Broken Wings: 3

Chapter 3

16 August 1971

Mama scolded me because I went to play at Asiah’s house. She heard me when I was talking to Kak Naz about Abang Marwan who came back for the weekend. Mama pinched me on my right arm and she forbade me to eat together so I have to wait until they finished eating. But I’m not hungry because Asiah’s mother invited me to eat goreng pisang before I left. Asiah’s mother is very kind. Her father is kind too. Papa and Mama never talk to me like Asiah’s parents do. I don’t know why. Mama keeps blaming me for almost everything. Sometimes I feel like I don’t really belong to this family. Maybe I belong to someone else.

Then the idea hit her like a storm. What if she was adopted? Or her mother had to raise her because her real family has gone forever. Those crazy thoughts were playing on her mind. She wanted to ask her mother but she didn’t dare. She asked her sister once, but her sister said nothing. Let alone Azlan, he never talk to her since she was very small.

She then wrote something in her diary.

I need to find out who I am and where do I belong if this family is not my real family.

Weekend was Kalsom’s favourite. Although she had to do all the house chores, she didn’t mind as long as it’s weekend. Her family will go for outing somewhere in town and be back in the evening. Those two days were sacred to her. She didn’t mind if her family left her alone in that house. She didn’t mind if her family came back with smiling faces and laughter. She didn’t mind if they didn’t buy anything for her.

She’s happy because there’s one person who will accompany her – Mak Mah. She’s the cook and she worked there since Kalsom was a small child. Kalsom treated her like her own mother and Mak Mah did the same. Mak Mah worked from dawn until dusk. She’s the best cook in the house and Kalsom learned cooking from her.

Sometimes Mak Mah pitied Kalsom because her mother didn’t treat her like she treated Azlan and Nazatul. Her mother, Rohaya, always blamed Kalsom for everything. If there’s something wrong that day, she’ll say that it was all Kalsom’s fault because she brought bad luck to the family. But Kalsom couldn’t say anything, neither did Mak Mah.

“Mak Mah, what do you want to cook today?” asked Kalsom as she finished sweeping the backyard.

“What do you want to eat for today? Your mother asked me to buy a chicken this morning. I bought it from Pak Jamal.” asked Mak Mah back with a smile.

“Hmm…let’s see,” Kalsom had a thought for a while. “I really want to eat chicken soup today. It’s my favourite. Plus, I don’t think Mama and the others will come back this afternoon. They usually come back late,” she replied.

“Okay then. I’ll do the chicken and you do the spices,” said Mak Mah.

Kalsom nodded happily and they cooked together. Kalsom was good in cooking and all the handy works. Even though she was slow in her academics, but when it comes to handy works, she was the best. She could even sew too! Mak Mah taught her sewing and also knitting but Kalsom loved sewing the most.

She showed to her mother embroideries that she sewed but her mother didn’t praise her work but told her that she couldn’t make money by doing that. But Kalsom never gave up. She wanted to show her mother that she got another talent besides not to be number one student in school.

After finish eating, Kalsom took a short nap for a while. During weekdays, she couldn’t take a nap because her mother forbade her not to. Sometimes Nazatul will persuade her mother if Kalsom was very exhausted. Nazatul loved her sister even though they argued and Nazatul was the only sibling whom Kalsom could rely with. Unlike her brother, Azlan, he never cared about Kalsom nor talked to her.

Dear Diary,

Mama and Papa came back home nearly dusk and they looked happy. Kak Naz told me that they went to the beach for the picnic and after that they went to town. Mama bought a lovely dress for Kak Naz and she said that I can have it when I become a little bit taller.

Kak Naz always let me wear her old dresses. They seem old but for me, they are still beautiful. Mama never bought me lovely dresses like Kak Naz but she always bought me one pair of baju kurung for Eid Celebration. I don’t like the colour and the pattern but I can’t say anything because Mama will scold at me and throw away the baju kurung. She’d done it once, the night of Eid Celebration but Tok Wan bought another baju kurung for me.

I miss Tok Wan very much and I can’t wait for the school break. I don’t know why Mama doesn’t like to go to Tok Wan’s house, or Mak Ngah’s house. She only sends me there if she wants to go for a family vacation.

Kalsom was interrupted by her mother who’s yelling for her name. She quickly hid the book and rushed out of her room which she shared with Nazatul. Rohaya scolded her for not wiping the dining table. She wiped the table earlier but Rohaya didn’t satisfy. She pinched Kalsom’s arms and slapped her on her face. Kalsom held back her tears and wiped the table until it clean.

