Hybrid Read online

  HYBRID

  A Novel

  By Melissa

  To my beloved readers, This is my first book. So please be kind. :)

  Copyright © 2018 by melissaswritings

  All rights reserved

  COPYRIGHT: This story, "hYBrID" including all chapters, prologues/epilogues and associated content if any is copyrighted. All rights are reserved by the owner and the creator of this work and an unauthorized copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of this copy is punishable by law.

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  Prologue:

  "I hate you Zach." I snapped, he was still smirking devilishly at me. My hands and legs were itching to do something bad to his little thing. That was the only area that I could possibly manage to do some harm. Rest of his body was built like a stone. No matter how hard I torture my poor brain, he is always two steps ahead of me. He is undoubtedly a mind reader with the most amazing pair of eyes, so blue that they can make a deep blue ocean of their own. His bewitching smile which he rarely ever flashes, drool-worthy eight pack abs and a body to boot is ju- . FOCUS ASHLEY. You have to move before he comes to know what is going through that stupid brain of yours.

  "Oh Really! Baby?" he uttered huskily, his dark blue eyes looking down at me as I was one foot shorter than him.

  I AM NOT A BABY!! Get it through your thick head! so frustrating he is!

  "Yes, REALLY and I want yo-"

  "I know you want me kitty. Tell me something that I don't already know."he interjected hoarsely, while coming closer to me.

  My inner voice screamed I told you so. and kitty? seriously? First baby n now kitty!?urghhh!!

  I hate him. I hate hi- He didn't even let me finish that sentence as he lifted me up and kissed me. For the record this was his second kiss in a day. There is a limit to what a 14 year old girl can take. Moreover, I am aware of the fact that one gets cooties from kissing. I kicked him as hard as I could between his legs. The very next moment jerk (douche bag, arrogant bastard... I am falling short on adjectives here) dropped me and I landed straight on my butt.

  Without slightest hesitation, I got up and ran without so much as turning in his direction.

  His voice reached my ears from that place. "You can't run away from me, Ashley. I will always find you." he yelled angrily in a deep and loud voice which held a promising tone.

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  WARNING : This book will contain swear language...You have been forewarned.

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  hYBrID I

  Who let the dogs out

  (woof, woof, woof, woof)

  (woof, woof, woof, woof)

  (woof, woof, woof, woof)

  (woof, woof, woof, -

  Someone groaned and bed dipped slightly.

  Luckily I was one of those who could succumb to sleep in milliseconds, which often came in handy, especially during times like these.

  Give or take it would have been what two minutes, when the shrilling voice pierced in the air, once again disturbing the early dawn tranquility.

  This time the groaning sound was much louder.

  "Pick up your damn phone Ash!" Simon, my 14 year old best friend , groaned exasperatedly. His voice lacked the usual softness, clearly agitated with the caller. I was still in a far off land. I just wished that Simon could go back to sleep. His strained hand was kept lazily on my midriff. He was a light sleeper, so light that the bird chirping in the morning also gets him all riled up. I guess caller could hear my thoughts as the very next moment it stopped ringing, which instantly relaxed his taut muscles.

  Simon- the chimpanzee. He hates when I call him that, but what can I do, I love irritating him.

  I still remember the day we first met as clear as day.

  I was 3 years old. My parents were not in the town and my brother Sammy who was 12 year old was living in West Virginia, Jackson County to be precise. They all visited this place once in a blue moon. Like always, I was staying at home with Beth, my nanny during those days. She was a very strict and scary old woman. She never took me anywhere nor did she ever cut me loose even for a second. No amount of whining or crying was helpful when it comes to her. Even after complaining about this to my parents time and again, accompanied with little tears, they never allowed her to take me anywhere. I was a prisoner at my own home. My nanny used to watch me closely all day and do her work only when I go to sleep, as if I will vanish into thin air if she will cut me loose even for two minutes. She was single. That was my parents prerequisite for selecting a nanny. One fine afternoon, I wanted to see the outside world, the world beyond the gate, whether it was as beautiful as in my imagination. So I pretended to sleep when Beth was around. When she was thoroughly satisfied with me, she went for bathing. I got up from the bed quietly, keeping my auditory senses open. I moved with tiptoed steps towards the front door. On reaching that place I got caught up in between myriad locks on the door. I started with the lowermost bolt and made my way to up with the help of a table. Looking at so many bolts and the guards that I have to face outside I wondered about the perils lurking in the outside world. For the first time in my life, I marveled how dangerous the outside world could be, if everybody is so hell bent upon guarding me with their lives.

