Monsters

Goodbye

We all sat in Uncles Tamar’s living room drinking coffee. I kept looking around, out the windows and trying to hear if someone is walking down the stairs.

Nothing, he was not here. How disappointing.

Mother and father stayed and talked with Uncle Tamar while Amaya and I went to find my room. Uncle Tamar said it is on the third floor. His and Amir’s are on the second floor. My room is the whole of the third floor I realised as I came to a door just at the edge of the stair leading to the third floor. When I unlock the door, it swings open to reveal a huge room with light blue walls. Two large wall size windows. Two sofas to the left with a TV mounted on the wall. To the right is a divider that separates the area where the bed and my closet is, from the TV area.  As you walk deeper, past the living space, there is a small fridge next to an elegant study table and a chair. On the desk are two stacks of books, I place my laptop next to them. One I notice is normal school books. History, Literature, Math etcetera. The other one I do not recognise any of the book’s titles. Probably, my new training. Has to be it. I read the titles, Energies, Anger. I sigh.

Just then, Amaya walks into the room. I turn to look at her because she is making very painful noises. Her noises stop as she stares at my new room. My new room. That feels weird. I like the room. It is just that I… I do not even know what.

“You did not have to carry everything up by yourself. I was going to come get some bags after I unlocked the door.” I say to her. I walk over to her and start to remove the bags one by one. How did she get them stacked like this? She must have told mom too just keep adding. I smile to myself. This family of mine.

“Wow! This is all yours. It is not as big as your room at home. But I thought it was going to be a lot smaller.” She says looking the room over.

“Me too.” Could you please bring that pink suitcase to the closet? I want to start unpacking while you are still here to help me.” “Would you please help me?” I ask peeking at her through my eyelashes, trying to look as cute as possible.

“Are you saying I get to touch her royal highness’s things?” She asks sarcastically. Still bringing the suitcase over.

I open the huge doors that lead into a walk in closet. “Thank you for this.” I say, as I look around, I spot an envelope on the one stool in the closet. I walk over to it and try to hide it before Amaya has time to notice. I hope. I turn around to see where she is. Thank goodness, she is still looking at the room.

“Amaya, are you coming with that bag?” I yell while folding the envelope and stuffing it in my jean pocket.

“Oh gosh! I was so mesmerised by the room. On my way!” she yells back as I see her running past the closet doors to where the suitcases are. As she walks into the closet, she is carrying three suitcases.

“Overloading again?” I ask as I take two of the bags from her.

“It is just faster this way.” She says as she opens the big pink one on the floor.

“Those are mostly scarfs, jerseys and jackets. We can put the jackets on this rail. And the jerseys in the drawers at the bottom.” I say taking one jacket at a time to put it on a hanger and on the rail.

“That sound good. I will put the scarfs on the rail next to the jackets. Then we can but the gloves and other warm accessories in the drawers below them.” She says as she starts to hang the scarfs.

In about an hour, we have unpacked nearly all my suitcases. If this is what moving feels like, I do not want to do it again. My whole walk in closet is packed and my vanity sorted. When we got to the bathroom, I realized I do not have towels, face cloths and no bubble bath for the very nice looking tub. Amaya and I get my handbag and head down stairs.

Just as we were about to round the corner I can hear my father’s voice. I grab Amaya’s arm to prevent her from going into the living room so we can listen to the conversation.

“….. Is it ready?” he asks, “Yes, it got delivered about a week and a half ago. I parked it in the garage so she won’t she when you came to drop her.” Uncle Tamar answers

Being the type of person that I am, I jump from behind the corner with Amaya just behind me.

“What is in the garage?” I yell. I have never seen my father stutter or get a fright. He is always well composed. Amaya and I cannot contain our laughter as he tries to make up a story, but fails.

“Father, I apologise.” I bow as is required of me when asking for something from the king.

“How much did you hear?” he asks sitting back on the couch.

“Uuumm it was delivered about a week and a half ago, and now it is in the garage.” I tell the truth.

