Chapter 3
1037 Words
The biggest event of her life was about to premier soon. Lyca was over the moon. It was everything she had imagined her whole life to be.
Since she was four, nothing gave her joy than the early morning ride to school. This was because, Modessa played her favorite songs and she enjoyed humming the lyrics.
From singing lullabies for Travis, even though he was older, to singing during music classes at high school and now, she was about to sing in the Annual New York Music Fiesta as the most promising artiste in the city.
This meant a lot to Lyca. As she got dressed for the event, she recalled that she hadn't seen Travis anywhere around in a while. She was perturbed.
The make-up artist finished adorning her face while her stylist dressed her up. Lyca began to feel uneasy.
" Hold on", she said calmly and excused herself for a few moments.
Her head was spinning as she held the tap and flushed her face with some water.
" What is happening to me?", She asked herself.
Time was ticking and she needed to rehearse for the last time before the show begins. But, Lyca wasn't herself.
She went back to the dressing room and grabbed her cellphone. Immediately, she dialed Travis's number. It rang but there was no answer.
Lyca became suspicious. She picked her bag and bolted to the door.
" Ma'am, you have barely two hours to rehearse and go to the stage for your grand performance", her make-up artist said.
" Don't worry, I'll be back", Lyca said and zoomed off.
>> Modessa rose to her feet and left me alone. Several thoughts ran through my mind.
What was my mum insinuating? I saw her taking care of Lypha. So, why will she steal her letter? Why will she be so cruel to her?
I needed answers and the only way to do that was to go back to ten years ago. But, the letter was blank.
I recollected each word Modessa has told me and then, I smiled. I can't be her son and not follow in her footsteps of being clever.
I rushed to her room and made sure that the coast was clear before carrying on my quest.
When I was little, she prohibited me and Lyca from going to her library. So, we never got to see what it looked like.
All my life, I had prayed for a moment like this and here it was.
I turned the small door open and my eyes gleed at what they saw. It was a different place entirely and the atmosphere was cloudy.
It was pretty dark I needed light to see clearer. Just then, I saw a flame of fire at what seemed like the end of the room. I walked gently being careful enough to not step on anything harmful.
My heart thrummed at every step I took. Then, the flame went off and everywhere was illuminated with bright light.
I nearly passed out.
The whole room looked different again. I saw books from different authors and rolls on a different shelf. Then, I walked to the shelf with rolls and halted. My hands brushed the several books on the shelf. They were so many that I couldn't make a choice as soon as possible.
I nearly got carried away until I recalled that time wasn't on my side and Modessa could come back anytime soon.
With that thought in mind, I traced the rolls with the aim of finding anything that had to do with Lypha. I couldn't find any.
I pulled out the blank sheet from my pocket and placed it on the shelf. Fingers crossed, I didn't know what else to do.
Just then, a bright light shone from the book where I had placed the blank sheet on. I don't know how it happened but I wasn't scared.
I stretched out my hand and pulled out the book. Then, I opened it.
I felt the atmosphere change and my head began to spin. I tried my best to hold myself not to be thrown on the floor. I flipped through the pages and Alas! The first one was torn.
That was the puzzle! I was so excited.
Without wasting time, I placed the piece in the torn page and right before my eyes, it stuck and looked as though it had never been torn.
"Wow!" I exclaimed. This has got to be a big joke!
Instantly, I saw the writing on the piece appear line by line. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
I didn't have to stress myself looking for the part where I'd stopped in the story. The writing began just from the part I had stopped the other time.
Then, I read on...
A strong force grabbed me and I squeezed my eyes shut. When I opened them, I saw myself in the hospital; the same hospital where I'd left my mum and Lypha.
My mother carried the baby in her arms and held on tight. I could tell that she had longed to carry one since she weaned me. It was great to see her so concerned.
The baby began to cry and I wondered why. Just then, Lypha opened her eyes.
" Lyca...", she called.
Modessa raised an eyebrow. She turned around to see if there was anyone with them. But then, there was none.
" Who's Lyca?", my mother asked.
Lypha tried to sit up but my mum stopped her from doing so.
" Take it easy...you are not strong yet", she pleaded.
If there was any stubborn person in this world, then Lypha had to be on the top ten persons. Despite my mum's advice, she sat up.
That single act spurred my mum's anger- that was typical of her anyways.
" Lypha,I told you not to sit up. For heaven's sake you were just operated upon", she said on top of her voice.
Lypha didn't respond.
" Little wonder, King Manda threw you out of Kumanga", my mum said. I was shocked to my bone marrow.
"What?"
" Kumanga?"
" King Manda?"
"Wait a second... Really? I asked myself in one breath.
- Writer
