Forever Young

PART ONE

The One… will be of human descent, but with Outlier blood flowing through its veins. A pair, born from Normals, in a different time and in different years, one from the light and one from the dark.

The Chosen… is the purest of all Outliers, possessing the greatest power known to mankind.

Only united will balance be restored.

CHAPTER 1

The One has to be close. Please. For the last hundred years, my twin sister, Niko’s been going on and on about The One. An Outlier fairytale told to keep us in line. It’s never going to happen, and certainly not in Mammoth Lakes. Niko thinks I’m being grouchy. Maybe I am.

What I do know is, the lines on my face grow deeper with each passing day. My body’s aging faster. I look eighty-six not sixty-six. Soon it will be my time to re-emulate back to my younger sixteen-year-old self. Maybe then, she’ll give up this ridiculous idea and we can continue our new life, like every other cycle before.

Gavin, I’ve got a good feeling. Niko looks into the car’s vanity mirror, applying yet another coat of lip gloss. You’d think she’d tire of fussing with her appearance. But as Niko’s pointed out several times, it’s a girl thing. She bounces slightly in her seat. I really think this is the place where we’ll find—

Look Niko, you’ve been saying this for the last 2 cycles and so far, nothing. You need to let it go. This time won’t be any different.

I think it will. Jackson wouldn’t have had us come here, of all places, if he didn’t think The One was close.

Face it Niko. We’re not going to find him in this small town.

"Him? You mean her." Niko dangles her hand out the convertible. The cool mountain air whips her blond hair around her face.

I pull my sunglasses down the bridge of my nose. Again with The One being a girl?

A devious smile spreads over her face. Well, it could happen.

Sure, if you say so. I chuckle, pushing back up my glasses. You’re positive that The One, who will bring peace to our entire race, is going to be a girl. Right.

The prophecy doesn’t say it’s a boy, now does it? Niko crosses her arms.

"It doesn’t say it’s a girl either. Common sense dictates it will be a man."

Right because men are way smarter and way better than women. She scowls at me. I think you’ve been in that old body for too long; your thinking is way outdated.

Oh, and now you’re the expert? You’ve been sixteen for what, two weeks?

"Had you bothered to look at the dossier I did on teens in the 21st century, you’d understand a little more about how we think." Niko sits up a little straighter.

Well you’ve got me there. I’m sure writing a paper makes you an expert.

Niko rolls her eyes. You can just stick it. In case that old brain of yours is having a hard time figuring out what that means, it’s slang for you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Good to know. I’ll add ‘stick it’ to my vocabulary.

Whatever. She waves one finger back and forth and shakes her head side-to-side, mimicking what I’ve seen other teens do.

I chuckle. Even after 900 years you still find new ways to make me laugh.

Well, don’t laugh too hard or you’ll miss the realtor’s. Look, there it is. The little office is nestled among the quaint brick buildings off Main Street with a back drop of Mammoth Mountains behind it. Niko’s fidgeting increases. I don’t want someone else to snatch up our new house.

I really don’t think that will be an issue.

As nice as the Martin’s house is, properties never move fast in a tourist town and it was just put on the market today. It took some doing to get Mr. Martin to take the job offer in Africa. But when you throw enough money at someone, they always cave and he was no exception. Still no one can know we were behind the well-orchestrated rapid move.

Pulling into the parking spot in front of the realtor’s office, I glance down the street towards the mountains. My breath catches as an electric surge courses through me. The hairs on my arms stand up. I’ve felt this before. But when? Searching the recesses of my mind, my eyes widen. Yes, eight hundred years ago. Could it be? Is this the place where we’ll find - The One?

CHAPTER 2

Cass, you ok? Dad looks at me in the rearview mirror.

A weird surge flows through me. I catch my breath and hold it, waiting for the sensation to pass. They always do, only this time it’s different. I exhale, hoping my twin brother, Cole, didn’t notice the mini spaz attack. Yeah. My voice is quiet. I’m fine.

My dad’s eyes fill with concern, but there really isn’t any reason. These weird surges started when I turned sixteen. They don’t hurt or anything. Of course, the first time my mom freaked out and had me in the doctor’s office. The official diagnosis, growing pains. They come and they go. No big deal. But this one’s stronger than the others.