“Might as well tell her now. Everyone follow me to the garage. I see you already have your handbag ready. Do you have your licence and bankcards? Please don’t tell me that you forgot them?” he asks one question after another as he walks to the front door and to Uncle Tamar’s garage.

“I have them with me father.” I say as we walk behind him.

“Good. Why were you down stairs? I thought you girls were unpacking?” I asks looking over his shoulder.

“We are done with my clothes and toiletries. When I got to the bathroom, I realized I forgot to pack towels and cloths. Also, I did not bring any of my gloves. I only have the pair I have on right now. So we thought, we would ask if we could borrow the car for a little bit to go get what I needed before Amaya had to leave. Like one last shopping trip...” I say kind of shy. My father has always had a soft spot for when me and Amaya want to do things together. It is as if he really wants us to keep getting along. Even though we are very close.

“You cannot borrow my car Tatania.” He says, “Because you can take your own car.” He continuous as Uncle Tamar opens the garage door.

“But dad that is an Audi TT! I yell and Amaya and I jump up and down.

“Yes I am aware of that. Could you girls please stop squealing? My ears are not going to make it.” He says as he holds his hands over his ears.

“But daddy! That is my favourite car!” I yell some more.

“Do you girls want to go test it of stand here yelling in my ears?” he asks us

“Dad that is a very silly question.” Can we go now?” I ask

“Of course sweetheart.” Please do not stay out too long we need to leave early in the morning.” He says

“Could Amaya sleep over with me tonight?” I ask my parents.

“That was the plan my dear.” My mother stands next to my father and holds his hand smiling at us.

“And Amaya your car is waiting at home. The moment you can pass your licence it is all yours.” My mother informs my sister.

“I was so not thinking about that mom. But thank you so much.” She says as we both hug our parents together.

“Off you go girls. I have many things to discuss with your parents about your training Tatania. We will start Monday next week. That will give you a week to settle and rest.” Uncle Tamar says as he hands me the car keys.

“Let me buy cappuccino before we go to the first shop.” Amaya offers as we get in the car.

I use my phone to connect the Bluetooth so we can listen to some music as we drive. I reverse the Audi out of the garage, while my parents and uncle waves us off. As we drive back into town we listen to the music very loud, and the windows rolled down. Together we sing at the top of our lungs and laugh at the same time.

“I am so done with shopping for a little while. Where do you get all the energy?” Amaya asks me.

“It is the music. I think it is the fairy in me. Whenever I listen to music, I get this rush of energy. Like I just want to run and my mind is so focused.” I explain to her.

“Well no matter. At least we got everything and then some more.” She says laughing while holding up her share of the many, many shopping bags.

“Thanks for going with me.” I thank her as I place the food we bought for dinner in the kitchen.

“It was fun. I just wish I could walk as fast as you could. And for that matter in heals.” She complains as we walk up the stairs to my room to unpack the thing we just bought.

“I will run us a bath, while you unpack that stuff. I am done.” She says as she walks straight for my bathroom.

“Yes Ma’am.” I mock her. Glad that she will be in the other room while I get her gift ready. It was already so hard just to buy it without her seeing.

I got us each a set of earrings, hers is a very deep blue, for her nymph and mine is a light pale blue for my fairy that has not awoken yet.

“Wise ass.” She yells back at me

“I am going to miss you too.” I say to myself. I run down stairs to tell my parent we are back.

“Mom! Dad! Uncle! Where are you guys?” I yell to find out where to walk.

“In the living room!” I hear my mother. I walk over.

“I apologise for the interruption. I just wanted to inform you we are back. Amaya wants to take a bath very quick. We bought take away for tonight.” I say as I sit across from my mother and father.

“That is very sweet my dear. Thank you.” My mother thanks me.

“We just thought that this way no one has to cook and we have a little more time together tonight.” I explain.

“That is very thoughtful of you two.” My uncle smiles at me. “I was just about to start with the food. You have saved me one night of cooking my dear. Amir normally does our cooking these days.” He thanks me.

I get up and excuse myself. “We will not be long with the bath. Could we play a board game or watch a movie together?” I ask my parent politely.