“You’re worthless child! There’s nothing you can do perfectly! You have small brains and stupid!” her mother yelled at her, pinching her arms again. “Why can’t you be more like Nazatul. She’s beautiful and got brain. You have no brain and ugly!”

Then Rohaya insulted her again and again, telling her that she’s worst than a worm. Kalsom ignored the insults and went to her room. She didn’t cry because crying won’t change anything. Nazatul consoled her but she felt nothing. Inside her heart was empty.

Broken Wings: 2

Chapter 2

 She quickened her pace as she was getting near the main hall. She came to school earlier than usual because she was eager to see the thing that she had seen yesterday closer. She urged her sister, Nazatul, to send her to school early. She didn’t tell her the main reason she wanted to go early. She and Nazatul had a row from their room to the kitchen, driving their mother mad. But the mother only scolded Kalsom for she hated her raising her voice, especially in the kitchen early in the morning.

Kalsom ate her breakfast as quick as she could and gulped down the tea. Her mother prepared lunch box for each of her children but Kalsom’s lunch box was fewer than the rest. But Kalsom didn’t mind at all because she knew her mother didn’t love her as much as she loved her brother and sister. Her brother, Azlan, always woke up late but her mother didn’t say anything but greeted her nicely. But when Kalsom woke up late, she scolded her plus giving few slaps on her back.

Kalsom trotted behind her sister as they wanted to go to school. This time, she didn’t nag her because she knew that it was still early. Nazatul waved goodbye to her mother and paddled her bike which was called basikal tua (Malay for old bicycle) and it was quite popular at that time. Kalsom loved riding it because the bicycle was a little bit taller and she felt like she’s riding on a wind.

As she arrived at the school gate, she quickly hopped down the bike without waving her sister goodbye and rushed to her class. She put her lunch box inside her table, which was situated near the window, facing the assembly court. She then put the bag on the chair and looked at the duty roster pasted on the notice board beside the blackboard. It wasn’t her turn that day so she still had time to go to the main hall. She glanced at the clock. It’s still 7.06. She smiled and walked to the main hall in fast pace.

She peered inside the main hall which was a little bit dark. She trotted slowly towards the thing that she saw yesterday. It was a grand piano and this was the first time she saw it with her own eyes. She was fascinated with the vibrant black of the grand piano. She ran her hands on it. The piano was very smooth and for her, this grand piano was seamless. She took a seat and looked in amaze at the keys. She gently pressed her finger to one of the keys and it produced the sound. Her smiled widen as she heard the sound.

She pressed another key and she pretended that she’s playing a song. The crowd watched her performance and she played the song smoothly. She also imagined that she was wearing a light blue gown, which was her dream gown, and the crowd applause in amazement. But her views shattered like small shards as the first bell rang.

Kalsom told her friend, Asiah, about the grand piano in the main hall during recess. Asiah was her only friend that she had in that school. Even though they were not in the same class, they always stick together during recess and they shared a lot of interesting stories. Kalsom also shared her food with Asiah because Asiah came from a poor family. She couldn’t afford to buy food at the canteen. So, Kalsom was willing to share her food with Asiah without her mother’s knowing.

15 August 1971: Thursday

Dear Diary,

Today is the happiest day in my life! I touched the grand piano! I really touched it! The surface is so smooth, the colour is elegant black. I even pressed some of the keys and it produces a very nice sound. I wonder who can play the piano in my school. I never saw anyone plays that piano yet.

I told Asiah about it and tomorrow we’re going to the main hall because she also wanted to see the piano with her own eyes. I’m going to her house this evening but I need to finish the homework first. I hate homework! But I have to do it. Teachers said that if we want to excel in our study, we have to finish our homework. The Standard 6 examination is around the corner. I have to do my best.

Please pray for me!

Kalsom looked around the living room and the kitchen before going outside to play. She glanced at her sister’s room right next to hers. The door was shut. She then looked around again. No sign of her mother’s appearance in the living room and the kitchen. She shrugged and walked to the door. She grabbed her slippers and went out. She didn’t have to ask permission from anyone because no one even bother whether she’s home or not. But she had to come back before Mahgrib. If she came back late, she had to sleep outside of the house and she didn’t want that happen. She’s willing to be nagged by her mother, or get a few slaps from her but she didn’t want to sleep outside of her house. It was nightmare!

She went to Asiah’s house which was not very far from her house. She promised Asiah that she would play together with her. They usual played masak-masak (Malay for cooking) and they played with other neighbours. Her mother forbade her to play with them because they were very poor but Kalsom ignored it every time her mother scolded her not to. She liked to be friend with them rather than Shima, the friend whom her mother wanted her to be friend with. Shima was a spoil girl and Kalsom hated her so much because she’s arrogant.

