The Calling

Chapter 4

Christian was against the idea of robbery in Hong Kong but he was not persuasive as Ah Lung who managed to gather his group there within one day. Their plan was perfect with a getaway car and four guys that would be responsible for holding up the bank. He felt uneasy but knew he had to carry it out.

“I’ll go in first.” Ah Lung nodded to his group before exiting the van. The driver took them around the block and dropped off another guy. Christian would be the last stop.

He walked casually into the bank and quickly eyed his team, which was spread randomly throughout the bank. He stood in line behind a couple “I don’t need the money, Alex.” Kevin said for the hundredth time.

She rolled her eyes “Yes, that’s why you’ve been wearing the same shirt for the past week. Just suck up the last ounce of your manlihood and except my donation.”

Kevin couldn’t help but laugh at her reason “Fine, but I’m paying you back.”

Alex waved her hand nonchalantly “Whatever.”

Christian noted Ah Lung’s head nodding twice, their cue to take over as he raised a gun and shot it into the air causing everyone to yelp and scurry onto the floor. The guys quickly pulled ski masks over their faces, careful to stay away from the security cameras “Get down and you won’t get hurt!!” one guy bellowed.

“Give me the money now!” Ah Lung pointed the gun threateningly at the female teller.

With shaky hands, she nodded and began filling up the trash bag with cash. Kevin and Alex had moved closer to the end of the wall, only a few feet from the back exit “We can make it.” He whispered.

Alex shook her head, she didn’t want to take the chance “Its too dangerous, they’ll shoot us!” She hissed.

Kevin’s determination was not going to waste as he reached for her hand “Come on!” he yanked her to her feet and raced towards the exit.

“Stop!!!” one guy cried when he quickly noticed what they were going to do. Pointing his gun, he aimed for Alex’s back.

She heard the shot, but realized she was saved when a pair of hands pushed her to the ground and she fell hard against the carpet. Kevin spun back to see one of the mask men save Alex. He rushed over to her side while she moved away fearfully from her savior and robber “You okay?” Alex nodded but she continued to move closer to Kevin. Christian turned to one of his accomplice “You’re not suppose to fire at people.” He warned with dangerous eyes.

“Forget it! The cops are coming!!” Ah Lung waved for his boys to exit as they rushed outside to their getaway van.

The people were able to breath freely when the officers rushed inside “Is anyone hurt?” one uniformed man asked.

The group shook their heads and slowly they were separated for questioning. Kevin and Alex rode home in a taxi “Are you sure you’re okay?” Kevin asked after a long moment of silence, it was unlike his friend to stay quiet.

She turned to him with raised brows “Huh?”

“What are you thinking about Alex?” he asked worriedly.

“Oh…I was wondering why that man saved me earlier. He was a thief, he shouldn’t care.” She reasoned more to herself.

“A thief with a conscience.” Kevin snickered “That’s a first.” He shook his head and suddenly, he turned to her “Unless…”

She read his thoughts before he even finished it “Oh no. Don’t start that crap with me.”

“That’s four, Alex. Two more and you have to go back to see him.” He said in a teasing voice.

“Stop!” she begged, “You’re scaring me.”

Kevin sighed, “Look, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Master said you would be saved and it’s your calling to be the chosen one.”

“Alright, that’s it! No more Miss Nice Girl.” She rolled up her three quarter length sleeves and pointed at him “If you talk about that monk again, I’m going to punch you in the nose. The prettiest part of your face.”

“I thought you said my eyes were pretty?” he batted his eyes playfully.

She pouted her lips “Oh…yeah…well, I’ll punch you in the eye then!”

He laughed at her threat while patting the driver on the shoulder “Wait, can you take us somewhere else?”

“Where to?” he asked without turning back.

“Man Lei Mental Hospital.” Kevin answered. The driver nodded as he made a sharp right turn.

“Finally admitting that you’re crazy?” Alex asked with a sigh of relief that made Kevin laugh “But I think it’s a little drastic to sign yourself into the nuthouse.”

He pushed at her head “No silly! I have to do a cover story on this girl that was admitted in there three days ago. I hear she’s one of the few military trained killers that went crazy before she even went to war.”

“Kevin, when are you going to change your job? Reporters are such scums.” She blurted out but quickly covered it “Well, not you in particular.”

