Circle Quartet: 24

Chapter 24

“Abbie! Hurry up! Your father is waiting for you down there,” I look out from the window and see Uncle Santos leans against his car, waiting for Abbie.

“I’m hurrying! I’m hurrying! I have to make sure that I got all my stuff packed,” Abbie is doing the double-checking bags packing.

“You’ve already double check those bags last night. Come on! Jeff is also waiting for me,” I urge.

“Okay! Okay! I’m done. Let’s go!” she grabs my hand and teleport to the Academy courtyard where most of the parents are waiting for their children.

We’re now having a 10-day break and this is the moment that we all waiting so badly. After passing the physical and courageous test, we’re given this golden opportunity to spend our precious breaks with the family.

I thought that I can go back to Sewra but Jeff called me last night, telling me that we’re going to spend the first 3 days at Uncle Anders’ house. And my family is going to be there too. I can’t wait to meet Dad, Mom, Ace and Sable!

Abbie and I hurry to the courtyard. Abbie hugs her father tight until he nearly chokes. I, on the other hand, am looking for Jeff. After the test that night, I hit him with a stick that I’ve found near the base camp on his head several times because of what he’d told Grandma Zelda. He’s even complotting with Stefan to win my heart back! What a jerk!

“I’m going to miss you, Alice,” Abbie hugs me and I pat her back gently.

“You too, Abbie,” I let go of her hugs. “Send my regards to the rest of your family.”

“Sure. Oh, by the way,” she whispers to my ear, “don’t forget to tell me more about you and Stefan during the break. I’m waiting for the good news!” she giggles excitedly.

I roll my eyes. Now that she knew about the night where we’re having the test in the Dummy Forest, she can’t stop asking me about when I’m going to get married with Stefan. Yes, Stefan and I are together again but it doesn’t mean that I have to marry him straight away.

Jeff honks the car twice and I get in his car. We’re going to Uncle Sanders’ house by car. I wave at Abbie before she’s out of my sight. Beatrice is supposed to join us too but she needs to escort Grandma Zelda back to Sewra first.

The journey will take about 5 hours so Jeff already prepared some CD songs so that we can sing a long together on our way there. Besides, Jeff takes another route which is the countryside route to Uncle Anders’ house. But 2 hours later, my eyelids are getting heavier.

“Wakey! Wakey! Little buddy!” Jeff pinches my not-so-puffy cheek.

“Ouch! That’s hurt, Jeff!” I yell. I want to punch him in the face but he’s driving the car. So I better save it for the last. Wait until we reach our destination, I’m going to strangle him!

Jeff laughs his heart out. He really likes to tease me, especially when I’m getting sleepy. “There’s the blood supply in the bag. Dad asks me to double the supply in case you’re getting weirdly hungry.”

I grab the bag at the back seat and take one bottle out. This one is new. “Hey, this is the new one. Haven’t seen this label before,” I say, peering at the label, trying to read what’s written there.

“That’s from Grandma Maegan. It’s the rare type and I tell you, this one is very delicious. It’s the present for you anyway,” he replies without looking at me.

I take a sip and my eyes widen. Jeff is right! It’s delicious! I sip some more. “Here, have some. It’ll regain your energy. You’ve been driving for almost 3 hours now,” I hand the bottle to him.

“Thanks,” he smiles and takes the bottle from me.

“Want to switch?” I raise my eyebrows after he takes a sip of that delicious blood.

“No way! You drive like a mad woman. You’ve broke Dad’s car more than 5 times. Like I’m going to let you – ouch! Hey, I’m driving here!” he yelps as I pinch him hard on his arm.

“Don’t you dare call me mad woman, Jeff,” I glare at him.

“Oooohhh, the vampire lady got mad,” he snickers.

I pinch him one more time and turn my face to the window. Now I realize that we’re driving along the forest. Thick forest.

“Is this the right route, Jeff? It looks weird to me,” I frown.

“This is what we call a short cut. Don’t worry, Alice dear. We’re not lost,” he pats on my head.

Nearly an hour later…

“Okay…we’re quite lost, I guess,” Jeff chuckles and as we stop at the side of the road.

I roll my eyes. “Now what are we going to do?” I cross my arms to my chest, glancing at him.

“Well…umm…let’s see,” he looks around. “Alright, the coast is clear.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Ever rides a flying car before?” he raises his eyebrows several times.

I shake my head. I know. He’s up to something. He always has these nasty little plans inside in his head and I’m the one who only agree with his nasty little plans.

“Fasten your seat belt, little buddy, ‘cause we’re going to fly! Ready?” he grips the steering wheel.

I nod and can’t wait to ride a flying car. Jeff cast a spell and the car slowly floating in the air. Then he cast another spell. Two wings – like an aeroplane wings but much smaller, appear from the side of the car. Now this is going to be cool!

“Dash off!” Jeff pulls the gear and we soar up into the sky. I can’t stop screaming with excitement.

20 minutes later, I can see Uncle Anders’ house from the sky. “There! There! We’re here!” I point to the mansion which is looking smaller from up here.

“Good! We’re finally here! Now, hold on tight, Alice. We’re going to land,” Jeff wheels the car and dives down straight to the courtyard.

“Wait! Jeff! Wait!!” I scream but it’s too late now because this flying car is going to make a crash landing. There’s no way we’re going to have a safe land.

Jeff jerk the hand break as we nearly hit a big pine tree and the car stops with a loud thump. I’m now panting to death!

“Well, here we are!” Jeff announces.

I get out from the car and jump to the ground. “I’m safe! I’m alive! I can’t believe I’m alive!”

“Prepare to die, trespassers!” Two little boys are standing not far from me holding something like gun.

“You’re going down!” One of them yell and ready to shoot.

“We’ll see about that,” I smirk and stand up again. These two boys are really pain in the neck.