Chapter 1
It was the night of 24 August. I was sitting on my bed beside the window, looking out at the full moon, its glow illuminating my face, my dress intentionally not my night suit but a casual, pretty black shirt and a perfect sized trouser with a scarf around my neck, my hair beautifully styled, slightly fluttering.
All of a sudden, a smile appeared on my lips. A thankful, loving smile. Memories were playing in my mind. All those moments when my brothers protected me. All those moments when they made me feel safe.
MEMORY:
I was walking absent-mindedly in the park which was illuminated by street lamps. Usually, I would write and relax at this time but a heavy weight pressed down on my heart for the last three days. I had lost someone very close to me and I needed time to compose myself. My brothers respected my space and gave me the time I required.
That day, when I was wandering aimlessly around the park, looking down at the grass, trying hard to not let my tears spill, the slight breeze feeling very cold on my back, all the people around me engrossed in their own stuff, I suddenly bumped into someone. An angry figure.
He started shouting at me.“Are you blind? Can’t you see where you’re going?” He yelled, making me flinch.
“You’re not even going to apologize? I’ll show you what happens if you mess with me.” He stepped forward and grabbed my arm harshly.
This was my limit. My fear of coming into contact with someone totally unknown showed itself, which usually stayed silent because I was careful. The world around me felt a lot more noisy but it was the emotional turmoil in me which made me lose control of my fear and emotions.
“Noises! So much noise! Unfamiliar touch!”
My breathing became uneven and I tried to release my arm from the man’s firm and hard grip. All of a sudden, something appeared…someone actually and the man stumbled backward, his mouth bleeding from a single hit of the “someone”. I looked up to see a smart person standing, his back facing me, his hands clenched into fists. Brother Sylar. He stepped forward towards the man and grabbed him by the collar, his movements swift and dangerous.
“Now, I’ll tell you what happens if you touch my sister.” Brother Sylar said in a low, fierce voice, making the man tremble.
His eyes turned fierce red, he leaned forward, opened his mouth and dug his fangs into the man’s neck. But this all was invisible to anyone else standing there. After killing the man, he wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand and then came towards me, his eyes still dangerous but held protectiveness and softness.
“Are you okay?”He asked with concern.
I just nodded, my tears still falling.
“What happened?” He asked again, keeping his distance carefully.
I was too weak to answer. He knew me and so he didn’t push me to answer. One of his things that I loved the most was that he respected my space. Instead of asking again, he just offered his hand and without hesitation I took it because it felt safe. Then we went to the dorm. The inside was quiet as everyone else had gone out. I sat in my room on the bed, now a little better. Brother Sylar entered with a glass of water, handed it to me and kneeled in front of me.
“Halima, I know you’re upset, but you shouldn’t get carried away.” He told me, clearly worried that I am being consumed by my sadness.
I said nothing. Just stared at the floor. He got up and sat beside me and told me to look at him. I did as told.
“Tell me whatever you want. Come to me whenever you want. But don’t do this to yourself.” He assured me of his support and presence which made me feel comfortable.
“Brother... I just feel empty.” I expressed whatever came to my mind.
“We are with you. So why do you feel empty?” He asked, confirming me their love and support for me.
“I didn’t want this to happen.” I bowed my head, clutching my hands tight as a single tear fell from my eye.
“It’s fate. You can’t change it. But you have to be strong.” He told me the reality but his voice and advice made it seem less harsh because he was by my side no matter what.
I took a deep breath and nodded.
“Brother! You didn’t misunderstand, did you?” I asked in a low voice.
“Not at all. I know you very well.” He smiled.
I smiled back. After a moment,
“You need to get some rest. Sleep now.” He said, patting my shoulder.
He then got up and moved towards the door.
“Thank You, Brother.” I said slowly as he was about to get out.
He stopped, turned his head and gave a really sweet smile that always won me.
“This is what brothers do.” He said.
“Good Night.”He exited the room after saying this.
I felt really relaxed and much better. Brother Sylar was always victorious in making me feel good. And for the first time in the last three days, I slept peacefully.
MEMORY FINISH
I was so thankful to Brother Sylar for always putting my heart at ease.
Another memory flashed in my mind.
