Checkmate - Chapter III

HAVING HANDLED THE OVERNIGHT COMMUNICATIONS KAYN TOOK THE ELEVATOR FROM THE 50TH FLOOR DOWN TO THE LOBBY TO GET A COFFEE AND NEWSPAPER; the concession had not been open when he passed through the lobby earlier at 5:30 a.m. He certainly did not need a coffee or a newspaper, but a few times a week he would pass through the concession and spend a few minutes with the proprietor, a refined English woman, who reminded him somewhat of his mother.

Checking his watch he excused himself, always inconspicuously leaving the change from his $20.00 bill on the counter. He travelled across the lobby and pushed the up button for an elevator to take him to the 12th Floor where he knew the service were waiting for him.

Usually incredibly astute, Kayn did not notice the man standing amongst others in a clustered seating area of the lobby; screening his face with a newspaper, but eyes focused only on Kayn. He followed behind others towards the bank of elevators following Kayn's movement and quickly boarded the same cab. Kayn, being the first on the elevator pushed the indicator light and moved towards the back of the cab turning and immediately taking notice of the man entering. He was attired in quality; a standard that Kayn had taken great time over the years becoming knowledgeable in; Kayn held his newspaper up so not to be obvious in his attention to the detail of the hand-tailored suit this man displayed with simple elegance.

 He recognized the bespoke tailoring as only that from Gieves & Hawkes of Savile Row in London, England. The elevator doors opened on the 12 floor, but Kayn held back showing no movement to exit. The doors closed and the elevator carried on. The stranger stood confident in his position, never looking up from his newspaper. Each stop Kayn waited for movement from the man, but nothing. They finally arrived at the last stop on the 49th floor where Kayn and an associate stepped off leaving only the stranger in the elevator. Kayn turned and looked back at the stranger who was already locked onto Kayn; the elevator doors were the only thing that broke their stare. Kayn moved to the reception desk and called to the building security and ordered that they monitor elevator 8 and report back on the sole occupant in the cab; he wanted to know every movement this man made.

An elevator arrived on the 49th floor and returned Kayn to the 12th floor wherein he departed and proceeded directly through the doors leading him to the back office. The walls facing the street were in reflective plate glass, but to ensure asylum the lights had not been turned on. Looking down the vista, Kayn saw how the Intelligence Service had been so successful taking the photographs of the streets surrounding the apartment building housing Kim Chan So.

He was joined by the Field Supervisor who was quick to point out the black Town Car parked between two vehicles having a clear uninterrupted view of the parkade doors and the entrance doors to the apartment building.

Kayn looked down at all the people moving back and forth along the walkways, travelling alone or with a group; all oblivious of the surveillance that surrounded them at each moment.

He was passed a summary report detailing the activity in and around the apartment building for the past 72 hours. After being released from detention, Kim Chan So was picked up by his companion and they immediately returned to the apartment. All surveillance since that time indicated that they had not left the apartment.

Reports on Kim Chan So confirmed that he was an accomplished athlete, best known for his marathon long distance challenges throughout China and Europe. Intelligence reports had hundreds of photos of Kim Chan So running along the riverfront pathways. All the photos, in chronological order, documented Kim running, never choosing a regulated pattern or time, but every day, rain or shine. Hiding in plain site amongst thousands of other enjoying the riverfront pathways.

Farther in the report were floor plans of the apartment building confirming that no gym was available in the building. Further interviews with the staff indicated that the apartment Kim Chan So resided in has had no deliveries or work done since their arrival. Looking at the MLS listing it was a simple one bedroom unit, sparsely furnished located on the 12 floor with a north-west exposure.

A security officer knocked on the entrance door and requested Kayn return to the lobby. Once there he was advised that elevator 8 had returned to the lobby with no occupant. Kayn ordered the security desk to retrieve all tapes monitoring the elevators and the lobby between 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon and get them to his office immediately.

Kayn left the office building and walked towards the apartment building. He remained on the opposite side of the street so not to interfere with surveillance on the Town Car, which remained on the street. Kayn was trying to determine why Kim Chan So returned to this apartment building, knowing that the authorities now had him under surveillance. If he was no longer able to run the pathways along the river front was he satisfied staying within the four walls of the apartment or had he found another source. Kayn's eyes immediately turned towards the flow of traffic coming and going into the downtown recreation facility; a perfect location, drawing all the downtown office traffic throughout the day, as well as the traffic from China Town. It was perfect, hiding in right under everyone's nose. Kayn returned to his office and asked an assistant to arrange for a meeting with the Directors at the recreational facility that afternoon.

