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!

Chapter 6: Suppertime Surprise

CAN’T WAIT TO HANG OUT THIS WEEKEND :)

Sandra made sure she saved the text message on her phone from Patrick. She wanted to reassure herself this wasn’t a dream. A small pinch on her arm gave her a second opinion leaving a centimeter red bruise to prove her theory correct. Once again she stared at the text on her screen wishing the day would finally arrive. She almost did not notice her Uncle Lee’s disapproval.

“No phones at the dinner table kiddo,” said Uncle Lee sternly. “You aunt is making her famous bife com un ova.”

A favorite of Uncle Lee’s, an Aunt Brit’s home cooked specialty, the Portuguese cuisine involved cooking a sliced steak in a wine sauce and serving it with sautéed potatoes and rice. However, the piece de resistance of the dish is that it is topped with a fried egg for a gut busting comfort food feast.

“Sorry Uncle Lee,” she blushed concealing the phone in her lap underneath the tablecloth.

“Turn it off please.”

“Yes Uncle Lee.” Sandra always followed directions especially from her parents. She pressed the off button on her cell.

“So kiddo, how was your first day of school?”

“Really good. Calliope Meyers helped me by showing me around. Oh and I met the principal Mr. Meyers. He is Calliope’s stepdad.”

“Calliope Meyers, isn’t she the girl that works with you at the theme park?”

“The one and the same,” interjected Aunt Brit who was carrying a steaming platter from the kitchen. She set the main course on the table, prepared to serve her family, as she joined in the conversation. “Really sweet girl. She and Sandra became best friends over the summer.”

“That’s wonderful,” smiled Uncle Lee. “I’m happy you’re adjusting well here in Lemuria. I know it’s been rough with having to leave your friends behind in Portland during the move.”

“It was tough but everyone here has been so nice so I’m finally accepting the fact that we’re staying here.” She paused for a bit before breaking the news. “This brings me to another situation which I hope I could get permission for.”

“I hope this isn’t one of those uh-oh moments?” prodded Uncle Lee. A worried gulp came from his throat. “Glad I’m sitting down for this.” Nervously, he took a bite of his steak.

“A nice boy from school asked me out to go see a band play at a local coffee house,” confessed Sandra. “It’s going to be next weekend after work. Can I go?”

Her request had been quite a surprise for him. Uncle Lee began to choke on his morsel of food before coughing up the meat into his napkin.

“Absolutely not!” he told her. “You’re too young to start dating!”

“I’m sixteen!” she blurted out.

“Yeah and you don’t even have a driver’s license yet!” barked Uncle Lee. “I bet this boy has a car.”

She raised her eyes slowly to reply to his question. Already, he knew the answer.

“I don’t believe it!” his voice cracking. “No way am I letting you get into a car with a strange boy!”

“Honey, you’re overreacting,” Aunt Brit jumped in. Finally, someone to be the voice of reason. “You knew this was going to happen. Sandra is not a little girl anymore. She is a teenager and part of her development is dating boys. You can’t keep shutting her in a box forever; she’s eventually going to have to get out someday.”

“Brit, I understand your concern but I don’t want to see her get into trouble,” said Uncle Lee. “When Linda died, I promised myself that I would always protect her and I’m going to keep that vow.”

“What kind of trouble are you talking about?” asked Aunt Brit. “Teen sex? Pregnancy? STD’s? Sandra is a good kid because of the way we raised her. She’s responsible, excels in school, and treats people with respect. She shows maturity well beyond her years and I’m comfortable that she can make the right decisions. We need to make her independent. Move her forward not hold her back.”

“Look I get what you saying Brit,” he continued. “I just don’t know if she’s ready to start dating. I mean who is this boy that is asking her out?”

“His name is Patrick Evans,” said Sandra. “Aunt Brit knows him from work.”

“There you go,” added Aunt Brit. “Patrick Evans. He’s this seventeen year old kid who works part time as one of our maintenance guys. His mother works as a trainer for the orca show at Neptune’s Cove. He’s a really, sweet kid.”

“All right!” Uncle Lee surrendered. “You can go out on a date with this Patrick Evans boy but on two conditions.”

“Name them.”

“The first being that your aunt will chaperone the date.”

A groan escaped Sandra’s lips. Aunt Brit rolled her eyes in disgust.

