The Calling

Chapter 22

Five days was not a long time to wait, but to Alex it seemed to last for weeks. Each passing minute was dragging and she wanted nothing more than to continue with the plan. Mila’s radio contacted another station, Wales was being destroyed. It would not be long until it reached all of Europe.

It had been days since they’ve seen sunlight as the days were getting darker. According to the books, the day night took over would be a true sign of the world ending. On the fifth day before she were to see the King of Akrinoma, Alex took one last look at the blue sky.

Eyes closed, she breathed in the crisp air “There is no need to be sad, my dear. Fate will have plans for you.” Jerry’s voice broke into her thoughts.

She turned to see him walking calmly towards her, he seemed to be gliding on air “You know blind man, all my life I tried to always be happy. But for once, I’ve actually found someone that I truly care about and then I’m told I cannot be with him. I can’t help but be sad.”

His eyes glossy as he turned to the sky “Don’t worry, after today you will be sad no more.”

Alex felt something odd stir inside her. She moved her head to look at him “Why are you talking like that?”

Jerry smiled as he turned to her with strange eyes “I have always talked like this.”

She shook her head unsurely while backing away “No…no you haven’t…” a wash of fear came over her as she realized his eyes had life “You can see…”

“And see I can.” He threw his head back with a wicked laugh “My dear, you are much more beautiful than I imagined.” He stepped gingerly towards her with a greed that gave her chills up and down her spine “Soon, we will be together again.”

“Again? What…what are you talking?” she stuttered. Her eyes darted to the door hoping that someone would come to save her.

Jerry smiled crookedly “No one will come to your rescue. They are too busy thinking of how to save you. Your dear Kevin is smart but he is not a wizard.”

“Melaor…” she whispered with widened eyes.

“How sweet my name sounds upon your lips.” Jerry reached out a hand to graze her face. She had no where to back into, she could only close her eyes hoping that it was all a nightmare. She felt a cold pair of lips touch hers, twitching her head as she tried to stop him but he was relentless pressing his body onto hers and wrapping his arms around her waist and neck.

When she felt her body being lifted, her eyes snapped open. They were flying over the coast and at full speed “What do you want with me?!” she cried.

“You will see.” Jerry smiled mysteriously as he charged them into the ocean. Her cries were deafening but it didn’t faze him one bit. They crashed into the ocean causing a large wave that circled around them. She thought she would drown but surprisingly, she could breath underwater. They seemed to be protected by a bubble.

Too scared to ask, she decided not to say a word until he led her to an underwater world. A castle surrounded by algae sat and thousands of Akrones floated around the castle as if guarding it. They stared at the intruders with hatred but the minute Jerry glared at them with reddened eyes, they backed away and a few bowed their heads with respect.

They entered the castle without complications. Darkness filled the entire place but only the red eyes were their light “Is that you my love?” a raspy female voice asked.

Alex spun in circles as she too heard the voice “Did you hear that?”

Jerry knelt down on one knee a fist over his heart “My Queen, I apologize for being late.”

“I would wait for you forever if I could.” Her words were a mere whisper, Alex guessed she was in tears.

“I have found you a replacement.” He looked up at Alex but in the red-lit room, she could not tell.

“Ahhh, Alex…we have met.” The Queen grinned viciously through her beak.

Alex stood still, she was at awe and disbelief of what was happening, she didn’t want it to be reality. Denial took over as she started to shake her head “No…this is just a bad dream. It really is. I need to wake up. Kevin! Christian!! Someone wake me up!!!” she yelled loudly “Help!! Someone!! Anyone!!!”

She felt Jerry’s body head standing up “You can cry until your voice is gone but it will not change the future. You belong to me, I brought you here. I will not allow all my hard work to go to waste, I have done too much for you.”

“What? You…you’re the monk?” Alex felt queasy in the stomach as her feet weakened below her.

“Yes, the monk, the blind man. I saved your life when you were four. It took me years to find you but I did. I knew when you walked through that temple that you were the perfect candidate. You were not suppose to live past the age of five but I changed your future.” He sounded proud of his work.

