ALTERANANCE

The Change

Grace had to put up with her family’s vacation. Her parent and two sibling seem to like the whole idea of running around and posing for ridiculous picture, trying out new dishes and making stupid attempt to learn new languages as the go, that she believed a paid learn will cover a lot and save them a bunch of food poisoning, sea sickness, air sickness, insect bites and most especially unnecessary smiles. The only thing she looked forward to was the environment, the new scent in the air, different pattern of housing, dressing, plantation, those where the few things she thought were nature, human will make do with what ever the environment provides however it provides, so you don’t expect a man to stay Frugivore when there are only herbs laying around. Precisely, a food is called local because it’s made up of what’s available. Kapish!

This years torture involved hiking, biking and site seeing, what she needed, a site to explore.

Amanda noticed her daughter was a bit lively. She had to re trace their meals, the temperature, the color of the room and bedding to see what had triggered such happiness. She liked it. Gracie, don’t forget to give James and Jake their water bottles!

Done that already! She answered.

That’s my girl. Pitt, we’re all set!

Jogging down the steeps, Her husband gave her a quick kiss, lifting the back -packs swiftly off the ground. Okay Team let’s move out. Hmm, looking bright today honey-pie. He said.

Daddy! She ran from the slime of a kiss he wanted to plant on her cheeks.

Rufus! He whistled, calling their gold retrieve to join in. Boys you seat belt, wouldn’t repeat that.

Dad, Why don’t they make some kind of field that keeps you in position when you sit, lets say it recognizes some part of your clothes. James asked

That is Strong enough to put you in place. Not necessary magnetic but like temporary glue that goes off when you need it. Jake completed.

That why you have plenty years to figure it out, Christ What have you guys been reading.

That’s what you get for combining the genes of an engineer and a molecular biologist. Grace replied.

That sounds productive. Pitt said as he drove-off to their destination.

The tracks were much easier compared to the ones she had done in the past and the songs they sang were fun and pleasant, her twin brother made them laugh with their new hand dance, rich in their so called wonder-boys spiritual culture, she wondered what dish they will come up with this time. For the first time she truly enjoyed their creativity.

 Pitt, What’s up with Grace? She’s so…

Happy? They looked at each other making a face of surprise.

You think she’s met a special boy?

Our Eleven year old falls for a skinny dude. I’d like to see that. Pitt said

Hey, Don’t act like you never had a crush on someone. Amanda pinched his neck.

Okay sweetheart. Just glad she came around.

Yeah, I knew right from the first time I held her in my arms the she was special, they all are, Pitt.

Come here darling. He kissed her head.  Lunchtime, Fries or Burgers? He asked his team.

Both! The boys yielded.

Pick one Grace said.

Combination! They answered.

Goodness. Amanda held her boys as they searched for what to eat.

It was amazing, the air was alive they Birds flew around, the trees were green, the streams were clear filled with life, she couldn’t resist running her hands in them, the boy sprinkles some on each other while Pitt picked out of the pretty flowers offerings for Amanda who inhaled their fragrances deeply. The pebble were shaped uniquely Grace marvel at them and picked some for her collection. The tour guide Seemed to be talking to her, She spoke about the things she was curious in details, pointed to things she found amazing. She show them an Altar which signified nature, how is had changed over the years, how evolution played along with it, ancestral spirits and guardians slowly mold it to perfection. It was amazing. Every one moved on with her to the next stop, but for Grace it was more than that. She moved closer the Altar, the craft was one of a kind, deep, rooted, a representative of life and earth. She could see the clouds in the sky, hear the water trickling, breath and smell the fresh air, taste the dust feel the very connection of everything. She felt nature could twist and bend at her will. She came closer, looking around to see if she was alone. She stirred the water and looked up to the sky. As she stood up to leave she saw a reflection in the water but she thought it was nothing. Dropping one of the pebbles there, wonder-boy spiritual culture style. She hurried to catch up with them.

Grace woke up hearing multiple voices. It was her mother’s tapping the got her wide-awake. Darling, listening to me, you need to get up and get your things.

Mum what’s going on? It was then she realized how frighten and confused her mum was.

Honey, please Pack. She jumped out of the bed, grabbing what was valuable. She rushed to help her brothers. Her dad dashed in to assist them. She turned to the Television looking at the head- lines. She giggled at first, it had to be that she was dreaming but as her dad tugged at her to move it. She knew she was awake. As the got to the door the noise increased.

Carl said we should ahead North, the military base will be expecting us. We are not far off. Amanda said.

Are we going to see Daddy’s brother? Her nine old brothers asked?

Yes, yes, now come along with mummy.

Grace, come with me. Pitt said. As she stepped outside it was then she knew it was no dream.

There was a very big super moon, and there were shadows reflecting in the sky. Her mum and brothers rushed to the car putting in their stuffs.

Grace! Her dad called. We have to go. Putting her things in and checked their belts. He started following the map his brother explained to get to a safe zone. It was going to be a long drive, but yet their eyes were wide opened. They went off the main road, which was a blessing due to the lesser traffic.

Grace’s mouth flung opened as the sun began to rise.  Her dad stopped the car. Everyone stepped out.

You got to be kidding me. Pitt said.

Mum what’s happening. Her sons asked as She held their hands.

Grace turn around slowly in circles as she watched sea creatures, fishes, turtles swimming in what supposed to be sky, big and small, in a transparent watery barrier. She began to tremble.

Mum, Dad. I did it.

What’s that honey.

She looked at them straight in them in the eye. I did the Alterance….

To be continued