#darkwish

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Title: Dark Wish Series: Misty Lyric Author: W.M. Dawson Genre: Paranormal Romance

It seems like Jasmine St. Claire has everything she could want; fame, fortune, men and women, all wanting her attention. Instead of being satisfied, she craves something she can only find within her dreams.

Now I have to rise to the top of the whole world.

Ara put the last cups into dishwasher as Jack came to the kitchen. He was wearing his favorite tartan shirt, loose faded jeans, and his hands held a big plate of pizza. “Here you are,” Jack’s big voice echoed in the whole the room. Ara turned her head. “Uncle! My heart beats faster than forever!”         She put the dishes in the draining board. Jack stepped to the one and only dining table in the kitchen. He put the pizza on it. He said Mr. Carroll just came from London. He brought this pizza just for Jack. Mr. Carroll was Jack’s senior when they were high school kids. He asked Jack to visit his home in London and see if he was interested in managing a restaurant there.

“Such a great idea,” Ara responded. She was now busy opening two bottles of cool coke.

As she sat down next to Jack, she took a piece of the pizza. Her mind was now concentrating on that delicious meal.

“Hmm, it’s so great. I want to try to cook pizza someday.” “Well, Ara,” Jack said. “I have news.” Silence after a moment. Ara did not say anything. She just starred at the 52-year-old man. “I just decided to sell this house and restaurant.” “B… But why?” Ara could not avoid her temporary stammering voice. “You know, Clarice owes a big amount of pounds to the capital bank. Last week, the bank sent me a bill. They give me a month to pay it.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, Ara. I have to do this.” “But you won’t move from this town, will you?” Jack handled his coke bottle tighter. “I…. I am going to Glasgow.” “You’re following your wife?”

Jack shrugged. Ara’s eyes moved here and there, she felt no air in her lungs. Her sight got blur. She looked at the pizza emptily.

“Well, uncle. I know your situation. It’s such an infernally problem.” “Ara,” Jack said after dinking the coke. “I can’t tell your mom about this. Would you mind to tell her?” “No, of course not. I’ll tell her. I’m sure she can tolerate it.” “I apologize that I can’t take care of you and Letitia.” Ara cleared her throat. “It’s eight already. Better go.” She stood, wore her jacket, and grabbed her canvas backpack. “This is for you,” Jack gave the pizza to Ara. “Thanks. Bye, uncle!”

She was walking along the empty street with her mind wandering out there far away. She could not imagine what she would do to make both ends meet. Her mother was only a worker in the small garment factory in this town. She had to do something, look for a new part time job. But what? She walked into a newspaper stall. She picked one, and then went on walking across some rocky alleys to home.

“I’m home!” Ara shouted weakly. No answer. She went to the kitchen and saw her mother preparing dinner. “I’m home.” Ara said again. Her mother held her head up. “Oh, darling. I’m sorry I couldn’t hear you coming. How’s your day?”

Ara looked at her mother at a moment. She could see those wrinkles on that 46-year-old woman. “It’s good. I’ll be back after shower. By the way, Uncle Jack gave me this pizza.” After putting the pizza on the table, Ara went to her room. Her mother shook her head and then prepared a big plate for the pizza.

“Where’s Amy?” “She’s still sleeping.”

Ara checked the clock. “This time? Oh, let me wake her up.” Some moment later, Amy came with messy hair and grim visage. She was just thirteen, four years younger than Ara. After their parents’ separation, she looked gloomier than any other girls in Hereford.

They had dinner together though. Then, Ara told her mother about what actually happened to Jack. Her mother starred blankly ahead and spoke nothing. Her throat was suddenly thickening.

