Under the Brilliance of the Starry Night Sky

“Hey… Lucas! Wanna go play with us? Let’s go to karaoke!” “Yeah! Yeah! Come on, play with us, Lucas!” Looking at the sparkling spiky pink hair of his best friend named Mark and the anticipation in his classmates' eyes, Lucas helplessly sighed as he started to pack his things into his bag. “Mark, everyone… Seriously, you guys know that I can’t go with you, right? I want to go and play with you guys honestly, but you know what would happen if I didn’t go home immediately, right? My family will make a fuss, so big that everyone in the academy will immediately know about it.” Lucas resignedly said as he stared towards the stiffening expressions of his classmates and his best friend, Mark. “Uh… now that you mentioned it, I remember what happened last semester. You can't only be contacted for an hour because your phone’s battery is empty, but your family immediately contacts the police to file a report that you’re missing. Your family’s quite protective, aren’t they?” Said by Mark while their classmates nodded simultaneously. “My family’s been like that since I was a child. I asked them why. They said that the reason why they’re like that was because I was pretty sickly back then. My health is so terrible that I can easily go into critical condition with just a simple cold or a flu.” Lucas briefly explained with a smile towards the crowd. “Yeah… you were really sickly in the past. I remembered back then, I want to play with you outside, but your family said to me that you were sick, so I sadly went back home that time.” Said by Mark as he combed his pink hair. “But… somehow… no… nothing. Well… I’ll go now. You guys have fun.” Lucas said quietly before he headed towards the door and left the classroom. Mark confusedly looked towards the departing silhouette of Lucas. He shrugged his shoulders before he look towards their classmates. “Well… I told you guys, he won’t play with us for that exact reason. Why won’t you believe me?” Said by Mark towards his classmates as he pout. “Well, because you can’t be trusted.” “Yeah. I agree with you.” Listening to his classmates agreeing that he is not a trustworthy guy, Mark almost cried as he questioned himself inwardly. “Am I that not trustworthy!?” Lucas was walking alone towards the academy’s gates when he spotted a group of high schoolers beside the gates. “Hmm… They’re famous in the High School Department, I believe. Geez… It’s so hot… I need to go home now or else, they will nag me again.” Lucas said as he opened the collar of his college uniform before he turned his gaze towards the group of high schoolers as he looked at them thoughtfully. “What’s their name again? Never mind that… Let’s go home.” Lucas shrugged his shoulders as he slowly walked towards home. After approximately an hour of walking, Lucas arrived. “Welcome back. Young Master Lucas.” A group of maids and butlers, standing in a neat line, bowed towards Lucas as he entered the doors of his family’s house, no… his family’s mansion. “Sigh… Uncle Peter, everyone. I already told you that you don’t need to do that anymore, right?” Lucas said helplessly as he turned his gaze towards the servants who worked for his family for a long time. “Young Master Lucas, it’s our duty as your family’s servants to welcome you back home.” Uncle Peter, the family’s lead butler, replied to Lucas with a smile on his face. “Yeah, Young Master. We are actually happy doing this for you.” Lucas turned his gaze towards where it came from. He saw his nanny, the eldest maid who worked for his family even before he was born, Nanny Ella, was looking at him with warmth gaze. “Even you, Nanny Ella? You guys are really troublesome, you know? Fine, you guys do whatever you want. Oh… can you please make me a peanut butter sandwich? Please bring it at my room. Thank you!” Requested by Lucas from a maid on his right. “Yes, Young Master.” Lucas sighed resignedly as he looked towards the smiling faces in front of him before he climbed the stairs to go into his room. Lucas’ room was so big that it could fit a hundred people. Floor to ceiling French windows, a wide balcony, and a queen-sized bed covered in starry blue sheets quietly lay in the middle of the room. Besides the bed, a small table with a simple bedside lamp can be seen. His room also contained a sofa and table, a walk-in closet containing his numerous clothes and miscellaneous items, also a bathroom that contained everything he needed for his daily needs. Lucas entered his room and closed the door. He threw his bag towards his bed before he immediately moved towards the wide balcony of his room. In the middle of the wide balcony, quietly lays something that is covered with a cloth. Lucas pulled the cloth and the most important possession of his life came out of his sight. It stood tall and quietly, its gleaming frame etched with patterns and symbols. It was