The Canyons

“…how’s about we take a road trip to the Canyons?” her face beamed with excitement.  I glanced at her then back on the road, “Are you sure, honey? I mean like we been there for a million times already.” She slumped back to the seat, “Yea, I guess you’re right.” I sensed her spirits was down, “I guess we can drop by on the way to my parents?” She smiled then lean over to kiss my cheek. I grinned, “I don’t know why you love it there so much.”  She stopped to think and though in the dark I knew she was biting her lips, “I guess beauty never fades there, no matter how many times you go it’s still the same heart-stopping scene.”  Then came the bright lights...

I shut my suitcase tight. Alice’s already settled in the passenger’s seat. I loaded everything into the trunk. In no time, I started the long drive to Flagstaff. Yea, it’s the trip we’ve been planning for. I smiled. Spring finally came to an end, not that I don’t like the season- I just wanted it to pass. Summer’s now knocking on Mother Nature’s door and now’s the right time for a road trip. Nothing like sunshine, brownness and summer breeze to wake your senses- well, it beats the workplace.

Ah, the’ 62.1 miles to Flagstaff’ sign. My neck muscles ached from the long drive. I looked at my wife, “Here we are darling- where the beauty never ends.” I turn back to the road and she smiled.  I drove and headed for the North Rim. I switched the channel for slower tracks. I could hear her sigh, waiting patiently. If she had her way, I think I’d be persuaded to live in one of the caves here too- don’t tell her that though, she might just give me a smack. Now there’s a thought to laugh about.  

The day was about to end. Orange and red hue stretched its arms, colouring clouds and bathing the sky in the loveliest combination. The scenery just took my breath away. Alice was right, she always is. I bit my lip as I looked past the tall rocks and over the dry rocky terrain. Suddenly, I could feel Alice smiling, I smiled. “Beauty never fades here, no matter how many times.”

I opened the porcelain box.

“It’s time that you fly and rest forever in the place you love… I love you, baby.” I held the ashes on my open palm and the breeze-like cued- blew them away.  “Always your beauty will remain here, Alice.” For a moment, I could feel a warm familiar touch on my cheek. I closed my eyes.

 I will always love you. 

Then the wind blew it away.

"Nothing Extraoridinary 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.”

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.

Waltzing to You and Me

On a midsummer's night
A dream I've dreamt
Of beaches and moonlight walks
Of starry skies and gentle summer's breeze

Steel strings carving the scene
It's gentle tunes just fill the breeze
Slender figures dancing gracefully
Behind them leaving trails of slivery

Under a bright lit gazebo
Only of smiles and happiness they know
Twirling and swirling, laughing and playing
No other cares were they thinking

Never had I seen such a wondrous night
Dancing and singing under the moonlight
What would I give to see
There was one other such for me

Like in every happy ending
You were there standing
Reaching your hand for a dance
In the most sweetest romance...

Dust

Missing; like something is just out of place. The feeling of emptiness my finger feels. The cold symbolic ring is no more. No longer does it do justice yet I long for its touch, its security and the thoughts it held.

I guess I was just wronged.

I looked up to the sky, that same blue sky that you and I used to look up to together. It remained the same though we didn’t. Clouds flew by, the sun was shining and they were totally oblivious to the fact that it was hurting me. Life goes on no matter what and waited for no one. I guess I stood and held back. I didn’t know how to move on.

Everything seemed in place. A career that I always dreamt of was mine, an apartment with the most spectacular view is a place I call home and there was also you. There you were whenever I turn- always there right behind me. Richard Marx reminded me of you when he sang ‘I’ll be right here waiting for you’. I felt so lucky, so loved to have you two steps behind and to know that someone was there to catch me when I fall.

I don’t think I know myself well enough. I still wonder if I should regret the day I met you or perhaps regret the day I threw my door open. Letting you in was easy. You made me feel secure. To me, you weren’t one that would fall for another so quickly. That thought made me feel like a million bucks. I meant something to you and that you choose me out of the girls out there. Talking to you was like talking to someone I met before perhaps in another lifetime.

For awhile, we were happy. You were everything to me and I’d do anything to make you happy. Looking at couples passing by, I just smile to myself. I have you and there was nothing happier to have. We made memories, we tied the present times with a pretty bow on the top and we made plans for the future. We’d go places, sight see and breathe the atmosphere of love. We had many things we wanted to do.

The ground shook and thick black clouds rolled in. I should’ve seen trouble ahead, coming closer. I thought I knew you but from the looks of it, I guess I didn’t.

I was so wrong.

The rain fell and I was left standing there while watching you in your cosy chair from a window. Your decision was sudden and I never had the guts to ask you why. Perhaps it was my pride. Perhaps I was afraid to know why. You said your reasons yet they weren’t enough. The real truth you kept well hidden under lock and key. Did I imagine most of what happened before?

I guess I was then.

My idea of a fairytale love was silly. I couldn’t sleep anymore. Every time I closed my eyes, you were there smiling back at me. Why do you torture me unconsciously? You don’t seem to know or seem to care what everything happened before meant.
You were so oblivious.

