Chapter 13: Date Night Part 2

Waves crashed against the rocks, withdrawing the sea foam back toward its dark depths, before repeating the process all over again. Sandra could hear it feeling the rough edges of the gravel against the side of her face. She slowly opened her eyes. It was still night with the full moon shining bright above her head as she tried to make sense of where she was.

Taking a minute to get her bearings, she realized she was at a secluded beach somewhere. The tide began to roll in pushing the water toward her. She sat up. Something tight bound her wrists behind her back while she tried to stand but fell right back on to the grainy surface hard. Her feet were pressed together and there was a reason for that. Her kidnapper tied her ankles with duct tape. The dark figure finally made his presence known.

“Good you’re up,” smirked Chip Laughlin. “I didn’t know how long the chloroform would last. Since you’re lucid it should make it much fun to killing you.”

“What do you want sicko?” Sandra spat. “What did you do with Patrick?”

“Patrick is it?” he teased. “I wonder what that kid’s name was that I beat unconscious over the head. Call it payback for that little food court incident. Ironic isn’t it that I used his cell to text you thinking that it was him that wanted to meet you. Man, you’re so stupid!”

“What is it that you want? You know you won’t get away with this!”

“I’m afraid my Master has other plans,” he told her. “As long as your destiny is not fulfilled, then the prophecy can’t come true.”

“What are you talking about? You’re not making any sense!”

Chip taunted her with his crazed laughter. “Oh this is priceless! You really don’t know the truth, do you? Well no matter, you’ll be dead soon enough.”

Raising his arms to the full moon, Sandra watched in terror as her insane captor began chanting some poetic nonsense.

As blessed by the great Fortuna
Imprisoned by the Titan Luna
Oh Great Mother. Goddess Tiamat!
Your minion shall join you in combat!

Honor your servant in mortal guise
Let the demon within now rise!
Release the vessel from its shell
Destroy the soul! Break the spell!


Sandra heard Chip grunt, a guttural yowl that echoed from beneath his lungs turning into a wheeze of air, bent his body in an uncomfortable position on the rocky ground before releasing another scream of anguish. He raised his head into her view but it was not a human face that she saw. The visage began to contort; reshape into an oval flatness pointing in her direction while his eyes became large black discs and his ears slowly shrank away. Chip’s nose eventually diminished leaving only two slits for nostrils where underneath the missing olfactory organ a row of mini-sharp teeth formed between his tiny lips. As Sandra struggled with her binds, she could hear her heart beating in fear mixed with the sounds of her kidnapper’s internal muscles and bones tearing, ripping, and cracking beneath his skin.

Her apprehension turned into complete horror the moment she saw razor quills protruding from the base of Chip’s skull down his back and arms. Reddish scales covered his body as a set of gills at the base of his neck began to appear. An S-shaped symbol glowed from his forehead completing the final part of the transformation; the grotesque monster raised its deformed hand, now webbed connecting each single digit, as talons grew from his fingers. Sandra saw the claws and screamed.

“Excuse the pun,” said the menacing figure. “But I’m going to enjoy gutting you like a fish.”

Not going down with a fight, she attempted to kick at the monster with her bound feet but each pounding to his body only annoyed the creature. A webbed claw lifted her upside down by her ankles forcing her to observe one crooked talon coming straight for her eyes. Quickly she squirmed to avoid contact. The sound of sea gulls above the evening sky caused her stop when a blast of sand pelted her.

Music filled her ears. Soft, melodic, and tranquil giving her a sense of peace and safety, the song seemed to be much closer than she had guessed. More sand blew into her face blinding from the dirt and debris. Sandra turned her head to see where it was originating from. Rocks, big and small, shot forth from every direction hitting the monster sending into a flying rage. Distracted by the offending projectiles, the creature dropped Sandra took the ground providing a chance for her to roll away from her captor.

“Rocks?” Sandra heard from across the distance. “Is that the best you can do?”

“I don’t have enough magic to lift boulders. They’re too heavy.” The voice came from someone recognizable. Even in the blackness of the night Sandra could make out from far away the reddish hair and glasses directing a finger at the monster.

“Calliope!”

Calliope Meyers stood from atop a hill staring at the monster that had abducted Sandra. She turned to her left willing an invisible force to lift a pair of small rocks nearby hurling them at her intended target. The beast roared with frustration at each incoming attack but Calliope Meyers remained determined to get the creature away from her best friend. Her strategy seemed to work for the moment. Next to her, Calypso Gregory watched while Calliope attempted to dispose of the abomination. She pushed the redheaded girl aside while she made her move.

“That’s enough,” she told Calliope. “It’s my turn now. Plug up your ears.”

Sandra witnessed all of this trying her best to get away but the monster proved to be much smarter than she anticipated. The creature stomped its scaled foot on to her tied legs imprisoning her underneath his monstrous form. Calypso opened her mouth releasing a piercing shriek that reverberated across the cliffs of the empty beach causing the monster to howl in agony. For some reason, Sandra could sense the suffering and for a brief moment almost felt some sympathy for her kidnapper. Almost.