“Chaperone or no date.”

“An escort it is.”

“I hate when you use that word. Second condition. If this boy asks you out on a second date, we get to meet him. Do we have a deal then?”

“Deal. However, I’ll be lucky if Patrick asks me out ever again.”

“Oh he will,” purred Aunt Brit. “He’d be a fool not to take you out again.”

Uncle Lee pressed his hands to forehead. “Accck! Don’t say that! I’m still trying to get use to the idea of Sandra dating!”

Loud squeals vibrated around the dining room as Sandra rushed to her uncle to give him a great big hug and a thousand kisses to his cheek.

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

“Yes, thank you darling,” smiled Aunt Brit rewarding her husband with a kiss to the forehead. “Now let’s eat.”

Aunt Brit assisted Sandra back to her chair but not before whispering something in her ear.

“Don’t worry hon. If I have to chaperone your date with Patrick, I’ll make sure to stay hidden way in the back so you two can have some alone time.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Uncle Lee eyed them both suspiciously.

“Nothing.” They both replied.

“Oh, since we’re on the subject of news,” began Uncle Lee. “I have a wonderful surprise for everyone. As you know, my brokerage firm handles one of the wealthiest clients on the Florida coast. Well guess who helped secure a contract for the land expansion of Neptune’s Cove? Me!”

“That’s great honey!” exclaimed Aunt Brit.

“Way to go Uncle Lee!” Sandra congratulated him on his success.

“Thanks. The client was so impressed by my drive and initiative that he’s invited me to a dinner tomorrow evening to discuss future projects with my firm! Plus, he is very family oriented and wants to meet all of you as well!”

“Wow so soon?” Aunt Brit asked. “I mean that is a bit of surprise. Who is this mysterious client?”

“You all know them. His family founded the town. It is Nestor Gregory!”

The Gregorys? How? Why?

Sandra dropped her fork as it made a clanging sound on her plate. She suddenly lost her appetite.

Chapter 5: First Day of School Jitters

First day school jitters can get the best of anyone. For some more than others. Sandra inhaled deeply, holding to the cloth strap of her backpack, making mental notes in the process. Students of Gregory High took a glance at the new Asian student before assimilating back into the herd. She held her head up high ignoring the stigma of being the new girl as she sensed their curious eyes watching her.

Wearing affordable trendy jeans? Check. Wearing a cute sweater? Check. Not making eye contact with people you don’t know? Check. Blending in the crowd and not standing out? Check. Check and double check.

She made her way up the cracked concrete steps of the main hallway of Gregory High passing though a crowd of teenagers gossiping, chatting, finally locating the entrance of the school’s office to get her class schedule. An older gentleman in his forties with a grayish brown mustache, glasses, and receding hairline greeted her from behind the counter.

“You must be our new student Cassandra Shan?” he asked extending a handshake. “Hello there. I’m Principal Doug Meyers and on behalf of Gregory High we welcome you!”

“Meyers?” questioned Sandra. “You wouldn’t to be related to Calliope Meyers?”

“The one and only!” A friendly voice behind her exclaimed.

Calliope, looking very pretty in a simple floral top and skirt, smiled as she made the formal introductions. “Sandra, this is my stepfather Doug. Doug, my best friend Sandra whom I’ve been telling you about.”

“Now now Calliope,” corrected Principal Meyers. “Remember, at school I’m Principal Meyers to you. Now why don’t you show Sandra to her locker and help her find first class?”

“Sure Doug,” she replied. “Er…I mean Principal Meyers.”

Before making any more faux pas, both girls rushed out into the hallway.



Calliope had proven to be an excellent guide showing Sandra where the all important areas of the school are situated at. The upstairs janitor’s closet that is never used which students take advantage of for ditching classes. The lunch time courtyard, a popular hangout for the cutest boys, is also the best scenic view for the female student body. Finally finishing the tour of the school at Sandra’s locker, conveniently located on the main floor near the cafeteria right across from the girls’ restroom, both girls took a moment to chat on the latest gossip.

“You didn’t tell me your dad was the school principal?” Sandra inquired.

“Stepdad,” Calliope explained. “I never knew my biological father. He left when knocked up my mom. Growing up, my mom dated so many guys that I barely got a chance to like any of them. She was on this kick that she needed a man to fulfill her life, met Doug, married him and the rest is history. Aside from the fact that he’s the school principal, he’s not such a bad guy.”