I’ve been using the word often oblivious, which perfectly sums you alright. I guess I should have said my reasons when I had the chance but every time I see you, the words don’t come out right. They’re not what I meant to say. Maybe I’m protecting myself and my pride. My girlish pride or the icy queen pride- the pride that my heart was never touched at all by you. To the world I am able to deny the fact that you did. But to me and my heart, I can’t hide that fact from ever showing.

I hated the memories you made with me. Everything I looked at, everything I touched, I feel you there with me. It was so easy to let you in and now it’s so hard to erase and dust you out.

Unresolved

You want to know something? I really thought my love was meant to be. He was the best puzzle fit I could ask for...well, it didn't work out. We feel out and I couldn't care less about it. 

"Frankie, are you finished with that? I've got to run these samples." I turned to find Monroe, my colleague holding two test tubes. "Yea, I am. Sorry." 

"You know you should really take a break, you know go home and jam with the fam." she said doing a grooving hip dance. I gave her a blood-shot look "I'm sure I'll totally enjoy myself on the nostalgia road. Please, I'm never going back there." That was the last thing I remember saying. Well, I was wrong...

"Hey Frankie, long time since I've seen you. Oh, how have you grown!! My my..." a voice from the back startled me. I turned and what'd you know- it's Valerie. "Hey, yea I guess I fed me right." Valerie ignored the joke. "Well, you coming down to my place? Jake's in town too." That is the last place on earth I want to be. "No but thanks for the offer." I turned to walk away. "Jake has never been the same, you know." she called out after me. I stopped dead...still I had to keep my face so I kept on walking, forcing my legs to work beyond paralysis. 

With a bag full of fruits from the market down town, I headed across the lawn to my parents' house. Clearly Valerie given the heads-up because before I reached the door, they were running to me. "Frankie, my darling, Val was right. Look how you have grown!! Arthur, isn't she a beauty." My mother continued admiring my figure. "Word travels fast here, doesn't it" I said under my breath then smiled and hug my mother, "Hi mum. Good to see you. Hey Dad." 

I settled into my old bedroom. I forgot how it was- full of posters and...more posters. I winced. I turned to the dressing table, opened the drawers. I ran my fingers through the dust-covered box, unlatched it and drank in its contents. Crispy old paper, broken necklace and the note. Not just any note- THE NOTE. It read:

I only wait for when

when your eyes gaze into mine

Love Jake

It was the last note, that's why. After that we just fell apart because of an argument that was never resolved. Well, that's my old life. I'm starting a new one.

Thought it might be the best time to take a stroll down at the park, so I tuned in the playlist on the ipod and started jogging. It always stayed the same. The colour of the trees, the children running screaming "Tagged you!" and the blue skies with white fluffy clouds. It felt good to be in familiar grounds, yet sometimes it doesn't. "Frankie honey, someone left you with a note on your dressing." Mum shouted from below. 

I hate it when he does that, totally hating how he gets his way. It makes me so frustrated beyond words. Anyhow, this would be the last so I might as well meet up. I drove to the diners and found the one I just wasn't dying to meet- Jake Thomson.

I stood in front of him, "By the way, notes are so a thing of the past.". "Sorry, I was used to doing that." he apologized and we went in. Most of the conversation was how each of us were doing and what's our biggest project so far. Martha serves the best food in town, period. So the night was classic- conversation and good food. It was by nine we left and came the part of goodbyes.

"Guess I'll see you around." Jake said and leaned over to kiss me on the lips. I turned away, "Don't. I'm going off tomorrow. Got work." I left for home.

"So you got everything packed?" My mum asked me then continued, "You know you're always welcome to stay a week here". I looked at her apologetically at her, "Mum, you know I want too but I got work." I hugged her and said my goodbyes to dad before leaving for the open road back to the city.  

As usual, another day of lab work. Monroe covered most of the project so I'm left with fine tuning while she does the report. I heard a knock on the door. "Are you serious? Monroe, I told you not to get me a cup." I said as I swing the door open. 

It wasn't Monroe. It was Jake. My darling Jake. 

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 secured her car and walk 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.

When You Say You Love Me

The world stops spinning,

The little blue birds cease their chirping,

The gardens around stay still and silent

Without a sound in the world but yours

When you say you love me.

My heart skips a beat

Butterflies tickle inside me

The rush of blood through my veins

The happiness unimaginable

When you say you love me.

Like the most harmonious melody

I hear your voice

Over plains and terrains, over the great seas

The world lays un-stirring

Motionless to listen

When you say you love me

Falling into a deep sleep

I lay lost and unfound

In the lands of slumber

May I never wake from this beautiful dream of mine

When you say you love me.

For all the joy and wondrous moments you bring

How may I say? How would I express-

The depth of my love for you

When you say you love me?

For my love for you

Is as unending as a bottomless hole

Is as constant as the stars above

The depth of mine is immeasurable as yours

When you say you love me.

Where the Magic Comes True...

By the Boab Tree,
I will wait for thee
Sing you to me
Cause you're all I need