Covering the area where his human ears were, the monster clutched the sides of his head with his webbed claws trying to drown out the painful wail emitting from Calypso. The creature now disabled, the two girls could finally approach them safely to make the daring rescue. Sandra’s wrists loosened behind her back by someone ripping away the duct tape placed there by the monster. She lifted her head to see blonde Callisto Gregory holding the ornate spear from their library cutting through the remaining confines holding her feet together.

She lifted Sandra by her arm as they sprinted across the beach. “Hurry before the sea demon attacks again!”

Too late. Upon realizing he had been tricked, he let out a murderous roar chasing after the interlopers who had interrupted his kill. Sandra’s heart beat out of her chest praying that the creature would stop running after her but with no such luck since she could sense the monster’s evil intentions. No matter how fast she fled, her breath forced her physical body to slow down. This proved to be advantageous for the sea demon.

A burning sensation flared across the back of her right shoulder. Gripping the throbbing pain with her left hand, she saw the bloody gash on her torn shirt as the sea demon attempted to swipe another clawed talon at her to finish the job. Sandra shut her eyes while her knees buckled under the weight of her body as she felt herself falling forward. The sound of her breath rose and fell as hit the ground.

“NOOOOOO!” Callisto screamed watching Sandra collapse. Armed with her spear, she raced frantically leaping at the demon towering over Sandra running her weapon through the back of the monster’s hide piercing it through his evil heart. Mute protest escaped his lips mouthing some incoherent words but it made no difference nonetheless for he knew he had lost.

Sandra cracked her eyes opened to watch the monster’s body slowly liquefy finally melting away into a puddle of water. Shadowy miasma shapes circulated the dark pool before digging into the rocky sand disappearing into the unknown darkness from whence it came. The trio of girls Calliope, Calypso, and Callisto gathered around her to treat her deep wound.

“She’s hurt really bad,” said Calypso. “The poison is already in her system.”

“Callisto, is there anything we can do heal her?” asked Calliope.

“Okay it’s now or never,” stated Callisto. “Everyone help me get her in the water. Sandra, can you hear me? Remember the Sirens Four song that we sang at my house. You have to sing it with us.”

A cold wetness touched her face as the waves splashed into her. “Huh…I don’t understand. Why?” Sandra felt her body floating away.

“Cassandra you have to sing the song with us!” Callisto demanded. “It’s the only way we can save your life!”

Honor thy King Atlas
True ruler of the sea…

The voices sounded beautiful, so peaceful she wanted to join in.

Unite the four princesses
And bring back Atlantis to harmony…

Light illuminated across her face. The sound of the ocean beckoned to her like a mother calling out to her child for its soft embrace. Sandra could feel herself levitating, flying over the vast water like the gulls above her. She could smell the saltiness of the ocean floor, hear the haunting songs of the whales wishing in her secret soul to join them as they dive down to the deepest depths of the sea. Quiet tranquility welcomed her allowing the opportunity to shed her old skin and replace it with a new one. She could see light shining even brighter telling her to follow it, swim toward it, and race to its destination. It seemed so close now. So very close.

The pain subsided. The wound healed. She awoke to find herself gliding underwater inhaling the air around her realizing she was now breathing water. Was this even possible? She noticed that her legs bound once again, not by any rope or duct tape, but by a row of scales shimmering as one metallic body containing a fish tale at the end. A mermaid? Was she dreaming? No, this was not a dream.

She looked to her left. Calliope and Calypso, also in fish tails, smiled and waved propelling themselves in the water. To her right Callisto touched her shoulder for comfort.

“You’re free now!” She heard her say. “Follow us.” Quickly, she swam toward large reef containing a hidden cave at the bottom. Sandra dove down alongside the three.

Free. For the first time, Cassandra Shan felt whole.

Chapter 12: Date Night Part 1

PICK YOU UP SOON. CAN’T WAIT FOR OUR DATE.

She scanned the screen of her phone again. Patrick’s text message made her anxious while she ignored the evening park attendees that passed by her or stopped to ask for directions to the Neptune Cove exhibits and shows. Pulse racing, blood pumping, Sandra began to develop a nervous habit of playing with a strand of her black hair trying to keep her composure on her first date. Face it, she was a nervous wreck.

After hearing that Sandra would be going on her first date, her boss Clee excitedly gave her an extended thirty minute break to freshen up, upon the agreement that she reveal everything that happened on her outing. Finding a vacant park bench, Sandra sat down to relax as she thought of something else to occupy her mind.

Removing from her bag the book that the Gregory sisters gave to her, The Tale of the Sirens Four, she began to open the cover. Similar to the old drawings of the lost picture book her mother had, she noticed that the text contained an old epic poem format.

The Tale of the Sirens Four

As Atlantis was drowned into the sea
Poseidon cursed its people for eternity,
With the body of man and that of a fish
A spell only broken through a single wish.

From true sisters of the sea
Born mortal by Poseidon’s decree,
Heirs to the Atlantean throne
Lost on land to find their way home.

Begotten by King Atlas’s blood
To learn the dark truth of the Great Flood,
To conclude the tragedy of this story
By returning Atlantis to its former glory.

Daughters of magic. Sisters of the sea.
Destined to set this great kingdom free,
Return once was lost to what was before
Through the unison of the Sirens Four!

Turning the last page of the book, she noticed some final words written cryptically at the bottom.