As they were happily playing masak-masak, a green-coated Volkswagen Beetle slowly strode to Asiah’s lawn. Asiah, who recognized the sound of the engine, joyfully dashed towards the car. It was his uncle’s car. Asiah was happy because his brother, Marwan, was coming home for the weekend. She hugged her brother as he stepped out from the car. Kalsom looked at both of them and smiled. Asiah has a good brother and Marwan loved her so much. She wished that Azlan will do the same for her.

Broken Wings: 1

Chapter 1

It was her turn to take the books to the Teachers’ Room. She arranged those books neatly before carrying them. She loved carrying heavy things especially when helping teachers. She’s small in figure but she’s strong. She followed her teacher to the Teachers’ Room which was on the other side of the building. Her teacher asked her whether the books were too heavy for her but she just shook her head. For her, carrying books was like doing a charity.

She put the books on the teacher’s table and the teacher thanked her by offering her some money but she refused. She said that she did it in honesty. Her teacher thanked her once more before she left. She hurried to her classroom to take her bag. She glanced at the clock as she arrived there. It was nearly 1 o’clock. Her sister will come to fetch her soon.

She walked in a fast pace, went downstairs, and past the main hall before reaching the front gate. Something caught her sight as she past the main hall. Her feet suddenly stopped on their won. She gazed at the thing that stood on the stage. That thing wasn’t there before and by looking at the vibrant black of that thing from afar, she knew that she was in love with it. But she never knew what it was.

She realized that she was late so she ran as fast as she could to the front gate. Her sister, Nazatul, was waiting for her with her bicycle.

“Sorry,” she panted hard, trying to catch her breath. Her cheeks flushed as she ran nonstop from the main hall.

“You’re late, Som. I’ve been waiting for you for 10 minutes,” scolded Nazatul.

“I helped my teacher carrying some books to her table. It’s my turn today,” said Kalsom meekly.

“Hurry up, now! I’m hungry,” Nazatul grumbled and Kalsom hopped behind the bicycle.

The two of them always went to school together. Nazatul was three years older than Kalsom and her school was not far from Kalsom’s. Nazatul hated waiting for her sister under the sun as she worried her face will be tan. But she will wait for Kalsom until she arrived at the front gate. She never dared to leave her sister as she’ll be scolded by her mother.

Kalsom’s mind swirled as she rode on the bicycle. She was wondering about the black thing on the stage. She wished she could see that thing closer. She’d seen the picture of that thing in a book before and she wished that she could play it. That thing will produce a nice sound, just like she heard in a radio. And she wished she could learn how to play it and perform on the stage. Everyone will applause and cheer.

But all those wishes scattered like jigsaw puzzle pieces as Nazatul hit the break. Kalsom looked around and realized that she was home. She hopped down from the bicycle and went to the front door while Nazatul put her bicycle in the bicycle shed made by her father.

Both of them greeted salaam before entering the house and they could smell something delicious from the kitchen. Kalsom threw her bag on the chair in the living room and dashed to the kitchen. She was very hungry. Her stomach grumbled as she saw the food was served on the table.

“Come and eat, both of you,” said Mak Mah, the cook.

“Where’s Abang Lan?” asked Kalsom as she sat down.

“He’s eaten already. He said he wanted to go to his friend’s house this evening,” replied Mak Mah, putting the rice on Kalsom’s and Nazatul’s plates.

Kalsom ate the food heartily while thanking Mak Mah. After that, she took shower and checked her books in the bag if she had any homework to do. She only had two which are Bahasa Melayu and Mathematics. She decided to do Bahasa Melayu first because she didn’t like Mathematics.

14 August 1971: Wednesday

Dear Diary,

Guess what I saw in the main hall today? I can’t believe that it was there. But I didn’t have time to look at it closer because Kak Naz was waiting for me and she scolded me because I was late. Poor Kak Naz had to wait under the hot sun. She was afraid if she got sunburn.

Mak Mah cooked something delicious today which is fried chicken with curry. Mak Mah is the best cook of all! I think I should learn cooking with her. Then, I’ll show Mama and Papa and Kak Naz and Abang Lan that I can cook! They’ll be proud of me!

I have to finish my homework by today. But I don’t think I can finish Mathematics homework because it’s too hard and it got so many numbers. I better asked Kak Naz’s help. She’s the most brilliant in the family. I wish I could be like her. Then Mama will stop calling me Idiot like she used to call.

