Hi everyone! Hope you guys are all doing fine and enjoying the story so far. It is getting closer and closer to the end but there is still a lot of action left before it is all over. Just a little shout out to Droplets of blue rain, thanks for the review and just because of that I am going to dedicate this chapter to you, and also to all the other loyal readers of me. Other than that I don't really have anything else to mention and there are no warnings for this chapter. The next chapter will be up next week, so until then, enjoy!
Chapter 25 – Becoming re-acquainted
"Are you sure you don't want to stay home today, my baby? You really do not look good."
"Well thanks for that mom, I feel so pretty right now."
"You really are such a fun person to be around with when you are in such a lovely mood."
"Really mom, sarcasm doesn't suit you."
"And here I was under the impression it brings out the colour of my eyes." Ciara just had to roll her eyes at her mother.
"Now I am serious Ciara, are you sure you are in the mood for school? If you are this horrible to me, I hate to see how you are going to treat the others at the school."
"Mom please, I am fine; it is just a headache, that's all, and if it does not get better, then I will come home, okay?"
"If you say so my girl but okay, I will see you tonight then, and if you need anything, just call." Ciara just nodded as her mother placed a kiss on her forehead and left. Ciara remained sitting at the kitchen counter with her coffee, waiting for the time to pass so that she can make her way to school. There is still about 25 minutes left before she has to go. There is no use in going to school this early because none of her friends, or Jonathan, will be there so what is the use? And despite that, her headache is killing her; Ciara woke up with it this morning and it is very strange because she is not one who usually gets headaches, and she already drank pain killers but so far it does not look like they are working. Maybe she should follow her mother's advice and stay home, but she has an oral presentation to give and it is important for her grade, but luckily it is in the first period, so maybe afterwards she can come home.
77777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
Cindy was still on the road when her phone rang. She saw it was Solange and decided to answer it, it might just be important.
"How is it going Solange?"
"No complaints, and your side?"
"Just the usual, you know."
"So it is going all well then; look, sorry I am bothering you this early but I have a very huge favour to ask you."
Cindy just chuckled. "You are not bothering me, and you never will, so quit worrying; anyway, what can I do for you?"
"Do you have any plans this weekend?"
"Not what I am aware of."
"Good. Do you mind looking after my two boys this weekend, if it is okay with you and Ciara?"
"Of course Solange! You don't even have to ask; I will look after them any time, I mean, how times did you babysit Ciara when she was little? It is about time I start paying back those times."
"Don't be silly; I loved watching my niece, but are you sure you are up for it this weekend?"
"Of course; you can just let me know when I should come and pick them up."
"Sure. I will inform you later this week; Clark and I want to go away for the weekend, you know, just some quality time alone. Things at work have been hectic so we just need some time to ourselves because lately we have been drifting apart and neither one of us are very keen on that development."
"I understand; see it as a mini second honeymoon, but hey, if you two want to make it an entire week, me and Ciara will gladly look after Yuri and Scott, and it will be no problem taking them to school and picking them up."
"Are you sure Cindy?"
"Yeah why not, so I suggest you two go away for a week, not just a weekend. You deserve it."
"You are just the best! I'll talk to Clark and have an answer for you by tonight."
"Looking forward to it."
"Thanks again Cindy, you really are a life saver."
"Just as you are mine, but we will talk later okay?"
"Sure, I will call you. Have fun at work."
"Same to you." The two ladies hung up and Cindy was suddenly feeling very excited about the idea of maybe watching over Yuri and Scott for a whole week.
She loves Solange's two boys very much, and luckily for her, she is their godmother. Solange refused to have anyone else be the godmother of her children and Clark agreed, whether it was on his own accord or to just keep his wife happy, Cindy will never know. Yuri and Scott reminds her so much of when she and Ray were children, how they would fight with each other, but as soon as one of the other children from the village dares to hurt either one of them, they both would join forces and fight with the others. No one hurts her brother except for her, and Ray feels the exact same way. Cindy misses her parents but tradition is tradition. Ray still has contact with them and he usually keeps her up to date with their parents and their well being. Cindy sends them money regularly but she lets them think that it is coming from Ray. Her brother told her that they frequently ask about her and her daughter, and it saddens her that because of tradition her parents had to disown her. Ray told her that up until today the village they grew up in is still secluded from the world and still practices the many rules and traditions they have grown up with. Cindy sometimes wishes she can just take her parents away from that village, bring them to New York and start rebuilding their relationship, but her parents will never agree. The village is all they have and all that they have known their entire lives; Lord knows how they allowed her and her brother to leave the village in the first place to go to school. 'How would my life have turned out if I had stayed in that village? For one, I never would have met Kai, and I never would have had Ciara. My parents probably would have married me off to one of the other young men in the village at 18, and then all I would have been good for was to take care of the children and clean the house. That is no life, well, not for a girl in this time. My parents were right in sending me away to get a better education. Maybe in secret they both agreed that they would rather send me away to give me a chance at life, instead of getting stuck in that village like them. Some nights I heard my mother cry and telling my father that she just wants to take him and their two children and leave because she is very unhappy. I never told Ray about these things and I never talked to my mother about this, not knowing whether it is my place to say anything. I really wish I can just get them out of there and show them the world. They will really enjoy it, I am sure of it.