To know truth is to conceal it through deception
Until time reveals all through its inception

Sandra sat for a moment before pondering the words. These were written as prophecies by the sea seer Aoide before someone Atlantean royal named Gadeirus. She recalled her dreams. The woman wearing robes with dark hair overlooking the sea. No it couldn’t be! Could it?

It had to be! The enigmatic female in her dreams was that of Aoide. How was that possible?

She stared off into space attempting to make sense of everything. Then she glanced at her watch. Her thirty minute break was up. Time to get back to work.


Nine o’clock rolled around as the last customer left the gift shop. With the cash register counted, merchandise put away, and the lights turned off Cleito and Sandra stepped outside to lock the door.

“It’s getting dark. Do you want me to wait for you until Patrick comes?” asked Clee. Despite the fact that Cleito Richards was her boss, she had a maternal side to her that Sandra appreciated.

“No Clee you go on ahead,” said Sandra. “I’ll be fine. Patrick will be here shortly.”

A buzz rang off on her phone. Sandra pressed the button on her mobile to read the lighted message on her screen.

JUST FINISHING UP. MEET ME BY THE DOLPHIN POOL NEAR THE PARK’S FOOD COURT.

“See he sent me a text,” she told Clee showing her the phone message.

“Okay Sandra but you be safe now on your date,” Clee replied. “Just tell me all about it the next time you come in for work.”

“Promise Clee.”

Sandra watched as Cleito walked in the opposite direction. Moonlight gleamed in the night sky among the twinkling stars in the darkness.

Full moon tonight. Can anything else be more perfect?

Taking out her phone, she texted a message sending it to her aunt and uncle.

GOING ON MY DATE. WILL BE HOME AT MIDNIGHT. THANKS AGAIN. LOVE YOU!

Slipping the mobile device in her pocket, Sandra began walking toward the direction of the food court. As she passed the empty exhibits of the park, she took note of how quiet Neptune Cove gets when it empties out. Finally, she arrived at the deserted food court noticing the closed signs on the eateries locating a chair nearby to sit in. Dark shadows danced around the full moon’s rays while she waited patiently for Patrick to make an appearance.

The crunching sound of leaves near the dolphin pool startled her.

“Patrick, is that you?” she called out.

No answer.

“Patrick if you’re playing a joke to scare me,” Sandra started. “This isn’t funny.”

A large breeze passed behind her as she attempted to turn around. She inhaled the aroma of a sweet smelling vapor into her lungs causing her legs to loose sensation, feel wobbly, and finally collapse beneath her weight. Strong pressure of a wet cloth pressed against her mouth and nose as she began losing consciousness. Sandra tried to fight but couldn’t. Her body would not allow her to do so.

She finally gave in as she stared at Chip Laughlin’s evil face as she began to drift off into sleep.

Chapter 11: Dinner and a Meeting Part 3

Calypso and Calliope sat quietly as they observed Sandra’s eyes widen in shock as soon as she saw the book that Callisto held in her hand. It looks exactly like the picture book her mother read to her as a child. That can’t be possible because all her personal belongings got destroyed in the fire!

“Sandra is something wrong?” asked Callisto staring at her with a puzzled look.

“That book,” she remarked. “Where did you get it?”

“Like I said, our great, great grandfather Mitchell Gregory was a collector of antiques and fine art. Before he founded this town, he was an amateur explorer touring the world procuring rare treasures including rare books.”

“It looks very old. Did he mention where he got it from?”

“Unfortunately he didn’t. He has this reputation of being a bit of the eccentric in our family. His grandson, our late grandfather Liam Gregory, would regal tales of Mitchell’s adventures as an amateur explorer. One of the most famous claims is he discovered the lost city of Atlantis including a chest of sunken treasure belonging to the Atlanteans. Have you heard of Atlantis?”

“Yes. It’s a Greek myth of an ancient magical city that got flooded by the sea god Poseidon as punishment for the killing one of his human children.”

“Excellent. You know your world history. But Sandra, do you know why it was flooded?”

“From what I remember, there was a feud between two monarchs vying for the throne of Atlantis. King Atlas and Prince Gatorade, I think his name was.”

“Actually his name was Prince Gadeirus,” Callisto corrected her. “You are almost correct. King Atlas was a just king who loved humans but for some reason his brother Gadeirus felt mortals inferior and wanted them destroyed. Do you remember why Poseidon flooded the city?”

“Prince Gadeirus murdered a mortal princess who was the daughter of Poseidon,” answered Sandra. “Poseidon in his anger punished both royals of Atlantis and cursed them to live at the bottom of the sea as merfolk. I think that is how is the story goes.”

“You’re right on the money but there is more to the story,” Callisto added. “The sea god Poseidon had good reason to curse all Atlanteans because the human daughter that Gadeirus killed happened to be Aoide.”

“The sea seer?”

“The very same. Her mother had been a mortal princess of the coastal kingdom of Menelea giving birth to the sea god’s daughter. Princess Aoide, as she properly known, took over the throne of Menelea guiding all that visited her with the visions she foretold. Gadeirus wanted to make humans an example of his rage by murdering Aoide angering the sea god in the process.”