Broken Wings: Prologue

Prologue

I watched her sleeping peacefully on the bed. Seeing her in this kind of state made my eyes watered. Every time I watched her calm, wrinkly face, I knew that she’s still fighting. She’s been here for almost a month and her progress was still the same. I’ve been taking turn with my brother and sister lately since I got work to do. But it didn’t mean that I totally left her here with no reason. As the eldest son, I’ll do anything for my mother, the most important person in my life.

I lost my father when I was 17 years old, two and a half months before sitting for the MCE examination. It was the most devastated year I ever had. But my mother instilled my will back again. I’ve been given a new hope. And now, it’s my turn to give the hope to her. I slowly touched her thin, wrinkled hand and slowly squeezed it. Deep inside my heart, I prayed for her health. I wanted to see her smiling face which was brighter than the sun.

I turned around as I heard someone opened the door. It was my sister, Humaira. She came with my aunt, Nazatul. They brought foods and drinks and put them on the table near the sofa.

“Where’s Aswad?’ I asked Humaira.

“He said he’ll be here after his class end,” she replied. “You look tired, Abang. You should eat and rest.”

“Humaira cooked Chinese fried rice for you, Abyadh. Come and have some,” said Aunt Nazatul and served the rice for me.

I smiled and sat beside her on the sofa. Humaira sat on a chair near mother’s bed. I ate the rice and it was delicious. It was my favourite, and mother’s too. I asked Aunt Nazatul to eat together but she said she’s eaten with Humaira at home.

“How’s mother today?” asked Humaira.

“The doctor said that she got strong will and she’ll recover soon,” I replied.

“That’s a good news,” Humaira sighed in relief. “I’ll accompany her tonight. You can go back home and have a good rest,” she told me.

“But today it’s my turn,” I said, wiping my mouth with a tissue as I finished the rice.

“It’s no big deal, Abyadh,” Aunt Nazatul patted on my shoulder. “I’ll be staying here with Humaira. You need to rest too or you’ll fall ill.”

I sighed and nodded. I’ve been taking care of my mother here for three days and I didn’t have enough sleep lately. I went back home after Maghrib and took a shower. I watched news for a while before I hit the sack.

As I was on my way to my room, I stopped at my mother’s room. Since she was hospitalized, this room was kind of abandoned. I slowly approached the door and turned the knob carefully. I switched on the light and looked around. The smell in this room didn’t change. I looked at the king-sized bed. I used to sleep there with mother and father whenever I felt scared.

I sat down on the bed and ran down my fingers on the comforter covering the bed. I pondered for a while before my eyes caught the small drawer near the bed. Mother always forbade me for opening the drawer when I was a kid. I wonder what she hid inside there. I hesitated for a moment but I need to know what’s inside. I opened the drawer and saw some books were neatly put inside.

I took out those books and looked at them one by one. They were covered in light blue leather. Light blue was mother’s favourite colour. She said that the colour symbolized peacefulness. I took the first book and flipped on the first page. It was a diary. I flipped randomly through the pages and saw her neat handwritings on each page. I never knew that Mother wrote a diary before. I flipped back to the first page. This one had been written in year 1971, which was 41 years ago.

Circle Quartet: 48

Chapter 48

“Surprise! Happy Birthday!” Everyone shouts in excitement and they clap joyfully.

I just can’t believe my eyes. One minute Jeff’s spirit has gone, the next Jeff is standing right in front of me beaming with excitement and his arms are wide open, ready for the bear hug. Oh, I really missed his bear hug.

“Tada! I’m back!” Jeff flails his arms excitedly. “Did you miss me, little buddy?”

I can’t utter a word but hug him as tight as I can. I can’t even hold my tears anymore.

“Alice…can’t breathe…!” I nearly choke Jeff to death. I let him go at once but he’s just laugh out loud. I scowl at him.

“Aww, don’t be sad, Alice,” Uncle Vlad pats my back gently. “It’s your birthday present from all of us!”

My eyes widen as I hear the news and look around to everyone. They’re all smiling happily. Mom and Dad nod to confirm what Uncle Vlad has said just now.

“Jeff is my birthday present?” I ask them in disbelieving.

“Yup!” Jeff ruffles my hair. “Those trio brothers have brought me to life.”

“Wow! This is…this is unbelievable! This is the best present I ever received! Thanks everyone!”

“Oh yes, I almost forgot about your present, Stefan,” says Jeff and looks over his shoulder. “Come out, boy. They’re waiting for you.”