MEMORY:
I sat at my study place late at night, almost midnight. I had my test and I had to give my best and I was a book-worm usually when it came to university and grades. Late at night, when I used to study, I usually craved for something to eat and at that time, I was craving for chocolate. Sweet and yummy chocolate. I ate all I had the previous day and I couldn’t go out and get it myself so an idea popped into my mind. My Kairen brother. He would definitely bring me some if I asked him. So, without wasting another minute, I called him.
“Huh? What’s going on? Are you still awake?” He asked as soon as he picked up the call.
“Yeah! I’m studying for a test…” I trailed of holding back my chuckle.
“And?” He asked curiously.
“I wanted to eat chocolate. I ate it all yesterday.” I told him what I craved.
“Then, would you like me to bring you some chocolate?” He asked. “At this hour?”
“Yes! Please! I want to eat it now.” I requested like a child.
“Okay! I’ll go.” He said and hung up.
I knew it. He would never refuse.
After some time, I got up and went to the kitchen to take some water but as I went, I heard the doorknob turn and someone entered. Black mask, unknown figure and a gun in his hand. I stood still, trying to process the situation. The man held up his gun and pointed it towards me.
“Put your hands up and don’t move.” The man said but I stood still.
The masked man stepped forward as I started stepping back not understanding what to do. I was not weak or afraid. I was just taken aback by the sudden invasion. I sensed that the man’s intention was to do something bad. He walked past me warning me to not move. My intuition made me look back and what I saw made me more shocked. The man had the vase in his hand, lifted up probably to hit me but he was frozen, unable to move. Someone entered through the door then. Brother Kairen. He had his hand raised and his eyes bloody red. I realized that the man was frozen due to Brother Kairen’s power. He first glanced at me, checking if I am alright and then he moved to the man, staring into his eyes.
“Who are you?” The man asked in a trembling voice.
“Your death.”He answered and in less than a second, he bit the man with his sharp fangs and the man’s body disappeared instantly.
Brother Kairen then came towards me.
“You okay?” He asked seriously but with a different kind of softness.
I nodded.
Knowing that the danger had ended, he sat on the couch with me.
“You have to be careful.” He said.
“I’m always careful.” I said with obviousness in my voice.
He looked at me for exactly 3 seconds.
“Is it prudent not to lock the door?” He said, making me unable to defend myself.
I looked back at my chocolate and kept eating. After satisfying my craving, he got up to leave but stopped to say something.
“I brought you what you asked for. Now it’s time to do what I ask.” He said with a smirk.
He always used to do like that and called it “Barter Trade”.
“Ah, seriously?!” I sighed heavily. “Okay. What do you want?” I asked.
“It’s late! Stop studying and go to sleep.” He said.
I didn’t expect him to say that. Even though it was “Barter Trade” according to him, I always observed it was in my favor, for my betterment.
I agreed and then he left. After that, I locked the door as he had advised and went to sleep which felt really the right thing to do at that time.
MEMORY FINISH
It was always him who knew what I should do and when. And I am grateful to him that because of his advice, I got to get good sleep and satisfy my late night cravings while studying.
Just then…another memory.
MEMORY:
It was my last year of university and my mid-year exams were upcoming. As usual, I was tense and studied till 1 or 2 am at night but since I was used to it, it shouldn’t have bothered me much. But there was something else this year. A different pressure not because it was the last year of my studies but something else.
I was laying on the sofa, the wall clock showing 3:30 am, my books open and scattered on the table in front of me but my attention was not on them. My eyelids were heavy and I was quivering.
And then my eyes closed and before I could know it…I was asleep.
I stirred and groaned, feeling a cold cloth on my forehead and a hand on my arm. I opened and was surprised to see the familiar figure sitting in front of me with an angry yet concerned expression. Brother Ryan.
“Brother…” I said, adjusting my view.
“You were studying late again, skipping meals and taking stress. How many times have I told you not to push yourself too hard?” He gently scolded me.
“I just…I am used to it.” I said, trying to explain.
He shot me a glare.
“Seriously? You were shivering and burning up when I came.” He said, with a furious yet worried gaze.
“And why did you come so late?” I questioned back.
“Because I knew you were gonna do something like this like an idiot.” He shot back an answer that left me dumbfounded.
I breathed heavily, enough for him to sense my discomfort and tiredness. He got up, went to the kitchen and returned moments later with a plate of sandwiches and a glass of water.
