Welcome to Twilight Rising and thank you for stopping by. Scroll all the way down to read Chapter 1, then scroll up to the beginning of Chapter 2, and so forth. After Chapter 3, the archives to your right will help you access the other chapters. For the main page (and the most recent chapter updates), head to http://twilightrising.blogspot.com. Enjoy!

Chapter 3: Average Day

Darren’s paper was the best out of the class by far. Professor Johnson couldn’t find a single thing wrong with it, either grammatical or because of a lack of evidence. Because he hated having a know-it-all student, he had to have a talk with Darren. Just after dismissing class for the day, he spoke up.

“Mr. Kinsley, please stay and talk with me.”

Darren frowned. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way…I wonder…

He shook his head and approached the desk. “Something wrong with my paper, Mr. Johnson?” Good luck finding something to fault…go on, I dare you.

The professor stared at Darren. “Darren, I’ll be blunt. Your paper is flawless. ALL of them have been flawless. I’m beginning to suspect that you’re doing something unsavory.”

Darren put on his best blank face. Must…not…laugh… “Un..savory? What do you mean?”

Johnson frowned. “Are you cheating?”

Darren looked shocked. “No…why would I? You’ve seen my previous grades. With all due respect, I don’t think I could fool all my previous teachers and professors.”

Johnson looked distant. “Very well. I hope to see the same quality paper after this, and if you can, improve on it a bit.”

Darren bit his lip to keep from laughing. “I’ll certainly do my best, sir.” He turned and walked out the door.

“What’d you do this time, put hidden messages pointing to an alien invasion?” Darren turned to see the speaker, shielding his eyes from the powerful lamps dotting the campus.

“Sara! You didn’t have to wait. Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

Sara Williams looked down, letting her long blonde hair hide her face. “Not anymore…”

Darren’s face twisted. “What’d he do?” If he laid a hand on her, he’s a dead man.

Sara immediately looked up after hearing his tone of voice. “No, no, he’s a great guy. He’s just…acting funny. He’s always a few minutes late. Sometimes he misses dates...”

Darren’s sarcasm stopped her. “Yeah, he sounds great. A real heart-throb.” Instantly he regretted his words.

Sara looked hurt. “Well…sorry for bothering you with it.”

Darren shook his head. “No, no…it’s alright. It’s just…I’m a bit on edge lately. Come here.”

She hugged him hard, beginning to sob. Darren wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes. Screw dying, he’s dying SLOWLY.

“Kinsley, why are you hugging my girlfriend?”

Darren opened his eyes to see none other than the rude person from the library. “My name is Darren, and I happen to be comforting her because of your inequities, problems, and failure to act like a decent human being.” So much for being nice to my enemies…

Antonio’s eyes narrowed. “Sara…let’s go.”

Sara let go slowly. Her green eyes still watery, she turned to leave.

Later, Darren would wonder where the anger came from. He would wonder how he was able to control it, to not fly into a blind rage. He would wonder what his second-to-last thought was. But there was no doubt in his mind, from that moment on, what set him off.

The moment Antonio grabbed Sara’s wrist and she let a small gasp of pain, Darren lost whatever sense of goodness he had retained from meeting Antonio.

Instantly he was next to Sara, breaking Antonio’s grip, slamming a fist into his shoulder sending him back several feet. Put distance between the victim and the target. Years of training, just a bit rusty, flooded his mind.

Antonio looked like he was sporting for a fight. He wanted control and he couldn’t get to the person he needed to dominate. At 6 feet, Antonio was used to getting what he wanted. The only way was through this little punk who couldn’t respect his girl.

Darren knew what he had to do. Relaxing, he assumed his preferred method of fighting, open-handed and free-fighter style.

Antonio threw the first punch. Darren quickly deflected it to the side with his left hand, countering with a blow from his palm directly to Antonio’s forehead.