“He’s seems really nice.”

“He is. When my mom passed away six years ago, he ended up being my legal guardian.”

“Oh I’m sorry,” apologized Sandra. “I didn’t mean to touch on something so personal.”

“Don’t be,” continued Calliope. “Look my mom was not exactly going to win any Mother of the Year awards. She had problems with drugs and alcohol. The whole town knew about it but did very little to help her. I guess that is why I’m a bit uncomfortable around the residents here. I always feel they are always judging me because of her actions.”

Strong emotions seem to flow through Sandra’s system. Tragic, sad, melancholy feelings emanating from Calliope alone, coming in waves reaching into her soul to pull out any little bit of contentment or happiness, instead leaving the dark part behind to be dealt with by the individual.

“She died from a heroin overdose. It was Doug that found her in the bathroom with a needle in her arm. I was ten, in grade school, at the time. I was grateful he told me what happened. Lies tend to eat away at you making you resentful. He’s upfront and honest which helped me deal with her death. It was him who adopted, raised me, and became a stable force in my life making me your crazy BFF that I am today. Anyway, no harm. No fuss.”

“Calliope, I never knew my father either,” admitted Sandra. “My mom raised me as a single mother until I was six and she died in a tragic accident. It was Uncle Lee and Aunt Brita who later took me in and raised me.”

The redheaded teen reached over giving Sandra a great big hug. “See this is why we’re BFF’s, we connected through our pain.” A small tear slid down Sandra’s cheek.

“Hey no tears!” Calliope pouted. “BFF’s never cry. Well, only at chick flicks and members of hottie boy bands! Speaking of hotties, guess which Prince Charming is heading this way.

No question about it, Calliope Meyers had built-in radar. The girl’s innate sonar could locate a missing satellite. Sandra’s senses tingled again. This time the emotions became more intense, more ardent as it shot through her body from head to toe. Euphoria took over, lifting her off the ground, removing her from this plane of existence, before settling back into this physical realm.

Her curiosity needed to be satisfied as she turned around to see whom her BFF had been referring to. Wearing a clean flannel shirt, flattering his well toned physique, and tight blue jeans that complimented his best assets, Patrick Evan headed toward them. A strand of dark, brown hair concealed one of his bright blue eyes as he gave the girls a pearly, white smile before moving the bothersome follicle away from his eye.

“Hey! I knew I’d find you girls here!” he grinned as he placed a hand to next to Sandra’s locker.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were stalking us.” She teased. Why did she say that? That was such a lame line. Upon the realization of her comment, Sandra’s face turned a beet red.

“Guilty. Now I guess you’ll have to call the cops to have me arrested.” Patrick cooed.

“So what’s your first class this morning?” she asked attempting to change the subject.

“Junior English. You?”

“Calliope and I both have Algebra.”

“Ouch! Number crunching first thing in the morning. I hate to be you.”

“So are you working this weekend at the park?” Calliope jumped in the conversation. “Sandra and I are and she has no plans after work. Maybe you two can hang out?”

Sandra stared hard at Calliope. If ever there was a time she wanted to kill her BFF, this was it! Going on a date with Patrick? She was not prepared. She was not ready. She had nothing to wear!

Patrick laughed which made him even more handsome. “Sure. I know this little coffee shop that is opened until midnight. A friend of mine is the bass player for the band that is playing there that night. You want to come? I can pick you up at the gift shop at work and drive you home afterwards?”

“Uh…sure,” she answered. “The park closes at eight and we can meet up. It’s a date then…I mean it’s not a date…It’s hanging out…um…”

“It’s a date,” he reassured her. “Give me your number and I’ll call you.”

Both teens took out their cells to exchange phone numbers. Despite Sandra’s nervous fingers punching the numbers of her phone, she managed to input the correct contact information in her mobile device.

“All right I’ll see you around,” he said as he walked down the hallway. Sandra threw her head back relieved against her locker.

“God he has a gorgeous butt!” remarked Calliope watching Patrick disappear into the crowd of students. “Don’t bother to thank me.”

“How about if I kill you?” she clucked. “Thanks for letting me make a fool of myself! I can’t believe I’m going on my first date with this guy!”

