5 Chapter 3: Strangers no more

I unpacked my things and re-arrange the setups a little. I feel kind of empty if I work without some music on. It's usually me. Studying, doing chores, on the shower, on my way to sleep, music always givs me the energy and the ambiance.

I took out my bluetooth speaker and connected it to my phone. Blasting my all time fave song, Officially Missing You by Tamia.

I swayed and danced to the beat with this song. I didn't even noticed that I already unpacked all my stuff!

Someone knocked on the door and nana peeked at the door smiling at me and I smiled back at her.

"Sera was here helping me get set up, she says you have something to talk to me?"I turned down the volume a little to hear nana.

"Oh yes! about that. The Congregation will be here to have our weekly meeting you remember Aunt Cleo? She will be here too. Along with the other members. They know you so much but maybe you can't recognize any of them because you're still a kitten when they last see you."

"Yeah. I do remember her. Can't wait to finally meet them again!. But anyways, Nana why can't I go outside on 3 am and pm? Sera told me about it. I want to buy some few things in the store?" I asked.

"There is a curfew around here, the policia (or basically the police) will be roaming around on that time for security purposes. Anyway, I'm going in the kitchen because the turkey is done and any minute now your brother will be here, okay? love you" she left as soon as she kissed my forehead.

That's weird. Why exactly 3 though? I thought curfews are on a specific hour and onwards. Sera told me that I can go before 3 or after 3. Does it happen on a daily basis?

I shrugged the thought off thinking it's just some security protocols in town. How would I know about it? I've been gone for far too long. I'll wake around 11 am so that I will have more time preparing and time for shopping. I should probably take a little nap and regler mon alarme.

*alarm ring*

The alarm almost knocked off my eardrum. So loud! I removed the gel mask off my face and started bathing. It took me I think almost an hour to finish.

I wore a tank top and a khaki jogger and head straight to the window. I can't go by the door they would see me.

" One thing Rosetta, when you go to the town later bring Sera with you. Always bring Sera wherever you go."

That's what nana said before she left my room. Great. I like Sera. A. LOT. please note the sarcasm there. What is she? sort of like a lady bodyguard? I can handle myself. I'm a black belter! I better sneaked out my way.

The window is a hell steep. But this big tree can be my ladder. So I jumped on the tree and climbed my way down, the ninja training in physical education can be come in handy.

I walked my way through the house gate and headed to the village, shit. It's so quiet in here, even domestic dogs or cats are nowhere to be found.

I walked a little bit more and found a some sort of a department store? but decades old. Hmmm. That'll do. The paint on the signage are chipped off and the iron decors were completely tarnished. The ambiance of the store is quite horrendous, imagine going inside a completely abandon mall or boutique. This definitely needs a make over.

An woman in her early 50's greeted me.

"Welcome! How we may help you?" she asked. I turned around and saw a young woman stacking some supplies. She looked at me and smiled and of course I smiled in return.

"Hi. I need some underwear?" I said.

"Right. This way please." she led the way and I followed her. This store is composed of 2 staffs. The old lady and the young woman. I also saw some sort of altar with candles lit.

We are on the corner with some shelves showing variety of undies. Variety of designs and sizes. I picked my size and the style that I want and we headed to the cashier. And um, she's the cashier.

"I haven't seen you here before. Are you visiting?" she scanned the the items while smiling.

"Um yeah. I visited my nana. But I was born here though I'm not staying long I have to go back to the big city to study." I said.

"Born here? Who's your family?" She looked at me with interest while she packed my items.

"My nana is Rosaliya Arweya. We own the Arweya's Exotic Herbs and Spices shop just around the corner." I said.

"So you're Liya's daughter the one who studies interior designing? That would be 350. cash or credit?" She smiled at me while I handed her my credit card.

"Yes. And if you would like help revamping your shop I would be glad to do so. Just um. Give me a call. " I wrote my number on a piece of paper that is on the counter and waved her good bye.

"You bet I will. Take care! Tell Liya, Aretta said hello." she took the paper and smiled warmly at me.

