Chapter 0: Bond

Penumbra

Chapter 0

Bond

Created By: Fredy

Whitefss.blogspot.com

Leakerfredy@gmail.com

  

This story is written only for fun, not meant to offend anybody. Thank you.

The world we live in is not the world we think it is. Legends are written and told from generation to generation for a reason. Some legends were made up and exaggerated; but some weren’t.

“Once upon a time, in a small village, there born a child named Christopher.” A soft voice said.“His father was a hunter as many of the other villagers were. They gathered and hunted for their food in the forest surrounding their small village. Even though so, there was a threat within the forest. It was said that there were monsters within the forest that only appear during the night. It was also said that whoever went out at night, they would never return. Many people had gone missing throughout the decades. At a point, people stopped hunting, and did farming instead.

“Twenty years had passed since the gossip spread. Big wooden wall was built surrounding the village in case of the rumored monsters came to attack. Christopher had grown into a great man. Being proud of himself, he recruited a lot of young fresh lads. He would want to eliminate the threat within the forest so people would be safe going to the forest again. So, about thirty tough-looking people joined him. He went to the forest with his team with the mission to eliminate the forest threat or return with meat instead. He went deeper and deeper. But they hadn't found anything, not even animals. Where are the animals? He questioned himself. So, with his impetuosity, he went even deeper.

“Sky was getting dark. Torches were lit up and the journey continued. At the night, trees looked even scarier. It was whether the trees were frightening them or the trees themselves were frightened. As the wind blew, the surroundings became suspicious. They felt something was following them, slowly observing their movements. They thought that it was wolf or other fierce animal. But suddenly, pale dark-yellowish figures shaped like human with over-muscled body, wearing thick random cloth and metals put together as armors and helmets, wielding giant weapons such as axe, sword or spear, ambushed them from every side as fearful roar were heard filling the quiet night. Seeing the big scary figures, they panicked in an instant. They were greatly outnumbered, not to mention, completely surrounded; a doomed battle for Christopher’s group.

One of the monsters let out a roar and charged towards them as the others followed. Christopher’s team fought for their survival. Fortunately, those monster figures were not so good and slow in battle. But still, they were not easy to kill as a strong cut to their necks would only tearing a little of the stone-like muscle they had, and they also had such enormous strength that blocking their attacks would toss the blockers back. Every one of Christopher’s team was slaughtered except himself. He successfully escaped the enemies while his friends were being massacred. He kept running aimlessly to random directions; he went too deep within the forest and was completely lost. With faint hope, he kept running. Now, the night became even scarier. Anything scared him to his bone; insect’s sound; falling leaves.

“Sadly, he stepped on a net trap, and was pulled up by the net. His heart stopped by the time he was pulled up by the trap. His hope was all lost in an instant. He could only imagine what they would do to him. He tried to cut the trap rope with his small dagger he kept in his leg’s pocket but the dagger had fallen when he was pulled up. He tried to find anything around him to help but he could only see the big tree trunks out from his reach even though he tried to swing around him. He was in despair as he waited for his fate.

“Not long, He heard some voice. He turned down, sweating heavily as he prayed for his life. He saw three skinny tall figures below him. The net was lowered down by one of the figures. He prepared to reach his dagger below him as he faked his unconsciousness. As he reached the ground, without wasting another second, he quickly picked his dagger, got up and attacked the figures, trying to stab them with the small dagger he had. But the one of the tall figures in front him grabbed his hand and disarmed him quickly. He was then pushed back and fell down. They were well skilled. He was scared. But his eyes observed the shady figures there; they were three dark-skinned men. Their skin color was like deep ocean color at night. They had long unusual ears. Their pupils were dark colored. Their heads were long. Their hair differed from those of humans' but looked like tree leaves. He was petrified for a moment. But he had a hunch that they weren't one of those monsters. They looked much taller, thinner, not to mention, cleverer and faster. Within his notice, they were wearing simple armors made with combination wood, leaf, vine and some natural coloring ingredients. He thought maybe they were hunters from other village.

