"Charlie Bone!! Come down this moment! You'll be late for the bus again!!" Grandma Bone's voice boomed through the house. Grandma Bone was not in the slightest bit, the happiest person on earth at the moment. Ever since his father and mother had returned from their honeymoon, Grandma Bone has been actually, very moody. Charlie sometimes even wondered why he had chosen to stay here in this house, instead of moving to Diamond Cottage, where his parents know lived. It was probably because of the location of this house, Charlie concluded. It was near Benjamin's house and it was quite close to town. Within five minutes, Charlie could walk to the Pet's Café or Ingledew's Bookstore. Uncle Paton and Maisie still lived here as well so that was plus. Charlie didn't know how he would survive living in the same house as Grandma Bone if it wasn't for those two.
Maisie was his other grandma as well as the opposite of Grandma Bone. Maisie was short and tried hard to keep her weight down. Being the family cook, this wasn't easy. Unlike Grandma Bone, Maisie never did more than chide gently Charlie for something he did wrong. Even when chiding him, Charlie could tell that Maisie was never really angry, more like exasperated. She rarely found any fault in Charlie's doing. She just merely wished he was a bit less curious and used his head more. Contrary to this, Grandma Bone found fault with every single little thing Charlie did. Even when Charlie was doing his homework Grandma Bone had something to complain about.
Charlie looked in the mirror, his hair was still looking like a tornado ran through it. True, Charlie had changed a bit, considering he is now a teenager, however, his hair hasn't changed with the rest of his body. It was still a big tangled mess which was impossible to ground down. Charlie gave one big tug with his comb and gave up. If his hair was ever going to look normal, it would do it itself. Running down the stairs, Charlie nearly skidded into Maisie.
"Sorry Maisie." He said hurriedly. He threw his bag onto the table and practically shoved his books into it.
"You do well to keep out of trouble this term, Charlie Bone. Don't look for trouble, my dear." Maisie said.
"Yes, yes, of course I will." Charlie said absentmindedly. What would he do otherwise? He never went looking for trouble, it always found him. How and why, he had no answer. Suddenly a scream came from inside the kitchen. Charlie and Maisie raced to the kitchen to see Grandma Bone up on the table hitting a big dog with a sausage.
"Grandma Bone! It's just Ben and Runner Bean." Charlie said trying hard not to laugh.
"Get that mangy mutt away from me. I'm not coming down till you do."
"Good. You can stay up there," Charlie smiled, "Come on Ben. Why'd you come from the side door anyway?"
"Come on, Runner. It's all right. That's just Grandma Bone. Nothing to get worked up about." Benjamin, himself, was trying hard not to laugh and badly failing.
"Run along boys." Maisie said, "I'll deal with her. Charlie, you'd better get ready. Bus comes in 10 minutes."
Charlie cast one last look at Grandma Bone on the kitchen table, terrified. How funny she looked, especially with the sausage in her hand. "I knew the bus wasn't coming soon. What was she talking about? I had plenty of time," he grumbled to himself as he repacked his bag.
"What d' you mean?" Benjamin asked as Runner quietly lay down, tired from the brief excitement.
"She was complaining that I was going to be late for my bus… again. But I've never been late for it before and all I was doing was trying to fix my hair."
"I see it didn't get any better did it? You really haven't changed a lot." Benjamin said suppressing a giggle.
"It's not funny," Charlie cried indignantly. "You try having hair as wild as mine. It just doesn't work. It's a pain. Speaking of change, what brings you here?"
"Well I don't want you to leave until you've said goodbye to me, now would I?" Benjamin said grinning, his toothy smile.
Charlie couldn't help but smile. Benjamin was that kind of friend, always there to cheer you up when you're down. It reminded him a bit of Fidelio as well. Fidelio and Benjamin were a lot alike, despite the fact that they went to different schools but they were both Charlie's best friends. Friends, Charlie missed his other friends as well. Emma, Olivia, Tancred, Lysander, Gabriel… Billy. Charlie suddenly felt really excited to go back to Bloor's. He wanted to see Billy and ask him about his new adoptive parents… Mr. and Mrs. Onimous. Who knew they would end up adopting Billy.