I walked around the alley and I saw an ice cream parlor. I suddenly craved for a double scoop cookies and cream. They also sell waffles and shawarmas. I ordered a take out for a double scoop, 3 waffles and 3 shawarmas.

I guess all ice creams taste the same wherever you go. I was enjoying my delightful scoops of ice cream when a ginger cat is in front of me licking his paw. I have a heart for felines. So cute.

"Let's see. Are you a home cat or a stray cat." I caressed the cat and saw no collar. It must be a stray cat. And it smell fresh and it's not dirty at all.

I took a piece of shawarma and fed the cat. I can see it eating enjoyingly. I petted the cat one more time and it suddenly ran.

And a bell rang three times.

I saw the shops closing, the people running inside their homes. Sort of like, they seem panicking.

I walked a little bit more. It's weird. The wind feels chilly, the hairs on my back stood up and I walked faster. And I couldn't believe my eyes! My bracelet just glowed? It emitted a glow!

As I further walk into the town, the skies are getting darker. Not a nimbus cloud. The skies are dim. This is not good. I don't feel safe. What's happening? I looked on my watch and then I saw it's already 3:25 pm. But how come it looks like it's nighttime? Is this the warning they're telling me?

I can sense, something is not right here. The policia will be here any minute now. But I haven't heard sirens wailing. This is so bad.

The breeze is getting colder and stronger.

*swooooooooooooooooooooooosh*

what's that? have you ever felt that feeling when you think you're alone but you're not? like someone is watching you or someone is following you??

I gotta get outta here. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! Someone is tugging my hair. I-It's a strong one! I almost feel my hair is ripping off!

"Please! somebody please help me! aaaaaaaaaaaah!"

I am trying to do kicks and punches as best as I can but my vision became blurry and my scalp is burning. My head hurts like hell! I saw a car parking by the side of the road. I need to see this bastard! I struggled hard to yank myself to the side to see who's this bastard. I am successfully in front of the car's tinted windshield. THANK GOD FOR THAT! I see an old man, with black suit and black eyes! Fear slowly succumb me. Mixture of fear and anger rose in me. I have many things on my mind. I still have big dreams! I still want to have a family! I don't wanna die!!

The old man looked at me in the reflection he smirked and he slapped me real hard. Who the hell is this? oh God somebody help me! I hit my head on the ground. And then he grabbed my neck and he rose me, to the air! I am elevating?????!!!!

"Bonjour, Mademoizelle. I am zo glad to finally meet you. Rozzzzetta. Ze flower of the Valentinas" he said.

How the hell does he know my name? who is he? What in the world is he talking about. My body is in pain. My head, my scalp, my neck. Please somebody help me! I screamed for help but the pressure in his hands is getting tighter around my neck.

"Jonah! Let my sister go! you bastard!" thank god for that! Someone is here! Wait. What? Sister? me?

"Hello. Rolly, you are such a little peasie boy when I lazt zee you."

"Go back where you came from Jonah, and let my sister go or I will rip your head off the last time I did to your ears"

"Oh. haha! I have grown another one. But you think you can threat me like that boy? But don't worry I von't do zat here, We are just pazzing by az we have our daily meal. Why would you, introduce me to your son? Ooh. Long time no zee Mergara, how is the married life?"

"You disgust me you old creep. Put Rosetta down! You're going to kill her!" the woman screamed.

"Oh am I? I'm zorry. I don't know. Should I put her down? Hmmm. Let me think?" This bastard is really mocking me with his sarcasm. You're thinking of keeping me alive? I am in the brink of death here you monster!

"Put her down? You know how a Rosaliya Arweya works don't you? Oh should I say, say hello to your WIFE for me?" Rolly said.

I see the old's man smile turned into an angry face and he gave them a reassuring smile again.

"You haven't change zince then Mergara. ztill the amazing Vampire Zlayer. But for now, I humbly apologize to you and adieu! will zee another time mademoizelle Rosetta. Excusez moi." he said. after that, he vanished and the skies turned normal again.

He didn't respond to Rolly. Instead he averted his response to Mergara.

I don't know what's going on. But as soon as I demanded for an explanation. I fell into my brother's arms and unconscious.