“Suddenly, they showed him an unexpected warm greeting by bowing towards Christopher. And so he greeted back as he got up and bow towards them. They spoke a very strange language that Christopher didn’t understand. Seeing that Christopher didn’t understand, they changed their language into the ones that Christopher spoke. They asked him if he saw any strange monstrous living things around. He nodded and told them that his team was just slaughtered by some kind of monsters. They were surprised by the news and felt sorry for his comrades. They invited him to their home to prepare for retaliation.

“There, he met with lots of their kin. They lived on tree houses on gigantic trees. They looked like preparing for war. They explained to him about things he met. The monsters were called Orcs, the demons' right hand. They had been trying to hunt all of the Orcs infested area within their forest. And they also explained about themselves. They were the Elves, guardian of the forest. They were sort of the protectors of nature including trees and animals. The animals were brought to safety after the massive drops in population to prevent extinction.”

“Mom, what is a Demon?” A boy’s voice suddenly asked.

“Demons are bad guys, like vampires and monsters.” The soft voice replied.

“I’m scared…” The boy said.

“Don’t be, because there are always good guys who will defeat them.”

“Like Angel?”

“Especially Angel! Let’s continue our story.

“So, Christopher felt guilty as his kin had been killing animals and cutting down trees even though the Elves ignored that because they just cause a very slight damage compared to what the Orcs did although some of the group with spirally ornament markings on their faces seemed to disagree with the statement.

“The night wore on. And the decision was made. They marched up with Christopher. The Elves’ mission was to send him home safely first as according to them, the humans were not able to fight against the Orcs. Their mission after that was to regroup to the main team to eliminate the Orcs within the forest. Christopher warned them about the Orcs’ massive number. They said to him not to worry because the Orcs were not very good in battle despite their big tough scary body.

“They escorted Christopher back. But the Orcs ambushed them. They all fought bravely to break loose, but the Orcs were too persistent and outnumbered them. They had tough stiff muscled body which was hard to penetrate by their weapons. The Elves tried to create an opening to let traumatized Christopher to escape but it was failed. The Elves were trying their best to protect Christopher while dodging every single of the Orcs attacks. But they were pushed back slowly from every side.

“In that hopeless condition, suddenly, an eagle struck on an Orc as its claws stabbed fast into its neck. Then the trees nearby smashed the Orcs. Then many other animals such as deers, bears, and oxen began to join the fight. The Orcs were aghast by the surprise attack by the agile and powerful animals. Christopher noticed the some kind of black spirally ornament markings on each of the animals’ face that made him realized that those animals were actually transformation of the Elves. This realization put him a little unease since his kin could be killing those people since ancient times. Then Christopher heard a spell being enchanted by one of the Elves which then made the trees around them suddenly moves and hit the Orcs. Christopher was surprised. He never knew that the trees were alive. His villagers and he himself often made them into firewood and many things. He was afraid that the trees might attack him for revenge.

“After a long fight, victory was achieved, seeing that nothing was blocking the path, they sent him home. When he reached his village, after giving deep thanks to the Elves, he told what was happening to the villagers. All of them were very grateful to them, so they apologized for their wrong doings in the past and promised that they will never hurt trees or animals. The village then lived in peace a long side the forest Elves and helped each other to protect their home.”

The story book was closed. “That's why we must rescue the trees, Jim.” said a lady to a kid as the lady laid the book titling ‘Christopher and the Forest’ down to her crossed thighs. They were sitting in a clean-white bed room. Things were simple in that room. There was a wardrobe at a corner beside the bed and a table with a lamp at the other side of the bed. A small tower of books is across the bed. She had black-long-straight hair with sweet young face and a shiny ring on her left ring finger that could show that she was just married a few years ago. The kid had the same brown pupils with the lady which could indicate that he was her son. He was around five years old. His hair was short and black.