Kai would still have changed but I never would have known him or the things he did. No doubt he still would have become a serial killer. Tala explained that it all came from a dream that Kai had one night, so luckily I had nothing to do with him becoming a killer. My girl, I just cannot think of a life without my little girl, although she is not little anymore. Life really is full of surprises; every step leads one somewhere, it may not always be the best of roads but eventually it does lead to somewhere great. Just look at me now; when I found out I was pregnant, it was the most horrible day of my life, but now, I am actually glad I got pregnant at that age. It just made me wiser and stronger, something I will forever be grateful for. My life turned out perfect, or as perfect as it can be. Well, enough about dwelling on such things; time to get my head ready for work. Three surgeries this morning so my attention should be solely on that.'
Cindy turned up the music on her CD player, singing along with the lyrics until she reached the hospital. She has two female dogs that has to be neutered, and a cat that can't give birth naturally and the cat is already past her due date. It warms Cindy's heart every time a pet owner comes to her, treating their pets like children. Getting their health checked constantly, asking advice on how to keep their pets healthy, bringing them in for regular checkups, all these things just makes Cindy grateful once again that she chose to go into this direction for a career. It really makes it worth it.
77777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
Ciara was just leaning with her head on her steering wheel, her head feeling like it wants to explode. She arrived at school about five minutes ago, but so far she could not seem to muster enough energy to get out. She is secretly very relieved that Jessica, CJ nor Jonathan has approached her so far; she is not really in the mood for them, or for anyone else for that matter. The bell is going to go off any minute now; luckily it will only be the first bell. It is just to inform the kids to get their books from their lockers; luckily there will be another five minutes before the second bell rings. Ciara could care less about collecting her books; she has already decided that after she gave her oral presentation, she is leaving, so what is the use in getting her books.
Ciara continued resting her head on the steering wheel when she heard a gentle knock on the window. With an inward groan, she just moved her head to the side to catch a glance of whoever thought of bothering her. Her heart softened when she looked into ocean blue coloured eyes, knowing that it is Jonathan. She lifted her head and pressed the unlock button, and Jonathan took this as the sign that he should open the door.
"Are you okay?" Ciara just shook her head, the pain was becoming almost unbearable.
"Do you want me to take you to the school nurse? Maybe she can help with whatever is wrong."
"It's just a horrible headache, a pulsing one; it feels like it has a life of its own." Jonathan just had to chuckle at how his girlfriend was describing her headache.
"I am so glad my pain is amusing to you."
"Sorry my love, but it's just that it is the first time that I have ever heard someone describe a headache like that."
"Whatever; let's just go see if that nurse has any drugs for it, hopefully morphine."
"I seriously doubt they will have morphine, especially in a school where drugs are just as popular as sex." Ciara just sighed, not really wanting to comment.
She is happy to see her boyfriend, but she is really in pain, and the unfortunate thing is, that when Ciara is in pain or feeling sick, she is in no mood to be around anyone else; she just wants to be alone and not to be bothered. Her mother told her that her father was exactly like that; he would just disappear and not inform anyone on his whereabouts until he eventually just shows up, acting as if he did nothing wrong. She really misses him so much; she misses him even more whenever her mother talks about him and how she is just like her father. It saddens Ciara a lot that she never really had the chance to get to know her father; it also makes her wonder sometimes, that if she feels so much love for him, and misses him so much, how must her mother feel? They shared so many things, she knew Kai better than anyone else, well, except maybe uncle Tala, so how much does her mother really hurt whenever she looks at her daughter and sees the only man she has ever loved? Maybe she and her mother should have a heart to heart someday, just to find out how her mother feels sometimes about these kinds of things.
Ciara got out of the truck, locking it and slowly making her way to the school building with Jonathan. She spotted Jessica and CJ; the two waved happily at her but all Ciara could do was just nod her head once; thankfully for her, her two friends know that Ciara is horrible company when she does not feel well, and they can clearly see in her body language that she is not feeling well. Ciara and Jonathan were just about to walk into the building when the first bell rang, which means the two have to hurry up if they want to be on time for their first class, which fortunately is the same: biology. They have to talk about the various blood cells, their functions and what happens to a person's body when they are not stable. The kids started to make their way to their lockers, crowding the hallway, and unfortunately Ciara has to walk down the hall before she can get to the nurse's office; the crowding just adding to her annoyance and her pounding headache. However, despite being in such a horrible mood, she had some comfort in holding Jonathan's hand as the two made their way to the nurse's office. He did not say anything, but it was not needed; he knows that Ciara knows he cares just by the way they are holding hands. They finally made it to the nurse's office and luckily for the two students, she was not busy.
Nurse Betty, as she is known in school, is not like other school nurses; where most schools usually have a scary looking nurse, she is not scary at all. Nurse Betty becomes all maternal whenever a student comes to her in need of assistance. She is always trying her best to make the student feel much better, and she is always so friendly and inviting whenever one comes to her office, that is why it is not a problem for Ciara to come to Nurse Betty. The only sad thing is that Nurse Betty lost a close cousin of hers 12 years ago, and it happened during the beyblading event in Washington DC. One would expect that she would hold it against Ciara, but just like she told the teenage girl, she may have lost a cousin that day but Ciara also lost a father that day, along with other family members. That is how the two women bonded. Ciara knows she can come to Nurse Betty for anything, and she does not have to feel uncomfortable in asking something.
Nurse Betty's face lit up when she saw that it was Ciara and Jonathan coming in. The sister also has a soft spot for Jonathan, mostly because of Ciara. She even told Ciara that when the two of them start to have sex, that Ciara should come to her so that she can help Ciara with contraceptives. Of course the teenage girl almost died of embarrassment when Nurse Betty told her this, but she assured the nurse that she will keep it mind. Ciara may love the nurse a lot, but asking contraceptives from an adult may be a bit too much for the teenager.
"How are you two love birds doing this morning?" Ciara did not reply so Jonathan spoke up.
