Chapter One

My head has been empty for awhile. Gazing into the distance as my right hand is traversing, feeling every bit to the tip of the grass.

The wind is warm, and so is the beauty of the sun. Sunlight, touching every little things in the field, in the sea, and in the air. Ship and boats from a distance. The kites are going with the flow of the warm air and so does the sea waves. The city buildings from afar can be clearly seen here at the top of the hill. Everything is serene for a moment. I can perfectly hear the voices of my family, not too loud nor too quiet but audible.

I looked back at my family. Seeing my uncles and aunties, cousins, and my family smile makes me glad. My Uncles and Aunties are preparing food, Mom and Dad are setting up tents, and my young cousins are flying kites alongside my 17-year-old brother with the guidance of Akari, my cousin who's my age.

But there's this one wench sitting at the top of a hill gazing at her family in relaxation and admiration. Seen as an ambitious one, often misunderstood, and always kind of left out, Mavis Morel–okay, who is Mavis? Let's dive into her little story. Mavis Morel wants to be a part of the Maritime Industry. It has always been her dream to take part in that, she wants to make a contribution in that sort of industry–even just a little. But her family have always been telling her she should have taken nursing or something else. She also likes exploring and trying different kinds of food, and loves to spend her free time anywhere that brings her peace and delight. Daughter of Mr. Nicholas Lauren and Mrs. Asami Lauren. They're strict in their own way. Anyway, I'm Mavis Morel, their daughter, but I am not using my father's last name due to some important reasons. I am originally, Mavis Cale Morel Lauren. I was born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England; they're calling me 'Ely' for that reason.

But now, I'm somewhere in South East Asia. I've been living in Asia for 16 years now. Asia is my home, well, not Europe. I find myself more comfortable in Asia.

My mother is half French, but she lived in Japan her whole life for her mother is Japanese and while her father came from France. She lived her life in Japan with her family when she was still a young lady. While my father, in the other hand, is a full blood French. It actually gives you a hint already. My parents met in France while my mom is in a vacation there with grandpa and grandma. It was back in the 90s though.

"Ely!" Aunt Hikari yelled out of nowhere. My head unconsciously faced where the voice came from. "Time for snacks, get down here! Kids! Enough with the kites!"

I immediately stood, wiping my hands off my knee-length shorts as I walk down from the hill.

"Hey, Aunt Hikari, what did you prepare?" I asked as I reached near where she is standing. I looked at the table where my other uncles and aunties are preparing. Looking at all the food they have prepared. Something caught my attention, a favorite.

"We prepared some California Maki, your favorite, dear. " aunt Hikari smiled. "Your uncles also grilled barbecues and hotdogs." she tells me as she combs my hair with her fingers. I can feel her soft hands touching my cheeks.

"Ely, my dear, why did you cut your hair? You made it so short." She complains about my shoulder length hair cut. Well, yeah, it was really long before. I'll try to grow it out again.

"I just want to, and it's kinda annoying to have a long hair." I replied. Though, I'm kind of regretting that I cut my hair.

"Ely" uncle Ivar called me. "Can you do us a favor? Your hard headed brother and cousins don't listen to us, even to katie. They've been playing since we got here. Please call them to eat." he kindly requested, with a problematic look on his face.

"Yes, please. Call them already." my other aunt said, auntie Adahlia, while she clings to uncle Ivar's arm and rests her head on his shoulder.

"Roger that, I got this." I assured them as I walk away heading to my cousins.

I can see the annoyance in Akari's face from afar. She probably have had enough of these stubborn little kids.

I quickly ran towards Akari.

"Hey, having a hard time?" I said and chuckled.

"You bet I am." she tells me with an annoyed face. She shook her head, it tells, she is kind of pissed or something. "I think there'd be no way that they'll be listening."

I went near to my brother and cousins. "Hey, that's enough, we're going to eat. They're already calling you, guys."

"No!" said my little cousin with a cute little angry face, Jarvis.

"Yeah!" said my other cousin, Aiko.

"We still wannna play, Ely." said my little cousin, Colleen, with a sad tone of voice. Oh, these kinds of drama effects don't work on me.

"You can play again tomorrow, or next time." I tell them, ignoring their dramas. Really, don't me with the drama, I hate dramas.

"Come on, auntie is gonna be angry." I tease them. "And uncle will capture your kites. It's dangerous here, you guys are near the edge, you'll fall on the water." I was patient. After thousands of years of convincing them to stop playing, finally, they listened.

Jarvis called me, my little cousin, as he looks up at me. We're already heading to the tables where the snacks are. "We saw a big ship just a while ago!" he tells me with a bright smile on his face. He knows that I want to be a part of the maritime industry, he knows that I will work on a ship.

"That's nice." I tell him, not showing excitement nor enthusiasm, just facing our way back.

"You're gonna work there, right?" he stops walking. I stopped and faced him as well to answer him. "Well, yes, that's where I want to work. But, there's some people that don't want to let me work there." I simplified.