“You can’t do that!” Alex cried, “You’re playing God! That’s wrong.”

“My dear, when will you realize that I am God! I wrote those books, all of them. The one that you dear Kevin found, why did you think I was there in that library? I had to make sure he found the book that would convince you to come.”

She shook her head “You’re sick…all you people are sick!! I have to tell the others…let me out!” She shrieked while pushing on the bubble. But it was useless, he was no ordinary wizard, he was the best the world had ever known.

*********

“Alex.” Kevin knocked on the door. His mind was a blur but he was confident that his plan would work. He found a way to save her and lift the curse “Alex!” he knocked harder until his knuckles ached “Alex!!” Something was wrong, he could feel it as he pushed the door open and found it empty.

Ann rushed down the hall when she heard his cry “What’s wrong Jerry?”

“She’s gone. She left.” He said in dismay.

“Where to?” Ann questioned.

“How the hell would I know?? I can’t believe this…this can’t be happening.” He looked deliriously mad “I have to find her.”

Ann quickly pulled his hand back “Calm down. Kevin, we don’t have time to find her. The King is expecting us to come.”

He whipped his hand away “There’s never any time. But I have finally found a way to save her life without sacrificing her. Now she’s gone? How do you expect me to be calm?! Huh??!” his face red with anger as he screamed out with frustration.

He lips quivered, it was the first time he’s yelled at her “I’m sorry…”

He shook his head “I don’t want to talk right now.” He turned and sped down the hall checking all the rooms.

An hour later, they gathered in the living room. It was Mila who first noticed another member’s disappearance “Where’s the blind man?”

“I don’t know. I thought he was already down here when I checked his room.” Tammy said in confusion “And where’s Alex?”

“You don’t think they ran away together to a hideout to have kids do you?” Mila asked with a finger scratching her chin.

Kevin threw her a dangerous glare “We can’t worry about that now.” He turned to the kitchen where the King and his army of Akrones walked out “Your majesty.” Kevin greeted “I’m afraid I have bad news. Alex is missing.”

The six turned to each other strangely after he began speaking in chirps “Crap, we can’t understand.” Christian muttered.

“He said there’s a Plan B.” Kyle spoke up. They turned to him with surprise “I guess we don’t have to wonder who has the next power.”

“How boring, it’s already been used.” Mila said with a roll of the eyes.

“What should we do next?” Kevin turned to the King.

He began speaking again “He said, he can only take one person with him. The rest would have to be split up among his servants.” Kyle explained as he pointed to the larger Akrones behind the King.

“Cool! I choose this one!” Mila pointed to a recognizable female Akrone.

Kyle turned to the group “We don’t have much time left. We have to do this, the King is positive they have Alex and Jerry.”

Kevin volunteered to be swallowed by the King while the rest had to go with the others. They gathered their bodies in a stiff position and the beaks carefully covered them and lifted them with the head tilted back, each of them slid into the stomach without difficulty.

The texture was musty and sticky inside the beast’s stomach but it was the last thing on Kevin’s mind. He struggled to keep his foot grounded when he realized they were leaving the castle. His stomach jumped when they began flying, it was as if he knew where they were going without seeing their destination. They were entering the ocean, where the Queen of Akrinoma would be. Breathing was not difficult since they were safe inside the bird’s stomach.

When the King halted, Kevin knew they had made it to their destination. The bird bent over as he slipped Kevin out of his throat and beak. They were in a castle like place, it was dark but a few candles were lit up “You can breath Mila.” Kyle said sarcastically when the girl held in her breath until her face turned red.

“I was just trying to get the popping noise out of my ear.” She replied with the same tone “Wow…” she whispered while staring at the castle “It’s hideous.”

“What is this place?” Christian asked out loud.

“The remains of Gideon.” Jerry’s voice answered as he stepped out from the darkened throne.

“Jerry!” Tammy cried while clutching her heart “Thank God, we thought you died.” She stepped closer but it was Kevin that pulled her back.

“He’s not Jerry.” He said darkly.