“Mom?” Ara softly touched her mother’s right hand. “Ara, you should choose the better time to say it!” Amy quickly replied. She walked back and forth from table to dishwasher with the dishes. Letitia took a deep breath but her eyes were nearly to tears. “It’s okay. Don’t worry about me. Will he come here to say goodbye?” “I have no idea, Mom. He just asked me to tell you. I’m so sorry.” “Well, let’s see him then. I want to speak to him, may be for the last time.” “Mom, please. Don’t be that hyperbolic.” Amy sat next to Letitia. Ara widened her eyes to warn her. “Alright, alright! I won’t screw up your business again.” She stood and went upstairs to her room. A sound of a slammed door followed. **

The next day after school, Ara went door to door looking for job. The windy autumn made her more enthusiastic today. She did not know why. The road reddened and yellowish, leaves fell and changed everything she saw. She almost forgot to buy some flour because of her mind was somewhere concentrating which house she would go next. Fortunately, she went across a grocery.

“Thanks, Mr. Hans.” Ara said after receiving the change. She went silent for a moment. “What’s up?” Mr. Hans got confused. “Errr, I was wondering if you can help me.” Ara carefully said.

  Mr. Hans was actually a nice person. But, he could suddenly be so prickly when he was in a bad mood. Today, it seemed like Mr. Hans was in his normal condition.

“What can I do for you, Miss?” “Well, I’m looking for a part time job. Do you need someone to help you at this grocery?” “Hmm, I don’t think so. But I know someone that may need you.” Mr. Hans talked to his wife for a while. Then, he put on his coat and bowler hat. “Follow me.” He said to Ara.        

Ara followed him walking across rocky path, through about a hectare of blueberry farm, and a bunch of barns. After a small bridge, Ara saw an old mansion with extra large yard. Some people seemed to be up to something.        

“Mr. Hans, is it Sir Elliston’s house?”         “Yes. He arrived from Paris two days ago. After five years of holiday, he said he misses his farm.”         “Holiday?”        “Haha. He stayed at his only daughter’s house in Paris. I hear that she’s a fashion stylist there. After her marriage, she’s reluctant to go back here.”         “Sounds great.”         “Here we come.” Mr. Hans and Ara reached a short gateway.

  Ara could now see clearly that majestic mansion – a Victorian building. Some men were busy polishing its wall. Some others cut the grass, watered flowers at a mini park. Ara was amazed to see those blooming daisy, tulips, lily, and fuchsia in this brownie autumn. Mr. Hans asked to one of Sir Elliston’s men and then he and Ara went to the backyard. They saw a man standing looking at his ranch downhill not far from the house.        

“Good afternoon, Sir.”         Sir Elliston turned around and smiled. He was little bit shorter than Mr. Hans, he had wavy grey hair with fine cut. Ara thought Sir Elliston was in his mid 60s.        

“Nice to see you again, old friend! How’s it going?”         “Very good. By the way, this is Ara. Ara, this is Sir Elliston.”         “Ara….”         “Aramanda Sullivan.” Ara and Sir Elliston shook hands. After hearing their intention of visiting, Sir Elliston looked at Ara for a second.      

“Alright Ara. Can you start to work tomorrow after school?”         Ara could not help but jumping.         “I, I’m sorry, Sir. I’m just over excited. I’ll start to work tomorrow.” She looked at Mr. Hans. “Thanks a lot, Mr. Hans!” **

On the next day, Ara went straight to the library, just like Sir Elliston’s command. The library was placed to face the backyard. She could see the industrious ranch from the house’s rear windows. Firstly, she needed to take the books from shelves to clean the room. Ara did it well. Before 6 pm, the room became clean. She then took some catchy books to borrow.         In her room, Ara read the books. She thought it was such a great idea to overcome her insomnia. She read a pink-covered book. It was entitled Raindrop. It narrated about a high school girl namely Scarlett. She had a perfect life – according to the story. She had long brunette hair, soft lips, and fair skin. Her blue eyes shone brightly. No wonder, she was so popular at school. Moreover, Scarlett was a dance queen, social activist among high school kids. People adored her. She got boyfriend, fans, and even many flirts.         Ara blew her bangs, rolled her eyes, put the book aside then wondering. However, she could not concentrate to the book. Her mind told something, but Ara could not guess why. She went on reading, until finish. It was almost 2 am when she yawned, then pulled her warm blanket.         Ara ran to her class. She was some minutes late. She had not been this late before. Yes, she was often late because of her insomnia. She opened her class door, being ready for whatever might happen. She only saw a big chaos that suddenly became silent as she went in, but continued their business immediately. Her friends scattered here and there, throwing paper balls or anything they found. Three girls in the corner stared at Ara with witchy smirk. In fact, nobody cared of her. Ara did not give a damn, so she took a deep breath with ease and found the nearest chair she could reach. Ara leaned on it.

