Circle Quartet: 12

Chapter 12

 Uncle Santos picked me up at the station and he’s very happy to see me. I gave him a big warm hug. He picks up my two large bags and heads to the car. I haven’t seen Stefan and Tavis when I get down from the train. Uncle Santos puts the bags in the car boot and we’re ready to go.

I’m speechless as I enter Street 69. It’s been two years since I came here with my family for Family Day. Most of my relatives on Dad’s side live here. And yes, they are vampires. Genuine vampires. They knew that I’ll be coming so they put up some colourful banners saying ‘Welcome, Alice!’ I feel like I’m a superstar or something. But there’s no one on the street. Not even cats or dogs can be found.

Uncle Santos’ house is number two. The number one is Uncle Aaron’s house, Dad’s eldest brother. Aunt Sallie and her children cheerfully greet me. We hug and kiss on the cheek with each other and they ask me about my journey. I tell them that the train ride is quite interesting but I don’t mention about meeting Stefan and Tavis. Aileen, Aunt Sallie’s youngest daughter excitedly grabs my hand and shows me her play house with lots of teddy bears.

My cousin, Abbie, shows me her room. From now on, I’m sharing room with her as well as her two sisters, Adele and Aileen. The room is big enough for four people and I can see some collections of teddy bears at the corner. It must be Aileen’s. She’s addicted to teddy bears and each of them has the names tagged with collars.

I join them for hi-tea at the backyard. Aunt Sallie loves gardening, just like Mom. She even plants some herbs near the kitchen windows. They bombard me with questions about my families and school and Stefan. Adele wants to know how he and I get along. I just say that we’re good friends even though we’re not.

“There’ll be a barbecue tonight at the Gathering Park. All of us will be there and this barbecue is a special greeting for you, Alice,” says Aunt Sallie.

“Yeah, we even put the banners along the street. Have you seen them?” says Mack while munching on his cakes. He’s the only vampire who likes sweet things.

“I like those banners! You guys make me feel like I’m a superstar!” I giggle.

“Everybody is waiting for you, Alice. It’s been two years. So we decided to do something that will make you are welcome here,” Aunt Sallie smiles.

Circle Quartet: 11

Chapter 11

It’s another mundane Monday. The sky is quite gloomy and huge puffy grey clouds floating slowly. Rough wind shakes the trees which most of them are nearly naked. The branches sway like they are waving to the clouds. Winter is coming soon. I put on my thick maroon sweater and gloves. Sometimes I can’t stand the cold even after having a nice warm shower.

I join my family in the main dining hall. Aunt Ada cooks lots of foods today such as bacon sandwiches, porridge, tuna rolls, and mashed potatoes and of course my favourite food of all time, garlic bread with mushroom soup. Beatrice is the only one who is not here with us because she already left for her college. I think she’s going to be busy on her studies and missions.

After having nice breakfast – I ate up all the bread sticks and Aunt Ada packed me more garlic bread sticks, sandwiches and tuna rolls in two lunch boxes with two bottles of mineral water. Dad gets the car ready in front of the porch. Ace and Sable help me put the bags in the car boot and I check my things again before getting in the car. Mom trots to the car afterwards with Grandma Zelda.

Grandma Zelda hugs me and gives me a peck on both of my cheeks, telling me to be careful along the journey. My uncles, aunties and cousins waves me goodbye as I get on the car and rolls down the window. I wave them back and send some flying kisses to my little cousins. Ace and Sable join me afterwards. Dad honks the car and drives out of the driveway. I pop my head out of the window where the wind brushes my short and choppy hair and wave at the huge mansion.

Goodbye nice and spacious room. Goodbye big lovely mansion. Goodbye Sewra. Till we meet again.

17 years living in that mansion give me lots of good memorable days. I feel a little sad for leaving the house, the families. I nearly burst into tears but crying won’t help me in this situation. Life must go on.

We don’t talk much on the way to the train station. I know Ace and Sable are sad because I won’t live with them anymore. I know how they feel. It’s the same when Jeff had to leave too. Sable is the saddest among two of them. I think because he’s the youngest so he’s kind of sensitive. I can easily recognize the feelings written on his face, not like Ace. Ace is good in hiding his true feelings.

We arrive at the train station in 20 minutes. It’s been ten years since I boarded the train. The last time I boarded this train when I was 7 years old. But the train has hardly changed at all; it’s still the steam train. And yes, I’m heading to the same place like ten years ago. Not so many people prefer to board this steam train. Sable told me that he didn’t like it too. I know it’s because the train is slower than the electrical train. But still, I prefer this one. Although the journey may take some times, I enjoy watching the beautiful scenery along the way.

