Yakusoku - Promise

I relate this song to Circle Quartet 14, where Alice still remember the promise made by Stefan after he moved to another place.

This video is in Japanese, so here's the translation:

In the evening small shadows dance around
I pass through the roads on my way home
That day with you and this kind of scenery
It was brought to me
A treasure for just two of us

the promise that binds my heart
is important even now
Embracing, someday may be i will meet
you and then it will be fullfilled that day
as long as i believe i'll be waiting

I wonder where you could be now
That promise i wonder if it's still in your heart
the seasons have changed, but
it doesn't change that time
I wish that it is you

even it your face fades, that promise
is in my heart even now
it burns passionately within me
our hearts are tied together
as long as i believe i'll be waiting

if i should meet you, that promise
softly i want to ask
to return to the two of us from that day
if so then one more time, another promise
make with me, as long as i believe and praying

Circle Quartet: 14

Chapter 14

“I promise you, Alice. When I grow up, I’m going to be strong. Then I’ll be your hero of all time! I’ll never let anyone hurt you!”

It was Stefan’s promise when he was a kid. Stefan was a real special friend and for me he was my buddy and my best friend. Not only that, Stefan was my whole world.

We always spent time together as we went to the same elementary school. Stefan sat beside me in class and he’s the smartest. But he’s kind of a cry-baby if someone made jokes or fun to him and I was his shoulder to cry on. We shared the same hobby, the same favourite colour and same stuffs. For example, we used to collect the Power Rangers stuffs. We even got the Power Rangers suits for birthday presents. And yes, we were born on the same day. Isn’t that impressive?

We lived next to each other so if I wanted to play with Stefan, I just shouted from my bedroom window. His room was opposite to mine. We usually played at the backyard because our houses were in one compound. Mom and Aunt Amethyst always had their evening tea while watching us play.

And that’s why Dad and Uncle Azure decided to match Stefan with me. The simple ceremony was held and Stefan and I made a vow (Dad distributed a paper so we just read what’s written on the paper). It was the happiest moment in my life. Stefan, too, was really excited and he told me that he’ll marry me when he turns 20. He loved the number actually.

One summer night, Dad and Uncle Azure brought us to a small campsite – owned by the Silver family. We’re having nice little summer camp there. We built a campfire and Uncle Azure played guitar while we all sang some songs. Of course the Country Road song was on the lists. Mom and Aunt Amethyst cooked mushroom stew – which is my favourite until today.

Because it’s too early to go to bed, Stefan asked me to go look around the campsite. Before that, we got the permission from our parents who were busy gossiping and discussing about golf – Dad and Uncle Azure of course. Jeff and Zayne on the other hand were making their own project which I didn’t know anything because it’s boys’ stuff.

Both of us are can see clearly in the dark so it’s easy for us to walk around. Suddenly, the bushes shook. Stefan and I stayed stiff and Stefan picked up a stick. Something was inside the bushes and I could see a pair of red eyes staring at us. Then it growled.

Stefan told me to run but I didn’t want to leave him there, alone. The thing that was hiding in the bushes suddenly approached us. It was a bear; a big black ugly bear. Stefan tried to hit it with the stick but to no avail. That bear was getting angry. We ran and screamed for help. The bear was chasing us.

I ran as fast as I could but I tripped on a root and fell. Stefan tried to help me but the bear was getting nearer. Suddenly, Stefan’s eyes changed to silver. Brown fur was growing all over his body. This was the first time I’ve seen him changing. In one blink, Stefan was now a werewolf. Not really a werewolf but a werecub because of his small appearance.

He lunged to the bear and scratched its face and body. He bit the bear’s neck but the bear was too big for him. Suddenly another wolf, this time it was bigger, jumped to the bear and bit its neck. The bear howled in pain and retreated. The big wolf chased after it. I stood up even my feet were wobbling and trembling in fear.