        “How do you sleep, girl?” a voice was heard next to Ara. Ara looked up with half-opened eyes. It was Jenny, one of those popular kids.         “Heaven.” Ara reluctantly replied.         “Ah, have you done the essay for British History?” Ara knew that the question was equal to “May I copy your work?” Ara opened her bag, took a special quarto paper for the British History.         “This.” She showed it to Jenny. The slender girl rolled her eyes as she saw a blank white paper right before her eyes.         “Huh, forget it.” Jenny sided Ara’s blank paper.

  Ara went on leaning, trying to sleep. While Jenny, she got back to her two friends with reddish face. But shortly after that, those three girls sounded to laugh.        

Ara had lunch alone. She did not want any company right now. At the canteen, she just took a small sandwich and ordered a big cup of hot cappuccino. While enjoying her meal, she read once again some parts of Raindrop. A page caught Ara’s attention. There was a story about how Scarlett’s boyfriend Tyler loved her so much. He made a birthday surprise for Scarlett. At the party, Scarlett’s flirt, a boy from another school named Neil, came as a magician. Then he gave a rose bouquet. Scarlett soon found a note in the midst of the flowers. Ara closed the book rudely. She finished her lunch faster. She brought her cappuccino into the school library.        Ara looked around the Fiction section. There she saw a number of love stories. She took one, skipping, and found it had identical plot with the Raindrop. She took another teen story, not the love one, but still, there was love taste in it. She took some other, and found them had some things in common.  

          The bell rang. Ara went to her next class. She got a seat next to a boy in red hoodie. Ara knew him, one of popular members. As usual, he also joined football or basketball—Ara could not remember. She just knew his name: Oscar. The blonde guy said hi to Ara.

“Hi, ummm, what’s your name? I just lost my pen.” Ara got the point in an instant. “So?” “Yeah, you know, may I….” “Here. It’s for you.” Ara gave her spare pen—that was she called it, to Oscar. “Thanks.” Ara just shrugged while preparing her books.** “Hi, Sir. What are you looking for?” Ara said as she saw Sir Elliston was busy moving books to another side. “Ara! You shocked me.” Sir Elliston touched his left chest. “I do apologize. What, what can I do for you then?” “Not at all. I am looking for a thick book entitled Encyclopedia of Horse.” “Encyclopedia? Err, I think I put it in the drawer.” Ara opened a drawer near the heater. “Is this what you’re finding, Sir?” “Ah, yes. Yes! How could you put it there?” “I don’t know. I just thought it was a special book. By the way, may I receive my fee within this week?” Sir Elliston seemed to think. “Sir?” “Yes, I’ll give you the fee by Friday.” “Thank you, Sir.” “Never mind. Just continue your good work.” Sir Elliston said then left the library.

