Soleil, 2025 | San Diego, California | Pre-Awakening

  That fleeting moment when you meet someone from another world. He was standing to my right waiting to order, and he couldn’t stop glancing over. It wasn’t lust, it was admiration, awe. I felt my face grow hot as I blushed. I sighed. I knew i looked very unusual so i was used to this but i still found it unnerving when people did it. They couldn’t seem to help it. My whole life i’d been told that something about me drew people in and they always felt lighter, happier, after being near me for a while. I looked right at the guy and smiled brightly; it wasn’t a fake smile, it was genuine. I knew that somehow he’d feel better after this encounter, and even though this guy looked like he’d seen some shit, he looked young and carefree when he smiled back. I was used to that, too.

  I looked away from the guy and focused on the cashier, fishing around in my pockets for the list of food from Rhett and Nhucha. They wanted lots of rolled tacos, a burrito to split and a couple of large horchatas to sneak onto a San Diego Harbor Tour. Nhucha and i were going to cram it all in our purses then casually sip the drinks on our way onto the boat; usually they didn’t say anything about drinks. Eventually the food I ordered was ready. I gathered it all and turned around to find Nhucha right behind me, her eyes sparkling with hunger.

  “Need help baby girl?” She asked as she took the horchatas off my hands. Her blood red curls blew into her face and she shook them off. “Why the hell didn’t i bring a hair tie?”

  “Heyyy thanks,” i said cheerfully as she took the drinks off my hands. “You can use mine.” I always had tons of hair ties on my wrist so i twisted them playfully at her. She looked relieved.

  “Oh good!” She handed Rhett the drinks through the car window and he placed them in cupholders absentmindedly as he looked for a song- most likely 80’s pop- on his phone. She took one of my hair ties and pulled her hair into a messy ponytail, then hurried to the passenger side of the car. I usually let the tall people have shotgun without a fight, especially in Rhett’s old 1980 Honda Accord; it was smaller than new cars, though much cooler in my opinion. I was small- only 5’3”- and fit in compact spaces, so this worked perfectly. He named it Kodachrome because it was the first song he played when he got it.

  We had ventured out to El Cajon for the food since Silver’s was our absolute favorite place to go for tacos and burritos, but it was out of the way and we had a longer than usual drive back to the docks. This didn’t bother me, i loved being in the energy of my city and relaxing in the back of a car let me absorb everything i could. I needed tonight more than anything right now. I rolled the window down, closed my eyes and inhaled. I let my thoughts go, my hair blowing in the wind, until we hit city limits.

  The smell of tortillas, asphalt and the sea. This is my home. Most people probably hear this description and think it’s disgusting, but i just can’t. I love everything about this city. I haven’t loved any other city like i have loved San Diego. Actually, i found most cities rather disgusting and full of horrible energy.. but not this one.

  The wind and relaxation had me a little lost in my thoughts; i started obsessing over what needed to be done at the cafe then immediately chastised myself for thinking about work. I forced myself to focus on fun things: putting more crystals and hanging lights in my garden, a painting i was working on, the fact that my gamer friends missed me and i missed them as well. I loved MMORPG’s but i hadn’t been able to play in a while; everything had been so chaotic lately, weird things were happening, things i couldn’t talk to them about, things that made me unable to focus on much other than this broken world.

  Then the spiraling started; i didn’t know what to think about any of it. It had been like this for a while now; the political climate was chaotic and hideous. It felt like we were on the very edge of something. I could feel the tension and i felt like i was suffocating. I could generally feel the energies of both people and places, but since the pressure was seemingly building, i constantly felt drained unless i was around my friends or my family. Even then, i still felt out of it. This is part of the reason i’d had so little time for anything less stressful; i was exhausted from the insanity. I shook my head as if doing so would banish this feeling, then i felt someone poke my knee and saw Rhett grin in the rearview mirror.

  “Hey lady,” Rhett sang in my direction, “it’s our song!” Gloria by Laura Branigan started playing and my lips twitched into an involuntary but much appreciated smile.