“Whoa. That takes alot of guts!” Sandra commented. “You never wanted to piss off a Greek god!”

“Precisely,” replied Callisto. “Now Aoide foresaw her own death, realized that changing her destiny was unavoidable, so she began writing her prophecies down eventually binding them into four different volumes. The first was The Story of Atlantis which detailed the reason why Poseidon drowned the magical city. This book had been destroyed in a mysterious fire. The second and third editions, The Tale of Sirens’ Four and The Myth of Poseidon and Tiamat, continue the next part of the story. These allegedly were contained in the chest discovered by great; great grandfather Mitchell and inspired him to establish this town, honoring it after Atlantis, under the name Lemuria, the lost city of wonder.”

“What about the last book?”

“The last book The Revelation also vanished under strange circumstances. It is said it contains the final answers to Aoide’s predictions altering events of what is to come.”

“Interesting. It’s like one big fortune cookie.” Sandra joked. “Reading is fundamental so please read all four volumes or you’ll be illiterate.”

Calliope let out a snicker while Calypso shot her an angry look. Embarrassed, Calliope sat back to compose herself.

“Oh for crying out loud Callisto!” huffed an annoyed Calypso. “Just get to the song already.”

“Patience Calypso!” growled Callisto. “You could use some. As I was saying, according to the legend in all four volumes that there is this hymn that when sung creates a harmony that will unite and bind friends together. Perhaps Sandra you might know it.”

“I don’t think I do…” she began.

Callisto’s voice radiated with warmth as began the lyrics.

Honor thy King Atlas…

Soon Calypso and Callisto began to join in the verse.

True ruler of the sea…

Sandra could not believe her ears. The beauty of their timber so crystal clear, illuminating a kind of freedom reminding her of ocean waves crashing carrying her off and floating away. Her voice wanted to be free as well as she jumped in the chorus.

Unite the four princesses
And bring back Atlantis to harmony…

Laughter came from Callisto as she saw a smile form on both Calliope’s and Calypso’s faces.

“Well done!” Callisto applauded.

“I guess that binds as friends according to the story!” Calliope squealed in delight.

“Wonderful.” Calypso responded with her typical sarcasm.

Still this did not satisfy Sandra’s curiosity. “Why? How? Where did all of you learn this song?”

Callisto smiled parting a loose hair from Sandra’s face. “From our mothers, of course. I’m sure yours taught you the same song as a child.”

“Yes, she did but it a special song between me and her. One of the last ones she taught me before she…” Sandra stopped herself when the memories began to pour in. Tears welled in her eyes.

She felt the embrace of a comforting soul while she continued to weep as the voice began to reassure with so much love and support.

“It’s okay,” said Callisto. “I know you’re mother has passed. We’ve all been through it. Calliope. Even Calypso and me. Our mother passed away in childbirth. Look there is reason why fate has brought you here. We’ve all lost a love one and we can relate to that loss, comprehend it, and hopefully come to terms with it that most people wouldn’t understand. We’re more than friends. We’re like own special support group.”

The feeling of comfort propelled through her as more emotions struck her with so many mixed signals. Loss. Pain. Acceptance. Love. Comfort. Shelter. Sympathy. All of which confused her.

“Thank you,” she replied stepping away from Callisto. “I didn’t mean to get all emotional. I just didn’t think my mother’s death would hit me hard.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Calliope. “You’re among friends now I guarantee you.”

“No, not just yet,” said Sandra. “But I’ll know who to come to when I need to talk to someone.”

“Good.”

Calypso grabbed the book from her sister handing the edition to Sandra. “Here. You might want to read this. It is important for later on.”

“Later on?” Sandra questioned. “I don’t understand. Why do I feel like you’re all keeping secrets from me if we’re supposed to be friends now?”

“Just trust us,” Calliope noted. “Everything will make sense soon.”

Sandra attempted to get a word in edgewise but then the Gregorys’ manservant Reginald made his presence known in the library.

“Dinner is served. Please join us in the dining room.”

“About time,” whined Calypso. “I’m starving.”

Chapter 10: Dinner and a Meeting Part 2

Callisto was the first to sit to down on the sofa lounge as her sister Calypso began playing with the fish inspired centerpiece on the coffee table. Sandra noticed the detailed work of the sculpture, the curvature of its body, the dorsal fin on its back, and the roundness of its shape. It reminded her of the animals she read about in her science books.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” remarked Calypso turning the piece toward her direction. “I think it is supposed to be a shark. Daddy got it for us when he visited Italy.”

“Actually, I believe it might be a killer whale or a dolphin.” Sandra informed her. “Look at the way it is positioned as if it is jumping out of the water to take a breath of oxygen. Sharks can’t do that.”

Frustration and humiliation. She could sense both emotions coming from Calypso. Apparently, the Callisto’s sister did not enjoy appearing like a fool. Sandra said nothing else as she observed her friend Calliope sitting nervously in the corner.

“Wow. You sure know many things about sea life,” smiled Callisto attempting to make conversation.

“Sandra’s dream is to be marine biologist some day,” explained Calliope. “She’s really smart.”

“No one asked you!” snapped Calypso. “Now make yourself useful and make us some diet sodas! You know where the hidden fridge is!”