The figure clapped happily “Not bad Kevin. But it isn’t a wonder my pupil would recognize me even without my form.”

“Pupil?” Ann asked.

“Legend says that the chosen seven will be taken over by the original seven’s personality, roles and lives. All changed according to society and world change.” Kevin replied shortly “You have Alex, don’t you?”

Jerry shrugged “Maybe I do?”

“Let her go! She’s innocent!” Christian stepped closer.

“I’m sorry, I cannot do that.” Jerry shook his head as he waved a hand towards the back and the room lit up. They were surrounded by Akrones, Alex was tied to a chain to their front left, the Queen stood to the left, eyes fiercely looking at the King. Jerry’s eyes darkened as he stared hatefully at the King “Caleavore, I have waited decades for this moment. You have helped the last five curses but this will be the final one, I have found the person to replace the lovely Juneala.”

“Melaor, the girl is innocent. Why must you continue to dwell on earth? You have died centuries ago, the male body you have borrowed too does not deserve this.” The King said.

“Darn! I got the same gift!” Mila grumbled, “I could understand him too.”

Ann turned to the girl “I think we all can.”

Chapter 23

The room grew silent. With the enemies in the same room, it was hard not to feel the tension “For once, history will not repeat itself. WE will win this battle.” Jerry said firmly. His fury built as the waves began to rumble. His hands lifting upward as he muttered a spell to cover the world with darkness.

Kevin closed his eyes as he too began to come up with a counter-spell that would stop his evil master “You’re not the only wizard here.”

“I taught you well.” Jerry stopped when he realized Kevin found a way to block his spell.

“Regret?” Kevin asked with a grim smile.

“I should have killed you all when I had the chance. But the stupid book had a mind of it’s own.” He growled angrily.

Kevin laughed, “I know. I was working for the King. When his suspicion grew, he asked me to tamper with your book of spells. I didn’t know it worked, thanks for confirming.” He turned to Tammy “Do you have it?” She turned to the Akrone, which she rode in, it spat out a bag and she quickly picked up “You may be the best wizard, but even the best makes mistakes. I believe when you tried to destroy the spells that would one day be used against you, you left one behind.”

“Sucka!!” Mila pointed to Jerry with a shrill laugh.

Alex couldn’t help but smile, the light was shining on them for once “You should surrender while you can.”

“Never! If I die, I’m taking this world with me. I will not allow you to keep us in this barricade of hell any longer. It is time we rose to rule. I created the curse to extend my life here...I have the control!!” He growled.

Mila shook her head while her elbow jabbed Christian’s rib “Dude, is he for real? What’s with the drama? I say let’s kick their asses and lift this curse so I can get on with my life.”

Christian stifled a smile because she was making Jerry’s face grow red with fury “I have to agree with Mila.”

“Thank you!” She threw her hands up in dismay “I mean there is a man out there waiting for me to find. I can’t do it if you freaks fly around killing everyone in sight.”

“Foolish woman! You will not worry about if this world is destroyed.” Jerry spoke with a promise that they knew would come true if not for the final battle “Now return the book to me before I have to use force.” He raised a hand at Kevin.

“I chose force.” Kevin replied as he nodded to Christian who pulled out his twin pair of lucky pistols.

He snickered while pointing the gun to Jerry’s head “We play this my way. Dare me to shoot your head open.”

The threat only caused him to laugh “Idiots! Bullets cannot harm me, I’m already dead.”

“But the body you’re borrowing isn’t.” Kevin replied logically.

Christian raised another gun and pointed it to Alex “I think you have no choice.”

Jerry narrowed his eyes dangerously “You’re lying. You wouldn’t kill Alex, you are so madly in love with her that you don’t even see that she’s really in love with Kevin.”

He looked down and then turned to Alex, who shook her head “Christian, don’t listen to him. Just kill me! It’ll ruin their plans and destroy the book, Kevin. It will stop the curse!”

“You can’t do it.” Jerry pressured as he toyed with his mind. He stood still staring at him “Go ahead, shoot, like Alex said.”

“He’s too calm.” Ann whispered to Tammy.