“That sounds like fun darling.” My father says, looking me in my eyes. As I stare into his very blue eyes, I see all his animals flash though them. Almost like all six of them want to say something to me. I wish I could understand them. They all, including my father looked so sad in that flash moment.

“Thank you father. We will be down shortly.” I say. I put my hand on his shoulder as I walk past him, and give it a little squeeze.

As I walk into my room, I can smell the new bubble bath and scented oil I bought. I smile to myself. My sister knows me too well. I head to my closet to get undressed. I take special care to take the envelope out of my jean pocket. I notice my name is hand written on the front of it. I sit on the stool in the closet.

“Just read it. What is the worst it could be?” I say to myself. Why was I so nervous? I do not even know what is written in the letter. On the other hand, if it is a letter. Could just be a note. I take a deep breath and open it. It is a letter. From Amir.

‘I am sorry I am not at home when you arrive. I am away on a job for my father. I should be back before you have to start your training. Hope the colour of the walls in your room are to your liking. I had to paint them myself. I cannot wait to see you when I get back. Please do not be to mad at my dad or me. The job is related to your training. I promise. See you next week my princess. Amir.

That was not so bad. At least he has not changed too much. I think to myself. I get up and put the letter with all rest he has sent me over the years. Hidden in a box that I also had to hide from Amaya.

I get undressed with shaking hands and walk to bathroom, hoping that the warm water and the bubble bath will take my mind off him. As I walk into the bathroom, Amaya is already in the tub.

“Impatient much?” I ask her with a smile.

“I could not help myself.” She says as she looks up at me. I notice her eyes landing on my birth mark. “Move over. I also want in.” I say as I walk to the tub.

“Sorry. It is very hard not to stare. It is just so beautiful,” She says as she moves over.

My birth mark is something only my mother and myself have. The mark looks like very thin vines, with small flower buds, that run from my right hand up my arm to my shoulder. My mother says that as I master my ware animals, mermaid and fairy the buds will bloom into different colour flowers. The colour will be the same as the animal or creature. However, what makes me very curious is that I count 16 buds. I only have about nine flowers that will bloom. So I have been doing research behind everyone’s back. I need to know, why are there so many flower buds? Could the number of buds be linked to my blood in some way? My mother’s birthmark is much smaller than mine and she only has two buds, and both have bloomed. One is blue for her mermaid and one is pink for her fairy, the same as what mine might be.

“You know I don’t mind it you stare. It is everyone else at the palace that bothers me. Luckily it is cold here so long sleeves most of the time will save me from that.” I say as I get in facing her.

“Turn around.” She insists. Is something the matter?” she asks me as she takes the sponge to drip water over my back. As she knows, I like.

“How do you do that?” I ask her almost getting mad. How could I not even hide one little letter from her?

“Do what? I just saw your hands shaking as you got in. Are you cold? Or is it because I stared?” she asks very nervously.

I see an opportunity to hide behind. “Yes I am just cold, sorry it just gets very bad.” I say shyly.

“Let me add some more warm water. That might help.” She says.

I think she might have bought my story.

‘So what do you think that Amir is going to be here soon? I noticed that he is not in the house or in the yard.” She asks.

“Uncle said that he might be here next week.” I say, trying to sound uninterested.

“I saw you looking around alot, before we drove.” She says

“I was just wondering if he was here why he would not come greet us. We had better hurry. They are waiting especially for us, so we can eat together.” I try to change the subject.

“I am finished. Let me wash your hair for old times’ sake, please.” She asks.

“I would like that sis.” I say as she gets out and dries herself to put on a robe.

“Lean back.” She instructs me as she gets the shampoo and oils. My hair has needed more oil since I was born. My parents think it is because of my mermaid side.

After the bath, we got dressed and went down stairs to eat. Uncle Tamar was on the phone as we sat down at the table.

I hone into my hearing to listen.

“… I am happy that you got the ones you did. Hurry back and stay save please.” I could not hear the other person when he stays quite to listen to them.

“… yes, yes I see. So then you will still be earlier that we expected?” he asks. He listens

“Tatania. Please stop that.” My mother caught me red eared.