"I am doing just great nurse Betty, but Ciara not so much; she has this horrible headache, so we were wondering whether you may have anything that will help. She already took two painkillers this morning but so far, it just got worse."
"Oh dear, a headache; I know how horrible they can get honey, especially if it is a migraine. Please sit on the bed sweetie; I just want to check your stats, okay?"
Ciara proceeded to sit on the bed with Jonathan standing next to her. Nurse Betty proceeded to put on the cuff to start measuring her blood pressure and heart rate.
"Describe the headache for me Ciara."
"It is pounding, and every sound or movement makes it worse, even the light is worsening it."
"Do you feel nauseous?" Ciara nodded. "Does it feel worse on one side of the head or the whole head?"
"It is the worst on my right side. I just woke up with it this morning." Ciara felt the cuff around her arm relax, knowing that her blood pressure has been measured.
"Your blood pressure and heart rate looks normal, and the symptoms you described are that of a migraine, just as I expected. With a migraine, normal painkillers don't work. Oh honey, you have my sympathy. I have nothing I can give you. The best thing for such a headache is to go home and lie in a dark and quiet room. Do you have anything important at school today?"
"Just our first period where we have an oral presentation, and it counts for our grades."
"Well, I will just write a letter to your teacher..."
Just then the second bell rang, indicating the start of the first class. "As I was saying, I will write a letter to your teacher informing him, or her, that both of you will have to be excused and that you must do it the next time."
"Both of us?"
"Of course Jonathan; you will have to take Ciara home; there is no way she can drive in this state. That headache will just get worse and there is no way I will allow her behind the wheel; she can get into an accident, so, I suggest you two get going. I will sort out everything with your teacher. Who is your teacher?"
"Mr Buxton."
"Oh good for you, at least it is not one of those other sour buggers." Jonathan burst out laughing, and even Ciara couldn't resist a smile. "Tell anyone I said that and I will make sure you two have stomach cramps for a week."
"Sure thing Nurse Betty."
"Well, get going you two. I will see you when you get better. And Ciara, if you get a migraine again, I suggest you make an appointment at your doctor to get the proper medicine."
"Sure thing Nurse Betty. Thanks."
"See you two."
"Bye."
Jonathan and Ciara left Nurse Betty's office and Ciara was happy to see that the halls were quiet.
"I am just going to the bathroom."
"I will wait for you." Ciara went into the girls' bathroom just to go wash her face. The pain was killing her and all she wants to do is feel cold water on her face. She went and stood in front of the sink and when she was just about to open the tab, she heard the toilet flush and out came the last person she wants to see: Ashley. Ciara decided to ignore her; she really does not have the strength to talk to her, but as usual, Ashley always has something to say.
"And why are you not in class?"
Ciara did not answer and proceeded to go on with splashing her face with cold water.
"Ignore me all you want Hiwatari, it does not bother me. The only thing that really bothers me is your existence." Ashley was so focused on talking to Ciara that she did not hear the silent footsteps behind her. "I am going to report you for being late to class. I at least have a good excuse for not being in class."
"Like what? Blowing the football players, again Ashley?"
Ashley got a fright when Jonathan started talking behind her in his deep voice. "Jonathan. What are you doing here?"
"Leave Ciara alone; she does not want to talk to you, can't you see that?" "She was bothering me." "Your lying just knows no end, does it? Don't you have quarterback players to go blow behind the school? I heard the third time gets you a lay with them, so maybe this time you might get it."
Shock was all over Ashley's face when Jonathan said that to her. Ciara just had to smirk at that. Jonathan always defends her whenever he is around whenever Ashley feels the need to make herself act like a pest around Ciara. "You will pay for that, you and that murderous reject's spawn you call a girlfriend."
Jonathan gasped when Ashley said that but within a blink of an eye, Ashley was up against the door of one of the stalls, her feet dangling in the air as she tried to pry off the hands that were around her neck. Jonathan did not even see it happen but before he knew it, he was looking on in horror as Ciara pushed Ashley against the stall's door, strangling her. The poor blonde was struggling for air but Ciara just pressed harder on the blonde's throat.
"Need I remind you who my father was Ashley?" All of a sudden, Ciara's voice sounded much darker. If Jonathan saw her eyes, he would notice the change. Her eyes were no longer mahogany; it was blood coloured, with a slight red glint in them. Ashley was too busy struggling for air to notice it. "Kai Hiwatari's blood runs through my veins, and he will take his rightful place, killing vermin like you, that is, if I do not beat him to it first in killing you."
"Ciara, that is enough, let her go." Jonathan gently placed his hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down. "She is not worth it, please my love." With one last look at Ashley, Ciara released her, causing the blonde to fall on the floor, as she started to heave for air. Ciara turned around and that is when Jonathan noticed her eye colour. "Are you okay?"
"Let's just get out of here." Without waiting for Jonathan to say anything, or looking at Ashley again, Ciara made her way out of the bathroom. Jonathan also did not bother with Ashley, leaving the blonde as she just sat on the floor, rubbing her neck, while heaving. Ashley did not expect Ciara to attack her like that; that was the last thing she had expected.
Jonathan found Ciara leaning against her truck, and her eye colour was normal again. He had no idea what to make of the whole situation that just took place. That was not the Ciara he knows that he just saw in the bathroom, and no doubt that Ashley will have a field day with what Ciara just did to her. Jonathan won't be surprised if Ciara's mother gets a letter from a lawyer.
"You don't have to drive me home."
"What?"
"You heard me Jonathan; just go back to class, I will be fine."