"Hi Mr. Yewbeam," Benjamin said, breaking into Charlie's thoughts. "Where are you headed today?"
"Where else my dear lad?" Paton chuckled, "I'm off to see Julia at the bookstore."
"Oooo," Benjamin said grinning. He cast a look at Charlie as Paton rushed out the door. "Why doesn't he just ask her to marry him, Charlie?"
"I don't know. Every one of my friend's asked me that too, even Billy," Charlie said laughing. He heaved a big sigh as he remembered Billy's excitement when he found out he was to be adopted.
"Hey," Benjamin said breaking into Charlie's thoughts yet again, "Why don't you just hurry up and leave for Bloor's then, since you miss them so much?"
Charlie looked at Benjamin and immediately felt guilty. Though he sounded happy, Charlie knew that he must be feeling a sense of rejection or doubt.
"I'm sorry, Ben. You know you're my best friend. It's just that I haven't seen them in a while and I'm kind of looking forward to hearing their news."
"Naw, don't worry about it." Benjamin said solemnly. Charlie, then felt extremely guilty. He'll get to see his friends from Bloor's everyday not that term is starting. How come he couldn't even have a tiny empathy for Benjamin's feelings? However, he didn't get much time to feel regret, for Benjamin quickly looked in the kitchen, and then pulled Charlie into the living room. "Actually, there's another reason I came here."
"Oh, what's that?" Charlie asked surprised. What could Ben possibly have to tell him?
"I had a dream today…"
"Oh..." Charlie said a bit downhearted. He was looking forward to something more… epic.
"No wait, just hear me out." Benjamin said, "I think my dream has something to do with Bloor's."
Charlie perked up at the word, Bloor's. "I'm listening."
"Charlie!! 5 minutes!" a voice came from the kitchen.
"I'll tell you quickly, then." Benjamin said urgently, "In my dream, I was standing in the middle of the street and then I saw this girl about Billy's age appear. She was bleeding badly and behind her was a very scary looking man…"
"Charlie! 2 minutes!"
"Wait," Benjamin cried as Charlie turned to leave the room, "This man was hurting her Charlie. I don't know how, he wasn't beating or doing anything. I think he might be endowed. He was hurting her and he said, "You dare disobey me Rhiannon?! Haven't I warned you enough times?"
"Who's Rhiannon?"
"I don't know but like I said before I think it has something to do with Bloor's. I think you might run into trouble this term."
"Don't I always." Charlie said rolling his eyes.
"You're not taking this seriously," Benjamin said.
"I am," Charlie said, "I have to go. I'll keep that in mind. Don't worry. I'll tell you everything on the weekend. Maybe you could come to Pet's Café this weekend too."
"All right," Benjamin said. Sighing, he followed Charlie out and called to Runner. Sleepily, Runner opened an eye. Benjamin called him a second time and immediately Runner jumped up and padded quietly behind him.
"Bye Charlie," Benjamin said as the bus came to a stop.
"See you soon Ben!" Charlie waved at the thirteen year old standing at his doorsteps with his dogs. Somehow, as he stepped into the bus, he couldn't help but feel something about Benjamin's dream was real. It was a dream though, dreams don't come true… do they?
*****
It hadn't taken Manfred long to wonder whether he should have a different life other then living here in Bloor's his entire life. During the summer, he had insisted to leave this dingy castle and take a well earned vacation. When he made this proposal, however, he did not know he would meet the love of his life. Never had he ever felt this way about any girl before, even Zelda didn't come close. He first saw met her at a beach, on a tour. The moment she stepped onto the tour bus it was love at first sight for Manfred, with her long flowing blonde hair and her sweet, soft voice. Manfred remembered her well and throughout the whole tour, they had travel together. They took pictures with each other and for each other and Manfred found himself sharing everything with her, even the secret that he was endowed. She didn't care, in fact she thought it was neat that he could hypnotize people. She was feisty, that's what Manfred like about her, not only was she gorgeous, she was a feisty girl with a fiery personality.