“Thank you for the lame compliment.” He said sarcastically “Anyways, I like this job. It helped me become more aggressive and outgoing.”

“Really? Then why couldn’t you approach that pretty girl at the restaurant that was staring at you?” she mocked.

He laughed, “Because she was staring at you.” They entered the hospital after the cab dropped them off. Kevin pulled out his recorder, ready for the interview. He and Alex were given visitor tags to enter the off limits room.

“Wait, I don’t think I want to go inside. I’ll stay in the waiting room.” Alex said uneasily.

Kevin rolled his eyes “Don’t be such a chicken, they won’t bite.”

“You don’t know that!” she proclaimed while he laughed and pushed her through the door. She stood dead in her tracks at the scene before her. Tables were pushed to the ground and chairs were built up like a fort. The patients were hiding behind the clumsily build hideouts “Oh my God, they’ve taken over. We need to call for help!” She pointed to one of the nurses on the ground, her tongue hanging out.

At the sound of Alex’s plea, the nurse woke up with a sudden laugh. She shook her head “No, no…I’m just playing along.” She shook hands with the two of them “I’m Nurse Chu, it seems the patients have a quick liking to Mila, our new patient.”

“Mila? As in Mila Wong?” Kevin asked. The nurse nodded and he quickly put on a smile “I’m here to interview her.”

“Hey, how are you supposed to interview a crazy lady?” Alex asked suddenly, forgetting where she was, she covered her mouth “Can I say that word?”

Nurse Chu nodded with a laugh “Yes. They are not offended, they actually don’t know how to be defensive. It’s a very friendly group. Mila is doing well today, you picked a perfect day to ask for an interview.” She pointed to a young girl with frumpy hair and a plastic bowl over her head, pretending it was a helmet.

“Get down troops! We have to surprise them!!” she cried while holding chopsticks like it was a gun.

Kevin approached her carefully, afraid that he would knock down the forts “Miss Wong? Hi, my name is—”

“Get down!” she reached up for his shirt and yanked him down to the ground “Are you trying to get yourself killed, soldier?!” she barked like a leader.

“I’m sorry Lieutenant.” He nodded solemnly while playing along.

“I’m not the Lieutenant, he is!” she pointed to the male next to her, he was napping on the floor with his thumb in his mouth “I’m Captain Wong, but you can call me Mila.”

He smiled “Okay Mila. Could we get out of the war for a few minutes so I can ask you some questions? We are going to write an article on you for the Daily News.”

She raised her brows “Oh, why didn’t you say so.” Mila stood up as she let out sharp whistle “Break!! Take ten.” She advised while pulling down two chairs and pointed at one for Kevin to sit. He tilted his head strangely while she sat down with crossed legs “Go ahead.”

“Oh…alright…” he cleared his throat and began the interview.

While he did his interview, Alex walked around and watched Nurse Chu talk to the patients. Most were treated like little kids, some were dull and preferred to be by themselves. She approached a young man, who didn’t look older than twenty “Hi.”

He was shy when she sat down next to him. His eyes looked frightened but when Alex smiled, he quickly relaxed “Hello.” He nodded.

“I’m Alex.” She greeted.

“I’m Joe. What team are you on?” he asked innocently.

Alex knew he was talking about the fake war they were having. She grinned “I’m with them.” She pointed to Mila and Kevin from across the way.

Suddenly, his eyes widened and he cried “AHH!!! Enemy!! Attack!!!” reaching for a sharpened pencil on the table, he pushed it into her neck while wrapping his arm around her throat.

“Kevin!!” Alex felt herself choking as she reached up to pull his arm off her neck but he was surprisingly strong.

“Joe!! Stop that, what are you doing?!” Nurse Chu commanded.

“Get away!!” he yelled again and dug in deeper to her neck with the pencil. She winced painfully while Kevin and Mila stepped closer.

Kevin raised his hands “Let her go…she’s not the enemy.” He began calmly.

Mila touched his shoulder as she motioned for him to step back “Joe, let her go.” When the guy refused with a twitching shake of the head, her voice boomed “Attention!!!” Miraculously, he dropped his weapon and saluted her “About face!” she commanded making him step forward “Cadet 4568 is now moved to Team Blue. You are to report to your Captain immediately.”