Anger. Resentment. Calypso Gregory seemed to exude these things but an even stronger feeling released itself from her as it combined with Calliope’s aura and that was loneliness. Complying with Calypso’s order, Calliope found the secret refrigerated compartment behind the bookcase to remove the diet soda cans housed there.

“Just three ice cubes.” Calypso clucked her tongue. “You suck at getting my drink order right.”

Sandra seethed with rage. No one deserves to be treated like that! How dare she?

“She is not your slave,” she whispered. “You got legs. Why don’t get off your lazy ass and get it yourself?”

“Excuse me?” Calypso’s ears pricked up. Damn, she heard her. “What did you say?”

“I said why don’t you get the drinks yourself?” Sandra stood her ground.

“Who the hell do you think are? You’re a guest in someone’s home and you talk to your hosts like that?”

“I’m the guest that hates the fact that you treat her best friend with such mean spiritedness. She is not your slave!”

“It’s okay Sandra,” Calliope interrupted. “They’re not being mean to me. I like helping out.” She began to place the cans of sodas on a tray.”

“The hell you they aren’t being mean to you! I don’t care who your family is in this town! I don’t let rich dumbasses treat other people with disrespect!”

“Care to take this outside?” Calypso threatened. Fury filled her voice with a mixture of loathing and rage.

“Gladly,” answered Sandra. She would not back down.

“That is enough both of you!” Callisto arose from the sofa, taking both girls gently by the arms, to separate them to opposite sides of the library. For a slender young woman, the blonde teen was incredibly strong forcing them apart with such ease. “There will be no fighting as this dinner. Everyone please be mature and respect one another!”

“She started it!” Calypso griped.

“Calypso, so help me…” Callisto began. “You’re my twin sister and I love you but I am older by fifteen minutes so that makes me in authority of you. Now apologize to our guests.”

“But Callisto…” her sister protested.

“Apologize now!” Callisto ordered.

Calypso clucked her tongue giving her best feeble attempt toward Calliope and Sandra.

“Thank you,” said Callisto her sister. “I’m sorry about my Calypso’s attitude. She has issues with her temper. I think she gets that from our father.”

“I do not have anger management issues!”

“Anyway, why don’t we all have seat here on the lounge so we can get a chance to talk? Calliope, if you wouldn’t mind bringing the sodas here?” Calliope stepped forward with the drinks placing the tray on the coffee table before passing out the sodas to everyone.

Sandra took a sip from can before something caught her eye. Observing the tray set down on the table, she perused the detailed golden copper carvings, nautical themed and intricately carved, as the bottom held a reflective service.

It is the mirror from my dreams!

Callisto noticed Sandra eyeing the tray. “It’s my great, great grandfather’s old art pieces he had it refurbished and made into a serving tray. It used to be a mirror.”

“A mirror?”

“Yes, it is said to have belonged to the sea seer Aoide.” Callisto answered.

“A sea seer? What is that?” Sandra inquired.

“Have you ever heard of the Oracle of Delphi in Greek mythology?” asked Callisto.

“Yes. Many Greeks traveled far and wide to hear about her prophecies.”

“Well there was another who was not as famous but blessed by Posedion. Her name was Aoide. She was a seer who lived by sea who shared her visions with many who visited her.”

“What happened to her?”

“She died and whatever treasures she had were either looted or stolen. This mirror was one of those artifacts that Gregory Mitchell came into possession and had it brought home to Lemuria.”

“Was there anything else of hers that got recovered?”

“As a matter of fact there are.” Rising off the sofa, Callisto turned her back to turn the key of a locked case nearby. With her finger, she stroked the spine of each book on the shelf until she came to two leather bound editions, pulled them out of their concealed spots, and then returned to the group waiting for her.

A whiff of sea salt filled the air as Sandra immediately recognized the two familiar books from her childhood.

“This is The Tale of the Siren’s Four.”

Chapter 9: Dinner and a Meeting

“Oh I apologize,” Nestor Gregory said. “I should have been more specific about the dress attire for tonight’s dinner. It is supposed to be casual.”

He eyed the Shans as Sandra’s Uncle Lee arrived at the manor in his own work suit, Aunt Brit sporting her blazer and pleated skirt, and she in a semi-formal tunic dress and black leggings.

“No apologies necessary Mr. Gregory,” relied her Uncle Lee. The Gregory’s butler Reginald offered to take their coats as Nestor beckoned them to follow him into the salon. Waiting for them were two recognizable people Uncle Lee identified with.

“Please call me Nestor, Mr. Shan. We’re all informal here.”

“Sure Mr. Gregory…er Nestor. Call me Lee as well.”

Two people, a man and a woman, entered the salon. The gentleman had sandy brown hair, appeared to be in his mid-thirties and stood a foot shorter than his blonde haired partner who exuded a snobby air about her. The blonde woman’s eyes scanned Sandra’s family from head to toe producing a resentful discharge of offensiveness scoffing at the fact that Nestor’s guests were common working folk. Unfortunately, the duo’s idea of casual involved being decked out in designer duds even for a simple dinner.

Nestor introduced the couple. “I’m sure you know my younger brother Jason and my sister-in-law Eleanor.”

“Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory,” Uncle shook their hands. “It’s good seeing you again and thank you again for selecting my company for handling your financial contracts.”