I was very grateful that Stefan saved me. I ran to him but he growled angrily at me. I was stunned as I could see his silver eyes were glowing. He barked at me and I told him that I’m his friend. I tried to touch him so that he’ll calm down but he bit my right arm. I screamed in pain. Uncle Azure appeared and hit Stefan’s head with one blow. Stefan fainted and slowly changed back to his normal being. My arm was bleeding so Dad took me to the hospital. I couldn’t heal on my own that time.

After the incident, both Stefan’s and my family moved. My family moved to the mansion while Stefan moved to the other states because the Silvers received a mission, a dangerous one. I haven’t seen Stefan after that. I just wanted to know why he did that to me. Dad told me that it was an accident because Stefan couldn’t control his new power yet.

Five years passed and Dad received phone call from Uncle Azure. He was so excited because the Silvers moved back in town. Mom was happy too. Coincidently, Grandma Zelda was holding a party so the Silvers were invited too. I was so glad to hear the news because I could meet Stefan once more. Maybe he’s grown up to be strong, just like he said before.

I was wearing a beautiful red glittering gown that night while Jeff wore a black tuxedo just like Dad. I was so excited to meet Stefan that I couldn’t help smiling all the time. Grandma Zelda announced the arrival of the Silvers. I quickly shuffled to the front to meet them. Stefan was getting taller and he looked so handsome in his tuxedo.

Dad called me to meet the Silvers and Uncle Azure praised at my lovely gown. Aunt Amethyst hugged me and she said she loved my haircut. I said hello to Stefan but he didn’t say anything. He just stared at me and glanced away. I was dumbstruck of his behaviour. He never acted this way before. I asked him why but he just walked away and left me.

I could feel my heart crumbled and scattered like pieces of jigsaw puzzle. And yes, it’s hurt. I’ve been ignored by my own best friend whom I worshipped most. He’s changed. I could see that. I held my tears from flowing down. It wasn’t the time to cry. I glared at him with full of hatred. I won’t forgive him, ever.

He started to talk to when we’re in high school. Actually he just said hi or nodded or told me that his mother sent regards. We never had a long friendly talk liked we used to be. He acted like nothing ever happened between us and that made me hated him more.

I told my Dad once that I wanted to cancel my engagement with Stefan but Dad refused to do that. It will break the family rules.

“Just because of the Silvers are very close with us it doesn’t mean I have to marry their son?” I said to Dad one day when he came to my room to talk.

“You got to understand, Alice. I promised Azure that if I have a baby girl, then she’ll be married to his son. I thought you’re happy about this. Both of you have already made a vow,” said Dad, consolingly.

“That was a long time ago. I was a little kid and that was not a true vow. You made us read what had written in that paper, remember?” I sighed. “Besides, werewolf and vampire are supposed to be rivals. They can’t be together.”

“Alice, you’ve been reading a lot of fiction about vampires and werewolves. Look, this is the twenty-first century. Anybody can get married to whoever they wanted to. I married your mother who is a witch. A lovely witch, by the way,” Dad smiled and when I stared at him, he cleared his throat. “And your Uncle Archie married with a shape-shifter. And we are happy living together.”

I folded my arms to my chest, still not satisfied with Dad’s answers. Then I told Dad that Stefan doesn’t even like me. But Dad said Stefan was shy because he has grown up and it’s normal for a guy who feels embarrass when they wanted to talk to the girl whom they loved. Then he told me the day that he met Mom and I had to listen from the beginning of his love story until the end.

When Dad left the room, I pondered for a while. I have to forget about Stefan. I took out my old albums which are full of old pictures of me and Stefan when we were small and locked them in a chest in the basement. I didn’t want to look at them anymore.

Ghost Story #2

Year: 1990

This thing happened after the orang-utan ghouls incident. No one said a word about that anymore although that 'thing' was still there. I never played under the house again even in the morning. I never dared to take a peep under the house.

Every night, my late grandmother will go to the mosque which is the opposite side of the road. But that night, she wasn't quite well so she stayed home and looked after us. She usually performed her prayers in her room. In that house, there's only two small rooms. The living room was the biggest because there was only an old TV set on the corner. No sofas, no dining table.

