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Chapter 02
San Javier Mexico Dullac Cave
There is a rebellious mood in the chupacabra family. Their youngest cub is missing again. Last time they managed to find him after a few days. The whole family has been flying around all night looking for their cub but they haven't found him. The very last sign of life from him is in an empty farm.
Chupa's older brother gets in through a broken window in one of the buildings and finds evidence that Chupa has visited this farm several times. The mother realizes that their cub was taken care of by someone who lived here and when the whole family sniffs around the farm they can smell the evil man who broke into their cave and took their cub but also the young boy and the kind man who were near their cub. The mother remembers that the kind man knocked the evil man to the ground so that their cub could return unharmed.
The mother and father call out for their cub but get no answer. It is obvious that he is no longer on this farm and they fly on and continue to search. There is no indication that their cub has been taken by anyone and this puzzles them. Chupa's older brother suspects that Chupa has disappeared on purpose but he cannot understand the reason for this. The family flies towards the airport and there they can smell a faint scent of their cub but it seems like it has been a while since he was there.
The father flies out over the sea and looks for his cub but he realises that the cub cannot be there as there is only blue sea. The father calls out to Chupa a few times but gets no answer and he flies back to the rest of the family and tells the bad news. When morning comes and the sun starts to shine the whole family heads to the cave because it is time for them to sleep.
Kansas Erting Road 5
Alex wakes when his Ninja Turtles alarm goes off and he goes into the bathroom and takes a quick shower. When Alex is done showering, he puts on his school clothes and goes into the kitchen. Julia is already awake and has made breakfast and it is Alex's favorite cereal. They are so delicious and sweet and are shaped like Ninja Turtles figures. These breakfast cereals are only available at a store near where Alex and Julia live.
Julia is reading today's newspaper and when she sees that Alex has finished eating, she goes to the freezer and takes out a saved barbacoa. All the American food was eaten yesterday so there was nothing left to save. Alex usually never reads the newspaper but he usually watches the news on TV in the evening or during his lunch break.
Neither Julia nor Alex say much in the morning because they are tired. Beto, on the other hand, used to talk a lot when they had breakfast and Alex misses him very much.
Alex gets ready to leave the villa and catch the school bus. The school bus leaves a little further down the same street. Alex says goodbye to Julia and leaves the villa and the school bus is already waiting. It is early today. Alex quickens his steps so that he can get a good seat on the bus. There are not many students on the bus yet and Alex sits next to Becca. Alex has barely spoken to Becca but he thinks she is pretty. Becca smiles at Alex.
- You look sunburnt. Have you been swimming and sunbathing a lot during the holidays?
- No, not at all. I have been to my cousins in San Javier Mexico. It was nice there.
- Hmm. Your dad is from there, right?
- He came from there. He died earlier this year.
- Oh no, That´s so sad.
- Yeah. Have you visited Mexico?
- No. never. Mom thinks it is too expensive.
- Okay. San Javier was a nice city.
Billy gets on the bus and passes Alex and Becca and Alex sees that he gets angry when he sees Becca talking to him. Alex doesn't look at Billy but he sees him when he passes. Billy is usually Alex's biggest enemy but Alex is no longer afraid of Billy.
The bus continues to fill with students and when the bus is completely full it drives towards the school. The students are happy and talking to each other. The three guys who bully Alex are sitting at the very back and one of them has a large tape recorder with him and is playing loud music. After 25 minutes the bus arrives at the school and all the students get off the bus.
Alex walks with Becca and he thinks about whether he should tell about Chupa and he regrets not bringing the feather as evidence. Becca greets most of the students and Alex does the same. Normally Alex is usually quiet and doesn't say hello to his classmates but things have changed since the Mexico trip. All the students enter Lakewood middle school. The first lesson is geography.
Sonora Mexico
Chupa wakes up at about the same time as Alex and he is confused and doesn't recognize himself but then he remembers yesterday's events. Chupa quickly leaves the cave because he is so eager to look for the boy. There is a strong wind today but Chupa has a good tailwind and flies towards the villa area.
Chupa passes the first villas but they are empty and he doesn't smell the boy. There are people living in the third villa that Chupa passes and a lady is hanging out washed clothes when Chupa flies past. The lady looks up at Chupa but she has no idea what kind of animal it is but she tells her husband about what she just saw. Chupa passes a villa where many children live but the boy's scent is not there and Chupa flies on. None of the children see when Chupa passes the villa.
Chupa thinks it's fun to fly in the wind but he gets frustrated when he can't find the boy. Chupa flies past some villas where people live but no one is home so they can't see him. Chupa comes to a large and luxurious villa and the person who lives there is out in the garden taking a close-up photo of a bumblebee. It's a young man and he's completely focused on the bumblebee when he suddenly hears strange sounds like wingbeats above him and looks up and sees Chupa. The young man manages to take several photos of Chupa before he has flown so far away that he can barely be seen in the picture. The young man doesn't know what kind of animal flew above him but he plans to post the photos on the internet.
The villa area below Chupa gets smaller and smaller and soon it is replaced by several fields but Chupa continues to fly. He has decided to find the boy so that's what happens. The strong wind is buffeting Chupa in different directions and his straight course is changing and he is approaching the New Mexico-Mexico border. Chupa passes the Gila National Forest and decides to land and take a short break in his flight. Chupa is getting hungry and there are several goats nearby.
Kansas Lakewood middle school
The morning classes are over and it's time for lunch. Alex has seen Billy staring at him during the classes but it hasn't bothered him in the least. Alex walks towards the microwaves to heat up his food and a TV hangs from the ceiling above the nearest microwave. Alex puts his food in and watches the TV news absentmindedly. The newscaster talks about an accident that happened in Kansas but changes the subject.
"An unidentified small animal flew yesterday near Flight 49. The plane had just taken off from San Javier when several passengers saw the animal just outside the windows. Witnesses describe the animal as Mogwai-like but with light blue wings. The animal followed the plane for a bit but then flew on. Earlier today, a witness in Sonora Mexico saw an animal that looked like the animal seen outside the plane. The witness took several photographs of the animal and we have been able to share the photographs and publish them exclusively here."
The TV picture shows several high-resolution images and Aex can immediately see that it is Chupa and it confuses him. What is Chupa doing so far from San Javier and why was he following a plane? Could it be that Chupa is looking for him? Alex can't help but smile when he thinks about Chupa and how nice and kind he was. Alex is so lost in his thoughts that he doesn't hear someone approaching from behind. Alex feels a tap on his back and turns around and sees Billy standing behind him.
- You freak. Who said you got to sit next to Becca on the school bus?
The jealousy is clearly visible in Billy's eyes but Alex doesn't lower his gaze but stares back.
- The seat was empty and she didn't protest.