“It’s not like we had a choice,” muttered Eleanor. “It was Nestor’s idea to go with a local brokerage firm.”

Uncle Lee ignored the remark, cleared his throat, as he introduced his family. “Please meet my family. This is my beautiful wife Britta and our niece Sandra.”

“Actually, my aunt and uncle adopted me,” added Sandra. “So technically, I’m more than just their niece. I’m their adopted daughter.”

“Adopting your niece. That is so commendable,” remarked Nestor. “I admire people like that because they not only care for their families but they are capable of caring for other people.”

“Since dinner will be awhile, why don’t the adults retire into the atrium to discuss business,” Jason Gregory suggested. “We need to talk about plans to locate prime real estate to expand Neptune’s Cove.”

“Excellent idea,” complimented Nestor. “While we’re doing that, Sandra there are a couple of people that have been dying to talk to you. I’m sure you don’t mind instead of hanging around the old people.”

Puzzled by this statement, Sandra racked her brain trying to put the clues together to solve the riddle. Who would be interested in talking to her?

“My daughters, Callisto and Calypso, are down the hall in the library waiting for you to arrive. I can have Reginald show you the way.” Nestor Gregory pointed toward the direction of the corridor.

Callisto and Calypso Gregory? Oh no! “That is quite all right Mr. Gregory. I’m sure I can find the room myself.”

“I didn’t know you knew Nestor Gregory’s daughters,” commented Uncle Lee.

“We met briefly at the park,” answered Sandra. “They helped out with the situation with Chip Laughlin. For some reason, we keep missing each other in school.”

“That Chip Laughlin,” Nestor lamented. “I never liked that boy. He’s such a troublemaker. I do wish my daughters would not associate with the likes of him.”

“Well I’m sure Sandra wouldn’t mind getting a chance to hang out with your daughters,” said Uncle Lee. “I’m sure they have plenty to talk about.”

Sandra tried to conceal her displeasure with a plastered smile as she watched her aunt and uncle disappear into the atrium. It is now or never. Let’s get this over with. She inhaled a breath putting one foot in front the other until she reached the final destination of voyage. Placing her hand on the wooden door, she felt the vibration of a myriad of emotions pass through her.

Anticipation. Excitement. Uncertainty. Happiness. Fear. Sadness. Envy. Kindness. Compassion. Hope.
Her reached for the knob and turned.

“Cassandra!”

A friendly voice greeted her.

Calliope Meyers, dressed in simple floral dress, jumped up and embraced her. “Welcome friend!”

Shutting the library door behind her, Sandra observed her surroundings. Rows and rows of books, old and new, graced the walls as every corner and hob included some interesting sculpture or sea theme art piece. Above the fireplace mounted against the wall were three weapons, two swords on the top and bottom trimmed and hand carved with an oval shaped object with a triangle symbol at the end, placed in opposite directions of the partition. In the center was fastened a gold and silver spear bearing the same logo overlapped by a sheer, mesh netting made of a copper material that cascaded over the trio of arms.

Her eyes darted around the room. No one present except for Calliope and her present. Oddly enough, the Gregory sisters were not in attendance.

“What you doing here?” she asked her BFF.

“Doug got invited over for dinner,” said Calliope. “Unfortunately, it was the same night as his meeting with the school superintendent so he had me come in his place so I’m here.”

“I’m so glad. I was dreading this dinner.” Sandra told Calliope. “At least I’m not being fed to the sharks alone.”

“Well sharks don’t attack people deliberately unless they smell blood,” interrupted a feminine voice. “It is just in their nature.”

Calypso stood at the entrance of the library. Her brown hair complimented her emerald Zac Posen printed dress as her green eyes sparkled against the color. Her sister Callisto looked like a blonde goddess next to her wearing a Roberto Cavalli top and shorts.

Sandra instantly recognized the designers since it was featured in last month’s Vogue issue. Damn. It must be nice to be rich!

“Don’t worry we won’t bite Cassandra,” grinned Callisto. “Unless you want us to.”

Chapter 8: Road Trip

Awkward tension filled the car with a certain uncomfortable silence with Sandra sitting in the backseat while her Aunt Brit and Uncle Lee settled in the front on the drive to the Gregorys’ dinner. Even dressed in their best church attire, nothing could cut the awkwardness of the atmosphere circulating inside the vehicle.

Uncle Lee gripped the steering wheel hard attempting to form the correct words after receiving a call from Principal Meyer’s office concerning his niece’s altercation with another student. As usual, Aunt Brit took the initiative to clear the air.

“Okay this is ridiculous,” Aunt Brit began. “I’m sure Sandra had a perfectly good reason for getting into a fight with this boy.”

“I don’t care if she had a motive to fight a million of her classmates!” Uncle Lee bellowed. “The fact is she was involved in a fight! She’s just lucky that Principal Meyers just gave her a day of detention! Their zero tolerance policy for fighting could have led to her suspension!”

“But Uncle Lee, you should have heard the things he said!” protested Sandra. “It was horrible!”

“Enough Sandra!” he snapped. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you! You’ve always been a good kid, responsible, never getting into trouble. I never had to worry about you. Maybe you’re going through some teen rebellion phase, I don’t know. I just want it to end now! You know this dinner is important to me tonight and you picked a fine time to go through this stage in your life!”