“Eat something, right now.” His statement was a caring command.
As I sat up, he adjusted the blanket around, making sure I was comfortable and then I ate the sandwiches and drank the water. There was something unusual in my gaze, my voice and the way I was reacting to my tests and exams and there was no way he didn’t notice. After I ate, I looked up at him then eventually averted my gaze.
“Halima, is something wrong?” He asked, wanting to know what’s bothering me.
Even though I hesitated, I knew that Brother Ryan was the one I could share my discomfort with and he would definitely do anything to make me feel at ease.
“Tell me.” His voice this time convinced me to open up.
“Brother, it’s not only my exams and usual stress. It’s Professor Edward. He always keeps pushing me. He always tells me to excel for the reputation of the university.” I spilled out everything burdening me.
His jaw tightened, but he kept his composure soft in front of me.
“That son of a bitch.”
He took a breath and then spoke again.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.” He assured me.
“Now, rest. You still have a fever.” He said and I agreed as I also wanted a little rest.
I slept peacefully. Because I knew, Brother Ryan meant it. He always did. I trusted him that he wouldn’t leave me stressed and under pressure given by someone else.
I skipped university the next day and rested. At night, I got a call from my professor and he told me that he has to visit me for some work. I told this to Brother Ryan, who was still with me and his expression grew serious. He told me to let him come and not to worry.
When the bell rang, I opened the door and in came Professor Edward.
“Did you study well?” He asked immediately, as if he did nothing.
I took a step back, already feeling the weight of his words. From behind the door, Brother Ryan stepped out, closed the door with a thud and came between me and the professor, staring at him with a dangerous intensity.
“How dare you ask her this after putting this much pressure on her?” His voice was low.
“What is it to you?” The professor asked, not stepping back.
“Stop bothering her. You hear?” Brother Ryan’s statement was clear.
“Who the hell even are you?” The professor shouted.
“Her Guardian.” My brother’s voice was a whisper.
“And no one gets away after making my sister uncomfortable.”
And with that, his eyes turned bloodshot, his fangs being clear, leaned forward and within a moment, the professor’s body went limp and turned into dust. I stood frozen, shocked to see his usual calm composure, a really fierce and terrifying figure.
“You are free from this burden now.” He said as he turned to me.
“Thank You…Brother.” I whispered, now better and satisfied.
“And tell me whenever something is wrong. Okay?” He said, now soft.
“Got it.” I nodded.
And after that day, there was no burden. Though I took stress as usual, late night studies and skipping meals, there was no discomfort in it. All my stress and depression used to fade once Brother Ryan knocked on my door to check on me. And guess what? I aced my exams.
MEMORY FINISH
Brother Ryan was always very caring. Whenever I had tests or exams or anything that made me nervous, he used to come to me, motivated me and eased my tension. I don’t know if it was his human soft side or one of his vampire powers, but whatever it was…it always worked.
And…another moment played in my mind like a film.
MEMORY:
It was almost 11 PM at night and I stepped out of the library realizing it’s very late. I had been spending in silence. I usually stayed in the library till 8 or 9 PM to read some books or write something because it was a place very quiet and tranquil along with my beloved pens and papers, just perfect to my taste.
I crossed the road and walked on the footpath, the only source of light was the single street lamp. My instincts were telling me that something was wrong and all of a sudden, I heard a voice.
“Where are you going, pretty girl?” The voice said and I turned around to see…him.
He was the guy, probably in his 20s, whom I always spotted in the cafe near my campus where I went to drink latte or juice after my class. I always caught him staring at me, observed that he always ate or drank what I did, left the cafe when I did and always tried to be near me, to talk to me.
His presence always felt suffocating and heavy. I avoided him but the day his existence started to feel airless was when he confessed to me and I rejected him after which I got to know that he is involved in some crimes and he is a man with many connections.
As soon as I saw him, I took a step back.
“What does that have to do with you?” I asked straightforwardly.
He stepped towards me.
“Why are you ignoring me? Let’s talk for a minute.” He said with a smirk.
“I told you I’m not interested.” I raised my voice just a little.
“You have to give me a chance. I’ll show you how great I am.” He took another step making me clutch my books tighter.
With that, he reached out and put his hand on my arm making me flinch.