She agreed, “I know. I think he wants that book.”

Christian stared at Alex, he aimed and fired at the chains above her head. They quickly dropped and freed her from being a prisoner “You missed.” She said dryly.

“No, he couldn’t do it.” Jerry said smugly, he was positive Christian would not be able to kill his love “We are not any different Christian. We are both in love with a woman, why don’t you stand with me? We will rule this world together…” he urged.

He glared at Jerry with hatred “No, we’re not the same. I’m not crazy.” With that said, he fired into Jerry’s forehead as his body dropped instantly.

“Melaor!!!” The Queen shrieked.

The spirit of the evil wizard escaped the body as a cloud of black dust began to fly around trying to find a new person to enter “Now!” Kyle cried as the group began running in circles dodging from the spirit. This angered the Queen as she announced her army to attack. The King too called for his men to protect the seven remaining.

Meleor was aiming for the book as it chased Kevin wherever it went. A few Akrones gave up their lives to protect him as the spirit passed through them causing them to explode into a red dust “Catch!” Kevin threw it towards Christian who caught it easily. Soon the group were playing tag football with the book of legends and spells.

“Me, give it to me!!” Mila bounced as she tried to get Tammy’s attention. The girl grew weary when she realized she could run no more. She tossed the book but it landed short “You throw like a girl!” she stepped closer to get it.

“Mila watch out!” Kyle cried when the Queen sliced her beak at Mila but missed. She used her clawed feet to grab the book.

Mila jumped back but she was soon ready to fight “Oh no you don’t, give that to me!” She pounced on the book and held on while the Queen struggled to throw the girl off the book.

“Wow, she’s good.” Alex said.

It was a fight of strength and determination. Mila held on until her fingers came numb as she was thrust here and there. Finally, the Queen gave a good shake as the girl and book flew to the ground with a thud “Alright!!” Kyle praised, “Look out!!” he cried when the beak began aiming at Mila.

She quickly rolled away and threw the book towards Kyle “Catch!”

He didn’t react quick enough as it hit him over the head causing him to topple over “Kyle, behind you!” Tammy warned.

A gunshot fired and killed the Akrone ready to take his life. Christian lowered the gun “A life for a life.” Kyle smiled gratefully as he picked up the book and began running from the black dust that suddenly aimed at him.

“Me! Throw it to me!!” Mila cried again.

“You got your chance!!” Kyle yelled while clumsily dodging the sharp beaks that aimed at his head. He stopped when he was faced with another Akrone “Crap. Alex catch!!” he threw it towards her when he saw that she was the closest to him.

“NO!” Christian cried.

Alex caught it but realized she was cornered by the black dust “Give me the book!” The raspy voice snarled.

She winced painfully “Over my dead body!” she yelled daringly.

“You tell him!” Mila cheered.

“As you wish.” Melaor’s voice was husky but still recognizable. The small opening began to circle until its mouth became wide enough to swallow her.

Alex dropped herself to the floor and rolled away from the growing mouth. Suddenly, she felt something holding onto her leg stopping her from getting away “Get off me!!” she yelled but kicking air would not save her.

“Alex!” Christian was too far to help her.

Mila raised a hand as she pointed her palm to the black dust “Get away from her!!” magically, a bright yellow force pushed towards Melaor and he was thrown back “Wow, I was only kidding too.” She looked at her hand "Cool power."

Alex looked behind her and noticed he was coming back. She stumbled to her feet and began running. She circled the left side until she found Kevin being cornered by the Queen “Shoot it!” Ann said to Christian.

“I’m out of bullets!” he checked his gun again but it was empty.

“You have ruined my plans!!” The Queen barked angrily. The others could not get to him as they were being attacked by the other Akrones.

Alex held tightly to the book as she rushed through the fight scenes with Melaor close on her heels. She saw the Queen pushing its head back, a sign it was ready to kill. Closing her eyes she leaped at Kevin who was ready to lose his life. The piercing pain was like no other she had ever endured. She was short of breath and had it not been for Christian’s painful cry, Kevin wouldn’t have known “ALEX!!”