- Haven't you learned to lie low? Maybe it's time for a fight.
- If you say so, but personally I think this is silly. Go talk to Becca if you want. She's sitting at the oval table.
Billy looks shocked when he hears Alex argue. He's never done that before and it increases Billy's anger. Billy pushes Alex so hard that he trips and almost falls to the ground but Alex holds on to a bench. Billy yells at Alex.
- Do you have a problem or what? Who do you think you are? You better watch yourself.
But Alex is not afraid and takes a double hold of Billy and wrestles him to the floor and he sits on his chest like a real wrestler does. Alex looks at Billy.
- If you give up i will let you go, but if you want to fight any more, I'll be forced to do Lucha libre. Your back will hurt. Now it's your choice. Your and the others' bullying must end now.
Billy is breathing heavily but nodding so that Alex understands. Alex stands up and helps Billy up. The two look at each other and finally Billy speaks up.
- What happened to you? Since when did you become this tough?
- It happened during the school holidays but it's a long story. If you promise to stop bullying me I can tell you later this week. If I were you I would tell the others that the bullying is over. Do you understand?
Billy nods but his gaze is very dark. Billy is thinking of getting revenge on Alex but not right now. Billy goes to his gang while Alex sits down near the oval table. Alex doesn't say anything but he listens curiously when Becca tells about her vacation.
Some of the other students have seen the fight but they are amused by what they have seen. None of the food ladies have seen the fight and there are no teachers in the cafeteria so only the students and Alex and Billy know what has happened.
When lunch is over, it's time for the next lesson and it's sports. The students are going to play rugby. Billy does his best to tackle Alex but it only makes the teacher get annoyed with him and the other students laugh at his clumsiness. Billy feels humiliated and he swears that he will get revenge on Alex after school. Alex notices that Billy is trying to tackle him and he could explain to the teacher that Billy is bullying him but doesn't say anything. When Billy is substituted, he goes to his gang and they seem to disagree about something.
Los Angeles Bortick Building
Richard Quinn stands outside the gray concrete colossus where he has worked for eight years but he is not thinking about work but about the future. Richard enters the five-digit code at the gate and the gate opens with a creaking sound. Richard enters the elevator and goes up to the fourth floor and heads towards his boss's office. The boss usually wants to know in advance if there is a meeting coming up but he can usually take meetings when needed.
Richard knocks on the boss's door and waits for an answer. The boss calls out, "Come in," and Richard opens the door and steps into the nice office. The boss is smoking a nice cigar and looks up when Richard enters the room. The boss gets up from his chair and walks over to Richard.
- You did a really good job in Mexico. It's just a shame we didn't believe you at first and the jeep broke down. You know what, it looks like the animal you were chasing is near the Mexican border and will soon enter the United States. I want you to study maps and go to where it has been seen and...
- I'm resigning.
- You're doing what? You can't do that now. A rival company wants to find this animal, and since you've gathered facts about it, you're the best person to look for it and...
- Unfortunately, I'm not going to do that. I'm resigning now, today.
- You're going to get a significantly higher salary and deductions on several...
- Do you hear what I'm saying? I'm resigning. Someone else will do that job.
- Richard, I'm giving you another chance to find this animal. If I were you, I'd take it. I don't know what the rival company wants to do with the animal. They might want to harm it, but you wouldn't. I've been researching the farm where you found the animal and I've found some interesting details that you might like to hear.
- It doesn't matter. I'm tired of this job, unfortunately. I want to start over with a completely new job. Sorry, it's nothing against you or anything. It's just the way it is.
- Have you really thought this through?
- Yes, I have and I'm sure of myself.
- Okay, fine. Do as you wish, but it might be difficult to get rehired here if you do this.
- I'm aware of that. Oh, by the way. I'm not going to stay in Los Angeles.
The manager sighs deeply and takes out Richard's contract and studies it for a moment, but then tears up the contract. Richard says goodbye to his boss and goes to his desk to get the few things that are his own. Everything fits in a large plastic bag that he has with him. Richard leaves his workplace, heading for new adventures.
Richard has already talked to his landlord and he only needs to pay next month's rent because that's what the contract says. Richard goes home to his apartment and starts thinking about where he should move and what he should work on. Richard has a few different ideas about where he should move and he takes out a large map and studies it. Richard has family who live in Oklahoma and he is thinking about moving there.
Richard goes into the kitchen and turns on the coffee and the radio. A newscaster reads the latest news
"Several goats have become mysteriously ill in the Gila National Forest and according to information from a veterinarian, it seems as if some animal has sucked their blood. At the same time, several witnesses near the Gila National Forest have seen an animal that resembles a Mogwai but with wings. It seems to be the same animal that was seen flying near Flight 49 the previous day. Several scientists have spoken out and say that it could be a Chupacabra. A chupacabra is said to suck blood from goats but no one knows if they even exist. Scientists are following this with great interest."
Richard notes the name of the forest and goes back to the map and he looks for Gila National Forest and soon finds it. The boss was right. Chupa seems to be approaching the Mexican border. Richard sits and thinks. Where is the animal going?
Richard goes to the Oklahoma page and looks for available jobs but none of the jobs sound appealing. Richard also looks at available apartments in Oklahoma and he finds a few that he intends to check out.
Utah
Chupa has crossed the border between Mexico and the USA but he is not aware of this and continues to fly. The wind has changed and Chupa got a strong headwind but now he has a tailwind again and is flying over a dry landscape. Chupa has really trained his wings and they have grown in the last day but Chupa has also grown and become bigger. Chupa realizes that he has come a long way from his family and that it is too late to turn back. Imagine if they had come along on this journey. It would have been so much fun.
Soon the dry landscape is replaced by villas and gardens and Chupa flies further down and looks in through several villa windows but sees no people who look like the boy. Some younger children see Chupa as he flies past their house and they open the front door of the house and call out to Chupa. They want him to land and play with them but Chupa keeps flying. These kids seem okay but Chupa doesn't know them so he's being careful.
Chupa comes to Oklahoma and he is seen by several tourists and they take several photos. None of the tourists know what Chupa is but they think he's cute.
Dark clouds start to appear in the sky and less than half an hour later the first raindrops start to fall.
Kansas Lakewood middle school
School has ended for the day and Alex should ride the school bus but he would like to visit the city before he gets home. Alex plans to visit the newly built mall. There are several shops there that he is interested in. Alex has to walk through a small forest to get to the city and he starts walking. Billy had to finish a little earlier because he was going to do something with his dad and Alex thinks it's nice not to have to worry about Billy.