Mom gives me another big warm hug and so as Dad. Mom keeps reminding me about the do’s and the don’ts; she still thinks that I’m 7, not 17. Well, that’s a mother. Always worries about her children’s safety, especially to the daughters. Dad gives me the last pats on the back. Then I hug Ace and Sable and tell them to text or email me if they feel lonely. I don’t think they’ll be.

The train shriek in a shrilling voice, telling the passengers to board immediately. I take my two bags, wave them goodbye and board the train. I take a seat near the window and wave to my family again. The bell rings and the whistle whistles. It’s time to go. I can hear the chugging and the train slowly moves. I wave to them until I can’t see their figures anymore.

I look at the number on the ticket and search for my sleeping compartment. The compartment is quite comfortable with bed and a seat near the panoramic window. I put my bag pack on the bed and take a seat. I can see rows of tall buildings and houses. When I was little, Jeff and I love to sit near the panoramic window. Sometimes we popped our heads from the window to feel the wind blew on our faces. Sometimes we liked to wave at the people who lives nearby the railway.

Half an hour later, the train enters the countryside. This is the scene that I’ve been waiting. I can see lots of farms; farmers are doing their jobs and their live stocks munching the grasses. I can see some horses too. Few minutes later, my stomach grumbles. I decide to have my lunch at the dining section.

I take a seat quite far from the chattering folks; only few of teenagers that can be seen around here. I open my first lunchbox which contains 3 bacon sandwiches and 5 garlic bread sticks. As I munch the sandwiches, I spot a guy who is disturbingly familiar. He’s wearing a black leather jacket with dark blue jeans. Wait a minute! Isn’t that Stefan?

Our eyes meet and that guy approaches to my seat. It is Stefan! What is he doing here?

“Alice? What are you doing here?” he asks.

“What do you mean ‘what am I doing here’? What are you doing here?” I frown. This is getting suspicious. Is he following me?

“I’m going to the Academy but I will be staying at my friend’s house for few days. What about you?” he answers and sits in front of me.

“I’m going to the Academy too but I’m staying at my relative’s at Street 69,” I take another bite, not to bother to ask him if he wants some.

“You come here alone?” he asks.

Hello. Am I sitting with somebody else here?

“Yeah. And you?”

“Tavis is here too but he’s having a tantrum in our sleeping compartment. I think you should talk to him. He doesn’t want to listen to me,” he sighs. “Can you come with me after you finish your lunch?”

I think for few seconds and nod. Stefan thanks me and takes out his lunch box. We have silence lunch and after that I follow him to his sleeping compartment which is next to mine.

Tavis is pouting and look at the window. Stefan tells him that I’m here and Tavis turns to me and suddenly jumps from his seat and hugs me tight. He’s glad that I’m here. He lets go off me when Stefan clears his throats few times. I bring my lunch box and offer him the sandwiches.

He eats the sandwiches happily and tells me that he doesn’t want to come in the first place. Uncle Azure forced him to have his special training at the Academy for his carelessness. No wonder he’s been matched with Raina. Both of them are careless. I think Raina should have the special training with Tavis too rather than forcing her to memorize every single spell in three days. Raina love spell-casting so there will be no problem for her in doing that.

Tavis nags about Uncle Azure being unfair for half an hour. Stefan and I are being good listeners. As I see Tavis has let go all of his unsatisfying feeling, I ask him to play I Spot. He agrees and we start asking question of things that we spot along the way. Stefan joins the game too but his questions are too easy. Tavis then feels tired and falls asleep.

Before I leave the compartment, Stefan thanks me and at the same time apologizing for the trouble. I tell him not to worry because I enjoy listening to Tavis’ nagging. Tavis is just like Sable. They like to nag until they feel satisfied. I go back to my compartment and lay on the bed. I look at my watch; two more hours before I reach my destination. I think I’m going to catch few winks.  

Seize The Day

My old best friend, Kersani, dedicated this song to me. Thanks, old pal!

Circle Quartet: Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Our horse cart stops in front of a cave. The coach opens the door for us. As I step out from the cart, I know that we’re now in a country side. The place is surrounded by shady trees and I can hear the sound of birds chirping and the river flowing. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. How I love the smell of nature! Jeff thanks the coach before he disappears. I know that the coach is one of Grandma Zelda’s henchmen.

“A cave?” whines Sable after he stretches his tired body. “I thought we’re going to the Main House of Circle.”

“Can you please stop whining? I have enough with are-we-there-yet questions back then,” I glare at him. Sable always complains and whines whenever he boards any vehicle except for the aeroplane. He doesn’t like to ride something that is slow.