His eyes popped open and he was faced to face with her, the beak was shot through her and the book which sat neatly on her chest, protected by her arms “Alex…” his heart nearly stopped when he looked down at the beak coming through her body and the book.

“No!!! NOO!!!!” Melaor’s painful groan echoed thunderously around the castle. A bright white light shown over the black dust as it circled into tiny tornado and was blasted into a handful of dust.

The Queen pulled the beak out of Alex as she turned to catch the last glimpse of her beloved “Melaor!! Melaor!!!! You will pay for this!!!”

“Do it…now…the spell…” Alex whispered after she fell into Kevin’s arms “Lift the curse…Kevin…” she grimaced from the pain while he couldn’t contain his emotions and cried openly.

“Kevin!” Ann cried when she was suddenly cornered by the Queen.

Kevin held tightly to Alex and the book as he said the spell out loud “Night to Day, Day to Night. Evil and Good combined. Let it be that beasts returned to human. Akrinoma to be returned to man. For the cursed to be free and at peace. The book of legends and all its contents to be buried under Gideon forever. Life will bestowed upon man once again…” as he finished, the castle seemed to come to life as the ground shook like an earthquake. A deafening rumbling sound began as the ground below them started to rise. Within seconds the mountain pushed it’s way above the land and sat directly facing miles from castle of Akrinoma. Land filling in the water as it grew back to its once fair green meadows.

Light began to shine through the stone windows and the Akrones were magically turned back to human form. The Queen though was dying from the lifted curse. Her large wings fell to the floor as she gasped for air. Slowly it shrunk until her body melted into the ground as did her people. The King’s human form appeared as did his soldiers and people “I do not know how to thank you for everything. You have saved my people and lifted the curse forever.”

Christian stepped close enough so that when he knelt down, he was across from Alex “It’s too late…we couldn’t save her.”

Kevin looked up as a tear streamed down his face “She…she’s really gone?” He handed her over to Christian, who rested her head onto his chest as he hugged her dearly. The book was still wrapped around her hands “There is nothing you can do?” he asked the King “Please, your highness, I beg you.”

His spirit was diminishing quick. The body was becoming translucent “No, I do not know. But search in your heart…the magic may be over but miracles can still happen. Think Kevin. Thank you again…all of you.” He smiled contently as his figure faded.

Tammy wiped her tears as she patted Christian on the shoulders “She is so brave.”

“Damn it! My power is broken!” Mila shook her palm as she pointed it at Kyle.

“Stop that!” he moved away from her target.

“We’re still missing two powers.” Ann recalled. She turned to Kevin “You and Christian didn’t get yours. Maybe it’s healing?”

Mila rolled her eyes “Yes, because we are just that lucky.”

“Why not? Kyle and Tammy had the same power.” Ann reasoned.

“Try it, both of you.” She urged, “It’s worth a shot.”

Christian wiped the tears harshly as he set her on the ground, suddenly his eyes caught on something “Guys…come here.” He motioned. They rushed to his side as he pointed to the book “The circle, and the line that shoots through it…”

“It’s the same cut from the Queen’s beak.” Ann nodded.

“Yeah, but what does it mean?” Mila scratched her head.

Kevin’s face lit up “I know! Circle, form the same circle!”

“But we’re missing Jerry.” Tammy pointed out while she took her place next to Kyle.

“Trust me.” Kevin was to take Jerry’s old place. He ran to where Jerry’s body lied. Picking it up, he placed it below Alex’s feet to form a perfect line “Hold hands.” He instructed and closed his eyes to summon the spell he knew too well.

Chapter 24

One Week Later

“I can’t believe we’re still stuck here! Stupid curse, killed everyone and we can’t even find a ride to the airport!” Mila muttered.

Tammy laughed, “One week ago, you said you’d be glad to live here forever.”

“Well until I realized all the men within 100 mile radius was killed!!” she argued “I hate this place, I really do.” The girls were packing ready to leave. A day ago Christian announced that he ran into some people a few miles from the castle. They told him of an abandoned home which had a car that they could use since the people living there disappeared.