Ara nodded, her weariness was released as she knew that she would not be late for pay her tuition fee. Not wanting to waste more time, she rearranged the library collections just like those at other official libraries in her town, at least the town’s main library, and her school library. She then asked for some papers from Sir Elliston’s farm administrator to write some categories of the books. Most of Sir Elliston’s books are about agricultural things and philosophy books. Ara found some novels and magazines. She guessed that most of the novels belonged to Sir Elliston’s daughter. Ara borrowed two more novels, even though she had not finished another yesterday novel yet.         Today, she finished her work before 6 pm. So, instead of going to home immediately, she decided to make some comments about that Raindrop novel. She wrote, “Nice story. This is the new Brother Grimm’s regime.” She paused, and then wrote several lines more comments about the novel. She closed, “Overall, it sucks.” Ara tore the notebook page in which she commented and then inserted the commentary sheet into the Raindrop. After returning the book to its shelf, Ara went home.

The following day, Ara did not feel like to go home early. She then had an idea to just kill some time to breathe the fresh air. She did not pass the usual way, a shortcut that lead her to her home, but she just went ahead the main alley. She walked trough the Hereford Cathedral yard and sit on a bench in front of the Cathedral. The wind blew her brown hair, she sighed. She closed her eyes for a moment. She opened one of the books she just borrowed. It was The Paradise Parade. The cover is peach with flowery decoration and silhouette of some people in a parade. On the first page, there was a scribble, “Catherine Nicola Elliston.” It was Sir Elliston’s daughter. She read the first chapter that consisted of a narration about a chaotic parade in the middle of New York City. In fact, a girl namely Fiana had a nightmare about that. She woke up and found herself in a big room. There was a pendulum clock on the corner, a plasma TV, computer, and playstation at the other part of the room. Her bed was placed near the window. Fiana heard the familiar sound of wave. In fact in the novel, she lived in Florida.  Ara closed the book and then walked home. **

  Now Ara had a new ritual before bed. She read a novel and then gave some comments to it. Tonight, she did not finish reading The Paradise Parade but she wrote some notes though. Now Ara felt better than the previous day. It was because the novel had humorous twists here and there. Fiana, the main character, was a daughter of a cruise business master, William Robstock. In her 17, she had her own clothing line, Fia La Guna. As the title, there was a parade narrated in the story, and Fiana accidentally took part in it. Firstly, her clothing line was asked to be one of the sponsors for a participant team in the parade. However, she got in a wrong bus for another participant, that is, a team of alien clowns. That was the real story began. She met one of her archenemy at school and an obsessed bookworm. Ara slept with the book open beside her. **

Ara went to school earlier than ever. That was why she forgot to have breakfast. In her way to school, she met Gina.

“Hi, Ara. Nice to see you this morning.” “Ah, do you mean that I’m not in a hurry as usual?” “May be.” Gina and Ara laughed. Then Gina continued, “Err, do you still remember Clark?” All of a sudden, Ara felt a pang of flashy memory around her head. She did not quickly answered. “Hello?” Gina pinched Ara’s right arm. “Ouch! Shhh. I, I… Well, it’s such a rhetoric question.”  “Last night he phoned me.” “So what?” Ara unveiled her being surprised. “I know you still care about him.” “There’s something else more important to do, Gina.” “That’s not true. I know this bag accessory means a lot to you.” Gina touched a zipper accessory on Ara’s bag. “He asked about you, Ara.” “I have nothing to do with him anymore.” “He misses you, to tell the truth.” “I miss him too, then. Well, is he still with his girlfriend?” “Yes. He said that he has known her family. He even goes fishing with her dad once in a while.” “Good for him.” Ara stopped her step. “By the way, I have to see Mrs. Wilshere right away. See ya!” “Bye!” Gina watched Ara running toward the teachers’ office and then went to her class.