  “Yasss!” Nhucha rolled her window down and cranked the song way up. We all sang and danced along to it through the city, forgetting our problems. We got off of the I-5 and the smell of seawater got stronger. We miraculously found premium street parking directly in front of our docks, got our tickets then made our way onto the ship. The captain greeted everyone happily, as we passed he looked at my bag’s abnormal shape then snickered.

  “Have fun,” he winked. I blushed and smiled sheepishly.

  “Always!” I winked back. Rhett sat down at a table and sent some last minute texts before NoPho- no phone night- began. I breathed a sigh of relief; the ocean was calming. Nhucha looked at me.

  “Are you ok? You look.. over it.”

  “I am,” i slumped, leaning against the edge of the ship as it backed away from the dock. “Something feels really weird. Have you felt it? It’s like.. you know right before a tidal wave hits, how the water retreats first?” I looked out over the water then back at her. “That’s how i feel right now.”

  “Uh.. yeah,” Nhucha looked a little alarmed and confused. She held her head like she had a headache then blinked several times. “More dreams. They’re very unnerving. Always so red. I wonder if it’s the same reason.”

  “Is it different than the normal red dreams?”

  “Y-yeah,” she said.

  “How so?”

  “I know i say vivid, but now it’s like i am there and i have to find people for.. something. I’m not sure what. The red seems to be shrinking, but as it shrinks, it gets brighter. It’s like it’s concentrating into something, maybe a new form. And,” she looked cautious then looked down, trailing off.

  “And.. what?” I stared at her, concerned. She usually told me every detail of her dreams. I couldn’t imagine what would be stopping her. I frowned.

  “Aw now come on, Sol,” Rhett had finally put his phone down and threw his arms around me and Nhucha. “It’s our night off! Stop stressing, you know things will work themselves out for you, they always do.”

  “Yea,” i agreed. I looked at Nhucha who was looking back at me with a tiny smile forming.

  “Ok ok,” Nhucha agreed.

  We all stood at the front of the ship. I stared in awe at the beautiful lights. Emerald Plaza stood out more than anything with its eight hexagonal structures and glowing green lining the tops. Each of the towers were a different height and it made the San Diego skyline unique. I inhaled the scent of the sea and that feeling you can only get from being on the water. I saw tiny flashes coming from under the docks and could have sworn i saw the street shimmer. I grinned to myself. Panto, the underground, was wishing us a nice voyage. I blew them a kiss and saw a tiny wave of lights by the ever-shrinking docks. I laughed. Nhucha and Rhett blew kisses as well, and all the lights on the still visible part of Harbor Drive flickered. We laughed and then sat down to eat.

  We were savoring our food as we approached the Coronado Bay Bridge; i was, as usual, completely focused on the Silver’s carne asada burrito in my hands. I had never found anything so delicious in my entire life except maybe ramen or Carolina barbeque, but i was getting full. I wrapped up the unfinished half of the burrito and put it back in my bag for later. Nhucha scowled at me.

  “That’s it?”

  “I dunno, i just feel weird today.” I shrugged and picked up my horchata, sipping and shivering. The wind and the drink were making me cold- no regrets- i finished the drink then tossed the cup into the recycling bin. “I’m getting some tea. You guys want some?”

  “Nah,” said Nhucha, still munching on rolled tacos.

  “You should maybe take it easy on the caffeine,” Rhett raised an eyebrow and drank his own horchata.

  “I take that as a no,” i rolled my eyes at Rhett, who smirked playfully, then i went to the snack bar. Running a cafe had made me kind of a snob about coffee and tea, but i could never turn my nose up at a plain old cup of black tea. It was a classic, my first taste of tea, and it always made me happy and warm, even nostalgic. I paid for my disassembled tea, tore the teabag out of the paper envelope, watched it sink into the steaming water and let it steep. When it was done i disposed of the teabag. I poured some half and half in it and a bit of sugar, then went back out to the table with Rhett and Nhucha, snuggling into my oversized hoodie and my Soulcowl, sipping happily. They had finished eating and cleaned up.

