Dreams and Reality Part 2

“Oh. Thank you.” I took the card and went inside the car. Turning on the headlight, I unsealed it and written inside is a message for me.

         

   I would say your beauty attracted the animals. Until then.

                                                                                    -- Your ‘observer’

I laughed softly and tucked the card in my clutch, my eyes closing as I drifted off. When I woke up, I found myself in the garage, car parked and waiting for me to get out. Stretching, I went out and head straight for my room, letting my hair down and cleaning my face from makeup before getting into comfortable sleepwear and going back to sleep.

I woke up the next morning to a series of knocks.

“Come in.” I yawned and stretched.

The door opens.” Miss, there is someone to see you.”

“Who is it?”

“Mr. Haverford.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Tell them I’ll be ready in 10 minutes.” The door closed.

I made my way to the bathroom, taking a quick shower then changed into a simple summer dress made out of Italian lace, donning on a cute pair of white sandals before heading out. I bit back a gasp when I spotted pale gold hair, not believing what I saw.

“Ms. Charleston.”

I straightened, “Mr. Haverford, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company on this beautiful morning?”

“I believe we were talking about how animals are attracted to you.” He replied and turned around so now we faced each other. I gasped in astonishment.

It was my ‘observer’ who came by!

“We meet again.” He smiled and bowed. Still tongue tied, I curtsied back, still in astonishment.

“This is certainly a surprise.” I finally replied after a few beats of shocked silence, taking a seat across of him.

“I was in the area and thought I should be more sociable to my acquaintances.”

“It seems like I have moved grades.” I teased.

He laughed, “That, you certainly have.”

Annie, one of the housemaids, made her appearance. “Breakfast is served, miss.”

I smiled, “Thank you, Annie. Would you care for some breakfast, Mr. Haverford?”

“Call me Daniel, please. And yes, I would love some breakfast.” He smiled and stood up. “Lead the way, Ms. Charleston.”

“If you insisted on being called Daniel, then call me Vanna.” I said as I began walking to the dining room with Daniel trailing behind me.

“Vanna it is then.”

Sunlight and the smell of freshly baked bread greeted us as we entered the dining room.

“There you are, darling.” My mother said when she saw me, standing up immediately and curtsied when she saw Daniel.

“Mr. Haverford, I didn’t remember hearing you enter this house.” My father remarked as he stood up and shook hands.

“My apologies, sir. I insisted on my sudden appearance to be much of a mere social call.” Daniel replied and bowed to mother.

“Very well. Would you like to join us for breakfast? We have enough to feed an army.” Father asked as I told a maid nearby to prepare another seat.

“I already accepted the offer. Your daughter asked me earlier.”

I saw my parents raise their eyebrow and sighed, knowing that they would be pestering me after Daniel left. I walked to my usual seat, noting with pleasure that the seat next to me has been prepared; Daniel would be sitting next to me.

“How is Stanford treating you, Daniel?” Mother asked as we began plating up various dishes onto our plates.

“It has been brutal, I have to say, but I have gotten used to it.”

“What major are you taking?” I asked, wiping jam from my mouth and plated some omelets for Daniel and me.

“Medical, pediatrics to be specific.”

“Why pediatrics?” I asked a bit softly.

Silence follows. Then, “Vanna, apologize now.” Father.

“I’m sorry about my daughter’s question, which was uncalled for.” Followed by mother.

“My apologies.” I murmured softly and continue eating, refraining from making anymore small talk. I can feel Daniel’s stare now and then but paid no attention, my main goal is to finish breakfast and getting out of the room.

I pushed my chair back after a few moments, wiping my mouth and curtsying before heading out. I hear some murmurs as I reached the hallway, then a pair of footsteps echoing behind me.

“Vanna.”

I stopped, letting Daniel catch up even though I kept my back to him.

“I’m sorry for my question earlier, it was rude.” I said, my voice soft.

“I lost my sister to lung cancer when she was 7. Then I nearly died of yellow fever at 9 years old.” He said gruffly, the way someone on the verge of crying would be.

“Is that why you chose pediatrics? So many children won’t have to suffer?” I asked softly, turning around to face hi,.

