I unpacked my things and rearranged the setup a little. I feel kind of empty if I work without some music on. It's usually me: studying, doing chores, in the shower, on my way to sleep—music always gives me the energy and the ambiance I need.
I took out my Bluetooth speaker and connected it to my phone, blasting my all-time favorite song, "Officially Missing You" by Tamia. I swayed and danced to the beat, lost in the rhythm. I didn't even notice that I had already unpacked all my stuff!
A knock on the door snapped me back to reality. Nana peeked in, smiling at me, and I smiled back at her. "Sera was here helping me get set up. She says you have something to talk to me?" she asked as I turned down the volume a little.
"Oh yes, about that. The Congregation will be here for our weekly meeting. You remember Aunt Cleo? She will be here too, along with the other members. They know you so well, but maybe you can't recognize any of them because you were still a kitten when they last saw you."
"Yeah, I do remember her. Can't wait to finally meet them again! But anyways, Nana, why can't I go outside at 3 a.m. and p.m.? Sera told me about it. I want to buy a few things at the store."
"There is a curfew around here. The policia will be roaming around at that time for security purposes. Anyway, I'm going into the kitchen because the turkey is done, and any minute now, your brother will be here, okay? Love you," she said, leaving after kissing my forehead.
That's weird. Why exactly 3 though? I thought curfews were for a specific hour and onwards. Sera told me that I can go before 3 or after 3. Does this happen daily?
I shrugged the thought off, thinking it's just some security protocol in town. How would I know about it? I've been gone for far too long. I'll wake around 11 a.m. so that I will have more time to prepare and time for shopping. I should probably take a little nap and set my alarm.
*Alarm ring*
The alarm almost knocked off my eardrum. So loud! I removed the gel mask from my face and started bathing. It took me almost an hour to finish.
I wore a tank top and khaki joggers and headed straight to the window. I can't go by the door; they would see me.
"One thing, Rosetta, when you go to the town later, bring Sera with you. Always bring Sera wherever you go," Nana said before she left my room. Great. I like Sera. A. LOT. Please note the sarcasm there. What is she? Some sort of lady bodyguard? I can handle myself. I'm a black belter! I better sneak out my way.
The window is a hell of a steep drop, but this big tree can be my ladder. So I jumped onto the tree and climbed my way down. The ninja training in physical education has come in handy.
I walked my way through the house gate and headed to the village. Shit. It's so quiet here, even domestic dogs or cats are nowhere to be found.
I walked a little bit more and found some sort of department store, though decades old. Hmmm. That'll do. The paint on the signage was chipped off, and the iron decor was completely tarnished. The ambiance of the store was quite horrendous. Imagine going inside a completely abandoned mall or boutique. This definitely needs a makeover.
A woman in her early 50s greeted me. "Welcome! How may we help you?" she asked. I turned around and saw a young woman stacking some supplies. She looked at me and smiled, and of course, I smiled in return.
"Hi. I need some underwear," I said.
"Right. This way, please." She led the way, and I followed her. This store was composed of two staff members: the older lady and the young woman. I also saw some sort of altar with candles lit.
We went to the corner with some shelves showing a variety of undies in different designs and sizes. I picked my size and the style that I wanted, and we headed to the cashier. And, um, she was the cashier.
"I haven't seen you here before. Are you visiting?" she asked while scanning the items with a smile.
"Um, yeah. I'm visiting my Nana. But I was born here, though I'm not staying long. I have to go back to the big city to study," I said.
"Born here? Who's your family?" She looked at me with interest while she packed my items.
"My Nana is Rosaliya Arweya. We own the Arweya's Exotic Herbs and Spices shop just around the corner," I said.
"So you're Liya's daughter, the one who studies interior design? That will be 350. Cash or credit?" she asked, smiling as I handed her my credit card.
"Yes. And if you would like help revamping your shop, I would be glad to do so. Just, um, give me a call." I wrote my number on a piece of paper that was on the counter and waved her goodbye.
"You bet I will. Take care! Tell Liya, Aretta said hello," she said warmly, taking the paper with a smile.
I walked around the alley and saw an ice cream parlor. I suddenly craved a double scoop of cookies and cream. They also sold waffles and shawarmas. I ordered a takeout for a double scoop, three waffles, and three shawarmas.
I guess all ice cream tastes the same wherever you go. I was enjoying my delightful scoops of ice cream when a ginger cat appeared in front of me, licking its paw. I have a heart for felines. So cute.
"Let's see. Are you a home cat or a stray cat?" I caressed the cat and saw no collar. It must be a stray cat. And it smelled fresh and wasn't dirty at all.
I took a piece of shawarma and fed the cat. I could see it eating enjoyably. I petted the cat one more time, and it suddenly ran off.
A bell rang three times.
I saw the shops closing, the people running inside their homes. They seemed panicked.
I walked a little bit more. It's weird. The wind felt chilly, the hairs on my back stood up, and I walked faster. I couldn't believe my eyes! My bracelet just glowed! It emitted a glow!
As I walked further into the town, the skies grew darker. Not a nimbus cloud. The skies were dim. This is not good. I didn't feel safe. What's happening? I looked at my watch and saw it was already 3:25 p.m. But how come it looked like nighttime? Is this the warning they were telling me about?
I sensed something was not right here. The policia should be here any minute now, but I hadn't heard sirens wailing. This is so bad.
The breeze was getting colder and stronger.
*swooooooooooooooooooooooosh*
What's that? Have you ever felt that feeling when you think you're alone, but you're not? Like someone is watching you or someone is following you?