“This is the right place, guys. Welcome to the 5^th Stop, Calore Cave,” Jeff gives a warm welcome smile. “It looks like a cave on the outside because the House is heavily guarded by special binding spell. Did you have your invitation cards?” We nod in unison.

The first rule to enter the Main House is to have the invitation card. Nobody can enter without the invitation card. I printed the invitation card last night and fold it neatly and put it inside the cloak. We hold the invitation cards and step in.

In a blink, the cave turns into buildings like an ancient China palace. Palm trees line up beside the walkway. Bonzais are mushrooming everywhere. The green mown lawn paved the ground. We walk in a slow pace and look around with awe. This place is so amazing! The Main House stands proudly in front of us. The steps are covered with the finest marble and I can hear the clacking sound of my black leather shoes.

Strong, tall pillars standing at each corner of the House and there’s another huge stairs waiting for us. We climb the stairs that are coated with gold and reach at the hallway where rows of rooms stand both left and right. Each door has its number. Jeff tells us to look at the number in the invitation cards. The numbers represent the rooms and we must wait in that room before we’re being called by the Elders of Circle.

My room is number 17. That’s the sweet number because I’m now 17 (but I don’t think I act like one, though). I slowly twist the golden door knob and enter the room which is not too big. It has a sofa, a small cupboard, a mini fridge, a stand mirror, and an LCD TV pasted on the wall, facing the sofa. The room is air-conditioned and perfumed with citrus. I look around the room and stop in front of the mirror. I am wearing a tuxedo wrapped in a cloak – the dress code for vampires.

Suddenly the TV switches on by itself and Grandma Zelda appears. She makes me jump because I can see the reflection from the mirror. She ties her greyish hair into bun and she looks happy.

“Good morning, children. I hope that all of you are here by now. The meeting will start in 10 minutes. You may enter the Hall on the third floor. Bring your invitation card and no talking. Thank you.” The TV switches off. The time has come. I check the invitation card before leaving the room. I meet Beatrice and Raven but I just smile and nod at them. Rules number two: you can’t make any conversation in the hallway unless you are allowed to do so.

The Hall is like a parliament house. The seats arranged in U-shape, facing the two rows of seats; the Eldest of Circle and First-Rank Commanders. Each seat for Representatives has our names written on the desk. My seat is in the middle. Rule number three: You can sit down when your name being called. So, I have to remain standing and waiting for my name to be mention.

The Elders are already here and they are having whispering chit-chat. The Commanders, on the other hand, are just arrived and they are taking their seats. One of them is Jeff, sitting next to Uncle Anders, Mom’s eldest brother. There are four Commanders from each clan. The other two are Uncle Azure, Stefan’s father and Madison, Raven’s cousin from her mother’s side.

“Calling upon the Representative of the Amber clan,” Grandma Maegan, who is wearing the golden high-neck cloak, announces.

I bow and sit down. At last, after being tired of standing up, I can rest myself on the comfortable chair.

“Calling upon the Representatives of the Black clan,” Grandma Zelda announces. She looks magnificent in her golden satin robes.

The Blacks bow and take their seats. They are wearing black satin cloak with hood. As they sit down, they uncover their hoods and look around. I can see my cousins; Dafne, Andrew and Harold, sitting next to each other.

“Calling upon the Representatives of the Primrose clan,” Grandma Tanya announces. She looks rather young than my other two grandmothers because she’s wearing golden turtle neck jumper with a scarf curls to her neck.

Raven and Armand, her brother bow and sit down. Both of them wear cream sleeveless turtle neck jumper. Raven wears knee-length skirts while Armand wears khaki shorts. Our eyes are eyeing Armand for he’s the youngest among us all. I guess that he’s the rare type just like Jeff. If he’s not then he won’t be promoted to be part of the Circle.

“Calling upon the Representatives of the Silver clan,” Mr. Saba, who has long silver hair, announces. He’s Stefan’s grandfather and he looks handsome in his golden armour-like suit.

Stefan and his brothers take their seats. They are wearing grey leather jacket and gloves. Stefan looks cool but I don’t really like his unruly hair. He looks like he never combs his hair.

“Welcome to the Main House of Circle,” greets Grandma Zelda as she’s the Head of the Elders for this year. “Congratulations to all of you. You have made one good step ahead just like your parents. You have been chosen to be part of the Circle not only because of your bloodline but also your strengths, discipline and good skills. And this year we have another rare type just like Commander Amber-Black.” Jeff glances at Grandma Zelda and smiles. “May you come in front, Armand Primrose.”

Armand stands up and walks up to the front, between our seats and the Main seats. Then he bows to the Elders with honour. “Raise your head, young man,” says Mr. Saba. Armand slowly raises his head.