A little boy appears from the door shyly. He has gruffly blond hair and a pair of blue eyes. I think I’ve seen this little boy before. He walks closer towards Jeff and clings to Jeff’s trousers.

“Stefan, this is your birthday present,” says Jeff while patting on the little boy’s head. “Say hello to the little guy.”

That little boy raises his head and stares at Stefan.

“Cody, is that you?” asks Stefan gently.

Cody? That little boy is Cody?

Cody nods slowly.

“You…you’re alive,” Stefan gasps.

“You better handle him with care, Steffy boy. This one is super fragile,” says Jeff in a low voice.

“You’re alive! Oh, God! You’re alive!” Stefan picks him up and raises him up to the air. He looks very happy to see Cody to come back alive again.

Cody’s eyes begin to water. Then, he starts to cry.

“Don’t do that, Stefan. You scared him!” I scold Stefan.

Stefan quickly put him back on the ground.

“I’m sorry,” he says in a low voice and his tears suddenly flow on his cheek. “I have done something really bad. I put our family at stake. I’m so sorry!” Cody cries bitterly.

“See? I told you that he’s super fragile,” says Jeff, pointing to the crying Cody.

Stefan kneels down and hugs him. That’s the sweetest thing that Stefan ever did.

“Hey, don’t cry, Cody. Everyone has already forgiven you.”

“He’s right, Cody. Welcome to the family back,” says Aunt Amethyst and hugs him.

Everyone from the Silver family hugs Cody and welcomes him warmly.

I hug him too. And I can’t help pinching his fluffy cheeks.

“How come he’s become so small?” asks Uncle Azure.

“He had sold his soul to Alse but he already repents before he died. That’s why he’s become a little boy so that he could purify his soul,” explains Alan.

But it doesn’t matter anymore. We’re going to live as a happy family again. No more fight. No more conflict. And no more secrets.

It’s been two years since the tragedy happened. The Academy is fully re-build, thanks to The Necromancer Trio – they helped a lot and now they’re back to their ‘unfinished business’. I don’t know what kind of business they run but they love to travel.

I continue my ‘un-finish’ study with Abbie, Stefan and the rest of my classmates. Jeff gets his position back but he wants to share it with Zayne. Uncle Vlad is nominated as the Main Head of the Council which makes him very, very happy. And he wants all of us to call him Uncle rather than Great Master. He really wants to feel young, I think.

I have finally graduated after successfully accomplished the tasks. I’m now officially an assassin and Stefan and I are given the title Heroes because we saved the whole clan. I think The Necromancer Trio were the ones who killed Alse. But, never mind.

During the Graduation Ceremony, Stefan and I were asked to give speech. Uncle Vlad was the one who have been talking longer than expected. He just loves to tell the stories when he was young, his experience fighting with some monsters – I don’t know whether they are true or not.

And today is the day where everyone has been waiting for a long time; my wedding day.

But it’s only my wedding day, actually. There are three more brides are in the Brides Room with me. Beatrice, Raina and Dafne are going to get married on the same day as I am. Raina is the most excited one because she really longed to wear a wedding gown – she’s wearing dashing pink which she claims the colour is very gorgeous. I hope that no one will hurt their eyes seeing that kind of wedding gown.

I wear light blue gown embroidered with silver laces. Mom is the one who made this special gown for me. Raven does my hair but since I cut it short, it won’t take too much time. Then someone knock on the door. It’s Mom, Aunt Ada and Aunt Ramona. They want to see the four of us before anyone else does.

When we’re fully ready, we gracefully walk to the Great Hall ushered by our beloved fathers. My Dad doesn’t stop saying that I look beautiful that day. Jeff announces our arrival and everyone turn their heads towards us and they are not even blink. We walk along the aisle in line – I’m in the first line. The Silver Brothers are patiently waiting for us. Stefan looks handsome in his tuxedo!

Uncle Vlad is crying happily, repeatedly saying that today is the most joyous day of his life and he wishes that he can get married too. Alex is calming him down by patting on his back. Granddaddy Saba is the priest today. Ace plays the organ while my little cousins are the flower girls. They wear nice little gown with little wings on the back. Cody joins the flower girls too.

The vow doesn’t take too long because everyone can’t wait to see us kiss. I can’t wait for this special moment too.

“Before we proceed with the kissing part, may I have the rings, Sable Black?” asks Granddaddy Saba to Sable. He’s supposed to hold our rings.

 “Oh, okay,” Sable smiles and delves his hands inside his pocket.

Suddenly, his face turns pale.

