SHRANAIA’S POV

Jenny’s face was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes. Because of the shock, I immediately stood up and handed my chest. She just laughed at me as if something was funny; one thing was that I hadn’t locked the door, so she got in easily. Fortunately, it’s Saturday, and we don’t have school, but I can’t relax because there’s still so much to do. Our teacher assigned us a lot of homework, which left me with a lot of things to do. I want to rest forever so that I can have peace of mind meanwhile.

“Good morning, Princess,” she greeted me as if something good had happened this morning.

“My morning isn’t going well if I only see you,” I muttered, and she snorted.

“You know how ugly your behavior is, don’t you?” she asked irritably, and I rolled my eyes at her.

“I don’t have time to be a plastic with you,” I said, pulling back my hair, and then I heard something outside as if someone was there. I’m not sure what that was or who it was.

I stood up and looked out my window, but there was nothing unusual to see, but I smelled what I smelled yesterday. Jenny approached me and asked what was wrong with me, so I immediately covered my nose. I couldn’t tell her what I had smelled. I'm not going to say anything because she might think something of me. I don't want her to be concerned about me.

“What’s wrong with you?” she wondered ask.

“Let’s go downstairs,” I said, taking her hand in mine.

“What? Why?” she asks, puzzled.

I didn’t wait for her response before we headed down. I’m not sure why I heard unusual footsteps from the balcony to the room, but Mommy was making breakfast when we arrived downstairs. She looked at Jenny and me, then asked what was wrong.

“Auntie, your daughter has smelled something strange,” Jenny murmured, and I noticed her and Daddy’s eyes widen as they glanced at each other.

“Do you have any idea of my condition?” I said, and they promptly shook their heads.

“Ah... nah... nothing,” Mommy said.

“Yeah, nothing,” Daddy said, taking his cup of coffee, and sipping it.

I’m not sure what they're thinking, but I know there’s something distinctive about them that they won’t tell me. I just groaned and looked at the stairs to see if anyone was passing by, but there was no one. We had barely finished breakfast with them when I noticed a shift in their mood. Mommy motioned to Daddy, who rose up and they went to the living room to have a discussion. But I didn't intend to listen to what they were going to discuss because I didn’t have any plans. Another thing is that something they are keeping from me, I will find out as quickly as possible.

We went upstairs after having breakfast since we were going to the mall. After all, I needed to buy something. We got into the car once I finished bathing and dressing. Thankfully Jenny had brought their driver with her. I didn’t see she had her car. Despite the fact that she does not have a driver’s license, her parents allowed her to drive on her own. The fact that I want to have my own too, but Mommy doesn’t allow me.

“What are you planning to buy?” Jenny questioned.

“I no longer have bond paper and notebook. Another issue is that the ink in my ball pen and marker has run out. I will buy a lot and also a cartolina,” I took a deep breath. “I’m running out of materials because our teachers are having us do a lot of work,” I added, and she winced.

“I’m glad I have a lot of stock,” she said, and I nodded.

She doesn’t run out because she has someone selling it for her. I could see a car with tinted windows behind us but couldn’t see who was inside. It’s too strange, yet I’ve had the feeling that someone is following me. I didn’t see Jenny while she told her story since my attention was drawn to the vehicle behind us.

“Oh, I just remembered something, Joel talked to me yesterday. Infernes with him because he’s handsome, it’s just that he’s not your ideal type. He’s concerned about you because you could have another nosebleed again,” she explained.

“He doesn’t need to worry about what could happen to me; tell him to stop because I might blunder him and smash him,” I replied, then she covered her mouth.

“You know Joel is the only one who has left out of the many who have courted you; why are you being so cruel with him? You are the most terrible woman I've ever seen!” she said, and I just shook my head.

“I don’t desire a man in my life,” I answered.

I clenched my eyes firmly as a remembrance flashed through my head. A memory I’m trying to forget, but why does it keep returning? I bit my lower lip, then held the chair hard and battled myself, afraid that my hand might slip in and startle Jenny if that happened.

“Hope all,” she said.