The forest feels cooler because the sun doesn't shine through every tree, but Alex is wearing warm clothes and isn't freezing. The leaves rustle as he walks in the forest and he thinks it's a nice sound. Alex wonders how Chava is feeling now that he's moved from his farm. Chava spent a lot of time and money on the farm and just leaving it so quickly must have felt strange. Alex thinks it sounds like someone is coming from behind but when he turns around he doesn't see anyone behind him but it makes him feel a bit uneasy. The trees are getting thinner and Alex can see the newly built mall and it's gigantic.
Kansas City
To get to the mall he has to pass the library and the train station and then walk along a long bike path. Alex approaches the library and at the same time hears some people in the background.
- There he is. Take him.
Alex hears someone running and he turns around and sees Billy and his gang and they are heading towards him. It doesn't look like Billy and the others have nice intentions and Alex starts running towards the library. But when he gets there, he sees that the library is closed and he remembers why. The library is being renovated and won't open for another two weeks.
Greg comes up to Alex and pushes him against the glass front door of the library and hisses at him.
- Who do you think you are? I heard you spilled food on Billy's clothes in the cafeteria. How dare you do that?
- That's not true. I didn't spill any food on Billy or his clothes. He tried to bully me and I said no. That's all. Oh yeah, i wrestled him also.
- Huh? I don't believe that. Billy had food on his clothes and in his hair when we met after lunch. How do you explain that?
- I don't know. Ask him.
- He says you got him dirty and I believe him. You're such a weird freak. You don't come from here and eat disgusting food. You're from Mexico, right?
- That's true, but I'm innocent of what happened to Billy.
Greg moves and Alex is no longer pressed as hard against the front door and he sees his chance to escape. Alex kicks Greg's leg and he lets go of Alex. Alex starts to run but Billy catches up and knocks him to the ground.
- Where are you going? We're not done with you.
Alex hits his nose and face on the ground and he starts to bleed from the nose but that only makes him angrier and he hits Billy in the face. Billy is so surprised that he stops. The rest of the gang starts following Alex. Alex runs as fast as he can, looking for a place to hide or get help. There are a few spaces in the train station but no good hiding places. Alex passes a second-hand shop that he has never seen before and he runs in there. Billy's friends don't seem to have seen where Alex went and he is grateful for that.
A noisy voice is heard from inside the shop.
- If you come here and steal my things, you will get a beating. I'm tired of this. Get out of here.
Alex answers cautiously.
- Sorry, I don't mean to cause any trouble. I got curious when I saw the shop.
Alex goes further into the shop and sees that it contains lots of stuff. There really is everything between heaven and earth here. An older white-haired man is standing at an older wooden counter and he looks at Alex. The man seems suspicious and studies Alex carefully. The man's face looks lined and Alex thinks his face reminds him of Chava in some way. Alex walks around looking at all the stuff and the man's expression becomes friendlier.
- What happened to your face, boy?
- Uh, I tripped and fell on the ground. I hit my nose pretty hard.
- Hmm, it looked like you were running from someone when you came in. Are you being chased by someone?
Alex looks out the store window but he can't see Billy or the others and he shrugs.
- Well, there are some bullies at school but I told them to stop earlier today but apparently that didn't help.
- I understand. If they come in here, they'll have to deal with me. I've been a famous wrestler and I know a lot of nasty moves. Do you know what wrestling is?
- Absolutely. My father Beto was a wrestler, but so was my grandfather Chava. Chava called himself Azul. They were both good. Unfortunately, my father is no longer alive.
- Azul? That name sounds familiar. I may have wrestled him once.
- Wow. Have you been a wrestler? What did you call yourself?
- Back then, I was called El Chakal. You could say I was Azul's biggest enemy. But I stopped wrestling a long time ago. I'm retired now, but I can still do some nasty moves, if needed.
- Oh, I recognize your name. Chava told me about you. You caused him brain damage.
- Mmm. I remember that. He was a good wrestler. What happened was nothing personal. In wrestling, everyone wants to win and it's easy to resort to dirty tricks if they know them.
- The bullies always use dirty tricks and I hate them but I can actually wrestle. Chava taught me some moves when I visited him recently. Chava showed me how to do lucha libre.
- Wow. So he can still wrestle? Does he still live in San Javier?
- Chava defended an animal that was in danger. Chava has recently moved from San Javier.
- Oh my God, I remember the time in San Javier. I lived there too but not on his farm of course. Those were good times. But I don't miss San Javier. I have a new life now.
- What's your name now?
- Well, I have the same name as when I was born. My name is Aron. What's your name?
- Well, my name is Alex.
- Nice name.
Alex continues to walk around the store looking at the goods while he talks to Aron. There are so many things but it doesn't seem to be sorted. There don't seem to be any clothes, but there are toys and ornaments and books and records and much more. Alex looks towards Aron and the long wooden counter he is standing at and he sees something interesting and goes closer.
There is a music box that is almost identical to the one Chava had and Alex starts the music box. It is exactly the same melody as on Chava's music box. Alex wants to buy the music box because it reminds him of both Beto and Chupa. Aron looks almost nostalgic.
- That's an old Mexican folk song. My parents always sang it when I was going to bed.
- Chava had one. Is it okay if I buy it?
- Absolutely. It costs a dollar.
Alex takes out his wallet and he has enough money so he buys the music box and puts it in his backpack. Alex looks happy and so does Aron. Alex looks at his watch and sees that he should head home. Julia will be worried if he doesn't get home soon. Alex starts walking towards the exit.
- Well, it was nice to meet you but I have to go home now. Mom is waiting for me and I don't want to worry her.
- Do you live nearby? If you want, I can drive you home.
- I live quite close. I'd rather go home.
Aron nods and Alex leaves the store but keeps a close eye. He doesn't want to meet Billy and his gang again. Julia has always warned Alex not to let strangers drive him and even though Aron seemed nice, Alex can't trust him. Someone could trick him and hurt him badly. That's why he doesn't want to be driven home. Alex starts walking home and it's a half-hour walk but he tries to hurry.
Dark clouds are starting to appear in the sky and Alex knows from experience that such dark clouds contain a lot of rain and maybe even thunder and he increases his steps so that he can get home before the rain.
Los Angeles Rowford road
Richard is sitting in his living room with his laptop in front of him and he has checked out available housing and possible jobs in Oklahoma but has not found anything that is good enough or interesting. There is a bowl of fresh grapes on the living room table and Richard guesses that it is his personal shopper and cleaning help who have bought them. Richard thinks it is nice that someone shops and cleans for him but now that he is moving, that may not be the case. Then he may have to do everything himself. Richard fills his mouth with grapes and they are very good.
Richard looks around the living room and it does not feel like his. If he had had the choice, he would have chosen other paintings and wallpaper. He would also have chosen a smaller TV. This makes him feel more determined to move away from here. He wants to start over. Find some place that he can decorate himself. Richard has lived a life of luxury for a long time, but now it's time to change that.