“Well it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for me,” Calliope cooed. “Now be grateful and say thank you to your fairy godmother.”

“Thank yoooouuuuu Faaaairy Goooomother!” mocked Sandra.

“You’re welcome ingrate,” giggled Calliope.

The bell rang.

“We’re late for class!” They ran down the hall hoping they were not going to be dinged for their tardiness on the first day.

Chapter 4: Dreams and Conversations

Smoke enters my nostrils spreading through the senses cutting off my ability to breathe. A glowing color of orange and yellow hues cracks a whip across every corner of the room, before blinding my eyes with its brilliant light.

I am six. The fire spreads rapidly in the house as my eyes long to find my mother. The black, smoke obstructs my view of her as I feel myself being pulled away, carried off rather, as the scene transforms rapidly.

The room has changed now. Surrounding me are ornate pillars-gold laced columns, beautifully sculpted brick walls, and intricate hanging tapestries-exhibiting a rich history left behind from Greece or Macedonia. Marble floors cool my bare feet hardly noticeable by the long gown I am wearing, supporting my off shoulder top, fastened by a silk sash and woven belted cord.

I manage to locate a mirror. Hand carved inlaid with gold and copper engravings, the intricate designs of an artist who used the sea as his muse, I run my fingers through the surface of each ocean sculpture analyzing each inspiration for the piece.

It was then my eyes finally saw the center of the reflective surface. Looking back at me was a young girl. A young woman actually. Beautiful greenish blue eyes, the color the deepest ocean depths, saddened by something that had been troubling her. The dark curls of her hair bounced in unison to the harsh wind blowing from outside through her open window as a voice called out to her.

“Aoide?”

Sandra awoke from her dream.

1:00 a.m. Damn. Obviously, REM was not her best friend. Tossing the covers to the side, she tiptoed downstairs to the kitchen.

Her Aunt Brit found her. Right in the middle of stuffing her face with a package of Oreos, a bag of potato chips, and a glass of milk did it not occur to Sandra how many calories she just consumed?

“Oh no honey,” clucked Aunt Brit. “The nightmares are starting again, aren’t they?” She poured herself a glass of milk to warm up in the microwave.

“It wasn’t too bad this time. At least, it wasn’t all about the fire.”

Britta “Brit” Soledad originated from Portugal and met Lee Shan when they were graduate students at the University of Miami. After a three year courtship, the two finally tied the knot and have been in marital bliss ever since. A year later, after the tragic death of Lee’s sister Linda, the couple became the legal guardians of Sandra raising and loving her as their own daughter. For Brit and Lee, who unfortunately could not be blessed with children, little Cassandra Shan came into their lives forever cementing the trio as a real family.

“I’m sorry you’ve still haven’t dealt with it,” explained Brit. “I wish there was some way you had a sense of closure.”

Sandra dipped the Oreo into her milk. “Me too, Aunt Brit, but I’ve blocked out everything about the accident except for a few bits and pieces. Tell me again what the police report said?”

Brit sighed before taking a sip of her warm milk. “According to the investigation, there was a freak lightning storm that time in Miami when we were all living there. You were six then. Somehow, one of the lightning flashes struck a telephone pole smashing through the window of your house. The initial spark from the wires ignited a massive home fire which trapped Linda inside. Luckily, emergency crews arrived to rescue you but unfortunately your mother never made it out. It was just a bad accident Sandra.”

“Do you remember who pulled me out?”

“Someone from the Miami Fire Department. I think his name was Peter Chadwick. Your Uncle Lee and I thanked him for saving you.”

“Do you remember which fire station he worked at?”

“Station 32 on Lopez Avenue, I think. What is with the twenty questions?”

“I’m sorry Aunt Brit,” she apologized. “I just am trying to find some answers so I can put this issue to rest.”

“I understand Sandra,” said Brit. “But baby all this digging is probably not going to solve all your problems. You may end up with more questions instead of answers.”

“I know but it would give me a sense of purpose.” Observing how depressing this situation was, Sandra finally changed the subject. “Enough about all this talk about death, how are you holding up as Neptune Cove’s HR representative?”

“You tell me,” chuckled Brit. “You know how your park coworkers love to gossip. So am I a friend or foe?”

“Well if I tell you,” joked Sandra. “I’d have to kill you.”