The facility Director was briefed that afternoon and volunteered her full cooperation. The security officers immediately started reviewing all video films over the past month. The cameras were intense throughout the complex, mounted along the stairwells, exercise rooms, court yards and the Olympic track; everywhere except the change rooms. All registered access cards were cross referenced; all video of the entrance doors were reviewed, but nothing indicated Kim Chan So as a member or user.

Kayn had a previous commitment that evening but left the ongoing surveillance of the videos in the capable hands of the agencies.

He arrived home, quickly taking a shower and changing, they had been invited to the ballet this evening. He knew that Irene was waiting for him at her apartment. Since meeting six months ago they had become very close. He enjoyed her company; they usually met for dinner every day, kept their conversations social and entertaining. They had met each other's family's which caused no end of comments and concerns from both sides. Kayn at one point felt he had to justify his future intentions towards Irene. After that, Kayn and Irene agreed that their friendship would remain that; it seemed much simpler for all concerned.

Everyone met in the lobby where the town car would pick them up. Arriving at the art center with enough time to enjoy a cocktail before taking their seats everyone's mood was pleasant and relaxing. The doors to the theatre opened and ushers were busy escorting everyone to their seats. Kayn, as expected had retained his box seats for another year; nothing surpassed the prestige that came with these seats. Kayn enjoying each moment standing at the balcony edge acknowledging those along the mezzanine. The silhouette of a beautiful woman waiting to take her seat along the front row caught his attention. Once the crowd disbursed to their seats Kayn had an unobstructed view and was taken aback by her escort; none other than the man who had been following him earlier in the day and then had alluded all security monitoring thereafter. The lights dimmed and Kayn took his seat vowing to meet the unknown character at the end of first scene.

Kayn and party rose in applause with the other patrons when the lights went up. The front row of the theatre was missing two people; the beautiful woman and her escort were gone. Kayn walked into the reception area scanning the crowd, but not seeing the couple. For the rest of the evening Kayn remained uncomfortable, suspicious of where this man had disappeared to once again.

Kayn arrived at his office the next morning there was only one message waiting for him; the agency had been successful in identifying the man that had successfully evaded all cameras and security checks yesterday. Security Intelligence identified him through his passport as Chanarong Montri of the Department of Special Investigations of Thailand. His passport places him in the Country, only as a visitor.

Kayn took the file and returned to the 12th floor where he learnt that Chanarong Montri was an experienced Intelligence Officer who had escaped the State the same time as the Chan So family had. At this time Intelligence was not considering him a security risk, but would monitor his movements from this point on. Kayn found that comment somewhat humorous seeing as this man had freely escaped all security detection over the last 24 hours.

Intelligence had not been successful determining any further leads on Kim Chan So from the security videos supplied by the recreation center so it was agreed that members of the team would attempt to visit the apartment building the following day.

Dreams, Will Power And Success

The monsoon in the hilly area and plush green surroundings was exhibiting a unique scenic beauty. It made a profound impact on young Richard. He was untiringly working hard to get sufficient funds to look after his ailing mother. He was feeling energetic and enthusiastic as he was aiming of fulfilling his dream of becoming an able and perfect human being. He wishes to become an icon; a beacon to the younger generation. 

He remembered his mother's advice, "Acquire knowledge, and be honest and kind, especially to needy and deserving people." She also emphasised that in the event of difficulties and troubles, always face them with confidence and fervour. His mother's will power was affecting them in a constructive fashion. She always expressed a satisfactory look on her face, concealing her agony and pain to herself. Her dream of seeing her children go through the university and get a degree was the sole aim in her life.

Richard was barely ten years old when his father passed away. His younger sister was eight years old. He failed to realise the family without a father. He could only see his mother as a source of inspiration and guidance. At times he felt a vacuum in his life. He felt that something was missing, and he needed a shoulder to cry. It was his tender age and young shoulder to bear the burden of a family. On the other hand, he was feeling a transformation of personality. He was progressively becoming a matured person and responsible young lad.