Richard goes to the bright yellow bookshelf and takes out a whiskey that he bought almost a year ago. Because he has quit his job, it doesn't matter if he gets drunk even though it's not weekend. Richard puts the whiskey bottle on the living room table and goes into the kitchen to get a drinking glass and when he comes back he pours some whiskey into the glass. The whiskey is very good and Richard closes his eyes and thinks back to the trip when he bought this whiskey. The trip was perfect and Richard felt better there than at home.
Richard is used to having something to do and it doesn't take long before he gets up from the couch and walks around the living room. Richard passes the large map on the wall and draws a line across Oklahoma. He doesn't want to live there. Richard lets his gaze slide across the map and it lands on Kansas City. Maybe there's something interesting? Richard goes back to the couch and searches for available housing and job openings in Kansas City and he finds several attractive apartments and job openings that sound okay.
Oklahoma
The rain is pouring down relentlessly and Chupa can't fly anymore because his wings are wet and he lands in a dense forest and starts looking for shelter from the rain. There are a few caves in the forest and Chupa comes to the first one but it is very small and it is raining in several places so Chupa keeps looking. The dense trees provide some shelter from the rain and Chupa shakes himself to get drier.
Chupa comes to the next cave and it is bigger but it is rocky and unwelcoming in the cave so Chupa doesn't want to stay there even if he gets shelter from the rain. Chupa walks on and soon comes to a new cave and this one looks very big and dry but there is a homeless man sleeping near the opening. Chupa thinks the man looks harmless but he doesn't know if he is. The homeless man has a thick blanket over him. Chupa looks around the forest and there don't seem to be any other caves nearby.
The homeless man wakes up and sits up and sees Chupa. The man has eyes as kind as the boy and he reaches out for Chupa.
- Hey there. What kind of animal are you? I've never seen anyone like you but you seem kind. Don't be afraid. The two of us can keep each other warm and keep each other company. It's so lonely in here.
Chupa is hesitant but in the end he decides to trust the man and goes into the cave but keeps a certain distance from the man. The man accepts that Chupa is not that close to him. Chupa lies down on the ground and feels that he is very tired. After all, it has been hard to fly as far as he has today. Chupa thinks about his family. What are they doing now? Are they looking for him? Chupa has never been so far from his family and when he thinks about it, he misses them but it feels hard to fly back now that he has come so far from home. The man studies Chupa's wings.
- Can you fly? I've always dreamed of being able to fly. Your wings are so beautiful, especially those blue markings. You know what, you actually look like one of those mogwai from the movie Gremlins but you don't seem to be one because they can't stand rain. Oh by the way, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Morgan and a year ago I had both a place and a wife but I ruined everything by cheating. It's hard being homeless but I've started to learn several important lessons. If only I could turn back time and change what happened.
Chupa doesn't understand what the man is saying but makes nice chirping sounds and the man starts to smile and it's a nice smile. Chupa yawns and stretches. The rain has increased and it's starting to thunder. The lightning has an unpleasant smell but it's the thunder that scares Chupa. The homeless man doesn't seem to like the thunder either and he goes deeper into the cave. Soon the man is where Chupa is lying and Chupa has started to trust the man so he's welcome. The man lies down on the ground and lies and looks at Chupa before he closes his eyes and tries to sleep. The thunder is loud so Chupa has a hard time sleeping but he closes his eyes and relaxes.
Kansas Erting Road 5
The storm breaks out at the same time as Alex closes the front door of the villa. Alex hears Julia's surprised exclamation from the living room. For the last five minutes the rain has gradually increased and Alex's clothes are wet. Julia comes out into the hall and sees that Alex has finally come home and she goes up to him and helps him take off his wet clothes.
- Where have you been? You were supposed to come home after school. Both Chava and Luna and Memo have been calling like crazy but they haven't said what they want but they clearly want to talk to you. What have you done to your face? Have you been beaten by the bullies? Talk to me.
Alex sighs heavily.
- I wanted to go to the new mall after school but I tripped and got hit near the library. The bullies chased me but it's okay now. I don't dare call Chava right now because I think it's going to start thundering soon.
Julia looks serious.
- You should have said this morning that you were going to go to the mall, We could have gone there together. What are the names of the bullies? I'm going to call their parents. This has to stop.
- No, mom. It'll only get worse if you call their parents. If they keep acting stupid, I'm going to demonstrate Lucha libre. Then they'll probably understand that it's time to stop bully me.
- No, no one at school will accept you doing something like that. Violence is not allowed at school. You know that better than well. Then it's much better that I call their parents and tell them what they're doing.
A sharp flash of lightning is visible through the window in the hall and it doesn't take long before the thunder roars. Alex and Julia look at each other. They know that it is inappropriate to talk on the phone during a thunderstorm. The phone calls have to wait until the thunderstorm stops. Julia goes out into the living room and unplugs the TV antenna and several power cords for sensitive electrical appliances. Alex goes to his room and puts on clean clothes and he sees that Julia has cleaned the room because some items have been moved. Alex checks to make sure Chupa's feather is still there and it is and he sighs with relief.
The rain is increasing in intensity and it looks like there will be a flood on the street outside the villa. Alex comes out into the living room and Julia and he sit on the couch. Julia takes out an old photo album. There are several pictures of Beto and Alex remembers his father. Julia tells the stories surrounding some of the photographs and Alex listens attentively. Julia is a good storyteller. After they have looked at the photographs, they both feel tired and lie down on the couch and let the sound of the rain lull them to sleep.
Los Angeles Rowford road
Richard reads the text of the advertisement once more and it is almost too good to be true. The price is right and he can move in in five days. The apartment is partly furnished because it is from an estate and Richard can see that the interior looks quite fresh. Richard has nothing to lose and he presses buy and enters his bank details and then he waits. The bank communicates with the relevant page and a minute or so later he receives the message that the purchase has been approved.
Richard closes the ad and picks up the next one he has looked at, and this one is about a job. Richard reads through the description carefully before clicking interested and entering his email address. Richard has been sitting at the computer for a long time and is starting to get hungry, so he goes into the kitchen and makes some food. Richard thinks he will probably miss Los Angeles, but Kansas City sounds nice. It is a smaller city than the one he lives in right now.
Richard frys some meatballs and cooks pasta. When the food is ready, he adds lots of ketchup. It is very tasty. Richard has received a response to the email he sent and the company wants to know more about him. Richard sits down and thinks about what he should write about himself. After a while, he has decided and gives a detailed description of himself and what he has done. Of course, he does not mention any failures. When he has finished writing, he clicks "Send". Hopefully, he will get an answer tomorrow. Tomorrow he will buy several moving boxes and start packing his things. Richard feels that this will be great.
Disclaimer: Chupa and the characters belong to Netflix.