Now the summer was over, and Manfred was back in this dingy castle. Lounging on his chair, Manfred stared nostalgically at the picture on his mantle above the fireplace. It was a picture of the two the day before they parted. That was the happiest day of Manfred's life. Never had he ever felt the way he did that day. That day, he had had his very first kiss and it was the best kiss he had ever had. So passionate, so wonderfully, how he missed the summer. Now all he could do was recall those memories and hope she didn't forget him. It was unlikely that she would remember him, who knew when they would next meet. Ten years, twenty years, never? Oh the thought of never seeing her again was enough to break his heart.
Suddenly, the door opened, interrupting Manfred's thoughts. Manfred gave a sigh. It was his father which meant the news wouldn't be good. As expected his father said four curt words, "Your grandfather wants you." What could grandfather possibly want with him? He was losing his power and his grandfather had better allies to call upon, why him. "Fine," he said. Manfred heard his father close the door and slowly walk away. As the footsteps faded, Manfred reluctantly pushed himself up from his chair. How bothersome. he thought.
Opening the door, he slowly, absentmindedly headed for his grandfather's room. Stopping in front of the door, he wondered what his grandfather possibly had to say to him. Knocking, he heard a feeble "come in". Pushing the door open, he saw a small little disfigured thing in the middle. "Sit," the thing commanded. Slowly, Manfred grabbed a chair and sat down. Honestly, he thought, why wasn't his grandfather dead by now? Surely, he's passed his dying age. Just look at him.
"Why have you called me, grandfather?" he asked politely though his brain was screaming out in frustration.
"I have called you here today to ask you a favor." Ezekial moved into the light so Manfred could now clearly see his face and body. 'Disgusting,' he thought.
"Oh, and what is the favor?"
"The favor… is…" Ezekial's voice quavered a bit as he reached into a pocket. Grabbing something, Ezekial's hand shook as he showed his grandson the thing. "This is a letter."
"Ok…"
"I need you to deliver it to somebody for me."
"Who's it for?" Manfred asked growing interested.
"It is for a young girl named Melanie Wilson. She will be new this year and she is endowed. You need not to read it, just pass it on to her."
"Why couldn't you do it yourself when she arrives? The buses come in just a few minutes."
"Do you not see me?!" Ezekial's voice suddenly rose, "Do you think I am able to move around so swiftly as I once had? If I merely leave this chair I may die. I can hardly move."
"Then why don't you go and die? Stop trying to plot and just give it up, grandfather." Manfred cried. Immediately having said it, he regretted it.
"How dare you say such a thing to me, your grandfather? You will be punished severely for saying that my dear boy! Out!" Ezekial's hand flew into the air as he pointed to the door. Manfred did not need a second invitation. He shot up from his chair and stormed out. He did not care for his grandfather no longer and he found it wearisome to have to take care of such an old, feeble man. Besides, he was his grandfather, not father. Dr. Bloor should have to take care of him. As far as he was concerned, Manfred no longer wanted his grandfather around and his stupid little plots. Manfred was growing weary of this castle and he was growing weary of Ezekial's obsession over Charlie. Let Charlie live his own life, Manfred decided. He would no longer listen to his grandfather.
*****
As the bus came to a halt, Charlie felt his stomach flip, out of excitement or nervousness, he could not tell. Grabbing his bag, Charlie followed Fidelio off of the bus. Almost immediately after setting a foot on the ground, a "Charlie! Charlie!" rose from the air. Charlie turned his head in response, looking for the speaker. Who else could it have been, but Billy Raven? Charlie waved gleefully. This was the first time Billy had ever sounded this exciting.
"Billy sure sounds excited doesn't he?" Fidelio asked, nudging Charlie amusedly.
"He's sure changed since the Onimouses adopted him." Gabriel agreed.
As the three headed for the academy, Billy raced towards them. "Hey," he said breathlessly. "How are you?!"
"We're fine, Billy. Seems like you've had a nice summer," Charlie replied, smiling at the younger boy's excitement.
"I had such a great summer. At least, it was better then the many summers I've had here at Bloor's." Billy cried. Rapidly, he began to recount his summer for the three older boys. "Una is so funny, you guys. She's such a prankster. The entire summer was just me trying to explain to her the importance of her endowment but she just kept thinking it was a toy. Of course it didn't bother me, I've never had a sister and the Onimouses actually allowed me to watch over her when they left for a day or so. I'm telling you it's fantastic living in the Pet's Café. I get to talk to the animals all day and I get to be with Rembrandt every day… except it does sometimes get tiring when all the animals are talking at once. So... what's." Suddenly, Billy ran into a jet black haired girl causing her to drop her books.
