Hide and Seek: a Short Story

“Policapia wake up! Policarpia wake up!”

It was my alarm clock. It was five o’clock in the morning and I spent my time working all night. I did not feel sleepy or tired as I work in front of my laptop.

“What a mess!” My everyday expression on how I see my room.

I finished early and I still have time to clear my room’s dearest companions. I stood up and tried to pick up every mess I made: my scattered books, research printouts, used and unused clothes and stuff toys whom I talk to when I get bored or sad. I sweep all the dusk, crumbs and scratch papers I used weeks and weeks. I started clearing my corkboard with all the tasks I finished the whole night. I disposed my mountain of trash. All these became my assistants and its time to fire them. I fixed our family picture, as it hung with dust, just like how they turned into it.

My family: my father I idolized, my mother I adored, and my brother I cherished. Looking at this frame brought back my misery, their unwanted death which was caused by my carelessness. I was a princess turned witch as I made a fire killing my loved ones. If only I did it and not asking someone else to do it for me, they should have lived. If only…

I sat down and opened my blog. It was my journal of all my pains and miseries. After all, I only have one follower for my personal blog named Mar, who never tired of commenting and viewing every post I had.

And I posted:

How Many years should I wait?

I crash though I soar.

I smile as I tear blood.

I am remembered forgotten.

Suddenly, my cellular phone vibrated, it was my nagging editor. I told her lots of times already that I am not into writing if it was all about show business, the world of lies and mediocrity

“Hello.” I answered with my voice, lifeless. “I know it’s all about the band interview.”

“Yes, we need it as…”

“I’ll do it!” I cut her long line short. “I will be there at the office before lunch. Bye.”

Time to dress up with my same old clothes. What’s glamour for someone like me? I stayed 24 hours working here in my room and seldom went out.

This old pair of jeans and a striped collared shirt, put on few powder and ready to go as I wore my thick eyeglasses: my best friend day and night, especially with my  work. Were these eyeglasses my only best friend? Yes, I also had a best friend named Mar. My best friend… The only guy I trust…

It was summer when I carelessly lost my wallet in the terminal. He tried to help me and accompanied me as we walked our way home. We laughed with his silly jokes and even shared stupid stories. He did it though he can ride his way home, but he did not. There started a good friendship.

“Pia!” Martin yelled at me as I walk so fast and he tried to catch up. “Let’s go home together.”

“Okay! “ I answered him with a smile.

Everyday, we were always together. We were classmates, seatmates, and best friends. My four years in high school became different since I met him.

When we were in college, we went in the same university but with different courses. He took up BS Architecture; while I took AB English, but this event in our life strengthen our friendship. Now, our hearts started to beat unusually. We even became honest about our feelings. I graduated ahead of him but nothing changed. Until one day, that I hated all my life happened.

“I need to go…” Martin said with his voice trembling.

“But why?” My tears fell down. “Mar, I love you! You know that and I feel you also do.”

“My mom,” Finally, he broke down. “I love you so much but my mom needs me there.”

“When will you come back?” I asked him and tears fell down.

“I don’t know…” He answered back and hugged me with my surprise. “But please wait for me…”

“I will…” I hugged him tightly, if only I can never stop hugging him. I will hold on to his promises with all my heart.

High school reunion after seven years was organized and I attended it feeling excited that Martin might be back and attend, too. I even bought a simple violet dress with a touch of elegance, but it was a mournful event.

“Rachel and Martin got married.” Joy said with a smile. “That’s what I thought that they were meant for each other.”

“Poor Pia!” Jane exclaimed, my dearest friend. “She was fooled by Martin and that’s what she needs to learn her real lesson. Hahaha!”

Fake! Liars! Tears were uncontrollable and as the moment I stand, I ran as fast as I can, seeing no one. I broke down and seated on the sidewalk. After a few drop, I started living the life I have in present.

Martin… Why can’t I erase you from this mind? I said to myself.

          I rode on a bus to Manila to finish my task at the publishing house. I needed to catch up with the band to have my interview.

“Finally! You’re here.” My nagging editor greeted me.

“Where are they?” I asked her with a smirk.

