The Greatest Gift

We helped each other onto the rock. We stood by the edge and stared down. We held our hands tighter. I looked at him, shook my head, showing my reluctance. He raised his hand to his chest. He looked deep into my eyes. Using them, he said ‘I’ll go first’. I shook my head and took a step back, pulling his hand. He gently broke my grip and looked the last time, giving me the confidence. Then, he jumped. Nooo!!! 

***

If you met me before, I’m exactly the type that’ll make you think twice whether you wanted to be my friend. Dressed in knitted clothing (even when it’s 100 degrees!) and nose constantly hidden deep in books, I was the ‘geekest’ geek ever roamed the planet! I was quiet, hadn’t the confidence even to speak out in class even if I knew the right answer. I had self-esteem problems. I had every other defect. To forget the ordeal of being teased and bullied, I hid behind my books. Like a tortoise in the face of danger, I hid from ever having a life.

Everything changed after I met Louis in High School. We were lab partners in Chemistry. Judging by my looks and his popularity, he was reluctant even to sit next to me. He avoided me like I had rabies or something so infectious that he might die getting it. So I ended up doing most of the projects most of the times. He was the worst of the lot that bullied me. I hated him to the very last bit. Or so I thought.

Our Chemistry teacher finally caught up with our act and gave us an extra research project for the summer! It hit Louis hard- he wanted to spend it with his gang at some villa somewhere in the middle of nowhere. And I hated the thought of spending even a moment together doing the project. One thing though, if we don’t complete it together, we’d both failed regardless my efforts on former projects! We had to work.

We spent most our time at the library going through every single book on our project, compiling vital information as we moved on. Surprisingly, he was more open. The first ever sentence he uttered to me: “How about this?” I guessed it meant that he was less protective of his so-called image when he realised that his guys weren’t there to see him interact with a person a class lower.

I hadn’t realised it. I never even thought of it until we had supper at the café. We spent hours toiling and typing all the information we collected, piecing everything into a perfect presentation. So there we were, having our lunch and dinner at once. It was then, he made me laugh. He made me laugh! I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t sleep that night. I just stared up to the ceiling, contemplating every thought and rush.

We finished the project before mid-summer break. It was like lifting a burden, I felt at ease once again. So with nothing to do, he invited me for a day to the funfair. I was so glad, my heart skipped a beat. 

There was always something in his gaze. It was always telling me something and always knew what they were saying.

I didn’t feel like the old me anymore. I let my hair fly with the wind. I let my spirits soar and never regretted anything. A blanket of relief was upon me. Everywhere he goes, I would follow. Every step he makes, I’d take. If he jumped, I would too…

I stared down and there he was. I took a deep breath and with a smile, I jumped.

The air was sweet…

A second later, I hit the cold hard surface of water. Water filled my ears and rushed all around my body. I pushed to the surface and gasped for air. Louis smiled. I smiled and let out a laugh. 

I overcame my lack of confidence. It felt good. Who am I kidding? I feel like a million bucks! The greatest gift I received was Louis.

A Lesson Learned

If you ever kept tabs on the many times he broke my heart, you’ll start to wonder if I’m sane. The wise said ‘Love blinds you’. I was so blinded that I stayed through all those heart aches. It hurts so badly. The sharp edges are cutting my skin through. I can’t bear to pull it out. I just can’t…

I tried running. Running from all my problems- my feelings, the wild passion we shared, the life I thought I would have and everything else we went through. I’d ignore those thoughts. Seemed easy…but it wasn’t. No time at all, I ran back to him. It was still there. The passion…the fire within me that’ll never extinguish…no matter how long.

He was everything that I wanted; he was everything that I need. My head was full of unanswered questions: Was I all he wanted and more? What he saw in me? Has he my passion? Being around him, I’d be the best in me. I’d feel like a carefree bird in the sky; a bright star in the dark blue blanket each night.

He broke my heart. Many, many times he did. He left me…then begged his way back. He was always a charmer. To my dismay, I love the way he always knew what to say. I love him. Deep down inside, I knew he’d come back. I always knew. And he always did. I could feel the cold, sharp dagger pressed in deeper.

Seasons in, seasons out the dagger sank deeper. Life has terrible ways of surprising you. One morning, I found him gone. He never came back. I waited because I knew he would come back. I kept my doors open. Through the beautiful summers, through the cold and lonely winters I waited. He never came back.

It wasn’t until two years later when I received a card. I went to meet him…just to see him for one last time. I wore my best smile though inside I was breaking to a million pieces. There was a crowd. They were all happy, oblivious to the fact that someone was dying. My heart ached further.