Ms. Jennifer Oswald has become a widow at a very young age. She was survived by two children; a son and a daughter. She realised her responsibilities and reconciled to the facts of life. These children have inculcated values and harmony of passage of life, through her teachings. She always narrated inspirational stories and encouraged them to be bold and extrovert. She guided them towards a rightful path and taught them to respect human values. She knew her terminal ailment and meagre income to sustain it. She was making their roots strong and powerful, to withstand the harsh realities of life.

After few years, her health deteriorated further, but she determined with a desire to live until she accomplished her dream. It was the sheer determination and will power to fight all the odds. Richard was continually facing an array of uncertainties. Jennifer could read his face and understood what was bothering him. She asked Richard to accompany her along with his younger sister Jasmine to a park on the Sunday morning. They finished their breakfast and went to the church. After the mass, they all went to the park. The lively environment, beautiful partly cloudy day and soft green carpet of grass were really refreshing their mind and heart. They all sat down on the grass, and she asked them to pay attention to what she was going to talk to them. She started with a broad smile and made them comfortable.

She asked jasmine, 'How do you feel being lonely and what you expect in life?'

Little Jasmine was, initially, dumb founded, and she replied that she will be like her mother and smiling all the time. She also said that she would be a good human being.

Both Jennifer and Richard laughed and appreciated Jasmine's excellent answer. She then asked Henry, 'What you expected to do and achieve in life?'

Richard replied with confidence and with an authority. He said that he would accomplish her dream and prove he is worthy of salt.

Jennifer then asked Richard to listen to her carefully. Jasmine suddenly felt unsecured as her mother's tone became a bit serious. Jasmine hugged her and looked puzzle. Jennifer smiled and asked the children to remember her advice and remained attached to each other. She told the children that she is suffering from terminal disease, and doctors have numbered her days. In the event of her death, she wanted her children to remain calm and resolute. She asked Richard to complete his education and look after the young Jasmine. 

She emphasised that they should refrain from getting nervous and disheartened. She quoted a famous proverb." God helps those who help themselves." She finally hugged the children and asked young Jasmine to be calm and patient. She expressed her desire to see Richard and Jasmine to go through the university and complete their degree. Richard looked upward and said solemnly; oh God! Let my mother's wish come through. They all hugged each other and returned home for yet another task and a dream to be fulfilled.

Jennifer went to the hospital for a routine checkup. The doctor gave another extension of few more months of her life. Each visit to the doctor gave her a fresh lease of life and her strength and willpower leaps and bond forward. The hide and seek between life and death continued for a decade, and Richard was moving forward towards his destination. The hardship was progressively mounting pressure on the Jennifer and her family. They have individually and collectively weathered all the odds and face the realities with a smile. Finally, Richard completed his undergraduate degree and took her mother along with him for the convocation ceremony. It was the most precious occasion for the entire family. After the ceremony, they all returned home and had dinner together. After the dinner, Jennifer asked Richard and Jasmine to wait in the living room. She went to her bedroom and returned with two small boxes wrapped in a gift wrapper and gave one each to both the children. They opened the boxes and amazed to see an awesome piece of crystal and a beautiful set of a pen and a pencil. They thanked their mother and retired to their respective bedrooms.

The following morning the children noticed that their mother was still asleep. They went in her bedroom to see if she needed any help. They noticed that she has passed away holding couple of envelopes in her hand. Richard and Jasmine have opened the envelopes addressed to them and read her last communication.

Dear Richard,

It appears that God has been very kind and magnanimous to listen to our prayers. You have successfully completed your university degree in spite of all the hardship and great inconvenience. Probably, I may not be there to witness your further progress; however, you must continue to reach the dizzy height of success and fame. Please remember God and thank Him for His kindness and magnanimity. Always be kind to people and help the needy. You must keep the honour and dignity and fear nobody. The fear will make you weak and failure. You must look after your sister and always be a shadow to her.

I am ending my letter, and I sincerely apologize to you that I provided meagre worldly comforts. My poor health and limited resources restricted my desires. God blesses you for your success and well being (Amen).

Love,

Jennifer

Jasmine has opened her letter and read it with heavy heart. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. This letter was the last communication from Jennifer to Jasmine.

Dear Jasmine,

I know you are my most darling child and such a pretty little princess. You are a much matured and very well behaved girl in that county. The school and college teaching staff and students vouch for it. I am advising you to be bold and brave. You must develop a habit of listening attentively to every single person you come in contact in your daily life. Always think twice prior to speaking. Once you have spoken then you will become a slave to the spoken words. Remember to appreciate the smallest gesture extended to you by an individual or a group. You must be generous and give towards charity even you have meagre and insufficient funds.

