Chapter 4: Birthday Girl

Once Cleao was out of earshot, Orphen faced Hartia and looked at him expectantly. Hartia just returned a puzzled look, "What? What are you looking at me like that for?"

"What do you mean 'what'! Did you speak to Cleao?"

"Yes." There was a long pause.

"And?" Orphen asked.

"And what?" Hartia asked quizzically. He could tell that Orphen was beginning to lose his patience.

"Don't play dumb, Hartia." Orphen snapped.

"Who says I'm playing?"

Orphen gave his friend a funny look, "What's wrong with Cleao?"

" Nothing."

"Did she say anything?"

Hartia paused as he debated whether or not to tell Orphen, " No." he finally replied. Orphen gave Hartia a knowing look. "What?" Hartia asked.

"She told you not to tell me didn't she?"

"What made you think that?"

" I'm not stupid, Hartia. Are you going to tell me or not?"

" Tell you what?" Hartia decided it would be safer to act as if he had no idea what Orphen was talking about. Orphen was starting to get angry. He didn't have time to play games!

"If you won't tell me, fine! I don't have time to force it out of you. Since you won't tell me, Cleao will." Orphen stalked off to sort out confusing thoughts in his head.

Please don't go and do something stupid, Krylancelo, Hartia pleaded silently and retreated to his room to get some welcome rest after helping out all day.

Cleao had avoided Orphen the rest of the night and after dinner, Orphen left the house. Cleao suspected that he was going to the tower where he always went to brood. So going to the lake is out of the question, Cleao thought in disappointment. Cleao had left the others and soon found herself in the piano room. Leki, who was always with her, sat on the chair next to the window and curled into a ball. Cleao sat before the piano, flexed her fingers and played one of her favourite songs. It was called "Yours Everlasting" and was written by Gabrielle Rivers- she was a wonderful artist, but was not famous for her work. The song was about a beautiful young woman whom had promised her heart to the only man she would ever love. But the reason why Cleao liked the song was because of its slow and melancholy tune. It was somewhat soothing.

It had been such a long time since she had last played. She couldn't believe that still remembered the score off by heart. Cleao closed her eyes as she continued playing. The music drifted around the room like a cool mist that lingered at night. All her worries and cares seemed to fade away as she lost herself in the music. Music was one of Cleao's greatest loves. Whenever she played, she could feel the music in her heart and soul. The last note of the song faded away and Cleao nearly jumped out of her seat when she realized that she had an audience.

"That was wonderful, Cleao," Hartia praised as he applauded her performance.

Cleao blushed, "Thanks."

"Yeah Cleao, you're a fantastic musician," Majic added in agreement. Mariabella and Tistiny were also there, but there was no sign of Azalie, which didn't come as a surprise.

"I haven't heard you play in such a long time," Tistiny sighed, "It's good to have music in the house again."

" We could hear music and we decided to come and watch you play," Mariabella explained with a smile.

Hartia was leaning against the doorframe, which was a very Orphen thing to do, but maybe it was just sorcerers, " I never knew you played the piano."

" Master doesn't know either," Majic said and flinched when Cleao glared at him, "She's been playing since she was this little," Majic gestured to a place somewhere above his hip.

"Will you play us another song?" Tistiny requested, knowing the topic had to be changed.

Cleao was reluctant, but nodded. She never did like having an audience. She decided to play "Summer Dream", which was also written by Gabrielle Rivers. It had a much more happier tune than the last song. Everyone watched as Cleao played and as the ending note died away, they all applauded in appreciation.

" Wonderful!" Tistiny beamed at her daughter. Everyone praised Cleao in agreement.

"Well, I think it's time to hit the sack," Majic yawned as he stretched his arms above his head. They all said goodnight to each other and Majic and Hartia went upstairs to their rooms. Mariabella was only one step behind saying she needed all the energy she could get for tomorrow. That left Cleao, Tistiny and Leki.