San Javier Mexico Dullac Cave
There is a rebellious mood in the chupacabra family. Their youngest cub is missing again. Last time they managed to find him after a few days. The whole family has been flying around all night looking for their cub but they haven't found him. The very last sign of life from him is in an empty farm.
Chupa's older brother gets in through a broken window in one of the buildings and finds evidence that Chupa has visited this farm several times. The mother realizes that their cub was taken care of by someone who lived here and when the whole family sniffs around the farm they can smell the evil man who broke into their cave and took their cub but also the young boy and the kind man who were near their cub. The mother remembers that the kind man knocked the evil man to the ground so that their cub could return unharmed.
The mother and father call out for their cub but get no answer. It is obvious that he is no longer on this farm and they fly on and continue to search. There is no indication that their cub has been taken by anyone and this puzzles them. Chupa's older brother suspects that Chupa has disappeared on purpose but he cannot understand the reason for this. The family flies towards the airport and there they can smell a faint scent of their cub but it seems like it has been a while since he was there.
The father flies out over the sea and looks for his cub but he realises that the cub cannot be there as there is only blue sea. The father calls out to Chupa a few times but gets no answer and he flies back to the rest of the family and tells the bad news. When morning comes and the sun starts to shine the whole family heads to the cave because it is time for them to sleep.
Kansas Erting Road 5
Alex wakes when his Ninja Turtles alarm goes off and he goes into the bathroom and takes a quick shower. When Alex is done showering, he puts on his school clothes and goes into the kitchen. Julia is already awake and has made breakfast and it is Alex's favorite cereal. They are so delicious and sweet and are shaped like Ninja Turtles figures. These breakfast cereals are only available at a store near where Alex and Julia live.
Julia is reading today's newspaper and when she sees that Alex has finished eating, she goes to the freezer and takes out a saved barbacoa. All the American food was eaten yesterday so there was nothing left to save. Alex usually never reads the newspaper but he usually watches the news on TV in the evening or during his lunch break.
Neither Julia nor Alex say much in the morning because they are tired. Beto, on the other hand, used to talk a lot when they had breakfast and Alex misses him very much.
Alex gets ready to leave the villa and catch the school bus. The school bus leaves a little further down the same street. Alex says goodbye to Julia and leaves the villa and the school bus is already waiting. It is early today. Alex quickens his steps so that he can get a good seat on the bus. There are not many students on the bus yet and Alex sits next to Becca. Alex has barely spoken to Becca but he thinks she is pretty. Becca smiles at Alex.
- You look sunburnt. Have you been swimming and sunbathing a lot during the holidays?
- No, not at all. I have been to my cousins in San Javier Mexico. It was nice there.
- Hmm. Your dad is from there, right?
- He came from there. He died earlier this year.
- Oh no, That´s so sad.
- Yeah. Have you visited Mexico?
- No. never. Mom thinks it is too expensive.
- Okay. San Javier was a nice city.
Billy gets on the bus and passes Alex and Becca and Alex sees that he gets angry when he sees Becca talking to him. Alex doesn't look at Billy but he sees him when he passes. Billy is usually Alex's biggest enemy but Alex is no longer afraid of Billy.
The bus continues to fill with students and when the bus is completely full it drives towards the school. The students are happy and talking to each other. The three guys who bully Alex are sitting at the very back and one of them has a large tape recorder with him and is playing loud music. After 25 minutes the bus arrives at the school and all the students get off the bus.
Alex walks with Becca and he thinks about whether he should tell about Chupa and he regrets not bringing the feather as evidence. Becca greets most of the students and Alex does the same. Normally Alex is usually quiet and doesn't say hello to his classmates but things have changed since the Mexico trip. All the students enter Lakewood middle school. The first lesson is geography.
Sonora Mexico
Chupa wakes up at about the same time as Alex and he is confused and doesn't recognize himself but then he remembers yesterday's events. Chupa quickly leaves the cave because he is so eager to look for the boy. There is a strong wind today but Chupa has a good tailwind and flies towards the villa area.
Chupa passes the first villas but they are empty and he doesn't smell the boy. There are people living in the third villa that Chupa passes and a lady is hanging out washed clothes when Chupa flies past. The lady looks up at Chupa but she has no idea what kind of animal it is but she tells her husband about what she just saw. Chupa passes a villa where many children live but the boy's scent is not there and Chupa flies on. None of the children see when Chupa passes the villa.
Chupa thinks it's fun to fly in the wind but he gets frustrated when he can't find the boy. Chupa flies past some villas where people live but no one is home so they can't see him. Chupa comes to a large and luxurious villa and the person who lives there is out in the garden taking a close-up photo of a bumblebee. It's a young man and he's completely focused on the bumblebee when he suddenly hears strange sounds like wingbeats above him and looks up and sees Chupa. The young man manages to take several photos of Chupa before he has flown so far away that he can barely be seen in the picture. The young man doesn't know what kind of animal flew above him but he plans to post the photos on the internet.
The villa area below Chupa gets smaller and smaller and soon it is replaced by several fields but Chupa continues to fly. He has decided to find the boy so that's what happens. The strong wind is buffeting Chupa in different directions and his straight course is changing and he is approaching the New Mexico-Mexico border. Chupa passes the Gila National Forest and decides to land and take a short break in his flight. Chupa is getting hungry and there are several goats nearby.
Kansas Lakewood middle school
The morning classes are over and it's time for lunch. Alex has seen Billy staring at him during the classes but it hasn't bothered him in the least. Alex walks towards the microwaves to heat up his food and a TV hangs from the ceiling above the nearest microwave. Alex puts his food in and watches the TV news absentmindedly. The newscaster talks about an accident that happened in Kansas but changes the subject.
"An unidentified small animal flew yesterday near Flight 49. The plane had just taken off from San Javier when several passengers saw the animal just outside the windows. Witnesses describe the animal as Mogwai-like but with light blue wings. The animal followed the plane for a bit but then flew on. Earlier today, a witness in Sonora Mexico saw an animal that looked like the animal seen outside the plane. The witness took several photographs of the animal and we have been able to share the photographs and publish them exclusively here."
The TV picture shows several high-resolution images and Aex can immediately see that it is Chupa and it confuses him. What is Chupa doing so far from San Javier and why was he following a plane? Could it be that Chupa is looking for him? Alex can't help but smile when he thinks about Chupa and how nice and kind he was. Alex is so lost in his thoughts that he doesn't hear someone approaching from behind. Alex feels a tap on his back and turns around and sees Billy standing behind him.
- You freak. Who said you got to sit next to Becca on the school bus?
The jealousy is clearly visible in Billy's eyes but Alex doesn't lower his gaze but stares back.
- The seat was empty and she didn't protest.
- Haven't you learned to lie low? Maybe it's time for a fight.