When we arrived at the mall, I noticed Sam and Joel standing extremely close to each other. I know the two are cousins, but I can’t help but wonder about Sam, as if she has some special quality that I don’t comprehend. Anyway, Jenny and I headed to the bookstore after entering the mall.

While looking for what I needed, I noticed the peculiar fragrance that I had experienced in the classroom again. Jenny and I, are far apart, so I searched for its scent and came to the end of the bookshelves where there were volumes of marketing books. I know that this is where I smell it. I know that he's here.

“Got you,” he said suddenly as he touched my shoulder, and I leaned against the bookshelf looking at him.

“Vixen?” I said.

I recognize him and understand what and who he is since we are the same. I couldn’t help but feel scared when he touched my face. Another one was his scent is its audacity. I instantly covered my nose to stop it from bleeding.

“OMG,” I said.

“Still nose bleeding huh?” he said, and I nodded.

“What’s the matter?” I’ll query.

“Something unusual happened recently, and I’d like to know who the guy who just followed you were,” he stated.

“So I’m not mistaken, someone is following me,” I said.

He gave me a nod and then looked around. “They had no idea where you were, but the vampire clan is interested in you,” he whispered.

“Interest?”

“Hmm. Take care of the people around you, Shranaia,” he advised before leaving.

“Sharanaia?” I glanced at Jenny, then at what she was carrying, “Who are you talking to?” she ask confusingly.

“Nothing,” I said immediately.

SHRANAIA’S POV

After a few days, I was fine, except for the unexpected arrival of Vixen. I don’t know why he’s following me, despite the fact that I’m not an ordinary person. I tripped as I walked into the canteen, and Joel immediately caught me.

“Aww,” I muttered as I clutched my chest.

“Are you okay?” he asked, and I shook my head.

“Do I seem okay?” I said, irritably, straightening myself.

I looked at the blocked leg and looked to see who it was from. When I saw Sam’s face, I approached her, and Joel even wanted to stop me when I gave him a bad look. I could hear her companions laughing as I near her, and they stopped when I was right next to her, and she frowned at me.

“What are you doing here?” she said, irritably.

“You know if you want me to pay attention to you, improve it like I will notice your pompousness and shit presence.”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Really, Sam?” I said, holding back my patience.

I stepped on her foot, and she was taken a back; she didn’t know whether to hit me or shove me. I give her a bad look. “How dare you?”

“How dare me? Have I been neglecting you so long that you need my attention? You are such an attention seeker,” I said as I walked away from her.

I hadn’t gone far when she abruptly yanked my hair and grabbed me. I instantly elbowed her and then pushed her hard, and that’s when I saw Joel catch her. I grinned at what I saw, and it was a good thing Jenny wasn’t here right now because I knew she’d stop me.

After that, she gave me a bad look, and I just grin at her and walked away. I’m not sure what they have with Joel, but I guess I know now. After I left after bought what I needed and left them, I went to the rooftop to be alone.

“What are you doing here?” I asked the man, who was staring at the bottom of the building.

“Boss told us that we should keep an eye on you while he does some stuff,” he said.

“I don’t need a guard, and I can take care of myself,” I said, before eating what I had brought. “Do you want?” I asked on him.

He glanced at me and seemed to crave like a dog when he saw what I was holding. “Wow!!! It’s delicious!!!” he said happily and I took a deep breath.

Sometimes I just want to punch him. Ran suddenly appeared, and then I turned to him. He grimaced when he noticed Ron holding some food, sniffed it, and then approached his twin to ask for the food that he was holding. Ron gave Ran some, and they then shared what I had given them. I merely smiled at them both and sipped some water.

While waiting for the next class, I looked up and suddenly handed my head. I don’t know what I saw, but I know it has something to do with what happened to me then. Mommy didn’t tell me everything, especially Vixen. I’ll find out whatever they’re hiding in due time.

When I returned to my room, the flowers that had been spread on my table were there again, and I looked at them individually. I’m not sure why they keep doing it, even though they see me throwing it out every day.

“This is the last time I’ll throw flowers in the garbage; one more time, and I’m going to punch who might it be,” I said, calling everyone’s attention to me.