Please convey my love and regard to the hospital staff and the doctor, besides all the neighbours. Now, I will sleep and I love you my child. God blesses you for your success and well being (Amen).

Love,

Jennifer

The funeral was attended by all the residents of the community, children's college teaching staff and their colleagues. Her doctor and few nurses were also present for the burial ceremony. The priest decided to read the letters written by Jennifer to her children. When he finished reading the letters; tears were in the eyes of every individual. Richard and Jasmine thanked and promised to fulfil their mother's unfinished task. Both have continued their journey in the direction of dream destination.

A gentle breeze was blowing and ruffling of tree leaves were making a melodious musical node. It was soothing to the ears of both the children. They looked into each other's eyes and nodded in unison. Jennifer's sweet voice yet powerful in its entity, was reverberating in their ears. The famous few couplet of Longfellow she used to recite frequently.

Being Angela Gheorghiu's Loverange

There is something about being the lover of a passionate woman like Angela Gheorghiu that makes all forms of sexuality as natural as starting a conversation. It being sort of like when one is not well acquainted with someone, one might have initial problems in starting a conversation yet once the ice has been broken then all one need do is commence talking when one wishes to say something. 

This situation replicated when being the lover of some one whose mere image or fragrance strikes one's desires as to make all seem like part of a dream in which words are not required to engage in all that be of the flesh.

All seeming as if part of a story which has already been written yet we are merely playing out with the desire of those who seek to know that which awaits them. This being how it takes shape when I see Angela bending her body that her dress might elevate to allow my sight to taste her stockings of silk while hands remove satin of inconvenience to my root finding the paradise it seeks in her rose. 

All in an act of such nearness to nature as the rain which the sky releases or the rising of the yellow ball of fire in the mornings to descend when her time has passed to provide light to other parts of our world.

Thus does it feel when Angela and I commence making love in ways that never repeat but find originality on every occasion or such does it seem as we in but seconds transcend from merely being in each other's society to where our bodies cling on to the other. This as if life itself were in risk if thus was not the case. Angela also encountering ways to equal mine in number and originality as to how to bring about surprise in to our acts. 

Angela's face being as angel in innocence as she without notice or warning suddenly promotes her foot to make strokes upon my root when we but find ourselves sitting across one another at a table or when with her bottom she does like wise. This in cases that Angela be but walking past me with my thoughts holding that she be about me in haste.

Days and nights be aware of none else than adventure in mystery as Angela and I create them as such with activities which with our bodies we carry to hold ever greater emotions. A playful glance transforms in to a seduction while a light touch holds never innocence yet delight on to the senses that may come to reawaken with our lusts. As such be my life as Angela Gheorghiu's lover.

Memoirs From the 1940 Era

Things are not what they used to be

Some of the bits and pieces spring to mind of what happened in the 1940 era. Besides the events of the war, there were many ordinary happenings that when one goes back in time, one suddenly remembers, meeting friends at the local cinema on a Saturday morning.

The entrance fee for the movie was nine pence/cents. There was a cartoon, a newsreel, a serial which was an encouragement for a return visit the following Saturday, followed by the main feature. There was an interval before the main feature began. Usherettes brought candies or ice creams on a big tray, suspended from their shoulder, for buying during this interval. When the show ended, there was always a regular rush with friends and others, for exchanging comics before going home.

The most sought after sweets at that time were; Penny Nestles, which was a small oblong bar of milk chocolate. Also popular, were sticks of multi colored rock candy shaped like a cane. In addition to this, were black and white striped sugary lumps called "bull's eyes" and a whole lot of other candy, not forgetting the long strands of black liquorice that sold for four for one cent or penny. In those days, that money went a long way for the kids.

Owning and listening to a radio or a radiogram was a wonderful experience, especially if it was able to pick up stations from around the world. The fact that they crackled and were loaded with all sorts of interfering noises simply did not matter at all. Of course, there was no such thing as television for an alternative source of information.

Most of the streets and country roads were gravelled. The cars bumped along these roads instead of a nice smooth run as we have today. Furthermore, there was always a smell of petrol fumes from the exhaust making you feel queasy on a long outing. It was safer for teenagers to go for walks alone. Cycling was also relatively safe from falls from their bikes by passing vehicles knocking them off. Soda fountains were a novelty. It was fun while out walking to stop at one and have a banana split or a milkshake.