Finally, I saw him. Looking the same as always, my charming prince standing there, arms open. I walked closer but held back. A vision appeared by his side. She was stunning, absolutely a beauty in white. My eyes welled up. My heart screamed. Once again I ran. I ran far, faraway. I couldn’t be there. I thought I could stand it. I thought maybe…he would change his mind. My happy ending...my dream come true of having him.

But that would never happen. Not anymore.

I drew the curtains back. The rising sun lit the room with its orange and golden light. Years and years passed after my first by-pass. Yes and I was 22 at that time. He did break my heart but for no more. Happy endings are just to fill your dreams. I clung on to my dream so badly that it tore me apart. I let my life be but now I want it back. I’ll look back sometimes, just to see the person I was. No regrets, I’m walking ahead.

I stood watching the sun with my arms crossed. A new day begins. Another book closed. An ending revealed. It’s another lesson learned.

Dear Mama and Daddy

Dear Mama and Daddy,
I miss you dearly and I just want you to know I’m doing well here. Remember the project I was in? I got the job!?! I’m going to start my new company soon. Wish You Were Here.
Lots of Love,
Lizzie

Dear Mama and Daddy,
How are you? I still miss you. It’s been awhile since I wrote and this time I have the happiest news! I told you of my dream of starting a company, well, I did! Though we were new, the orders came in like a tsunami here for us. The greatest news of all is…
I’m Coming Home.
Lots of Love,
Lizzie

Elizabeth left the bright beaches of Miami on a flight to Michigan. Her heartbeats were quick; no surprise, she was nervous. It has been awhile since she visited her parents.

Her tiny rented car parked outside a suburban house. She didn’t realised how much she missed the place. It was as beautiful as she remembered. She walked up the driveway to the door. She fitted the key and turned the knob.

Air rushed through her and there it was…that same old wood smell. She placed her keys in the basket on a cupboard by the door. Everything, she realised, was new. The cupboard by the door, the rug and the chairs were all new. She made her way to the living room, admiring every new detail. At the mantel, she stopped short. The pictures…they weren’t hers neither theirs. A voice startled her.

“What are you doing? This is my house and I will call the police for trespassing.” The voice said, punching numbers while keeping a close eye on the stranger.

“Don’t…please, I thought my parents lived here. I didn’t exactly trespass. I entered with my key which I put into your basket. I don’t want any trouble.”

The owner put her phone down. “Your parents? I thought they didn’t have children.”

“Well, I ran away to chase my dreams and haven’t came back since. They’ve never believe I could do it. Do you know where they are? I miss them dearly.”

“No one called you? They…passed away two years ago in a freak accident on their way to the annual Christmas Musical…I’m so sorry.”

Tears rolled down Elizabeth’s cheeks. Her heart ached…They were gone…
The yellow and orange leaves coloured the cemetery beautifully. Elizabeth walked past tombstones, searching for her parents. At the far corner, under an old oak, two lonely tombstones stood side by side.

Elizabeth dropped to her knees with her hands on the tombstones. Hot tears rolled down onto the grass. She was their child…how could she have left them? Well, she did…she wanted live her dream…but if she knew this would happen, she would never leave…

I’m sorry, Mama, I wasn’t there.
I’m sorry, Daddy, I didn’t follow your dream.

Elizabeth unhooked her bag and pulled out a bunch of letters neatly tied with a rubber band. She untied the band with a crooked smile. Together, the three listened to the story of one of them who left to chase her dream while only the other two knew that they have always believed in her and her dream.

Strigoi Mort

Heritage; the most beautiful word my culture has seen in their lifetime. Customs of which governs us that date back to the 16th century when my clan ruled the nation, a nation none heard of. It was our glorious hour, the golden era as they said but as civilization grew, we shrank into the darkness; waiting for our moment once more. But time has yet to come…

Aidan looked into the horizon; the orange ball of light was setting, casting a wave of multicoloured orange hue onto the clouds. He was nervous and anxious.

The sun quietly slipped away as a car drove off from the century year-old mansion. Swiftly, it passed trees and continued on the endless country road. It wasn’t an hour’s journey when they got to their destination. The door opened and out came a man with a stern air that the world stopped to listen, leaving an uncomfortable silence. His follower bowed his head with respect as the man made for the door of the ancient church.

The stone building was old and had a ghostly air to it. It was out of place in the orange wood yet it blended well after all those years.

The doors creaked opened to reveal a dimly lit hall. Dozens of candles carefully arranged at the altar at the end of the walkway. Lined at the side walls of the hall were black hooded figures chanting silently. The man proceeded to the altar where lay a feminine figure in black. He dropped his coat and spoke behind the altar towards the crowd.