"Sorry," Billy said. He bent down to help the girl but was blocked by the girl.
"I don't need your help," the girl said coldly. Billy looked up in surprise and locked eyes with the girl. A chill ran down Billy's spine as he saw the cold, blank eyes. However, blinking in surprise, Billy saw something else shine through. Loneliness.
"Do I know you?" Billy asked slowly. Something seemed vaguely familiar about this girl. He just couldn't put his finger on it… what was it?
"No," the girl said. "I'm new here." The girl quickly gathered her books and walked away. Billy stared on after her, confused. Who is that strange girl? Suddenly, he felt a jerk on his right arm. Shaking himself he looked up.
"Come on, Billy." Charlie said as Gabriel gave his arm another tug. "We have to go to the assembly and you've already stared long enough at her."
"Ok…" Billy said as he slowly stood up. Shaking his head one last time, Billy gathered his book bag. He allowed the three older boys to walk in front of him as he lagged behind. Something about the girl troubled him… what was it?
"Oi! Billy! You coming?" Fidelio asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Coming." Billy said softly. He followed the three boys into the assembly hall.
"I have to go to the drama section now," he said disappointedly. "See you guys later?"
"'Course." Fidelio said. "See you later Billy."
"See you!" Billy cried. He gave a wave and quickly made his way to the drama section. Seeking Olivia, Billy walked towards her.
"Hey Olivia." He smiled. He wasn't as excited as he was earlier, instead he was more preoccupied with that strange, mysterious girl he had bumped into earlier.
"Hey Billy. How was your summer?" Olivia greeted him. Today, her hair was dyed black with red streaks. Her hair was tied in braids and Billy smiled warmly. She wore a mini, goth like outfit and big cow boots.
"I like your costume. Very cute. Who are you today?"
"I'm a little goth girl of course. Can't you tell?" Olivia teased. She spun around as if showing off.
"Of course." Billy said laughing. Olivia stopped and smiled. Billy sure has changed since his adoptions. I guess the Onimouses are doing a good job.
"So how was your summer Billy?" Olivia repeated, eager to hear what he had to say.
"It was the best I've ever had. Way better than staying here at Bloor's… I" Billy began, but before he could continue Mrs. Marlowe walked by them and gave them a nice "Shhh…"
"I'll tell you later," Billy whispered. Olivia nodded and the pair pulled their chairs out and sat down in silence Soon, the assembly hall fell silent, waiting for the assembly to begin. Dr. Bloor walked onto the stage and began speaking. As usual, the assembly was boring. Billy absolutely hated this assembly. He found Dr. Bloor spoke in such a drawling tone and he always spoke of the same thing. He always welcomed the new students and what will happen this term… yadda yadda yadda. Nothing exciting was ever spoken in the assembly and Billy slowly found himself thinking about the strange girl, yet again. Who is she? Why do I keep thinking about her? There was something vaguely familiar and unnerving about her. Dr. Bloor's voice began to fade, until it disappeared altogether and Billy found himself in the perfect world with people who cared. Matilda, Una, Mr. and Mrs. Onimous… *sigh* If only he could see Matilda again. How he missed her.
"Billy," someone was calling him in the distance. "Billy." There it was again. Now that person was shaking him. Who on earth was it?
"Billy, snap out of it." Billy blinked his eyes, his world faded and he found himself back at Bloors. Turning his head he saw Olivia's hand on his shoulder.
"Come on Billy. Assembly's over." Olivia said. Shaking himself, Billy grabbed his bag and followed her as they piled into the crowd to leave the assembly. They followed the crowd out of the assembly and into the great flagstone hall. Billy followed Olivia into the drama coatroom, but not catching a glimpse of the girl walking towards the crossed paintbrushes, indicating the art cloakroom. So she's in art. Absentmindedly, Billy hung his cloak on a peg.
"I'll see you first break, Billy." Olivia said, "I expect to hear everything about your summer." Billy nodded and watched her leave. For once, he looked forward to this term… to go to the Pet's Café on weekends, to have such loving adoptive parents. He wondered, what was in store for the Children of the Red King this term?