No cell phones or iPads were in existence. You simply made your own entertainment. Jigsaw puzzles, monopoly and other card games kept you occupied and you read a lot. At school, there were no such things as calculators. Calculations had to be shown on paper or be worked out in your head! Definitely, no calculations allowed on your fingers!

Girls were taught to sew, knit and embroider as part of the school curriculum. Darning of socks was a necessity, as clothes had to last a long time. As it was wartime during the first half of the forties, the knitting of scarves and socks for Red Cross parcels for the troops was encouraged.

When looking back at that period with fond memories, some people would say, "Those were the days". However, there is a lot to be said for progress. I wonder what future inventions will bring to civilization. Will it bring goodness to the world or will it be bad and sad? Future generations will probably look back at the way that we have lived and wonder how we could have possibly managed with what we have, as to them our way of life will seem to have been "very old fashioned."

The Forgotten Body - Short Ghost Story

Katy was twelve when she first knew that aside from her family, there was another presence in the house. It was almost dusk, and she was sitting alone at the swing out front. She had been waiting for Penny, the nanny, to call her in for dinner when she saw a lady in the kitchen window. The lady was wearing a long white dress, her hair was pitch black, and her skin pale in contrast. Even though she couldn't quite see the lady's face, she knew she was pretty. Katy was still looking at the lady when she turned her head and smiled. She headed back to the house but stopped in her tracks when she saw the lady up close, around the corner.

Where the lady's eyes should have been, were deep, dark and empty sockets. Her head was still inclined towards Katy, and on her mouth was a plastered smile. Katy almost uttered a scream when Penny came out to call her in, "Katy! There you are. What are you doing?"

"Hi, Penny! I'm starving..." She looked back into the kitchen, but the lady was no longer there.

*****

"Please pass the peas, Katy. Katy? Katy!" her mom, Mrs. Marie, snapped her fingers.

"Oh. Yes, Mum?" Katy had been in a daze, thinking about her earlier encounter with their other resident.

"The peas, dearest darling," Katy did as she was asked. "Is there anything you'd like to talk about, darling? You've hardly touched your food."

She hesitated for a moment, in light of the possibility that if she told her mom what had transpired that afternoon, they might think her silly. But her mind wouldn't keep her at peace. "Mom, who owned this place before we moved in?"

Mr. and Mrs. Marie looked taken aback. After a bout of silence, her dad was first to speak.

"This place was empty for many years. The last occupants had left 13 years before we moved in. They were the Lucans. Why do you ask, Katy?"

"Hmm, is there any chance they had a daughter? Maybe about 20 years of age?"

"Where are all these questions coming from dear?" there was a hint of strain and panic in Mrs. Marie's voice.

"There was someone this afternoon, in the kitchen..."

Creak. Creak. Creak. They all turned to look at the stairs. After a few long moments, the creaking stopped, but the air in the house suddenly felt chilly, if only slightly.

"Dad, maybe we ought to move out tomorrow. Please, Dad." She had never seen her mom so frightened. Her dad agreed and told them to pack their things tonight.

Without asking, Katy figured out what was happening. After dinner, her mom helped her pack in her room. They went into bed together while her father was out to arrange their move tomorrow.

But Katy couldn't sleep that night. She felt as if someone was in the room with them, and someone was watching them both. That night, the house seemed cold despite it being summer, and noises were becoming more and more prominent as the night grew older.

Katy could not restrain herself any longer and decided to come down to the kitchen. She wanted to run back up when she saw the lady sitting quietly on the kitchen counter. Despite the hesitation in her legs, she mustered the last ounce of any courage she had left and approached the lady. She peered through the lady's dark hair and looked at her as though she actually had eyes. The lady smiled again.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Katy implored.

Even though the lady did not have eyes, she appeared sad and stood up. She took Katy by the arm and started leading her outside. While they were moving Katy felt the heat in her body slowly draining out where the lady's hand held her. She was scared but would not let her curiosity have her.

The lady knelt down beside the swing without saying a word. She sat still for a few moments, then started digging with both her hands, scraping her fingernails into the cold, damp earth. After a few minutes of what felt like an eternity, Katy started to see bones of a hand emerging from the dirt. And then she noticed that one finger had a ring. She helped dig with the lady after what seemed like an hour. The earth revealed bones of a young woman who passed away a long time ago. Katy looked over to where the lady was sitting, but all she saw was the swing. And empty earth. Her mother woke up and came looking for her, and all that they had seen, they reported to the police.