  “Better?” Nhucha asked, smiling at me.

  “Mmm,” i closed my eyes and relaxed. Rhett walked over to the side of the ship, turned to face us then leaned back against it.

  “Ahhhhh,” he sighed. “Fed and relaxed. Almost ready for tomorrow.” He tilted his head way back and smiled at the stars.

  “You know you could take a few days off, not just one, right? I don’t expect you to work more than four days a week.”

  “Yeah but then i get bored. If i’m not working at the cafe, i’ll just get a shift at Letters and i’d rather be at the cafe! You know me.”

  “Rhett, don’t work yourself to death please,” i grumbled.

  “I don’t do much outside work, though, and i get bored easily. I don’t paint or write or game like you, woman.”

  “You could,” i trailed off, sighing wearily.

  “Meh. It’s just not my thing. I need to be really moving, hustling.” Rhett looked like he wanted to start hopping in place just thinking of sitting still. I sighed then started looking around.

  The Coronado Anchorage was lit up and the Coronado Bay Bridge’s lights were reflecting on the water. The port and ships to our left were bright as day, as usual. Nhucha joined us as we went under the bridge- one of our favorite parts of these tours- then we all sat back down, chatting about life with random long pauses to take in the scenery. The chilly air was growing even colder so i got another cup of tea. After a while, the ship got to the regular turning point and we were heading north. We drifted by the U.S.S Midway, the Star of India and the Steam Ferry Berkeley, then continued on to the Bait Barge. The sea lions barked at us as we went by and we all smiled and laughed. Usually seagulls would squawk as well but it was too late in the day for them. We reached the next turning point, closer to the old Cabrillo Lighthouse. It was retired now but it flashed as we turned back toward the docks- Panto again- though we could only see the light from this side of the hill, not directly. I couldn’t help but feel a little sad.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  It was rare that we all got the same time off. It felt like this may not happen again for a while, what with me running a cafe and Rhett being a workaholic. Nhucha was the most difficult to see because she had her job, her son and her husband who she tried to spend time with whenever they were both off at the same time. I jumped as i felt my phone vibrate a few times, probably text messages. I ignored it. I looked over at Nhucha; she looked like she had a lot on her mind and i suspected she was thinking about whatever she didn’t tell me. Rhett went to the restroom so i pounced.

  “What’s up lady bird?” I side-eyed her.

  “Thinkin about that tidal wave feeling,” she said, looking oddly guilty. “And the dreams.”

  “Ohh but i thought we were dropping this for the night,” i mocked her, sticking my tongue out. She rolled her eyes.

  “Yeah but it’s weird,” she looked down. “I feel that way too. I have for a while. Tell me more before Rhett comes back,” she looked over her shoulder then back at me.

  “Well, how to put it,” i thought out loud. “It’s not all bad, ya know? It’s like it could go either way. Not only that, the usual little-but-steady magic seems to be having spasms of power. I feel like there’s magic in my skin. It tingles when i think of it.” I looked at my hands and they seemed to shimmer. “It’s tingling now, and it’s tied to this feeling. It’s not bad, it’s just a big feeling. If that makes sense.” I saw Nhucha swallow and her eyes widened.

  “Hmm,” she paused then murmured, “i’m thinking it has everything to do with those dreams.” She turned and looked at me. “I’m gonna go ahead and say it, promise you won’t freak out.”

  “Well now i’m freaking out a little-”

  “Promise.”

  “Fine. I promise.” I was getting irked. Whatever it was, it couldn’t be that bad.

  “He is there.” She stared at me, gauging my reaction. I felt my eyes widen and swallowed. She looked sympathetic. “He’s close and there are people with him. One in particular stands out because she sort of reminds me of you. So bright. Though she annoys me for some reason.” Nhucha looked irritated then gazed out over the water, trying to calmly tell me this. She put her arm around me, pulling me close, and i laid my head on her shoulder, my eyes still wide.