- If you say so, but personally I think this is silly. Go talk to Becca if you want. She's sitting at the oval table.
Billy looks shocked when he hears Alex argue. He's never done that before and it increases Billy's anger. Billy pushes Alex so hard that he trips and almost falls to the ground but Alex holds on to a bench. Billy yells at Alex.
- Do you have a problem or what? Who do you think you are? You better watch yourself.
But Alex is not afraid and takes a double hold of Billy and wrestles him to the floor and he sits on his chest like a real wrestler does. Alex looks at Billy.
- If you give up i will let you go, but if you want to fight any more, I'll be forced to do Lucha libre. Your back will hurt. Now it's your choice. Your and the others' bullying must end now.
Billy is breathing heavily but nodding so that Alex understands. Alex stands up and helps Billy up. The two look at each other and finally Billy speaks up.
- What happened to you? Since when did you become this tough?
- It happened during the school holidays but it's a long story. If you promise to stop bullying me I can tell you later this week. If I were you I would tell the others that the bullying is over. Do you understand?
Billy nods but his gaze is very dark. Billy is thinking of getting revenge on Alex but not right now. Billy goes to his gang while Alex sits down near the oval table. Alex doesn't say anything but he listens curiously when Becca tells about her vacation.
Some of the other students have seen the fight but they are amused by what they have seen. None of the food ladies have seen the fight and there are no teachers in the cafeteria so only the students and Alex and Billy know what has happened.
When lunch is over, it's time for the next lesson and it's sports. The students are going to play rugby. Billy does his best to tackle Alex but it only makes the teacher get annoyed with him and the other students laugh at his clumsiness. Billy feels humiliated and he swears that he will get revenge on Alex after school. Alex notices that Billy is trying to tackle him and he could explain to the teacher that Billy is bullying him but doesn't say anything. When Billy is substituted, he goes to his gang and they seem to disagree about something.
Los Angeles Bortick Building
Richard Quinn stands outside the gray concrete colossus where he has worked for eight years but he is not thinking about work but about the future. Richard enters the five-digit code at the gate and the gate opens with a creaking sound. Richard enters the elevator and goes up to the fourth floor and heads towards his boss's office. The boss usually wants to know in advance if there is a meeting coming up but he can usually take meetings when needed.
Richard knocks on the boss's door and waits for an answer. The boss calls out, "Come in," and Richard opens the door and steps into the nice office. The boss is smoking a nice cigar and looks up when Richard enters the room. The boss gets up from his chair and walks over to Richard.
- You did a really good job in Mexico. It's just a shame we didn't believe you at first and the jeep broke down. You know what, it looks like the animal you were chasing is near the Mexican border and will soon enter the United States. I want you to study maps and go to where it has been seen and...
- I'm resigning.
- You're doing what? You can't do that now. A rival company wants to find this animal, and since you've gathered facts about it, you're the best person to look for it and...
- Unfortunately, I'm not going to do that. I'm resigning now, today.
- You're going to get a significantly higher salary and deductions on several...
- Do you hear what I'm saying? I'm resigning. Someone else will do that job.
- Richard, I'm giving you another chance to find this animal. If I were you, I'd take it. I don't know what the rival company wants to do with the animal. They might want to harm it, but you wouldn't. I've been researching the farm where you found the animal and I've found some interesting details that you might like to hear.
- It doesn't matter. I'm tired of this job, unfortunately. I want to start over with a completely new job. Sorry, it's nothing against you or anything. It's just the way it is.
- Have you really thought this through?
- Yes, I have and I'm sure of myself.
- Okay, fine. Do as you wish, but it might be difficult to get rehired here if you do this.
- I'm aware of that. Oh, by the way. I'm not going to stay in Los Angeles.
The manager sighs deeply and takes out Richard's contract and studies it for a moment, but then tears up the contract. Richard says goodbye to his boss and goes to his desk to get the few things that are his own. Everything fits in a large plastic bag that he has with him. Richard leaves his workplace, heading for new adventures.
Richard has already talked to his landlord and he only needs to pay next month's rent because that's what the contract says. Richard goes home to his apartment and starts thinking about where he should move and what he should work on. Richard has a few different ideas about where he should move and he takes out a large map and studies it. Richard has family who live in Oklahoma and he is thinking about moving there.
Richard goes into the kitchen and turns on the coffee and the radio. A newscaster reads the latest news
"Several goats have become mysteriously ill in the Gila National Forest and according to information from a veterinarian, it seems as if some animal has sucked their blood. At the same time, several witnesses near the Gila National Forest have seen an animal that resembles a Mogwai but with wings. It seems to be the same animal that was seen flying near Flight 49 the previous day. Several scientists have spoken out and say that it could be a Chupacabra. A chupacabra is said to suck blood from goats but no one knows if they even exist. Scientists are following this with great interest."
Richard notes the name of the forest and goes back to the map and he looks for Gila National Forest and soon finds it. The boss was right. Chupa seems to be approaching the Mexican border. Richard sits and thinks. Where is the animal going?
Richard goes to the Oklahoma page and looks for available jobs but none of the jobs sound appealing. Richard also looks at available apartments in Oklahoma and he finds a few that he intends to check out.
Utah
Chupa has crossed the border between Mexico and the USA but he is not aware of this and continues to fly. The wind has changed and Chupa got a strong headwind but now he has a tailwind again and is flying over a dry landscape. Chupa has really trained his wings and they have grown in the last day but Chupa has also grown and become bigger. Chupa realizes that he has come a long way from his family and that it is too late to turn back. Imagine if they had come along on this journey. It would have been so much fun.
Soon the dry landscape is replaced by villas and gardens and Chupa flies further down and looks in through several villa windows but sees no people who look like the boy. Some younger children see Chupa as he flies past their house and they open the front door of the house and call out to Chupa. They want him to land and play with them but Chupa keeps flying. These kids seem okay but Chupa doesn't know them so he's being careful.
Chupa comes to Oklahoma and he is seen by several tourists and they take several photos. None of the tourists know what Chupa is but they think he's cute.
Dark clouds start to appear in the sky and less than half an hour later the first raindrops start to fall.
Kansas Lakewood middle school
School has ended for the day and Alex should ride the school bus but he would like to visit the city before he gets home. Alex plans to visit the newly built mall. There are several shops there that he is interested in. Alex has to walk through a small forest to get to the city and he starts walking. Billy had to finish a little earlier because he was going to do something with his dad and Alex thinks it's nice not to have to worry about Billy.
The forest feels cooler because the sun doesn't shine through every tree, but Alex is wearing warm clothes and isn't freezing. The leaves rustle as he walks in the forest and he thinks it's a nice sound. Alex wonders how Chava is feeling now that he's moved from his farm. Chava spent a lot of time and money on the farm and just leaving it so quickly must have felt strange. Alex thinks it sounds like someone is coming from behind but when he turns around he doesn't see anyone behind him but it makes him feel a bit uneasy. The trees are getting thinner and Alex can see the newly built mall and it's gigantic.