“They were waiting for you at the lounge.”

I rushed to the lounge, where visitors and guest stay. The band members were all dressed up with black. Three of them have long hair and the one has a clean cut hair. I remembered someone as I stared by him. But as the neat looking rock star turn around, it was…

Martin… I was shocked.

“Pia! He seemed going to approach me but he did not.

“Good morning!” I greeted them and trying not to look at him. “I am Policarpia Garcia, I am the one assigned to write and feature you in our next issue.”

“Oh, great!” Kevin, a band member, exclaimed. “By the way I am Kevin, the Lead Vocalist.”

“Nice meeting you.” I answered with a smile. “Can you introduce me to the other band members?”

“My pleasure… Here is Alvin on Guitar, Nathan on Bass and Mar on Drums. I think you both know each other.”

I just smile.

The interview only took few minutes. After that, I saw Martin approaching my table as I work on the article about the interview.

“Yes? Any problem, Mr. Martin Ferrer? Want to add some more?” I asked him without looking at him.

“Pia,” Martin uttered with his manly voice. “Call me Mar just like the way you call me before.”

“But were professionals, right? And it is my job to address you properly.” I answered without glancing him.

He was gone from my sight, again. After that short talk, I feel tiresome.

No! Our love was spoiled when he got married. And I forgot to ask him about their relationship. Was I only forgetful or I just done not asked to arm myself from getting hurt? I said to myself.

It was raining when I went home. I was soaked as I always leave my umbrella somewhere in our house, that my Lola forgot to remind me, too. I sat down, turned on my laptop and start blogging. I posted:

Words of reminisce

Dancing freely.

With a tune of tango

Yet not in tune,

Still a beautiful art

I wished forgotten.

Looking at my past, staring at it that took me million seconds if only mu cellular phone did not disturbed my reminiscing.

“Hello…” I answered as I read my friend’s name, my business partner. “Do I have any projects?”

“Yes!” Her voice was so glad. “The furniture designer needs our service to advertise his designs. And also the realtor asked me if we can make them flyers for their newly design houses.

“Okay, Anne! I’ll be there in the studio tomorrow as early as I can and go to the site in the afternoon.”

“See you!” She ended our short informal business conversation.

It was a good start and I came and finished early taking pictures of the furniture’s advertisement. It was time to visit the site. As I walked along the hallway, a man bumped me and my folders fell as I tried to protect my camera.

“Oopps!” A familiar voice said. “I’ll help you…”

“Thanks!” I answered without looking at him and ran away.

I came early at the site to look at the model house. It looked familiar. The developer said it was the architect’s best design because it was made for someone he loves. I found myself comfortable inside. I liked it and if ever I can buy this house, I will. I waited inside for the architect because Anne called to tell me to wait for him even I finished all the shots I needed.

Seconds, minutes and hours, I stood up after a long rest and decided to leave the house. But it rained, I was soaked again. A car stopped and opened its door.

“Hop in!” it was Martin waving his hand to tell me to enter his car.

“But…” My heart again dashed to the endless race. The same beat I felt when I knew I loved him.

“Look at yourself;” He went out with his umbrella, “you’re soaked!”

I rode in his car with my great protest on why I did it. Was it my fear to get soaked? Or was it my dashing heart who wanted to rest beside him?

“I’ll bring you home.” He said with a sweet authority. “I can manage.” I answered him back without glancing at him. “Let’s sop at the nearest bus stop.”

“No! I insist.” He said with his hand holding my hand. “Here, wear my jacket. You’re cold. Where do you stay?”

“In my grandmother’s house.”

“Oh! I still remember the days we spent time in there.”

Oh Mar… You touches my heart as I real our stories that you still remember. I said to myself and look at him.

“Pia, I have something to tell you.” He said to me as hold my hand.

“What is it?” I looked at him deeply and waited for his words.

“I’ll tell you that I bumped into you this morning. That the house you visited is the design I made for you. I am the furniture designer you’re working on.”

“All this time I thought you’re not around but I never imagined it will be like this.” I said with my surprise. “When did you know all this things? That I am behind these.”

