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.

SHRANAIA’S POV

Wilmer made me lose my desire to go on rides. To be honest, I don’t enjoy having Wilmer around since he is too clinging to me and tries to chase and stick to me. I always stay with Jenny since I don’t like it when he approaches.

“What the hell, Wilmer, stop it!” Jenny said, annoyed while I was hugging her.

“Why are you so elusive to me, Shranaia?” he asked me, then I shook my head.

“I don’t like your presence. I don't want you to stick to me, and the other one is...” I couldn’t finish what I was going to say, and they all looked at me, I just kept quiet.

“What’s the other one?” Brother Eliot asked.

I merely shook my head, glanced around for Vixen, and winced. They will probably understand why I am like this if they knew my true personality. We proceeded to a nearby restaurant to eat and rest because the rides had been really exhausting earlier. I lost my voice cause of yelling and my throat got itchy.

“I have something to tell you,” said Wilmer, then we looked at him.

Brother Eliot is next to me, and Jenny is next to Wilmer. We both face each other. I really want Brother Eliot to be by my side because I feel comfortable. Unlike Wilmer, I feel like I’m going to be in danger. Because when he was near me, there was something around me that I felt strange.

“What is that?” I ask.

“There’s a reason why we are here,” Wilmer said.

“There’s a reason why we’re here now.” Jenny frowned, then she was intrigued for some reason.

“What was that then?” asked Jenny.

“I heard from Mom last night that there’s something that she needs to work on here and that something was very intriguing,” he stated eagerly as if there was anything he may enjoy staying here for.

We continued listening until I saw the man I saw earlier. “Whoah?” I turned to Jenny, then my trance returned.

I didn't hear what Wilmer said, but I was annoyed by the strange feeling that someone was watching me besides Ron and Ran. This annoying feeling gives a strange feeling of nervousness and fear in my chest as if I'm running away from something I don’t understand.

“Are you ok?” Brother Eliot asked me, and then I turned to him.

“I-I’m fine,” I answered, still stuttering. “W-what’s that?” I asked as if I had no idea.

“How deep are you thinking? We just finished the exam didn’t we?” Jenny said, and I shook my head.

“I’m just not in the mood. I suddenly felt something strange and creepy,” I told her, then they understood me.

“You wanna go home?” Wilmer asked, then I nodded.

They agreed with me, so we hastened the lunch and went home. While on the road, I saw an odd gaze from a woman outside who was also staring at me. It seems like I know her did I? I told Jenny I would going home when we got home because I didn’t like how I was feeling.

When I went home, I saw Mommy following me with a weird look as if something was strange about her. “What happened?” mama asked, as I came to a halt and approached her.

“I’m snot feeling well,” I said, then I approached her. “I don’t understand mommy, but... there’s something inside me that I can’t explain why.”

“What is it?”

“I’m afraid... I’m afraid of something... something that I don’t know what,” I said to him, and then he smoothed my hair, then hugged me tightly.

At the moment, I was at ease with myself, and felt joy in my heart. Mommy’s touch lifts me up, as if she is the only one who can provide for me and no one else. I calmed down at that time, took a long breath, and looked at Mom.

“You feel better now?” she asked.

“I guess so... thank you for calming me down,” I said, then she smiled and hugged me again.

After that, I decided to rest. After one day, I woke up early because I still had school. I don’t have that bad feeling anymore, but I still have this strange dream. When I finished getting dressed, I went downstairs, Daddy greeted me with a smile, and Mommy gave me food.

After I ate, I said goodbye to go in, and when I got out, Jenny's car was there, then I got into it, and I didn't expect that Wilmer was also there also.

“How was your feeling?” he asked me.

“I’m fine,” I replied to him, then he nodded to me.

“That’s good.”

We left, and when we arrived at the school, Wilmer opened the door for me. I didn’t say anything and simply went down, and I saw people who were gazing at us, and I guess they were wondering why we were together. I simply ignored them before facing Jenny and we entered the room together.

When we got there, I saw a white flower that surprised me. Jenny looked at me then she smiled, but I was not happy with what I was seeing.

“Remove that,” I said and pointed to the white flower.

Her brow furrowed because the fear of that flower was obvious to me. “Why do you look so scared? Is it just a flower?” she said, then I shook my head.

She didn’t understand what happened to me when I was at their house, that’s why I didn't answer any of her questions and pushed her to pick that flower that was on the table. When she picked it up, she threw it outside, and when I was sure that she threw it, I sat down at my desk.

I looked at Sam and saw how she grinned as if she knew what I was afraid of. But I just ignored her and fixed myself. Jenny looked at me, then asked if I was okay, and I just nodded to her in response.

“What is it about the white flower that makes you afraid?” she asked me, and I couldn't answer anything other than just shaking her head.