“What’s wrong, Sable?” asks Granddaddy Saba.

I have a bad feeling about this.

“I…uhm…the rings…,” Sable stammers.

“Where’s the ring, Sable?” I ask him in a very serious tone.

“I accidentally put the rings in other trousers,” Sable gulps. “And those trousers are in the washing machine.”

Beatrice, Raina, Dafne and I scowl at Sable. “I’m sorry,” says Sable timidly.

“You’ve ruined our precious moment!” Raina shrieks. Everyone nearly turn deaf because of that.

Sable screams and runs. Four of us chase him from behind.

“Give back our rings!”

-End of Book 1-

Circle Quartet: 47

Chapter 47

The celebration is continued after Alse has been totally annihilated. The night is still long since it is winter. I have another 4 hours before the sunrise. The Necromancer Trio cast some spells to re-build some of the serious damage of the buildings. The other minor damages will be repaired on the next day.

We gather again at the Main Dining Hall, but this time Grandfather Vlad joins us too. He is so excited like he’s having his own party and everybody is celebrating for him. There are a lot of things that I need to ask him but I think I should save the questions later and enjoy the celebration one more time.

The foods are served once again and this time they are a lot – they are flooding the tables but I think all of us are going to gobble them up in no time. Those who are injured are completely healed and they have so much fun drinking and laughing – they drink juice because they are still underage, same as mine.

Great Grandfather Vlad is telling his story when he was young. He wants me to call him Uncle instead of Grandfather because he doesn’t want to feel too old to be a grandfather. That makes Granddaddy Saba kind of jealous – Grandfather Vlad looks younger than him.

Everyone is happy for the celebration. Alan makes a special birthday chocolate cake for me and Stefan (he used magic of course). I hope he doesn’t use something else to turn it into a delicious cake. Ace asks Alan about the cake casting spell before Raina does. Raina is pre-occupied with her lover, Tavis – they are dancing on the table. If Grandma Zelda saw this, they’re going to turn into slugs. But I think Grandma Zelda won’t mind. I hope so.

Jeff is enjoying himself eating the chocolate cake even though no one can see him except me and Stefan. Stefan can see him now after drinking the sacred water. I was asked how Alse’s barrier was destroyed back then but I didn’t answer it. I will tell them when the time comes.

It’s nearly dawn so I need to go back to my room. Abbie says goodnight first because she’s exhausted – that’s what she says. I look at the window as the glimmering light shone at the horizon. This is the most beautiful dawn I ever seen for the past 18 years. I’m now 18 although I am not quite sure about my real age. Well, at least I’m still alive.

“Alice,” Jeff calls me and I turn to him, smiling. “I think you should tell them about me tomorrow.”

“What?” I nearly shriek but still can control my voice.

“I can’t stay in this form forever. I promise your brother that I’ll help you to fight Alse. And now Alse is gone. For good. And it’s my mission is accomplish.”

“I thought that you said that you’re going to be by my side. You promised Jeff that you’ll take care of me.”

“I know. I’m sorry for not letting you know about this. And I don’t want to leave your side either. Even though I’ve been with you for such a short time, but I will never forget what we’ve been through,” he puts his hand on my shoulder. “Please, Alice. You have to understand.”

I put my hand on top of his and think for a while. Then I nod. I can’t force him to stay with me. This time, I need to let him go. I don’t want to separate with the person that I care the most – even though he’s only Jeff’s spirit, but I think I have no choice.

Jeff usher me to my coffin – it’s a bed anyway, and kiss my forehead before telling me to go to sleep. He says that he will be here for me until nightfall. This time, I hold firmly to his hand just for the last moment.

The first thing that I do after waking up from not-so-very-nice sleep is telling Stefan of what Jeff had said last dawn. We’re at the library, helping the librarians to re-arrange the scattering books on the floor. Stefan is shock to hear the news but he says to me that Jeff did this for his own good. At least he’s been with me until the end of the war. I hope there will be no more war after this. I want to have a good, peaceful life like everybody else, even though I’m now a nocturnal where some people might hate me for drinking human blood. But what can I do? I only drink blood from the bad guys who are criminals, not the innocent one.

Okay, I think I should stop mumbling something out of topic. Right now, I need to think of the perfect time to tell them about the spirit of Jeff. The Necromancer Trio are still here, helping the others to re-build the Academy. Uncle Vlad – finally I call him Uncle and he’s very delighted, is still talking about his awesome adventures to the young ones. I never thought that he’s that talkative. Sometimes I find him quite funny for a prince.

