The Last Bloodline

Episode 5: Equation

ISANA LOUISSE STELL

I averted my gaze from the mirror to look at the window pane as my ears captured a beep from a coming car. Maybe the new neighbor had arrived. I took a deep breath and took a quick last glance to my get-up. I am wearing my simple off-shoulder dress paired with nude-colored flats. My face is glowing so I need not to use any make-up, just a lip gloss and then I walk scurriedly downstairs. 

“They’re here!” announced Mrs. Jackson in an excited tone. 

I really don’t like this kind of tradition but I don’t have a choice. After all, after some time, I will have a new neighbor and all I wish is that they’re nice. And I bet they are kinda big family or filthy one ’cause I don’t think they’d bought such a big home if not. 

Mrs. Jackson and I came out together with our offerings. I got fresh baked cookies, which I almost forgot earlier in the oven so I have no idea if this would taste bad or not. 

“Hey!” 

A guy run towards our direction with a big smile plastered on his face. I frowned when I realized who was it. 

“Olay,” I called his name. 

Olay Fritz Dallas is the son of one of the village committee and I could say, he‘s a nice person but difficult to handle. I first met him when my father and I moved out here, that was when I was 12 years old and he was 16 that time. He accidentally kicked his football pass through our window and then he came to get it. At first my dad was furious because of it but when he learned that it was an accident caused by a naïve teenager, he let it go. Not even letting the parents know about it. And now, this 23 year-old Olay is still the naïve kid I’ve known. He is reckless and somehow too showy.

“Excited to meet them?” Olay beamed. 

I nodded without even realizing what he had said. 

I’ve noticed that almost of the neighborhood are here. Village committee were almost complete. What the hell is going on? Is my new neighbor is the President of the country’s son or some kind of royal?

I poked Olay’s body using my elbow. “What’s with the new owner? Some kind of royal, eh?” I asked senseless. 

Olay suddenly laugh like he had heard some kind of funny statement.

“Isana, how’d you know?!” 

My eyes widen in surprise, “Really? So, we’re gonna have some royals in the village?” 

Wow. That's great! My curiosity since I was a kid on how Royals live on daily basis may come true! That would be amazing, I guess. 

Instead of giving me a clear answer, he laughed again. 

“What-” 

He pinched the tip of my nose that made me gasped, “Stupid.”

It's like my defense mechanism has woken with his sudden movement of touching me because my left foot automatically stepped on his. His proud face turned into sour as he bow down to comfort his aching foot. 

Serves him right, though. Olay is kinda clingy and I don't like it. 

He returned his gaze upward, meeting my smirking face.

“Aren't you gonna say sorry?” he cooed. 

I stared at him, “In your dreams.” 

He groaned, unable to accept his defeat but instead of entertaining his nuisance, I just walk towards the facade of the house. I’d like to meet my new neighbor. I wanna know if I’ll be able to get along with them.

“Isana, here!” Mrs. Jackson’s voice echoed.

Forgetting about Olay’s condition, I walk with audacity towards the group of hags. And I don’t why but I felt the sudden rise of my confidence. Maybe because I am used being gathered around with some group of old folks and I am knowledgable of how their mind work.

“Hey, everyone.” I greeted. 

They all smiled at me but behind those, I know they’re examining my look. Behind their scrutinizing gaze I am hundred percent sure, they’re judging me. 

It's not too late to tell but this village has large number of jealous people. Bunches of social climber and clan of crab mental. I wonder what kind of book they read or what kind of lifestyle they have ’cause they’re pretty rich in knowledge and skill when it come to these. 

A woman in her late 30’s caressed my shoulder, “You have an exceptional beauty, Ms. Stell.” She muttered.

I mentally rolled my eyes but showed a sweet smile. I need to survive socially, that’s why...

“Thank you,” I replied. 

“Never assume, Stell.” 

The voice of a young girl popped from behind. All of us turned to look at her. 

Her blonde shoulder length hair are in unusual curl that absolutely fits her diamond shape face that matches her olive skin tone. And her lips are shiny because of some lip gloss. She’s wearing a polka dots crop top and a short-short that shows her long legs. And all in all, she is a biatch.