I just ignored them and fortunately, I don’t intend to waste my time on them. When the class ended, I looked at the car outside the school and saw who got off.

“SHRANAIA!!!” Jenny waved at me, and then she ran towards me.

“What are you doing?” I asked her.

“Well, you can see what happened to my arm, which is why I came to inform you why I’m absent today,” she explained, as I looked at her arm.

“What happened?”

“I will tell the story later, and I know what happened earlier, so let’s go.” She pulled me into the car, and then we left.

I noticed Sam and Joel arguing outside, and I simply ignored it. “What happened to your arm, and who did this to you?” I questioned.

“The fact is that Sam was the one who did this to me,” she said, winced, and I scowled at her.

“Why did you just say that now?” I asked, irritated.

“I didn’t mean to say it, but when I heard out what happened earlier, I felt like I got my vengeance on that girl,” she said, and then I smacked her across the head.

“I’m not happy with what I’m seeing, Jenny; I will not let go of what happened to your arm,” I stated as I was ready to stop the car when she stopped me.

“Calm down, don’t be a high blood girl, okay?”

“Who wouldn’t be bothered by that?”

“Slow down.”

“I’m not going to settle down until I pay back what that bitch did to you.”

“You already avenged me earlier, that’s alright.” She stopped me, and then she made me lean on the chair, and I pulled my hair. “Calm your mind,” she said, and then I rolled my eyes at her.

Honestly, I have no intention of listening to her, and I have no intention of following what she says. I can’t accept that she is also being sympathized with by those two. They may both tell me everything they despise about me. They were adamant about it, and they did it behind my back.

“What is the backstory?”

“Because yesterday, while I was in the mall purchasing a book, I spotted Samantha and Joel talking about you, and the only unusual thing is that she nicknamed Joel- Deacon,” I scowled and turned to face him.

“Deacon? I’ve heard that name before,” I assured him.

I’m not sure where I heard it, but I’ve heard that name before. “Wherever? Do you have any previous memories of Joel?” she asked.

“I’m not sure; I just met him in our senior high school,” I said. “But the name you said, I know it... I knew him,” I added.

“This is what I remember of that night,” she added, and I just listened. “Since Sam stated that if she’s not the only one who can be picked, it’s much more important that it's not you because she'll do everything to kill you or make you disappear from their path.”

I know that there’s something in this two. But I’m quite sure I’ve heard the name Deacon before. When we arrived at the house, I walked down and told Mommy that I was going to sleep with Jenny. They didn’t object, and I merely went to my room and other necessities because there was no school tomorrow.

SHRANAIA’S POV

While Jenny and I were talking, I couldn’t get out of my mind what the two were arguing about earlier. I frequently wonder if they have some sort of strategy or if my assumptions are flawed. Anyway, one of my hints is what Jenny stated. As we were watching, I turned to look at the person standing by Jenny’s terris.

She questioned, “What was that?” and I gave a shrug.

“I don’t know?” I answered, then I stood up and looked to see who the person was, but I didn’t see anyone. “Maybe it’s just something like a human figure in a reflection? An object that might shadow a person,” I said, but she scowled as though she wasn’t persuaded.

She doesn’t believe in things easily. Especially if she couldn’t see it. In fact, Jenny has an ability that sets her apart from everyone else, but it is comparable to other people who have a third eye to distinguish between real and untrue things. When I noticed someone below, she was going to rise up. I scowled when I noticed Ran and Ron there. I let out a sigh and motioned for them to go.

“Who are you signaling on?” I immediately looked at Jenny and then started swatting like there was a flying insect in front of me.

“Are there mosquitoes in here?” I pretended to ask.

I exhaled a sigh of relief as she brought me into the room and closed the terris after having a look at what I was disassembling. Fortunately, I was awake and came up with an explanation. We both turned our attention to the television as news of a catastrophe broke. All I know is that we are watching a movie, therefore I have no idea why the news is on the TV.

“Why did it suddenly go crazy again?” said Jenny.

“Maybe your internet has been deleted and broken again,” I replied.