a gift from his grandfather when he turned fifteen. Lucas approached it and, with the cloth in his hands, he started to gently clean it thoroughly. Lucas' focus was entirely on cleaning his grandfather’s gift and he didn’t notice Nanny Ella entered his room with a tray containing the peanut butter sandwich he wanted and a glass of orange juice. Nanny Ella entered the room of her dear Young Master and she saw him in the balcony. She smiled before she slowly approached Lucas. “Young Master, your peanut butter sandwich is ready. How about you eat first and let me do that?” Asked by Nanny Ella as she entered the balcony. “Ah… You’re here Nanny Ella, sorry I didn’t notice. Also, it’s fine. I’ve already cleaned it.” Lucas smiled towards his nanny, before he left the balcony and sat on the sofa in his room. “The peanut butter sandwich is really the best.” Said by Lucas as he ate the sandwich with relish. “Well… it is your favorite, Young Master.” Lucas stopped eating the sandwich in his hand as he raised his eyebrows before turning his gaze towards Nanny Ella. Seeing the raised eyebrows of Lucas, Nanny Ella laughed softly. “What is it, Young Master?” “Nanny Ella, didn’t I say to you before, that just call me by my name?” Lucas said as he crossed his arms in front of him, looking towards the person who also raised him other than his dear family. “Fine, fine. Lucas. Happy?” Nanny Ella said helplessly. Lucas smiled and he continued to finish the food in front of him. “Ah… I suddenly remember, Sir and Madame said that I should ask you how you want to celebrate your 21st birthday next week. How do you want to celebrate it?” Asked by Nanny Ella about Lucas. “Let’s just celebrate my birthday simply. There is no need to throw a big party. Let’s just invite close friends of our family and some guests.” Replied by Lucas to Nanny Ella. “Ok. I’ll let Sir and Madame know.” Nanny Ella approached the table and carried the tray containing the used utensils of Lucas after he finished eating. “Thank you Nanny Ella.” Lucas said towards Nanny Ella with a smile on his face. Nanny Ella simply smiled towards him before she closed the door. Leaving him alone. Lucas stood up from the sofa and, again, moved towards the balcony. Without realizing it, Lucas saw the sky had already turned dark. He approached the gift his grandfather gave him when he was fifteen. It was a telescope. He peered his eyes towards the eyepiece and was still amazed by what he saw. The universe unfurled before his eyes, as if a cosmic veil had been lifted. He again saw the galaxies, radiant nebulas, brilliant stars, and distant planets that quietly lay in space. “Hmm… I’ve been using this telescope for almost 6 years, huh… how time flies.” Lucas smiled as he caressed the telescope in his hands before turning his gaze towards the brilliant night sky. Days passed, Lucas’ birthday approached fast. Today was his birthday. Lucas was inside the classroom finishing his school activities before passing it to his professor in the faculty office. Exiting the faculty office, Lucas returned to the classroom and immediately approached his best friend, Mark. “Mark, wanna go with me?” Lucas simply asked Mark. Listening to what Lucas said, Mark's eyes became wide open and his mouth gaped. “EH?!! Did you just ask me to go somewhere?!” Mark hysterically asked for Lucas, attracting the attention of his classmates. Lucas helplessly sighed towards his best friend. “It’s my birthday today, my family wants to celebrate it. Do you want to go?” “Today is your birthday? HAHAHA! Of course, of course! I, your best friend, Mark, shall accompany you on your birthday.” Said by Mark as he put his hands on Lucas’ shoulders. “How about you guys? I don’t want him to be the only one celebrating my birthday with me.” Also asked by Lucas towards his other classmates. “Eh? But… we don’t have any gifts ready?” Said by one of the female classmates of Lucas. The others also nodded towards Lucas. “It’s fine. Having you guys celebrating my birthday with me is already the best gift I could ask for.” Lucas said with a brilliant and sincere smile on his face. “We’ll also go!” Looking at the smile on Lucas' face, his classmates looked at each other and replied also with a smile on their faces. “Alright, since we don’t have any classes for today, how about we go to my house now?” Asked by Lucas. “Let’s go! Let’s go! I want to swim at your family’s swimming pool now. Come on! Come on!” Mark said before he immediately dashed towards the door of their classroom. Lucas and the others had black lines on their foreheads as they smiled helplessly towards this classmates of theirs. “Ah… Guys, rather than taking any transportation, do you want to walk with me? It’s only an hour's walk from here. Is it OK with you guys?” Suggested by Lucas to his classmates. “Let’s just walk! Let’s just walk! I think it’s more fun!” Mark instantly replied as