“Ashley...”

“The one and only,” she said in her fake Southern tone that made me roll my eyes on her.

I’m a bit surprised why she came up for as far I remember she hates being around with the villagers. She never even welcomed neighbors that’s why I am quiet in a thinking that she has her ulterior motive. 

‘Well, everyone here has their own motives.’

“What brought you here?" I asked, trying to know if her tongue would slip some information. 

“I don’t see what the big deal is.” She tossed her curly hair over her shoulder. “Besides, I am the village owner’s only daughter.” 

‘Right, how could I forget that?’ She's no one but Ashley McBride, the only daughter and the self-proclaimed beauty in the town.

I apathetically listened to their gossips as I wait for Mrs. Jackson’s signal. 

A minute had passed when we are all completed and seems everyone are excited to meet the new comer. Well, I’m curious but only a little excitement filled me. All in all, we are 20 in count. Olay and I were at back space and he’s back with his mischievous doing. He is clinging to me like he was a baby monkey. While Ashley stood beside her, flaunting her so-called beauty. 

“Let go,” I demanded to Olay but he just shrugged. Ashley looked at us with interesting gaze.

I groaned in annoyance but I have no other option but to endure this guy. And of course, Ashley. 

‘How unlucky I am...’

As Mrs. Jackson is the President of the village, she stepped in front of the porch and click the doorbell. She’s like leading a troupe in a battle. 

Ashley spoke, “I’m excited!” 

The other women around us giggled. I could hear the murmurs of the people but none of them got my attention. 

My eyes settled on the two doors that has opened and revealed a figure of a man. A good-looking young man. And even I am at back, I could see that his street outfit style perfectly suit his towering height. We all look at him like he was an angel fallen from above. All of us are in awe.

I even sensed envious over Olay’s expression and Ashley’s twinkling eyes. 

Ah, I get it. Her flirty radar told her that there will be a handsome man around and she’s got it right. 

“Hi, I’m James! James Daniel Ford,” he introduced. 

His million-dollar smile shown making Ashley giggle. 

I roam my eyes behind him but no one is with him. Why? He is alone? Where is his parents? 

Daniel moved his head forward, looking directly on someone. 

He is looking directly at me? No, his pair of big brown eyes are scanning me from head-to-foot like I am an interesting subject he intended to know. 

I shook my head as I suddenly felt conscious. 

And it was like there was some kind of surprised recitation that I am the first one being called because they all looked at me! I instantly lowered my head, trying to avoid their different stares. 

“He got his eyes on you, Isana.” Olay proved but I did not payed attention to him. 

Ashley loudly cleared her throat that made everyone’s attention be drawn on her. 

“Well, pretty boy, it’s nice to meet you. Ashley McBride at your service!” She smiled sweetly at the him. ”Welcome to Sanctuary Village, your new home!” 

It was like they only waited for Ashley's cue before introducing themselves. It took minutes before they all stop blabbering their surnames. 

James Daniel suddenly sniffed in the air. 

“What is that smell?” he muttered.

Everyone got confused. What smell is he saying? 

“What is it? Mr. Ford?” asked Ashley. 

We waited for his answer but Daniel only replied with a bright smile as he widely open the door, “Please, come in. They are waiting for you.” 

‘They. He said ‘they’ but why he is the only one who welcomed us? I almost thought he will live here alone.’

Everybody started their way inside and the Daniel moved his way outside on the right side. He is ushering all of us in. 

On the other hand, Ashley strutted inside leaving us behind. She winked at James Daniel before she finally get in. I let Olay drag me on the way inside since I am not in mood to argue with him and his touchy hands. 

On our way to the door Daniel, in a swift move, blocked the door with his body. I almost topple down and drop the tupperware I hold. What the heck?! Is he some kid of creature? How could he move like that?

I squinted my eyes on him. How could he move like a wind? It was hella strange and I’d never seen anyone move like he did awhile. 

He protruded his lips then eyed me, “Nice to meet you, Ms...?” 

