The barking of a dog woke me up this time. Still feeling groggy, I let my hand pat and stretch on the bed, stopping short when I noticed something. I was clothed. Who had done so? The first time, I hadn’t even noticed if I was clothed or not. The pain hadn’t allowed me that luxury of feeling anything. But the second time, I had been naked save for a thin gown which correlated to the normal hospital gown. However, I was in a pair of shorts and a thin polo now. How? Who had been in charge of my dressing? I hoped it was the female stranger. The thought of the man peeking at my body, even though he was likely the doctor and seemed sincere, didn’t sit well with me. I have always preferred female doctors. Should that be your headache now? My head taunted me and I scoffed mentally, unready to admit its accuracy; there were more things to worry about than who had been in charge of my wardrobe. I noticed then that I felt lighter; normal, no pain of any sort. I must be completely healed!
“Are you thirsty?” That was Diana. She must have noticed my insistent gaze on the blue colored ceramic cup and the golden water pitcher on the wooden table just beside the bed I had just laid. We were almost at the doorstep, but my quest for water had me taking a look at the source of thirst-quench for the umpteenth time.“Yes. I am.” I answered, standing still, my eyes peering down at her, my lips stretching in a thin smile when I saw the smirk cloak her lips. She found my desperation for water funny. Well, she could smirk away, as long as she got me what I wanted.“Okay then. Give me a second.” She said, before walking fast to the table to do my bidding. Seeing as she grabbed both the pitcher and the cup, I believed she had the foresight to know that just one cup wouldn’t be enough to quench my thirst.“Here you go.” She said, before handing over to me, the water pitcher and the cup. Without much ado, I opened the cup-for it had a cover, and poured some water into it; draining
We have been walking for about five minutes on a tiny path, west of the abode where I had been treated. Actually, I was not sure about the time frame. Diana has been talking non stop since we had embarked on this short journey to meet her parents, in the farmland. That’s where she said we were going to; the farmland. Turns out that this was really a village to the truest form. I lost track of time, because her stories were quite rich and interesting, containing facts I should know about the village, in case I got accosted by another villager, and got queried because I was a new face. I was even considering changing my name. From Diana’s tales, the ruler of the village was a queen, whose king had died some ten years ago. Diana believed the woman was strong and had chosen her as her role model. Well, I would be the judge of that when I encounter the said woman; not that I was any good judge of character. Adam was proof of that. Evil, yet dwelling in a handsome innocent body. I cou
The penetrating gazes of my saviors had me biting my lip nervously. I was nervous because I didn’t know what they would do to me, now that I was awake. Would they send me away, or would they keep me? I was hoping for the latter.“Maya…” The woman called this time around, placing her hand on my shoulder, her eyes a canvas of affection and care. These were loving people, and I wished to stay with them longer if they would take me in.“I am fine, I am just nervous.” I said, deciding to be upfront with them-that way I would know my stand and the next step to take.“About what?” The man asked. I still didn’t know his name.“Well, I am awake now. And even though I can't thank you enough for nursing me back to life, I was wondering what you will do with me now. Will you send me away or keep me? That is the reason for my nervousness.” I answered, looking everywhere but at them. It was as if my old timid self was coming back and I didn’t like it. This was a new place, and a good place to sta
Peter was right. Laura’s mac was the most delicious I have ever tasted. Damn! What the hell did she use to prepare it? I thought, as I scooped the last serving on my plate. With the tail of my left eye, I checked to see how the people around the table were faring, and found out that they were still eating gently, in little amounts.Well, they must be used to eating such a rich dish. I had to admit that Laura beat my mother hands down in mac preparation. I thought of asking for more, but shyness wouldn't let me. Fortunately, Diana saw the want and greed painted on my face.“You want more, Maya?” She asked me, and for a minute I was glad that she had read my mind, or my face, whichever one it was. At her question, Laura and Peter looked up from their plates and stared at me. There was a notable smirk playing on Peter’s lips that almost had me groaning for the victory which I knew he was already stewing in.I bit my lips under their gazes, and looked at the window, not ready to agre