“My fellow friends and family, the time has come to set us free! We shall once more rule the lands that we owned. We shall cause misery to those who stole them from us.” boomed his voice. The hooded figures nodded and cheered harmoniously.
The man rested his eyes on the girl and faced the crowd once more, “Tonight, we shall take the life of the king’s only child and doomed those men to death. Tonight, the curse shall be lifted and no more do we have to hide away.”

With that, the man kneeled down. He reached for a knife at the end of the altar. Slowly, he cleared the hair off her slender throat. The chanting grew louder and louder. The man looked up and loudly shouted ancient verses before sinking his fangs into the lean neck of the girl. The girl opened her eyes in fear. Blood oozed out and soon his entire face, save his eyes, was scarlet. His pupils were coloured red and the whites were whiter than pearls. His eyes spelt hunger for blood. His followers quieten down at the sight of their master and immediately dropped to the ground, showing their respect.

“My children, the time has finally come for us. No more are we slaves of the night…no more! It’s time to feast for the dead!”

Followers cheered at their positions and the man felt contented. He was no more Aidan but the man destined to rule; he was now Lord Strigoi Mort.

Nothing Extraordinary Happens

White clouds floated over in the vast blue ocean of gases, colouring the dull skies of tiny Pittsville. Nothing out of the ordinary was going on that day. The milk cart (as Alice noticed outside her window) came, dropped the daily milk supply, picked up the empty glass bottles and left, leaving the street as quiet as before. Before breakfast, Mr Grande was seen on his usual walk around the neighbourhood with his pet Chihuahua. Alice never got used to the idea of a very, very rotund man with a small animal and vividly imagined the life of little Petty which involved squashing and apologising (on the part of the rotund man, that is)

After breakfast, Alice continued her ‘watchman’ duty at her window. Carefully, she observed everything her vision could reach. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. Mr Carter got into his car and left at 10 sharp. Lisa, the Joseph’s housekeeper went in and started pulling the curtains and tidying up the living room at 10.30 or so. With a sigh, she sat back and had pleasure watching the rest of the activities that morning.

The moment she turned east to the playground, she saw an unusual movement. A shadow towards the bushes and the bushes kept twitching. For a moment, she wondered what it could be. Without another moment to spare, Alice grabbed her coat and shoes. Quietly with her socks on, she crept passed the kitchen (where, Alice has always observed, mom would be preparing lunch or reading cookbooks)

It wasn’t long when Alice appeared at the edge of the playground. Her blue eyes attentively watched the bush of any movement. She stood still there for a moment. The cold October wind blew and sent leaves flying down and around the playground.

Then there it was! The Twitch; the movement she was waiting for. Quietly and keeping a
close eye on the bush, Alice walked up to it.

Alice walked closer, watching with eagle eyes at the small opening at the bottom of the bush.

Getting down on all fours, Alice tried to peek inside but her vision was limited by an extended part of the bush. Slowly, Alice crept in. She saw a teddy bear lying at the end of the ‘bush tunnel’ she had been crawling in. Without thinking twice, she advanced to the bear and picked it up, cuddling it in her arms. A voice made her turn. Alice smiled.

“Would you like to join me for tea with Mr Teddy?” said another little girl, sitting by a tiny table with a beautiful tea set and another plush toy by her side.

Alice nodded and sat opposite the girl.

Happily, they enjoyed their play with the toys without noticing that they were being watched by a pair of hungry eyes.

***

“Residents of Pittsville and surrounding areas have to be on their guard for a dangerous criminal, Russell Swans has escaped while being transported to the high and tight security prison here in Jensen. Russell, a child serial killer, has been sentenced to death by the Jensen High Court for the killings of over thirty children, mostly girls from the age 5 to 10. Citizens are advised to keep their children indoors and monitor any unusual movements in the surroundings of their neighbourhood to ensure the safety of the community. This is Caroline Bay and you’re watching News on 9.”

Je T'aime, Pardonne-moi (I love you, I'm sorry)

Slowly I turned on one side. I just couldn’t sleep. Memories which had been long buried played like a broken record. Some were happy, I didn’t mind that, some were frustrating…then there was one…a cold and heartless dagger that pierced my heart; leaving a scar which can never be healed.

It happened some time ago but it is still fresh in my mind as if it happened yesterday. Back then, I lived in New York. Both my parents were professionals; one had a PhD in neurology and the other, a well-known interpreter for the French Embassy. So life wasn’t hard for us and quite frankly I was a brat. Being the only child, I got my way with everything.

