12

12

Melissa Hosack

Smashwords Edition October 2012

12 is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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Copyright © 2012 by Melissa Hosack

All rights reserved

Published by

Whimsical Publications, LLC

Florida

http://www.whimsicalpublications.com

ISBN-13 for print book: 978-1-936167-79-1

ISBN-13 for e-book: 978-1-936167-78-4

Cover art by Janet Durbin

Editing by Brieanna Robertson

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Acknowledgment

I would like to dedicate this book to my wonderful husband Jeremy who did more research than I could have ever expected to make this book happen. This was his idea, and he definitely helped me put in the work for it. Without him, the details about certain prophesied events may have been missed. So thank you!

Chapter 1

Pyramid of Khufu

Giza, Egypt

Just Outside Cairo

December 20th, 2012

Lilly Singh

Lilly Singh stooped down outside the infamous Khufu pyramid and ran her hand along the wall of the ancient structure, her expression one of awe. She couldn’t believe she was actually here, actually getting to see the pyramids she’d fallen in love with when she was a little girl.

Her friends back home in North Carolina thought she was crazy for majoring in archaeology, but it was her biggest passion. While they were out spending money on booze and designer footwear, she’d been saving up for this trip, the trip of a lifetime. A smile spread across her lips as she realized that sacrificing her social life had been more than worth it.

She slid her fingertips along the wall, marveling at the design, at the effort that must have gone into making such a magnificent piece of history. She leaned in closer to get a better look at the stone when a shadow fell over the pyramid wall.

You’re American, a voice commented, sounding surprised.

Lilly paused a beat, wondering if she could simply ignore the person. Deciding that wasn’t the most polite option, she stood and slowly turned to face the owner of the voice. She had to tilt her head back to look up into the face of the man towering over her.

He was tall, at least six feet. He had sun-bleached blond hair peeking out from underneath a large, ridiculous-looking cowboy hat. He was muscled in all the right places, and there was an adorable dimple in his left cheek. She placed him at around her age, perhaps a year or two older. She guessed him to be about twenty-two.

She couldn’t hold back her sigh of agitation or keep her arms from crossing over her chest in a blatant show of impatience. What makes you say that? she asked, her tone lacking any real interest to hear his explanation. Her appearance didn’t give away her place of residence. Her family was of Indian decent. Her parents had moved to America when she was three. With her dark skin and jet-black hair, she looked more Middle Eastern than American.

The blond cowboy smiled. University of North Carolina, he said, tapping the student ID attached to her shirt. He motioned to an identical badge attached to his own collar. Haven’t seen you around campus before, but we run into each other in Egypt. Weird.

She’d completely forgotten about her student ID. Many places gave discounted tours if a trip was school related, so she constantly kept it nearby. Seeing as archaeology was her major and the University had helped her make arrangements, she loosely considered this to be a school related trip. Unfortunately, it made her prey to homesick, college-aged Americans.

She eyed the cowboy for a moment, deciding on the best way to get rid of him. She’d spent the past two years avoiding people of the opposite sex because she didn’t want a relationship to interfere with her trip. She sure as hell wasn’t about to have a fling while she was here. Steeling him with a hard look, she said, You mean you’re suddenly talking to me because, for once, it’s your looks that stand out in a crowd? You want to use me to blend in better.

Instead of being offended, he smiled. Nah, I don’t mind. I travel a lot. I’m used to being the palest face in the room.

Lilly wouldn’t call him pale. His skin was a nice bronzed color, causing the bright blue of his eyes to stand out. She could tell his skin was tanned from outdoor activities, not a product of a tanning bed or simply good genetics. He was obviously a very active individual and a traveler to boot. She hated to admit that he was actually somewhat interesting.

That thought made her shift her weight in annoyance. She really had to get rid of him. Her original plan to get him to leave hadn’t worked. That meant she would have to try a new, though equally rude, angle. I don’t date cowboys, Tex.

Tex? he asked with a chuckle.

Tex, she repeated. Like Texas, where all you cowboys are from.

This time, he burst out into laughter. I don’t consider myself a cowboy, far from it. And my family is from Jersey.

Well, I don’t date…Jersians.

Jersians? he asked on a laugh. Hooking his thumbs into the front pockets of his jeans, he squinted at her through the bright sunlight. Before you give me the full list of people you don’t date, how about we introduce ourselves? His grin widened as he offered a hand for her to shake. I’m Christian, and I don’t date blondes.