You see Dad, Cass’s problem isn’t her weird tingling. It’s the fact she thinks she’s better than all the knuckle heads around here. Cole looks back at me smirking. You know, I could set her up with someone. I’m sure I can find a guy who’d love a chance to crack her nut. Cole’s joking smile transforms his face as he winks at me.

I don’t think so! My dad’s stern voice echoes throughout the jeep. There will be no nut cracking around here.

Woo…hold on, Dad. Cole’s face is as serious as it gets. When you take a girl out on a date it’s called nut cracking. The girl is the nut; when she finally agrees to go out, you’ve cracked her. Get it, nut cracking? So what did you think it meant, Dad? Cole is surprisingly straight faced.

Really, Cole? I try not to smile and show my amusement.

What did you think it meant?

Well not that. A pink hue covers Dad’s tan face.

I’m shocked you would think that way about something as innocent as nut cracking, Cole says.

My dad’s tone changes from embarrassment to self-gratifying realization. Very interesting. So that’s what it’s called these days. Good to know. But I thought it was called going out.

Come on Dad. That is so yesterday. It’s all about the nut cracking now. Nut cracking is sokol.

Dad squints his face up. Sokol?

Yeah, it’s a mash up of so and cool. Sokol.

I can’t believe my dad is buying Cole’s made-up sayings. Regardless, I’m not interested in going out, hooking up or Cole’s so-called nut cracking. Most girls are concerned with their hair, what they are wearing and who’s dating who. None of it interests me. Sure, I’ve been on a couple of dates, but I didn’t find any of them interesting enough to warrant a second one. Actually, I haven’t found any boy interesting enough to hold my attention for more than a millisecond.

Cole’s a different story. He’s girl crazy, moving from one to the other. Thank God we have a constant infusion of tourists because he’s blown through the locals in no time. Funny thing is girls aren’t turned off by his serial dating. The exact opposite. They all want the chance to be with him. A day or a week. It doesn’t matter. They are drawn to him like moths to a flame, and he thoroughly enjoys it.

On the other hand, I’m just ordinary. You can’t get more basic than brown hair, usually pulled back in a ponytail. The only thing remotely different is my eyes. They’re a weird mixture of blue and green, sort of like a turquoise, but not really.

Cole’s eyes are the same color. He likes their uniqueness. He thinks they are as extraordinary as he is. The color sets us apart from everyone else. I don’t want to be set apart. I want to blend in. I like ordinary.

When I was in the fifth grade, mom talked me into wearing a stupid costume to a Halloween party. I was the only one dressed up. That’s when I realized different is not good.

Hey Dad, pull over. There's TJ. Cole points to the line of brick faced shops, on the left side of the road.

Peeking out the window, I see TJ’s red hair in full view. He’s been Cole’s best friend for like, forever. He’s almost as tall as Cole, but nowhere near as muscular. This year TJ made Cole’s football team. I call it ‘Cole’s team’ because without him, there wouldn’t be a team. He’s that good. TJ, however is not. He’s a little on the thin side, so it surprised me when he actually made it.

I see him, Cole. Sit back down. The scowl on Dad’s face confirms his increasing annoyance. Okay, I’ll drop both of you off here, unless Cass wants to go with me to the shop and help put up the climbing gear? His voice perks up a bit.

I’m good, I say quickly.

Dad pulls over in front of the Little Dress Shop where TJ’s standing, spinning a football in his hands. Before we make it out of the car, Dad says, TJ come here.

TJ walks to the Jeep and leans on the window. Yes, Sir?

Cole tells me you are going nut cracking tonight. That’s sokol. Have fun, but not too much. Do you feel me, son? My dad holds his fist out for TJ to bump. Confusion riddles his features as he fist bumps my dad’s hand.

That’s sokol, Cole grins at me.

It’s sad watching my dad try to be cool, or as Cole has started, trying to be sokol.

With a honk of the horn, Dad drives off. The boys swap slapping handshakes, ending with a fist bump of their own - the cool kind - as they exchange words. Then TJ turns his attention to me.

Hey. He nods in my direction. And that’s all he does. He nods his head over and over, like one of those bobble head dolls on the dash of a car.

Hey, back. I give him a nod of my own.