“In a part, yes. They should have a long life, filled with joy. Not one full of hospital visits.” His fists clenched tightly.

I don’t know what came to me but the next time I know, I’m hugging him tightly while burying my face in his chest. I should have asked for permission but then, I’m doing this on impulse. I can feel his surprise because he tensed but after a few moments I feel him hugging back just as tight, burying his face in my hair. We stayed in that position for a few minutes when I started laughing softly.

“What is it?” He murmured.

“I just went on and hugged you without asking for your permission.” I said sheepishly.

He chuckled, “Feel free to do it anytime, I wouldn’t mind.”

I pulled away slightly to look up at him. “So you would accept random hugs given by random people then?” I feel my brows furrow.

“Only from you.” He ruffled my hair.

“Hey!” I protested while smoothing my hair, him laughing as I do it.

“Come on, I want to show you something.” I smiled at him and took his hand, leading him out to the gardens.

“Are you taking me hostage?” He gasped mockingly.

I rolled my eyes, “Dungeons would suit you better.”

We walked under an arch and to a secret passageway, leading us to a hidden meadow with a small gazebo and flowers surrounding the meadow. Sunlight and bright blue sky bathed us as we made our way towards the gazebo.

“How on Earth did you find this place?” He asked as we sat down.

“One of my escapades when I was younger.” I replied, my legs crossing as I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sunlight. I hear a small bark and opened my eyes, a flurry of golden brown leaping at me. I laughed happily, my nose scrunching as the small dog licked my face.

“Lucky!” I rubbed its fur and belly, my problems forgotten at the moment.

“I was right animals does attract to you.” He mused.

I looked up and smiled, “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He held out his hands, “May I?” I nodded.

As soon as I loosened my hold on Lucky, he bounded over to Daniel and licked his face too.

“I’m sorry, he’s full of energy.” I apologized, handing some tissues to wipe our faces.

He laughed, “No worries, I have had my fair share of dogs licking my face.” He smiled while wiping his face.

“Was the dog I met at the pond yours too?”

“Rocky, he’s the youngest.” He stroked Lucky.

“How my dogs do you have?” I asked curiously.

“Only two, Marie and Rocky.”

Dreams and Reality Part 1

I walked down the stairs towards the ballroom, my gown trailing behind me. My heels clacked into the marble floor, my face covered with a mask. The crowd went silent as I reached the end of the stairs, my hand letting go of the balustrade.

“Ms. Charleston,“ I heard my name being announced.

The rest fades out as the night begins. Socializing, dancing, taking a bite to eat here and there. It wasn’t long before I found myself outside, wandering near the garden.

I sat down on one of the benches near the pond, moonlight shining down on the tranquil waters. I’m left to my own piece of mind; the breeze keeping me cool and the sound of crickets accompany me in my solitude.

“Good evening.”

I startled, looking behind me to see a guy with pale hair walking around the bench to sit next to me. He’s clearly dressed for the party but I haven’t seen him anywhere inside.

“Good evening,” I stuttered out.

He looked up to the sky, “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”

“It is,” I agreed and took my chance to study him. Pale gold hair with a strong jaw line and high cheekbones, a slight wrinkle at the corner of his lips; laugh lines.

“So what brings you here, milady?” I heard him ask.

I shrugged lightly, “I needed a breather.”

“But you could have done that in the balcony.” He pointed out.

I looked back at the balcony, now slightly crowded before sighing out.

“I wanted to get away from the crowd,” I confessed.

“Ah. Well in that case, I’m avoiding the crowd as well.” He said smiling as he took a seat next to me.

I looked at him from the corner of my eyes, “I haven’t seen you anywhere inside.” I remarked.

“But I have seen you.” He said simply.

I raised my eyebrows but didn’t comment, instead I discreetly observed him from the corner of my eye.

“Ah, I see. It seems like I have my own stalker then. Par excellence, I suppose?” I teased.

“That would be much of an exaggeration. I merely observed the whole time.”

“Observing par excellence it is.” We both laughed; low rich baritone and soft soprano tenor blending in the night.

I hear a soft bark coming from my right, only to find a small puppy sitting down while wagging his tail.