“I’m just glad that our lives could go back to normal.” Tammy sighed as she shut her suitcase closed and sat on the bed.

Mila snickered “Not that normal. We saw too much, I don’t think my mind will ever be the same again.” Tammy stifled a laugh “What?” Mila asked, “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” Tammy grinned.

“I don’t know how you could smile with what’s going to happen. I mean, you were there with all the drama. I don’t think their lives will ever be the same without Alex.” Mila sighed tiredly “What is love? Have you ever asked yourself that question? I mean, what is it really? Nothing tangible, so why do people go crazy over it? And poor Ann—” Mila rubbed her arm as she turned to Tammy for an explanation when her head twitched towards the door “Ann! Hi, we were just talking about you!” Mila greeted.

She smiled quietly “Really? There are still things to say?” Ann shrugged carelessly “C’est la vie. That’s life. You can’t win them all.”

“How are you dealing with it?” Tammy asked sincerely. The girls had grown closer after their near life experience.

“He didn’t choose me. What else can I say? It’s always been Alex.” Ann leaned on the door with crossed arms “I couldn’t force him to love me.”

“Isn’t it funny? Somehow we all came out without a relationship yet there were some that formed.” Mila said dreamily.

“What do you mean?” Tammy asked.

She rolled her eyes “Hello…you and Christian. Kevin and Ann. Christian and Alex. Tammy and Kyle. Ann and Kyle. Kevin and Alex…me and Jerry.”

“You and Jerry?” Ann and Tammy cried in unison.

“Well, yeah, I’d figure everyone was coupling up, I might as well pick a partner. I’d choose Kyle but personally, that guy gets on my nerves.” She wrinkled her nose in dismay making the other two laugh.

*****************

The guys too were finishing up their packing “Is that all you brought?” Kevin asked Kyle who was closing two luggages.

“Yeah, I had to borrow one of Alex’s…you don’t mind do you?” Kyle asked.

“No, why would I?” Kevin shrugged.

“I brought back a bunch of artifacts that I think the Museum would like.” Kyle said proudly “Hey, how are you and…you know who...”

Christian stood at the door as he smiled with crossed arms “If you want to talk about me, try refraining from using ‘you know who’. It’s practically a given.”

Kevin laughed, “He’s right. No one wins in this world. Not when it comes to love.”

“So you’re over Alex?” Kyle pressed nosily.

“No…” Kevin replied slowly “But it would have never worked.”

“Same here. Could you imagine her carrying my son and running around through motels in Malaysia hiding from police and other thieves?” Christian laughed with a shaking head.

“With her little Louis Vuiton purse and Anne Klein scarves?” Kevin asked with a laugh “Yeah, that would have been a sight.”

***************

She sat on her luggage waiting for the others but they were taking longer than she anticipated. It was hard to sleep knowing that she would be in her warm sweet bed after that day. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door “I got it!” She announced brightly and rushed to get the door. When it opened, she was faced with an adorably handsome man with a smile that melted her heart.

“Hi.” He grinned.

Alex slammed the door shut as she let out a wild shriek. The girls were the first to rush down to see what was going on “Who is it?” Tammy asked with widened eyes. Her worse nightmare was the Akrones coming back to life.

She shook her head with a menacing smile “He…oh…my gosh…just the most gorgeous man I have ever met. I made a wish last night when I saw a shooting star but I can’t believe it would come true.” She gushed with dreamy eyes.

“Let me see!” Mila pulled Alex out of the way and opened the door. She fell for the smile too “Hi…” she whispered shyly.

“Hi beautiful. Are you Alex?” he asked with the perfect smile.

Mila’s face dropped “Why do you want to see her?”

“Get out of my way!” Alex pushed her away from the door “I’m Alex. I’m Alex, are you my knight in shining armor?”

Ann and Tammy muffled a laugh while the guy looked confused “No, I was told that I am your replacement.”

“You’re a little too late.” Kevin spoke up from behind. He stood there with Christian, crossed arms “The curse is lifted. We don’t need a replacement.”