My parents went to my other relative's that night and they only brought my brother along. I stayed at my late grandmother's house with my cousins. We played among ourselves; rolling, giggling. Then my cousin started to tell ghost stories. His sister warned him not to tell ghost stories anymore but he was very stubborn. He told about 'nenek kebayan' (the term for witch in Malays) and she liked to eat little children.

I didn't feel anything as he continued talking about 'nenek kebayan' because I knew that he was telling lies. He asked me if I was scared or not but I shook my head. His story didn't make any sense to me. Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. We were taken aback and my female cousin - she was 2 years older than me, braved herself to ask who was knocking. It became silence. I thought that somebody was making a prank.

Then the door has been knocked again. This time it was louder. But it stopped after knocking five times. We stared at each other and shrugged. That time, I heard a cackle. It sounded like an old woman's cackle. I asked my cousins whether they head the sound but they didn't hear anything. Then I heard a voice of old woman, calling out my name. I was so scared so I ran to my grandmother's room. She was praying at that time. My cousins rushed to the room too.

After my grandmother finished praying, she scolded us because we made lots of noises. We told her about the knocking door and I told her that I heard an old woman's cackle. But my grandmother won't believe us and told us to go to sleep. We decided to sleep with her. 

I was awaken in the middle of the night. It was dark for my grandmother switched off the lamp. When I tried to get back to sleep, I heard that woman's voice again, calling my name. It's getting louder and louder. I covered my ears and I could heard her laughter.

Country Road

This song is sang by Olivia Newton John.

The original singer is John Denver. But I prefer this one :-)

For you, Stefan <3

Circle Quartet: 13

Chapter 13

My family did a surprise visit this evening. I was so shocked, plus, dumbfounded when they shouted ‘surprise.’ I didn’t say anything but lunged at them and hugged them tight. I finally burst into tears, so as Ace and Sable – Sable cried the most. Jeff arranged another party for tonight and everyone couldn’t wait for that. Oh, Jeff also planned the surprise visit too. I received some presents and cards from my cousins. Grandma Zelda will give her ‘special’ present later. I hope I get something cool like sword or daggers. I can use them during the mission.

Abbie and I told them our result and they were all cheered. We have 3 more days to spend with our families before going to the Academy. And yes, we have to stay in a dorm. It’s like a boarding school, I guess. I didn’t have chance to roam around the Academy yet. Maybe after the registration day, I guess.

The party starts at 8 sharp at the Gathering Park. The park sounds like buzzing bees as there are more people joining the party. Half an hour later, the smell of roasted chickens and grilled beef perfumed the park. Ace is showing his grilling ability to Mack and Malcolm while Sable acting as a food critique. Jeff joins me and Abbie as he tells us a bit about the Academy. He has been in the Academy for years before he’s been transferred to the Assassin Unit. Jeff’s stories makes Abbie carried away and she asks a lot of questions on the missions. Abbie loves adventures just like I do. I think we will be a good partner.

The party ends earlier than the previous one because Mom and Dad have to go back home tonight. They have to go to work tomorrow while Ace and Sable are in the middle of special training with Grandma Zelda; they only have one day break. Jeff and I send our family to the nearest airport where Mom’s private jet is waiting. I hug Mom and Dad, again and they tell me to enjoy my new life in Academy. I promise them to send e-mail once a week.

I wave to them until they board the jet and stop waving until the jet is out of my sight. Jeff wraps his arm on my shoulders and tells me that they are going to visit me again.

“Wanna stay at my house tonight?” asks Jeff as he rides me to Uncle Santos’ house.

“I would love too,” I smile widely. I never been to his house before so I think I’m going to have a brother-and-sister day like we used to have. “But I need to get my stuffs first.”

Jeff nods and drives to Street 69. We stop at Uncle Santos house and I tell him that I’ll be staying at Jeff’s house for one day. Then I go to Abbie’s room and get my stuff; only the important ones. I stuff them in my bag pack.

