V. Maura

Wednesday

     The evening was dark and I was on my way home. School was once again wearying. At times, I want to give up and say, "To hell with all this." Expectations can be a huge burden to carry. Being the only child, I had to be perfect, I had to excel, I had to be the best, and I had no right to complain. Being the supreme student council president, I had to be the person everyone can rely on, I had to be responsible, I had to be diligent, and again, I had no right to complain.

     I love my parents and I know that they love me too, but most of the time, I feel like they only love me because of my achievements; they love the person who I'll become or rather who they want me to be. My teachers are no different. They only like me because they rely on me, because they benefit from my hard work.

     “Little miss, we're home," said Pietro, the most compassionate person I know, also our chauffeur. I didn't realise that the car had stopped already. Pietro went out to open the car door for me and I gave him a bright smile as I stepped out of the car. He responded with a delightful smile that revealed his overbite.

     Pietro opened the front doors for me, I went in and every step echoed within the empty space I called home. Mom and dad weren't home yet; actually, I barely see them. Running a company surely brings a lot of money but steals a lot of time from family. As I was on my way to my room, Ruby, our sweetest maid and Pietro's older sister, welcomed me with such excitement. No matter how exhausted my body may get, smiles from people around me always delight my soul.

     "Why are you so excited?" I asked Ruby as she took my bag for me. She just smiled impishly and retreated. I continued to my room and sunk myself in my bed letting out a huge sigh of relief. I grabbed my phone to read a story from wattpad. Yes! My favorite author updated her story; that makes me happy. I love her work. It tells the story of a bad boy falling for a smart girl. I kinda wish that it'll happen to me. Haha. Keep dreaming Maura.

     "I promised that I won't tell you unless you see it for yourself, little miss. If you would be so kind and proceed to the ballroom,” she giggled. Ruby seemed excited judging by the contagious held-back smile painted on her face. I got totally curious that I couldn't contain my anticipation and practically sprinted to the ballroom or as I’ve always called it, “the empty room.” It has always been empty since grandpapa died. It used to be my favourite part of the estate, but now, it’s just a dusty storage room.

     My heart was pounding as I reached the door. I was smiling, catching my breath, and expecting something really nice when I get in. My hand reached for the knob and it felt rather different. The last time I entered this room, I was very little that the knobs were too big for my hands. I opened the door and scanned the room. The sight had me gasping, my knees felt weak, I lost my footing, and I fell to the floor both jaw and eyes wide open.

     The room was completely clean and sparkling. It was as bright as the day grandpapa taught me how to dance. Directly under the crystal chandelier stood grandpapa’s grand piano. I did my best to compose myself and strolled my way around it. I ran my fingers along the smooth, polished surface of its exterior. This brings back so many memories; my chest is filling up with all sorts of nostalgia. The loneliness I’ve been suppressing since grandpapa’s passing and my parents’ absence suddenly resurfaced. I bit my lips and dug my face in my palms as tears streamed out my eyes. It took a while; after drowning from my own tears, I collected myself and stride to the piano chair. I took a seat; I remembered that my feet couldn’t even touch the floor when I first sat here. I opened the fall board and every key glistened; just by looking at them shine revealed how smooth they were.

     I ran my fingers over the piano keys, barely touching them; they felt cool and smooth. I pressed on a key and the sound echoed through my body making me giggle like a little kid. I played other keys and each note took me back in time when grandpapa first introduced me to music. He taught me all the things that I love doing: music, poetry, dance, painting, and even horse-back riding. My hands suddenly moved on their own creating a beautiful melody, the piece I played on my first recital: Canon in D. I remember mother and father being present during my recital; that was probably the last time they’ve come to support me in anything. The melody faded years of heartache. Playing music made me feel like a child again. Being a child prodigy was fun because every impressive thing that I did brought pride to the people around me; now that I’m an adolescent aka “young lady,” people only expect perfection and nothing less. No time for mistakes nor flaws. Pressure for breakfast, and tension for dinner. Everything must be perfect: every movement, every gesture, every word, and every performance.

     Tears began pouring out my eyes; it’s been a while since my last breakdown. It felt like a huge block of ice from my chest started thawing as the tears continued to stream. In the middle of my ventilation, I felt a presence nearby; I tried to stop my weeping because grandpapa always said that a true lady does not show her tears to anyone. I did some breathing to relax my state of mind. The music finally stopped as I brushed the tears off my eyes; I didn’t even realise that I was still playing. I looked behind me to see that no one was there, but I was sure that there’s an intriguing presence nearby.

     “Is someone there?” I asked, trying to sound sane and kind at the same time. I felt a fluctuate in the presence as if it was surprised. The door slowly opened revealing a surprised Ruby asking, “How did you know I was here, little miss?”

     “Intuition, I presume,” I replied in a confused voice. Was it Ruby that I sensed? The presence earlier felt like it was inside the room, not outside. I am puzzled, but Ruby snapped me out of it. “Little miss, may I lead you to the dining hall?”