Still he just nods, looking at me until something breaks his attention. Cole, can I have a word with you over here.

Sure. They walk away. I watch as TJ shuffles back and forth. They keep staring over at me. The conversation ends when Cole loudly says, "You had better not upset her. If you do, you will have to deal with me. Understand?"

Sure Cole, no worries. I get it. TJ appears visibly shaken by the conversation as they start back over. I try to look like I wasn’t eavesdropping even though the last two exchanges were hard to miss.

All done with your little Pokémon meeting? I joke, trying to ease the tension on TJ’s wide eyed, red face.

Yeah. Cole wraps his arm around TJ’s shoulders and squeezes. We were discussing the possibility of—

If it might rain today. TJ interrupts.

Rain? Cole half laughs. That’s the best you can come up with? Dude, really?

TJ clutches the once twirling football tightly in his hands and shoots Cole a pleading look. Something’s got him worked up. TJ’s never been good at hiding his emotions.

Go long, Cole. TJ grips the football between his fingers.

Cole runs down the center of the street and TJ throws the ball. Spiraling through the air, Cole’s long arms reach and catch it just above his head. He really is good. The boys continue to toss the ball back and forth, down the middle of the road until we reach Mom’s office.

She had some big house showing today. It’s doubtful she’ll sell anything. The closest big city is a three-hour drive to the north. People don’t chose to live here; they just vacation here, and then go back to their homes with fond memories of the little town with the awesome skiing and climbing.

A really nice black convertible Porsche is parked right outside the front door of mom’s office. Her appointment must still be here. I’m not the only one to notice the car.

Check out that ride! Cole punches TJ in the arm. That’s one nice piece of metal.

No doubt! Man, I’ve only seen this model in magazines. TJ eyes the car like a piece of meat candy. I didn’t even think it was on the market yet. Hey. Who do you think this beauty belongs to?

No idea. As the words leave Cole’s mouth, the door of mom’s real-estate office opens.

A girl of about sixteen slowly walks out. She looks like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Her long, flowing, blonde hair drapes her fur trimmed leather jacket and down her back. Perfectly fitting jeans tuck neatly into her knee-high leather boots. It’s amazing how well she walks in those four inch heels. Actually, she doesn’t walk. She glides. She’s the most exquisite person I’ve ever seen. By the look of the boy’s jaws, they agree.

Wow. Who’s the blonde? Cole’s eyes lock on her as she walks towards the Porsche.

Never seen her before. TJ seems more interested in the car than the girl. Not Cole. He’s acquired a target.

Dibs! Cole punches TJ in the arm again.

TJ rubs the area of impact. What? Wait. That’s not fair, you always call dibs first.

Too bad, so sad. You should’ve been quicker.

I shake my head. She’s not a piece of meat you can just call dibs on. Who knows, she might want TJ.

Yeah right! Like that’s going to happen. Cole laughs, but quickly adds, No offense, Dude.

None taken. She’s not really my type, anyway. He smiles at me.

Cole rubs his hands together. "Now, that's one nut I’d love to crack."

I’m thinking this one might be a bit out of your league, TJ says.

All the better. I love a good challenge.

Cole’s brain is working overtime on this one. I almost feel sorry for the girl. Cole’s relentless when he wants something. A devious smile spreads over his face.

Hey TJ, toss me the ball and go short. I’ll pass the ball back to you and then I’ll go long. When I run past her, you throw a high pass to me. Got it, high pass?

TJ rolls his eyes and passes the ball to Cole. The play is set in motion. From the sidelines, in front of my mom’s office, I watch the attack unfold. The new girl is standing behind the convertible, leaning on the trunk. Her head bobs slightly to the music coming from her ear buds. She’s not paying any attention to the boys.

Cole starts his grand run, showing off his athletic aptitude. The football leaves TJ’s hands but gets lost in the sun. I raise my palm, blocking the bright light as I walk backwards.

A crashing blow knocks me back further. My legs tangle together and I start to fall. Instead of hitting the ground, I’m scooped into a pair of strong arms. I open my eyes to millions of spots dancing around my head. I slowly turn to see who’s holding me. I don’t notice his face. Instead, I lock onto the most beautiful pair of sparkling emerald eyes I’ve ever seen. I can’t look away, move or even breathe. They’re intoxicating.