“Don’t touch me!” I shouted but my breath hitched.
All of a sudden, a figure pulled the boy from behind. Brother Louis. My usually calm and composed Brother Louis was now looking extremely cold, his aura very icy and his eyes dangerous.
His eyes turned scarlet, he opened his mouth from which escaped an icy breath. He lowered his head towards the boy’s neck and sank his bloodthirsty fangs in with a swift and silent move. He stood, looking over the body for a moment.
“I won’t let anyone breathe near my sister.” He said in a low, husky voice and within a fraction of a second, the body vanished.
He then turned towards me, his expression still serious but concerned. He bent and picked up my books that had fallen and then looked at me while I was trying to process the whole thing.
“Are you okay?” He asked and I only nodded in agreement.
“It’s not safe here. Let’s go home.” He said.
I walked to the dorm in silence with him by my side every step of the way and his arm around my shoulder. Once inside, I sat on the couch and he sat beside me. After a moment of stillness,
“Who was he?” He asked, trying to understand the situation.
I lifted my face to look at him.
“He was... he was a boy who always came up to me and tried to talk to me, and…” I trailed off.
“And…?” He said, waiting for me to continue.
“And I also rejected him a month ago.” I finally spoke.
He pressed his lips and let out a breath from his nose.
“Then why didn’t you tell me this before?” He said, questioning me.
“I…I thought it was normal.” I expressed my thoughts honestly.
“Is it normal to be watched, harassed, and run into that person late at night?” He confronted leaving me dumbfounded and guilty of not telling him before.
I looked down and in a low voice I whispered,
“I know you’re upset but I am sorry.”
He sighed, now back to his usual self.
“I am not mad! Just promise me something.” He said in his usual calm voice.
“Yes?” I said ready to promise.
“Don’t hide anything anymore.”
“Okay”
“And don’t stay out this late.”
“Okay!”
“And don’t go anywhere without telling me.”
“Ah! Okay!” I sighed dramatically.
“Good.” He said and patted my head, the gesture of a sweet older brother.
After a little more chit chat, when the air had shifted and the mood had lightened, we got up and he walked with me to my room and we stopped near the door.
“Rest now. I’ll make sure Ryan goes with you to college tomorrow.” He assured me.
He turned around to leave, when I whispered,
“Thank You, Brother.”
He stopped, turned and smiled the prettiest smile ever.
“Always, my little headache.” His reply assured me of his presence and guardianship.
“Good Night.” He said and left.
I layed on my bed, my eyes closed and a soft smile playing on my lips, my face peaceful and my heart at ease, knowing that whatever danger I face, Brother Louis will always have my back.
MEMORY FINISH
Brother Louis, his calm and composed yet dangerous and shielding aura, his safe company and his reassuring words were my safe haven and they were my source of comfort. He always made me feel guarded and thanks to him, I never felt insecure.
Then, a new image from the past filled my mind’s eye.
MEMORY:
The night felt tranquil, quiet as there were no cars or people and I was walking towards the cafe “Coffee Bliss” to release the burden of the day. The day had been exhausting not just because of the long, tiring classes but because of the argument based on complete nonsense with the university’s heartthrob defined with these three words by me; Stupid, Idiot, and Senseless. I took normal paced steps and hummed with my playlist in my ears, my hands in the pockets of my long coat, shielding me from the winter breeze.
Suddenly, a strong force turned me around and I was shocked to see that it was...Liam...The Stupid, Idiot, Senseless University Heartthrob!
I sensed anger radiating from his body, his eyes trying to scare me but I freed my arm from him.
“Can you tell me why you are invading my quiet time?” I asked casually as I always did in front of him.
“Do you think that winning an argument with me will get everyone’s attention?” His voice was already very loud.
“I never said that. But it seems to me that you’re the one who wants to get everyone’s attention by making a fuss every day. Am I right?” I threw his question back at him.
“Shut up!” He yelled.
“Then can I go? Or is there anything you would like to say?” I asked, my composure completely calm.
“Remember! If you yell at me and humiliate me again, you will pay the price.” He warned.
“Okay! Next time, just tell me the price in stamped bills. It won’t cost a penny.” I said with a smirk.
I turned around to leave but he pulled me harshly and pressed me to the tree trunk making me let out a wince.