“Yeah, so why don’t you go back to where you came from.” Christian waved his hand nonchalantly.

“Guys, there’s no need for bad mouthing. Just be adults about this.” Kyle said casually.

“Shut up!” Alex muttered. She turned to the handsome stranger “You can be my replacement any day, baby.” She whispered seductively.

Ann laughed with a shaking head “You are so desperate.”

“You took the words right out of my mouth.” Mila agreed.

Alex turned to her swiftly “Like you didn’t undress him with your eyes when you saw him!”

“No, I did more than that.” Mila winked at him flirtatiously.

“Ladies, can I come inside? It is a bit nippy outside.” The guy slid through the door with ease. He turned to Ann and nodded “I had no idea I would find four angels in an old place like this.” Grinning at Tammy, he complimented “Aren’t you the cutest.” She giggled shyly and turned her eyes to the ground.

“Wimp ass…” Kyle muttered.

Jerry, who was enjoying the bickering raised his brows at him “Very adult comeback.” Christian and Kevin laughed with pointing fingers at Kyle.

“You think you’re so cool just because your vision is cured don’t you?” Kyle mocked.

“I am a little smug.” Jerry agreed with a nod.

“SHH!!!” Alex hushed “I can’t hear him talk.” She pointed to the guy. When she turned to him, her voice instantly softened angelically “So, what’s your name?” she twiddled with his jean jacket playfully.

He smiled, the attention was not something he was use to “Actually, they call me Ah Keung." he glanced at his watch "Look ladies, I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm just your cab driver."

“What?!” Alex and Mila said simultaneously while the guys cracked up from laughter.

“Yeah, some guy named Howard called and told me to tell you that I was Alex’s replacement. I thought it was strange but then I figured it was some kind of code.” He shrugged “So, we goin’ or what? I’m gonna start the clock.”

Alex looked bored as she pushed the guy out of her way “Whatever. Boy.” She snapped her fingers at Kevin “Get my bag.”

“And she’s back.” Kevin sighed with a smile as he walked over to get her luggages.

The flight back was grueling and long with the strange awkward moment of silence coming from the group. When Mila began humming out loud, it was obvious that Alex was bothered by it. She turned to Kevin who was grinning, waiting for her to blow up. But she smiled with gritted teeth “I’m not the same person anymore.”

He raised his brows “Really? Hey Mila, sing it out loud, please.” He requested.

“Okay!” She agreed brightly and began screeching the God awful song she was humming.

After a couple of minutes of pure meditation, Alex was able to pass through her usual easily annoyed self and smile “That’s great Mila, why don’t you sing us another song?” she asked calmly.

“Okay.” Mila grinned and began to belt out another song.

But it was Kyle who grew restless “Dear God, someone kill it!! Or I will!!” He stood up pointing to Mila.

“Well! I guess some people don’t know good talent.” Appalled by his reaction “How rude.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

“Woman, just sit and be quiet and you won’t get hurt.” He warned.

She leered her eyes and pointed her palm at him “Shoot him!” she commanded.

“Hmph! It doesn’t work anymore. We are not in the land of the makebelieve.” Kyle sang sarcastically.

“Darn it!” she grumbled.

The long flight took a toll on them only after five hours. They were soon all asleep. When they woke from the announcement through the intercom that they were approaching Hong Kong International Airport, all had wrinkled temples from lying in one place too long. When they exited the flight, the eight turned to each other knowing that it would be the last time they would see each other “Well…” Alex began.

“She’s lost for words.” Mila gasped.

“I am…” She nodded sadly “Thank you all for being there for me!” She rushed to hug the girls as they embraced in a pool of tears “I love you girls! If you ever need a manicure, call me and I’ll take you the best place in the world.”

Tammy wiped a tear from her face “Don’t make me cry. We’ll see each other, you know where I work.”

“Yes, and you have my number.” Ann pointed out. She turned and walked towards Kevin “I’m not angry.” She smiled warmly while hugging him “We’ll always be friends. Distant friends.” She added with a chuckle.