“It just got fixed it,” she replied, snorting thereafter. “It doesn’t matter. I want to sleep and rest. We have a trip tomorrow, don’t we?” she reminded me, and I nodded.

I sat next to her as she lay down on the bed. It was late at night, and I was still unable to fall asleep when a few minutes went by without my realizing it. I got up first, grabbed some water from their kitchen, and heard someone in the kitchen from the stairs. I spotted a man sipping milk as I went down, and I think he was having trouble falling asleep as well.

“Brother Eliot?” I said, and he turned to face me. “Long time no see,” I greeted him then I approached him.

He said, “That’s you, Sharanaia, how are you?” I responded by getting water from the refrigerator.

I said, “Well, I’m good. How about you? How were the States?”

“Kinda fine though, I’m stressed and super busy with work. I’m loaded as fck,” he answered, and we laughed together.

“You need to have some rest sometimes. I thought you were not going home anymore since you weren’t living here.”

He looked at the milk in the glass he was holding, then smiled bitterly. “I was fine... I am,” he said as if the depth was being drawn from him. “But currently, I am not,” he added.

I saw in his eyes that he was hurt. “Something happened, right?” I said, and he nodded. I could feel that he was broke and stressed.

“When I moved to the states, I met Aryana, she was beautiful, she was fine, sexy, and kind. She was smart, and have a sweet voice that you can’t even resist at least hearing at once. But suddenly, there was a problem, and I wasn’t there for her to help. Instead, I was busy with my work, loaded with meetings, busy back, and forth,” he stated, and I just listened to his story. “So I didn’t know what was happened to her,” he added and drank his milk.

“I she… your girlfriend?” I ask.

“Yeap, and I met her parents and all of her relatives, and now they are disappointed at me,” he said, then I saw that there were tears in his eyes.

I have never seen Brother Eliot like this even before. He is known as a cheerful person, smiling and seemingly without any other problems in the world. But this is him in real life. We’re close and even treats me like his real sister. Sometimes I’m even more of a sister than Jenny. Even so, they are happy to see us happy as if we were brothers. I don’t know what’s the feeling of having a sister or brother at all. Because I am just an only child then.

“Maybe… that was the reason why she didn’t tell you her pain,” I said, and he looked at me. “She knows that you need to focus, she knows that you were busy and even looking at your phone, you can’t,” I added. “At that point… she was thinking of you, and maybe if she called you or talked to you was a disturbing thing for her.”

His heavy sigh was audible, and I could sense the weight of his emotions. After taking a sip from the glass, he looked at me and smiled. He waved back after getting up, setting the glass on the sink. He told me good night as he was doing that. I drink water then after that, I placed it in the sink after he had left. When I was finally able to go back, I walked up and saw Jenny still asleep.

I reclined, then I close my eyes. Even the commotion I was hearing outside eluded me. But just before I slept off, I felt something touch my face. I took a little breath, but after that, the caress caused me to fully pass asleep.

“Shranaia.” I opened my eyes when Jenny called my name. “Good morning,” she greeted me then smiled.

I turned to glance around and noticed that the sun had risen. Jenny stood and left the room as I peered out the window and noticed a flower being placed; I got up and took it. I instantly was hurt by its thorn when I touched it, and for a moment I froze. I was shocked when the flower sucked the blood from my finger because I had no idea it contained a thorn.

I released the flower and started to look around. It slowly turned to ash before dissipating like a cloud of smoke. As an odd feeling crept through my chest, I hurried out of the room and went downstairs for breakfast.

“Oh? What happened to you? Why are you look pale?” Brother Eliot asked, then I calmed down.

“Because I saw something…” I thought of something to justify. “Squirrel,” I said, then Jenny laughed.

“Did you see, Squepy,” she said, then focused on the food.

What I had previously seen is not clear to me. But I persuaded them that was the reason I sat down and positioned myself close to Jenny. I glanced at Brother Eliot as I was eating, and he simply smiled at me. I actually have a crush on Brother Eliot, but I know he’ll only think of me as his little sister and not as a lady.

“What are you two going to do?” Brother Eliot asked. “Where are you going?”

