. Others were open spaces with blank walls and floors. They began what 'the man' said would be a daily routine of learning. Not book learning, but learning about the person inside. Jolentru wasn't sure he wanted to know this person inside. He had let that person out on occassion and didn't like the end result. This new 'training' was a journey he wasn't so sure he was ready to take, but 'the man' said it would be ok. 'The man' had not lead him astray so far so Jolentru trusted in his judgement. The journey inside began.