Circle Quartet: Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Someone knocks on my door and I know that it is Dad. I open the door and give him a big warm smile.

“How do I look?” I twirl right and left like I’m wearing a dress to a ball.

“You look wonderful but too casual. But it doesn’t matter. It’s just family gathering,” Dad smiles back and pats on my head. He loves doing that since I was a kid.

“Are they here?” I ask.

Dad nods. “They just arrived. Your grandmother can’t wait to see you, honey. Come, to the main living room,” Dad escorts me there.

The main living room is where the guest of honour will be seated. It’s spacious with five sets of sofas and of course the pictures hanging on the wall. It also has big chandeliers. Not to mention the room is air-conditioned. Suddenly I feel quite nervous. Seeing him is the most part of it even though he is part of my family.

“Well, Alice! It’s very nice to meet you!” Grandma Maegan hugs me before I do. “You’ve grown a little and did you cut your hair?”

“It’s nice to see you to, Grandmama!” I hug her back. “Isn’t it nice? I love to keep it short,” I stroke my hair.

“Of course it’s nice, my dear,” she chuckles.

“Let’s adjourn to the dining room. They are waiting for you,” says Mom and looks for someone who has just left. “Looks like someone is really hungry.”

Mom, Dad and Grandma Maegan laughs. We escort her to the dining room. Everybody greets her joyfully and Grandma Zelda hugs her tight, asking about her health. They praise each other and take their seats. Then I spot my rival who is walking towards me.

“It’s been a while, Alice. Did you like my presents that I sent to you last two weeks?” he hugs me.

“Of course, I do. That’s the best blood I ever taste!” I hug him back. I really miss his warm hug but he smells different today. “Did you change your perfume?”

He nods. “The older one is already being used up. So I buy the brand new one. Do you like it? And by the way, there’s another box of supplies just for you. Double purified,” he smiles.

I thank him and take a sit. He sits next to me. This is my rival, Jeff, who carries two family names, Amber-Black - the one and only half vampire and half wizard. And yes, he is my eldest brother.

The feast begins not long after that and everyone is talking about the good old days. Grandma Zelda and Grandma Maegan are good childhood friends and so to me and Jeff. Jeff used to be my best childhood friend I ever had. Wherever he goes, he always drags me along. He never let go off my hand if we’re walking and if I felt tired, he gave me a piggy ride.

Jeff is two years older than me and he’s the most protective brother. He never let anyone bullied me even though I’m strong since I was little. When he went to school, I always wait for him at the porch 15 minutes before he arrived and he always bought something for me such as candies, chocolates and even junk foods. Sometimes Mom forbade him to buy those things.

But everything was change when he turned 15. That’s when Mom and Dad knew that he’s also can cast spells besides drinking blood. He was being promoted to the Witch Academy in account for his rare talents. Then he went to Vampire Academy when he turned 17. He was then promoted to be an assassin as he is good in fighting skills. As an assassin, he has to stay away from home. That’s why he seldom comes back.

I too, want to be an assassin that’s why I see him as my rival. I want to proof that I too, have the same skill as him. I practice martial arts everyday and join Dad in his missions. Dad says that I have sharpened my skills and he sometimes lets me hunt for bad guys with my vampire cousins.

You see, we drink the blood from the culprits that we caught and it’s the witches and wizards work to purify the blood. As Jeff is a half-wizard, he purifies every blood that will be sent to me. I know he wants to show that he still cares about me even though we seldom talk to each other even through phone calls. He writes e-mails but only twice a month.

I feel kind of lonely without him being by my side and it’s not a simple thing to do when you are too young to be left behind. I know that it was not his fault for leaving the house at the young age but still I missed the good and bad days with him. Now here he is, sitting beside me, laughing at the jokes and eat heartily, I feel delightful. I ignore the envious feeling that I have for him all this time. I want to be happy. I want to show to him that I’m happy.

After finishing the desserts, the grandchildren have to clear the table and wash the dishes. The elderly being will adjourn to the main parlour for ‘adult’ talk. The children are strictly forbidden to join in. So, we loiter around the veranda and having nice hot chocolate. Tonight is somehow chilly since the autumn draws near.

Three days fly so fast. It seems that they just came here yesterday. On the last night, I absorb myself once again studying Physics in the library. Lucky me for the three day break so I have lots of time to stuff all the information and formulas into my small brain. Jeff helped me this past three days and he’s really good in Physics. Jeff gives lots of exams tips and the most crucial thing is to sleep early. I look at the clock and it’s already half past ten. Time to go to bed.

I pick up the textbook and walk lazily to my room. I hear the sounds and chattering and laughter from downstairs. They are having nice last chat. Grandma Maegan and Jeff will be leaving tomorrow. I already met Grandma Maegan before heading to the library after dinner. She told me to do the best in my exams. I told her that I’ll spend my school holiday with her for two weeks.

Jeff usually will come to my room and give me some motivational support. He always did that back then. But I’m sure he will come tonight. My eyelids are getting heavier and heavier. I yawn couples of time and lay on the bed. Ah, this is heaven! I wish that the exams will end soon. I can’t wait to be free!

The ring of the alarm clock wakes me up. How did the clock ring? I didn’t remember that I set the alarm last night. Jeff hasn’t come. I feel a little bit frustrated. I yawn and stretch. I have one hour before going to school. As I am now ready to go to school, I spot something on my bed table. A note from Jeff.

Dear Alice,

All the best in your Physics exam today. I’m sure that you can do well. I did come in last night but you already fast asleep. You snored quite loud! Here’s a lucky charm for you! I put the best spells so that you’ll pass the exam. Till we meet again, little buddy!

                                                                                                          Lots of love,

                                                                                                          Jeff

I smile and take a look at the lucky charm he gave to me. It’s a necklace with emerald locket in the middle. It’s very beautiful. Thank you, Jeff. Sorry for having wrong thoughts on you. I’m sure that he’ll understand. I wear the necklace and look at the mirror for one last time. It’s perfect. Physics exam, here I come!