Cleao just sat there, staring at the piano keys before her. She felt her mother sit next to her. "Cleao," she started and Cleao looked her way, " I know that something's been bothering you… It's my job to know." She added with a smile. Cleao didn't say anything, "I've noticed that ever since this morning, you haven't spoken to Orphen. Why are you avoiding him Cleao?" Still Cleao said nothing. She didn't know what to say, but she gave her mother an apologetic look. Tistiny sighed, knowing Cleao wasn't up for talking. She reached up and put a stray lock of Cleao's golden hair behind her ear. "Well, whatever it is that is preventing your relationship from developing, you have to overcome it…together. Orphen won't be able to help you if he doesn't know what's bothering you… Don't they say that communication is the best way to solve a problem?" Cleao stared at her mother in disbelief. Tistiny laughed, a wonderful sound to her daughter's ears, " Your mother is all- knowing." Cleao cracked a smile and they embraced each other. Her mother was right. Avoiding Orphen was only going to make things worse and all Cleao wanted right now was for everything to go back to normal. But she also knew that she wasn't ready to talk to Orphen, it was a little too soon. In my own time, Cleao thought as her mother bid her goodnight. She stayed where she was a few minutes longer. She picked Leki up and went to her room. She had decided that she would wait until after her sister's birthday. I'll sleep on it, Cleao thought and she tried to get some rest.

Orphen stood on the tower and stared at the moon. It was a luminescent full moon that watched over Totokonta. Cleao had avoided him all day and the more she did, the more frustrated and angry he became. He had never felt so confused in all his life! Orphen crossed his arms in frustration, It's like she has PMS all year round! I never know what she wants! All he wanted to do was blast something. He didn't understand why Cleao was acting the way she was. Orphen didn't even know what he had done wrong and why she was taking it out on him. Oh Cleao, I wish you would just tell me why you're mad. I'm already confused about my feelings for you; I don't need something else to worry about. Orphen looked up at the millions of stars overhead and at the endless sky. His attention was soon on the Everlasting mansion a distance away, beyond the trees.

"Cleao…" her name escaped his lips in a faint whisper as he lost himself in his thoughts.

And from the shadows, Orphen was being watched. Jeremy wanted to kill Orphen right there and then, where he was vulnerable. It would be so easy; you already have your defenses down… but then, where would the fun be in killing you now? Jeremy pondered. When the time is right… when her energy levels are at their peak… then I'll strike, he thought as he too looked towards the Everlasting house.

Cleao tossed and turned in bed. She was trying so hard to get to sleep, but whenever she closed her eyes, she seemed to re-live the night of Orphen and Azalie's conversation. She finally sat up in bed and two weary green eyes stared at her, Leki yawned.

"I'm sorry, Leki. I can't sleep, " Cleao apologized, "I think I'll get some fresh air…" Cleao got out of bed and stepped out onto her balcony. The cool breeze was refreshing and it seemed to clear her mind. She glanced at the surroundings around her. The trees rustled in the wind and the moon shone brightly overhead. Cleao could sense someone staring at her; she looked down and into Orphen's brooding, yet gorgeous eyes. He's back from the tower… unless he was at the tree all this time, Cleao thought. Cleao bit the inside of her lip to keep from smiling at the thought of the very first time she had met Orphen at the tree. She had come rushing out of the house and accused him of being a peeping tom. Oh… good times, she laughed inwardly.

Orphen stared back into her eyes and she felt as if he was looking into her soul. Just the sight of him in the moonlight made her heart melt. Cleao looked away and rushed back inside. She closed the doors behind her and drew the curtains over them. She leaned against the glass door for a moment and found that Leki had fallen asleep. She smiled, " I think I'll follow his example." She got back into bed and sleep soon followed.

Cleao woke up early. She woke Leki and they rushed to Mariabella's room. Cleao burst through the door and bounced on the bed, waking her sister instantly.

"I'm up! I'm up!" Mariabella yelled so that her sister would stop. Once Mariabella sat up in bed, Cleao gave her a big, warm bear hug. Leki was barking merrily.

"Happy birthday!" Cleao exclaimed.

"Oxygen… becoming an… issue…" Mariabella choked out. Cleao let go immediately and grinned sheepishly. . Leki pounced on Mariabella and licked her face in affection. Mariabella laughed, this was certainly a good way to start the day.