“Isana...Isana Louisse Stell.” 

“Hi, Isana! I’m Daniel.” He gladly extented his arm which I hesitantly accepted. 

From the moment our hands touched it felt like I was handshaking with a corpse. His hand is cold. So cold that it gives chill down to my marrow. 

“Your hand...”

“...is cold. I know,” he said finishing my sentence. “I have some unusual disease that makes my body colder as ice.” 

I am unconvinced and I don’t know why. It’s just I feel like he was bluffing. 

“Oh.” I replied and handed him the tupperware. 

“Thanks. You shouldn’t have bothered.” 

I shrug, “I should.” 

“I’m Olay.” 

I quickly turned my gaze into the man beside me, whom I nearly forgot. Daniel’s lips curved but his attention is into Olay’s hand on me. 

“The pleasure is mine, Olay.” 

His forefinger pointed the clinging hand of Olay. “If I were you, I wouldn’t do that.” He said as his lips formed into a grim line before he moved away, letting us in. 

This new guy is something, it’s like he is hiding something. And I can’t hide the feeling of uneasiness with his presence. 

It’s odd that I‘ve never felt a thing like this. It’s my gut feeling raising an ominous sound.

A danger. 

“What a weirdo!” he blurted out as he turn his head to look at me. I raised my brows at him and walked away. 

Olay is right. Daniel is indeed a weirdo. 

I walk inside and started scanning the house and I could say it's a beautiful place! Although it has the touch of Victorian front, the inside is all modern and...very manly. Wow. Not even a single touch of a woman? The house is really big and it’s like I am wandering in an old museum. It’s bigger than I thought.

I was about to say something to Olay when I realized that I am walking alone, and that the clingy Olay left behind makes me wanna kick him in his ass. I am lost. 

I steadily walk straight, hoping that I could find someone. My face instantly brightened when I see a door on the right side and I saw someone entered inside! It’s left ajar and there was some striking light from inside so I didn’t bother to knock and without taking any chances I strutted inside only to see a spacious room and a leather chair.

“Hello?” I voice out but no one answered. 

My forehead creased. I can’t be wrong, somebody really entered the room! 

I hurriedly turned around when I felt something cold passed behind me but to my surprise I only see no one. Only bunch of unopened boxes. 

“What-” 

My words cut when someone behind my back whispered my name. A sudden chill engulf my extremities. 

“Isana Louisse...” 

I immediately turn around and only to be greeted by a pair of emerald-green eyes. My jaw-dropped as I look into the person. I felt my body froze. 

What is he doing here?! 

“Mr. Liberth?!” I unbelievably exclaimed his name. 

He crossed his arms as he look at me intently. 

“How...w-what are you doing here?” I stammered as I scan him. 

He is wearing his usal formal attire but that didn’t lessen the fact that he’s dazzling! 

Mr. Liberth smirked, “I should be the one asking.” 

My eyes narrowed but my lips formed into an ‘O’ when I realized what he said. 

“You’re with Daniel?” 

He nodded. My face heated the moment I realized how the way I talked to him. I was disrespectful.

I moved away and started to walk towards the door but his hand grabbed me back. 

“Sir!” I howled.

“A ladder is hung from the top of a tree house. The tree house is perpendicular to the ground (90 degrees) and that the ladder is 54 degrees from the ground. The height of the ladder is 80 feet. How far is the ladder from the tree house?”

I jolted as I turn back at him. Puzzlement drawn in my face, ‘What did he just say? Did he just dropped a mathematic equation? 

I face him with still confusion.

“Sir, I have to go.” I said but he just rose his left eyebrow at me. 

He languidly threw his self at the leather chair as he cross his arms and legs. I gulped at the sight.

How I wish he has the idea that he look like a dashing King in his throne right now. And here I am, looking like his servant. 

But then, professor Liberth seriously glance at me.

‘Goodness, he look so hot in his position!’  I gulped with the thought. 

“You can’t leave my side not unless you answer me correctly,” he said that made me almost tumble. 

“What?!” 

Good Lord, help me I am bad in math!