Perusing the details of the house once again, I knew I would like it here, that is, if Peter and his wife would have me. They were yet to broach the issue. Hopefully, they would quell my curiosity after dinner.“Here, Maya. I think this is the last serving. I pray it will be enough to quell your hunger which is quite understandable. You haven’t really eaten solid food for more than three months. Every meal was squeezed to its liquid form and transfused into your system.” Laura said as she dropped a plate of mac in front of me.The smell dispelled my regret of raiding their pot. But still, I attempted to sound sympathetic over the issue. “I am sorry...” But Laura wouldn’t have any of it to my relief. “Don’t worry, Maya. Just eat on.” She said, before turning and walking to her seat. Turning aside, I caught Diana wink at me. I smiled then. She seemed to know that I was anything but sorry. The girl knew a lot more than her age. I wondered who her teacher was, or if there was a school
Although I was curious about the queen, I didn’t want to go to her yet; I didn't want to stay with her. I was already familiar with my saviors and wanted to stay with them for now whilst plotting my revenge.“You know what, Maya, I think you should stay here for now. But if the queen takes note of your presence, or if the villagers think it necessary to let the queen know of your presence-then whatever her decision concerning you, we will have to abide by that, no matter what we want. Do you understand?'' Laura asked after stating her decision on the matter, and immediately I nodded my head robotically, holding the smile threatening to break out on my lips.Diana would love this.“Thank you very much, Laura. I appreciate the goodwill that you and your family have bestowed on me. I thank you so much. Peter too.” I said, my mouth and words full of appreciation, a clear reflection of the gratitude that abided in my soul and heart. I was so happy. Now, I could have a stable environment to
Who opened the window? Where is this blinding light streaming from? Is it morning already? Does morning come too early over here? I cussed, turning on the bed to the other side, signing contentedly when I was blessed with a non-light zone. I hugged the pillow tighter to myself, and would have continued to sleep if a certain thought hadn't been chosen at that particular second in the time continuum to filter into my mind. The thought that I had proposed before I went to sleep last night; to be awake before everyone in the family, so that I could start cleaning the surroundings. This way, they would know, especially Laura, that I was more than appreciative to them for taking me in. With that remembrance came an instant jerking up from the bed, and a sharp flinging of the soft pink pillow to the side.“Oh no..” I muttered, irritated with myself, irritated with my keen love for sleep, when I saw that the side of the bed where Diana had slept in last night was empty. The young girl had
Expectation?I didn’t really have one for her, only that she stays true to herself and to me, just as Naomi had done.At least I had a new friend. Hopefully it will be enough to convince Laura to sleep tonight without scolding me. I was sure that the news of today had reached her ears. Peter’s too. “Thanks so much, Levina. You are a lifesaver.” I finally responded, piquing my eyebrows when she chuckled at my statement, when she loosened my hands from her waist, and turned aside to look at me. “I think there is a misplacement of some sorts. You are the lifesaver, Dora. It is because of you that I will be able to have a better school and social life; my life actually as a whole. I should be the one showing the appreciation.” She said with a beautiful laugh, her eyes sparkling under the board of moonlight, a sharp contrast to the first time I had actually noticed her. In the cafeteria, her eyes had been empty, totally void of feelings. She had been totally lost. I felt happy again th
It took me three hours to finish detention. Three hours of trying to fight my worst fears. Three hours spent cursing professor Bulock. How could such a cruel thing be used as detention? How could such a cruel method be utilized? I remembered his last words to me in class this morning, his last words that had sent a chill down my back. ‘No way for her to learn about our ways, for her to learn about respect and discipline in class if not through that.’ ‘That’ meaning detention. It would explain the reason why I had been the only one in detention. No one wanted their worst fears thrown at them. No wonder the sheer decorum in school.The bullying had only continued because of who the bully was. But I was sure that Rachel would repent if she was subjected to her fears. Three hours of living with them, and I knew that I wouldn’t disrespect Professor Bulock in his class again, so far as he let me be too. You are still giving conditions? My mind taunted me and I shrugged my shoulders.