“I’ll take my chances,” replied Brit. “Now spill the beans.”

“You’re in the clear!”

“Woohoo! I’m actually liked at work! Speaking of being liked, I’m getting excellent feedback from your boss Cleito Richards. She seems to be impressed by your work ethic. Good job!”

“What can I say? I’ve being raised by the best parents slash aunt and uncle a girl could ever wish for!”

“Naturally,” smiled Brit. “It helps when you have an amazing daughter slash niece! Oh and I hear you’ve become best buds with Calliope Meyers from work.”

“That’s right,” added Sandra. “And since we’re attending Gregory High as sophomores in a few weeks I’m sure we’ll be hanging out more with each other.”

Placing her warm milk down on the counter, Brit gave Sandra a big bear hug from behind finally finishing off the last actions of her affections with a kiss to the forehead.

“I’m so happy for you honey,” said Brit. “It’s good that you’re adjusting to living in Lemuria. I’m going back to bed. Try to get some sleep, okay?”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you more.”

Sandra felt a horrible pit fall to her stomach. Then again she shouldn’t eat so late.

Chapter 3: Food Court Frenzy

“Oh look it’s Flipper!” snorted Sandra popping a chili cheese fry shaped like a dolphin in her mouth. “Whose bright idea was it to make fish shapes out of the French fries?”

“Blame the owners of Neptune’s Cove,” replied her lunch companion Calliope digging a fork into her salad. “They wanted to stick with the whole fish theme for the tourists. It is a bit overrated if you ask me.”

Calliope Meyers worked at the Neptune’s Cove fish and chips area of the food court. A fact evident in the hideous uniform and matching visor she was forced to wear. A strict vegan, Calliope refused to eat anything containing meat after discovering what ingredients were really contained in the breaded fish fillets. Soybean. Imitation crab. Imitation fish. Imitation meat. Not exactly something of nutritional value on the food pyramid.

A redheaded, brown eyed, freckle faced sixteen year old with glasses Calliope befriended Sandra when both arrived for the park’s new hire orientation. After bonding over boy bands, clothes and having first names that started with the letter C, the two girls became fast friends.

Sandra especially needed a BFF since she had been stigmatized as the new girl in town. No one deserves to be alone. Strength in numbers. The girls sat at their usual table near the dolphin pool as they threw some crumbs at the hungry sea gulls nearby. The food court was packed during the lunch rush. Lucky for them, both girls were not manning the counter.

“You know dolphins make frequent modulated whistles and clicks to communicate to each other,” added Sandra. “I read that in an article of Science Weekly.”

“Snooze,” droned Calliope. “I know you want to be a marine biologist some day but let’s talk about something more interesting like that hottie over there.”

Girlish laughter escaped her lips as Calliope pointed to the teenage boy carrying a tray of food and searching for a place to sit. Sandra’s eyes moved toward her friend’s direction as she took in every detail of his appearance. Dressed in a dirty t-shirt, faded jeans, and wearing an employee nametag the boy looked to be about a year older than Sandra.

A bead of sweat dripped down from his dark, brown hair to his forehead to which he wiped away with his tanned, well toned forearm. Slender but well built for a boy of his age, Sandra became transfixed at his sculpted face while becoming lost in his blue eyes that radiated like the surface of the ocean.

“Yoohoo! Lost Boy over here!” waved Calliope. “Your table’s waiting!”

The handsome boy smiled as he walked over to them. Setting his tray on the table, Sandra blushed as he sat next to her.

“Thanks,” he said. “I didn’t realize how busy it gets here during the lunch rush.”

“So does the Lost Boy have a name for the heroines that rescued him?” Calliope purred.

“Patrick Evans,” he introduced himself. “And you girls are?”

“I’m Calliope Meyers and this is my best friend Sandra Shan.”

“Please to meet you,” said Patrick. “I take it from the nametags you girls are wearing that you also work for Neptune’s Cove.”

“Absolutely,” giggled Calliope. “I’m your fast food lackey slash fish and chips girl and Sandra here works at the gift shop.”

“Cool,” he answered. “I’m on the maintenance crew for the park. My mom is one of the trainers for the orca show.”

“Your mother is one of the marina zoologists?” asked Sandra. “That is awesome!”

