#ac:diary

It’s been a while since I celebrated my birthday in Altelia. And to top it off it’s my actual birthday. Being a leap year baby and all. One might say that’s serendipitous. I say who cares, really. 

I don’t think I’ll do anything special this year around. I haven’t made any plans and there’s nowhere to really celebrate the way I’d like to. There is a nightclub being built (which I’m helping with) but that’s the problem. It’s not complete yet. I might head to a bar or something later. Maybe head to the casino? Molly said I should check it out. She owns the place, too. Goddesses, I bet she’s filthy rich. 

Maybe I can convince a certain CEO to throw a birthday party in a mansion... 

Otherwise, it’s gonna be a quite night for my 24th birthday. 

Why am I here? Well, I need some cash. That and I figured I’d at least check in with my mother and let her know I’m alive and all. Except not even that worked out because guess what. The vineyard closed down. I can’t even believe it. The vineyard that’d been in the family since my great-grandparents owned it and now it’s just some vacant land up for auction. By the looks of the land it’s been a while, too. I wonder how long they went under. I don’t even know where they went. Maybe I’ll ask somebody at the post office what they changed their address to. 

So, instead of lodging at the vineyard (which would have been free) I’m now stuck at the Lady Ann Inn (paying for a room). Did I mention I came here for money? Yeah, real suckish. Not to mention I have yet to meet this ‘Lady Ann’ if she even exists. Such a weird name for an inn. Then again, it’s better than the Inner Inn I stayed at it some valley. Seriously, people need to get better names for things. 

Anyway, I’ve been in town for a couple days now. I found out there was a new winery and you wouldn’t believe who owns it. Molly D’Amore. I had my suspicions considering it was called Frutti D’Amore Winery. It was great to catch up with her and what’s even better I got a part-time job there. Poor woman could use a break. She owns like three or four businesses. I think I’d pull my hair out if I had that much on my plate. 

 Which reminds me, I need to find out where the heck Alice is living these days. Last I saw her she was attending university. I popped in to say hi for a couple days, but that’s been a few years ago. Surely she’s graduated by now. Where would a CEO even hang out?

Yeah, I should look at some mansions nearby. That’s where I would be. 

I also saw casting call for ballerinas at the Alexandria Theatre and you can bet your ass I’ll be there. I know without a doubt I’ll be cast as the prima ballerina. It’ll also be nice to get back up on stage again and in the lime light. That’ll also bring in a good amount of cash. So, I’ll stay until the production is over. Then I’ll be on my way again. 

Good thing I don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend, otherwise they’d be pretty mad at me, haha. Oh well! Just another day at work for me this year. My parents did send me a little card and some chocolate, though (That’s the only reason I realized I missed it, I got it in the mail this morning. Oops!). 

Valentine’s Day, huh? 

I always feel a little melancholic on the holiday, and this year was no exception. I know I have a lot to be grateful for, the Goddess has been truly kind to my family and I... However, whenever I’m out and about and seeing couples everywhere, it makes me envious. Sometimes it helps give me ideas for whatever novel I’m currently writing, but this year it didn’t even offer me any inspiration, which is a shame. 

My editor has told me that my novels would likely be even hotter sellers if I actually fell in love with someone, but... Such a thing is far easier said than done, even if I do understand where she’s coming from. After all, how does one write about love when they’ve never experienced it? 

For a guy like me, Valentine’s Day isn’t really a big deal, although it definitely does make it easier to seduce people. After all, most people are depressed if they aren’t seeing someone, so it’s easy for me to find someone to hook up with. 

Not sure who I hooked up with last night, if I’m being honest, but hey! I probably won’t see them again anyway, so it doesn’t really matter, hahaha.

She sighed, the recording having a strange fumbling noise at this point, “I don’t know what brought this on, I just remembered them. 

“My family was rather big, my father was pretty fond of his oracles but he did say that my mother was his favorite. It’s why he had two kids with her. Mom,  was such a kind woman, soft and nurturing. Her voice was a bit firm, but it was friendly. Apparently my older sister was like her, appearance wise. 

“My sister, Maia, she seemed to be a bit like father. A little flirtatious and mischievous, but also very caring. She was very protective over me because I was blind, so it was always a trip when she found me running wild in the forest or cliff diving. She about had a heart attack. 

“It hurts to talk about them, but... in a strangely cathartic kind of way. They’re... they’re dead, but I like to celebrate their life.

“...I wonder where my father is.”

She sighed deeply before continuing, “I miss him.”