That year, I was a senior and like everyone else, I anxiously waited for the annual prom night which was drawing closer. I wanted that day to be memorable; I dreamt of an evening in the arms of my partner, beautiful and elegant in a new dress with a new look. However, my tower of dreams crumbled down when my mum refused my request. ‘A pink chiffon gown from Chanel and a pink rose diamond pendant from Tiffany’s are just too much’ she said and the lecture continued, ‘You have many wonderful and beautiful outfits, ma cherie, improvise, you’re brilliant at needle work.’

Her lecture ended in a nasty argument between us both. I mean, how could she be so selfish? She could get herself the new Dior perfume and other expensive designer goods but she just couldn’t buy that dress and the pendant for me? I was frustrated and I could not bring myself to utter a single word to her since then.

Three days later, I heard her on the phone with her superior. They were speaking in French but I understood the conversation and was glad to hear she would be absent in the next few days when she would leave for France. That day came; I was at Patricia’s house when my mum left for the airport. She had a meeting to attend in Seattle before her trip to Paris.

Hours passed by as I sat lazily on the sofa with my favourite magazine. It was a quarter to six when a familiar tune floated across the room. Quickly, I dashed for the kitchen counter where my vibrating phone was alerting an incoming call. I flipped it opened and glanced at the screen. It was mum. Discouraged, I shut my phone and dropped it on the sofa. Little did I know that it was the last I would hear from her.

My dad came home that night with depressing news. The plane to Seattle had crashed an hour after take off and none had survived the gruesome crash. My mind raced, my heart pounded and then, the cold, merciless dagger struck me. She had called me to say goodbye! And all I did was shut the phone off; pushing her further away…

A few months after the tragic accident, I found a round sliver box above her cupboard. On it was a card, “For you, ma cherie.” I opened it and there it was…the dress and pendant I had wanted. I remembered at that time I cried my eyes out.

Life was never the same after. I longed for her kisses and missed her witty remarks in French. I realised now how much I loved her and nothing I say or do now could ever bring her back. I only wish that I had been a more loving daughter. Every night, I would whisper to the stars, ‘I Love You, Mum. Please Forgive Me.’

My ‘Rather Impossible’ Dream

Ever wish that you were someone else? Well, I did and my days were filled with plenty of daydreams. At the age of 25, I was still out of the workforce; I just couldn’t secure a job. My last job was a poop collector! (Well, now you know why I couldn’t secure a job). Still, I had my hopes…hopes that one day I would be well-known, somebody famous not the ordinary ‘kid’ I was.

Three months past, I was glued to the couch. As I stared at the black box, I thought about life as someone famous or maybe someone I could be much better than plain old me. A philosopher…nah, I hate using my noggin. A sportsman…a singer, I’ll probably bring the house down, literally…what about an actor? Then it struck me…acting wasn’t that bad nor is it hard. I went to the bar with my old pal and gave my idea. “Acting?? You got to kidding me, Ellie. You can’t act.” He said but I argued about the play I starred in high school. “Yeah, you mainly starred as the spoiler, if you count that as a role!” I like Mike despite of his pessimism and criticism. He was the guy who’d stick around when trouble comes and I tell you when you’re me, troubles come very often. Yet, he’s the one I relied for advice. Boy, am I lucky I didn’t take his on this.

There I stood, staring nervously at the double doors. Gaining enough strength, I gave it a slight push and found myself in a huge hall. A wide stage crowded with loud chattering people and the red curtains hung down majestically, completing the picture. Courageously, I attempted an audition. Sadly, I didn’t get the part. The director even had a nerve to say that I wasn’t cut out for the stage.

So here I was, drinking my problems in the bar down the road. I hadn’t the courage to put up with Mike. I felt like a total flop…no job, a friend who’d probably laugh hysterically at this and gaining age without a proper life!

Morning came; I stared at the ceiling, my head thumped heavily to the beat of my heart. A quote floated into my conscious mind, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

I stood up instantly.

I’m not a failure of life but I was a failure for not trying at all!
From then, I knew what I had to do...

***

Anxiously, I sat in front of my mirror. I experimented faces…happy…sad…angry, maybe not, excited…joyful. My thoughts were disturbed by a knock on the door. “He’s ready for you. You’re on in two minutes.” A sweet voice said. I nodded and returned her smile. Confidently, I walked to the stage and stood by the curtains, waiting like a kid who stood in line to try out the new roller coaster. Finally, the hour came…

“I’m Larry King, coming to you live on the Larry King Show. Our guest today started as a Broadway comedian but rapidly ascended the ladder of success in movie history. Named as one of Hollywood’s Debonair Men, welcome Elson Mitchell!”