Jenny and I looked at each other, and we smiled at each other. We intend to go to BGC because it is said that it is beautiful there and a good place to hang out, especially since there are trees on every side you pass. It’s like you’re in Korea because of the atmosphere there. Brother Eliot nodded and said he would come with us, and I was happy because of that. It’s been a long time since Brother Eliot, and I went out together.

“Wilmer told me that he would meet me at the Grand, will you come?” Jenny asked as we both got ready.

“Who’s Wilmer?” I wondered.

“Isn’t that my cousin who likes you, who else is Wilmer?” she answered, and I laughed.

“Ahhh... well, why?” I ask.

“He said he had to change schools. He wants to move to our school because aunt said that they will be here until the end of the school year. She just needs to do something here in the Philippines,” she replied.

I just nodded to her, and when we both finished, we went out. I saw Brother Eliot looking handsome in what he was wearing, and that’s when I realized that he gets even more handsome every time he smiles. I suddenly came to my senses because of the whining I heard, then I looked around and didn’t see anyone else.

“Let’s go,” Jenny said, then pulled me into Brother Eliot’s car.

Sometimes I want to kick Jenny because she often pushes me like she’s always in a hurry. “Will you please, stop pushing me?”

I irritated said, she was just rolling her eyes at me and didn’t say a word. I turned to check behind us while we was on the road because of the red car in front of us. I have no idea why it is chasing us, but I think I know who is it. I was startled when Jenny abruptly touched me as I was staring back. She glared at me as I sent a glance her way before turning to face the direction I was looking.

“What are you looking at?” she ask, curiously.

“Nothing,” I answered, then she looked at me.

“Do you want to go to Enchanted?” Brother Eliot asked me, then Jenny and I smiled.

“Yes!” we both answered, and he laughed.

Since there was nothing else to do in BGC than stroll around, we actually went to Enchanted. Jenny said that she would make her cousin follow us, and I just agreed. I was amazed by the rides at Enchanted when we arrived and eager to try them out. I can’t believe what I’m seeing and honestly feel like this is the first time I’ve been here.

“What should we ride first?” Jenny asked, Brother Eliot and I looked at each other.

“Extreme tower,” we said smiling at the same time, Jenny smiled even more, and we both ran together.

At the back, Brother Eliot just followed the two of us, looking as if he were our father. Eliot is 25 years old and actually still looks young. He wasn’t obviously 25 years old. When we bought the ticket, Jenny and I quickly boarded and couldn’t get rid of the smile on both of our lips. I can't really avoid not being excited, especially when it’s like this.

When we got on board, I felt dizzy, especially when the rides started. When it reached the top, I was just looking down, and from where I was, I saw a creature that made me frown. Even though I was high, I could see it clearly.

“WAAAAAAHHHH!” people around us shout out loud except me.

My attention was focused on the man who was looking at me, and I saw how he sneered at me as if something bad was going to happen. I looked at Jenny, and I could see that they were enjoying themselves, so I just screamed like them. When the rides were over, I excused myself to take a restroom.

When I got to the bathroom, I looked at myself in the mirror while holding my chest, there was a bug coming out of my green eyes. I immediately resisted it, then calmed myself down, and took a deep breath.

I reassured myself, “Shranaia, it’s just your imagination, so don’t be frightened,” and I then straightened myself up.

“What exactly shouldn’t you be terrified of?”

“Shit!" I said in surprise as I gripped my chest. O”Ytartled me, Jenny!”

“It’s not my fault that I surprised you. You’re talking to yourself in the mirror so seriously that you didn’t notice that I’ve been standing here watching you like an idiot,” I scowled at what she said.

“I’m sorry,” I said, then she came to me.

“It’s alright. What frightens you?” she asks inquisitively.

She nodded as I said, “It simply is... I’ll just tell you when the time is right.”

We both went out, from Brother Eliot’s place, I saw Wilmer, and when he saw me, he ran quickly. He was about to hug me when I quickly ran away, then I hid behind Jenny. He looked at me, then he snorted like a child and seemed to report to his cousin.

“Will you please fcking stop?” Jenny said, annoyed.