“Just this morning, even though I started asking for your company’s service for three years now.”

“You’re with me all along…”

“And I am Mar, your blog follower.”

Silence followed that moment. It touched my heart. All the incidents was it all accidents? My house was near and the love ride was about to end, until he broke the silence…

“I love you Pia…” He grasped my hand. “I came back to make my promise…”

“You’re married! Stop fooling around cause I won’t be another woman for you for the absence of your wife.”

“Pia, listen…”

“No! Stop the car…” I insisted. I went down as he stopped the car. “Goodbye!”

Two months passed by, so fast that I did not notice how these 60 days existed. And at the 61^st day, our publishing company would have its quarterly party for the victory of the latest released magazine where I wrote about the band where Martin was a band member.

“Pia! Sing! Sing!” All my friends turned into my enemies tonight.

I stood up, go to the stage. My knees shook. My voice trembled. This will be the worst day. And from the back, a man stood up, walked nearer and nearer the stage. It was Martin.

“Let’s sing together.” He said and held my hand near his heart. “Pia, I love you!”

“But how about Rachel?” I asked him not waiting for his answer.

“I am divorced. I marry her because my mother insisted me to do so. But I had my divorced after my mother’s death and knowing we do not work out as a god couple.”

“Sing! Sing! Sing!” the crowd roar.

“Let’s sing…” Martin asked me.

“Let’s sing our favorite song…”

And we sung the song “where are you.”

GOODBYE MEANS HAPPINESS

Will you shed tears when the one you love pass away? Will your make your heart suffer after someone’s departure from his worldly body? Will you wish to exchange your life for him to bring him to life again? If I answer all these questions, I will say a BIG NO! I am not saying that I am numb of all the painful sensations a person can bear. I also cry. I also give a sad face. And I also feel remorse and regrets. I know the pain of losing the one you love (and I experienced that already). I am not saying I am PRO-DEATH.

Death is the final chapter of one’s life. Other people will say, it is a way of making someone suffers. But others will also say, it is the judgment if you will be dressed in white and play with the angels, or you will wear worn-out clothes as you stay in a dark sauna bah managed by horned men in their red uniforms. Or maybe you can stay in between. If lucky enough, you will be given time to finish your “unfinished business” and correct your evil doings, like what we see on TV. If success comes, you will hear a choir of angel singing their welcome song. If not, prepare your lifetime membership for the exclusive sauna bath experience.

            But what death means for me? It is an escape. An escape from all the misfortunes, pain, sadness, sickness, and failure. No more cough and colds. No more allergies and no more utility bills. We are all free from all the bodily matters on earth, especially if you do good, “hello angels!” If not, say “hello, bad boy!”

I hear stories of sudden death, murders and euthanasia or mercy killing. If someone side with sudden death he’s lucky. No pain. No hardship. It happens especially when someone dies sleeping. Maybe he loves his dream so much and says, “I don’t want to wake up anymore!” So he does. If it is murder, it is painful and yet relieved...If he does not with that killing, the murderer might try to kill him again.Does anyone want to experience a multiple serious injury? Of course! No one does; if it is euthanasia, especially for a loved one suffering with his sickness for a long time, and even suffers it for the rest of his life, better make him happy by ending his medicine intake and sorrowful pain as he lay lifeless. Letting his soul break free from his caged body would be painful for his loved, but an ease for the sick body. No more pain for him as well. And no more pain in the pockets.

No one is exempted in this chapter of our life‘s book of mysteries. No one knows when it will be, what time or where it will be. It is just God who knows it. It is a privilege and a consequence of how we spend his gift wisely. Why cry for someone’s death? Be happy. Maybe he made God satisfied and it is time for him to be rewarded. And I can say I am doing my best to make HIM satisfied. And I am respecting his decision.

HATE ME, PLEASE!

I am his girl. I am well-loved by him. I am treated like a princess and he is my king. I am his sidekick and together save the world. I am his shining star. I am his everything. But I regret all these things.

He loves me the way all young girls wanted to be loved. He made me his priority. Everybody would say, “You’re so lucky!” Yes, I am lucky. Only few in this world experience this kind of privilege. But, look at me now. Tell me how lucky I am, or is he lucky to be with me?