“But mom, in that story, they said that they won't hurt animals too.” Jim, the little boy, protested.

“Well, especially animals.”She replied with a smile. Out of nowhere, a mosquito flew by around her head. Seeing it, she instantly and instinctively killed it with a single sudden grab.

“Mom!! We must not hurt animals” The kid reminded his mom as his hands shook his mom's left hand.

“Jim! It is an insect! The animals the story meant are not insects.” His mom said.

Jim looked confused.

“You're just five years old; you'll learn more about that in school later.” She smiled as she stroked the boy’s head.

A young man, wearing a black shirt with white tie, so neat indeed, went into the room as he opened the door. The man was very good looking and looked kind and bright. His hair was black short and spiky.

“Daddy!!” The kid exclaimed happily as he ran to the man. The man was smiling warmly. He picked up the kid gently.

“Hey!” The man greeted happily. The lady stood up and walked to the man.

“Mommy just told me the tale about Orcs and Elves.” The kid said.

The father looked a bit surprised as he turned to the lady. “Owh, is that right Celly, honey?” He asked the lady.

“It's okay Amber.” She grinned.

“I think he's just too young to hear that one.” Amber said.

“Why can't I hear that story?” Jim asked innocently.

“It's okay sweetie. Father just worries too much.” Celly said.

“Father, why are you worrying?” Jim asked.

“Oh..hahaha.. Because your mom is so scary.” He giggled and gave Celly a warm kiss. The two silver rings, wedding rings, in their ring fingers, shone, reflecting the light from the lamp on the ceiling of the room.

“Mom is pretty not scary.” Jim protested innocently.

Celly and Amber giggled, staring at their cute son.

Time went by quickly as twelve years had passed and Jim had grown into a teenager.

It was the year 2012, December night, teenage Jim, short-black-haired man wearing white T-shirt and black pants, went down from the second floor. His father, not seemed to have aged a bit, was sitting on a couch beside the stair, reading a newspaper. His mom, with the same appearance as twelve years ago, was in the kitchen beside the couch, behind the stairs, preparing dinner. The entrance door of the room was just straight ahead from the stairs.

“Almost ready, Jim.” She told after she noticed her son. And so he sat on the couch beside his father. Then his father's cell phone rang. He picked it up.

“Hello? Oh, sir Jones… what is it?” He said.

Jim stared at his father.

“Oh, yes. I'll be there.” He closed his phone.

“Leaving again?” Jim asked.

His father tidied the newspaper and put it on the couch beside him. “Yeah.” His father said.

“For what purpose now?” Jim asked.

His father shrugged. “There are issues about corruption within the company.” He reasoned.

Jim sighed.

His father was already wearing the black shirt and white. He was prepared to go. Before he left, he said, “Hey Jim, be good with your mother. Don't disobey her.” He whispered to him. “She is scary, don't try her.” He smiled warmly. Then he left. “I'll be home as soon as possible, honey. Save some food for me.” He said. The car engine could be heard from front of the house.

“Mom, why does dad always say that you're scary?” He asked.

“I have no Idea. May be I'm just scary.” She giggled as she prepared the dish.

“Is there any chance that he hates you? Or maybe you force or pressure him too much?” Jim asked.

“What kind of question is that?” She laughed. “What I'm sure is that he loves me so much. And I've never force or pressure him anything, except…..to eat my jelly.” She giggled.

“Well, your jelly is good. So, it's impossible that he hates it.” Jim concluded.

“I have no idea.” His mom said. Jim took the remote from beneath the couch after a moment searching for it and turned on the TV in front of the couch. He turned it to the news’ channel.

“Scientists still cannot find out what caused the flower to become immortal.” The television sounded as it showed a yellow flower field full of scientists.

“What is it Jim?” Celly asked.

“The yellow petals rain a year ago.” Jim told.

“They are still on it?” Celly asked as she put the food on the table.

“Scientists are stubborn. But a lot of people are also wondering about those stuffs. It caused big problem a while back, remember? Some people take that as the end of the world sign and many other things but nothing happened for a year now.” Jim told.