his pink hair sparkled due to the sunlight. “Yeah, we agree. Let’s just walk, Lucas.” His classmates also replied agreeing to his suggestion of walking. Looking at his classmates who were excited, Lucas couldn’t help but smile. The group left the academy and walked for an hour before they approached the gates of Lucas' home. Standing in front of the humungous gate of Lucas' house, rather than a mansion, his classmates other than Mark were staring with their eyes wide open and mouth gaped. “Hey… Lucas, are we lost?” Asked by one of Lucas’ classmates towards him. “Huh? No. This is my family’s residence.” Lucas answered. He looked towards his classmates and saw them looking at him with weird expressions, making Lucas confused. He was about to open his mouth to ask a question when the gates opened and a person came out. The person who came out of the gates was Lucas’ family’s lead butler, Uncle Peter. He was about to welcome his Young Master and his classmates when he was interrupted by a voice. “Yo! Uncle Peter, Long time no see! Are there any swimming trunks I can use? I want to swim at the swimming pool. Ah… also, is the food ready? I’m hungry actually…” Lucas and his classmates sighed helplessly towards Mark, who was talking endlessly towards Uncle Peter. Lucas approached Mark and pulled his collar before covering his best friend’s mouth with his palm. “Uhmm!! Uhmmm!!!” “Uncle Peter, they’re my classmates. I invited them to celebrate my birthday today.” “Oh… Everyone, thank you for attending my Young Master’s birthday. We are very happy to serve you today.” Uncle Peter bowed with a smile on his face towards Lucas’ classmates, making them flustered and shy. “Ah… you don’t need to do that Sir!” “Yeah, we are supposed to be the one to thank you for accepting us.” Lucas’ classmates said one by one towards Uncle Peter. Looking towards the invited guests of his Young Master, Uncle Peter smiled before he turned his gaze towards Lucas. “Shall we enter, Young Master?” “Let’s go, Uncle Peter. Hey! Everyone, please come to my family’s humble abode.” Lucas said towards his classmates as he gestured them to enter. Uncle Peter led the group towards the door of Lucas' house. Looking at the humongous white pristine mansion, Lucas’ classmates couldn’t help but say their thoughts towards him as they entered the mansion. The mansion’s door opened and what welcomed the group were numerous butlers and maids standing in line as they bowed and greeted the group. “Welcome back, Young Master Lucas, and we welcome our dear guests.” Lucas’ classmates had different expressions on their faces as they didn’t expect this situation to happen. “Hey… Lucas, we know that your family’s rich but… we didn’t expect this rich.” “Yeah. I can confidently say that my family’s rich, but now, I don’t have the guts to say it anymore in the near future.” The others nodded towards that statement as they followed Lucas, who had a helpless smile on his face, and Uncle Peter who smiled softly as both of them listened to the conversation behind them. The group arrived at a big pavilion. Beside this pavilion, a big swimming pool was situated. Inside the pavilion, there were tables with vibrant tablecloths and a wide array of delicious food, different food from different cuisines such as Italian, Indian, and Asian. Also, they’re also western foods such as pizza, burgers, and fries. In the middle of the pavilion, a table can be seen. A 5 layered cake is quietly resting on top of it. “Wow! I thought you would only celebrate your birthday simply, Lucas? Is this your definition of the word simple?” Asked jokingly by Mark as he poked the shoulder of Lucas. Their classmates also nodded at Mark’s words. “Uhm… Uncle Peter, where’s Nanny Ella? I told her to tell Mom and Dad that let’s just celebrate my birthday simply…” As Lucas asked this question, he saw people approaching the pavilion. His classmates seemed to notice this as they looked towards the approaching people. On the lead, a middle-aged man and woman was walking hand in hand. Both of them were wearing business suits. As Lucas’ classmates look at both of them, there is only one thing on their minds. “As expected, with that face of Lucas, his parents must be very handsome and beautiful.” Behind the two people, Nanny Ella was leading the numerous maids who were ready to carry different requests from their guests this time. “Nanny Ella, didn’t I tell you to tell Mom and Dad that let’s just celebrate my birthday simply?” Helplessly said by Lucas towards Nanny Ella, who had a smile on her face, before his gaze landed on the two people in front of him. “Well, my dear son. Isn’t this already simple? I’m very sure you’re nagging me again in your mind, aren’t you? See! Hey, dear, our son is rebelling. Why aren’t you doing something?” Lucas’ Mom, Rose, aggrievedly said with tears on her eyes towards her husband who was looking at her with