RENDALL The war is over, but the remnants of its memories would never leave our mind. They used to say that the truth will set you free, but in our case, the truth made us lost a huge part of ourselves—including those people who are important for us. I placed the flowers I brought beside the tombs of three important persons in my life. I’m still not used in not seeing the three of them around the packhouse—I guess, I could never get used to it. “Hey,” a voice from behind me said. I turned around to see who it was, and I was astounded when I saw Ava holding two baskets of flower which she placed right beside mine. After the war has ended, I can say that between all of us, Ava was the one who changed a lot. She isolated herself—and didn’t talk to any of us. It seemed as though that the war has become a traumatic event for her, and I couldn’t blame her for that. She grew up with a memory of losing a loved one, now she had to endure the same predicament all over again. “I didn’t expec
TASHA Rendall was quiet the whole time ever since Raiah, Griego, and Phoenix left. He didn’t say another word when we got back inside the main packhouse, which made me doubt if this will be the perfect time to break out the news to him or should I wait again for another day. “Did Ava talk to you?” he asked while he’s busy preparing something on the kitchen counter. I nodded my head in response even though he couldn’t see it before sitting at the edge of the dining table. “She told me that she’s leaving the pack,” I said. “I couldn’t imagine the amount of pain she had been feeling after her father passed away. She had to live her life without her mother, her brother has his own life with Raiah—she basically lost everyone.” He handed me a plate of salad as he snaked his arms around my waist. I wrapped mine on his neck in return. I looked him straight on his eyes and he became vulnerable in that exact moment. When I had to deal with the problem on my chest, Rendall did his very best
TASHA One year later… Everyone’s busy inside the pack because today is a very special day for me, Rendall, and for Sage, our daughter. Two months ago, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl, and Rendall and I decided to name her “Sage”, a name that signifies being wise and being healthy. Today, the new members of the council will baptize her. It would be a big celebration since Rendall invited his allies from outside the Kumori woods. “Tasha!” Raiah squealed after seeing me. Griego and Phoenix followed her. She gave me a warm hug before handing her gift for Sage. “Phoenix chose it himself for his cousin. Since this morning, he’s eager to meet her again. I’m glad that Phoenix isn’t the only child in the family.” I looked past at her and when my eyes met those of Phoenix, he held on to Griego’s hand. “Thank you for your gift, Phoenix. I am sure that Sage will love it,” I said. He hid behind his father’s back, and we shared a peal of laughter because of him. After a while, he looked at m
SAGE I found Phoenix on our grandfather’s library just like the usual. He’s my cousin who’s five years ahead of my age. He loved this place more than anywhere else inside the packhouse, and I am not sure why. When I used to ask him about it, he would give me an answer once he finished reading a book, and I got tired of waiting for him to converse with me. I’m an outgoing person while he’s the reserved one. That is why when my mother used to tell me stories about Phoenix’s childhood, I couldn’t believe her. They were telling me that this man used to be jolly when he was a kid, but I doubt that. I don’t even understand why a lot of girls in our pack liked him. “They were looking for you,” I said before sitting on the swivel chair in front of him. He didn’t even bother to move an inch, say anything, or even throw a quick glance on my direction. “Phoenix, we’re about to have a visitor and you’re here, isolating yourself, trying to read the same book over and over again. I would surely t
TASHA “Tasha, seriously? The Junior Prom is barely three weeks away, and you haven't decided whether or not you'll attend?” Sadie let out a snort. “It is the Prom, maybe the best night we could possibly have after an exceptionally distressing school year!” "And I'm not looking forward to experiencing one of the best evenings of my college life," I said as I placed the food dish that I was hanging on the unoccupied table we found. "I'll be honest with you; getting involved in things like that is not my cup of tea. We want a peaceful life; we keep a low profile. Not to mention that I should do all in my power to prevent my mother from spending money on my outfit, hair, and make-up for the event. The expense of attending this institution is already high." Trace of misery streaked through her face. “It seems like I'm going
TASHA “You saw Rendall kissing someone in the locker room earlier, and you didn't bother to tell me about it straight away?” Sadie scoffed, and I groaned as I sank back on my bed. “Seriously, our friendship is on the rocks at this moment,” she joked and chuckled. "Since when did Rendall kissing some girls at school become our concern?" I asked, loaded with counterfeit energy. “He can have some smooches with someone all over the campus, and I would prefer not to care the slightest bit. He's not even that hot!” “You're telling a lie,” Sadie pointed out. “I noticed how strained you looked when he sat next to you! You can never lie to me, Tasha.” I sighed and rolled my eyes. “I was tensed because it was him!” I answered. “I am sure you're aware that being close to him can spark an
TASHA “I told you, you will go with me whether you like it or not,” Sadie said in hushed tones as we were looking through the racks of dresses to decide what to wear to the Junior Prom night the following night. She told my mom about the prom night and my mom urged that I should go. Even though I tried to persuade her that I didn't want to, she reminded me of how I had skipped both my junior prom and senior graduation ball while I was in secondary school. “If mom would only let me, I would still choose not to attend,” I said. My eyes were drawn to a simple gray bare-backed dress with a low plunging neck area and I frowned upon seeing its tag price. “Even though this is their most affordable dress, it is still a drain on our savings!” “Don’t look at the prices and pick what you really want,” Mom remarked from the opposite side of the rack. She strolled towards me, showing her guaranteeing smile. “I can borrow a dress from Sadie,
TASHA “Hey!” Sadie’s voice drew me back to reality. I didn't realize that I was zoning out. “W-What?” “I’ve been calling you multiple times. You’re spacing out,” she said. “Are you okay?” I shook my head, gesturing no. “I’m sorry about your father. If you don’t want to go to the party, I can drive you wherever you want to go.” “I’m…” I breathed, “I’m fine.” I forced a smile, and that’s when worry flashed through her face even more. “As soon as this evening is over, I'll deal with my issues.” She didn’t express anything. I stood up when the make-up artist called my name…and I was there. As I sit on that semi-raised seat, brush strokes trace the contours of my flesh, yet everything... everything appears to be a haze. Everything i