* * * *
Getting married to someone you don't know is the worst thing that can happen to any girl.
Especially one like me.
It's even more terrifying if you've never seen him before. I always knew I would be traded for power, but at least I thought it wouldn't be this bad.
Tania barges Into my room and with the look on her face, I can tell she's up to no good.
"Mira,can you perceive that smell?"
"What smell?"
" Sniff Mira, sniff. Can't you perceive it?"
"No I ca...."
"Mira! My clothes are dirty. They all stink. You haven't done the laundry in two days!" She yells.
"But Tania, you know how tight things have been with me. I'm always so tired from work and all..."
" I don't care! Just do the laundry or mother will hear about this."
Tania walks out and I'm left to stare at her stupidly. The door slams in my face.
Why must she do this now?
Today, I'm on leave and Ma Ona, my boss had graciously given me the day off work. As she knows already, I cook at a prestigious restaurant. It isn't big and fancy but it's very popular amongst the locals and few tourists who visit so work can be quite hectic at times.
Quickly, I clean up my room and head out. I have a whole lot of chores to do. Today is not a bright sunny day.
It's gloomy and the weather matches my sad mood.
I should eat something first. I'm really hungry. Gosh! The aroma of freshly made food isn't helping matters now.
" Good morning Aunt Amyra, what do we have here?"
" Mira, what took you so long? Hurry,grab a plate. You have chores pilled up for you."
I smile. " Aunt Amy, you're such a gem. Don't worry, I'll get everything done in a jiffy."
" Silly girl,stop teasing me and finish your breakfast." She says, but her cheeks are bright pink. She places a glass of juice beside me and leaves the kitchen.
I really can't thank her enough. I stuff my mouth with food. I didn't know I was almost starving. I'm halfway through my food when someone shuffles into the kitchen.
That can't be Mother. She never comes in during breakfast. Even after. Infact, she barely ever enters the kitchen.
"What? What on earth are you doing Mira?"
I look up to see Tania staring at me like I just killed her pet.
" I asked what you are doing! Are you deaf?" She yells through gritted teeth.
" I'm having breakfast."
"And the laundry is not done?" She looks at my food and the untouched juice. Before I can realise what she's about to do,my food goes crashing to the ground and the juice splashes into my face.
" What exactly have you done since you woke up?"
I'm burning with so much anger I can fry her face. How can she do this to me? I'm her elder sister and not some slave.
I grit my teeth with rage.
" Queen Tania, if you really want your clothes neat, mind the way you talk to me. I was only having breakfast. I had already promised..."
"Oh shut up Mira! How dare you talk back at me? You're just an illegitimate child who was abandoned by her own mother so I can treat you however I want! You'll end up just like your mother anyway." She hisses and storms out of the kitchen.
I blink back hot tears. I know she hates me but must she drag in my mother?
I clean up the mess and wash the dishes. I have to begin my chores now. Mother wants a squeaky clean house by evening, Papa wants a clean lawn and Tania wants clean,pressed clothes by the end of today.
* * * * *
Rahid.
That's the name of the person I'm going to meet now. He owes me more than a favour and I guessed his was the best place to go.
He lives in a small town that I can't locate but I know how to get to him. That's exactly why I chose to come here. They won't easily find this place.
" Esteemed ladies and gentlemen, we have begun our descent into city X. Please turn off all portable electronic devices and stow them until we have arrived at the gate. For the safety of passengers, please be seated with belts on, until the seat belt light is on...."
I fasten up my seat belt and lean back into my seat. The plane lands smoothly, swishing through the air as it touches down.
I get off the plane, winking at the hot air hostess. She flashes me a professional smile. After our crazily muffled deed in the restroom, I had paid her off heavily. It was worth the pay. The thrill of danger it gave me was relieving.
Funny thing for me to say.
Danger.
The same thing I'm running from.
Good thing the flight was under booked.
I pull my hood over my head and put my headphones on. I had already picked up my luggage and now, I'm just wondering what next to do.
According to the plan, Rahid's man is supposed to come pick me up.
" By the yellow bushes, beside the white blooms,there is a tomb, the spirit awaits."
His note which I received immediately after I got off flight mood says. There was no sender's contact.
Yellow bushes, yellow bushes.... Mhen this guy is annoying. What's with the codes? The Shakespeare, what the hell does he mean by... wait.
I scan the waiting area. I can see other people waiting for their loved ones but that's not it. It's the pillars. They're all painted yellow. That's one clue solved.
Beside the white blooms.
Damn, that's not very easy. There are several pots of white flowers in the arrival area. Everything looks normal around here. I walk over to the row of seats and sit on a chair in the third row.
I scan the crowd again.
There's no guy in black waiting for me, just the usual bunch you see at the airport. Dammit!
What is Rahid up to?
Slowly, I observe each of the white flowers closely. First, second, third all white. The fourth vase.
That's odd.
And oddity is the password here. It has a single yellow flower hidden inconspicuously amongst the white ones. It's so well hidden I almost couldn't find it. And it's beside a row of seats.
I scan the row, searching for an odd guy who might be looking back.
But there's none.
I've found the tomb,so just where is the "spirit?"
I stroll leisurely to the row which is the first.
There's an old couple there, a family with crying infants, few teenagers ranting excitedly about something and a young lady on earphones, punching away on her phone, seemingly oblivious of this world, but no odd guy.
Wait.... The Spirit... Could Rahid's man be a girl?
The young lady is in a beanie cap,black slacks and a red top. Could she be the one?
I give her a light tap on the shoulder.
What I see next is surprising.
She just stood up, gave me a wierd look, and walked away.
Now she's looking back at me with a smug expression.
WTF?
She's almost out of sight when I realize. Darn it! Why didn't he just say "her spirit?"
I'm outside now and I can see a red car waiting. She docks in and the car starts pulling out.
What?
I almost run after it when I get the idea. They'll wait a distance away from the airport. I watch their direction and walk briskly to the car, getting into the passenger seat. It's a small car, with only the lady and a driver.
" Good day Sir; you found the spirit." The girl speaks, mischievous glints in her eyes.
" What was all that drama for?"
"Oh,he didn't tell you? I like my fun. Besides,you might have had company."
" Who are you? Rahid's guy was supposed to pick me up."
" Oh, pardon. I'm Gemma Raj. Rahid's sister. He really should have warned you."
I look closely at her stunned. Now I see the resemblance. She has very long brown hair, small red lips and wide sparkling brown eyes the color of honey. She really is Rahid's sister.
" Where are we going?" I ask.
I don't want to spend another minute with her. This is not the kind of welcome I expected.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't be your ride even if I was paid to. Just your pickup. I have more important things to do and worthier people to meet."
The arrogant twart! If she wasn't Rahid's sister....
The car soon comes to a halt and I look up to see we're at a deserted pathway. There's a SUV parked not far off.
" Mr Deaon, your ride is ready." she steps down and waits for me to do same.
" See you around." She smirks as her car zooms off.
I don't watch it go. I'm open the SUV and for the first time since I came off that flight, I feel like Deaon Rexon again.