“Do you think this is a joke?” His voice held anger and frustration.
“Leave me, or you will regret it when my Savior comes.” I said with an emotionless face sensing my anger rising in me.
“Really? Call him!” He challenged.
“Let her go.” A voice called from behind.
“And here he comes.” I said with a very mischievous smile.
He left me and stood straight with chest out.
“Who are you?” He asked.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to hurt a girl.” The voice said, ignoring his question.
And there standing with his charming face and defensive aura was Brother Adrian.
“You don’t get involved in this.” Liam said out loud, chest still out.
“I’m warning you one last time. If you don’t let her go…” Brother Adrian paused mid-sentence.
“Or what? Show me!” Liam blurted out of fury but he didn’t know that it would end him.
Brother Adrian’s usual cheerful and jolly side was gone, replaced by a piercing and scary version of him. And in the blink of an eye, he was close to Junho, eyes bloody, mouth opened and his sharp canines deep into his neck and in no time, the body was nowhere to be seen.
He came to me while I brushed the dust off my sleeves.
“Are you hurt?” He asked, his concern evident.
“I am okay. Thank you for coming.” I expressed my gratitude.
“You’re welcome.” He said with a wide smile.
We started walking towards the cafe together.
“You shouldn’t deal with these people alone.” He said while walking.
“I wasn’t afraid.” I said, confident.
“Yeah, but you could have gotten hurt. So tell me next time.” He expressed the possibility and his concern.
“Okay. Stop it and let’s take a break” I said as I entered the cafe.
We sat together, had our delicious ice cream flavors, chocolate-coffee for me and mint chocolate for him, a heart winning chocolate shake and along with it, our laughter and jokes making us forget the incident. And after a long, tiring and stressful day, I felt relaxed in Brother Adrian’s light-hearted, joyful company. Laughing together with him, telling the whole day’s story and enjoying our shakes felt stress-relieving.
MEMORY FINISH
This was a specialty of Brother Adrian. I don’t know if his super natural ability or his human interacting quality, but it always made me at ease, without any worries. For this, I am always thankful to him.
MEMORY:
For a curious girl like me, even an empty wooden box found in a trash bin was extraordinary. It was one of those nights that held a heavy atmosphere, when my sixth sense told me that something unusual will happen.
I was walking on the road as my routine of every night when I reached in front of a wooden shelter and I could hear some voices from its back. Voices like...digging and a smell. A scent for me. Scent of blood. My curiosity showed itself and before giving a second thought, I started walking to the back of that hut. As I rounded the corner with quiet, small steps, I stopped, seeing a man, his back turned to me, his body bent, digging the mud with speed. Who was he? What was he doing? And what is this...? Many questions popped in my mind as he placed the shovel at a side and lifted up something in his arms from his left side. Something as large as a human. And upon focusing a little, I realized that it really is a human. Was he burying someone? Did he kill someone?
Deciding to inform my brothers, I took a step back and to my fate, I accidently stepped on something that made a crushing noise, alarming the man. He turned to me and his eyes grew furious and wide as he saw me.
“Come here!” He called as I started running away and he followed me.
As I was running, I got bruises and scrapes from the overgrown bushes and plants and I winced a little as they scratched my arms and hands. While fleeing away, I turned back to see that the man was out of sight but I could hear his footsteps chasing me and all of a sudden, I stumbled into someone and he held me from the arms before I could lose my balance. Brother Luca
“Ya! Be careful.”He said as I steadied myself.
I was relieved to see him.
“Brother…” I just gestured behind me with my hand, my breathing heavy.
The gesture was enough for him to understand that someone is after me. He instinctively pulled me behind himself and the man appeared.
“Where is that girl?” The man said aloud seeing Brother Luca.
“Who are you and what do you want from her?” Brother Luca asked.
“It’s none of your business!” The man yelled.
“Is she behind you?” He said with a smirk.
Saying this, he moved forward to take me from my brother.
But before he could grab me, Brother Luca pushed him to the ground, sat down as the man groaned, his eyes like burning red UV light, leaned down, his mouth near the man’s throat, and his sharp, pointy, dangerous teeth in the man’s neck.
I stood frozen, adjusting the whole incident in my mind. He stood up, spit the man’s blood out of his mouth and came to me.