  Jet. Jet was close, whatever that meant. I hadn’t seen him since that night. The postcards all over my walls flashed through my mind and i clutched the meteorite necklace that i got in the mail from Russia, more postcards in the package it came in. I knew it was all from him. He’d made it no secret that he’d never let anyone hurt me and he made sure that i knew he hadn’t forgotten that silent promise. He was close. How was i supposed to react to this information? I felt like i was having an anxiety attack. It made no sense. He saved my life, why was i so nervous about him? I’d kept his secret, so he had no reason to dislike me and he reminded me that he cared regularly for the past 15 years. Nhucha felt me tense up.

  “Shhh… i’m sorry, i shouldn’t have said anything. I just wanted you to be prepared if he showed up but-” she groaned “-could i have chosen a shittier time?? Lil sis i’m so sorry.”

  “I’m ok,” i choked out, straightening up and steadying my breathing. “Was just shocked. It’s been so long..” my voice dropped to a whisper then i looked at her. “But how does this affect me?”

  “Honestly, it shouldn’t. But in case you two bump into each other, i don’t want you to be caught off guard. Right?” She grabbed my shoulders and searched my eyes for any sign of relaxation.

  “Yeah,” I nodded slowly. Was this why i felt the tidal wave energy? This was it? Jet was coming back? Well that wasn’t so bad. I felt embarrassed at my overreaction to this news; really, it was no big deal. My pounding heart seemed to disagree, but i pushed myself to calm down. “It’s ok.” I looked at her. “I shouldn’t be nervous, this reaction is weird,” i held up a trembling hand then Nhucha pulled me closer.

  “It’ll be ok.”

  “I.. know. Ugh! This is dumb.” I focused on seeing reason, but the anxiety was relentless. I shrugged. “Thank you for telling me, i’d be humiliated if i ran into him with no warning and had a panic attack or something. At least now i can mentally prepare myself.” I also worried that i might somehow hurt him. I felt my fingers tingle at the thought.

  “Really? You’re not angry?”

  “No. This is good. Telling me here may have been the best way to tell me. I’m on the water,” i smiled at her gratefully. She looked relieved.

  “Whew, i felt like the worst person ever.”

  “Naw. You’re the best. You could have just let me fall on my face.” I laughed uneasily at the idea of shaking like a fool in front of Jet or freaking out and hurting him. Rhett joined us again, yawning hugely; his energy had finally crashed. Luckily we were about to dock. We saw twinkling lights as the boat was tied up.

  “It was fun,” i whispered to Panto. More twinkling. I grinned.

  “But mommy that lady has white hair,” said a high, enthusiastic voice. I turned toward the voice and saw an adorable little girl beaming at me. She waved. I smiled at her and waved back, but suddenly there was a woman between us, scowling at me. I blinked, surprised.

  “She’s a freak, stay away from her,” she barked at her child, her eyes never leaving my face. Another one of these assholes, i thought. I started to give her a piece of my mind but Nhucha got to her first.

  “Bitch, get outta here with that bullshit before i show you a freak.” Nhucha snapped, stepping toward her. Rhett grabbed her jacket.

  “Nuks, we’re about to get off the boat, please don’t get the mercs called,” he hissed under his breath. She yanked away from him then walked right up to the woman. Nhucha was what i would call tall at 5’8” and tonight she was wearing 3 inch heels. Her height combined with her mother and aunt’s very effective smoldering technique made her intimidation on point. She didn’t have to scream or anything, she just glowered at the woman who began to realize she made a mistake.

  “Don’t listen to this type of talk,” Nhucha said to the little girl. “You shouldn’t hate anyone because of the way they look.” The girl smiled at Nhucha and Nhucha smiled back. The mother huffed then yanked the girl toward the exit as the boat docked and was tied up. She waved sadly back at me and i smiled weakly.

  “Nhucha-” i started, Rhett looked tense.

  “Don’t even. I am not letting people attack you because of your skin color- NO!” She put her hand up as i started to protest, “i have to put up with this shit all the time because my skin and hair are too dark, now your skin and hair are too light?” She fumed. “I swear to god these assholes just need to hurt people, they don’t even need a reason!” I cautiously put my hand on her shoulder.