Sandra stared into Patrick’s eyes for a moment before she realized her error and quickly changed the subject. Somehow she could sense Patrick’s strong attraction to her. Then it all changed to a sudden feeling of embarrassment and awkwardness. Thankfully, Calliope was there to save the day.

“Wow what a coincidence!” she commented. “You both have something in common. Sandra here wants to be a marine biologist! You two should talk.”

“Well you know Neptune’s Cove is starting a new program next year for high schoolers who want to be future trainers,” he explained. “My mother is going to head up the program. You should apply. I could put in a good word for you.”

“Thanks I’ll do that,” said Sandra trying not to look at Patrick again. God he is beautiful. “Do you go to Gregory High?”

Patrick bit into his burger. “I’ll be attending as a junior when school starts. My mom and I moved from Los Angeles when she got the trainer job here at the park. How about you girls?”

“That is so weird,” laughed Calliope. “We’re also going to Gregory High but as sophomores. Plus, Sandra is also going to be a new student there too! What are the odds?”

Sandra wanted to elbow Calliope in the ribs. Powerful emotions seemed to overwhelm her as she felt a strong connection to Patrick. Perhaps it was the Fates causing a tumultuous feeling in the pit of her stomach. Then again, it could be the chili cheese fries. She was hoping it was the fries.

“Great,” he grinned. “I hope to see you there. I finally have someone I know at school.”

Shrill cries echoed around the dolphin pool. Flocks of sea gulls scattered in fear as a pair of teenage boys began pelting them with food and other debris from the ground. Laughing up a storm causing a ruckus, one of the boys managed to grab one of the gulls by the beak holding it down while his accomplice began flinging pebbles at it. Sandra sensed a combination of emotions. Anger. Hatred. Loathing. Pain. Fear. Yet, it would be Calliope experiencing the biggest shock of all.

“STOP IT!” she shrieked clutching her head. “HE DOESN’T LIKE THAT!”

“Hey!” shouted Patrick rising from his seat. “Let the sea gull go!”

Both boys released the bird as it managed to fly away unscathed as they made their way to the table. This is not going to be good. The first boy had dark brown hair and green eyes while his companion had blond hair and blue eyes. Their stocky builds could still be identified even underneath their concealed high school letterman jackets but the worst trait between them would be the fact that they go to Gregory High school.

Oh Great. They’re the stereotypical popular, high school jocks. The brown haired teen cracked his knuckles before moving in close to Patrick’s face. Meanwhile, bystanders observed with curiosity at a possible altercation waiting to happen but chose to not get involved.

“You got a problem punk?” sneered the brown haired boy. His blond haired friend folded his arms and smirked.

“Yeah I got a problem,” responded Patrick. “I hate it when stupid jocks bully poor defenseless animals.”

“Maybe you should mind your own damn business,” said the brown haired teen.

“Maybe I should call security and have you guys thrown out,” interrupted Sandra. She had enough of these jocks’ delinquent behavior for one day.

“Maybe you should stick to cooking Chinese food or doing laundry chinky!” snarled the blond partner.

That did it. Sandra’s blood boiled in anger at the racist remark. Grabbing the chili cheese fries and Calliope’s remaining salad she picked up both items threw the contents at the blond boy’s face covering him a greasy mess of half eaten food and sauce. What she did not anticipate in her attack was the blond boy’s retaliation as he raised his hand to slap her hard right across the face.

A stinging pain flared across her cheek as a small tear began to secrete from her right eye. At that moment all hell broke loose as Patrick’s fist made contact with the blond boy’s face knocking him out unconscious as the brown haired boy tackled Patrick from behind to pummel him with his fists. Calliope screamed as park security came rushing in to break up the fight. Somehow in the melee a harmonious sound could be heard in the distance.

Words cannot begin to describe the song. Almost like the tranquility of an aria from an opera to the peacefulness of the music of the open sea, the humming surrounded the food court. Stillness engulfed the area as no one moved. It was if time stood motionless except for Sandra and Calliope who looked surprised by the sudden calmness. Two figures walked toward them as if flowing with the rhythm of the music.

Both female. Both beautiful. One had blonde hair the color of gold and blue eyes that shimmered like the ocean. Her companion did not pale in comparison as well. Light chestnut hair that reminded Sandra of dark, brown sand and green eyes the shade of kelp the two teenage girls approached them with a certain warmth about them. The music ended abruptly just at it had begun.