  I hushed my mind from overthinking and directed all my energy in unlocking the locks. By the time I was done, my panting had increased heavily. I was also sweating profusely mostly on the back of my head, neck and also on my face . I successfully opened the front door, feeling a sense of achievement and marched proudly towards the entrance gate of the mansion. I had given a lot of thought before making such a bold decision on how to sway guards. In the end I came up with a stupid idea, whose chances of working were 50%. The strategy was pretty simple and stupid as I mull over it now. But for a three year old who was desperate to go out, nothing seems dumb. All I had to do was walk confidently and tell guards that a friend is waiting outside for me. They will obviously know that this is a hoax, as I had never ever stepped out of this house nor had anyone else stepped in apart from the rare visits of my family. So I will scare and manipulate them by taking my father’s name. They are scared of him. Everybody is, even my brother and mom so naturally they won’t have any choice but to let me go.

  On Reaching,Tack, the head of security asked about this friend in detail. I described the imaginary friend vividly and with so much enthusiasm that Tack held out his hand to stop my incessant rant and muttered something along the lines of Let’s see whether that person exists or not. It seemed he was not at all convinced. He was so sure about my lying that there was no need of bringing dad in this picture. Then he motioned his hand in upward direction and from his approval I finally saw it happening. Gate was actually opening and I saw a narrow road outside, but that was it .I couldn’t see anything else. My legs automatically hurried towards the gate and before I could take a step outside gate, tack touched my shoulder

  “Where is your friend?”he asked jovially, knowing fully well that it was a dupery.

  As luck would have it, the moment I looked at my right, which was not visible to Tack as he was standing inside and saw the opportunity standing in front of me. A small boy similar to my description- shaggy blond hair, brown eyes, crooked teeth, a little on the fatter side and almost the same height as me, was standing there and eating my favorite chocolate ice cream. I could see it because it was inclined in my direction. Tack also came by my side to see what had piqued my curiosity. Since his movements were little abrupt the boy flinched and dropped his ice cream on the pavement. He took a step back, looked up, fear evident in his eyes, which was natural as we all, other guards included, were looking intently at him. I told the guards that I wanted
to talk to him in private, that is how friends should talk… Isn’t it? They gave me 5 minutes and went inside. Obviously they didn't take this into consideration that I might run off with him. They must have thought, they can always catch me even if I try to run, they all being 6 foot tall and me not even four feet. How fast could a three plus feet girl go when compared to their 4 feet long legs? But we managed somehow. I went to that boy and whispered in his ear to take me to his home. He took my hand and dragged me towards his home. We got past his house’s gate in less than three minutes. He ordered his guard that if someone comes looking for a girl, then he has to lie. We really bonded well from the moment I stepped at his place. He never once approached the topic of why so much security, which even I didn’t know or why was I so nervous while running with him. Instead he indulged me in games, ice cream, dark chocolate and also told about his family.

  I had so much fun that day. But as the time progressed, my thoughts kept coming back to Beth and those guards. Even though this was by far the most exciting day, I could never make them worried sick about me.

  So I decided to go back to my place. Simon insisted on escorting me, which I gladly accepted. We didn’t even make it to our gate when two people were instantly at my side. It took me a moment to look at them. I was astonished and ecstatic to see my parents standing in front of me. I mean this was what- their second visit to this place, so naturally this was a pleasant surprise.

  But they didn’t look happy to see me. Their faces just showed one emotion and that was disappointment. There was also a cluster of 30 people behind them. They all wore a similar expression of panic on their faces.

  Their expressions didn’t matter what mattered was that my parents loved and cared for me. What else was this if not love? They had flown to this place, just for me.

  Their expression altered and they looked at the child besides me. They asked about him and I told them everything from the time I pretended to sleep till now. My dad looked at the boy intently for some time, then did the one thing that I never expected from him.

  I still remember his words and the clipped tone in which he had said.”You can have a friend for now.”

  That was the beginning of our friendship.

  Penny, my dalmatian chose that moment to enter my room. He started licking me on my face. Try harder penny. I am not getting up from bed for another one hour. I was no longer feeling sleepy, but leaving bed so early when I have nothing to do was not something I preferred. But she ignored my protest and started licking me. Also, I hate that caller whoever it was for disturbing my beauty sleep.

  I felt someone’s eyes boring on to my back as my face was towards the bed post. Turning to 180 degree angle I saw a pair of brown eyes with mischief looking at me intently. He was up to something.

  “I want you to-”

  He was interrupted by the loud ring of my phone. He grimaced and bent on his side, where the phone was kept.

  "Where is Mary today?" I asked him. I can't take penny out for a walk asmy parents had given a twenty page instructions to all the guards and Mary.

  Instructions were not for me to read. Unfortunately, I was the one who got it out of the fax machine when I was playing with penny. In Bold and underlined heading it was written- Do's and Don'ts to be followed strictly at Sorenson's. If even one point is not taken seriously then the guilty will be severely punished .

  Simon nudged me with his right index finger and brought my phone in front of me which was still echoing in the room.