"I am not taking that risk; let me at least follow you if that will make you feel better. I just want to make sure you make it safely, that is not asking much, is it?"
"I suppose not, but okay, you can drive behind me."
"Let's get going." The two got into their cars; Ciara was the first to leave the school parking lot, Jonathan close behind her.
Traffic was a nightmare because it is still early in the morning so the two took longer to get to Ciara's home. Jonathan parked his car right behind Caira's Ford truck and walked with her until they reached her bedroom. He closed the curtains for her while she was in her bathroom, changing into the clothes that she sleeps in at night. Seeing Jonathan do all this for her made her feel guilty for how she acted earlier. She does not feel bad for strangling Ashley; truth be told, she does not even know how it happened. One moment she was standing there, glaring at Ashley, and the next thing she knows, she has the blonde bimbo up in the air; it did feel good though, but that is not who she is. Ciara has no idea what caused her to act like that.
"I will be on my way now."
"Jonathan wait." Ciara took Jonathan's hands into hers and looked at him, smiling softly. "Thank you, and I am sorry for how I spoke to you."
Jonathan pulled Ciara into an embrace and kissed her on her forehead. "There is nothing to apologise for; now, get into bed so that you can start feeling better. I will call you tonight."
"I'll be waiting for your call." The two shared a deep kiss and then Jonathan left. Ciara got into her bed and soon enough, she was fast asleep.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Lunch time just finished for most of the people, leaving them all to get back to their usual work. One person luckily does not have to get back to work. Ciara was still sleeping peacefully, that was, until the dogs started barking hysterically. The noise woke her and this pissed her off, not the dogs but whoever is angering her dogs like that. With a loud groan, Ciara finally got out of bed and walked to the window to see what is going on. She could not see anything but the dogs were still barking loudly. Ciara just grabbed a jean and a T-shirt and put it on over her sleeping clothes, before stomping down the stairs. Luckily her headache was gone, and she almost feels human again. Ciara followed the dogs where they were barking. She opened the door and she had to gasp when she saw why the dogs were barking. A pitch black bike was standing in the driveway, and it was not just any bike; it was the one that her father used in Moscow when he was still part of the X-twins. The bike was almost just as famous as the axe that Kai had used. Ciara did not know what to make of it.
'What is going on? First my dad's axe, and now his bike? This has to be the second present.' Ciara walked closer to the bike, but the dogs did not follow. They stood a distance and just growled at the bike. 'How did you get here?' Ciara glided her hands over the gorgeous bike, taking in the feel of it under her hands. It sure was breathtaking. Ciara decided to sit on it, just to get a feel of it. It is not like she is going to start it; she just wants to find out if it is comfortable. She got on, and it was like she felt one with the bike. It suited her perfectly. The curves of the bike went along with her natural curves. She took hold of the steering wheel, and started to pretend like she was driving the bike, complete with the noises and everything.
Suddenly, the bike started up and revved its engine a few times, despite it being a quiet sound. Kai and Tala had their bikes modified so that they can be soundless. The dogs yelped and ran back into the house. Ciara got a huge fright because she did not touch anything. She tried to get off but it was like her body was stuck to the bike. She tried to remove her hands from the handles but they too did not move. All of a sudden, the bike turned on its own accord; the stand of the bike retracting on its own. The bike made its way down the driveway and just started to drive all on its own. No matter what Ciara did, she could not get off nor stop the bike from driving. She pulled on the breaks but nothing; even changing the gears did not have any effect on the bike. It was like the bike was alive, driving on its own, and Ciara is just going along for the ride. The problem is, Ciara does not want to go along with the ride; she wants to get off and she wants to get as far away as possible from this possessed bike, but that is not going to happen anytime soon. The bike gained speed, ducking and diving through the cars. Ciara has no idea where the bike is taking her, and there is no way she can alert anyone of what is currently happening. Ciara was beyond scared at this moment, and just prayed that nothing will happen to her.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
The end of the day arrived quickly, to the relief of so many who just wants to get away from work so that they can either go to the nearest bar and just relax, or some who just want to go to their kids or lovers; either way, everyone is in a hurry to get away from work. Cindy is no different. She has not heard anything from Ciara the whole day, but that is not what bothers her; what bothers Cindy is the fact that her daughter was not feeling well the morning and so it is only normal that she is worried, wondering whether her daughter started to feel better during the day.
As Cindy was making her way home, her phone rang and she saw it was Hilary.
"Hey Hils, how are you?"
"Cindy, can I come over tonight, if you don't have other plans?"
"Yeah sure. Are you okay?"
"Err, I'll see you around seven okay?"
"Sure. See you then," and without saying goodbye, Hilary hung up. Cindy immediately knew something was wrong. Hilary is not one to just hang up, and even her voice gave her away. That can only mean one thing: something was going on with Tyson. He is the only one that can upset Hilary like that, and Hilary is overall a very strong woman. When Cindy got to know her in Moscow all those years ago, she started to admire Hilary a lot for how she put up with tutoring four teenage boys, and even then Tyson was not one of the easiest people to get along with, with his huge ego and all.
Cindy knew this occasion calls for a good bottle of wine and a box of tissues because tonight is the night where Hilary is going to cry her eyes out. Luckily Cindy always has wine at her home, seeing as how she developed a love for the beverage when she was at university.