I cut it off. “I am sorry mother.” I apologise as I bow my head.

“You will apologise to your uncle when he gets back.” She tells me.

“Who has to apologise for what?” my uncle asks as he walks into the dining room.

“I have to apologise for listening in on you telephone conversation uncle.” I speak up.

“Curious are we?” he looks at me with a raised eyebrow.

“I am sorry uncle.” I bow my head to him. Not because he is royalty like my parents, but because he is my teacher and my superior for the time being.

“No need for that. That was just Amir. He has been asking if you like your room. He painted your walls and carried all the furniture in. You see my old back does not allow it anymore.” He tells us as he takes his seat at the table. “Thank you young ladies for our dinner this evening, and for sparing me to have to cook. With Amir away the last week I have not been cooking a lot.” He says

“Uncle I could also help around the house for the time that I stay here.” I offer.

“That is so kind of you my dear. There is no need. Your father has insisted on sending one of you hand maidens to come assist us.” I am not as young as I used to be.” He says as he starts cutting his meat.

“Thank you so much father. I had not thought of that.” I thank my father.

“I also did not. Until we got here. Who should we sent Tatania? What is that one that can read feelings?” He askes.

“Tiala. She is also my favourite.” I say

“I think she could be very useful, even without her special skill. She does not have the ability to turn into her magical form, but her abilities are far more superior to anything I’ve met. I found her when I was thirteen, because she could not transform her parents through her away when she was only nine. She does not even know what creatures her parents were. She has been with me since.” I tell her story so that uncle Tamar can understand. 

After dinner, we played some games and watched a movie. My father passed out halfway through the movie. We all just laughed and helped to get him to bed.

I dreamed about Amir that night. Only slept four hours. I got up and went for a run. By the time, I got back the sun had still not come up. So I started making breakfast. Likely, I bought some things for the kitchen. I did not think they had enough meat to satisfy my new eating habits. I also bought myself a sweets stash that is in my room. I also stocked my little fridge with all my needed things that help me to study better. Like fruits and energy bars. I also bought some cool drinks for my fridge and the main fridge. I decided to make eggs, bacon, steak, toast and orange juice. Just as I was finished with setting the table the zombies started to awaken. One by one started making it to the scent of food. My father and mother were the first at the table. Followed by uncle Tamar and last Amaya.

“So how long did you sleep last night?” my uncle asks me.

“About four hours I think.” I answer him.

“Thank you for breakfast Tatania. This is my favourite.” My mother says. As she eats a piece of plain butter toast.

“I know mom. I made something for everyone. I was just not sure what you like uncle.” I say

“The steak is lovely. Are the cravings that bad?” he asks me.

“I don’t want anything else. I normally eat fruits and pasta a lot. But now the rawer the meat the better and the more the better.” I answer him shyly.

“There is nothing wrong with that my dear. No need to be shy. I was just checking to see if things are on track.” He says to make me feel better.

I nod. But say nothing. We eat while talking about lighter stuff.

After breakfast, I help Amaya pack her things.

“Amaya do you want some bubble bath?” I yell from the bathroom to her.

“No thanks. I will just take the one you left at home. I can still not believe that you forgot your bubble bath.” I hear her reply

I shake my head and smile to myself. I was also stunned that I forgot my bubble bath. My mom told me the reason I love water and baths instead of showers is the result of my mermaid side. The bubble bath is just a comfort thing. Where some people sleep with stuffed toys and I take bubble baths.

At the car mom is crying. Dad has his sunglasses on. Amaya will not let go of my hand. I feel like I might cry for a good few hours after this. This has to be the hardest good bye in history. Uncle Tamar is so polite he just stands by the front door while my entire family is going through an emotional breakdown.

As they drove off uncle Tamar walked down the front steps until he reached me. He said nothing. All he did was pull me closer to his chest and hold me tight. He understood better than others that no amount of comforting words will help right now.

Hi everone.

So here is chapter 2.

I hope you enjoy. please comment and tell me what you think

 Princess kisses

BB