     I reached for my pocket watch and looked at the time. “It’s time for supper already? My apologies, Ruby. I didn’t notice the time; I was consumed by my memories. Thank you for this lovely surprise. I’m sure everyone had their share of work here.”

     Ruby fixed her bangs, clasped her hands over her chest, and smiled brightly, “I’m truly happy you loved it, little miss; however, there’s more. Please follow me.”

     There’s more? More surprises? Am I prepared for anymore surprises? I don’t think my heart can take anymore glee for tonight; frankly, I’m not used to being this happy. Today has been a roller coaster ride of emotions. Well, technically, I’ve never been on a roller coaster ride, but it probably feels this way.

     I let Ruby lead me to the dining hall. When I got there, the table was set and the room was bright and warm. Hugo, our trusty butler, was there standing at the end of the table waiting for me to take my seat. I scanned the table setting; one plate. My heart sank; however, by now, I should be used to it already. It's been a long time since we last had a family dinner. I mustered up a faint smile and walked to the end of the long table. Hugo pulled the chair and I took my seat.

     Erika, our resident cook, went in with her high ponytail and her navy blue apron bringing my meal. She placed the plate in front of me which was unusually larger than usual. She removed the cover and revealed a triple chocolate cake. I looked to her with a wondering expression on my face. "For you, little miss,” she said smiling from ear to ear. Ruby and Pietro came in the room  wearing party hats and bringing food. Wait, not just any food; my favorite food! There were spaghetti, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes. The smell made my stomach grumble in such an unladylike manner. I looked at Hugo and to my surprise he was wearing a party hat and blowing a birthday blowout.

     "What's all this?" I asked, mesmerized with their contagious laughter.

     "Happy birthday, little miss,” Hugo said lovingly removing the blowout from his mouth. I was speechless. All I could do was stare at the cake in front of me and take a quick glimpse at the joy-filled people around me. I felt my chin tremble and my eyes started tearing. I couldn't help it anymore, I burst and wept. Hugo, Pietro, Ruby, and Erika started singing a birthday song and I just buried my face in my hands.

     Not long after, Hugo lit the candle on the cake and whispered in my ear, "Make a wish, little miss.” I tried to stop crying. I rubbed my eyes to stop the tears. Pietro approached and handed me a white handkerchief, so I patted my eyes dry. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and made a wish. I wished for these four people around me to be happy and have good health. I wished for my parents' safety as they travel across the country for business. I wished for my co-officers and advisers from the student council to be able to have the heart and will in continuing the mission of service to our school. I wished for grandpapa to guide me from the afterlife. I wished for world peace. I opened my eyes, took another deep breath, and blew the candle.

     All four of them clapped. Ruby started putting food on my plate. As the others started to retreat from the hall, I stopped them and asked them to stay and eat with me. They refused at first, but it didn’t take long to convince them otherwise. Let’s just say that I threatened to cry and not eat if they didn’t join me. It still works.

     I honestly forgot that it's my birthday today. I just celebrated my birthday last year. Wait. Birthdays are celebrated annually. Haha.

     We had a small party. All five of us and maybe even my grandpapa’s spirit. It was fun. We dined together, told stories, and laugh the evening away. I thanked them for the surprise and the restoration of the ballroom. Erika shared her memories growing up in Chinatown and learning kung fu. She even showed us some of the moves she learned and almost broke the plates in front of her. Ruby and Pietro on the other hand sang a native song they learned from their mom. They said it was a lullaby sang to them as children.

     Hugo then took an opportunity to hand me a present. Erika urged me to open it sharing that it was from all of them. I started to peel off the gift wrap revealing a brown box. The box contained a wooden hairpin designed with a fox at the end. It looked truly exquisite. Pietro said it came from Japan and believed to be imbued with protection magic of a sort. The details and material were simple, but its the simplicity of the hairpin that made it look divine. Ruby stood up and volunteered to put the fox hairpin on me. The moment, the hairpin was placed on my hair, I felt warm. The absence of my parents was completely forgotten with the love these people showered me.

     Just for an evening we managed to be happy, sad, nostalgic, melancholic, and not to mention full. Family doesn't have to be related by blood, I know that now. The lack of memories I have with my parents, the void in my heart empty with affection is filled by these people around me. My abyss is now a lake, all thanks to them. Since infancy, they were by my side. I see them more often than I see my parents. They always have an uncanny way of making me feel better and making my life easier.

     In the middle of the simple feast, we were startled by a mysterious sound from outside. I didn't recognize what the sound was but the four people around me made eye contact among one another. Pietro turned to me and said, "Stay here, little miss." "We'll be right back," added Ruby with a smile as they all darted outside.

     I was confused. I really wanted to see what they were doing, but they told me to stay, and based on experience, it's best for me if I listened to them. I tried to remain calm about the matter and sit still, but a voice inside my head is nagging me to check on them. It was a struggle, but my amygdala won in the end. I ran toward the front door and planted myself to it trying to hear or feel what's happening at the other side. I was really worried that something dangerous might happen, I prayed really hard for my friends to be safe. Suddenly, I felt a surge of energy pulse from outside; I can't explain this sensation: it felt warm but at the same time, it made me shiver and made me feel weak. I tried fighting the urge to open the door, for I really wanted to heed Pietro's words; however, something is drawing me from the outside.