Cindy arrived at home just past six and was glad to see her daughter's truck in the driveway. Cindy got inside and called for her daughter but received no answer. Not making much of it for now, Cindy proceeded to start with dinner. She is just going to make something light seeing as she and Hilary will have a long talk session. She is just going to make a pasta salad. Quarter to seven she heard her dogs barking, indicating the arrival of Hilary, and just as Cindy thought, Hilary had been crying a lot if she looks at how red and puffy her friend's eyes are. Hilary immediately embraced Cindy without saying anything and just started to sob. Cindy did not mind at all and just continued holding her friend for as long as she needed. Hilary did not say anything between the sobs; Cindy wouldn't have heard her anyway. No one can understand a person when he or she is sobbing, and Hilary is no different. Hilary finally managed to compose herself and released Cindy which just held the box of tissues so that Hilary can dry her eyes and blow her nose. Cindy poured wine for them both and then went to the living room, where Hilary finally started to talk about what is going on.
"Tyson is cheating on me."
"What?"
"Yeah, I know. It does not make sense but I have proof. I suspected something about four months ago but I thought maybe it was just me becoming one of those jealous wives and that I am just imagining things. He started working late every night, which he never did in the past, no matter how many students he had. First it was two times a week, and then it became four times, and then it became every night. Tyson just told me that it is really busy, so last week I decided to go and see how busy he really is because I am so happy for my husband that his business is doing so well; however, when I got there, the doors were closed and there were only two cars in the parking, his and someone else's. I went in around the back, quiet and all, and that is when I saw what he really was busy with, or let me say, who he was busy with. He and the black haired woman were very comfortable with each other, touching each other everywhere, and she was not even wearing the standard white clothes that all Tyson's students have to wear. Tyson was lying on his back on the mat and she was straddling him. I wanted to confront them but I just could not do it; I felt so humiliated. I just turned around and started to run. It felt like I was dying Cindy; I have never felt such pain in my life. My whole body was aching, I felt nauseous; I kept thinking that it had to be some horrible nightmare but it was reality, my reality. I went back home, thinking how am I going to confront him about this, but later that night he came home with a box of my favourite chocolates and a golden necklace. I wanted to throw it in his face, but I just could not do it, so I did what most women in my position do; I ignored it and made as if nothing is wrong. I was so happy when you and Ray invited us Saturday night; I saw it as the perfect opportunity to just get totally wasted and forget for a while. I really tried to ignore the rest of the weekend, but just after lunch today, Tyson called me and told me that he has to go away this weekend for work, and that is a complete lie. He is going away with that woman. I just had to get away Cindy; I don't know what I am going to do. I love him so much but I cannot live like this."
Cindy pulled Hilary into a hug and the brown haired woman started to cry again. 'That bastard! How can he do this to Hilary?! It is times like these that I wish Kai was still alive, and in his dark form. He would have sorted out that cheating bastard.' Cindy was feeling so angry, she felt like driving to Tyson's place and beat the crap out of him. What did Hilary do to deserve this? She has been nothing but loyal and understanding this whole time, putting her everything into their marriage, and this is how he repays her.
"That's not all Cindy." Cindy pulled away so that she can look at Hilary. "This morning I took a pregnancy test and it showed positive. I should be happy but under the circumstances I just cannot bring myself to being happy."
"Oh Hilary." The two women embraced each other once again, and even Cindy shed a tear along with Hilary. Cindy's phone rang but she did not even bother seeing who it is that is calling. That person can wait; right now she has much more important things to focus on. Cindy can only imagine how painful it must be to find out and see with your own eyes how the one you gave your life to, just goes and cheats like it is the most normal thing in the world. If there is one thing she cannot stand it is a cheater, whether it is a man or woman who is doing the cheating, it just boils her blood.
Cindy's phone rang for a second time but just like the first time, she chose to ignore it, and continued holding her friend. However, when it rang for a third time, Cindy decided that it must be important for the person to keep on calling. She saw that it was Jonathan.
"Yes Jonathan?"
"Hi Ms Cindy; sorry to bother you, how are you?"
"I'm doing fine sweetie, and you are not bothering. How can I help you?"
"I was just wondering how Ciara is doing? I have been trying to call her since this afternoon but she doesn't answer. She got sent home today before she made it to her first class, and since then I have not heard anything from her."
"I haven't seen her since I came home but I will quickly go check in her room if you will just hold."
"Sure Ms Cindy." Cindy showed Hilary that she is just quickly going to go upstairs.
Cindy arrived at her daughter's room and when she opened it, she was a little confused. Her daughter was not in her room, neither in her bathroom.
"Err Jonathan, she is not here. I will go check the rest of the house." Cindy started calling her daughter. Hearing Cindy called for Ciara, Hilary decided to go outside and also started calling for Ciara, but nothing. "Jonathan, I can't find her; her truck and her phone is here but she is no where to be found."
"Okay, I will just quickly call Jessica and CJ to find out whether they know anything and then I will let you know."
"Thanks Jonathan."
"Where do you think she can be?"
"I don't know. Jonathan says she came home very early this morning and he has not heard anything from her since. I thought she was sleeping because her truck is outside."
"Maybe one of her other friend's came to pick her up."
"Maybe."
Cindy could not help but start to feel worried about Ciara's whereabouts; it is not like her daughter to just disappear like this without telling anyone anything, and she most definitely is not one to leave her phone whenever she leaves the house.
"I am sure she will be here in a few minutes; maybe she went jogging or something."
"Ciara is not one..."
Just then Cindy's phone rang. "Jonathan?"
"Neither CJ or Jessica has seen or heard anything from her Ms Cindy."
Hearing that made Cindy suddenly feel like someone ripped her heart from her chest."Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Look Ms Cindy, I am going to start driving around. Maybe I will see her somewhere."
"Okay. I will see what I can do from this side. Let me know if you find anything Jonathan, please."
"Will do so Ms Cindy."