“Yes Mam!!” Joe clicked his slippers together and relaxed his hand “Where can I find my captain?” he asked Mila innocently.

“He’s over there.” She pointed to the sleeping man in a fetal position. Joe nodded as he walked over to him and began babbling incoherent words.

Kevin quickly embraced Alex “Are you okay?” he pulled her away to check her neck, which had a little cut but it was not life threatening.

She nodded, still shaken up “Yeah, I’m okay. Thank you.” She smiled at Mila.

“You should not identify yourself during war.” She warned with widened eyes.

Alex looked nervously to Kevin “Should we continue?” he asked Mila.

“Yes. I was just getting to the good part.” She pointed politely to an empty table and waited for him.

“Wait outside for me.” He advised Alex.

She nodded and allowed Nurse Chu to escort her to the waiting room. She smiled thankfully but quickly felt the eerie feeling return. That was two in one day. The monk said she would be saved six times in one week. She had one day left and one last life to cheat. Alex didn’t want to be superstitious but it was hard not to be when all the signs were pointing in one direction. But in the end, she refused to let herself believe of such nonsense. It was impossible that she would be the chosen one to save the world.

Chapter 5

Alex walked up to Kevin’s apartment the following morning. She wanted to prove to him that the monk’s words were pure lies. Knocking on his door, she paused for him to open. But when there was no movement, she realized he might be sleeping still. Glancing at her watch, she knew instantly that he was indeed sleeping. It was only eight in the morning.

Her eyes moved around and landed on his placemat. Bending over on her knees, she picked it up and found a spare key “Always a favorite spot.” She tossed it in her hand and quickly opened the door and let herself in. She dropped her leather purse on the table and entered his room, he slept on his stomach, just like he always did as a kid. Shaking her head as she approached his side “Piggy, wake up.” She shifted him roughly but the only reaction he gave was twisting his face to the other side.

Alex walked to the other side as she pushed the blanket off his face “Not now.” He grumbled.

She moved herself on the bed and used the blanket to cover herself. A mischievous grin crossed her face as she moved her hands around his waste and hugged him from the back “Hey sexy.” she said in a raspy voice.

His eyes popped open as he suddenly jumped off of bed and turned to the unfamiliar voice. Kevin relaxed when he realized it was Alex, who was laughing at his bewildered look “That’s not funny.” He covered a yawn.

“No, but it worked.” She shrugged casually. Reaching over the side of his bed, she found a pair of jeans that he tossed on the ground. Alex threw it at him “Get dressed. We’re going out.”

He didn’t bother catching it as one of the pant leg covered his vision “Where are we going?”

“Out!” she repeated “Now let’s go!” Her eyes moved down to his boxers “And you might want to release some excess water from your little friend.”

Kevin quickly pulled the jeans to cover his boxers. It was hard to hide his embarrassment with Alex laughing “Next time, just knock.” He mumbled while practically racing towards the bathroom.

“I did!!” she yelled with a laugh and made herself comfortable on his bed. When he emerged, shaven and cleaned up, Alex moved off the bed “Not bad.” She eyed him up and down.

He shook his head tiredly “Okay Peachie, where are you taking me?” he walked over to his bed table and reached for his watch. He couldn’t help as another yawn escaped his mouth.

Alex giggled as she moved to help him put on his watch “Destiny awaits.”

His eyes widened “We’re going to the temple?”

“No, we’re going to find you a wife. It’s about time I get rid of you.” She said with sarcasm. Reaching for his hand, she pulled him outside.

He laughed unsurely “You had me there for a minute until I remembered that we still have a skit to play with your parents.” She called for a cab as it took them to the ferry harbor. She came back with the tickets while he had on a smirk “It’s about time you believed me.”

“Shut up! I don’t. I just want to prove you wrong.” Alex yanked him like a puppy on a leash “Come on, we’re going to be late for the ferry.” They walked through the revolving handles and got in line to board the ferry.

“How are you proving me wrong?” he asked curiously when they were seated.

“Because the monk said I would be back when I have cheated life six times with six different strangers that will save me. Yesterday was five and so I have one more. There’s nothing going to happen to me on a ferry and I won’t die walking up a flight of stairs. Who would have to save me?” she said logically.