Now, I am a sidekick who cannot save the world. I am a princess living in an abandoned castle. I am a star hiding behind the clouds. The hero is dead. The king is dead. There is no light. Gone. He is gone. How did it happen? It happened because I killed him! I killed him with my weak heart. I killed him with my coward soul. If only I am braver.

I do not wish for the material things I might have if he only lived. It is not the things to make me happy. All I want is a house and a simple life with him. No more castles. No more honor. All I want is to wake him up and together see what is ahead of us. But he did not wake up. He better hate me from the very start, he might live longer.

But I admit it is my fault. I let him sleep forever. I can wake him up. If I wake him up, he would be 12 years older, like me. If only I have magical powers, I will back in time and tell him, “please wake up!” but it happened already and no more rewinds. Now, all I can say is, “I love you and I’ll always be your little girl.”

A BIG BEAR’S HUG

People rushed inside the Ted's Cuddlers, as Mr. Ted put out the 2-Day Sale sign. Every toy were on sale: the Candy Rug Dolls, the Bear Troops, the Sporty Bears, the Bears-in-Can, the Royal Bears, the Working Bears and the All-Original-Bears of all sizes and colors. All were definitely on sale.

Every corner of the store were filled with someone looking for a toy to hug. But some prefered to stand in front of the store to look at the biggest big brown bear in town.

The biggest big brown bear sat on a comfty rocking chair. His place was decorated of ribbons, laces and small bears, that made him stand out among the rest.

The biggest big brown bear were everybody's dream bear. Many stopped to look at him every day, every hour, every minute and every second of each day of the Ted's cuddlers.

"Mom, I want the biggest big brown bear!" The girl with a red ribbon on her hair cried. "Please..."

"My child, that bear cost our week's expenses." The mother of the girl with a red ribbon on her hair explained. "Let's look inside the store and maybe you can find something else."

The girl with a red ribbon on her hair and her mother spent seconds and minutes inside the store looking at each shelves. The girl with a red ribbon on her hair hugged each one she adored, and finally, she found a rug doll with a red ribbon on her hair and adored it very much. They went out of the store with a big bright smile on their faces, as the rug doll was hugged tightly.

"Bye-bye everyone." The rug doll with a red ribbon on her hair whispered and gave a small waved as they walked farther and farther from the store.

"She's so lucky!" The rug doll with a pink dress said to the other toys near her. "I wished I am the one they chose."

The biggest big brown bear smirked, as he saw smiles from the other toys.

"You were all so envy." The biggest big brown bear whispered as he seated on his comfty rocking chair.

Another child entered the store and went out with a Princess Bear.

Another with an Aerobic Bear.

Another with a Chef Bear.

Another with a Bear-in-Can.

And another with a light brown All-Original-Bear with a pink ribbon.

All the children went out with a big bright smile and a hugged their toy so tight.

The store hours ended. The day left vacant spaces on each toy shelves.

"I love it when the girl hugged me," the rug doll with a checkered red ribbon on her hair said, "but she chose my friend and I'm so happy for her."

"We're all glad for her new life, am I right?" The Nurse Bear said to all the toys in the store.

"Yes!" Everyone shouted except the biggest big brown bear in the store window.

"Tomorrow will be another great day for all of us!" The bear in a tuxedo exclaimed. "And everyday will be a great day for us."

"And as long as we were hugged and loved, everyday will definitely be a great day!" A black All-Original-Bear said smiling.

All the bears and dolls danced and sang all night. They celebrated for their friends who finally found love from the hugs and homes they now have.

The biggest big brown bear still sat on his comfty rocking chair. He did not joined the party and fun shared by other toys.

"I'm not for any ordinary child." The biggest big brown bear said to himself. "My owner will be someone of great lifestyle. I don't deserve those messy children who will hug and play with me with their dirty hands."

The other toys had fun all night. While the biggest big brown bear rocked his comfty rocking hair until he fell asleep.

And another day started...