She reluctantly took his hand. Lilly. And I don’t date Christians.

His fingers tightened over hers in a friendly, amused manner. Do you mean the religious type or those with the name Christian?

Both, she assured. Do you think my Muslim parents would approve? The name alone is enough to freak them out.

Christian released her hand and his thumb returned to his pocket. Good thing I’m not looking for a date then. He took a step back to give her some space. I just figured being in a place full of unfamiliar people, it might be nice to sit down to dinner with someone remotely familiar. It beats eating alone.

You’re no more familiar to me than anyone else here.

I’d bet if I say the name Professor Dayton to anyone else in Egypt, they’d have no clue who I was talking about.

Though she tried to hide it, she knew he saw her smirk at the mention of the wacky professor.

Pretending as if he hadn’t seen her grin, he said, Whatever you prefer, though. It was just a thought. He slipped his backpack off and began riffling around inside. Pulling out a notebook, he scribbled something on a piece of paper and tore it free. He handed her the slip of paper with an easy smile. In case you’re bored one night and change your mind, here’s the number to my cell.

Lilly hesitantly took the paper from him. I won’t change my mind, she warned.

Christian gave a careless shrug. Then perhaps we’ll run into each other on campus some time. He gave her a casual wave over his shoulder as he loped off toward the entrance of the pyramid.

Lilly watched him jog away, relief flooding through her with every inch that grew between them. Sorry, Tex, she said under her breath, though he was too far away to be able to hear her. This trip is too important to let anything get in the way.

Nagoya, Japan

Erika Kimura

Erika stared at her fiancé Tye Yoshida and fought the urge to stomp her foot. This is important to me, she said tensely, trying to keep her hands from balling into angry fists.

Yes, but this meeting is important to me, he reminded her. Erika, this is a big opportunity for us. I make this deal and we’ll have the money for that fancy apartment you’ve had your eye on. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her toward him. I know how badly you’d like a nicer place. Wouldn’t it be nice to live somewhere that the hot water works consistently?

She sighed and pushed him away from her. I want you to stay alive more than I want some flashy apartment.

Running his hands through his thick black hair, Tye made a sound of frustration. The world is not going to end tomorrow, he said a little harshly. If I cancel this meeting to follow you to America, do you know how that’s going to look?

Like you don’t want to die?

No, he argued, like I panic without cause. I promise you, if Japan starts to sink, I’ll hop a charter to China.

It will be too late then, she snapped, snatching her duffel bag out of the back of their taxi. She counted to ten, trying to calm herself. As she slung the bag over her shoulder and turned to face him, her expression was pleading. I’m begging you. Come with me, Tye. Please.

He glanced over his shoulder at the closest entrance to the airport. I don’t have anything with me. No clothes, no toiletries.

We’ll buy you more! she pleaded.

"Cancel my business meeting and buy a new wardrobe? We definitely can’t afford that. He stared at his feet for a moment before looking up into her almond-colored eyes. Listen. I’ll pack a bag tonight. After my meeting tomorrow, I’ll catch a flight to America and meet up with you. We can stay there for Christmas. I know how you love all that silly Santa stuff they do over there."

What if tomorrow is too late? she asked, trying to keep tears from forming in her eyes.

It won’t be, he assured. Leaning forward, he kissed the top of her head. I’ll meet up with you. I promise. You don’t have anything to worry about. He gave her arm a reassuring squeeze and asked, Where should I meet you?

Erika had to swallow before she was able to speak. L…Lancaster. She took a deep breath, trying to keep from breaking down into tears and making a fool of herself. Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

A quizzical grin touched his lips. I’ve never even heard of it. What’s in Lancaster?

Farms. It’s Amish country.

Tye chuckled as his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. You want to spend Christmas with the Amish?

No. I want to spend the end of the world with you, tucked away in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. I want to be where it’s more likely we’ll survive.

Erika, he soothed, though he doubted anything he said would make her feel any better. You’re going to be fine.

It’s not me I’m worried about, she said, voice somber.

He gave her a reproachful look, but chose not to comment. I’ll leave tomorrow and meet you in Lancaster. We’ll have a merry time with all your Amish buddies. You’ll be begging to come home in no time.

Reaching into her bag, Erika pulled out a brochure on cabin rentals. I’ll be here. Please come find me as soon as you can. She handed him over the packet of information that included the exact cabin she’d be renting and directions to find the place.