“Alright, Jim! Dinner’s ready.” Celly told. Jim turned off the television and went to the dining room which was the same as the kitchen.

The next day……

Jim went to school as usual wearing simple brown shirt and pale-yellowish khakis with his dark-grayish shoulder back. He was enjoying the clear sky as he walked to his school. Soon, he arrived to his school. It was pretty wide and big. It had 4 stories and a green garden on the left side of it and a wide parking lot on its right side. It had narrow field in front but the main hall was pretty wide. He went straight up to his class. There, he was sitting in front of a short-black-haired man with light grey T-shirt named John, who was a bit shorter than Jim. There were around 35 of student’s seats in the classroom positioned into 7 rows and 5 columns; and Jim’s seat was placed in the middle of the class. There was a funny guy with blonde hair and dark grey T-shirt named Jack who sat on John’s right side. They both were very talkative. Jim’s left and right sides were empty. In front him; there was a straight-long-black-haired girl named Alicia. She was wearing white and aqua stripped T-shirt with pale-bluish khakis. Emily, a blonde girl with twin-tail hair style who sat at Alicia’s right side, was chatting with her. A redhead girl entered the class with her bright smile.

“Hi, Alice! Jim!” The redhead greeted Jim and the girl who sat in front him.

“Hi Amy!” Jim greeted back. Alicia smiled to Amy instead of speaking. She was kind of mousy. Amy had a very cheerful girl with energetic appearance. That day she was wearing a simple greenish blouse with dark-bluish jeans.

“Yo, Amy!” Jack greeted.

“Amy!” John cheered.

“Sup!” Amy returned with a wide cheerful smile as she put down her books on her table before she went and joined into John and Jack’s conversations. Jim turned to them and smiled. Amy, John and Jack were his usual friends to hang out with. Amy was the brave girl who always took them out for adventure while Jack always seemed to liven up the situation. John was often the guy who acted tough whilst trying to rival with Amy. Jim was often being the one who gave advices and the one who warned them when they went too far.

Alicia seemed to be seriously reading a book. She turned to Jim and his group and stared at them for a moment. They were laughing and talking loudly, dominating the class. She let out a small grin as she turned back to her book whilst stroking her hair with her right hand.

Suddenly, Amy came to her as she asked, “Whatcha readin’?”

Alicia was a little bit startled. But she quickly let out a smile as she replied with her melodious voice, “Nothing really, some story about wizards.”

“Ohh, another fantasy story…” Amy replied as she sat beside Alicia and continued chatting with her.

Jim turned to them and smiled at them. Alicia and Amy seemed to have a strong bond.

Then, a mousy-looking male student entered the class. Many students turned their eyes to him. They liked to disturb him because he was often stayed silent and passive. Because of that, Jim and his group often tried to interact with him. He didn’t respond much but somehow Jim knew that he had begun to be more active.

“Hi, Howard.” Jim greeted.

“Hi.” Howard replied with a smile to Jim. Howard sat on Jim’s left side.

“Oh! Jim…” Alicia called as she turned to Jim. Jim was a little bit surprised.

“My pen.” Alicia asked.

Jim was staring deep into her gorgeous eyes. His heart rate was slowly pacing up. She was not the prettiest girl in the class, but in some people’s eyes, she was an Angel. Jim quickly regained his focus as he replied, “Oh, sorry, I accidentally took it home.” Jim apologized as he took out a blue pen from his bag behind him and returned it to her. “Thank you and sorry.” Jim said again as he gave the pen to Alicia.

“Don’t mention it.” She smiled as she turned away. “Oh, and…”She was about to turn back but was paused as she saw a guy walked pass her. She canceled her intention and turned to her book.

The guy, the cleverest in the class, came to Jim and demanded his book. “Jim, my book?” He asked. He looked cool with his sharp intelligent eyes behind glasses and short brown hair.