Antonio stumbled back, slightly dazed. He couldn’t quit now. His perverted sense of honor and pride compelled him to lumber forward and grab Darren’s right hand in a vice-like grip while punching at Darren’s head. Darren responded by stepping inward towards Antonio, turning his back towards Antonio, ducking the punch, launching his right elbow into Antonio’s gut, and slamming his right fist up into Antonio’s chin. Antonio could do nothing but fall to the ground.

Darren backed away slowly, dropping his stance, turning to Sara. “Is your wrist alright?”

Sara was worried about the motionless body. “What about him? Did you…kill him?”

Darren would have laughed, but she was too serious about it. She’s too sweet. Even to those that hurt her. “No, it would’ve taken more to kill him. I just made him regret his decision, as well as give him a taste of what would happen next time.”

Sara’s face fell for a second. Darren noticed. Wait…she WANTED him to be seriously hurt? Hmmm…finally some good news.

The disappointment was quickly replaced by slight indignation. “Well, good! Why’d you have to hurt him? He just thought you were-”

Darren wasn’t in the mood for excuses. “He thought you were cheating on me? He thought I was trying to steal you away? No. He knew what was going on, and it made him mad. He was a bit upset that you didn’t run to him right away when you saw him, but furious that you would have friends outside of him, and God forbid you to cry on their shoulder. You know how to stand up for yourself. Why didn’t you?”

Sara looked at Darren, then at the inert Antonio, and then back at Darren. And strangely, instead of crying, or even answering, she turned and walked off.

Darren was surprised and slightly amused. Growing up? Or…not acknowledging the truth? “Where are you going?”

Sara didn’t turn around. “I’m going home! I need time alone from both of you.”

Darren stared after her, deep in thought.

It came as no surprise that Antonio didn’t leave while Darren was there. It didn’t even surprise Darren that Antonio attacked again. But Darren was astounded that, after twice failing, Antonio would throw another punch. A right hook? I thought the big guys were supposed to have bigger brains. Let’s give him something to feel for the rest of tonight…

As Antonio’s right hand flew towards him, once again Darren stepped towards the blow. Turning to his left, Darren ducked slightly to the left and let the punch whistle harmlessly past his ear. Before Antonio could react, Darren grabbed Antonio’s right arm with both his hands, shifted his weight, and threw Antonio over his shoulder into the nearest rosebush. I’ll never complain about the college spending too much money on landscaping again.

Before leaving, Darren made sure to whisper in Antonio’s ear. “Touch her again, even with her consent, and after helping you develop a wonderful relationship with this rosebush, I will bury you beneath it.” He didn’t wait for an answer before disappearing into the night.
- posted by Nick @ 3/31/2004 11:03:00 AM

 

Chapter 2: Expo-what?

Darren’s apartment was a five minute walk from the library, and he always used the time to think. Someone who didn’t know him might think he was angry, because whenever he thought while walking, he would concentrate until his brown eyes looked almost black and stood out in a stark contrast with his light brown hair and very lightly tanned skin. It was almost time for dinner, and Keith would kill him if he missed a meal again. Darren looked down at himself. At 5’10” and 150 pounds, he thought he could afford to skip a meal now and then, but not many of his friends agreed. Besides, it was mostly muscle. Darren’s shoulders shook with silent laughter. Who am I kidding? Sure, it might be muscle, but I tone, not build.