  "It's penny's breakfast time. It's already past 8 am. Tell her to feed and take her for a walk." I necessitated.

  "I will do that. Pick up the phone first." he replied casually.

  "I know who will be on the other end. I don't want to pick that phone." I told him seriously.

  He glanced at the screen.

  "Ash , It is not your parents call. " Simon said knowingly. He knew that when I went with my parents to JC , which was in December last year. They didn't let me go anywhere, nothing new in it, but even Sammy was busy with his work. The whole time I was alone there. I felt so lonely that I cried most of the time during my stay there.

  "Who is it? Sammy?" I asked hopefully. If it is Sammy I better talk to him before he flies down to this place.

  "Yup" he said smilingly. He passed me the phone. He took penny with him and walked out of the room.

  "Hey Sammy". I greeted excitedly with a big smile on my face.

  "Hello my sweet little sis." Sammy uttered with a heavy voice. I frowned. This meant either I am going to get some parental advice or some instruction today from my big and handsome looking brother.

  "Ask me, How I am? Don't start with your lectures today. I know what you are going to say." I snapped angrily, memory of last visit was still fresh in my mind.

  "Is everything fine? Are you ok? You hardly ever get angry." He asked in a concerned tone.

  Of course I am not ok Sammy. I am always by myself here. I have Mary and 10 guards dancing on my head at all times. I miss you, dad and mom.

  "I am okay." I tried very hard to make my voice cheerful so that he doesn't feel bad.

  But Sammy saw right through my pretense."Right. I don't believe you. But, there is an important meeting in 10 mins. So I will get straight to the main point. Two weeks from now someone named Zach is coming to pick you up. He will bring you here. Our parents want to talk to you. I am telling you this so that you don't get mad when he shows up at your door."

  I heard footsteps in distance, Simon approached the bed and sat at one corner, near my legs.

  "I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THEM. They don't love me. They don't let me hang out with anyone. " I said angrily . Instantly Simon covered his ears.

  "Do not shout." Simon mouthed which earned a glare from me. "Shut up." I yelled at him

  "Who is there with you?" Sammy asked urgently

  Tears welled up in my eyes "Simon. Who else is allowed here at this place, Sammy." I said so softly that I thought he might not have heard it.

  Of course he heard. He had advanced hearing like my parents.

  "Don't cry Ash. All the protection is for your own good. Someday you will understand." He stated with conviction.

  "No, I don't want to understand anything. I have had enough." I snapped ,Tears flowing down my cheeks. I wiped it off with my left hand and turned towards the other bed post, to avoid Simon’s penetrating eyes, the only person who understands and knows me well.

  "Ash, you are acting like a baby. You know I love you. I sent a gift for you. Did you like it?" He questioned hoping that would make me happy.

  I liked it, but I would have loved it 100 times more had you been the present and not some stuffed toy.

  "I liked it." I lied

  I heard some noise at his side. It seemed someone said something to him.

  "Good. We will meet soon. I have to go now. Bye tintin" he said, signalling the end of our time. Tintin was a moniker often used by my brother as I loved reading Tintin comics.

  The line went dead. He hung up the phone. “Bye Sammy.” I muttered to no one in particular.

  hYBrID II

  Simon came towards me and gave me a hug. "I will always be with you. No matter what happens I will never leave you alone. You know this right?"

  "I know. So, Go and brush your teeth. You know I can't stand morning breath." I said while hugging him tightly, ignoring the fact that i am yet to finish my morning business.

  I inhaled deeply and let my breath out slowly. What would I have done without him I myself don't know. I kept increasing my hold on him. I wanted to feel like this forever. This was my safe haven, Simon’s arms. My parents let me be friends with him on one condition that I will not go out like that ever again. If I want to talk to Simon, guard will go and call him as my phone doesn’t have an outgoing facility which also means that I can only receive calls. I am not even allowed to have internet or TV at home. If something ever happened to me I won’t be able to call anyone, that is for sure. I raised this issue on
ce, the response that I got in return was unbelievable. According to them such situation can never arise as I am not going out of this house, but if ever such thing happens, I have to go to one of the guards and ask him to call them. Even Simon is not allowed to bring his phone or other gadgets here. He has to pass every time through that X-ray scanner. I never knew about this protocol until I read that Do's and Don'ts list.

  Simon chuckled, a deep chuckle which Makes my insides feel all warm and nice. "Princess, I am still in your arms. How will I go?"

  "Just hold me for 10 more second. Then I am going outside." I said, clutching him as if my life was dependent on it.

  After some time I relunctantly left his arms. He looked into my eyes, to check whether I was really okay. Then went inside the bathroom. My safe haven was gone, I felt empty afterwards. Even though I am not a baby, but still for me hugs is a huge thing. I can even count the number of hugs on my fingertips I got from my family members in my 14 + years of mere existence.