I'LL BE THERE

She’s been awake for 19 hours, reading through every page of the books right in front of her. She didn’t notice the time anymore, yet she knows she’s been having progress. And while she was consumed by what she was doing, she realized how much she’s been missing.

There were so many things to learn. So many words to discover and all throughout, she didn’t exactly think that reading was a useful tool.

She’s almost done, two more books before she could truly say she’s finished the task given to her.

When the final page of the current book was done, she heaved a happy sigh as she turned to the next book.

This one is thicker than the usual book she has read. It’s also bigger yet majestically intrinsic from the cover to the edges of each page. In the cover was a circular artifact that looked like a knob.

Her curiosity once again got the best of her. She tried to turn it around, hoping that she could miraculously make it work.

In an instant, she felt a quick prick against her palm that she jounced at the feeling of a single droplet getting out of her palm. The drop of blood soon found it’s way down the intricate edges of the circular artifact and it spread throughout the entire circle.

Then, as soon as the blood spread, the circle in the cover of the book turned like a knob activated by her blood.

She couldn’t stop her mouth from opening out wide.

The book lit up as it’s cover opened by itself and presented the first page.

Her eyes grew wide as seeing that it seemed to have its own life.

“Oh My God! Alvah!” she called out to the Jinni.

  On the first page were scribbled words in Arabic, yet she could read it.

“That’s not possible.”

She soon hears the clacking sound of Alvah’s footsteps approaching her.

“What’s going on?”

“This book, it just magically opened by itself. It did somehow feed from my blood, but it opened!” she couldn’t contain her excitement and even failed to see the victorious smirk forming from Alvah’s lips.

“What does the first page say?”

“I don’t know. It’s in Arabic.”

“But can you read it?”

Her eyes squinted, trying her best to not trust her own thoughts. But the words in Arabic were calling out to her. She can read them, even though it’s remotely impossible.

“I think I can.”

“Then read it. What does it say?”

She was silent for a moment. Doubtful if she does know what it says.

“Just read it slowly. Take your time.”

“Only those who are chosen shall decipher this reading. If you can read it, then you must be the rightful owner of this spell book. Thou shall triumph, for finally, you have found your greatest ally.” She paused with her browse furrowing endlessly. “Spell book?”

“Congratulations Charlie!”

Charlie turned towards Alvah and sees her wide smile.

“What do you mean?”

“You made it.”

“I--- I made what?”

“You are now officially, my protégé.”

In a sudden, Alvah clapped her hands three times and loud banging firework noise started to fill the entire house.

“We shall celebrate!”

She was pulled into the living room, passing through till they get to the dining room. She sees the long dinner table and the mansion’s maids starting to prepare with what seemed to be a feast.

Scrumptious meals lay in front of her, and it was only then she realized how starving she’s been.

She hasn’t eaten anything for almost 24 hours now, and all the food in front of her seems to be calling to her.

It was literally an Arabian feast with all the food that’s laid in front of her. One by one, each dishes showcased a story. A delicate and intimate symbol of how she has painstakingly read through all the books that were given to her.

Of the Aha moments she has in every word she read through.

She had one of the most wonderful times of her life in a wooden chair a, huge round table and the bunch of books she had to go through, not even knowing that it was all a test.

But she did it.

“I’d… I’d like to go home now if you don’t mind. I’m sorry.”

Alvah’s smile suddenly faded.

“But I’ve prepared all of these for you.”

“I know. And I’m sorry. But I want to rest and maybe savor this differently.”

She could see Alvah’s disappointment. But she just didn’t feel like celebrating.

“Alright. I understand.”

She clapped her hands once again and one of the maids came out and handed her a takeout bag.

“Bring something you can maybe munch on later.”

She accepted the bag and did a courtesy.

“Thank you Alvah.”

Alvah’s face turned serious and faced her with such seriousness.

“Be back here tomorrow, as soon as the sun rises.  By then, we shall begin your training.”

Charlie’s face started to light up.

“You did very well today, Charlie. Congratulations! I look forward to training with you. You have no idea how much fun we’re going to have moving forward.”

She felt giddy upon hearing what Alvah said.

“I can’t wait.”

“See you tomorrow.” She moves to the main chair of the long table and took a seat. She prepared her table napkin and started on munching the meal in front of her.

Charlie on the other hand silently excused herself from the room half leaping as she took the road going home.

Just as she has walked farther enough, Mr. Bailey came in and sat beside Alvah. HE too took a table napkin and started munching on the food in front of him.

“That was surprising, right?”

“Unexpected definitely. But not surprising. I guess she’s starting to learn things on her own.”

“I really hope she earns the right maturity to be able to fulfill the destiny that’s ahead of her.”

“I think she’s starting to get there. Don’t worry, I will make sure she will be ready for it. I hope you are not forgetting who you are talking o.”

“Of course, you are the legendary Alvah. I will never forget that part.”

“Good to know then.”

+++++++

She couldn’t help herself from smiling. All throughout her walk, she felt the success she’s made that day. And she can’t wait to tell Lance about it.

As soon as she arrived, she went straight to the rooftop, expecting that he would be there.

Tomorrow, she will begin her training.

But she wants to be consistent in all the things that she will be going through. So, she was thinking of a plan.

“Well, this is a surprise.”

She smiled as soon as she heard his voice.

“I was hoping you’d be here.”

“Well, I was somewhere when I felt like someone’s thinking of me.”

“Really?” she giggled as he came near her.

“How are you? I haven’t seen you. Where were you?”

“I’ve been somewhere too.”

“I like how you use the same word I’m using.”

“Well, it’s fun. Anyways, I brought food. You want to share?”

“Sure.”

She opened the bag and handed a pita to Lance while she opened the container with the dip.

In a few minutes, they were enjoying a few slices, mostly sharing the things that happened to them the entire day.

“So, you, did it? Didn’t you?”

“Did what?”

“You’ve overcome the challenge that was given to you?”

She smiled softly and looked out the entire city scape.

“I guess you could say that. And tomorrow, everything will be different. I can’t wait to start my new adventure.”

“Well, it’s good to know that you are happy now. Just remember that you can do everything you set your mind into. No one will ever stop you to reach your dreams.”

“Thank you! You always have a way with words, don’t you?”

“Well, you might be the writer, but I am certainly a poet.”

“Really?”

“For real. So, if you need help with your words. Or perhaps when you get writer’s block, I am here. You can ask for my help. Just call my name and I’ll be there.”

“Isn’t that line from a song?”

“I don’t know, it’s an original for me.”

She chuckled seeing how he seems to be trying not to laugh.

“Right. You are a silly man.”

“I only get to be silly with you.”

“Keep at it okay? I need some silly every now and then.”

“You can count me on that.”