The body was of Carol Lucan, a 22-year old lady who was to be married. On the eve of her wedding, she was kidnapped and brutally murdered. The police had to file her case unsolved after many years of fruitless searching. With Katy's discovery of her remains, the police could open her file again. Katy's family gave her a proper burial on auspicious land, and from then on, the ghost of the young lady never appeared before them again.

An Excerpt of Amaranth: Book One of The Resistance Trilogy

Excerpt- CHAPTER 6: La Bise

I felt the car slowing, then he glanced into the rearview mirror and gently steered the car off to the side of the road, putting it in to park. The only sound now was of crickets outside.

I shifted my body in my seat and looked around, confused. All I could see around us was the field and some trees, along with a breathtaking number of stars above us. The moon was full against the dark sky. The humidity began to suffocate me, but the silence that now filled the car demanded my attention.

"What's wrong?" I practically whispered.

He sat casually in the driver's seat and placed one arm on the armrest, then turned to look at me. "Do you always have to know what I'm thinking? I thought you were so good with silence." He flashed his signature killer smile. "Please do explain."

"It's different. I don't know. Your silence makes me uncomfortable. But in a good way. I mean, I want to know what you're thinking. All the time. I don't feel that way around other people. And you don't exactly wear your emotions on your sleeve."

"I don't?"

"No." I paused. "But you reveal a lot when you're thinking."

He didn't break his stare, just motioned with his hands for me to continue.

I shrugged. "I mean, your silence says a lot. I can see you processing your thousands of thoughts... see you analyzing them. But I can't see the thoughts themselves. It makes me curious. Makes it harder to be quiet with you. I constantly want to hear you." I realized I was rambling, so I waited for him to respond.

"That sounds like it's frustrating for you," he said. "Especially since I told you that your thoughts are transparent to me."

"To say the least." I laughed.

"If it makes you feel any better, I only meant I can see you're genuine. It's proof that you act and think exactly as you feel. And I like that." He reached out in the darkness, and I felt him take my hand.

"Okay, but... why did you stop again?"

"You're relentless."

"You're dodging."

"Well if you really must know, seeing you get all worked up about that song made me think about how crazy I am about you, that's all." He leaned toward me across the armrest, lifted his head slightly to peer at me, his faint smile making an inexcusable assault on my lungs. "And just think, it's only a twenty-first-century rock band. What would you say if we listened to Mozart or Beethoven? I don't know if I could handle an outburst of that proportion."

"You wouldn't have to." I swallowed nervously, suddenly aware of his intention. "Beethoven? That expression of love can't be verbalized."

I knew it was coming, but his face being this close to mine was something I hadn't had time to get used to. Each time his skin had touched mine before now, in even the minutest of ways, I became faint. Now the proximity of his mouth was making my heart pound straight out of my chest. I had never felt this way about anyone. It terrified me.

"You're right," he declared, nodding. "It's only felt." He leaned in farther, placed his hand on the side of my face, pulling me toward him. I didn't flinch, as I so often did when Andrew touched me. Instead, I welcomed him. I was fiercely aware that the instant his mouth touched mine, I was no longer my own. He would love me or break me, the choice was his.

He slid his hand underneath my hair around the back of my neck. His fingertips glided over my skin, giving me goose bumps. Nope, definitely not the same chills Andrew gave me.

"Breathe, Camille," he whispered. "I won't bite." He chuckled softly. "But I would like to kiss you."

I let a small breath escape my unreliable lungs as I nodded. The soft collision of his lips on mine shocked me with a jolt of pure electricity. My thought of a moment before had been correct. There would be no more war permitted in my mind's battlefield, for I had surrendered to being made his immortal captive. 

Our lips parted and I lifted my hand to graze my fingers across the scar on his forehead. Looking into his eyes, my fresh existence inhaled, desperate for its first breath of air.

"Camille? You all right?" He sounded winded. No words yet. "Camille. Talk to me. Are you all right love?" He looked concerned now.

Still nothing.

"Camille?" He grasped the sides of my face.

Finally, an alien on a new planet, I made my attempt at communication with the beautiful creature in front of me. "What are you?" I gasped, my eyes locked on his.

"Uh... excuse me? What?" His look of concern turned to confusion.