Hilary saw how worried Cindy was starting to become. "Cindy, take a seat and just calm down; I am sure Ciara is perfectly fine. Let me call Solange, maybe she knows something." Cindy just nodded and sat down on the couch. She did not even hear the conversation between Solange and Hilary; her thoughts were running all over the place, and they were not pretty thoughts. No mother wants to hear that her daughter cannot be found anywhere. There was no sign of struggle anywhere so she can't be kidnapped, besides, that will be a bit difficult. Ciara is excellent in defending herself and there is no way she will go down without a fight, and again, there is no sign of it anywhere in the house. That thought made Cindy feel a little bit better, if only a little, but it did not take away the dreadful feelings she was feeling at the moment.
Cindy was brought out of her thoughts when Hilary suddenly started to talk right beside her."Solange has not seen her but she and Clark are on their way."
"Hilary, I am so sorry. This was supposed to be your night, where we only discuss your problems, but now this shit."
Hilary chuckled and hugged Cindy. "It makes me forget about my problems for a while; don't worry Cindy, I am sure Ciara is perfectly fine. She is a strong young lady."
"I know, but still, just the thought of not knowing where she is or whether she is safe or not, is going to drive me crazy."
"If her boyfriend has not found anything in the next hour, I am going to call the police, okay?"
Cindy just nodded her head. 'Where are you my girl? Please be safe; I can't lose you too. I will not survive it. Please come back safely.'
77777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
The sun has already set and the night air is a bit chilly, but at least winter is not coming for another few months. Somewhere on a gravel road a black bike was driving at an average speed. Its driver was fast asleep, and one would think that it will cause an accident but this bike is driving on its own so nothing will happen to the driver. Ciara fell asleep after she made herself tired by trying everything to get off of the bike but nothing worked. All she knows is that they have left New York City but she has no idea where the bike is taking her. The gravel road became bumpier and the bike decreased its speed, and this caused Ciara to wake up. Her whole body was stiff, she was hungry, she was pissed off and she just wants to get home. In the distance she could see a few lights but had no idea where she is.
There were three soldiers at a gate, just messing around when they saw a faint light approaching them. All three reached for their guns. They have no orders in expecting anyone so it is a trespasser. It is a secret base and only authorised people are allowed on the base, and whenever someone else is expected, the guards at the gate are informed beforehand.
Ciara felt the bike starting to increase speed as it got closer to the lights up ahead. The soldiers came to stand in front of the gate, putting on the spot lights so that they can get a clear view of whoever is approaching. They saw that it is a young girl on a black bike approaching very fast and all three men directed their guns onto the bike. Ciara saw that she was approaching a gate and there were three men aiming at her with guns.
She immediately started to scream for help. "Help me please! Don't shoot, please!"
"You are trespassing! Stop your motorcycle or we will shoot!"
"Help me please!" Ciara felt the bike gain even more speed and before she knew it, the bike rode right through the gate, causing the three men to jump out of the way. One of them was quickly on a radio, informing the others inside of a trespasser on a bike, making its way towards the building. Sirens started to sound all around the base and the guys in the watchtower directed the light onto Ciara. By this time Ciara were in tears, still screaming for help. The bike showed no sign of slowing down and headed straight for a huge building that almost looks like a hanger at an airport. Everyone on duty took their positions in front of the building and aimed their guns directly on Ciara. One of the guys, a black haired man with crystal blue eyes, saw that it was a young girl and that she was crying. He ordered the others to not fire.
"Are you crazy Elliot! She is a trespasser!"
"A trespasser who is crying? She is in trouble you idiot! Everyone, hold your fire!" Everyone listened to the man named Elliot. He saw the bike heading straight for him and decided that he will use it as an opportunity to grab hold of the young girl on the bike. The bike did not slow down as it headed straight for Elliot; the blue eyed man knew that he has to time it perfect in order for his plan to succeed. "Help me please!" The bike was only a few feet away and Elliot knew now was the time to act. The moment the bike passed him, he managed to grab hold of the girl and pulled her off from the bike; he luckily broke her fall. The other guys watched in shock as the bike continued to drive on its own, right up until it stopped in front of the elevator that leads down to the level below ground. Ciara was sobbing in Elliot's arms.
"It's okay girl; you are safe now."
"The bike...it did not stop...it drove me here..."
"Shhhh, come on, let's get you something to drink to calm your nerves." Elliot stood up and helped up Ciara. All the other guys walked cautiously towards the black bike, all guns aimed directly onto it. The bike was standing on its own stand, engine turned off. Elliot glanced at the bike while he was leading Ciara to the office nearby. He found it very strange that the bike stopped before that exact elevator. That elevator only leads to one place and only five people are allowed down there at the moment, he being the main one. He got the feeling that the bike was sending a message, and he knows exactly what that message is.
Ciara was trembling when she sat down on the couch that was situated in the office Elliot took her to. He gave her a cup of coffee and just sat there quietly. He knows exactly who Ciara is. 'She looks just like her father. Kai would have been proud in knowing his daughter grew up this beautifully. I wonder how her mother is doing.'
"I will be right back, okay? I just want to go check on the bike." Ciara just nodded, not really paying attention to what the blue eyed man was saying. Elliot left the office and saw that the others have succeeded in removing the bike away from the doors of the elevator. 'Figures; the message has been sent; its job is done. No need to act like a possessed bike anymore.' Elliot approached the others.
"How did you know that the girl was in trouble?"
"Let's just call it a hunch. Forget the bike; it is harmless now."
"Are you sure? A bike driving on its own does not seem harmless to me, Elliot."
"Yeah well, believe me. It sent the message so its work is done. This bike should be in Moscow, and not here."