“I’m sorry Sandra,” apologized the blonde girl. “Otto and Chip can be asses sometimes.” She lifted Sandra’s chin to respect the red imprint of the blond boy’s work on her cheek. “Hold on a minute.”

The blonde girl dipped her hand in the water fountain nearby dampening her fingers in the cool liquid. She then returned to Sandra’s side stroking her red cheek with her wet fingers as the flaring pain began to subside. Sandra felt for the swelling on her check. It was no longer there.

“How…how did you do that?” asked Sandra. “More importantly, how do you know my name?”

“We make it a point to know all new residents of our little town of Lemuria,” explained the brown haired companion. “My name is Calypso Gregory and this is my sister Callisto.”

“You’re related to the town’s founder Mitchell Gregory!” exclaimed Sandra. “Your family is famous!”

“I see our family’s reputation precedes us,” Callisto chuckled. “Ugh, I hate all the problems and responsiblity that comes with it.”

“Being a Gregory is not it’s all cracked up to be,” said Calypso. “Believe me.”

“Oh and to answer your first question,” added the blonde Callisto. “Water heals everything. Remember that.”

“We better take Otto and Chip before they cause more trouble,” said Calypso. “It’s bad enough we have to play babysitter to a pair of idiot athletes.”

“Idiot athletes who help Gregory High win their football games this year,” clucked Callisto. “Hope to see you Calliope around school Cassandra.”

How did they know Sandra’s full name was Cassandra? How do they know Calliope? Sandra had many questions.

With nothing more to say, Callisto and Calypso picked up the brown haired Otto and blond hair haired Chip up off the ground as they meandered into the emergency exit nearby. The hypnotic music began briefly with a low hum before dissipating into a simple echo as the Neptune Cove patrons, Patrick, and park security jumped back into reality to return their daily business. Believing the problem had been resolved, park security scattered to their respective zones.

“What happened?” asked a confused Patrick. “Did those two jerks leave?”

“Uhh…yeah,” lied Sandra. “They ran out of the park when they saw the security rush in.”

“Are you okay?” Patrick inquired with concern. “I saw one of them hit you.”

“I’m fine,” she replied. “Luckily he missed. See no mark.” She pointed to her cheek where the red welt would have been. Miraculously, it disappeared.

“Well as long as you’re okay,” he said. “Look my lunch break is over so I’m going back to work. I’ll see you around.”

“Count on it,” smiled Sandra who once again kept staring at him as he left. Definitely, count on it!

Once the coast was clear, Sandra had to ensure she was not losing her mind as she whispered to a silent Calliope of what had just transpired.

“Okay, tell me I’m not crazy,” she began. “But did you not just heard that weird music and we just got visited by the Gregory girls?” Calliope appeared lost in thought. “Calliope? Calliope! Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” she answered shyly. “Look Sandra, there are so many weird things that happen in Lemuria that I want to tell you about. But for now it’s better that you’re kept in the dark until it’s time. Okay?”

“Okay Calliope but why?” said Sandra. “What do you mean until it’s time?”

“Just drop it!” snapped Calliope. “You just have to trust me!”

“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I know,” Calliope explained. “I promise when the time is right all of this will make sense. Right now, our lunch breaks are over and we have to get back to work. BFF’s?”

“BFF’s always,” Sandra smiled.

Yet, she could not stop the nagging feeling something was wrong.

Chapter 2: An Employee's Job is Never Done

Lemuria, Florida

10 years later


Zee ees Cassandra Shan weet National Geographic Magazine and we are exploreeng za eloosiv orca in eets natchooral abitat een zee Artic Ocean. Notice how eet unts for eets prey zee sea lion…“Hey Jacque Cousteau, that stuffed killer whale is not going to stock itself on the shelf.”

“Sorry Clee,” responded Sandra placing the stuffed animal on the display shelf. “Didn’t mean to have too much fun with the toys.” As a part time teen employee at the Neptune’s Cove gift shop, she wanted to prove to her skills as a hard worker. Well at least make her boss Cleito Richards think she hired a godsend according to her job application.