I gotta get outta here. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! Someone is tugging my hair. It's a strong one! I almost feel my hair is ripping off!
"Please! Somebody please help me! Aaaaaaaaaaaah!"
I tried to do kicks and punches as best as I could, but my vision became blurry, and my scalp burned. My head hurt like hell! I saw a car parking by the side of the road. I needed to see this bastard! I struggled hard to yank myself to the side to see who it was. I was successfully in front of the car's tinted windshield. THANK GOD FOR THAT! I saw an old man, with a black suit and black eyes! Fear slowly overcame me. A mixture of fear and anger rose in me. I had many things on my mind. I still had big dreams! I still wanted to have a family! I don't want to die!!
The old man looked at me in the reflection. He smirked and slapped me hard. Who the hell is this? Oh God, somebody help me! I hit my head on the ground. Then he grabbed my neck and lifted me into the air! I was elevating?????!!!!
"Bonjour, Mademoiselle. I am so glad to finally meet you, Rosetta. The flower of the Valentinas," he said.
How the hell does he know my name? Who is he? What in the world is he talking about? My body was in pain. My head, my scalp, my neck. Please, somebody help me! I screamed for help, but the pressure of his hands tightened around my neck.
"Jonah! Let my sister go, you bastard!" Thank God for that! Someone was here! Wait. What? Sister? Me?
"Hello, Rolly, you are such a little peasie boy when I last saw you."
"Go back where you came from, Jonah, and let my sister go, or I will rip your head off like I did to your ears last time."
"Oh. Haha! I have grown another one. But you think you can threaten me like that, boy? But don't worry, I won't do that here. We are just passing by as we have our daily meal. Why don't you introduce me to your son? Oh. Long time no see, Mergara. How is married life?"
"You disgust me you old creep. Put Rosetta down! You're going to kill her!" the woman screamed.
this too "Oh am I? I'm zorry. I don't know. Should I put her down? Hmmm. Let me think?" This bastard is really mocking me with his sarcasm. You're thinking of keeping me alive? I am in the brink of death here you monster! "Put her down? You know how a Rosaliya Arweya works don't you? Oh should I say, say hello to your WIFE for me?" Rolly said. I see the old's man smile turned into an angry face and he gave them a reassuring smile again. "You haven't change zince then Mergara. ztill the amazing Vampire Zlayer. But for now, I humbly apologize to you and adieu! will zee another time mademoizelle Rosetta. Excusez moi." he said. after that, he vanished and the skies turned normal again. He didn't respond to Rolly. Instead he averted his response to Mergara. I don't know what's going on. But as soon as I demanded for an explanation. I fell into my brother's arms and unconscious.ChatGPT
It seems like there's a lot happening in this passage! From what I can gather, it appears to be a dramatic scene involving multiple characters. Here's a breakdown to help clarify:
Dialogue and Characters:
The passage involves dialogue between at least three characters: "I" (the narrator), Rolly, and Mergara.Rolly seems to be speaking sarcastically to someone, possibly Mergara, about putting down someone (possibly the narrator).Mergara responds, mentioning something about a "Rosaliya Arweya" and indirectly referencing someone's wife.There's an old man who transforms from a smile to anger and then back to reassurance.
Setting and Situation:
The scene is intense, with talk of death ("brink of death"), monsters, and apparent conflict or tension between the characters.The mention of a "Vampire Slayer" suggests a supernatural or fantasy element.The narrator demands an explanation but ends up falling unconscious in their brother's arms.
Emotions and Conflict:
Emotions are running high, with sarcasm, anger, and tension evident among the characters.There's confusion from the narrator's perspective about what is happening.
Conclusion:
The mysterious old man abruptly disappears, and the atmosphere returns to normal.
In essence, this passage appears to be part of a larger narrative involving supernatural elements, possibly vampires and vampire slayers. There are layers of conflict, intrigue, and possibly betrayal or misunderstanding among the characters. The narrator's perspective adds a sense of disorientation and urgency to understand the unfolding events.
"Oh, am I?" Rolly's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I'm sorry. I don't know. Should I put her down? Hmmm. Let me think."
His mocking tone cut through the tension like a knife. The air around us crackled with uncertainty and fear. My own heartbeat thundered in my ears as I struggled to grasp the gravity of the situation. I was teetering on the edge of consciousness, my senses overwhelmed by the chaotic scene unfolding before me.
"Put her down? Do you even comprehend the power of a Rosaliya Arweya?" Mergara's voice was low and dangerous, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Or should I simply relay your greetings to your dear wife?"
Rolly's demeanor shifted, his sly grin contorting into a scowl. Despite the threat in Mergara's words, the old man's expression softened, a fleeting reassurance that vanished as quickly as it had come.
"You haven't changed, Mergara. Still the formidable Vampire Slayer," he remarked with a hint of bitterness. "But for now, I must humbly apologize and bid adieu! We shall meet again, Mademoiselle Rosetta. Excusez-moi."
With those enigmatic words, he vanished into thin air, leaving us in the eerie silence that followed. The tumultuous skies above began to calm, their tempestuous fury giving way to a serene normalcy.
Mergara's attention shifted away from Rolly, as if dismissing him entirely. My head spun with confusion and fear, demanding an explanation from the swirling chaos around me. Before I could make sense of it all, I succumbed to the overwhelming weight of the moment, collapsing into the comforting embrace of my brother's arms.
Unconsciousness enveloped me like a shroud, the world fading into oblivion as I drifted away from the tumultuous reality that had gripped me moments before.