“His blood is disgusting.” He said out of pure disgust and then asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” I said, rubbing my thumb across my hand.
“But I see scratches on your hands.” He said, pointing towards my hands which are clenched together.
“It’s nothing. It’s just a small wound.” I tried to downplay it.
He gave me a knowing look and I had no choice but to go home with him.
Once at the dorm, I went to my room, sat on the couch and he came with a first aid box. Sitting beside me, he wiped the cuts with a wet cloth and applied a cream with care. He was silent and I knew exactly that his silence held a little anger he was trying to hold back. After he applied the cream and put it back, I spoke up.
“Brother, I am sorry.” I said before he could say anything.
He turned to me.
“Sorry isn’t always the solution. You have to listen to me.” He scolded me a bit.
But he was right. He told me almost a million times to not go to unfamiliar places and get into trouble. But I was known for my stubbornness.
“Don’t be mad. I’m just… curious.” I told my intention.
I didn’t like when he was angry because it didn’t suit him. But the truth was that I was the one who made him angry.
He sighed.
“Okay, let’s skip this time.” He said.
“Thank You,Brother!” I said with joy as I hugged him tightly.
“But don’t do it again.” He said, wrapping his arms around me.
“Okay! Promise.” I agreed.
And he wore a smile that I loved to see, one I didn’t want to see fading and replaced by anything.
“Well, would you like to eat together?” He asked playfully. “I ordered zingers earlier, but I didn’t eat them.” He added.
I nodded in agreement because I was starving.
We went to the living room and had our meal. The food felt warm and satisfying not just because it was delicious and heated but because of the shielding presence and his playful banter as an addition which didn’t leave the meal time humourless.
MEMORY FINISH
Brother Luca and his laughter along with his cute smile, the dimple on his left cheek and his ever-guarding personality was everything a girl could ask for in her brother. And Lucky Me, I had all those things in him.
A wave of another memory washed over me, one that made my heart melt.
MEMORY:
It was one of the darkest nights when the brightest stars were shining with all their might. The cool breeze kissed my cheeks softly and my hair fluttered. I was sitting on a rock beside the beautiful, clear lake, the stars looking like little lights in the reflection. My favorite place to relax.
Apart from the stars, the lake and the breeze, the thing I was glancing at while writing, the thing which was sparkling under the moonlight was the beautiful Virgin Rainbow ring on the ring finger on my left hand. The stone was dreamy to touch, its color as black as the night itself , its shine far beyond imagination. It was a gift given to me by my brothers on my birthday, the black color representing their fierce protectiveness as well as our strongly forged bond.
I sat peacefully, engrossed in my own work, unaware of my surroundings, letting my guard down for some time.
Suddenly, I heard the crunch of a dry leaf and I became cautious. I looked behind me and saw nothing. I turned back to my writing but still a little doubtful. After some time, I got up to leave and as I was walking past a tree, someone pulled me from behind and pressed his hand to my mouth to silent me. I felt his other hand sliding down to my ring.
So this was the purpose. To steal my precious gift!
Just then a cold, intimidating voice broke through the silence.
“Don’t touch her.” The voice called out.
The man as well as I was startled.
“Who are you? Show yourself!” He asked aloud.
“If you see me, you will regret it.” The voice said with a humourless chuckle.
“Nonsense!” The man said with a laugh.
And when the man was about to drag me away from there, footsteps were heard.
Loud and clear in this deep and silent night.
I stared at the place from where they were coming and just then, under the bright moon―with the moonlight shining on his face, his reflection clear in the lake water, his expression, more like a hungry beast, eyes boring into the man making his resolve wither―appeared Brother Shun.
I could only stare while the man was trembling. His grip loosened on me and I ran behind Brother Shun, his arm instinctively coming in front of me.
The man attempted to run away but brother Shun’s movement was faster than light and he grabbed the man from the collar and the man’s eyes grew wide.
“I told you that you would regret it if you saw me.” His voice was low, dark.
“I...I didn’t do anything.” The man said, trembling.
Lying was what he hated the most and the man’s one lie was the fuel to Brother Shun’s fire.
And in a flash, his eyes turned crimson. He opened his mouth and buried his bloodthirsty canines into the man’s neck, penetrating it deeply. And in a heartbeat, the body faded.