          In the library, Ara sat with her eyes pretend to read a book she randomly took from Science section. Her mind was in some time a long time ago. Clark was Ara’s best friend since they were in the kindergarten. He lived at a farm house not far from Ara’s home. As they grew up, Ara felt something different about Clark. But last year, Clark moved to Leeds with his family. Ara then sent an email to admit that she had fall for him. The reply from Clark was a rejection, the smooth rejection. Clark just considered Ara as his best friend and told her that he had got a girlfriend. Since then, Ara did not send emails for Clark. She deleted all Clark’s contacts from her phone, email, other internet database, and contact book. She thought she would be depressed forever because of that boy. But her worse family economic situation made her forget about the puppy love stuffs. On the next day, she threw away the bag accessory Clark gave her. She spent the rest of her nights to write some letters to the publishers of stories she read. She asked those publication companies to reject all fantastic stories, and the stories that make people further away from reality, according to her. She even attached letters for the writers too. One day Sir Elliston found notes in books Ara borrowed. He got surprised, upset, but felt funny in a moment. He then told Ara to keep the notes for herself.

  “Let’s escape, Ara!” Mr. Rovers the British History teacher said to her as they met in hallway. “Pardon?” “Your article in Mail Telegraph is good. You have a talent.” She remembered about an article she sent some day ago entitled Let’s Escape. She did not think that they published it. “Thank you, Sir. But I haven’t read the newspaper today.” “It’s yesterday, you know. Do you have problem with your Language teacher?” “May be.” She smiled.

Immediately, she went to the library and found the newspaper. That was it! Stealthily, she cut her article and brought it with her. It was a writing to criticize amazing stories she read. **

          Ara’s heart beat faster as she read a letter in her hand. It was from Scarlett! She closed and opened her eyes million times. Ara then checked her private mailbox in her closet. The letters for the stories’ characters disappeared. In her letter, Scarlett asked Ara to meet her in Sir Elliston’s library. Ara sat down on the edge of her bed with half-opened mouth. She fell her body into the bed.**

On the next Sunday, Ara went to Sir Elliston’s library. She entered the room carefully, almost on tiptoe.

“Close the door Ara!” a girl’s voice commanded. Ara silently closed the library door. She looked around and found nobody. Suddenly, a hand touched her left shoulder. Ara turned around. “How are you, Ara?” A brunette girl smiled at Ara. She was wearing blue sweater, skinny jeans and sneakers. Her blue eyes looked right into Ara’s eyes. “Scarlett?” “Yeah. Who else? Come on, the others are waiting. ”

          Scarlett opened a hidden door behind a book shelf. Ara followed her. As they came in, the door closed tight. Ara watched the room. The wall was full of graffiti, with a headlight disco in he middle, a bar, and some couches at its corners. They looked so familiar to Ara.

“Attention please!” Scarlett stood on the bar. Everybody went silent and looked at her. “We have a special guest tonight, a guest that you have been wondering these days.” Scarlett gave a sign for Ara to stand on the bar. Ara followed her. “Hi, I’m Ara.” The audience did not make any response. “Well, I, I wrote those letters for you all.” “Ha! Nice try, girl!” A boy in sport shirt and short pants replied. “Yeah, I know I might make a mistake. I’m sorry. But your presence…. You have provoke people to dream something they cannot reach at all.” Ara waited for a response, a thrown beer can, perhaps. However, the people clapped and some even said “Yiiihaaa!” Ara did not find angry faces in them. Scarlett held her hands to stop them from the noise. “Okay, okay. She seems to really care about us.” “Excuse me?” Ara asked. “Yeah. This person has made us alive!” The noise rose again. “Ara, would you do me a favor?” a stylish girl in boho chic style asked. Ara thought she was Fiana. “What?” “Close your eyes!” “Yeah, close your eyes! Close your eyes! Close your eyes!” the other shouted. “Come on.” Scarlett said.

          Ara closed her eyes. She could feel a soft wind stroke her face. She smelled paper scent later. Then, a sound of slammed made her open her eyes. The room was empty and different. It was all broken white and limitless.

“Scarlett!” Ara was wandering around but she went to nowhere. Suddenly, her hand held a pen and wrote on the wall by itself. Ara could not stop it. It happened over and over. “Ara, here you are.” Sir Elliston broke into the library. “Yes, Sir.” “You look beautiful in that brunette hair.” “Thank you.” “My daughter wants to see you. Let’s have lunch together.”