     Suddenly, I heard multiple screaming. My heart pounded so hard that even my vision is pulsating. I couldn’t help it anymore. With great rush, I headed outside where all my friends were. What I saw next has left me in utter shock. I found myself behind my four friends who appeared to be weapon-wielding masked warriors standing against five masked, hooded men. Erika had a sheathed sword on her waist; one hand on the scabbard, one hand on the handle. Pietro wielded a arnis assuming a defensive stance. Hugo seemed weaponless at first glance, but looking closely, I discovered that he had knuckles on his hands. Ruby was an archer; she had her bow and arrow ready, her quiver on her waist, and two circular blades on the small of her back. All four of them wore black masquerade masks which blended with the dimness of the night; on the other hand, the hooded men had white masks covering their whole faces. I have no idea where the weapons, the masks, and the enemies came from, but I'm sure about one thing, my staff, no, my friends, were there risking their lives to protect me. I wanted to contribute to at least even the odds; however, I didn't have any weapon with me nor did I have any skills that are helpful in this situation, if only playing a piano could help.

     Not long after, all five hooded men started to advance, so did my friends. It was a skirmish, a clash of weapons and skill. Erika and Pietro struck the enemies alternately. Ruby ran around the wide battlefield shooting arrows to the enemies, rolling and slicing at them with her round daggers. Hugo used his great combat skills to evade all stabs and slashes sent by the foes as he sends jabs with every dodge. The battle was intense, all I could do was watch from afar. I saw how much the four struggled to keep the enemy at bay and away from me; they protected me, shielded me from all threats and dangers since I was young. They were present in all important events of my life including all the small happenings: birthdays, holidays, first day to school, and more. They were more than personnels to me, more than friends, they were family. If only I could do anything to help; anything at all to be of assistance to these wonderful, courageous people.

     In the midst of my deep thinking, I failed to notice that one of the hooded men made it past my team and tried to stab me from behind. I immediately dodged the attack but the enemy's dagger grazed me on my arm making me lose my balance and fall to the ground. My arm was bleeding so bad that I wanted to cry, but I muffled my sobs as the foe approached me. I tried to crouch backward, but it was difficult, for I was trying to stop my bleeding with my other arm. I crouched until I felt a thud behind me, I reached the wall already; I was trapped, nowhere to escape. The foe drew nearer and nearer and there I was, just waiting for my end. I watched the man walk toward me as I started weeping, thinking that he would stab me with the knife he used to slice me. I positioned myself to avoid a sudden stab, but to my surprise, he grabbed me by the arm, the wounded arm at that, staining himself with my blood; then, he started running, dragging me, and almost twisting my arm. I tried to struggle but he was strong and it was hard to keep up. His fingers bore through my wound and made the bleeding worse. I was losing a lot of blood.

     Sports was never a friend to me; I had a frail body so it didn't take long for my body to give up. We were almost beyond the gate when I fell. The hooded man pulled me and dragged me. My legs and knees scraped on the ground. My friends finally caught up with us; surrounding us from all four directions aiming their weapons at the common enemy. The masked man holding me captive grabbed me by the hair and made me stand pointing the tip of his dagger to chest. I was trying to catch my breath and with every breath I take, the dagger would pierce through my blouse and graze my skin. Hugo, Ruby, and Erika lowered their weapons. Ruby gave Pietro a look that made him withdraw his arnis.

     Everyone was standing still breathing heavily, tired and bleeding from all the combat. Moments later, I’m not sure if it’s due to the blood loss, but I think I saw my friends' masks and weapons evaporate into thin air. It seemed magical seeing their weapons fade, but it also means that they were defenseless; however, as they lost their masks and arms, I felt a refreshing sensation in me that felt like all my worries were lifted in a single breath of air. I felt an energy surge in me starting from my toes creeping slowly to my body enveloping me whole. For a few seconds, it seemed like I was enclosed with some sort of veil, embracing me like petals on a closed flower blossom; I felt safe, all my senses were intensified. In a split second, I felt a rush of power erupt from my heart like all my energy was released in a single blow. I regained my normal consciousness; to my surprise, I was no longer held hostage. As I looked behind me, I saw the hooded man disoriented on the ground. I took a few steps back away from the enemy and all four of my friends stood fearlessly in front of me creating a barricade. Four against one; the foe took struggles in composing himself, but not long after, he ran away limping with every step.

     I somehow wished that we took the enemy captive to have him explain his intentions, but looking at my friends, I realized how tired they were judging by their appearance and wounds. They couldn't have chased the man in those conditions. Everything that just happened are just too surreal. I need an explanation. I looked at my friends expecting them to say something.

     "Erm... Who wants more cake?" said Pietro in the most awkward way.

     "Explain this," I replied, injecting all the authority I had into my words.

     "Come in, little miss. We'll discuss this inside. But first, let Ruby treat your injuries," Hugo said calmly.