"No human being can possibly have this effect on someone," I repeated, still fascinated with my new discovery. "What are you?"

He backed away slowly, leaned back in the driver's seat. "Camille, I didn't know kissing you would..." He hesitated at my smile, took a deep breath. "I mean, I didn't know a human being could have that effect either." He leaned back toward me, relaxed again. "You have no idea how good this feels."

I laughed, more comfortable now with my foreign acquaintance. "Believe me, you couldn't possibly be more surprised than me right now."

Arabella Is My Name! (Part Three)

- My brother is dead! I said to her in a faint voice. 

- Your brother? No, No, that is not true dear! 

- They told me so at the school few minutes ago. 

- What school dear? 

- This school! 

- There is no school here. Are you ok dear?

I looked at the face of the old woman wondering what she was talking about and why she cannot see our school behind me! I looked back at our school trying to point out to her the yellow building just behind us, but, strangely enough, I could not see anything there.

- You probably lost direction as you walked a long way! 

- No, that is not possible. I haven't moved an inch from our school gate!

I replied back, while I was trying hard to control myself from crying again.

- If I am not near my school, where am I then? 

- This is Wishes Village. 

- Wishes Village? Where? 

- Yes, Wishes Village, villages like these could be anywhere! 

- No, no it cannot be! This is impossible, I live in London. 

- London? No dear. Nobody uses such a name here!

The only thing I can think of was that the old woman wasn't telling me the truth. That was why I turned away from her quickly and ran back to where I came from few minutes ago, believing somehow, that my school was still there! However, despite my effort trying to move away from her, I was still able to hear her clearly saying:

- You do not need to run. You can be anywhere you want to be, just by wishing.

Then I heard her with a different voice, as if she was speaking through me:

- Remember, you have lots of wishes, for you and for your dad. Use them now!

I kept running until I felt I have no more energy to move forward. Tiredness and pain in my leg, as well as shortness of breath, stopped me completely from running. I collapsed on the wet grass, staring at the grey darkening sky, with wide open eyes.

For few moments, there was a complete silence. Then I felt at peace and, somehow, I was fully content with my situation. It was like I had no more wishes or desires for anything. The only desire I had was to be left alone there. The feeling was overwhelming; I was not sure how to describe it. It was something like I was everything and, at the same time, I was nothing! I was aware of everything, yet, I could not utter a word! But this situation did not last long, as suddenly I heard a feminine voice calling my name repeatedly, and in a consistent demanding way. The voice was trying hard to wake me up immediately, even though it felt I was fully awake, all the time, when I was there!

- Arabella, Arabella - wake up wake up. Wakeup now, it is all over. Your operation was successful and you will be able to go home soon. Your dad, your brother and Christine are all here with you!

I looked up again trying to find the sky above me but there was only a grey ceiling with a faint light in the corner. My leg was hurting me and my mouth was sore and dry. There was a tube connected to my left arm and bandages covering my left leg and part of my right hand. I tried to talk but I could not find my voice. I tried to check if my dad was there but I could not bend my neck. Just as I was trying to close my eyes, I heard him saying:

- You will be fine dear, everything will be fine.

Then I heard Kevin whispering in my ear:

- Hey, I am the one who suppose to be in the hospital, not you!

So, was I really in the hospital and not Kevin? But why?

- Don't worry dear, you had a small accident as you were trying to cross the street, you will be fine. My dad whispered in my ear trying to assure me while he was holding my right hand.

I tried hard to talk to my dad, somehow, eventually and with great difficulty I managed to say to him:

- Where am I? 

- In the hospital! 

- No, I mean are we in a village? 

- Village? No dear, you must have been dreaming! 

- Where are we? 

- Arabella, we are still in the same part of London were we always lived! 

- So, the old lady who talked to me does not exist? 

- Old lady? 

- Yes, the old Scottish lady!

I heard my dad saying something to Kevin and to Christine then both of them left the room and then my dad said:

- It was all in the dream; we heard you talking while you were sleep. Kevin and Christine will come and see you again later on when you are feeling better; your friends from the school will be with them.

I wanted to forget everything, I wanted to sleep and wake up later at our home, not in the hospital. I looked at the ceiling again, I noticed the light was not there anymore. My father touched my head and kissed me on the cheek, then quietly left the room. The only question left inside my head was about Mrs. White, my English teacher. Did I really meet her with Christine, or was this also part of the hospital dream?