“Oh hello there,” I leaned down to stroke its fur before picking him up and placing him on my lap.

“Animals attract to you?” My ‘observer’ asked.

“Either that or I’m attracted to animals, but yes I suppose so.” I mused.

I was silent afterwards, me stroking the little puppy and my ‘observer’ staring out into the night, lost in our thoughts as the air breezes and made me shiver. I heard some rustle and sudden warmth on my back. I felt my shoulder and encountered with fabric.

“Oh thank you.” I smiled gratefully when I see him without his tuxedo jacket, him smiling back in answer

“Sire!” Our small bubble got interrupted when the butler soon arrived.

“Yes?” He looked up from the pond.

“Your presence is required immediately in the ballroom.” He said and was responded with a sigh.

“I’ll be there soon.” The butler went back to the mansion. He stood up and offered his hand to me.

“Well milady, it seems that our small adventure is coming to an end.”

I take his offered arm. “A shame, I quite liked this small adventure of ours.”

“I’m quite sure that we would face another adventure soon. Until then.” We had reached the French doors and getting closer to the ballroom.

“I suppose I should give your jacket back now.” I started to take it off before handing it to him.

“Until then.” He smiled as he shrugged his jacket on before striding inside.

I made my way inside and up the grand staircase, taking one last look at the party before going outside, oblivious to the pair of eyes watching intently.

As I went to pick my coat, the same butler from the pond arrived with a card in his hand.

“Miss, this is for you.” He handed me the card as soon as I finished wearing my coat.

“Who is it from?”

“I was told to not give away any identity.”

(to be continued)

Collision

My legs turned into jelly and I had to hold on tight to the door, if not I’d probably be toppling down the floor.

“W-what are you doing here?” I finally stammered, trying to regain my composure. Dark eyes with circles underneath and day old stubble greeted me.

He sighed and jammed his hands down his pockets, shrugging. “To be honest, I don’t have any idea.”

“Then you might as well leave.” I said firmly.

“I’m sorry.”

Those two simple words had me slamming the door hard on his face. I feel myself sliding down the door, biting my lips hard to keep the tears at bay but it started falling freely down my face.

“Brianne, let me explain.” I heard him say from the other side of the door.

“What else do you need to explain? You made it perfectly clear that day.” I could still remember clearly the days when I waited for him, him coming home late every day, resulting in a huge fight between us where he all shouted at me to leave if I had enough of his behavior.

“I was just…” I could picture him raking his hand thorough his hair while biting his lip, as he always did when he’s frustrated.

“Just go.” I whispered as I pulled my legs closer to myself, resting my head on the top of my knees.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Go!” I shouted as my voice broke.

“Brie, I’m not going anywhere. Just please listen.” He begged.

“Then talk.”

“I’m so sorry of what I said; I never wanted you to leave. I was just…angry.”

“Yes, you made it perfectly clear. So can you go now? Please?”

He sighed, “I told you, I’m not leaving.”

I stood up and went to the closet, where I kept my old mementos with him deep in a box, never to be reopened. I opened the door and shoved the box at him, before pulling the necklace holding the ring he gave me and threw it in his face.

“That’s how much you hurt me, so do me a favor and get gone. I don’t ever want to see your face again.” I hissed.

“Brianne…”

“Just go before I call the cops on you.” My hands clenched.

His shoulders slumped and he began to walk towards the elevator, me watching the short distance between my apartment and the elevator. Before I know what I was doing, my hand connected with his cheek.

His jaw clenched. “I deserved that.”

I ran back inside and locked the door behind me. I slid down the door and started to cry, the kind that people don’t want to see because it’s that ugly, rocking side to side. I didn’t realize the knocks behind my back or someone calling me repeatedly.

“Brianne, open the door please.” The person all begged and pleaded.

Somehow, I managed to open the door and the person rushed at me, enveloping me in their arms, drowning me in their scent. But I started to come to my senses slowly, realizing that I know this familiar scent and the arms holding me aren’t strange.

"It's okay, I got you baby girl." He repeated all the time as I keep on crying on to his shirt, rocking the both of us back and forth.

Finally, my tears stopped and all I'm left with is sniffles. He just keeps on stroking my hair and waited until I was calm enough to talk.