Kevin laughed, “So you just want to prove to yourself that you’re not superstitious? It’s not about proving me wrong. This is about you, Alex.” He concluded.

“If you want to turn it around, that’s fine with me.” She reached in her purse to get her seasick pills.

He nodded “We’ll see about that.” After another wavy ride, they landed safely off the ferry and headed towards the stairs. The day was windier than usual. Alex seemed to be in a rush as she took two steps at a time “Don’t trip!!” he called after her.

She stopped and turned to him “Don’t jinx me!” the wind was strong as it blew loose her scarf that was tied limply around her neck to hide the scar from the previous day’s rendezvous with the mental patient. It went over the handrail and landed on a dried bush. She rushed over to the rail “Aww…Kevin!” she pointed “It’s my favorite scarf.”

He crossed his arms with a laugh “Well come on, get it. We have to prove the monk wrong. That is if you still believe it’s all a hoax.”

She sneered at him “Fine! Be that way. I’ll get it myself.” She lifted her Capri pant leg over the rail with one hand still gripping the bottom rail. But unfortunately, her hand was not long enough to reach the scarf. She would have let go but they were on a cliff and below were only rocks and the ocean.

“Hurry, we don’t have all day.” He teased while tapping his watch.

Alex turned to snap at him when her hand slip against the rail and she came sliding down with the dirt. Letting out an ear piercing scream, she caught the bush with her hand “Kevin!! Help me!!”

He rushed over but quickly paused and smiled instead “Sorry, it’s not my turn to help you.”

“What the hell are you crazy?? I’m slipping Kevin!!” Alex yelled, her head tilting over her shoulder as she caught a good glimpse of the ocean “Help me! There's no one around!” she cried desperately.

Not bothering to budge as he stood grounded when suddenly a man rushed over to him “Did you hear someone calling for help?” he was close to thirty and was dressed in a handsome gray suit. Kevin looked at the man blankly and shook his head “You don’t speak Chinese?” Kevin tilted his head and scratched the top of his scalp “Great!” the man muttered.

“Help me!!” Alex cried.

The man turned towards the voice and this time he saw her “Miss! I’ll save you, just hang on!” he dropped his suitcase and took off his jacket.

“NO!!” Alex could see the victorious grin on Kevin’s face “I don’t want you to help me, I want him!!” she nodded towards Kevin.

The man looked strangely at her “What difference would it be if he saved you?” he shook his head “Nevermind, just hang tight.” He began climbing over the rail.

“NO!! Get away from me!! I don’t need your help!!” she cried over and over but the man wasn’t about to walk away from a person needing help. Even when he pulled her to her feet, she was still fighting for him to let go of her wrist “You nosy butt!! I don’t need you!!”

Kevin threw his head back with a laugh “That’s six.”

“You speak Chinese?” the man looked at him confusingly “Why didn’t…”

“Sorry kind Sir, she’s my friend. I was just playing with her.” Kevin patted him on the back and gently pushed him to be on his way “Thank you though.”

“That’s not something you should play around with.” He scolded while reaching for his case and jacket.

Alex narrowed her eyes at him “Maybe you should have just minded your own business and walked away then!” She snapped angrily causing Kevin to laugh louder “Shut up!” Turning to the steps, she stomped up the stairs.

“You didn’t even get your scarf!” Kevin called after her. He had picked it up for her as he waved it against the wind at her.

She walked down and yanked the scarf from his hands “Thank you!!” turning, she continued to throw her tantrum against the stairs while he grinned and followed her up to the temple.

They entered the temple with the monk sitting cross legged on the ground, he opened his eyes and smiled “I have been expecting you.” He said specifically to Alex “Please, sit.” He motioned with his fragile hand.

Kevin bowed politely while he waved for Alex to come closer “You knew we were coming, master?”

He laughed heartedly “No, I knew she was coming.” He smiled at her “Has my words come true?”

“No.” She answered quickly. Kevin arched a brow at her making her give in “Well, kind of…if it wasn’t for him!” she pointed angrily at her friend.

“Whatever is meant to happen will happen. You cannot change the course of the future by not believing in it.” The monk said wisely.

Alex wrinkled her nose “Why me?”