Many bears and rug dolls were purchased, as many as the onlookers looking for a toy to hug. And everyone went out with a big bright smile.

A hot afternoon came, a man in a dark gray coat entered a store. He was looking for his daughter's present, his princess, for her 7th birthday.

"Bring out the most expensive toy you have!" The man in a dark gray coat said with his loud voice heard by everyone inside the store. He look around and saw the biggest big brown bear. "That bear! How much is that toy?"

"Sir, its only 5000 pesos." Mr. Ted said humbly.

"I'll take it!" He said as he put out his thick wallet. "Put it in a big bag so my assistant will not have a hard time carrying it."

Mr. Ted held the arms of the biggest big brown bear and put him in a see-through bag.

"Ouch..." The biggest big brown bear cried as Mr. Ted pushed him into the bag.

The man in a blue uniform carried the biggest big brown bear on his back. He threw it inside the backseat. After a few minutes, the man in a dark gray coat entered the car and the man in a blue uniform drove the way home.

"My princess, here's the biggest big brown bear in town. I bought this just for you." The man in a dark gray coat said.

"But dad, I told you that what I wanted was the biggest pink doll house in town." The girl in a red dress said. " Anyway, thanks dad."

"I'm sorry, my princess." He cried. "I'll look for the biggest pink doll house just for you..."

"I'll go to my room dad." She said as he turned her back. "Yaya, bring that toy in my room. So plain and simple. Where will I put that bear in my pretty room?"

The biggest big brown bear was placed at the corner of the big room that the girl owned. He seated with the old toys she hated.

No hugs.

No smiles.

No love that other toys talked about all night of everyday they were hugged and adored.

Years, days, hours, minutes and seconds passed by without a single hug in the dirty corner, unnoticed. Dirt surrounded the biggest big brown bear.

"My princess, let's give some of your old clothes and toys to the less fortunate children." He said to his only daughter. "Here's a box, put everything you want to give away here."

"Okay, Dad." She said not looking to her father as it went out of her room. "Yaya, put all the toys in the corner inside the box. And my old fashioned clothes, too!" And she went back playing with her biggest pink doll house and dolls.

Everything were boxed, even the biggest big brown bear she have not even touched or played with which was her father's present for her 7th birthday. No way out. No hug. No love.

One day, the box was openned. Each child in the orphange was given a toy for the Christmas spirit. A small thin girl waited patiently as she fall in line and stand last. She waited patiently until she saw the biggest big brown bear out in the box.

"Is this for me?" The small thin girl exclaimed, with great excitement on her face.

"Yes," The man in a dark gray coat said with a smile. "that's yours..."

"Yehey!" The small thin girl jumped with gladness. "Can I hug it now?"

"Sure..." He retorted to the small thin girl.

She hugged the biggest big brown bear so tight. She placed it on her bed. She played with it and even slept on it.

The biggest big brown bear was hugged everyday, every hour and every minute the small thin girl could.

The biggest big brown bear and small thin girl shared hugs, care and love for each other all the time.

And together, they lived happily ever after.

The Adventures of Andy Ken

B

efore the day ends, Ms. Betty gave her pupils their activity. It would be a presentation that her pupils like, except for Andy.

“You will pass a declamation piece on Monday,” Ms. Betty said. “And you will perform it on Friday in class.”

“Oh, no!”Andy said loud enough to be heard by himself.

“Wow!” Denise said. “I’m so excited. How about you Andy?”

“Ah…” And Andy just shrugged his shoulders as Denise did not wait for his reply. He just said to himself, I bet I’ll flank this time.

          And the school bell rang. The pupils fixed their things and off to their way home. And Andy was with Denise.

“Bye, Andy!” Denise waved goodbye as she walked farther.

“Bye. I know you will laugh at me because of that declamation.” He said so soft and never heard by Denise they separated their ways. He sighed.

          He was Andy Ken, the best boy in school. He excelled in class. He competed for quiz bees. He wrote stories and poems. He even created extraordinary drawings. And he has stage-fright. The worst thing was he was the only boy in class who has this dilemma.

“I’m home…” He said as he stepped his foot on the doorsteps.