“Alright. This part is done,” I let out a sigh of relief after arranging the books on the shelves of the second part of the library. The shelves are very high that I need to use the ladder. It’s a good exercise for me, getting up and down the ladder for nearly two hours. My stomach is growling for food.

“I see that you’re hungry,” smirks Stefan.

This is so embarrassing.

“I haven’t eaten a single food yet, okay?” I am annoyed of his smirks. Since when has he become like this?

“Sorry,” he chuckles. “You stomach growls too loud that make my stomach wanting the food too,” he pats on his stomach. “Let’s go and have dinner then we can come back here to finish our work. How’s that?” he asks, waiting for my quick response.

“Hmm…okay,” I shrug. “We need to discuss on the perfect time to tell them about Jeff. Do you think during dinner is appropriate? or should I tell them after we finish arranging the books?” I ask for his opinion.

“I don’t know, Alice. Telling a secret takes time, like what they did before we know who we are. Let’s have dinner first, then we talk about this later,” he pats on my head.

So we tell the other librarians that we need to feed our stomachs first and come back. When we arrive at the Main Dining Hall, the foods are already served. Uncle Vlad scurried here and there, helping Ace, Raina, and Isidro arranging the glasses on the tables. They are glad to see us here. Stefan and I offer our help but Uncle Vlad wants us to take a seat while waiting for the others.

The big feast starts not very long after the foods were served. Look likes we’re having another party. And this time it’s merrier since our family members increase. The Necromancer Trio will spend their days for the whole week in this Academy. They want to completely re-build this building. I learn that those three brothers were the first batch of this Academy, a very long time ago. Three of them are few years younger than Jeff.

Uncle Vlad stands up by raising his glass of blood. “To our heroes, Alice and Stefan, for defeating Alse and restoring the peace once again. Cheers!”

“Cheers!” Everyone clinks their glasses eat merrily.

Stefan and I are nominated to be the heroes for this century. I think that is too far for us. We’re just defeating one horrible person, not the whole battalion.

Jeff taps lightly on my shoulder after I have the last bite of my dessert. “It’s time, Alice,” he whispers and takes one step behind.

I take a deep breath and stand up. I clear my throat, signing that I want to tell something.

“Sorry for the interruption but there’s something I need to tell you, all of you,” I announce. “Do you remember when Alse’s barrier broke that night? And how Stefan was healed when Alse hurt him?” I ask. Some of them nod.

“It’s not only me and Stefan fighting Alse back then. There’s someone else who fought along with us. And that person is Jeff,” I finally reveal the truth.

Jeff appears and everyone can see him. All of them gasp and whisper to each other unbelievingly.

“Jeff, is that really you?” asks Mom.

“Actually, I’m not the real Jeff,” says Jeff. “I’m an ancient spirit called SimpleThing. I came from The Land Beneath The Feet. Jeff was the one who found that place and we made promise before he died. You see, Jeff’s spirit is inside my body and only Alice can see me since Jeff gave her a special necklace that she’s wearing right now. I promised Jeff to take care of Alice until Alse was defeated. And now, Alse has gone, and I have to return to where I belong.”

“I can’t believe it. That ancient place exists,” says Grandma Zelda.

“And Jeff discovered it,” adds Aunt Ada.

“Since you guys know my existence, I can’t stay in this form much longer,” Jeff turns to me and our gaze meet. “It’s been happy to be with you, Alice. You’ve grown and you’ve become a lot stronger than before,” he ruffles my hair gently.

“Jeff, please don’t leave,” I hug him, holding back my tears.

“Hey, don’t be sad, Alice. We’ll be together again one day,” he gently strokes my back. “Anyway, you have Stefan now. He’ll protect you for the rest of his life.”

“That’s right, Alice,” says Stefan. “I will fulfil my promise. I’ll never leave your side and I’ll protect you as I protect my life.”

Warm tears flow down to my cheek. “I’m going to miss you, Jeff,” I sob.

“And I’m going to miss you too, Alice,” he kisses me on the head.

His body glows and slowly disappear. He waves at me for the last time. I won’t forget him for the rest of my life. Never.

Suddenly, someone appear at the entrance of the dining hall.

“Did you guys miss me?” says that person while approaching us.

Everyone is stunned.

That person is Jeff. He’s alive!

Circle Quartet: 46

Chapter 46

Okay, this is a little bit shocking. I never thought that my guardian is my own great, great, great grandfather. But he looks quite young – younger than grandma Zelda, I suppose. Stefan is surprised too. Well, I think everybody is.