The bald man with the white beard smiled “That’s right. Why you? Why not him? Or the man over there, or the woman that sat next to you on the ferry? It’s normal to question why you are the chosen one, but you must embrace it. It is the only way to save the world from darkness and evil.”

His words only brought shivers down her spine “Master, what is her next step?” Kevin asked eagerly.

“You have made a connection with those six people. You will come together and combined your mortal powers to fight against this evil lurking below the sea and above the sky.” At his caution, she remembered the creature she saw at the animal park “You have seen it.” The monk knew from the look in her eyes.

“See what?” she lied.

“Yes…you have seen it. Just like that man the other day.”

Kevin turned to Alex, who refused to look at him “What man?”

“The first link.” The monk explained “He is ready, I can see it in his eyes. The fear, the courage and the determination. He will come of good use to you, Alex.”

“You know my name!” she gasped.

Kevin rolled his eyes “I told him the first day we came here.”

“Oh.” She relaxed “So…” she began turning to the monk “You think that I am chosen to lead this group of connected people to fight evil? I don’t get it…where are we going?”

“An ancient curse that must come to life in order to destroy evil forever.” His words were haunting yet she still didn’t want to believe them “Centuries ago, in ancient Europe there was a curse that was left behind. Where evil sleeps and prey at night. The acres of land was abandoned but it did not stop evil from dwelling there. It is the beginning and it will be the end…that is…if you succeed.”

“Where is this place?” she asked.

The beard moved as he smiled and looked down in his sleeve and pulled out a yellow paper. Its edges looked burned and it appeared to be old “Tell me what you see.”

Alex opened it carefully and stared into the picture, she saw the creature again and before it could grow, she snapped the paper shut “What is that thing?”

“You saw something?” Kevin asked, “I didn’t see anything.”

“Evil that must be stopped. You must go soon…before it is called again.” The monk widened his eyes in terror.

She grimaced “If that’s evil, then I don’t want anything to do with it.” She stood up and rushed out of the temple. Leaving Kevin to pick up the map and rush after her.

Chapter 6

“Alex!” Kevin called after her but no matter how many times he said it, she wouldn’t stop. She reached the ferry before him and took a seat at the front of the boat. He found her staring off into the sea “Alex.” Placing a hand on her shoulder as he sat down next to her.

“I don’t want to hear it Kevin. Save your breath.” She replied solemnly.

“Are you scared?” he asked with concern.

She turned to him “Of course I am! How would you like it if some old powerful monk said you would be responsible for saving mankind?”

Kevin smiled “I would say, bring on the evil.”

She sighed, “Well, I’m not as brave as you Kevin. I can’t have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I’m just a normal girl.”

“With a gift!” he added “I would give anything to be in your place right now.”

“How courageous of you.” She laughed, “I’d give it up but it seems the monk is certain that I am the ‘chosen’ one. Jesus! Why me?!?!!” She wailed towards the sky making people stare at her in wonder.

Kevin smiled apologetically at the people and turned to see her head falling onto his shoulders dramatically. He patted her head adoringly “There, there little one, don’t worry whatever happens, I’ll be by your side to protect you.”

Alex whipped her head away “What? You can’t be serious?” he furrowed his brows confusingly “You think I’m going to go through with this?” she laughed hysterically with tears in her eyes “I’m not going anywhere.”

“But the world will be destroyed if you don’t go!” he was stunned.

“See no evil…” she covered her eyes “Hear no evil.” Moving her hands over her ears.

“You think it will go away because you don’t believe in it? It won’t stop the world from ending, Alex. It will only make it come sooner and how will you feel having the guilt on your conscience knowing that you did nothing to save those people. Everyone…” he asked darkly.

Alex snickered “I wouldn’t have guilt because I’ll be dead like everyone else!” When the boat docked, he pulled her by the hand “Where are we going now?” She asked tiredly “Another mental institute or another bank robbery?”

“Library. I want to show you something.” He waved for a cab as he ushered her inside.

“Why? I hate libraries, they make me nervous.” Alex whined.

“They do not. Now stop whining, you’re not twelve anymore.” He scolded.

She laughed, “Then stop lecturing, you’re not fifty yet.”

Alex easily caused him to crack a smile “Stop it! Be serious, we have a mission to accomplish.”