“Armand, you’ll be carrying two family names which are Primrose-Black. You are the youngest to carry this name. You have shown that you have great talents in shape-shifting and casting the spells,” Grandma Zelda smiles at him. Then Armand goes back to his seat.

And now, the main agenda begins. A sheet of agreement letter magically appears on our desk. Grandma Zelda explains briefly about the agreements. Our names have been written to each letter so all do we need is to read carefully before signing it. Back then, during Grandma Zelda’s era, they had to swear the oath by standing and read the oath loudly. Then they used blood as the signature of the agreement.

But in modern world like we are living in right now, we don’t need to swear loudly. All we need is to read the agreement letter and sign it by using a red pen in exchange of using blood. I read the letter carefully, word by word. The letter says:

I, Alice Amber, from the Vampire clan, swore to:

1. Strictly adhere to the tasks and orders from the Elders.
2. Complete all the tasks and missions that will be given.
3. Join forces from other clan in certain missions.
4. Take all the jobs with responsible and honour.
5. Never betray the clan and the Circle.
6. Keep secret of the clan from any other ordinary creature – especially humans.
7. Not kill humans for pleasure or without explainable reasons.
8. Be willing to sacrifice and die with honour.

I agree with all the rules stated above.

I read rules number eight few times. The missions must be harder than I thought. I confidently take the red pen and sign my name at the bottom of the letter. I put the pen back to its case at right top of the desk. When everyone signs theirs, Grandma Zelda clicks her fingers and the letters fly to her.

“You have signed the agreement. Before we adjourn our meeting, is there any questions would you like to ask?” asks Grandma Zelda.

Oh, please! Don’t ask questions. It’s kind of cold here even though I’m wearing tuxedo and a cloak. Raina raises up her hand. Everybody stares to her. Now what kind of question the she wants to ask? I hope that she won’t ask something ridiculous.

“Yes, Raina,” Grandma Maegan gestures her hand to Raina.

Raina stands up and clears her throat. Everyone can’t wait to what she’ll ask. “Is there any allowance for the complete mission?” she smiles sheepishly.

We moan in annoyance and roll our eyes. How dare she ask for the allowance?

Mr. Saba laughs out loud. Grandma Zelda clears her throat and makes Mr. Saba to shut his mouth but he still wants to laugh.

“Raina, I want to see you after this.” Raina gulps. “All off you may leave the Hall and have your lunch in the Dining Hall,” Grandma Zelda announces and she stands up.

All of us hurry to the Dining Hall, leaving Raina behind. I hope that Grandma Zelda won’t punish her like any other days.

HIgher

Here's another song that makes me feel energetic!

Enjoy!

Super Star

My favourite Chinese song!

Enjoy!

Circle Quartet: Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“Hooray! Hooray! It’s a Holi-Holiday! What a world of fun for everyone, Holi-Holiday! Hooray! Hooray! It’s a Holi-Holiday! Sing a summer song, skip along, Holi-Holiday, it’s a Holi-Holiday!” Ace, Sable and I are enjoying ourselves while jumping here and there.

Holiday is the day that everybody is waiting for, whether we are too young or too old, like me. I still like jumping around either feeling joyous or ferocious. Sometimes I can get too excited that I don’t know why that I jump. Dad just laughs and shakes his head, reading his beloved Sunday Morning newspaper while Mom gives us warning nearly 4 times now. We don’t care whether we will be turned into dust-bunnies or whatsoever. We just want to jump, that’s all.

There will be no formal dinner with Grandma Zelda like usual today so I spend my whole mundane Sunday with my family in the family chamber. After we received the invitation to the Circle, we must not say any word about it to anyone except our own family. My cousins, too, are spending their time their families. It has become the custom before going to the Main House of the Circle which is located I-don’t-know-where. I never been there and when I try to ask my parents, they tell me that time will tell.

“Children, if I see you guys jumping on the sofa again, I’ll call your grandmother and cancel your name for the Circle. Don’t think that I can’t do that!” her hands on her hips while holding a feather duster. That thing can be helpful and can be dangerous too, for us.

We stop jumping around, giving her sweet smiles and carefully sit on the sofa where Dad is sticking his nose to the newspaper. I think he’s reading about the golf tournament for he is the big fan of Tiger Woods.

“Now be good children or your mother will combust this room and turn us all into a scorching lobsters,” says Dad, without looking at us. That’s how Dad gives his warning. We laugh guiltily and nod.

“How about you guys help me doing some cleaning rather than jumping around like a chicken lost its tail? Sable and Ace, you two clean the living room and you young lady,” Mom points to me with the fiery feather duster, “have to help me clean up the kitchen. Now!”