Kansas City
To get to the mall he has to pass the library and the train station and then walk along a long bike path. Alex approaches the library and at the same time hears some people in the background.
- There he is. Take him.
Alex hears someone running and he turns around and sees Billy and his gang and they are heading towards him. It doesn't look like Billy and the others have nice intentions and Alex starts running towards the library. But when he gets there, he sees that the library is closed and he remembers why. The library is being renovated and won't open for another two weeks.
Greg comes up to Alex and pushes him against the glass front door of the library and hisses at him.
- Who do you think you are? I heard you spilled food on Billy's clothes in the cafeteria. How dare you do that?
- That's not true. I didn't spill any food on Billy or his clothes. He tried to bully me and I said no. That's all. Oh yeah, i wrestled him also.
- Huh? I don't believe that. Billy had food on his clothes and in his hair when we met after lunch. How do you explain that?
- I don't know. Ask him.
- He says you got him dirty and I believe him. You're such a weird freak. You don't come from here and eat disgusting food. You're from Mexico, right?
- That's true, but I'm innocent of what happened to Billy.
Greg moves and Alex is no longer pressed as hard against the front door and he sees his chance to escape. Alex kicks Greg's leg and he lets go of Alex. Alex starts to run but Billy catches up and knocks him to the ground.
- Where are you going? We're not done with you.
Alex hits his nose and face on the ground and he starts to bleed from the nose but that only makes him angrier and he hits Billy in the face. Billy is so surprised that he stops. The rest of the gang starts following Alex. Alex runs as fast as he can, looking for a place to hide or get help. There are a few spaces in the train station but no good hiding places. Alex passes a second-hand shop that he has never seen before and he runs in there. Billy's friends don't seem to have seen where Alex went and he is grateful for that.
A noisy voice is heard from inside the shop.
- If you come here and steal my things, you will get a beating. I'm tired of this. Get out of here.
Alex answers cautiously.
- Sorry, I don't mean to cause any trouble. I got curious when I saw the shop.
Alex goes further into the shop and sees that it contains lots of stuff. There really is everything between heaven and earth here. An older white-haired man is standing at an older wooden counter and he looks at Alex. The man seems suspicious and studies Alex carefully. The man's face looks lined and Alex thinks his face reminds him of Chava in some way. Alex walks around looking at all the stuff and the man's expression becomes friendlier.
- What happened to your face, boy?
- Uh, I tripped and fell on the ground. I hit my nose pretty hard.
- Hmm, it looked like you were running from someone when you came in. Are you being chased by someone?
Alex looks out the store window but he can't see Billy or the others and he shrugs.
- Well, there are some bullies at school but I told them to stop earlier today but apparently that didn't help.
- I understand. If they come in here, they'll have to deal with me. I've been a famous wrestler and I know a lot of nasty moves. Do you know what wrestling is?
- Absolutely. My father Beto was a wrestler, but so was my grandfather Chava. Chava called himself Azul. They were both good. Unfortunately, my father is no longer alive.
- Azul? That name sounds familiar. I may have wrestled him once.
- Wow. Have you been a wrestler? What did you call yourself?
- Back then, I was called El Chakal. You could say I was Azul's biggest enemy. But I stopped wrestling a long time ago. I'm retired now, but I can still do some nasty moves, if needed.
- Oh, I recognize your name. Chava told me about you. You caused him brain damage.
- Mmm. I remember that. He was a good wrestler. What happened was nothing personal. In wrestling, everyone wants to win and it's easy to resort to dirty tricks if they know them.
- The bullies always use dirty tricks and I hate them but I can actually wrestle. Chava taught me some moves when I visited him recently. Chava showed me how to do lucha libre.
- Wow. So he can still wrestle? Does he still live in San Javier?
- Chava defended an animal that was in danger. Chava has recently moved from San Javier.
- Oh my God, I remember the time in San Javier. I lived there too but not on his farm of course. Those were good times. But I don't miss San Javier. I have a new life now.
- What's your name now?
- Well, I have the same name as when I was born. My name is Aron. What's your name?
- Well, my name is Alex.
- Nice name.
Alex continues to walk around the store looking at the goods while he talks to Aron. There are so many things but it doesn't seem to be sorted. There don't seem to be any clothes, but there are toys and ornaments and books and records and much more. Alex looks towards Aron and the long wooden counter he is standing at and he sees something interesting and goes closer.
There is a music box that is almost identical to the one Chava had and Alex starts the music box. It is exactly the same melody as on Chava's music box. Alex wants to buy the music box because it reminds him of both Beto and Chupa. Aron looks almost nostalgic.
- That's an old Mexican folk song. My parents always sang it when I was going to bed.
- Chava had one. Is it okay if I buy it?
- Absolutely. It costs a dollar.
Alex takes out his wallet and he has enough money so he buys the music box and puts it in his backpack. Alex looks happy and so does Aron. Alex looks at his watch and sees that he should head home. Julia will be worried if he doesn't get home soon. Alex starts walking towards the exit.
- Well, it was nice to meet you but I have to go home now. Mom is waiting for me and I don't want to worry her.
- Do you live nearby? If you want, I can drive you home.
- I live quite close. I'd rather go home.
Aron nods and Alex leaves the store but keeps a close eye. He doesn't want to meet Billy and his gang again. Julia has always warned Alex not to let strangers drive him and even though Aron seemed nice, Alex can't trust him. Someone could trick him and hurt him badly. That's why he doesn't want to be driven home. Alex starts walking home and it's a half-hour walk but he tries to hurry.
Dark clouds are starting to appear in the sky and Alex knows from experience that such dark clouds contain a lot of rain and maybe even thunder and he increases his steps so that he can get home before the rain.
Los Angeles Rowford road
Richard is sitting in his living room with his laptop in front of him and he has checked out available housing and possible jobs in Oklahoma but has not found anything that is good enough or interesting. There is a bowl of fresh grapes on the living room table and Richard guesses that it is his personal shopper and cleaning help who have bought them. Richard thinks it is nice that someone shops and cleans for him but now that he is moving, that may not be the case. Then he may have to do everything himself. Richard fills his mouth with grapes and they are very good.
Richard looks around the living room and it does not feel like his. If he had had the choice, he would have chosen other paintings and wallpaper. He would also have chosen a smaller TV. This makes him feel more determined to move away from here. He wants to start over. Find some place that he can decorate himself. Richard has lived a life of luxury for a long time, but now it's time to change that.