"Better now?" He murmured, I nodded and sighed softly.

"If I'd know I hurt you that bad, I would've came to you soon if I had your address." He said regretfully and squeezed tighter.

"Don't." I murmured and buried my face in his chest.

We were both silent after that, just enjoying each others' presence. It was a while before any of us did talk.

"Do you think we can start over?" He asked real softly.

I looked up at him and bit my lip, "I have no idea."

He kissed my head, "I really wish we could."

"We could take small steps?" I suggested warily.

He seemed to consider it for a moment before nodding. He stood up and offered me a hand, I accepted it even though I have no idea what he's doing.

"What are you doing?" I ask puzzled.

"Kael Jacobsen, nice to meet you." He held out his hand and smiled.

"Brianne Clark." I shook his hand and we both smiled.

Memories

It's been three years since we fell apart. I have moved to New York City for a clean slate. Walking through the crowd heading towards my apartment building, I held my phone close to my ear as I keep listening to my best friend, Sava, rant about her boss.

"Girl, chill. You love the job, you love the new clothes you can get your hands on early. I think that's a plus side. Except for your boss, of course." I rolled my eyes as I said this, taking a left and head towards my favorite coffee shop I found when I was wandering around the city.

"Sure yeah, but still! She's a pain in my ass!" She whined and I chuckled as I get in line to get my daily dose of caffeine. And by daily, I mean approximately 2 cups of good coffee everyday. Sue me, I'm an addict.

"This would be the umpteenth time you said that." I pointed out amused and made my way to the queue of people not so patiently waiting for their turn to order.

"Favorite line of the year!" She exclaimed proudly and I can't help but laugh at her antics.

"Hey do you want some coffee? I'm at the shop now." I asked as I got closer to the barista.

"Macchiato double shot, and caramel. Lots of caramel."

One thing about her, she loves double shot in her coffee and hella amount of caramel in basically anything that can be accompanied by caramel.

"Yes ma'am." I mocked salute and finally faced the cashier, ordering coffee for both of us before I head to our apartment. I've been living with her for around two and half years, before that I lived alone in the same apartment.

"That would be $20, please." I heard as I wrapped up the call, fetching my wallet to pay and waited for the coffee to be served. As I waited, I get this feeling that I'm being watched so I looked around the store to see if anyone is looking at me but I didn't find anybody doing it so I went back to waiting coffee. I plugged into my i-Pod then grabbed the coffee when I hear my name being called by the barista, taking a brief stop to grab some brown sugar for me to add on my coffee, then hurried out of the store so I could shake the feeling of being watched away. I crossed the road and greeted the doorman as I walked to the elevator.

"Coffee's here!" I said as I closed the door to our apartment behind my back, hearing rapid footsteps through the apartment as Sava emerged and snagged her macchiato like her life depended on it. It probably does, she can't survive without coffee.

"Thank you!" She cried out repeatedly as she hugged me and took a sip of her coffee, making me tut at her disapprovingly.

"You do realize that it's still piping hot, right?" I asked as I opened my coat and hanged it in the coat hanger we have near the door, peeling of my socks and sitting down on the couch while nursing my own drink.

"Hot coffee is the best in New York weather." She replied as she sat down next to me, turning on the TV.

We both watched the news, flicking on to another channel before settling with America's Next Top Model reruns. It wasn't long before it started to rain, making me grateful for having coffee in my hands now.

"Hey, I'm going to go shower then out for dinner." Sava suddenly said.

"With who?" I felt my brows furrow.

"Guys from work, Peter got promoted." She explained as she walked to her room. Peter is one of our mutual friends, and a gay one at that.

"Oh. Tell him I said congrats." I smiled and went back to watching TV.

"What should I wear?" She shouted from the bathroom.

"Where are you eating?" I asked back, walking to her room.

"I think somewhere in Brooklyn."

"Well shit. You might want to go for something a bit classy then." I rummaged her closet for something that might fit the occasion. She soon came in to help me.

"This should do it." I pulled out a nude colored dress and heels to match it. She immediately searched her box of accessories, pulling out a pendant necklace and simple gold earrings. I nodded in approval, ushering her to sit so I can get started on her hair and makeup.