I should be in the classroom reserved for detention but I was back at the bleak place again. That place thrummed with filth and despair, just like before.I sighed when a woman's despairing cry echoed in my soul, tearing at me, reprimanding me, drawing me back from the edge of a great precipice. Had I fallen asleep during detention?It was just as before.Every cell in my body craved food and something else, something I could lay my finger on, mostly because I had rehearsed the dream by now. Blood.The hunger raked at me with merciless claws until a red haze covered my sight and my pulse hammered with the need for immediate sustenance. Desperate, I scanned the area above my resting place for the presence of enemies and, finding none, burst through the rich layers of soil, into the air, my heart thundering in my ears, my mind screaming. I landed in a crouch in the midst of dense shrubbery and thick vegetation, and took a slow, careful look around me, not in the least concerned abo
It was the last class of the day, and I was counting down the minutes to the clinging of the dismissal bell. Five minutes to go. I thought giddily, throwing a glance at my watch. I was deathly hungry. After I had left the principal’s office, there had been no time to get to the cafeteria. I had returned to class hungry. It became crazier whenever I remembered the detention—a delay to having Laura’s food. “Well, it seems someone is in a hurry to go somewhere.” I withheld a visible flinch, somehow knowing that the lady lecturing us on magic and music was talking about me. I expected a frown on her face, but I saw a smile on her lips rather; a soft smile, as if I reminded her of someone interesting, someone that she cared about. I forced a smile on my lips too, and hers widened. She shook her head, and gathered her supplies on the table. “I will see you all on Thursday. Make sure to get your assignment ready by then. No excuses.” Assignment? She had given an assignment? I felt m
When we got to the principal’s office, he was in a meeting with someone, and so we had to wait by the door till he was done. We waited for about fifteen minutes before the door opened and Prof. Bulock stepped out of the office. When he saw I and Levina, a still milk-soaked Levina, he piqued his eyebrows, keeping his steely gaze on me. “What did you do to sweet Levina? What did you do this time around?” I snorted. “Does it look like I did anything to her? If your mind was free from prejudice as it should be, you would have noticed that. You would have noticed too, that I was her ally and not a foe. So much for the magic you claim to have for observation. Now, if you will excuse us, Prof Bulock, we have to see Mr Lethon.”Professor Bulock was standing right at the entrance, and his hand clutched the knob tight. Still, he was lucky I had held back from putting the emphasis on the right syllable in his name that would highlight a castrated cow. I wondered what he would do if I ever
“How long has this been happening?” I asked Sinclair immediately we left the cafeteria, enroute to the principal’s office. Levina has refused to say a word since we left, but that was okay. People reacted to situations differently. If I would take a bet, she was contemplating her father’s reaction when he finally heard the news. There was a minute silence, during which I inhaled the strength to shout at him if he chose not to talk about this troubling matter. But then, he started speaking. “For a while now. It’s not regular, but it happens occasionally, sometimes in the cafeteria, sometimes in the training field. Actually since her father had been elected the school’s principal.” I sharply turned to look at him. “And how many years is that?” “Five years.” My tongue tasted something bitter and bland. She has been bullied for five years? How had the father stayed unaware all this time? How had no one thought to slither the piece of information to Mr Lethon? Did they hate him an
There was laughter everywhere in the cafeteria. The matrons serving the food said and did nothing. Sinclair sighed in exasperation. I wasn’t sure of Raul’s reaction to his sister’s bullying. I didn’t look. No. I was already transported in time to the cafeteria back at the pack.I was transported to the past, to the particular time when Noah had poured milk on me; to the time when Daniel had joined them; to the time when the entire student populace, or most, had joined them in throwing food at me; to the time when the matrons had done nothing to help me; until Noami had run and called the principal. My fists clenched, while watching the girl sniff. She was about to cry.I didn’t know when I moved, didn’t care to know how I had gotten in front of Rachel in less than two seconds.I grabbed her by the neck and pulled her out of the chair. “Don’t dare use your magic on me, or you are gone, Rachel.” I said when I saw her hand twitching. It was a gamble. A very risky one, knowing th
At Sinclair’s question, I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering about the edge in his voice, an edge that was barely there.I didn’t think he was even aware of it. We had both agreed that personal questions were off the bet. That had been the reason I hadn’t asked him about the thriving issue between him and Raul. Yet, here he was talking about me and Raul like we had something going, like he was curious about knowing what exactly we had going on. I ignored him. “I want to go to college when I’m done here, or rather I want to use it as an avenue for exploring the world, before taking up my responsibility. But my parents want me to take up my responsibility after school.” I stopped my movement then and looked at Sinclair in shock. He had answered my question, the first I had asked him earlier, after my registration at the principal’s office. I had asked him what his plans were after school, and he had told me that he didn’t owe me an answer.My ignorance of his questions must have no
‘That I care about you.’ These words kept ringing in my head, but I knew it was because of the emotions that Raul had worn in his eyes when he spoke them. I didn’t think I would forget them any time soon. It was foremost, the emotion of sheer attachment, which kept bringing back those words. And it was not like I was remotely interested in Raul. No. He was handsome and all that, but he seemed to have caught Diana’s fancy. A few years would determine if it was a childhood crush, or something else. Somehow, a feeling or gut—call it whatever—chose the latter.I sighed at that. This development wasn't good. When had he developed the feelings? Was it when I had rejected Adam publicly in the eatery? Worse, after my conversation with Raul, Rachel hadn’t stopped staring at me. Sometimes she was glaring, some other times she was just staring at me, in amazement or surprise. But those few times I caught her looking at me in that manner, as if I was holding gold, she righted her face b