We scramble in panic like a scrambling black ant. I quickly go to the kitchen with Mom. She tells me to mop the floor as she’s already swept it. I pick a pail and a mop from the toilet and pour some floor detergent after filling the pail with water. The cleaning begins.

Mom loves doing house chores. She’ll do it every day whether she’s busy or not. If she’s busy, she’ll use magic but she prefers to do it by herself because this is her daily habit since she was young. She makes sure that everything is neat and tidy, no dust on the table and windows. The toilet must always smell nice and glitteringly clean. Not to mention that the books on the shelves must be neatly arrange.

Mom gives me permission to take an afternoon nap and I cheer and give her a sweet kiss on her cheek. She usually forbids me to sleep in the afternoon but now I need to suit myself to be active during night time. For a vampire, we are a night creature. We sleep in daylight and active at night. Unlike Dad who prefers sleeping at night because he works during daytime.

“And that’s why I’ve been thrown away here rather than being with my own clan,” he said one day when I asked him about it.

“You’ve been thrown away? That’s horrid!” My eyes widened.

“Just joking, little buddy!” he laughed and patted on my head.

Dad loves joking around just like my brothers. They always have some crazy ideas and ended with laughter. If Jeff joined them, it will be more hilarious.

Mom and I go to the grocery store to buy some ingredients for dinner. We are having beef stew and this time I’ll do the cooking. I’m not really good in cook (did I mention that earlier?). It’s the tradition from my Mom’s side that every daughter has to learn cooking and master it before they get married. Well, I’m still young and I think marriage is way too early.

“Today you are going to learn how to make beef and barley stew. So we need pearl barley, a turnip and of course the stew beef,” Mom says as we stroll in the frozen food and vegetables section. I look at the list that Mom made it before coming here and pick the stuffs that we need.

“How about wine?” I ask when we are going to the counter.

“I already ordered the wine. The best wine ever,” Mom smiles and we pay the goods. We go straight home after shopping the groceries and Mom seems happy today. She can’t stop smiling and when I ask her, she says that she’s enjoying herself. I think she’s hiding something from me. I try to read her mind but she blocks it with magic.

“Surprise!” I nearly drop the grocery bag as Jeff open the door with arms wide open. “I’m home!” He hugs me tight that I can hardly breathe.

“Jeff, let you sister put the grocery bag in the kitchen first. Then you can hug her,” says Mom. Jeff chuckles and says sorry.

I go to the kitchen and put the groceries in the fridge. Jeff helps me too. Then we go to the living room and he hugs me again.

“Happy belated graduation day, Alice. I hope that I’m not too late to say it. And I have some presents for you,” he takes out some paper bags. “This is for you two, Ace, Sable,” he hands the black paper bags to both of them. “And this one is for you!” he hands me the red paper bag.

Three of us gobble the paper bags. Ace and Sable get a wizard cloak. “Do you guys like it? I ordered them special for you, with your name at the back.”

“Thanks, Jeff! You are the best big brother ever!” They hug Jeff.

I get a box of chocolate and a vampire cloak.

“Thanks Jeff!” I hug him too.

“Hey, how come you’re the only one who gets the chocolate?” asks Sable.

“Because this is my graduation day present,” I smirk.

“That’s not fair,” Sable frowns. “Jeff, I want chocolate too.”

“I’ll give you for your next birthday, young man,” Jeff pats Sable’s shoulder. “Try the cloak, Alice. I think it suits you.”

I put on the cloak and stand in front of the stand mirror near the TV. I like it. This cloak looks cool.

“Okay, it’s cooking time. Alice, put away your cloak and come to the kitchen,” Mom gives order.

“You’re going to cook for dinner?” Ace does not believe what Mom just said.

“Of course. You got problem with that?” I frown at him.

“No, no, nothing at all. Just don’t blow up the kitchen,” he says and I smack him on the head.

We eat dinner together and everyone loves my beef and barley stew especially Ace and Sable. They are beef lovers, what can I expect. Jeff bought the best wine that Mom mentioned at the grocery store this evening. I don’t drink wine, actually. I prefer the blood. Jeff brings another box of supplies and this makes me happy.

“Are you having a break?” I ask Jeff when we are having ice-cream for dessert.

“Nope. I’m now a delivery boy,” he smiles and raises his eyebrows.

“A new job?” asks Dad.

“Not really. Grandma Maegan orders me to deliver the schedule to the Circle tomorrow. You guys,” he points to three of us with the spoon, “are going with me. You must be ready at 8 o’clock sharp. The meeting will start and 10. The late comers will be punished.” Now Jeff looks serious.