helplessness on his eyes. “Yes… Yes… I’ll punish him later. So stop crying already, OK?” Said by Rose’ husband, Lucas’ dad, Joshua, as he tenderly wiped the tears from his wife's eyes before he gently kissed his wife’s forehead. Looking at his Mom and Dad flirting in front of his classmates, he puts his palm on his face as he sighed helplessly. Both husband and wife were flirting with each other, when suddenly, both of them noticed Lucas’ classmates. “Eh? Are they your classmates, Lucas? Since when are they here? Sorry everyone, I didn’t immediately notice you.” ‘Oh… they’re really here. Thank you for attending this simple birthday party for my son.” Lucas’ classmates had black lines on their heads as they looked towards the mother of Lucas, who was making a pose of an apology like a high school girl. A great contrast on their first impressions. “We’ll… Sir and Madame, how about let’s start the celebration of Young Master’s 21st birthday?” Nanny Ella took a step forward as she asked. “Indeed. Let’s start the celebration.” Replied by Lucas’ Dad as his Mom also nodded. “Eh? But how about those who are invited by you, Mom and Dad? Also, how about Grandma and Grandpa?” Asked by Lucas towards his parents bewilderedly. “We indeed invited some of our friends, but they said they’re busy and let you know that they’re sorry for that. Also, they want to greet you with a happy birthday. About your grandparents, they also contacted me earlier that they can’t attend this year because they’re not feeling well.” Lucas nodded in understanding towards his mother. Both of his parents smiled as they gestured towards Nanny Ella who is standing near them to officially start the celebration. “Good day to each and every one! Thank you very much for attending my Young Master’s birthday. How about starting the celebration by singing “Happy Birthday” to my dear Young Master, Lucas?” Everyone nodded as they urged Lucas to stand beside the table with a humongous cake in the middle of the pavilion. Lucas helplessly smiled as he approached the cake that is taller than him. Nanny Ella and some other maids lit the candle on the cake. Seeing this, everyone started to hum and sang happy birthday to Lucas. “Happy Birthday to you… Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday dear Lucas… Happy birthday to you.” After everyone has finished singing, Lucas readies himself to blow out the candles when Nanny Ella hurriedly stops him. “Young Master, Wait! How about you make a wish first?” Hearing what Nanny Ella said, other than Lucas’ parents, everyone in the pavilion nodded to Nanny Ella’s suggestion. “Yeah, take a wish first, Lucas! This is only once in a year, you know!” Shouted by Mark as he ferociously bit the chicken thighs in his hands. Seeing how Mark devoured the chicken thigh in his hands without paying attention those around him, Lucas’ classmates looked towards Mark with weird expressions on their faces. Both Lucas’ parents just had a smile on their faces, which can also be seen from Nanny Ella. Lucas retracts his gaze towards his gluttonous, sparkling best friend, not willing to look at him anymore. Lucas closed his eyes as he contemplated what to wish for. “Hmm… what should I wish for? Well, let’s just wish for everyone to be happy.” Lucas took a deep breath as he blew the numerous candles, which is followed by thunderous clapping of his classmates, parents, and servants of his family. “Happy Birthday, Lucas!” Shouted by his classmates, making Lucas smile. “Happy birthday, Lucas.” “Happy birthday to you, Son.” Both of his parents said before both of them hugged Lucas. “Thank you everyone for celebrating my birthday with me. Alright, how about let’s start the party?” Everyone started the party for the day. Everyone ate, drank and played. Everyone had a lot of fun celebrating Lucas’ birthday. The party lasted till 10 P.M. in the evening. “Are you sure guys? How about I ask Uncle Peter to arrange a driver? Or how about just spend the night here? I’ll tell Nanny Ella to get ready a room for you. It’s dangerous to go home with you guys drunk.” Suggested by Lucas while looking towards his classmates, who is drunk yet decided to go home. “Nah… Its fine, Lucas. You don’t need to do that. We, who only drank a little alcohol today, will look after these guys. Also, the train station is just nearby. So don’t worry.” Said by Mark, making Lucas heave a sigh of relief. “You’re still quite dependable, I guess.” “What do you mean by that!? Am I not dependable?” Looking at the bantering Lucas and Mark, the rest of the group, who weren’t drunk, laughed. “Thank you very much for inviting us, Lucas. Again, happy birthday.” “Happy Birthday, Lucas.” Said by Lucas’ classmates before departing the place. Lucas stayed in the place until he couldn’t see the silhouette of his classmates before he decided to go back inside where his parents and some of the family