“Oh, Kevin. I lend it to John.” Jim said as he turned to John.

Kevin noticed that John was copying his work on his book while still chatting with Jack, ignoring Kevin. Kevin decided to walk away. He looked a bit pissed off.

Seeing Kevin had left, Alicia turned to Jim. “Oh, yes…”

Jim turned his attention to Alicia.

“Jim, my math book, I told you to bring it yesterday.” Alicia demanded.

“Oh, sorry, I forgot to bring it.” Jim apologized as he hit his head with his hand.

Alicia narrowed her eyes whilst holding her smile as she said, “Liar….”

“Really, I forgot to bring it, stubborn girl.” Jim giggled.

She cracked a wide smile as she replied, “Liar…. Don’t make me check your bag.” Alicia warned. She was cheery.

“Go ahead, my lady.” Jim permitted.

Alicia sighed. “Come on, Jim. I know you bring. Stop fooling around. I need that book.” Alicia told with a more serious tone.

“Okay, you got me. Sorry, sorry…” Jim took out a light blue book from his shoulder bag and handed it to her.

“Thank you.” Alicia told.

“You’re welcome, your highness.” Jim praised.

Alicia giggled as she turned away along with her book.

The bell then rang.

“Drama time….” Jim whispered.

“JENG! JENG! Good morning, my beloved class!” A middle-aged male teacher greeted as he opened the door quick yet dramatically. He was wearing old-round glasses and he had black short unruly hair with

“Good morning, our beloved teacher!” The class greeted. It was the procedure.

“Oh, such a nice class on such a nice day! Here, let’s begin the class with a song!” The teacher sung.

“Here we go again.” Jim sighed as he stared at his teacher’s unique personality.

The class then sung a very strange song praising the power of mathematics and science which was composed by the teacher.

 “Okay, class! Thank you! Now, let’s start the class! Bring out your precious-O-magic book!” The teacher asked. The class picked out their math notebooks. The teacher went to the white board and grabbed some markers from his pocket. He took one and put the rest on the teacher’s table.

“O, mighty board, please let me write on you.” The teacher hugged and stroked the board gently.

“Oh, I wonder how can this teacher still teaching.” Jim sighed again.

“Well, let’s get started.” The teacher said as he opened the marker. “Assume that this alpha is thirty-nine and this beta is ninety-nine then the gamma for this angle is…” the teacher said rapidly as he wrote swiftly on the white board. His writing speed was overwhelming as his words were still readable.

“Anyway, his speed IS overwhelming.” Jim sighed again as he wrote slowly. He had ever tried to match his speed with him but he couldn’t no matter how hard he tried. He even ever nearly got his book torn.

“Don’t be grumpy.” Alicia told as she tilted her head to Jim a bit.

“As you wish your highness.” Jim complied.

“And will you stop calling me names?” Alicia giggled as she turned halfway to Jim.

“As you wish my lady.” Jim winked.

“Suit yourself…” Alicia sighed as she turned back to her book and wrote.

The bell rang. Many students went out from the class while the teacher was still putting back his things. Alicia picked out her phone from her pocket. But something else came out. It fell out from her pocket without her noticing.

A hand quickly caught it before it reached the floor. Alicia didn’t notice as she kept talking with Emily.

Jim took it up as he stared at it for a while. It was a lanyard shaped a light-blue crystal dolphin. He tapped Alicia’s shoulder with his finger. Alicia turned to him as Jim showed the lanyard.

“I believe this is yours?” Jim asked.

“Hey, how’d you get it? It was in my pocket.” Alicia said as she took the lanyard and checked her pockets.

“It fell. And I caught it before it got hurt.” Jim smiled.

“Well, thank you then.” She was grateful.

“Precious thing, huh.” Jim teased before Alicia turned away.

“Of course.” Alicia replied. She was blushing. Jim felt so happy for a moment.

She still has it, Jim thought as he cracked a smile.