"What do you mean? Do you know this bike?"
"Something like that. It made the headlines years ago in Moscow; how it ended up here I have no idea. It should be locked away in a police safe, not driving around some innocent girl. Just keep it safe. I will see whether I can make a few calls to Moscow to find out what is going on."
"Sure. Hey, how is the girl doing?"
"She is pretty shaken up."
"Well that is understandable. I probably would have shit myself if I was stuck on a bike that has a will of its own. Do you know who she is?"
Elliot did not want to tell the truth about knowing Ciara, so he just lied and said 'no'. "See you in a while. I am going to go check on her." Elliot went back to the office but when he entered, he saw that Ciara had curled up on the couch and was fast asleep. She did not even drink her coffee. Elliot walked over to the cupboard and removed a blanket and covered up Ciara. He switched off the light and then headed for the elevator that goes underground. He has to try and find out what is going, and there is only one place he can find that information.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Tuesday morning made its arrival quicker than anyone can say 'a new day has arrived'. Cindy has not slept anything so far. She is sitting in her living room, along with Hilary, Solange, Clark, Jessica, CJ and Jonathan. Hilary called the police earlier but they said that Ciara has to be missing for about 24 hours before they can open a case of a missing person. This of course infuriated Cindy, making her go off over the phone. Solange had to take her away from the others so that she can calm down. Cindy screamed that if her fiancé was alive, he would have made sure that they will never work again in their entire lives. This was a sign for Solange that Cindy is busy losing her mind and that she needs to calm down before she screams more absurd things. They have called anyone they can think of that might know something about Ciara but they all were dead ends. No one knows how to calm Cindy down; all they can do is watch as the mother worries herself sick about the wellbeing of her daughter.
77777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
Ciara did not feel like getting up; she was surprisingly very comfortable where ever she was. She had no idea what time it is, and her mind is still very cloudy about the happenings of the previous day, but then just like a bolt of lightning, Ciara sat up straight, remembering the bike that drove her. She was shocked to see the black haired man sit at the desk, looking at her as if she seems like a crazy person.
"Where am I? What is going on?"
"My name is Elliot, Ciara. I am not going to hurt you."
"I asked where am I?"
'Just like her father.'
"You are on an army base, a secret base and you were brought here last night. What exactly do you remember?"
"A bike, a black one, it drove me here."
"Correct. You passed out before I got a chance to ask you any questions."
"How do you know my name?"
"I knew your father; you are a spitting image of him."
This caught Ciara's attention. "You knew my father, or you just know of what he did?"
"I knew him personally, many years ago. I was a close friend of his. What happened to him was very unfortunate."
"I have not met many people that claimed that they knew my father, nor saying that what had happened to him was unfortunate; most people are glad that my dad died."
"I can only imagine why, but anyway, we can talk about him later; right now I have to ask you a few questions regarding the bike."
"Sure."
"Do you want some coffee and something to eat?"
Just then Ciara's stomach made growling sounds, hunger sounds, leaving the girl red in the face. Elliot smiled softly at the young teenager.
"I will take that as a yes." Elliot poured a cup of coffee and placed a few biscuits on a plate for Ciara to munch on while the kitchen staff prepares a proper breakfast for her.
"Okay, first of all: how did that bike come into your possession? As far as my knowledge goes, that bike was in police holdings in Moscow after it was confiscated when it came to light that your father was one of the X-twins."
Ciara took in a deep breath and then started to tell Elliot exactly what happened the previous day, of how the bike just appeared in the driveway, and how it just started on its own. Elliot paid attention to every word she was saying, not interrupting her once. "You must think I am some crazy girl."
"Not at all Ciara, I mean, we all saw with our own eyes how the bike continued to drive on its own after I managed to pull you off, and giving that the bike belonged to your father, I am not totally surprised that the bike have a life of its own. I knew your father before he became evil, and also afterwards, so it makes total sense that some of his personal objects might have absorbed some of that evil. But now, first things first; we have to call your mother. I am sure she is worried sick. Will it be okay if I send a helicopter to go pick her up? There is something I want you both to see."
"Sure, but where are we anyway?
"We are about 50 miles south of Washington DC."
"Holy shit, no wonder I was so tired from driving. That asshole bike drove way too far with me. We really are a long way from New York."
"You still live in New York?"
"Yeah; I take it you also know my mother."
"I do, but I doubt she remembers me, or that she will recognise me. I went through some changes since I last saw her. Please write your physical address down while I go organise the helicopter. We will be staying here when they go and get your mother."
"Fine by me."
After talking to Elliot, Ciara calmed down a lot and was acting very rational about the whole situation. She does not know why but she feels very comfortable in Elliot's company, like she has known him her whole life.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Two police officers just left the Kon/Hiwatari residence after taking various statements from Cindy and Ciara's friends. Cindy tried her best to be patient with the two officers, knowing that it is not their fault that her daughter is missing; neither is it their fault that their country has such ridiculous laws concerning missing people; it's no wonder they hardly find anyone. It is because the authorities waits a lifetime before they act, and by the time they finally decide to start doing something, the trail is already cold.
Clark, CJ and Jonathan were standing outside when a military hummer parked in front of the house, two soldiers getting out. "Good morning. Is this the house of Ms Cindy Kon?"
"It is. Is something wrong?"
"May we ask if Ms Kon is currently at home?"
"I will go get her." Jonathan rushed inside, calling Cindy. She was outside within seconds.
"I am Cindy Kon; how can I help you?"
"We suggest you come with us Ms Kon, please."
"To go where?"
"It is regarding your daughter." Just hearing that was enough to convince Cindy to go with the men.