  “Thank you, but i just don’t want you to get hurt. If the mercs were called..” i trailed off not wanting to think of what could happen to her, and it would. I was white as paper and people called me a freak, but that’s all i got. Nhucha, however, was the opposite of me, almost as dark as anyone could be. The mercs were generally rotten to everyone, but especially anyone that wasn’t light-skinned. I shuddered.

  “I’m fine,” she said flatly. Rhett and i exchanged skeptical glances. “Where is she i’m gonna push her in the water, maybe she’ll drown,” she muttered.

  “Nhucha no,” i said, exasperated.

  “Ok let’s get you home,” Rhett said, looking around to make sure the bigoted woman wasn’t nearby and corralling us to the car. He took me home first, hugs and goodbyes in the air, then Nhucha. I lived relatively close to the docks. I would have walked home but Rhett would never have agreed to that. He worried about us. I smiled at that thought. I was lucky to have such amazing people in my life.

  I turned and looked at The Princess Tree Cafe; its white bricks looked black and gold in the night ambience while the inside resembled the most relaxing, cozy cottage. There were a few people on their laptops and a guy in the back was studying with lots of books open and papers scattered on his table. He had a teapot on a warmer and the rest of the tea set next to him. It was calm and quiet. I climbed the spiral stairs on the side of the building to my apartment and immediately heard excited barking coming from inside. Jack and Sydney, my Australian Cattle Dogs, were ecstatic. I put the other half of my burrito in the fridge then gave the dogs as many skritches as my energy level would allow. I brought them outside to do their business then cleaned it up and went back in. My orange “boy cat,” Ceilican, meowed loudly at me when i walked in.

  “Yes, yes, you’re dying of hunger,” i rolled my eyes. I walked over to his cat tree where his food was and looked in his bowl. While he had food, the bottom of the bowl was clearly visible. “Absolutely criminal,” i scoffed then shook it. I pet him and he went over to his bowl as if he’d just been fed and began crunching happily.

  I fed the dogs then went to take a long, hot shower. I thought about taking a bath but i was just so tired. It was too bad; we had restored the old cast iron clawfoot tub that was in the attic when we remodeled. It was huge and perfect for soaking. After my shower i brushed my teeth then dragged myself upstairs to my loft bedroom. I tossed my towel aside, pulled on a t-shirt, some fluffy sweatpants, a hoodie and a pair of thick socks then opened the doors to the rooftop garden. I sank into my bed as Jack and Sydney burrowed under my quilt on either side of me and Ceilican curled up next to my pillows. I could feel a light breeze and hear my chimes ringing in response to it. When everything was settled and comfortable, i pulled out my phone to find several text messages from Tess, my godmother.

  I inhaled sharply. Would he be there? I shook my head quickly. If he was, i would be fine. I hoped. I bit my lip.

  He was nervous about seeing me? I was absolutely incredulous but i felt a little better knowing i wasn’t alone. That tiny revelation made a world of difference and i felt myself relax for the first time since Nhucha told me he was close, but i was still a bit anxious.

  My unexpectedly loud snort of agreement woke Ceilican up and he didn’t look amused. “Sorry kitty boy!” I pet him and he licked me. I could only hope that meant i was forgiven.

  I set my phone on my elaborate cinder block and stained wood bookshelf that surrounded my bed and stared up at the ceiling. There were windows and skylights all around me and i could see the full moon, its light shining through the glass. It cast shadows of the plants that filled the area and reflected off of all my crystals and jars filled with rocks from everywhere i’d been. There were also jars with rocks from everywhere Jet had been. Jet. I clutched my meteorite necklace. Would seeing him shake me? I felt soft cloth on the inside of my left arm. Nothing was there, it was just a memory, but i ran my hand lightly over the area. I remembered a lit up gloworm and walking out into the dark, then blood poured into my mind as i drifted into the same dream i had every time i thought of that night.

  [Inspirational Song | Iglu & Hartly, "In This City"]