“Lee, hon. Just hear her out.” Aunt Brit suggested. “She’s entitled to that.”

“Brita, there is nothing to say,” he explained. “The fact is she was in the wrong and she needs to learn from this. I’m sorry Sandra but you’re going to have to cancel your date this weekend. I don’t think I’m ready to trust you after what happened today.”

“What? No!”

“Lee! You’re overreacting!” yelped Aunt Brit.

“No Brita, I’m not! I’m being a parent and she needs to learn that there consequences to her actions!”

“You’re right!” Sandra bawled. Tears began to flow as soon as the disappointment hit her. “I’m not capable of looking out or standing up for myself. Chip Laughlin was right! I’m just another stupid, chink loser who is stuck in this lame, hick town!”

The sound of screeching tires reverberated on the road, slammed hard by Uncle Lee’s foot on the brake as he pulled the car to the side of the road and shut off the engine.

“What did you say?” A sharp inflection of rage came from his voice. “Cassandra Shan, did you just make a racist comment particularly with me and your Aunt Brit in the car?”

“You heard me! I’m just repeating what that idiot Chip Laughlin said to me and it wasn’t the first time! He’s harassed me at work and started something with me today at school! I finally had it and fought back!”

“Sandra, why didn’t you come to us sooner?” asked Aunt Brit.

“It happened only one time during my lunch break at work,” she told them wiping the tears from her eyes. “Chip and his friend were causing trouble at the park. I threatened to call security. Chip made some racial remarks before he hit me. Patrick happened to be there, jumped in, and defended me. A fight started and Chip and his buddy got thrown out.”

Sandra carefully retold the events leaving out the strange details of the Gregory sisters. Some things were better left unknown.

“Wait a second. This boy Chip hit you?” Uncle Lee turned his head. “Why didn’t you tell us this?”

“I didn’t think it was that important,” she sniffed. “Look Uncle Lee, I’m a tough girl. You both raised me to be strong. After everything that has happened in my life, you have to trust me that I can handle things on my own especially with racist blockheads like Chip Laughlin.”

“I do trust you,” he explained. “I just worry about you. It’s what a parent does. Look your Aunt Brit and I aren’t perfect but understand we love you and care about what happens to you. Losing your mother was hard enough and I don’t want to lose you too.”

“More importantly,” added Aunt Brit. “If this boy is bullying you, you need to let us know. I’m sure we can talk to the principal about the situation.”

“No. No.” Sandra reassured them. “I need to handle this by myself. I can roll with the punches. If he can dish it, I can take it. Plus, I give back just as hard this racist jerk throws at me.”

“That’s my girl,” smiled Aunt Brit. “Lee hon, I think you have the real story on what happened at school. It wasn’t her fault.”

Uncle Lee remained quiet for few a minute before reaching over on the glove compartment of the passenger’s side to grab a box of tissues. Leaning the Kleenex over his shoulder, he handed it to Sandra in the backseat.

“Dry your eyes,” he said. “I’m sorry Sandra. I understand why you did it but please the next time this boy is bothering you, you let us know. Okay?”

“I will,” she replied dabbing the corners of her eyes to absorb her remaining tears.

“One more thing. You have my permission to still go out on your date with this Patrick boy this weekend. I figure if he is willing to protect my niece from being assaulted then he must be okay in my book. One more thing. You can go… Unchaperoned.”

Sandra’s eyes lit up. “You mean it?”

“Yes I give you my word,” he sighed.

“Oh Lee!” exclaimed Aunt Brit.

Sandra squealed in delight, unbuckled her seat belt to hug her uncle from behind, accompanied by the applause of Aunt Brit’s happiness.

“I love you Uncle Lee!” she informed him. Then turning her affection toward her aunt she gave her a loving peck on the cheek. “Thank you Aunt Brit for backing me up! I love you too!”

“We love you more!” answered Aunt Brit patting Sandra on the shoulder.

“Okay already!” groaned Uncle Lee. “We all love each other. Let’s try to make this dinner on time since my career is on the line. Everyone buckle up!” Sandra returned to her seat to fasten her seatbelt. Uncle Lee turned on the ignition. “Oh and Sandra, midnight curfew on this date.”

“Awwww Uncle Lee…” she began to moan.

“No awwww’s,” he replied as he pulled out back on to the road.



The Gregory mansion-a New England styled manor housing twelve rooms, four bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, large dining room, and glorious roof made of Spanish tile-stood upon the edge of the coastal cliffs of Lemuria. Upon driving up the narrow winding road to the house, the Shans took in the freshly sculpted greenery of the estate’s garden both majestic and concealed from view of the world. They parked their car near one of the stone columns at the front of the house making their way up the steps to the Gregorys’ door.

In typical fashion, a butler answered the door leading the Shans into the foyer.

“Jeeves?” remarked Sandra toward the man servant.

“No, it’s Reginald.” The butler answered without even cracking a smile. “Come this way. Master Nestor is expected you.”