It was nearly midnight when we reached there. I can hear the sound of ocean; the waves hit the sand. So Jeff is living near the beach, I guess. Jeff takes me to my room which he already reserved it for me in case I’ll be staying here. And yes, I like the room very much with red and black theme. Jeff knows my favourite colours.

I wake up earlier than usual because I had a good sleep last night. I roam into the kitchen. The kitchen is quite small but very tidy. I open the fridge and there are lots of canned foods inside. I giggle as I take one can of tuna. Since when Jeff eats tuna? I think I’m going to make sandwiches. There is a loaf of bread on the dining table. Jeff will be happy if he knew that I made sandwiches for him.

I hum merrily while spreading the tuna on the bread. Then I heard a door been opened and someone is walking down to the kitchen. It must be Jeff. I can’t wait to see his face if he sees what I’m doing now. As I want to shout ‘good morning’ to him – I can see his shadow from here, my jaws drastically drop. The guy who enters the kitchen is not Jeff. It’s Stefan! And he’s only wearing a short!

I scream on top of my lungs while cover my eyes with both of my hands. The butter-knife drops on the floor. What is he doing in Jeff’s house? And why Jeff didn’t tell me that Stefan is here? He’s ruining my good-morning surprise!

“Alice! Alice! Calm down, okay?” Jeff rushes to the kitchen and gently shakes my shoulders. “It’s just Stefan.”

“Just?” I yell on top of my lungs. Jeff winces. “What is he doing here? Tell him to leave!” I point to half-naked Stefan who is staring at me bluntly.

“Hey, I didn’t do anything,” he raises his hands in offence.

“Put on your shirt, you idiot dog!” I shout at him. Stefan hurries to his room.

“Alice, calm down,” Jeff rubs behind my back, trying to cool me down. “Stefan is staying here with me before going to the Academy.”

“What? Stefan is staying with you and you didn’t tell me?” I shout in hysteric.

“Look, I’m sorry. I totally forgot to tell you. Honest. I didn’t mean to fright you like this,” Jeff hugs me. “I’m sorry, okay?” he mutters.

It takes 10 minutes for me to calm down. Stefan slowly walks into the kitchen after he puts on his shirt. He apologizes for scarring me like that he promise he won’t do that again.

My brother-and-sister day plan is totally ruin because of this stupid werewolf. Now I have to make extra sandwiches for him! Three of us are having breakfast near the cliff. I can see the line of horizon from here. And I also realize that Jeff is the only residence here. There are some shady trees standing on the left and right of the yard. Jeff’s house or should I say cottage is kind of suit him because he rarely lives here. As an assassin, he has to work 24/7.

Jeff tells his plan for today and he wants to take me to a small town nearby. Stefan is invited too, of course because Jeff can’t just leave him behind because of me. I am not agreeing into his plan but I don’t say anything about it. I have to stick to the plan. Somehow.

We decide to go to town after both Jeff and Stefan taking shower. As I walk back to my room, I realize that Stefan’s room is next to mine. Thank God I’ll be leaving this evening. Tomorrow, my life will begin. Living in a dorm is one on my wish-lists ten years ago.

The town is very peaceful, unlike Sewra where people busily bustling here and there. All they focus are work, work and work! But this little town is different. There are rows of small shops. I can see people talking with each other and some of them greet us as we are walking nearby. I can smell fresh breads from the bakery. And there are musicians too! I love this town! We stop at the bakery to buy some bread – actually I am the one who want the bread. I buy 5 garlic bread sticks and they are bigger than I ate at home.

Then we sit at the bench where the musicians play their violins and cellos. I tell Jeff that I really like this town so much and thank him for bringing me here. Then Stefan stands up and approaches those musicians who have just finish playing a song. Stefan talks to them and they nod and smile. Stefan takes the violin form the shortest man among the musicians and starts to play music.

 Wait a minute! Stefan can play violin? I really can’t believe this. The melody from the violin is very nice to hear. Stefan’s eyes are closed as he plays the violin. I don’t know much about classical music but I love this one! I stand up and walk up to him. He opens his eyes again and smiles as I our gazes locked.