“Anything bothering you?” His father asked as he continued his work on his computer.

“It’s nothing, Dad.” He answered back as he walked to his room. “Just tired with the school stuffs and everything.”

          He laid his back comfortably on his bed. He closed his eyes. He thought of Denise, the prettiest girl in their class and his seatmate. He imagined Denise performing her declamation piece suited for her gracefulness and gave justice for her lovely face. He imagined Denise watching him… Laughing.

“Seat down!” Everybody shouted.

“You’re wasting out time.” James, the bully, shouted and smirked. “Right, Denise?”

“Hahaha…” Denise laughed at him, ridiculing him? “Good job, Mr. Know-it-All.”

“Or better call him, Mr. Stage Freak.” Darvy, another bully in the class, said.

“Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha….” Laughter from the bullies, from the nice guys, from the girls, and from his dearest girl, Denise, filled our room.

“NO!” He shouted and broke into pieces.

And he woke up.

“Bad dream.” He said with a sighed. “And might come true on next Friday.”

“Andy!” His mother called him. “Time for dinner. But wash your hands first.”

The next day, Saturday, it was the day to start looking for the piece that would develop his inferiority complex. Andy tried searching the web. He found the piece and printed it.

“How can I deliver it?” He continued asking himself and sighed as he read the lines.

“Let me help you, young boy.” His father said as it entered his room.

Andy’s father was a member of a theater guild during his elementary and high school years. He read the piece in front of Andy and showed how it should be performed.

“I know you can do it, Andy.” His father said tapping his shoulders. “You’re a great talented boy.”

“But, Dad…” He retorted but no other words went out.

“Before, when I was as your age, I was so shy to do anything.” His father exclaimed. “I was the only boy who can’t do what the other boys can do. They call me a Geek. But I tried to try doing what they were doing. And even try to be the best. And I did.

“Dad, we are different. I just can’t do it.” He answered in a polite manner. “I can do other things but not this one.”

“Believe in yourself, Andy.” His Dad tapped again his shoulders gently.

“Okay, Dad. As you say.” He answered lifeless.

“Before I leave you, I have something for you.” His dad put out an old book. “I had this book when I was younger than you. Hope you enjoy it.”

“Thanks, Dad.” And he smiled.

“Can you do me a favor?” His father said when he was about to leave the room. “Say hello to my friend, Mr. Victor Centaur.”

Andy was left quiet in his room. He was so surprised with the last words of his father. He opened the book his father left in his room. It was about magical creatures, just like in movies and animated shows in TV. Ordinary, he said to himself. He browsed the book and saw Victor Centaur.

“Hello, Mr. Victor Centaur.” He said.

Suddenly, a strong wind like hurricane went out of the book. Round and round and round the wind went. The wind took Andy and turned him round and round. He felt like he was pressed, flattened as he fell himself entering the book.

“Oh, no!” Andy said as he was entering the book.

And BLAGGED!

“Where am I?” He said as he found himself lying on the ground under a big Mango tree.

“You’re here in the Centaur Island, in the magical world of Beneace,” A big voiced answered. “This is where magical creatures were protected against the powers of the horrible Triwizard who lived in the evil mountains of Lucresia.”

“Who are…” He said trembling

“Yes, I am Victor Centaur.” He answered and turned visible as he went out of the dark shadow of the trees. “You look like Kenneth. I remember when he first step here in our land”

“Kenneth?” He said confused. “My father?” 

“Stand up, young boy. Ride on my back and I’ll bring you to our dwelling place.”

Though Andy was so confused, he rode on the back of Victor. He felt the strong winds as Victor ran as fast as he could. They passed through the huge trees. They also passed through the wide meadows, where Andy saw young Centaurs, young Unicorns and beautiful nymphs. The magical creatures where all happy: the Centaurs were playing with the young Unicorns; the beautiful Nymphs danced and sang beautiful hymns.

“We’re here!” Victor said as he stopped. “Welcome to our home…”

          “Wow!” Andy was surprised with everything he saw.

Everything was magnificent: colorful homes made out of leaves; clear water flowing from a sparkling fountain; different fruit bearing trees that bear fruits he never seen before.