As Billy walked into his first class, history, his thoughts were immediately drawn to the girl again, for there sitting in front of him was the girl. Taking a big breath, Billy walked towards her and sat down beside her. Maybe he could get her to talk, at least more than she did earlier.
"Hi there," Billy said tentatively. The girl turned towards him and for the first time Billy was able to take a good look at her. Her facial expression was no longer as hard as it was earlier, instead it was blanker.
"Hi," she said curtly.
"Um… what's your name?" Billy asked and was caught off guard when the young girl shrugged.
"Do you have a name?" He asked. Immediately, he regretted saying it because the girl immediately turned an indignant face, "Of course I do." she replied, "I just don't want to give it to you. You have a problem with that?"
As Billy searched for an answer, the girl shot her attention back to the front. Confused, Billy tried again. "What I mean is, I'd like to know your name so you know… we could become friends."
"I don't need friends." the girl said stonily.
"Everyone needs friends. I would know," Billy said softly remembering those awful earlier years when he was tormented and rejected by everyone, "It's just a matter of whether you want them. No matter how hard you insist that you don't need friends, everyone needs one."
The girl turned to face Billy. Her face was blank but yet Billy knew he had touched a nerve. "I'm Rhiannon." she said softly.
"I'm Billy." Billy stuck out his hand and Rhiannon took it. A few seconds later, the teacher strolled on in and both kids turned their attention the teacher. The teacher placed his bag onto his chair and began taking the roll. This teacher did not seem too bad, he wasn't boring and drawling but he wasn't so bubbly that you wanted to slap him. He was ok, Billy thought.
As the teacher began explaining his procedures and expectations, Billy felt extremely awkward sitting next to Rhiannon. She seemed so… robotic. She just sat there, as still as stone.
Finally, the horn sounded, announcing the end of the class. Billy quickly got up and went over to Rhiannon.
"What do you want?" Rhiannon asked packing her bag. Slinging it over her shoulder she stood there, looking at Billy [I can't find the word at the moment].
"Nothing, I… I just wanted to know…" Billy again struggled to find words. What did he want to ask her?
As if reading his mind Rhiannon replied, "Look, there's nothing I want to tell you ok?" Her tone changed. "I… I'm just going through a lot ok and you can't help me. No one can." She swiftly turned and rushed for the door.
What does she mean by that? Billy wondered. He quickly followed her out the door, as he was the only one in the room and he would be late for his next class if he did not hurry. I wonder… Billy turned a corner and immediately ran into Emma. Billy fell on top of Emma and quickly got up surprised.
"Sorry, Emma." he said hurriedly, "I've been running into everybody today, it seems like."
"It's ok, Billy." Emma said picking herself up. "So, what's new?"
"Nothing much," Billy said. Should he tell her about Rhiannon? Perhaps he should. "There's this new girl that I keep thinking about… I guess."
"Don't tell me Billy has a little crush.." Emma said jokingly.
"No!" Billy cried indignantly. "It's just that she seems vaguely familiar and I can't figure out why. Also, she's not exactly the bubbly type. She's so cold and withdrawn but somehow I think that's not really her… I don't know. It's confusing. Her name's Rhiannon and she has long jet black hair with brown eyes. She's my age I guess but her face contradicts her attitude. When you first look at her, she seems so sweet and innocent… but then, she hardens her face when you try to talk to her. I don't understand."
"Why don't you just forget about her." Emma suggested.
"You don't think I've tried?" Billy cried, "She just keeps entering my mind. She's hiding something and I can't figure it out." Emma merely shrugged and this frustrated Billy even more. How dare she take this as a joke. Usually Emma was so sweet and sincere. Now she was acting like she had better things to do and didn't care.
"Look," Emma said, her voice softening, "You can't always figure out what everyone is thinking. Everyone is entitled to his or her secrets. You get what I mean? She's not going to tell a stranger her secrets." Billy simply grunted. Stop treating me like a little kid. I'm twelve now. Billy sauntered off without saying goodbye. This term will be interested, he thought, and she's going to be one of the reasons why. Doesn't matter what Em says, I know there's something she's hiding and I know I've seen her somewhere.