I flashed a smile to the applauding crowd. Well, what can I say? I had a dream…a dream one day I would be somebody out there. But everyone has dreams, no matter how impossible it may seem to reach it, when we put our mind and soul into our goal, the impossible becomes the possible. It’s never too late to keep that dream of yours. I followed mine, kept on working on my goal and with a lil’ bit of luck, I achieved my dream. What about yours?

Our Dangerous Game

The desert that day was hot and the heat was beginning to be unbearable as our jeep came to a stop. The place was quiet except for the occasional cry of the eagles but our laughter over a joke broke the silence and as I suspected, scared the eagles too!

We stood from our jeep and looked up the steep cliff. It was a beauty. A solid red rock standing eighteen stories high; there were visible cracks on the walls and some uneven rock formation. We smiled at each other and could instantly guess each other’s our thoughts.

The music blared from the speakers of our portable radio below as we made our way up the wall. The sun was at its highest print yet it did not affect our goal. Ben, our leader, was at the top anchoring the hooks into the cracks as he made his way up.

Tiny red dust rained down as Jeanne, my sister, climbed higher. By midday, we had passed ninety-nine feet above ground level and were working our way higher. Ben, being the strongest too, was way ahead and his path was zigzagged up the cliff.

“Hey sis, you might want to quicken your pace up or it’s going to take us a year to get to the top!” I shouted from below.

“Yeah Josh, well that was what I planned!” she joked back as she secured her foot in a crack. Ben shook his head and smiled at our antics.

The sun set down slightly and hung voluntarily to our right as we continued our journey to the top. Ben, as I could see, had reached the peak and was further securing the hooks before scrambling to the top. He scrambled up and looked below, holding the rope tight. “Hey guys, get up here quick. It’s fantastic!”

“See Jeanne, he’s already at the top! Where are we?” my voice echoed throughout the dusty terrain.

“Well Josh, we’ll be up in no time. It’s just a quarter of the cliff to go. Hang in there!”

“Yeah sure, ‘hang in there’. You’ll probably have to pull my skeletons then.” I spat back.

“Blah…blah…blah, yeah right that would happen!” she said sounding rather annoyed.

At that moment as Jeanne reached for a higher crack, a hook, somewhere near the peak, gave way causing the rope to be loose. Jeanne lost her balance and dangled aimlessly.

“Jeanne, hang on!” I shouted as I made my way higher trying to reach her.

Another hook gave way then another. We travelled down the cliff fast, holding the rope as hard as we could but we stopped abruptly. Soon, Jeanne and I were dangling hundred and twelve feet above ground.

“Josh, stop moving! We’re down to our last two hooks at the top. Ben!!!” Jeanne shouted to the top. The rope kept sliding down, bit by bit.

“I’m trying Jeanne! Both your weight is too much!” Ben shouted down. I could hear the tension in his voice.

“Listen Ben, there are only two hooks left! We’ll try to anchor ourselves back in but in the mean time I need you to hold on.” Jeanne calmly shouted from below. She held on tight before looking down to me. “Look, Ben hasn’t the strength to hold us both. Do you see the rock down there? I’m going to swing you to it. Got it?” She asked breathlessly. I nodded in reply.

The temperature was beginning to fall and the sun was setting down the horizon. Everything was still. Jeanne carefully positioned herself but at every move she made, the hooks inched closer to the edge.

Finally, she was ready. She nodded and I held on tight. With all her might, she swung the rope. Close yet so far. She swung once more but I missed it by an inch. Suddenly, the highest hook came loose but caught itself at the last moment on the edge. Jeanne swung once more still failed. Frustrated, she tried once more and as I inched closer to the rock, the highest hook lost its grip causing another freefall for Jeanne and me.

I dropped and landed miraculously on the rock but my troubles didn’t stop there. The last hook was below Jeanne but on top of me at the time of the climb. Jeanne went freefalling down, pulling the rope that tied us together; rapidly pulling me down from the rock.

Desperately, I grabbed on to a crack. “Jeanne! Are you okay?” I shouted down ignoring the painful stinging at my fingers.

“Yeah, Josh. I’m going to try an anchor my hooks. Hang in there!” Jeanne shouted breathlessly. Slowly, I tried to pull myself up and crawl onto the rock. The last hook kept nearing the edge, making it closer to our doom.

Finally, Jeanne managed to anchor herself in before the last hook gave way. I crawled and sat patiently till my sister reached the rock. It wasn't long before a helicopter flew past us. Jeanne and I held our hands tight and with a smile, we both had the same question in mind. ‘When are we doing it again?’