“Hi Andy.” A beautiful Girl approached him. “I am Eunice and I’ll be here to be with you while you’re staying here in our peaceful dwelling place.”

“Nice to meet you, Eunice.” He smiled and said to himself, she’s like my Denise. Maybe she is a nymph, but extraordinary.

The day in the magical world of Beneace was longer and the night was shorter. It gave Andy and other creatures more time to enjoy the magical world, especially the Centaur Island. And Andy also had a great time with Eunice, who was the most beautiful girl she could saw. Her face was so pretty. Her blonde long hair has strands of gold and silver. And the simple dress like the nymph’s that she wore made her stand out among the other nymphs. Andy took every chance to stare at her face.

“Eunice, why are you staying here with the Centaurs?” Andy asked while he was lying on the grass beside Eunice and looking at the wide meadows.

“The Evil Wizards attacked our land.” She said. “The kingdom of the nymphs that my mother rules. And they also destroy the unicorn fields where my father was when they attacked.”

“Sorry to hear that.” He answered.

“It’s okay. The reason why I am here is to be protected. Sir Victor is the greatest warrior in this world and my parents asked him to protect me from harm.”

For a while, they stay in the wide meadows until it was nearly dark. And suddenly, a nymph came rushing.

“Princess Eunice, you need to go back to our dwelling place.” The nymph said as she bowed in front of Eunice.

“You’re a Princess?” Andy was shocked. He was so amazed for that Eunice was a royalty, and seemed proven on the way she moved.

“Yes, my parents are royalties of their own land.” She said as she closed her eyes and gleamed. She turned into a beautiful unicorn. “Ride on my back, Andy.”

“Okay, my princess.”

Andy rode on Eunice’s back and they flew up to the sky. Eunice was much brighter and stunning than other Unicorns. Her horn was gold. Her hair and tails has longer strands of different colors and gold and silver. Her body was whiter than a pearl. She was really extraordinary.

          “The Princess!” A big horrible voice said. “Get her!”

A group of enormous bats and crows covered the clouds, which made the land darker. And three black robed wizards showed up: Lucio, Levi, and Lodi. They lead the black creatures where we were going.

Eunice went down and tried to hide behind a giant tree.

“Hide yourself...” She said grasping with air. “If you have a chance, go straight to our dwelling place.”

“Ah…” Andy did not know what to say, he was so nervous. Eunice flew up into the air. He just sat down and did not notice he fell asleep.

Andy was awakened by the rushing steps of a horse.

“Eunice?” He asked. But it was not Eunice, it was… “Sir Victor… Where’s Eunice?”

“She thought you were caught by the Triwizard, so she went back to look for you.”

“Where is she now, Sir Victor?”

“She’s caught and brought to the evil mountains.” And Victor said no more words and walked the path going to their dwelling place.

Andy followed Victor. He was so guilty of what happened with Eunice. If only he tried to go back to their dwelling place, Eunice did not need to go back and find him. Eunice was in danger while he was safe. He felt shame of himself, his weak spirit of facing his fear was a hindrance for him to do what he have to do, A fear to get out of his comfort zone. And he noticed how Victor took each steps. He was wounded on his legs and has difficulty of walking.

What have I done? I need to do something. Andy said to himself.

“Sir Victor, I’ll save Eunice.” He said. “She is my friend and need to be saved. She protected me against harm and now, I will do my part.”

“Are you sure, Andy?” Victor said. “Do you have the weapon to defeat the evil wizards and save Eunice?”

“What weapon?”

“Courage. It’s Courage, Andy.” He said and tapped my shoulders, like my father did. “It would help you to be stronger and face your fears.”

Am I courageous enough? He said to himself.

”I’ll call the other Centaurs to help you. The Nymphs will also protect you. And the Unicorns will bring you to the Evil Mountains of Lucresia.” Victor said, and all the magical creatures showed up. “My peers! Are you ready to save our princess? And it is time to end up their evil spirit.”

The magical creatures roared. They were all ready for the fight. They all have the courage that Sir Victor said to be the weapon to defeat evil.