He climbed the stairs to the second story and paused, inserting his key and opening the door silently. Without books, he moved quietly on the carpet, sneaking up on his roommate, who happened to be cooking dinner on the stove. When he was absolutely sure Keith hadn’t heard him, Darren pulled him away from the stove, grabbed both Keith’s hands behind his back with one of his, and placed his other on the side of Keith’s head. Right before Keith’s hands slammed into his gut, Darren whispered “No punch.” Keith stopped, turned around, and promptly threw Darren onto the couch while Darren laughed uncontrollably. Keith was still busy with dinner, but chuckling while he worked. “You almost lost a vital organ there, buddy.” Darren was more sober now. “Yeah, but that could’ve been avoided if you’d listened carefully. Seriously, Keith. What if that had been some thief stealing your TV?” Keith smiled. “What, my priceless 13” black and white? I think I might have paid him to do that; just so I could get insurance money.” Darren gave a half-smile that Keith noticed with some concern. “What’s wrong, Deacon?” Darren still had no idea where his friends got that little nickname. Combining his first initial with the first syllable of his last name might work, but he suspected there was more to it than that. Whatever the case, they only called him that when they were worried about him. “Nothing, man, it’s just…everything, you know? How am I supposed get a story to this professor when I can’t even get the exposition right?” Keith frowned. “What’s an exposition?” Darren plugged his laptop in and started searching. “It’s the background of the story.” Keith still looked puzzled. Darren racked his brain for something else. Something Keith might understand… “It’s like…the narrator telling the audience details about the actors.” “Ah, that kind of background.” “Yeah.” Keith liked things simple. “Well, why can’t you just give it to him? You know, ‘He wore a Mexican boxing mask. He was short. He liked knives and old computers.’ That kind of thing.” Darren rolled his eyes. “Because that’s so….tacky. You have to be subtle.” “Well…I guess you’d know a lot about that, then.” Darren picked up a pillow. “Oh yes, I’m quite subtle.” Without turning around, Keith caught the pillow while stirring. “Yeah, but you’re also predictable.” Darren shrugged. “Can I help it if I naturally aim for your head with pillows? Anyways, at eight I have to go back for that evening class and turn in this incredible paper that hasn’t been started yet.” Kevin shook his head in disbelief. “How many papers have you done that way?” Darren grinned. “About…all of them. Got excellent grades on every one, too.” Kevin laughed. “Well, don’t tell the prof that. No telling what he’ll do. Ah, dinner’s ready. Sit down and eat, little man. You need it more than I do.”

Darren sat down, mumbling something under his breath about the quality of the food. Kevin kicked Darren under the table. “I heard that.” Darren rubbed his shin. “Oh, Emily absolutely loves that Jeff took her to that restaurant.” Kevin grinned. “And she was worried about us hooking her up.” Darren grinned back. “I think she was more worried about you hooking her up with me. Remember the whole tirade I went on about the ditzy people who can’t turn on a computer?” Kevin almost choked on his food. “She was about to tell you how she needed help with her computer because she couldn’t find the power cord. Dude, that was hilarious. Eh, she’s not your type, anyways.” Darren gave a tired smile. “I haven’t found anyone who’s ‘my type,’ yet. Just because I’m smarter than average doesn’t mean they have to treat me like I live in a jewel-encrusted, gold-plated bubble. Half the people that you introduce me to act like 12-year-olds meeting a boy band, and I swear some were about to ask for an autograph. Besides, a relationship would only make life more stressful.” Kevin shrugged and swallowed the last bite. “Whatever you say man. Don’t forget to work on that paper. I’m off to the site. See ya.” Darren waved. “Later. Be careful, man. I’ve been hearing about a lot of accidents at construction yards lately. Wouldn’t want to have to find a new source of rent and food.” Kevin waved back. “Don’t worry. Hard hats, new equipment, we’re being as safe as possible.” “Alright, take care.”

The hours flew by as Darren worked on his paper, finishing with a good half-hour to spare. Silver Lake Community College in the opposite direction of the library, and farther away. Walking fast, he could get there in twenty minutes and still have time left for a quick glance at the quiz material. As usual, his mind was working all the while. I still can’t believe that my math prof hasn’t tried to flunk me yet. Usually they get tired of seeing the perfect papers and do their best to undermine my work… Darren smiled darkly. But then, I have a lot of time to study…Sarsaparilla Bar? Where’d THAT thought come from? *mental shrug* Anyways…He walked up the ramp to the English building.