servants such as Nanny Ella and Uncle Peter were waiting for him. “How is it?” Asked by Joshua towards his son. “Hmm… they said they could handle it.” Lucas replied. “Young Master Lucas, here.” Nanny Ella approached Lucas before giving him the box in her hands. Uncle Peter and the other servants also followed suit. Looking at the gifts that they gave him, Lucas was very thankful as he smiled towards them. “You guys shouldn’t bother about giving gifts actually. I’m already happy with each and your presence. But still, thank you everyone.” Lucas’ parents also approached him as they also gave him the gift that they'd prepared. “A book signed by Astrologist Kurt!” Lucas exclaimed as he opened the box that his parents had given him. He stood up to hug his parents. “Yawn… alright, alright. I think it’s time to call it a night. Let’s go to sleep now. Have a good rest, Lucas.” It was said by Lucas' mother, Rose, as she yawned before she urged Lucas to go back to his room. “OK, good night Mom and Dad. Also, good night Nanny Ella and Uncle Peter. Everyone.” Lucas said before he dashed upstairs carrying the gifts that they gave to him including the book that his parents gave him. Lucas opened the door of his room before impatiently closing it with a bang. He briskly walked and put out the gifts of Uncle Peter and Nanny Ella, including the others, towards the table beside the sofa, before he dived towards his bed with the book in his hands. “Wow… a book signed by Astrologist Kurt…” Lucas whispered as he gazed towards the autograph written on the book’s front cover. After gazing at it for a while, he put down his book towards his chest as he turned his gaze towards the ceiling while reminiscing on what happened today. “Today… I had… so much fun.” Lucas whispered as his eyes closed. His consciousness slipped into sleep. A deep, deep slumber. As the night continued, silence prevailed. The whole mansion became deadly quiet. Except for the occasional noise of insects and the cars that bypassed the place. “Ding… Ding… Ding…” Silence was broken as the bell of the clock ringed when the hand of the clock pointed at 12 o’clock. Lucas opened his eyes, he finds himself floating in the void, making him confused. He remembered that he is laying in his bed to go to sleep. “Where am I? What is this place?”9 Lucas’ mind was full of questions on what is happening when suddenly, his head ached terribly that maked him scream. “AHHH!!!” Lucas put both of his hands on his head, unfamiliar scenes entered on his mind as the pain continued and became much more terrible. “HAHAHA!!! With this kid, we’re gonna struck rich!” “They’re here! Save the Young Master!” “Lucas!!” “Save my son!!” Seeing the scenes that replayed numerously on his mind, Lucas’ heart was suddenly filled with fear and despair. He finds himself hard to breathe. The pain he is experiencing can’t be described just as terrible anymore. “What… is this?” Questioned by Lucas as he felt that his consciousness was slipping away from his body. He can’t hold it anymore and suddenly, he fell forward. As he fell forward, with his eyes half closed, Lucas caught a glimpse of a person standing in front of him. A child to be precise. Lucas can’t clearly see the child’s face as if a veil was covering it. But he knew that this child is a girl, due to the long glittering gold hair on her shoulders. The silhouette slowly turned around from Lucas and slowly walked away. Lucas heart that is full of fear and despair suddenly felt a pang of pain and longing as he looked towards the departing silhouette of the child. He wants to question the person. But he doesn’t have the energy anymore as he continue to fell forward. As he completely fall, a soft voice entered his ears before he finally fainted. “Hey… until we meet again.” Inside Lucas’ room, Lucas who is laying in the bed suddenly shivered. He opened his eyes and he abruptly sat up. His face, pale. His hand covered by cold sweat. He put his hands towards his chest. His heart suddenly felt a pang of pain and longing. As he contemplate what happened, he felt a wet sensation on his hands. “Eh? What is this? Water? No… this is... tears?” He turned his gaze towards his right wherein a mirror is situated. He saw himself. His eyes were full of tears. He wiped it using both of his hands but somehow his tears wouldn't stop. “Huh? Why…? What is this? What is happening to me?” Lucas closed his eyes as the tears still continued to flow. Suddenly, a familiar yet unfamiliar scene suddenly played on Lucas mind. A departing back of a girl. Her golden hair lays on her shoulder. She slowly walks away as if reluctant to leave something behind. “Hey… until we meet again.” A soft voice entered his ears. Lucas abruptly opened his eyes. He look towards his left and right. But, he found nothing. His eyes full of questions and confusion. As if someone can hear him, he whispered. “Who… are you?”