Jenny didn’t ask any more questions because our teacher had already arrived. It announced the held JS prom as well as the held dance contest. Jenny is in the dance, so I am there to support her. There is one for the singing competition, but I don't enter any contests. I just don’t enjoy being the center of attention not unlike the others who like to be in it.

“Ok class, listen. Now there is also news that each section will have a representative as a Ms and Mr of the entire high school,” said ma’am.

“Sam could be one of our representatives, ma’am,” said one of our classmates, and I agree.

Sam is stunning. Her skin is flawlessly white and silky. Her dark hair is wonderfully curled, and to be honest, she has everything except a decent attitude. Jenny stared at Sam, and I noticed she rolled her eyes at her. She has this attitude that Same had. But, she’s my best friend so, even though that was annoying, it’s ok with me.

“Samantha?” ma’am said, and Sam stood up. “Is it ok with you, ija?” she asked Sam, then she smiled.

“Of course ma’am,” she proudly replied.

“Boooooo!” everyone told her that it made me smile. “Ma’am something is missing from Sam!” said one of our classmates.

“Huh? She’s so perfect!” said Sam's friend.

“Perfect your face! She lacks good manners!” this answer made everyone laugh, including me, and Jenny.

“Class quiet!” Ma’am said to everyone.

We immediately fell silent, so I just looked ahead and fixed myself. “You still have a basher, Sam,” Jenny teased, so I elbowed her.

I noticed how she clenched her fist and then glared at me evilly as if I were the one who was to fault for criticizing her. Ma'am looked at me and based on what I could see in her eyes, it was as if I was feeling something strange. I swallowed my own spit when she smiled and crossed her arms on me.

“Alright, we need to fix it, just like this...” Ma’am looked at me, then motioned me to stand up. “Shranaia stands up,” she said.

“What?” I said, irritably.

“Stand up, ija,” she repeated.

“I don’t want to participate in that kind of contest, and even if you all vote for me, I have no intention. Ma’am I don’t want to be in this mess!” I explained.

“You haven’t tried it yet, why knot?”

I bit my lower lip and gazed at Sam. “Why can’t you simply settle with Sam? Even though we’re competing in academics, I know she’s more deserving it,” I replied, breaking their quiet.

Ma’am couldn’t say anything in response to what I said, and when Jenny glanced at me, I just scowled at her with my arm crossed. I have no intention of doing anything she desires. Everyone agreed, and nothing further was done. They also cannot compel me. After class, I packed my belongings and stood up to go out.

When I was going to leave, I noticed Joel and Wilmer outside the room. Joel stared at me, then smiled, and I looked at Sam. Isn’t Sam the one he could pick up? I said to myself. Wilmer approached me when I was going out of the room, and he was almost too near to me when I placed my palm in his face to stop him.

“I will smack your face hard if any of your fingertips touch me,” I said, and he gulped. I stared at Joel after he didn't say anything. “I don’t care what’s on your mind; stop being around me or I’ll divulge your and Samantha’s secret,” I warned Joel, and his eyes widened as he realized what I had said.

I’m not sure what’s wrong with them, but I know they’re hiding something. Jenny and Wilmer followed me as I passed past him. They were wondering what I was talking to Joel, but I didn’t respond. I came to a halt at the gate and peered around. I'm feeling strange again, and I'm sure that someone is observing me.

“Oh? Why did you stop?” asked Wilmer.

“When is the full moon?” I asked, then Jenny frowned.

“I don’t know, eh,” she answered.

I checked the calendar and noticed that the next day was the full moon. My 18th birthday is coming, and I expect a lot to happen on that day. I was shocked to see Brother Eliot as we got in the car. I didn't know that he was here.

“Oh? Aren’t you doing anything, Bro?” Jenny asked.

“Well, Benj was passing by, and I ride with him since my car was broken,” he replied.

We simply nodded and went in. Wilmer couldn't complete what he was saying since Jenny was next to me, and I was just putting my head on Jenny’s shoulder. I walked up to my room after they got me home and looked at the clock. I hurriedly dressed and then lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling like crazy. Something came up these days that makes me uncomfortable whenever I go out. Sometimes, I don't want to go out cause I could feel that someone was behind me and inches away from me.

I can’t forget about the guy I saw in Enchanted and the strange fear I feel that I don’t understand why. I sat at the study table, then I opened my laptop to look for something to eat and a movie to watch.

While I was busy, I noticed a rustle outside my window and got to look into it. I just held my breath as I peered out the window and saw Ron and Ran. I rushed down the stairs and to the back, where I asked them what they were doing in front of my room.

“Boss said that he was restless because he felt something strange. He said he knows that you could also feel that, so he commanded us to go here and guard you,” said Ron, and then I approached him.

“Can you just explain to me what happened?” I said, then he looked at Ran.

“We can’t say until Boss says it,” Ran replied, and I turned around to get inside because of annoyance.