Once in his seat with his laptop on, screen filling with pages of notes, he began to relax. Here, he was in his element. Reviewing the notes took little time, and as students began filling the empty seats he noticed some new faces. Or perhaps he’d never noticed them before. I’m not self-absorbed, I’m just…”Pre-occupied, Mr. Kinsley?” Darren was roughly jerked out of his thoughts into a sea of amused faces. “No, Mr. Johnson.” “Then explain to the class, please, why your paper talks about Shakespeare stealing his work from Odysseus.” Darren almost sighed. Almost. How am I supposed to act normal when people like you won’t let me be? “Well, I did some research, and here’s what I found.”

- posted by Nick @ 3/28/2004 09:42:00 PM

 

Chapter 1: It Begins (It Usually Does)

Darren looked both ways before crossing the street, shaking his head. Of all the ‘important’ things my parents taught me…why remember this one? Although the street was not a heavily used one, it still required some vigilance on his part. The sun beat down on the pavement as waves of heat rose. He walked up the steps to the Silver Lake Library, pausing to notice the impressive architecture and fountains. The sliding glass doors slid open with a slight hissing sound as cool air rushed out. The head librarian looked up from her desk, clean except for a bronze nameplate reading Emily A. Jones. “Darren! Good to see you! Is something wrong with the books?” Darren smiled. “Nah, I finished them. Oh, don’t look so surprised, Em. You know how fast I read. And besides, they weren’t that long.” Emily shook her head. “Whatever you say, genius. So do you want the newest ones, or are you going to try to get a social life, like you promised?” Darren winced. “It’s not that easy, Em. Some of us can’t make friends on the spot. I mean, what am I supposed to do, walk up to a group of people and start talking with them like I know them?” Emily shook her head, smiling. “Nah, you gotta make sure there’s a cute girl there first, and see if she’s got a boyfriend. You’re smart, you’ll figure it out.” Darren smiled back. “Speaking of boyfriends, how’s yours?” Emily was practically glowing now. “He’s incredible! Just a few days ago he stopped by and took me out to this great restaurant and…” Someone pushed in front of Darren. “I need to check out these books.” Emily frowned, but slid his card through the reader. Darren caught a glimpse of the card: Antonio…something. That was a little rude…but I guess I should go anyways. I’ve already lost a lot of time. Darren smiled darkly at the irony. Time was something he had plenty of. Unfortunately, Antonio thought he was being laughed at. “Something funny, Kinsley?” Darren snapped to the present situation. “What?” How does he know my full name? “I said, ‘is something funny, Kinsley?’” Darren frowned. “No…I was…thinking of something else.” He was no chicken, but a fight was something he’d like to avoid right at that time. Especially in the library, with the “Please Be Quiet” sign right in front of him. Antonio didn’t look like he was buying it, but left in a hurry after giving Darren dark looks on his way out. “Darren…he was looking for a fight.” “Yeah, I know.” “Would you have given him one?” Darren thought for a moment. Would I have? “Yeah.” Emily looked at him strangely for a moment. “Alright, then. Have a good day, Darren.” “You too, Em.”
- posted by Nick @ 3/27/2004 05:05:00 PM

 
This…is my story. Not the story of me or the story of what I could be, but a story completely thought of and written by me. Various movies, people, and events may have influenced me, but not directly. Names are fictitious (took me a VERY long time to come up with them,) and any relation to the real world is completely coincidental. DO NOT take this to heart. DO NOT think this is about you. DO NOT try to apply this to anything. Don’t think that because a character seems like you, that I’m trying to send a message. I’m just writing a story. Go ahead and try to find me in the story if you really want to…but since there’s a little bit of me in every character, good luck with that. ;-) Read it and remember it as a story, because that’s all it is: a story straight from my mind to the computer. Any problems, questions, death threats, use the link to send me email. Feedback is welcomed in the comments section. Enjoy!
- posted by Nick @ 3/26/2004 04:29:00 PM