Butterflies swarm my stomach until it hurts. It’s like my mini spaz attacks, but a thousand times better.

Are you ok? His deep voice soothes me as his arms envelop me like a warm comfy blanket.

All I can do is nod. My arms link around his neck and I nestle closer to his inviting body. I can’t believe my head is against his broad shoulders. It’s out of character for me, but it seems so right. A light musk scent surrounds him and sends a tingle all the way to my toes. Damn, he smells good. All I want to do is melt deeper into him.

Do you have a name? His breath is sweet and warm as his words flow over the top of my hair.

A name? A fuzzy haze fills my brain.

Yes. What should I call you?

Cass. My name is Cass Darling. I inhale into his chest, taking in his scent again.

Alright, Cass. Do you think you can stand?

I… I think so.

Gently, he releases me and my jell-o-like legs fall as my unsteady feet find the ground. His arms cradle the small of my back, holding me close, which is good. I really don’t think I can stand on my own.

He’s so tall my arms barely reach over his broad shoulders. Lacing my fingers behind his neck, I rest my head on his hard chest. This must be what heaven is like.

Cass, are you alright? Cole rushes over, breaking my trance.

TJ’s concerned voice resonates in the distance. Cass, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to.

What? Confusion still riddles my brain.

Cole and TJ are at my side. Each take an arm and pull me from my rescuer. When we separate, an emptiness envelopes me. Looking at Cole, my breathing becomes more regular.

I… what happened?

The football hit you, square in the chest. You fell into this gentleman. Cole turns to the person behind me. We are very sorry, Sir. I hope my sister didn’t hurt you.

Hurt him? That’s ridiculous. He’s strong and solid. Catching me like he did, he must be very agile too. My heart is beating so fast, it’s all I can do to contain myself. I want to see this amazingly remarkable person.

I spin with a broad smile. Looking up, confusion floods my brain. Whoa! What the hell? The blood drains from my body. I blink hard, shake my head, and look up again. This can’t be.

He’s… old. And not just old, but grandpa old!

He is almost as tall as Cole. His gray hair is pulled back into a small ponytail at the base of his neck. A deep dimple craters his chin, two more are prominently displayed on each side of his face. He smiles at me, his eyes kind and cautious. I want to run away, but I can’t. I’m like an animal caught in a snare.

This is impossible, I say before I even realize I’m speaking. I look wildly about. Where is the person who caught me?

Cass, don’t be rude. It was this nice man. Cole turns to the old guy. Again Sir, I am so sorry. Are you sure you’re not hurt?

I’m, uh, sorry too. TJ looks down at his feet.

The old man smiles and looks between Cole and TJ. His dimples light his face.

I am perfectly fine. The old man’s voice is soft as he straightens his suit. Thank you for your concern, but there is no need to worry. As you can see, I am fit as a fiddle.

The old man turns to the blond girl still standing at the back of the car, seemly unaware of the previous events. Niko, dear, are you ready to leave? The old man raises his voice to get the girl’s attention. For the first time, she pulls her ear buds out.

Hold up. Cole quickly drops my arm and runs to open the car door for the girl. Allow me.

Without a word, the blonde makes her way from the back of the car to the passenger side. She walks with an incredible air of confidence. Before she gets in, she glances in my direction. A look of surprise fills her face. She smiles like she knows me and starts in my direction. But she stops as her eyes lock with the old man’s. They dart to me, then back to him. Her carefree stance is instantly replaced with a look of total mortification.

Cole opens the passenger door, allowing the stunned girl to slide into the leather seat. She stares straight ahead, oblivious to Cole’s grand car door gesture. I can’t keep my lips from turning up. Without a doubt, this is going to frustrate him to no end. At the same time, TJ smiles back at me.

You can let go of me now. I scoot my arm away from his grasp.

Oh yeah, um, sure.

The Porsche’s engine roars as the old man and girl speed down the street.

I lean forward as the car pulls away, emptiness filling every part of me. I want him to… come back?

What?

He’s old enough to be my grandfather. No my great-grandfather. Eww! Dimples or no dimples, it’s too gross to think about. It must be the blow from the ball.

I’m delirious.