"Tell the others; I will call you guys when I have news."
"Be careful." Cindy got into the back seat of the hummer, anxious in knowing what is going on with her daughter.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
The flight did not even take two hours before the helicopter landed at the base. Elliot and Ciara were already waiting for the helicopter. Cindy immediately spotted her daughter and could not wait to get out and to just hug her daughter. The moment she was allowed to get out, she and Ciara ran to each other, mother and daughter embracing each other tightly. Elliot decided to give them a minute before he takes them to what he wants to show them both.
'Cindy, she is still as attractive as always. I love the new look of her hair; the copper colour suits her Chinese bob; I am sure it brings out the colour of her eyes. I wonder what Kai would have thought of it. No doubt he would have loved it.'
"Thank God you are safe my baby."
"I am so sorry mom; it was never my intention to disappear like that, I promise."
"It's okay baby. I am just so glad to have you in my arms again. I was going mad when I did not know what happened to you."
"I am so sorry mom, really, but I can explain." Ciara pulled away from her mother so that she can look into her mother's eyes. She could see the dark circles starting to form under her mother's eyes, a clear sign that her mother has not slept anything last night. "Mom, I would like you to meet Elliot." The blue eyed man took that as his cue to approach the two women.
Before Cindy arrived, Elliot asked Ciara to not say anything about him knowing Cindy and Kai; he wants to see whether she can recognise him. Ciara found it a bit strange but agreed to it anyway.
"Please to meet you Ms Kon."
"Likewise Elliot; wow, your eyes..."
"Yes?"
"Sorry; it is just that I knew someone who had the exact same eyes like yours, that deep crystal blue; it really is gorgeous."
"Thank you, but if you will please follow me; there is something I would like to show you two. Ciara and I will explain to you on the way of how she ended up here." "Lead the way."
Cindy walked beside Elliot and Ciara as they filled her in about the bike. To say that Cindy was shocked would have been an understatement. She was under the impression that the bike was in Moscow. Ciara wanted to tell Elliot and her mother about her father's axe that is currently in their basement, but she got the feeling that she should rather just keep quiet about it for now. Cindy and Ciara followed Elliot to an elevator, the exact same elevator where the bike came to a standstill the previous night. The ride down was about 9 levels below, a clear indication that they really were keeping a very big secret here at the base. "You look very familiar to me Elliot but I just can't seem to place your face." Elliot and Ciara just looked at each other.
The elevator finally came to a halt. The moment Cindy exited the elevator, she gasped when she laid her eyes on the cage in front of her. Right there, in a huge electrified cage was a beautiful red phoenix, and not just any phoenix; it was Dranzer. Cindy could not believe her eyes.
"Is that...?"
"Dranzer? Yes, that is her. She appeared in Washington that day when Kai and Black Dranzer made their appearance, or more like, after Kai got killed. Black Dranzer burst in flames, and then after a while, a little Dranzer appeared."
Cindy slowly made her way over to the cage. Dranzer looked on as Cindy came walking to her cage, and the phoenix responded with the exact same movements. Dranzer bowed her head when Cindy was right next to her cage. "Can I touch her?"
"I am afraid you cannot. The cage will kill you if you dare touch it."
"Why is she here? She is not evil; you can't keep her locked up like this."
Elliot sighed, knowing that Cindy was right but it is Dranzer's own choice to be locked up like this. "I know but it is the only way; Black Dranzer is the dark side of Dranzer, so by keeping her captive, we are indirectly also holding Black Dranzer captive, and preventing it from releasing its evil onto the world."
Ciara was not listening to her mother and Elliot's conversation; she could only concentrate on Dranzer. She has never seen anything so beautiful, so magical and so mystical. She also started to approach the cage slowly. Dranzer moved her attention from Cindy to Ciara, and the moment the two locked eyes, Dranzer opened up her wings, flapping them a few times and gave out a wonderful calm and harmonising sound, almost like she was singing. She saw Kai in the eyes of Ciara and for a moment it was as if the mystical phoenix was reunited with her master.
"She likes you Ciara; I think you remind her of Kai."
Ciara did not respond; she was mesmerized by the beauty of the phoenix. "She has been locked up this entire time?"
"Unfortunately yes; it breaks my heart but it is needed for the greater good. I just felt like you two needed to see her. The bike stopped right in front of this elevator last night, and I knew it was sending a message."
"Thank you Elliot, for everything."
"Don't mention it; it was nothing, but now I have to be rude and take you back up. You are not allowed down here but seeing as you both knew Kai, you have just about the same rights as me. Why don't you two go up so long and I will be with you in a couple of minutes."
"Come on Ciara." Ciara looked at Dranzer one last time before she left with her mother, leaving Elliot alone with Dranzer.
'Master of Wolborg.'
'Yes Dranzer?'
'The child, she is like her father, she has the same darkness inside of her like my master had.'
'Are you sure?'
'She was conceived while the darkness was within my young master. She will soon become like him, the darkness taking its rightful place within her.'
'That is heartbreaking, and she really looks like a good kid; it is a shame that she will become just like her father.' Dranzer just bowed her head and then went to one of the corners in the cage to curl up and rest her body.
Elliot went back up top to meet up with Cindy and Ciara. Cindy could not shake the feeling that she knew Elliot from somewhere but she just could not remember from where. She saw Elliot exit the elevator and walk over to her and Ciara. She observed his method of walking and then it was like a light bulb went on in her head. She gasped when she realised who Elliot really is. The black haired man saw Cindy look at him with shock on her face and that is when he realised that she has finally recognised him.
"Tala?"