Alse grunts in frustration. Her face looks miserable, like a wicked witch in Snow White – she is wicked to begin with. “This cannot be happening to me! You ruined my plan!”

“What goes around comes around, Alse. You already put us all in misery. And now, it’s payback time!” I smirk annoyingly at her.

“You trick me, you little brat! You’re not supposed to know your past! Not tonight!”

“I already knew it, Alse. Of course I felt that I’ve been cheated all this time. But I’m not like you, Alse. Even though we share the same name, but I won’t betray my family. Never!”

“They are not your family!”

“Yes, they were. I was a human before. I died the night you abducted me and killed me. But Dad saved me and turned me into a vampire I’ve been brought back to live and I belong to the Amber family.”

I glance at my family who are standing nearby and wink at them. They show thumbs-up at me. That’s what I love my family. They always support me in whatever situation.

“And once again, you lose, Alse,” snorts grandfather Vlad.

“You’re supposed to be dead, Vlad!” growls Alse angrily. And I, for the first time, agree with her. How come my great, great, great grandfather Vlad is alive?

“A hero won’t be dead that easily, Alse. Besides, I’m a vampire. I’m immortal,” he says boastfully. I think he wants to make Alse more depress. Then he pats on my shoulder. “I think you should show her the thing that you’ve been saving for a special occasion.”

I look at him and nod. “Alright. Prepare to get scared, Alse. Because this is your nightmare,” I laugh excitedly and release my power. I feel great and pair of wings appears on my back. This is the transformation after drinking the sacred water from the fountain. It is too bad that Alse doesn’t know about it. And I like to look at her terrified face right now.

Everyone looks at in awe. I never have this kind of transformation before. I look at both of my palms. Have they grown bigger? Or it is just my imagination.

I turn around to face my family and the others. “Hey, how do I look?” I point to my face.

All of them show thumbs-up. “Awesome!”

Grandma Zelda and Grandma Maegan shake their heads while smiling. Granddaddy Saba lets out a loud cheer together with Grandma Tanya.

“Thank you for the cheers, guys. That’s really cool!” says great, great, great Grandfather Vlad.

“Alright. Let’s finish our business!” I crack my knuckles and so Stefan. Jeff shows some hand signs so that I know the next plan. This time we’re going to crush Alse.

Alse is scared now and she can’t run away because Jeff already put an invisible barrier. Stefan and I attack her together, showing no mercy. Her elegant face (that’s what she looks like before trapping us in her barrier) is now turns into – I can’t describe it by words. It’s too ugly to say. She falls into our trap and now she’s totally lost.

“This can’t be happening to me! I’m supposed to make Alice to join me so that I can drink her blood and that bloody werewolf!” she screams like a mad woman – she is a mad woman anyway. “This is not fair!”

“Fair? I tell you what fair is, Alse. You killed so many people just to show that you’re powerful so that people will look high upon you. You’re jealous to your sister because she’s stronger than you even though she’s younger than you. Face the fact, Alse. You can’t beat Zelda. Not in a hundred years!” says great Grandfather Vlad.

She screams again and this time she tries to lunge towards Grandfather Vlad. Grandfather Vlad just stands there, smiling. Stefan and I run towards Alse before she attacks.

“Repulsio!” Suddenly someone stops Alse’s attack.

“Nice move, Isidro,” smiles Grandfather Vlad.

Isidro? He’s one of Beatrice brothers. He’s one of The Necromancer Trio!

“Heroes always come late, Your Grace,” says Isidro.

“Isidro! You came!” Raina shouts excitedly.

“Isidro, you should wait for us, you know,” says another guy, Yardley, walking towards us with another guy whom I respect the most besides Jeff. His name is Alan and the three of them are the great Necromancer ever!

Alse tries to break free but she fails to do so.

“Look likes we catch a big fish this time,” whistles Yardley.

“Come on. Let’s seal her so that she can’t even break free no more,” says Alan in a serious tone. Well, he’s a very serious guy. Sometimes I feel scared when he looks at me with his sharp eyes.

“Okay, big bro,” winks Yardley and Isidro. Both of them stand in a circle around Alse.

“Zapec!” A chain appears from their sleeves and wraps around Alse’s body.

“Velka!” More chains appear and this time Alse is wrapped from head to toe. Then it turns into a huge metal block. This looks scary.

“Where shall we put this, Grandma?” asks Isidro.

“I’m not going to let you seal that horrible person. It’s better to kill her. She’s no longer my sister,” says Grandma Zelda.

Alan nods and gives signal to his two brothers.

“Sortkiste!” The metal block is crushed in an instant.

That’s the end of Alse.