“Andy, bring this bag with you…” Victor said as he gave him an empty bag. “It would be a great help for you.

Andy’s heart started to pump faster, nervousness was eating him. Not now, I know I can do it. I can face it. He said to himself. He rode at the back of a mighty centaur. He gave the signal, and up they flew into the air. They left Victor in their dwelling place together with the Youngs.

Andy saw Eunice; she was put up to the highest tower.

“Help me, Andy!” Eunice said as tears fell from her eyes.

“I’ll save you!” And Andy asked the mighty Centaur to run faster; he asked the nymphs to protect him from the evil vines; and asked the Unicorn to bring him up high. But the Triwizard hurdled their way. “Get off our way, Evil wizards!”

“What a courageous boy… Hahaha…” Said Lodi, the youngest among the three.

“Hit him, Levi!” Instructed Lucio, the oldest, to his younger brother. “Or else I’ll hit you.”

“Let’s go Lodi!” Levi shouted.

“Oh, no!” Lodi said and backed off. “Behind the clouds… Look!”

          “Attack!” Andy shouted. “Don’t let them harm anyone of us.”

The fight began. The evil bats and crows were stunned by the unicorns. The evil castle vines were stopped by the nymphs. The centaurs destroyed the castle with their hoofs. Having the chance, Andy with the mighty centaur went nearer the wizards.  Suddenly, he felt something hard inside the bag. It was a bow and arrow.

          “Use it, Andy.” The mighty centaur said.

Andy pull out an arrow, put in the bow and aimed. But before that, the Nymphs sprinkled some powder on the bow and the Unicorns beamed a golden light into the arrow, it turned to a bigger bow and a golden arrow.

“Let it go, Andy!” Eunice from the tower shouted.

“I might waste this magical weapon.” He said with a trembling voice.

“No, Andy.” Answered Eunice. “You can aim the bow straight to the evil wizards.”

“You can’t kill us young boy!” Lucio shouted.

          “I can!” Andy shouted at the evil wizards

Andy pulled the bow’s string hard and let go the arrow. It went straight to the wizards’ direction. The Triwizard formed a black ball and together throw it to Andy’s direction. As the black ball hit the arrow, it exploded and mournful cry scattered in the air. The golden arrow hit the Triwizard.

          “No!” Screamed the Triwizard as they started to vanish into the air.

          “We did it!” All the magical creatures shouted. “Andy did it!”

Eunice was freed and they went back home to their dwelling place. The evil spirit in the magical world of Beneace was now gone.

          “Thanks, Andy.” Eunice cried. “Thank you for saving me.”

“I know it’s my fault that why you are…” Andy felt ashamed.

“That doesn’t matter, Andy.” She hugged Andy. “You save me. You save our world, and that matters most.”

“And it’s your courage that saves us, Andy.” Victor said. “If you did not fire the arrow, everyone might be killed by that black ball.”

“I did? Yes’ I did!” And he jumped for gladness.

The magical creatures all celebrated for their victory, with Andy. They danced. They sang. They feasted as long as the short night.

“Andy…” He heard his father’s voice.

“Your father is now looking for you. I’ll bring you back.” Victor said and tapped his shoulders.

He suddenly felt a strong force that pulled him. And in just a moment, he felt his soft bed and the open book on his hand. The door of his room opened and his father entered.

“Stand up, brave boy! Time for breakfast. We have to go to church.” His father said. “And have lots of practice to do for your piece.” And winked.

It was Friday. Andy was in his seat waiting for his turn. Denise was the one performing. She really was the best in this kind of activity. And now she was done with her turn.

          “Next, Andy Ken Reyes.” Ms. Betty called his name.

          “Good luck, Andy.” Denise said. “Do your best!”

          “Yes, I will, Denise.” He said and stood up in front.

As he finished his piece, everybody applauded for his superb delivery of his piece about the fight against the evil wizards. And he was awarded as the Best Declaimer. 

To My Dearest Man

Look at me staring deeply.

Melt my soul eternally.

Crush my softest hand hardly

And leave it re all red barely.

Now, talk to me silently,

I’ll tell you how you are dearly.