Uncle Lee shot one of his don’t embarrass me looks at Sandra as she remained quiet throughout the tour. She absorbed the ambience of the Gregory manor. Cool primary colors of red, blue, and yellow mixed with the strong metallics of gold and silver adorned the walls in a radiant hue that became aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Yet, it contrasted with the numerous wall hangings of animal heads that eliminated the potential brilliance of the décor. Add to it the bizarre combination of nautical and historical themes that permeated the home leaving an eccentric mess of knick knacks, brick-a-brack, and poor design taste.

They’re creepy and they’re kooky. They’re all together spooky. They’re all together ooky.

“The Addams Family!” Sandra blurted out. She covered her mouth the moment she realized her mistake.

“Sandra! SHHHHH!” muttered her Uncle Lee. Aunt Brit snickered under her breath.

“Well that is a new one,” guffawed a masculine voice. “My family has never been referred to The Addams Family before!”

Coming down the stairs, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, black socks, and Birkenstock sandals, a gentleman in his late forties descended. Sandra observed his sandy brown beard and hair as his green eyes greeted them.

“Welcome to my home. I’m Nestor Gregory.” He introduced himself. “You must be the Shans. My brother Jason said you were coming to dinner. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Chapter 7: Another Incident With a Dumb Jock

Heat causes my six year body to perspire even more. Sweat pours from my forehead, my armpits and, embarrassingly the seat of my pajamas, as the room swirls into a vortex of ash, soot, and charcoal blackness.

My eyes water through my tears as the smoke chokes forcing me to cough for my mother’s assistance as she now has vanished within the darkness. Except for the enormous flicker of red orange flames shooting everywhere I see no sign of her. A pair of strong arms carries me through the blackened haze as a feminine voice shouts an order.

“Get her out of here now!”

I try to see who is speaking but the tenebrous smog conceals them in shadows. I make one more attempt. Nothing. I do identify a figure though lying in a circle of crimson on the floor.

My mother. Dead. Blood everywhere.

I cry out for her. No response. The fire follows us.

The scene changes.

Now I am older, dressed in a long flowing robe of a dress, bare feet touching tiled marble floors, as I sit by the open window looking across the ocean waiting.

I look toward the golden copper engraved mirror hanging against the wall. I admire its intricate carvings. The nautical design. The aquatic shapes. I admire the artist’s attention to detail. A true dedication to the sea.

I gaze again from the widow. From a distance I see a fleet of a hundred ships approaching.

“They are coming Aoide,” a male voice informs me.

He is right. Worry begins to take over.

Sandra let out a great, big yawn while still attempting to keep her brain focused on her locker combination. This time her dreams had become vivid, all too real, to the point that it kept her awake at night. She slapped her face one more time hoping that would keep her alert for her classes. Obviously, it was not helping.

Come on Cassandra. Get it together. Just get through the day.

Today seemed to go awry the moment she got out of bed. She could have aced her pop quiz in Algebra if she been more astute. She barely paid attention in Biology class especially when the teacher called on her to answer a simple question about marine life leading to very awkward situation in front of her peers. Finally, she dozed off in History forgetting to write down the chapters she was to suppose read for her homework assignment. To top it all off, Calliope texted her that she had a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon and would not be attending school today. Oh Great. Even the best friend bailed out on her. What else could go wrong?

Add to that her Uncle Lee’s unexpected dinner with the wealthy Gregorys and she could file all this under the really bad day category. After the strange situation with Callisto and Calypso Gregory a few weeks ago at the theme park, the last place she wanted to be was at their house. She was not looking forward to tonight’s dinner.

She sensed another approaching. A boy full of rage and hate, blond, pumped full of testosterone leaned next to her locker exuding an aura of cockiness that immediately turned Sandra off.

Chip Laughlin, wearing his usual letterman jacket, grinned at her hopping to get her attention.

“Well lookee here,” he cooed. “Looks like the poor little, chinky is all by her lonesome. Too bad your boyfriend isn’t here to protect you.”

“He’s not my boyfriend you racist bastard!” she spat. “Besides I can handle myself particularly dumb jocks that are members of the KKK!”

“What do you call me?” growled Chip grabbing her arm. He tightened his grip on her sending a signal to Sandra that this psycho meant business. He really meant to do her harm.

“Let go of my arm,” Sandra demanded.

Chip cackled. “Or what? You’ll stab me with your samurai sword?”

Fortunately for Sandra, Uncle Lee and Aunt Brit believed that their niece should always protect herself so they enrolled her in self defense courses at the community center back in Portland. Applying what she had learned, Sandra raised her leg to dismantle her assailant with a hard kick to the groin with her knee.

Holding his privates with his two hands, the stocky football player howled in pain as he crumpled to the ground mumbling a slew of curse words. Students watching laughed, took pictures on their phones, and broadcasted the incident immediately on Youtube under the title Karate Girl Kicks Jock In the Nuts.

“You…slutty…chink! Chip huffed. “I’ll…kill…you!”

“Eat pavement you bigoted moron!” she told him. “Oh and for your information. I’m Chinese not Japanese. Get your racist encyclopedia out and get educated!”

“SHAN! LAUGHLIN!” shouted a voice of authority. Principal Meyers stood with total disapproval as he tapped his foot. “MY OFFICE NOW!”

A trip to the principal’s office? Yup, file this under really bad day!