The Two Worlds by Alisha Howard Read Free Book Online Page A

intruder. Think about it.
We’re partners. You don’t have a house. I have one to myself, and I
need the company. I mean, Dia’s cool, but she’s kind of like my
mom...if she was still alive.”
    “ Your mom’s dead?” Rena
said, her eyes widening. “I’m so sorry.”
    I shrugged. “It’s okay. Both of my
parents died, actually, when I was younger. Nia and I stay with our
grandparents.” We fell back into silence for a few seconds before I
spoke up again. “You would be doing me a favor by staying with me,
Rena. I’ve got a lot to learn, and my sister’s a Creator, so she
doesn’t seem to have much time.”
    “ Yeah, I know she’s a
Creator. Everyone knows,” Rena replied. I thought about asking her
more about that, but she kept talking. “Look, if I stay with you, I
don’t want any special treatment or anything, okay? It’s still your
house.” I nodded, and she thought for a moment more before breaking
into a grin. “This is going to be fun.”
    “ Ya got that right,” I added
in an exaggerated southern drawl to ease the awkward silence
between us. We both giggled and turned our attention back to our
Evrodes. Rowena stood at the front of the group again and clapped
her hands to get our attention.
    “ Okay, group, we’re done for
today. It’s been fun, but I’ve got a husband and two kids at home
who need me. So,” she glanced around to make sure everyone had
stopped talking, “let me end this meeting by reminding you to keep
up with your DiGi and make sure you check it periodically. I’ll be
posting messages in it. Hopefully, everyone swapped information
with each other—phone numbers, addresses, that such—but if you lose
them, just consult your DiGi. It should have it in there. I’ve been
told that there’s a ‘getting to know you’ party down at Tinnel’s
tonight, so if you want to come you should. Sherry Tinnel reminded
me to tell you that there is no Awakening in the restaurant, so
please be respectful. When I’ve heard word that your assignments
are done, I’ll schedule another meeting. Till then, toodles.”
Rowena dismissed us, and Rena and I headed for the exit.
    Redwood Park had embraced night, and
now the majestic trees appeared haunted, their once welcoming
branches now seeming menacing. Our group stuck together and
murmured in low voices as we moved quickly to the opening we had
come through, stepping timidly over hidden roots and jumping at the
small hoots of owls. Once outside the forest, Rena and I began
making our way back towards my house.
    “ So, did Nia create your
house?” she asked. I nodded, and she grinned. “Man, I wish I had a
sister that could create things for me.”
    I scoffed. “It’s not all that it’s
cracked up to be, you know. She can be pretty weird.” We walked
briskly through the crowds until we were back at Dia.
    Dia opened the door for me, yawning.
“How’d it go?”
    “ Good, Dia, Rena’s going to
be staying here with me from now on. You don’t mind, do
you?”
    “ Oh, honey, please! The more
the merrier. Now I won’t have to talk to you so much.” I smirked.
Rena laughed and plopped down on the couch. “If you don’t mind, I’m
going back to sleep.”
    “ Not at all,” I grumbled. I
went into the kitchen and found a box of cereal. “Hey, Rena, you
want cereal for dinner?” No answer came from the living room.
“Rena?” I put down the cereal and walked back into the room where I
found Rena lying peacefully on the couch, fast asleep. “Oh, well,
more for me then.” I grabbed a bowl, and as soon as I was done, I
fell on the opposite armchair and dozed off as well.
     
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

CHAPTER FIVE
     
     
    I sat at my desk back at home,
desperately trying to get through my homework—from Earth that is. I
had already promised that I would do my Turgorian homework with
Rena when I went to sleep later on tonight. We were in midsummer
back here in Mississippi, and every day the