"Why?" Jarvis curiously asks.

"Because of danger. There are sea creatures that takes you away, and will never bring you back." I kid him.

"And they eat you? Like Sharks?" he jabbered with a horrified look.

"Yes!" I spook him. "Come on now, They're waiting for us." I held his hand as we catch up with Akari and my other cousins who has been waiting for the two of us.

We've already arrived quick here at the long, wood table. We are all complete, Mom and Dad also have finished setting up the tents. My cousins already gave their kites to uncle Ivar. I sat beside Akari and my brother sat to my left side. And there's my parents in front of me. Seriously looking at me like something's wrong.

"What?" I muttered, with a confused look.

"Sit straight" my mom commanded me. She's resting her head with her jaw on both of her hands.

"Okay, okay. " I said. I am sitting properly. What's their problem? I'm facing the table, with my butt in the long wood chair.

"Seems like the kids had much fun with the kites" uncle Yuan says as he hands out the California Maki to us. The elders seemed happy to know that the little kids had fun.

"Oh my, dear, they really had fun." auntie Hikari said with a delighted smile.

They all started eating. I took six Sushi on my small plate. I dip first the sushi with wasabi on soy sauce. An old friend taught me to dip the wasabi on soy sauce too, she said the wasabi will taste good and the spiciness will be reduced. But she's out of town now, went to another city and is now living and continuing her studies there.

"Hey" Akari whispered. "Do you know that there's a near bar in the city?" she said, trying to get my attention.

"Really? I didn't know that." Wait, how does she know that there's a bar near here?

"How did you know?" I whispered.

"Just saw it on internet." she tells me as she eats up a whole sushi. "I only know three bars, the one that you and your family runs, and that bar. "

"The bar is owned by only two people, they are friends, Saoirse and Xiao, the bar is named after a drink. " she further explains.

"So basically, an Irish and a Chinese owner. Do you want to che-" she wasn't done talking when someone in front of us talked.

"Oh, you even know their names." I chuckled.

"Mavis, we need to talk." said my Mom. Suddenly, my stomach made a weird noise and I felt nervous. I looked at dad, he's looking at me either. What's this?

"Now?" I asked, doing my best to hide my nervousness.

"Later" she tells me as she takes a bite of her sushi.

Did they hear what Akari and I were talking about? This is weird, I mean, not weird, but something new. They usually don't call me by my name. They call me 'Ely' all the time, and I already got used to it. I'm really bothered about it.

"Still eating?" I asked my brother. He answered me with a "mhmm" with his mouth full.

"Goodluck" Akari whispered to me.

"Yeah, goodluck to me." I whispered back, not knowing why my parents want to have a talk with me. I wonder what they want to talk to about.

I thought it was no sense, thinking, guessing what is it about, or perhaps expecting some worst case scenarios, I continued eating.

We all finished our food, uneventful. Except for my brother beside me who's still munching sushi.

"Akari, mija. What course were you taking again?" auntie Hikari asked to my cousin who's busy scrolling on her phone.

"You're good at drawing, Akari. Why didn't you take architecture?" aunt Hikari suggests to her.

Aunt Ayane, Akari's mom answered Aunt Hikari "Akari doesn't want to take architecture, even Law. Which is kind of disappointing." There was a mad tone of voice of Aunt Ayane when she said 'disappointing', she was like emphasizing it. Akari poker-faced and looked at her mom when she heard the word 'disappointing', then getting back to her phone. I know Akari's top goal is to make money as soon as possible.

"Whatever she wants, we will support her." uncle Ivar said, and looked at his daughter.

Uncle Yuan joined in. "Haha, my lovely Hikari never stops, she really loves the kids." He was trying to say that auntie Hikari was just suggesting and nothing more.

Uncle Yuan is aunt Hikari's husband. As far as I remember, Yuan Arturo met Hikari when they were in college, at Thomas University. They said, they'd often see each other in the canteen and library. Hikari was the assistant of their Librarian in Thomas University, he liked her and he'd always make ways to be able to talk to her like asking where the Stephen King books are placed. Uncle Yuan said, whenever they see or pass by each other, Adelina would always smile at him, 'Your aunt Hikari was so beautiful during our days, until now. Her face has not changed.' I remember him telling that to me years ago. Now, they're 50 years old.

They kept discussing about what course Akari took, saying she should've took Architecture or Law school. While I'm here noticing that, it's getting pretty dark, and the sun already set. Glad I'm off the conversation, for sure, they'll bring up that thingy again that seafaring is only for men.

One time, 5 years ago, celebrating my late grandfather's birthday at El Arturo Restaurant, my auntie Hikari asked me in front of us all at the table, what college program or career I would take. Confidently, I told her, in front all of them and knowing they'd all hear me, that I'll take Marine Transportation. Some were surprised, some laughed, some were worried, they told me that seafaring isn't for women, and that for sure, I can't do a man's job. They even said I 'can't even do math that well', that's the only thing I can't deny.

