Chapter 1

I ran towards the hall, desperate to get there on time. Today's the big meeting, and I can't be late for it. The stupid alarm clock didn't wake me up, though, so I might not make it, which means that I'll pass up the chance to clear the curse off my family's name. I can't miss this opportunity; again. I rounded a corner and bumped into someone, falling to the floor.

"Er, sorry about that," I said

"Alexander?" A girl asked

"Yeah?" I looked up. "Wait a minute, Tiffany? Is that you?"

"Yes, now hurry up and get to the hall. Everybody's waiting for you." She told me

"But what about you?" I stood up

Tiffany chuckled "I'm the one stalling for you."

And with that, she ran off. I smiled to myself, and then made my way towards the hall. Thanks, Tiff. I owe ya one. The streets were empty, either due to it being early morning or the meeting. And there was silence in the streets, bar my heavy breathing and shoes pounding against the pavement. When I reached the hall, I managed to get inside without getting scolded. Thank God the elder isn't here, otherwise, I would have heard no ends to this. She would have scolded me big time.

"Alexander Goodman." Came the elder's harsh voice. For crying out loud, just why? Why did I just jinx myself? Why couldn't I have lasted until at least the end of the meeting? I guess I spoke too soon.

"Yes, elder?" I turned around to face her, trying my hardest not to scowl at the old hag that was standing before me, and barely managing to do the task at hand.

"Why are you so late? If it was not for Tiffany excusing herself then you wouldn't have made it. What took you so long, you lazy sod?" She scolded me, and I fought the urge to protest that it wasn't my fault, holding my tongue. Sadly, I have to show some restraint towards her, and no, I am not happy about the whole idea of restraint towards her.

I sighed, mumbling slightly in hope that she won't hear me and give up on this conversation, inevitably leaving me alone. "I overslept."

"I don't even know why I try anymore." She said, sadly hearing my pitiful excuse for being late. On the other hand, though, she did start to leave. But my dumb mind and I decided to speak up for some reason, and have her stay a bit longer.

"It's not my fault my alarm clock didn't wake me up, is it?!" I protested after her, still offended that she called me a lazy sod. It was the truth, but I still wasn't happy about it. And I hate the way she talks down on me, just like the rest of the village do. I don't deserve it. I understand it maybe once in a while, but it's 24/7. It's like she thinks she's better than me, and I hate it so much. She is not better than me in any way shape or form. None of them is. So why? I know I'm my father's son and all, but give me a break people. What did I ever do to you, huh?

"Of course not. It's never your fault." The elder stopped and turned around to glance at me, a stern look on her face that sent shivers down my spine. I may not like the old witch, but she sure knows how to scare the crap outta me. "But if not your own, then whose?"

My breath caught in my throat as I pondered the question, but nothing sprang into mind, an answer out of reach. Shoot. I refused to meet her gaze, knowing that I had lost this round, and with reluctance, I shook my head to say no ones. When she was satisfied, the elder walked away. I guess the old hag's right. I have no one else to blame but myself, even if I don't want to admit it, that's the truth, plain and simple. And yes, if you haven't already guessed, we have a mutual dislike for each other. Actually, I think hers is more disappointment than dislike. Who cares at this point, though? But do you know what the worst part about this all is? We're related. She's my grandmother, which, of course, makes it all the better. But thankfully we do not live together, or remotely close to each other. The crazy witch doesn't talk to me other than in meetings, and even then, it's only to express her disappointment in me. But you get used to it, and try and throw a couple of insults back at her. I smiled sadly to myself. Maybe I am just a big disappointment. That's why I'm hated… I shook my head. No. It's all my father's fault. That's why my life's like this. Because of my father's mistakes. Yeah. I sighed and walked to the back of the hall, hoping no one else would talk to me, and just stood there, staring at the vast expanse of people. Let's see if this meeting gets any better. I doubt it, but there's a slight possibility. I watched as Tiffany bounded into the hall and spoke to the elder before her eyes skimmed across the room and met mine. She walked over to me, a smile on her face.

"What's up, Alexander?" She asked, leaning against my arm

"Nothing much. What did you say to the old hag?" I looked down at her in curiosity, wondering if it was anything interesting or remotely interesting. She gave me a sly smile and met my gaze.

"That's for me to know, and you to find out." She said, and I raised a questioning eyebrow. What the heck did she mean by that? I shrugged, figuring that I'll find out soon. She'll tell me sooner or later. She always does.

"If you say so," I told her, not completely bothered by it at this stage of it all. I mean, yeah, I'm curious, but I can live with it. But they did say that curiosity killed the cat, didn't they? Wait a minute… how did curiosity kill the cat? That's a proverb that has always confused me. Like, I know the meaning behind it - if you're inquisitive about other people's affairs then you may get into trouble - but why does curiosity kill the cat? It's just weird, that the cat had to be killed for the point to be passed along. but I don't wanna think about it too much. It's way too early to think in-depth about things like this, and I honestly can't be bothered. But can you blame me? Who wants to think hard early in the morning? I looked at Tiffany, then taking Tiffany's hand in my own and squeezing it, which made her look at me and smile in concern.

"Are you alright?" She asked, furrowing her brow, and I nodded at her, trying to reassure both of us at this point, but failing greatly.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I told her, giving her a reassuring smile, but it was not working much better than the nod. I turned back to the front, hoping this meeting would be a good one, but fully expecting it to be the complete opposite.

"Alexander?"

"Yeah? What's up?"

"I love you, alright?"

"Alright…? I love you too. Where's this going?"

She shrugged and gave me a small smile. "I just wanted to remind you. Is that alright with you?"

"Yeah, but geez, that is cheesy, even by your standards." I laughed, and Tiffany punched my arm in annoyance.

"That's not funny, Alexander!" She protested

"You're right, it's not funny," I said, trying to keep a straight face, but failed miserably, and then cracked another grin. "It's absolutely hilarious!"

Tiffany was just about to scold me more when the elder stepped onto the podium and hushed us all, the room quickly going into silence. "Quiet now, please. The meeting is starting." Our eyes met, and I scowled at her, but she managed to keep a straight face. "As you all know, this meeting is to decide who will go on a journey that will change their lives, if any. You can go in groups, or you can go solo, but be warned, the process shall not be easy. And I will not have any favourites." Her eyes skimmed across the room before hovering over Tiffany and myself for a while and then continuing. Well, we're screwed. She's already planning on kicking us out. It's nice to know that all of this has been for nothing. Sorry, Tiff, I've already screwed up your chances of getting through, and I haven't even done anything yet. Sometimes I wonder why I try. No, I can't think like that. I try because I want to prove that I am different from my father and that I can lift the curse that was put on my family. Trust me, I don't quit easily, and that's a gift that can stand up to my curse.

"Are you ready, Tiff?"

"I'm ready, Alexander."