“Okay, let me put on my mission hat then.” She sat upright in the car and placed on an invisible helmet. Narrowing her eyes as she pretended to look intense.

“Looks like your constipated helmet is on.” He snorted making her explode into giggles. When the car came to a stop, they exited and walked into the library.

“At least let me change. Look at me, I look filthy!” She pointed to the dirt stain.

He didn’t bother looking at her “You look fine. Come on.” Dragging her inside as he dropped her off at a table “Sit here and I’ll be right back.”

“Yes, teacher.” She said with her childish voice. When Kevin was out of sight, she let out a groan while dropping her head onto the desk “Get me out of here…”

“Miss, are you okay?”

A familiar male voice asked making her move her head up and to the right “You! Again! What do you want from me?” raising her index fingers as she gestured them into a cross sign “Get away! Evil being!”

Her voice rose while the blind man shook his head in confusion. Kevin heard her cries as he quickly grabbed the book and returned to her “Alex, shhh! This is a library.” He nodded apologetically towards the librarian.

She whimpered behind him while pointing to the blind man “He followed me here.” She whispered.

Kevin turned and quickly smiled “Oh, it’s you. I’m sorry, my friend is a little crazy in the head. She doesn’t mean any harm.” He reached for the man’s hand and shook it “My name is Kevin.”

“Jerome Choi, but they call me Jerry.” He smiled warmly “How about the lovely lady?”

Alex stepped forward “I’m not lovely. I’ve got five warts on my face, my eyes are too far apart and my teeth are crooked. I’m Alex, it’s nice to meet you.” She reached for his hand and shook it. But when she felt a surge of electrical energy pass through her fingers, she realized she could not let go. Suddenly a wash of images passed her eyes, she saw the creature killing people throughout the world. Buildings were broken and falling from its horrific attacks. It fed off on human’s organs. She shivered from the violent scenes unfolding in her mind.

“Alex!” Kevin had been calling her but she seemed to be in another world. Finally he shook her making her return to reality.

“Huh? What?” her eyes widened.

Jerry tilted his head at her “What did you see?”

She laughed nervously “See? I see a library and two guys in front of me.”

“No, you saw something else.” He insisted.

“No, I didn’t see anything.” She replied firmly, “Now if you will excuse us, we have things to read.” She nodded at Kevin to move aside. Jerry followed her perfume as he turned towards her direction, a smile crawled across his lips.

Kevin pulled a seat out and sat next to Alex at a desk far from the blind man “What was that all about?”

She brushed it off lightly “Nothing. So, what is it that you have to show me? I have a hair appointment in five minutes.”

“Reschedule.” He said casually while flipping through the pages to an old reference book.

“What is that?” she moved her face closer to the cover “Legends of Ancient Curses. Oh crap…what crazy lunatic would write about on this nonsense?”

Kevin found the page with ease as he began to read “Here it is…Ancient Europe has a legend of the curse over the northern sea where evil looms over the Castle of Akrinoma. Evil creatures surround the land, killing any living thing in its path. Thousand of years ago, they were contained in an invisible barrier where the creatures are to remain unmoved. Two hundred decades later, it will rise again from a broken curse and destroy all humanity. The only hope that is left for humans are the seven chosen heroes. Randomly chosen, they will work together to demolish and vanquish evil for all eternity. But it is not determined whether they will accomplish, it will be up the ‘Destined Seven’ whether there will be a tomorrow for the mortal world.”

He turned to find her dozing off comfortably on the table. Kevin let out a sigh while Alex pretended to wake up from her nap “Oh, were you still talking?” Arching a brow upwards while she giggled “You’re telling this to the wrong person.”

“There’s more.” He pointed.

“Of course there is.” Alex replied dryly while looking over her nails “I don’t like this color, it makes me look pale.”

“Shhh…listen.” He instructed, “On the night of the summer’s full moon, the seven will meet together in Akrinoma. A man that was once righteous will have turned to greed. Where a girl’s cry cannot be heard. A man living in total darkness will see through his fingers. It is where a female with amazing contact with nature will come in good use. Also, there is a man who is wise beyond his years. And lastly, the leader is chosen. She does not have extraordinary or special knowledge, she is chosen for her heart and ability to teach the other six something they lack. But alas, the mission cannot be completed without evil lurking its corners. One will turn towards darkness and will be replaced. It is the ‘Destined Seven’ to find this person and destroy him before he releases the evil from its barrier. Those that are deemed ready will see the creature in their eyes, it will only grow more vivid with each day passing, until they are united in Akrinoma. The fate of the world lies in your hands.”