But here I am now at Delta Maritime Academy, finishing my one year left. I'm about to go overseas soon, and finally achieve my dreams.

"Everyone, the snacks were very delicious." Mom says, as she and dad stands up. "We're just going to get something in the car." Mom looked at me. "We'll be back."

My uncle and aunties had a quite laugh saying the foods were delicious because of the 'magic of love' and telling 'it's in our blood'.

Mom called me telling to follow them. I asked why, they said they have to discuss something important with me.

Somehow, my nervousness was lessen.

I can feel the cold breeze on my legs and face, I was wearing a hoodie, a black one. The moon is almost showing, and I knew the City started to light up when I saw its reflection on the sea water. While following them, I took a good look at the city that shines, walking backwards, trying to spot some buildings that has neon lights. Thinking, one of the buildings that has neon lights must be one of the bars Katie talked about.

I stopped walking backwards, and faced my way. It's getting more dark, walking away from the tables and tents that has a big led light near that was placed by dad. I didn't know my father brought a flashlight 'til he switches it on.

Looking from afar, I can see our car beside a tall pine tree with some signs that can't be read anymore. My eyes are wondering around, everything I see, my mind gives a thought about it, caused me to walk slowly.

"Mavis, come here." Mom says as she and dad is looking at me, waiting at the side of the car. I didn't realized that I was already left, walking alone.

"What is it?" I said, five meters away, and ran towards them.

"Mavis, a while ago, while we're doing the tents. Your father received a call from their company." My mom tells me as she closes her hands and cross her fingers together at chest level.

"Yes.. " My Dad says as he slightly looks down at the ground, he was like problematic.

"Me and your Dad will have a business trip in Europe, dear. We will stay in Europe for a week." My mom says as she glance at Dad.

"Uhh, yes, dear. You and your brother will be left at home with Mamé. You guys must look over each other and take care." Dad faces me.

Wow, I didn't expect that they were gonna have a business trip, a freaking week, that's kind of long. I'm kind of excited, and worried for them. But this will be freaking awesome.

I was silent for seconds, not knowing what to say. I was kind of dazed, and unsure what to say.

"Oh Mavis, my dear I'm sorry, the call was sudden. Do you want us to call someone to look over you guys?" My mom holds my shoulders with her both hands.

"Do you want us to call our friend Caroline's daughter?" Dad suggests.

"What? Aren't they in England?" I raised my eyebrow.

"Caroline is, but I heard, his daughter is here in Asia. And besides, you and Shanelle haven't met for a long long time."

"Shanelle? I don't need anyone, we don't need anyone. I'm literally a 22-year-old grown-up, mom. I'll be turning twenty-three this year. I can manage." I said in a pissed manner. Oh god, they should know that I'm not interested in other people helping us. Shanelle is literally three years younger than me. That girl is a bitch for literally pushing me often whenever we play together back then during our childhood days, and the worst, for always taking what is mine. That girl doesn't have manners. She's the daughter of one of my parents' colleagues in England. Every summer, they would visit us here in Asia, and Shanelle would play with me. It is actually forced. I really never wanted to play with her, but my parents always asked me to play with her.

"Okay then, we'll be leaving later, 3 a.m. just to be sure we won't be late for our flight." my Mom says as she raises her eyebrows.

"oh, what? You're going overseas?" I said as I realized they're going abroad when my mom mentioned 'overseas'.

"Yes, Ely. We'll be going to Czechia." Dad tells me. They started fixing their stuff at the car. Checking their cards, passports, IDs, and files. It's currently 8 p.m. in the evening, and I can really feel the cold breeze. I went back to where my relatives were. The cold breeze is giving such a nice feeling, the bright city is a nice view too.

"What did they say?" Akari curiously asks, impatient for an answer.

"They're leaving the country for a business trip." I said blankly.

"Holy shit, that's fucking amazing. You know what? We could have some plans immediately, let's visit that bar!" she says excitingly.

"I'm kind of nervous though, I usually don't go to bars nor clubs." I said.

"I got ya." she said and winked.

Time passed by so fast. We are now at our houses. Everyone got home safely. Everybody is resting. And here I am in my bedroom, laying down in my bed, staring at the ceiling with the lights off. I can't sleep. I don't know why. A lot of random thought passes through my head, and it's just crazy.

I sometimes wonder too what it's like to have someone who you love, and loves you too. To have someone to tell all your stupid jokes and listen to your favorite songs and artists. Some local artists, foreign, and indie artists. Someone who you can be safe with, watch movies with, and cook together. I just think it's sweet. I wonder if I'll be able to experience a romantic love. But oh, well, never mind. I'm not into dating anyway. But I really want to try dating. Maybe just to know how it feels like. But I don't want to date for fun as well, never.

My main goal this year is to finish my one year left at the Delta Maritime Academy.