Amy then came into the class. She noticed that Jack and John were gone. “Yo! Jim! Alice! Food?” Amy asked.

“Alright…” Jim replied as he stood up.

“Sorry, Amy…” Alicia declined.

“See you, then… Come on Jim.”

The canteen was full of students. It was very noise and loud. Jim and Amy were sitting on a small table in the corner with their empty plates. Jim was looking around the canteen while Amy was finishing her canned drink.

“Noisy as always…” Jim sighed.

“Ahhh…” Amy crushed the can. “So, Jim!” She put the can on her empty plate. “When are you going to ask her?”

Jim chuckled, “I knew you would bring that up?”

“Bring what up?

“Alicia… I told you… I don’t think the time is right yet.”

“I am talking about the Christmas party. You must come with a date.”

“Hmm… Who’s saying that I’m going?”

“Seriously, Jim…” Amy sighed.

“Alright, alright… I am planning to ask her. But then, who’s going to ask you?”

“I’ve got John and Jack. Don’t you worry about me!”

“Those guys? You will have a very memorable night” Jim laughed followed by Amy.

After a moment, Amy continued with serious tone, “But Jim… I think I haven’t told you this but Alicia seemed to be extremely closed off when not around school.”

“What do you mean?”

“How to put this… For example, you know that we often make plans right, me and her?”

Jim nodded.

“Well, all of those plans, she cancelled all of them.”

Jim was startled.

“I asked about her but the reasons were mostly the same; that she was feeling not well and wanted to just stay at home.”

Jim was silent.

“It wasn’t just me. No one had ever actually hung out with her outside this school. According to her sister, Ellie, she was also very silent at home.”

“So, you want me to do something about it?” Jim asked.

“Of course, you idiot! She must be feeling lonely or some sort. May be you could be the cure.”

“What a brave speculation.”

“I’m being serious.”

“Okay, okay… It is strange though. She is cheery at school. It doesn’t add up.”

“Anyway, she still keeps the dolphin you gave her on her birthday…”

“The mysterious gift… ahhhh… don’t bring that up… that was the lousiest way to give someone a present.” Jim turned his head down.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. She loved it.” Amy smiled to Jim.

Jim smiled back. “I’ll see what I can do.”

The bell rang. They all went back to the class. Alicia smiled to Jim as he entered the class with Amy.

“Hi, Jim…” Alicia greeted. “Amy…”

He’s here… I think I should ask him first before anyone else does, Ashley thought. I really hope no one had asked him yet.

Jim smiled to her as he returned to his seat.

Now’s the chance! “Anyway, Jim. Are you planning to go to the Christmas party?” Alicia asked as she turned to him with excitement.

Jim was startled. He was petrified for the moment. He didn’t expect Alicia to be the one who asked him first.

Alicia seemed to be waiting for his positive respond. He seemed surprised. I think I know where this is going Alicia thought.

“I can’t…” Jim suddenly replied.

Alicia was startled. Eh… She was not prepared to hear a negative answer. Her face quickly turned to disappointment. “Oh, I’m sorry…”

“No, not what I meant.” Jim added.

Huh? Alicia stared at him.

“I can’t let you do this. I should be the one who should ask.” Jim smiled.

Alicia’s excitement quickly returned as a smile painted on her cheery face.

“Then, it’s a yes?”

Alicia nodded.

It was mid day. The bell rang again. Everyone was getting ready to leave the class.

“Say, Alicia…” Jim called as he put some books from his table to his shoulder back on his lap.

“Yes?” Alicia replied with a smile as she turned to him while putting a book to her lovely aqua shoulder back on her lap.

She looked so happy today… Jim thought. “Do you want to grab some lunch, maybe dinner?” Jim asked.

Wah…He finally asked… “Anytime…” Alicia winked.

“Hmm… What about right now?”

“Would love to…”

“I have something to take care of for a second, meet me at the gate.”

“Okay…” She grinned.

Jim went out, carrying his bag, running towards his friends, John, Jack, and Amy, who were waiting somewhere at the end of the crowded hall.