Richard goes to the bright yellow bookshelf and takes out a whiskey that he bought almost a year ago. Because he has quit his job, it doesn't matter if he gets drunk even though it's not weekend. Richard puts the whiskey bottle on the living room table and goes into the kitchen to get a drinking glass and when he comes back he pours some whiskey into the glass. The whiskey is very good and Richard closes his eyes and thinks back to the trip when he bought this whiskey. The trip was perfect and Richard felt better there than at home.
Richard is used to having something to do and it doesn't take long before he gets up from the couch and walks around the living room. Richard passes the large map on the wall and draws a line across Oklahoma. He doesn't want to live there. Richard lets his gaze slide across the map and it lands on Kansas City. Maybe there's something interesting? Richard goes back to the couch and searches for available housing and job openings in Kansas City and he finds several attractive apartments and job openings that sound okay.
Oklahoma
The rain is pouring down relentlessly and Chupa can't fly anymore because his wings are wet and he lands in a dense forest and starts looking for shelter from the rain. There are a few caves in the forest and Chupa comes to the first one but it is very small and it is raining in several places so Chupa keeps looking. The dense trees provide some shelter from the rain and Chupa shakes himself to get drier.
Chupa comes to the next cave and it is bigger but it is rocky and unwelcoming in the cave so Chupa doesn't want to stay there even if he gets shelter from the rain. Chupa walks on and soon comes to a new cave and this one looks very big and dry but there is a homeless man sleeping near the opening. Chupa thinks the man looks harmless but he doesn't know if he is. The homeless man has a thick blanket over him. Chupa looks around the forest and there don't seem to be any other caves nearby.
The homeless man wakes up and sits up and sees Chupa. The man has eyes as kind as the boy and he reaches out for Chupa.
- Hey there. What kind of animal are you? I've never seen anyone like you but you seem kind. Don't be afraid. The two of us can keep each other warm and keep each other company. It's so lonely in here.
Chupa is hesitant but in the end he decides to trust the man and goes into the cave but keeps a certain distance from the man. The man accepts that Chupa is not that close to him. Chupa lies down on the ground and feels that he is very tired. After all, it has been hard to fly as far as he has today. Chupa thinks about his family. What are they doing now? Are they looking for him? Chupa has never been so far from his family and when he thinks about it, he misses them but it feels hard to fly back now that he has come so far from home. The man studies Chupa's wings.
- Can you fly? I've always dreamed of being able to fly. Your wings are so beautiful, especially those blue markings. You know what, you actually look like one of those mogwai from the movie Gremlins but you don't seem to be one because they can't stand rain. Oh by the way, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Morgan and a year ago I had both a place and a wife but I ruined everything by cheating. It's hard being homeless but I've started to learn several important lessons. If only I could turn back time and change what happened.
Chupa doesn't understand what the man is saying but makes nice chirping sounds and the man starts to smile and it's a nice smile. Chupa yawns and stretches. The rain has increased and it's starting to thunder. The lightning has an unpleasant smell but it's the thunder that scares Chupa. The homeless man doesn't seem to like the thunder either and he goes deeper into the cave. Soon the man is where Chupa is lying and Chupa has started to trust the man so he's welcome. The man lies down on the ground and lies and looks at Chupa before he closes his eyes and tries to sleep. The thunder is loud so Chupa has a hard time sleeping but he closes his eyes and relaxes.
Kansas Erting Road 5
The storm breaks out at the same time as Alex closes the front door of the villa. Alex hears Julia's surprised exclamation from the living room. For the last five minutes the rain has gradually increased and Alex's clothes are wet. Julia comes out into the hall and sees that Alex has finally come home and she goes up to him and helps him take off his wet clothes.
- Where have you been? You were supposed to come home after school. Both Chava and Luna and Memo have been calling like crazy but they haven't said what they want but they clearly want to talk to you. What have you done to your face? Have you been beaten by the bullies? Talk to me.
Alex sighs heavily.
- I wanted to go to the new mall after school but I tripped and got hit near the library. The bullies chased me but it's okay now. I don't dare call Chava right now because I think it's going to start thundering soon.
Julia looks serious.
- You should have said this morning that you were going to go to the mall, We could have gone there together. What are the names of the bullies? I'm going to call their parents. This has to stop.
- No, mom. It'll only get worse if you call their parents. If they keep acting stupid, I'm going to demonstrate Lucha libre. Then they'll probably understand that it's time to stop bully me.
- No, no one at school will accept you doing something like that. Violence is not allowed at school. You know that better than well. Then it's much better that I call their parents and tell them what they're doing.
A sharp flash of lightning is visible through the window in the hall and it doesn't take long before the thunder roars. Alex and Julia look at each other. They know that it is inappropriate to talk on the phone during a thunderstorm. The phone calls have to wait until the thunderstorm stops. Julia goes out into the living room and unplugs the TV antenna and several power cords for sensitive electrical appliances. Alex goes to his room and puts on clean clothes and he sees that Julia has cleaned the room because some items have been moved. Alex checks to make sure Chupa's feather is still there and it is and he sighs with relief.
The rain is increasing in intensity and it looks like there will be a flood on the street outside the villa. Alex comes out into the living room and Julia and he sit on the couch. Julia takes out an old photo album. There are several pictures of Beto and Alex remembers his father. Julia tells the stories surrounding some of the photographs and Alex listens attentively. Julia is a good storyteller. After they have looked at the photographs, they both feel tired and lie down on the couch and let the sound of the rain lull them to sleep.
Los Angeles Rowford road
Richard reads the text of the advertisement once more and it is almost too good to be true. The price is right and he can move in in five days. The apartment is partly furnished because it is from an estate and Richard can see that the interior looks quite fresh. Richard has nothing to lose and he presses buy and enters his bank details and then he waits. The bank communicates with the relevant page and a minute or so later he receives the message that the purchase has been approved.
Richard closes the ad and picks up the next one he has looked at, and this one is about a job. Richard reads through the description carefully before clicking interested and entering his email address. Richard has been sitting at the computer for a long time and is starting to get hungry, so he goes into the kitchen and makes some food. Richard thinks he will probably miss Los Angeles, but Kansas City sounds nice. It is a smaller city than the one he lives in right now.
Richard frys some meatballs and cooks pasta. When the food is ready, he adds lots of ketchup. It is very tasty. Richard has received a response to the email he sent and the company wants to know more about him. Richard sits down and thinks about what he should write about himself. After a while, he has decided and gives a detailed description of himself and what he has done. Of course, he does not mention any failures. When he has finished writing, he clicks "Send". Hopefully, he will get an answer tomorrow. Tomorrow he will buy several moving boxes and start packing his things. Richard feels that this will be great.
Disclaimer: Chupa and the characters belong to Netflix.
Category Story / Fantasy
Species Chupacabra
Size 50 x 50px
File Size 18.4 kB
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