“I wish you the best.” He smiled, not knowing what else to say.

Christian patted Alex on the shoulder “My flight to Malaysia is coming soon. I wanted to say…thank you.”

“For what?” she asked innocently.

“For breaking his heart.” Mila chimed in but when Alex threw her a glare, she pointed at Kyle “I need to hug you.” He began running for his life.

“For teaching me so much. To enjoy life and to live happily.” He finished.

Alex smiled “It’s a shame they would never know that you had a part in saving their lives.” She pointed to the people.

“It’s okay. Prestige is not important, experience is. Maybe we’ll meet again one day?” he shrugged.

“Maybe.” She smiled with a nod “That’s your flight.” She nodded when the flight attendance announced the departure flight.

He smiled and nodded to the rest “Bye guys.” He blew them a kiss and turned to rush off.

“It’s never too late.” Tammy said to Alex.

“But it’s too early.” She smiled and turned to the rest “Guys, I’m drained of energy. I have to go home to my 50 square feet bedroom.” She nodded to Kevin for them to leave.

“Take care.” Jerry waved “So, who needs a ride?”

“My friend is picking me up.” Tammy smiled “Speak of the devil.” She waved and answered her cell phone at the same time.

Ann lingered behind as she waited for Kyle who was her ride back to the school. She watched as Mila finally accomplished her mission when she caught up to him and hugged him from behind. He cried out painfully but she could see the sparkle in his eye as he laughed afterwards “Ready?” he ran back to her.

She nodded with a content smile “Yeah, time to move on.”

“Bye guys.” Kyle waved “Take care blind man.”

“He’s not blind anymore doofus!” Mila rolled her eyes. She watched the two of them leave the airport and instantly turned to Jerry when they were out of earshot “So, what are we going to do about us?”

He laughed while picking up his luggage “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to see the world.”

“Can I go with you?” she asked eagerly.

Jerry patted her head like a puppy “No, frankly dear I don’t go for crazy women.”

“Darn! Okay then, have a nice life. Hope I don’t run into you again.” She waved happily and walked backwards at the same time. She tripped over her own luggage a few times but continued to get back up. Jerry grinned, he knew she would be fine.

*********

“Let’s walk home instead!” Alex suggested to Kevin when they found the limo.

“Are you crazy? I’m not carrying your three luggages home.” He shook his head vehemently.

She rolled her eyes dramatically “No genius, the limo takes it home, we walk home. I’ve got my walking shoes on.” She pointed to her flats.

He eyed her carefully and placed a hand over her forehead “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’m as normal as Alex could ever get. Now come on before the mood passes over.” She yanked his arm roughly as they made it passed the passenger pick-up zone.

“You know it’s just a huge highway from the airport exit.” He warned.

Alex was in a different state of mind, she didn’t care, she only wanted to walk and feel alive. Being cooped up in a car was not something she wanted at that moment “Haven’t you learn anything from this experience Kevin?” she asked him solemnly.

“That people never change?” he kidded.

She shook her head “No, live life as it is given to you. Granted I will never be the same again, but it’s good…I made some good friends and learned a great lesson about life and friendship and…”

“And what?” he pressed with a knowing grin.

“Love. There, you happy?” she asked, “Anyways, are you ever going to tell how you got me and Jerry to come back to life?”

He pondered the question and turned to her “No.” he said flatly.

“Party pooper. I guess some things never change.” She teased with a laugh “But I’m fine with not knowing. Keeps life mysterious and interesting.”

“What else do you see for your life?” he asked.

She caught the double meaning “Hmm…laughing, happy, silliness…hmm…that’s about it.” She nodded firmly.

“You don’t see…maybe…possibly…us…?” he had to try.

“No…I don’t.” Alex shook her head “Which reminds me, the first thing I’m going to do is tell my parents the truth about us. I’m tired of living a lie, they are just going to have to accept it.” She began walking away.

Kevin placed his hand on his hips “What? Wait, no…come on, we’re practically married! Hey, we can adopt!! We’ll call her Allie!!!” he called while chasing after her.

The End

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004