Dortin opened the bedroom door and Tistiny through with Volcan carrying a meal set out on a tray. The two trolls left with a list of chores and they closed the door.

"Happy birthday, Mariabella." Tistiny greeted her daughter with a kiss on the cheek and she set the meal on the table, " I knew Cleao would be here so I prepared a meal for two." An aroma of blueberry pancakes filled the room.

"You're the best!" Cleao exclaimed as she dragged Mariabella to the table and got ready to devour the food.

"I'll be downstairs if you need me," Tistiny said and headed downstairs to prepare breakfast for the others.

Mariabella was still a bit sleepy. She took a gulp of the freshly squeezed orange juice and it woke her up considerably. She watched Cleao devour the food. Cleao finished chewing and she had a drink of her own orange juice. Her eyes widened.

" What's with the look, Cleao?" her sister asked.

"I completely forgot! I'll be right back." Cleao rushed out of the room and left her sister stunned and confused. Mariabella began eating while Cleao was gone and a few seconds later, Cleao came back with a present in her hands. "Here," Cleao said and she practically shoved the gift in her sister's face. Cleao wore a huge smile and Mariabella giggled.

"You didn't have to buy me a present, Cleao."

"It's ok. Now you owe me one," Cleao joked as her sister took the ribbon off. Mariabella opened the box and a smile appeared on her face, her eyes sparkling.

"Oh Cleao, it's beautiful." Mariabella took the dress out of the box and admired it. She held the pale blue dress against her body and walked over to her mirror. She smiled at herself.

Cleao grinned and stood behind her sister, " I knew you'd like it. You look gorgeous, Mariabella… but of course, the dress would look better on me." Cleao laughed and Mariabella stuck her tongue out at her sister.

"Thanks," Mariabella said and put the dress on a hanger and in her closet. "I'll wear it tonight," she decided out loud, "Well, we better get downstairs and join the others." Mariabella pushed Cleao out the door and Leki rushed past them. "I'll get Dortin to take the tray down," Mariabella added. The two girls headed down the stairs.

"Good morning," Cleao greeted cheerfully.

" 'Morning," Hartia and Majic said simultaneously.

Orphen remained silent, knowing Cleao wasn't speaking to him. Instead he greeted Mariabella, " Happy birthday." Everyone followed suit and greeted the birthday girl.

"Thank you," Mariabella replied happily. It seemed that everyone had already started eating his or her own meal of pancakes.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm going to start on the feast for tonight." Tistiny broke the silence.

"I'd be glad to help you," Hartia offered.

"We all will," Orphen added.

"Except, of course, the birthday girl," Cleao smiled at her sister. That was the only time that Cleao and Orphen had ever come close to speaking to each other, in what seemed like forever. The group's conversation was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door. Tistiny stood up and walked to the front entrance. She returned with Jeremy in tow who was holding a bouquet of flowers.

"Hi everyone," he greeted. Jeremy presented the flowers to Mariabella, "These are for you. Happy birthday."

Mariabella accepted them graciously and went to place them in a vase.

"Nothing for me?" Cleao pouted in mock disappointment.

"You get a kiss," Jeremy replied warmly and kissed her on the cheek, " Plus you're not the birthday girl." He laughed. Orphen eyed Jeremy angrily.

"That may be so, but I'm your-" Cleao stopped herself as she realized what she was about to say. Orphen became rigid, but was relieved that Cleao didn't finish her sentence. Jeremy widened his eyes. There was an uncomfortable silence.

"I came by hoping that I could take Cleao out before the celebration tonight," Jeremy said quickly and looked to Tistiny for permission. Orphen was about to say something, but Hartia put a hand on his shoulder to stop him just as Azalie shook her head.

"I don't see why not. We won't need Cleao. We already have enough helpers," Tistiny gestured to the group.

"Mom, are you sure?" Cleao asked hesitantly, even though she really wanted to go.

"Of course. Be back soon though." Tistiny nodded.

Cleao rushed upstairs to get dressed. She was rushing, but when she was ready, she looked beautiful. She came back with her golden blonde hair and her white dress flowing behind her.

"We'll see you all later," Cleao said and was led out of the house by Jeremy.