“What’s the name of the song?” I ask him.

“It’s Canon by Johann Pachelbel. It’s about friendship,” he answers.

Jeff approaches us afterwards. Then he puts his hand on my shoulder. “It’s been a while since I hear you sing long time ago. Why don’t you sing a song?”

I’m taken aback of what he said just now.

“Sing a song for us, young lady. I’m sure you have lovely voice,” says one of the musicians.

This is embarrassing. I never sing in this kind of situation before. Yes, I joined choir when I was in elementary school and I loved to sing with my cousins in the bathroom before going to bed, but I can’t sing here.

“Only one song, Alice. I know one song that you like to sing when we’re kid,” says Stefan and plays the music.

I know this one! Country Road! It was my favourite song when I was small.

Take Me Home, Country Roads
Almost heaven, West Virginia,
Blue Ridge Mountain, Shanandoa River,
Life is old there, older than the trees,
Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Country Roads, take me home
To the place I belong,
West Virginia,
Mountain mamma, take me home
Country roads

All my memories, gather round her
Modest lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye

Country Roads, take me home
To the place I belong,
West Virginia,
Mountain Mamma, take me home
Country roads

I hear her voice in the morning hour she calls me
Radio reminds me of my home far away
Driving down the road I get a feeling
That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

Country Roads, take me home
To the place I belong,
West Virginia,
Mountain Mamma, take me home
Country roads

Country Roads, take me home
To the place I belong,
West Virginia,
Mountain Mamma, take me home
Country roads

Take me home, that country road
Take me home, that country road

 I can here clapping and cheering as I finish singing. Then Stefan and I bow slightly and say thank you to everyone. Jeff join us too even though he didn’t sing. The musicians praise for my lovely voice. I think my cheeks are getting reddening.

That song reminds me when I was in pre-school. Our teachers chose this song for the choir competition and after that, that song always coming out from my mouth all the time. I still remember when Stefan made his first visit to my mansion, I asked him to sing the song with me while playing the grand. And we even share the seat as the piano’s seat was bigger to us that time.

We’re being best friend until that tragedy happened. The tragedy that I won’t forget for the past 10 years.

Ghost Story #1

Warning: This is the true story based on my experience. If you think that this story is a bull, then don't read.

I will tell you my experience with ghosts. Let me start from the year 1990.

I was in pre-school and playing house or dolls or 'masak-masak' (cooking) were my favourites. I always played these games in my pre-school during break. But I preferred playing my cousins more. I wasn't a talkative person back then so I didn't talk much in school.

It was school holiday break. Normally, during school break seasons, I went back to my hometown, Pasir Mas, Kelantan. It was a small village where my relatives from my Mom's side live.

I used to play 'masak-masak' under the house. You see, the houses were built higher to prevent from flood. Monsoon always hit here from November until January, where the long school break season started. Since it wasn't raining on that day, my female cousins and I decided to play 'masak-masak'.

There were chickens' den under the house too so sometimes we pretended to be chicken seller. I never even bothered about the number of pillars under the house. Because of my short figure, I could walk or run easily under the house. Suddenly, I felt something funny as I passed through the third pillar from the left. But I ignored the feeling and continue playing with my cousins.

That night, my late grandmother's brother, Tok Ayah, stopped by just to have a chat with my Dad and Ayah Long (my Uncle). They talked outside of the house near the stairs. I was playing at the veranda with my little brother. Suddenly, Tok Ayah told Dad and Ayah Long to go inside the house immediately. I too, have been ordered to take my little brother inside. Dad didn't say a word when I asked him why.

Next day, I heard from my cousin that there's something under the house, hugging the pillar. The third pillar from the left. I stared at the pillar that evening but there's nothing there. But that night, I took a peep from the stairs. There, I saw a black figure like an orang utan, hugging the pillar with chains wrapped on his body and neck. It growled as our gazes locked. Then everything went black.

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.