“How did it go?” Amy asked.

John and Jack seemed to be waiting impatiently for the answer.

“Well, I’ve got a date right now!” Jim uttered.

“Wah! Congratulations!” Amy uttered.

“Nice!” John embraced Jim with his right hand.

“Awesome!” Jack punched Jim’s arm.

“Ouch… haha… Thanks…” Jim chuckled.

“So, so, tell us all about it later okay… the date, the erotica…” Jack said.

“Jack…” Amy sighed.

They were laughing altogether. But suddenly, Jim’s phone rang. He took it out and saw a text message arrived. It was from Alicia.

“A text from Alicia…” Jim said. What could it possibly be…?

“What does it say?” Amy asked.

Jim opened the message.

‘Sorry, I think I have to cancel. I don’t feel well. I’m going home. Bye~’ It read.

“She cancelled…” Jim’s voice was thin. She cancelled…

“What? Let me see…” Amy ran to Jim, followed by Jack.

“Wah, that’s unlucky… dude… She’s totally cheating on you…” Jack said.

“Jack, not the time…” John told.

“I’m sorry, Jim.” Amy said.

“Things like this are common. Don’t take it seriously.” John said.

Jim sighed. “Nah, it’s fine… I’ll ask her again…” Jim smiled to his friends.

“That’s the spirit!” John smiled back.

“I think it’s about time that we find girls for ourselves, John…” Jack said.

“You have a point…” John burst into laughter followed by Jack.

Jim turned back to his phone and replied the message.

Amy was worried.

Amy was right… Jim turned to Amy who was staring to him. But why?

Meanwhile, Alicia was walking alone carrying her shoulder bag. Her phone suddenly vibrated. She took out her silver phone with a crystal dolphin lanyard from her pants pocket. There was a text from Jim.

‘It’s okay. Get well soon! See you tomorrow :D!’ it read.

After reading, Alicia turned off her phone and put it back to her pocket, staring down as she walked, wondering about her actions.

Why did I cancel? Her face was neutral, very different from the expressive face she had during school time. Why am I attracted to him in the first place? What was I doing? What am I doing? She stared up to the empty grayish-blue sky. I am not attracted to him now… but at the school, somehow… It’s like his presence is freeing me… making me more cheerful…

Alicia had stopped walking. She was completely distracted by her thoughts. But somehow right now I don’t want to get near him… somehow… why? Something I can’t explain… I should get going… It was about to rain. Alicia faced forth and continued walking.

“I’m home!” She shouted as she closed the door behind her whilst taking off her shoes with her feet.

There was no reply.

Alicia sighed. Same as always… Alicia put her shoes amongst other shoes on top of the shoe rack beside her. She stared at the shoes beside hers. Ellie is home… She entered the dining room.

Her parents were having lunch and were completely ignoring her.

Alicia felt uneasy around them. She decided to keep walking to her room. She came across two doors. One door had a wooden square with Ellie engraved on it. When Alicia was about to open the opposite door, a female voice echoed in her ear.

“Alice!”

“Mom…?” Alicia muttered as she turned to her parents instantly.

Her parents were still eating quietly.

Alicia paused for a moment before she let out a sigh and opened the door.

Alicia entered the room and turned on the light switch beside the door. As the light was turned on, it revealed the very tidy and clean room. Aqua-ish color could be seen across the room. There was one queen sized bed with around 2 feet tall in the middle of the room with one small table on its left side before the wall with one wide window covered with decorative funny and cute fish curtain. The bed was covered with aqua soft plain furry blanket with two pillows decorated with bluish circular pattern on the bed’s head side. There was one aqua dolphin doll as big as one of the pillows lying on both pillows. On the bed’s right side was 2 feet space before a 5 feet tall big dark-grayish wardrobe with two slide doors; the left one is engraved with wavy pattern like the river; which was beside the entrance to the room; the right one was a mirror. In front of the bed was a 2 feet space before a 3 feet tall expensive-looking wooden desk with a desk lamp, some books against the wall, some plastic fish figures, and some stationary on a black wooden container on it. There was a chair accompanying the desk. It was just plain dark-colored wood with brownish cushion seat. Between the desk and the window, there was an L shaped 5 stories bookshelf full with books with only little space left and with some books stacked on top of it. Between the door and the table was a set of 5 hangers with a thick grayish jacket and thin white jacket hanged on the left hangers. The floor was covered with yellowish ceramics. The dull blue ceiling was with two 3-feet long lamps with many dull paintings of yellow stars. The wall was plain solid blue as it was being repainted.