Taking the brochure, Tye tucked it into the breast pocket of his jacket. I give you my word. I’ll see you in a couple days. By that point, you’ll see how silly this whole end of the world thing is. You’ll be wishing we’d gone to Hawaii instead.

I hope you’re right.

Of course I’m right. When have I ever steered you wrong? He turned her shoulders to face toward the building. Now scoot before you miss your plane.

Erika glanced over her shoulder at him and took in his features to commit them to memory just in case this was the last time she ever saw him. I’ll see you in a couple days, she said uncertainly.

With one last troubled look at her fiancé, she forced her feet to move, forced herself to leave him behind. She couldn’t make him come with her if he didn’t want to. She just had to hope he made it out of Japan in time.

She knew his business meeting was important, that skipping out on it might mean his career. Though she knew all that, she couldn’t help but feel he’d chosen his job over her. He was going to die just to prove to his colleagues that he wasn’t afraid. It was senseless. He was too dedicated to his job for his own good. She just regretted that she hadn’t been able to convince him of as much.

With her head full of regrets and what-ifs, Erika walked through the airport in a blur. She passed through security as if in a daze, her mind not even registering her surroundings. It was lucky she’d flown so many times, because her body went through the motions for her. She made her way to her departure gate on autopilot, her mind a jumble of uncertainty and dread. It wasn’t until she got to her gate that she even noticed anything else around her.

Her plane had arrived. It had come in from New York. It was dropping off passengers and returning to the Big Apple. The arriving flight was sparsely filled. A few locals exited the plane into the terminal. Most of the passengers looked like they were returning home from business or vacation. She felt pity for them, but didn’t really focus on anyone in particular until near the end of the group. It was a tall, leggy blonde that caught her attention.

The woman was in a hot pink dress that fit snuggly against her thin hips. Her shoes were three-inch stilettos in the same shade of pink. It was the microphone in her hand that had made Erika first take notice.

A man walked backwards in front of the woman with a camera on his shoulder. A news logo was painted on the side of the large camera, advertising them as a New York station.

Erika took a step forward, trying to hear what the woman was saying.

The ground feels stable enough to me, and no one looks too panicked, the blonde chirped. Only time will tell if this will be a hoax or a natural disaster of immeasurable proportions. Her voice had become overly dramatized, building additional excitement with her premonition.

Erika thought she might faint. This woman had flown here to witness the nightmare firsthand? What was wrong with her? Before she could process what she was doing, she approached the reporter. Are you crazy? she demanded. Coming here was suicide!

The woman blinked and laughed uncomfortably at the sudden confrontation. Excuse me?

Her voice was a soft tinkle, placing her age at much younger than Erika had first thought. Why, this girl was still a baby. If she’d hit mid-twenties, Erika would be extremely surprised. She was young and impressionable, just the type of person big stations liked to exploit. For a good firsthand view of such a disaster, a news executive would send her into a dangerous situation with the promise of camera time and a promotion. If she lived, they’d deal with the repercussions. If she got good footage of a tragedy, or even better, died in the line of duty, they’d take full advantage of every second of it. That was just the nature of the business.

Staring into the girl’s big green eyes, Erika said in a stern voice, You shouldn’t have come here. People are going to die tomorrow. You should turn right back around and go home where it’s safer.

The girl tittered nervously, her eyes flicking to the cameraman for support before returning to Erika. None of this is for real, she said in a conspiratorial whisper. It’s just a silly hoax. Japan isn’t really going to sink into the ocean, you know.

Yes it is. Erika stared at the reporter, intensity in her eyes. She tried to convey with her eyes how serious this situation was going to become, that it wasn’t a field trip away from work.

The camera guy cleared his throat, causing the girl to break eye contact. Nikki, keep her talking. I’m still rolling. This is exactly the stuff the station wants you to get.

The girl took a deep breath before plastering a fake smile across her lips. You seem concerned over tomorrow’s predictions. What do you think is going to happen?

Erika attempted to avoid being caught on camera, but it was trained on her. She finally gave up and instead focused her gaze on Nikki’s. People are going to die. You’re going to be one of them if you don’t get out of here.

Nikki’s smile faltered, but she managed to ask, Don’t you think you’re panicking a bit early? You’re fleeing the country before anything even happens.

By the time something happens, it will be too late, Erika said, desperately trying to get through to her. "Do you think they’re going to fly everyone out before it sinks? They won’t have time.