"Thank you!" She hugged me tight and I laughed as I hugged her back.

"Now go, don't wanna be late for dinner." I rushed her out, hearing her laugh as she went to the elevator. I settled down back to the couch, changing the channel to a movie then going to the kitchen, making myself a sandwich. In the middle of making sandwich, the buzzer went off indicating that I have a guest.

"Coming!" I wiped my hands and rushed to get the door, unlocking and sliding the bolt open. My heartbeat seems to stop and my legs turned to jelly when I get a look on who is standing behind the door.

"Brianne." He breathed out.

Scars

The sound of car horns and the buzz of the cars fills the night as the clock strikes 3 o'clock. I just keep tossing and turning around in bed, your side getting colder and colder with each minutes that passes by. Tears streak down my face as sleep drew farther away from me, leaving me with my thoughts and my restless night.

Sitting up, I turned the radio on and the opening notes for Scars begins. Holding my legs close to my chest, I rested my chin on top of my knees and stared out the window as I listened to the song.

You're setting off, it's time to go, the engine's running

My mind is lost, we always knew this day was coming

And now it's more frightening than it's ever gonna be

When did we end up like this? When did we fall apart? Was I not good enough for you? When you said you'll take me as I am, was it a lie? Was everything you said a lie?

We grow apart, I watch you on the red horizon

Your lion's heart will protect you under stormy skies

And I will always be listening for your laughter and your tears

What went wrong? What made you go? It was always you and me against the world, then you promised me forevermore. Was it something that I said? Was it something that I did? I have to know what made us break up.

And as soon as I can hold you once again

I won't let go of you, I swear

We live through scars this time

But I've made up my mind

We can't leave us behind anymore

I've been told by many people that what's done is done, I need to let go and carry on. I know deep inside me that it's true: I'm stuck in time, I'm stuck on you. That was the times when we were untouchable.

Your hands are cold, your lips are turning blue; you're shaking

This fragile heart so heavy in my chest, it's breaking

And in the dark, you try to make a phone call to me

I screamed repeatedly at myself to wake up, I'm only dreaming that things between us are good. I need you to get out of my head so that I can think clearly but let's be honest, you never left my mind since that day. Because we're much better altogether, can't let go.

But you're miles away, you're breaking up on your own

I need an hour just to say hello

And I can't make the truth of this work out for you or me

It finally had to end this bitter way. We had no more to give each other, no matter what we said. I worried every night and slept all day, I was lying to myself by pretending to be someone else.

And for all the pennies in your pocket

We barely get a second just to speak

We live through scars this time

But I've made up my mind

We can't leave us behind anymore

We'll have to hurt for now

But next time there's no doubt

'Cause I can't go without you anymore

You tried to work it out and get some help, but you've been fooling everyone; I know what's going on, I know the truth. I can never hold your hand through this again. We keep lying to everyone around us, pretending to be someone that we're not.

We live through scars this time

But I've made up my mind

We can't leave us behind anymore

We'll have to hurt for now

But next time there's no doubt

'Cause I can't go without you anymore

No, I can't go without you anymore

I'm sorry I couldn't stay to fill the empty space beside you. But it's alright, I know you'll be fine after all of this. You'll be better off in a different place, somewhere very far away from me. It's alright, don't worry about me; I'll be fine, I have to be fine.

Briefly

Hallo!

Perks of only having 5 hours of school: weekend starts early. Downside of not having any gadgets at your disposal when your weekends start early: boredom ensues and you'd just find yourself trying to do basically anything to keep you from getting bored as hell.

But good news though, my class won the Kulturfest competition for making a cover video on Auf Uns. Yes, I'm getting slightly better in German but as for the listening, that would be a big fat nein.

No idea what else to report, so guess I should probably end it here. I know it's brief but better than posting nothing.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Passing Through

Hi guys! Sorry it took so long for me to write again, been busy and currently writing this when I should probably stay away from screens as I'm sick (sinus, bad cough and a damned headache). Oh well, the combo of me and being sick isn't unusual.

Got nothing much to report now, so I might be back with some more posts soon.

Auf Wiedersehen!