He then came up to me and his expression turned gentle.
“Are you alright?”His voice came out warmer than it had been a few minutes ago.
I simply nodded, fingers playing with the ring absentmindedly. He tilted his head and glanced at it.
“So, is this ring that valuable?” He asked a little amusingly, trying to cheer things up.
“Yes! I was really happy when you gave me this. So I wear it all the time.” I said with a huge smile.
“But I think this caused a problem.” He said with a chuckle.
I simply laughed a little, now walking with him, his arm around my shoulders.
“Has your ferocity gone?” I asked after some time.
“Why do you ask?” He said, looking at me.
“I have something in mind.” I gave a mischievous look.
“Well then it’s gone.” He said with one of his most warm smiles.
“Okay! Then, catch me if you can!” I said loudly and ran away.
“I’ll catch you!” His voice was amusing as he chased me.
After the tag game, we had coffee on the bench and we were silent until he said something and I burst out laughing, followed by his uncontrollable laughter. We were known for our loud and extreme laughing in the dorm. Since we were the youngest, we had this different energy.
Back at the dorm, I placed my ring on my table and was about to go to my bed when I heard a knock on my door followed by its creaking sound as it opened and in came him.
“I wanted to check on you before you go to sleep.” He said as he stepped in.
“Thank you! I was just about to lay down.” I said.
“Okay.” He said.
I lay on my bed, he turned off the lights and went out. As he closed the door, I heard him saying,
“Good night.” His voice was very soft.
And that night, I slept soundly feeling secure. I knew that Brother Shun was watching over me and would always ensure that I am not harmed or hurt.
MEMORY FINISH.
The times Brother Shun was with me was always filled with a distinct energy and a sense of peace and the fact that I am risk free
with him. He was reliable and a threat to all the threats for me. I knew I could never feel insecure as long as he is with me.
PRESENT TIME:
All the memories played in my mind like a film. A film I would love to watch over and over again.
Just then, I heard a soft knock on the door.
“Come in!” I called.
The door creaked open and the sight made my heart stop and I froze.
“Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday Dear Halima!”
They all sang in harmony, making my heart flutter.
The cuckoo clock cuckooed, and the little wooden chicken popped out signalling the beginning of 25 August. I hadn’t even expected this surprise and it got the deepest of my emotions out. Tears welled in my eyes but I didn’t let them spill.
“Come on. Don’t cry now.” Brother Sylar said as he stepped forward, hugged me and whispered, “And keep shining.”
“My Queen Of Tears!” Brother Adrian added as he gathered me in his arms.
“Be happy, Princess.” Brother Ryan moved forward and wrapped his arms around me.
“Never lose your smile. I like that.” Brother Luca said with his own pretty smile as he gave me a quick hug.
“Don’t think you are inferior to others. You are the best” Brother Louis gave encouraging words and enfolded me in his warm hug.
“Be proud of yourself. And... I don’t know.” Brother Shun said, embracing me.
“Call me anytime you want chocolate. I’ll bring it to you.” Brother Kairen said as he held me in a brief hug.
All of us burst out laughing at what he said.
“Hey! What more can I say? You’ve said so many good things.” He said, defending himself.
“You could have said anything. But what was this?” Brother Louis teased flatly as usual.
After the banter ended, I spoke.
“Thank you so much! Every time you congratulate me, my birthday becomes more special. And your congratulations mean so much to me.” I expressed my gratitude.
“Why are you being so formal?” Brother Sylar and Luca asked in unison.
“I don’t know. I just thought your wishes were so good, especially Brother Kairen’s wishes.” I said.
“Oh, look! She really liked what I said.” Brother Kairen said looking proud.
“She’s only saying this to make you happy.” Brother Adrian made fun.
“Yeah, she liked mine.” Brother Shun pointed at himself with both hands.
“Stop daydreaming! She liked my wish.” Brother Ryan tried to take over all the others.
The night was getting deeper and it was getting late. Our eyes were also growing heavy.
“Happy birthday, our precious jewel.” They all said, giving me a huge hug that felt the most warm place ever.
Warmer than any coffee and cozier than any blanket.
And then I slept, dreaming of myself together with them having infinite fun.
Outside, some blue sparkles appeared in the sky and aligned in a pattern. They said;
The Guardians & Their Little Gem