CHAPTER 3

Well, Dr. Young, you’ve done it now! Niko slams the door to my room. I lay the papers down, giving her my full attention. At least she’s talking to me. That beats the silent treatment of the last hour. She paces the floor glaring at me, continuing her rant. All the preparations, all the precautions we’ve taken to get here. How could you let this happen? Niko plops her defeated, sixteen year old body down in the chair. You’re ruining everything.

What did I do, besides buy a house? I say.

You let her see you! Like this. Niko motions to my worn out body with a horrified look on her face.

Stop being so dramatic. She didn’t see anything. And she doesn’t know anything, so stop worrying.

Niko’s brow furrows as uneasiness fills her face.

I pull my old body out of the chair. A light scent of honeysuckle wafts off my suit jacket, reminding me of the girl. My lips turn up, Cass Darling. The smile is short lived. My joints ache as I move slower than normal. Damn, that girl had quite the impact. It’s either that, or the change is coming soon. Not soon enough as far as I’m concerned.

Niko still points her death stare in my direction.

I make casual conversation. Did you see the girl’s eyes? They were a mixture of green and blue. I’ve never seen anything like that before. They were extraordinary looking.

Yeah I know, they’re an ammolite color. Niko tosses her hands in the air. You just don’t get it. This isn’t how it’s supposed to happen.

What?

You, meeting Cass for the first time. It’s not how it went.

The way what went? This is the first time I’ve met the girl. You’re not making sense.

The confusion on her face, matches the gibberish coming from her mouth. Niko rises from the chair, shakes her head and storms out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

I roll my eyes. Nine hundred year-old teens.

CHAPTER 4

My raw fingers grip the jagged rock on the mountain. A copper stench fills my nose as warm blood oozes down my arms. My thighs burn, but I push up further. The pain is almost more than I can stand, but I don’t stop. I have to keep climbing. Faster, I must to go faster. The darkness is so close, it’s suffocating me…

I shoot up in bed, gasping for air, trying to replenish the oxygen absent from my lungs. Exhaling, I sink back down into the mattress. It’s that damn dream again. At least I didn’t wake Mom and Dad. I wait for my breathing to slow before I reach and tilt the clock towards me. Crap, its 5:02 A.M.

I flop back on my pillow. Great, another sucky night’s sleep and the same sucky dream I’ve had since my sixteenth birthday. Of course, like everything else, it’s gotten worse since Lauralee left for Africa.

Africa. Whose best friend moves there? Apparently mine. No texting, no calls, no nothing, just gone to Africa! Ugh, I hate that place.

I shake my head to clear off this stupid dream. I grab a pair of faded jeans off the floor and snatch a navy blue hoodie from my closet before pulling it on over the tank I slept in.

I tip toe to the kitchen, trying hard not to make a sound. I didn’t intend to leave this early, but what the hell. My parents won’t be happy, but I don’t care. What are they going to do? Ground me? They can’t make life any worse than it already is. Still, I should leave a note. I grab a pen and paper from the drawer.

MOM,

Going to Old Man Parker's. Plan on hiking the south slope. Be home for dinner. Don't worry. Taking Jack.

Cass

That should work. I lay the note on the counter by the coffee maker and stuff some granola bars and a few bottles of water in my hiking pack. My jacket’s over by the door. I grab it, along with my keys.

When I open the back door, a blast of cold air hits my face.

Snow? I watch the frosty smoke flow from my lips.

It’s much too soon for that. The mountain tops are getting some, but we shouldn’t be getting any down here. Then again, the weather has been really screwy lately. That’s okay. A little snow isn’t going to stop me. Before I can make it off the porch Jack, my golden lab mix, barrels around the corner and plows into me.

Easy boy. I smile, pushing him down. How’s my good boy? I scratch behind Jack’s golden ears and he gives me cold, wet dog kisses all over my face.

Does my big boy want to go bye-bye? Jack gives a soft bark and wags his tail faster.

I open the heavy steel door on, what we lovingly call, The Tank. Jack jumps in, taking his seat on the passenger’s side. I slide into the driver’s seat and drag the rusted creaky door shut with both hands. I say a silent prayer for the car to start. In cold weather like this, it’s always a gamble.

I breathe a sigh of relief when the engine roars to life. Putting the car in gear, I inch down the dark gravel drive. Turning left on