Alicia closed the white wooden door after her and leaned her bag beside the desk and fell on the bed. Her eyes gazed up to the dull paint of stars on the bluish sky.

What is with them…? They have been acting like this since grandma died… Alicia then turned to the wardrobe on her right side. She was actually staring at the room behind the wardrobe. Ellie is no different. What is going on…? I can’t seem to understand… Alicia turned to her left and picked up the dolphin doll which was right beside her and hugged it as she gazed up back to the starry ceiling. I can’t seem to understand…to understand their behavior… to understand the way I should feel… I should feel sad for being ignored by my own family… but I didn’t… I feel… fine… Why is that…?

She was blank for a moment. I seemed to like loneliness… but why am I feeling different when I’m at school? She paused for a moment before she got up. Ahh… I couldn’t find any understanding… I should stop wondering stuffs these days and focus on more important matter. She got up picked her bag and took out her books. Okay, let’s dig in. She sat in front of her desk, opened one of the books and picked up a pen and started studying.

The sun was still up high in the middle of the day. Jim entered his home.

“Hi! Jim!” A lady called as soon as Jim closed the door before him.

“Oh, hi, mom…” Jim responded. Jim was still wool-gathering as he took off his shoes and socks.

Celly, her mom, could tell that there was something bothering her son. “Is something the matter?” She asked.

“Nothing really…” Jim replied as he walked pass her.

Celly could only stare at her son as he went upstairs. “Your dad will be home soon… There’s jelly if you want some…”

“Okay…” Jim replied as he kept walking up the stairs. He seemed down.

He entered his room and put his bag beside his single-bed as he fell onto the bed. After a while, he turned to the glass window to his right beside a bright wooden wardrobe. The light from the window was filling the room. He could see some birds flew freely on the sky. “Uuh…. What should I do… tomorrow?” Jim covered his eyes with his right hand as he turned away from the window.

Meanwhile, Alicia was daydreaming while she was studying.

What should I do tomorrow…? She thought.

“I hope it’s not awkward…” Jim sighed.

It would be awkward … She thought.

“I hope Amy doesn’t do anything about it…” Jim muttered.

I hope he won’t mention anything… She thought.

“I think I should ask her…” Amy said. She was staring into the sky from her balcony. Her hair was waving like fiery crystal.  One of the slide glass doors behind her was open while the white curtain behind the doors was dancing with the wind. “I should…” She repeated.

Alicia opened the curtain as she looked out the window.

Jim uncovered his eyes and gazed back to the sky.

“Alicia…” Jim and Amy called at the same time.

Amy, Jim, and Alicia were staring into the same sky; As Jack, who was sleeping on his bed visible from his open window; and John, who was leaning on the back of his white plastic chair in front of the laptop on his desk. The laptop was with an email.

‘I’m sorry, son. I must cancel this Christmas plan. Something came up. Take care of yourself there.’

John was staring into the window to his right as he slowly closed the laptop screen. “Dad…” John sighed.

A couple of birds could be seen flying freely from all of their perspective. Alicia returned to her book. John laid himself on the bed beside the table while Amy was still standing on the balcony. After a while she turned back and returned to her room, closing the glass door as she went in. The bird figures still could be seen. Suddenly, another figure shaped like a man with wings pass by the birds. The birds then flew to the opposite side.