“Great! That’s just great! Thank you Kevin, you have just officially ruined my sleep tonight. Now all I will dream about is this stupid made up castle!” she groaned painfully.

“That’s still not enough for you?” he asked in dismay “What will it take for you to go?”

“Do I have to?” she asked feebly.

Kevin sighed “Alex…”

She rapidly raised her hands in defense “No, don’t answer that…I know when I’m beat. Evil, here we come. Whoopee.” Her voice lacked of energy and enthusiasm.

“Great!!” Kevin was excited as he closed the book and returned it to its rightful place “Come on.”

“Where to now?” Alex dragged her feet while he had difficulty pulling her along.

“Your hair appointment of course.” He said matter-of-factly.

Picking up her steps, it was her turn to yank him “Why didn’t you say so!!”

***********

Using her hands to speak to the class, Ann motioned for the story telling of the war history of China. She was not a regular teacher, she was mute. Instead she used her hands as her voice. The students were normal but all could read sign language “Miss Hui, could you explain the duration of the civil war again?” a student requested.

Ann smiled with a nod as she repeated the information with her hands. After she was done, she glanced at the clock in the back of the classroom. She saluted the group, a sign for class to be over.

After the students left, she noticed a person standing by the door. His smile was inviting “Hi Ann.” Kyle walked inside casually.

She nodded in reply but gave no other response, only turning to clean up her books to go home.

“You’re still mad?” he tilted his head innocently. Ann turned her head up slowly and eventually shook her head “That’s good, I can’t have that on my conscience. How about dinner?” She began to decline with her hands “Why not?”

Ann explained that she had too many tests to check and the finals were coming very soon, she would not have time to even eat.

“Fine, then I’ll buy the food and take it up to your apartment.” He said casually. Before he had a chance to walk out, she stopped him with her hands and made a few gestures “Italian sounds great.” He replied with a grin.

Kyle had a crush on her since the moment he laid eyes on her. He had only taught for a few classes at the new university until they promoted him. She was rare and had more personality than an average girl.

But Ann was not like any other girl, she could not speak and she carried on a special gift that she recently found. She was able to hear other sounds. Voices from another world, voices from things that the naked eye could not see. They were treacherous and evil sounding. She did not accept them at first but the more she visited the monk in Po Lin Temple, the more his predictions came true. She had no choice but to believe him.

The two ordered an easy spaghetti dish and two glasses of wine. Kyle clasped his hands nervously over each other “So…anything new?” She shook her head while taking a sip of her wine “How’s work?”

She gestured ‘So so.’

“That’s good…” he nodded “Um…do you have any plans for the summer?”

Ann smiled with a nod ‘Summer school.’

He laughed, “Don’t you ever stop working?” she shook her head “Those kids don’t know how lucky they are to have you as a teacher."

‘Thank you.’ She motioned a hand over the lips. When the food came, they found it easier to eat instead of trying to carry on an awkward conversation. She knew it was obvious he had a crush on her but she didn’t know why he picked her out of all the available staff at the university. Ann studied his features, he was handsome and so young to be a Dean and it was amazing that he earned a PHD both in History and Math before he turned thirty.

It was admirable but to Ann, he was just another man. He caught her looking at him, causing her to turn away embarrassingly “What is it?” he asked. Ann shook her head with a smile “Does it concern me?” he tried. She nodded in answer “Well then I have the right to know.”

But he was not prepared for her question ‘Why me?’

Kyle was taken aback by the forward question “I…I don’t know. There’s just this connection....”

Suddenly her fork fell onto the plate with a plank sound. Her hands reached over hear ears as she tried to cover the vicious sound of the creature calling to her. It was a mix between fingernails scratching against a chalkboard and an eagle’s sharp cry “Ann? Ann…what’s the matter? Ann…” That was the last word she heard before she fell off her chair and onto the carpeted floor of the restaurant, unconscious.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004