Luckily Clee’s giggle made Sandra feel more at ease. At fifty three years old, salt and pepper hair tied in a bun, and some crow’s feet her boss Cleito, simply Clee to her friends, must have been a great beauty in her day. Sandra made a mental imprint in her mind of what she might have looked like. Creamy pale skin like white sand, light blonde hair that radiated like the sun and blue eyes the color of the deepest ocean. Absolutely, Clee seemed like the type of woman who fought many male suitors with a stick. A rather large bat to be exact at the amount of female pheromones she emitted. You would have to be blind not to notice the older male customers looking at her in the store. Sandra hoped some of those emissions would rub off on her.

As a sixteen year old in a small coastal tourist area in Florida, Sandra Shan felt out of place as the only person of Asian descent living in a tiny town called Lemuria. Population: 500. The entire town had been founded by the Gregory family who owned a slew of profitable textile factories near the city of Miami. According to the story, the town’s founder Mitchell Gregory had been an amateur explorer hailing tales of discovering the lost city of Lemuria before returning to America where he created a successful factory operation near the coast of Florida. Since Mitchell grew up in a small town, he wanted to raise his family and descendants in s similar fashion establishing Lemuria in the process. Later his family would exploit the town for profit by focusing all its attention on the tourism trade by advertising the beautiful beaches and creating a nautical theme park called Neptune’s Cove under the guise of a sea life conservation sanctuary. The propaganda worked as visitors came to Lemuria in droves ten to eleven months out of the year.

Meanwhile Cassandra Shan, or Sandra as she preferred to be called, moved here with her a family to be the latest suburban casualty. An Asian American orphan, the next social pariah, absorbed the awaiting hell that surrounded her. Sandra could certainly be outfitted with the Scarlet Letter branding but instead of an A for adulteress substitute an L for loser. Her long black hair, dark eyes, and light olive skin paled in comparison to the vast majority of Caucasian residents. African Americans made the second majority and a few of Latin descent finished up the rest of the inhabitants of Lemuria. Other than her Uncle Lee, Sandra felt like the only Asian minority outsider in the town. It sucks to be me! The school year had not started yet and already she dreaded attending Gregory High.

“So how are you and your family adjusted to Lemuria?” asked Clee as she opened a boxed shipment of souvenir mugs.

“We’re doing okay,” said Sandra. “After three months of unpacking, my aunt and uncle seem to be settling just fine. It's really different from living in Portland. Uncle Lee’s boss seems to be impressed by his work at the brokerage firm and you know Aunt Brit seems to be hitting it off with the park employees as their new HR rep.”

“I’m glad,” smiled Clee. “You know your Aunt Brit seems to be a wonderful people person. We need that for the all the workers here especially if any drama arises. We need someone who can mediate.”

“Drama?” asked Sandra. “At a theme park? Don’t tell me the dolphins are getting paid more than the employees?”

“They might as well dear,” explained Clee. “Those lousy Gregory’s own this theme park and waste their money on amusement park rides than on investing in better facilities for the marine life. Animal conservation, my behind! The funny thing is that this is supposed to be an ocean sanctuary for endangered animals. Boy, if the public only knew that it is nothing more than a slavery circus camp operation for water mammals then they probably would stop coming here.”

“I overheard a rumor from everyone that half the park workers tried to strike last year for higher wages. Is that true?”

“Sadly, it was disaster. The more courageous ones from park tried to organize a union but somehow the Gregory’s found out about it and had everyone involved fired and replaced with newer, incompetent employees. In this troubled economy, people are desperate enough to work for low pay.”

“You mean like me?”

“Sweetie, I wouldn’t have hired you if you couldn’t do the job,” she clucked. “Believe me, this old lady has been around a long time and I can tell the difference between a good worker and a bad one. Rest assured you’re a good one.”

“Yeah but Clee would you have hired me if my aunt did not have the connections in getting me this job?”

“Hon, I would hire you if you sported tattoos all over your body and facial piercings. None of which I encouraged you to get this very moment.”

“Actually, I’m planning on that on my lunch break,” Sandra kidded as Clee began to roll her eyes.

A bell signaled a customer entering the shop. Quickly, Sandra and Clee returned to their duties hoping that they did not offend a customer with their conversation. Scrambling to finish up the shipment box she had been working on, Sandra felt a tap on shoulder. She turned around to face a recognizable redheaded individual who appeared to be the same age as her.

“Working hard or hardly working?” asked the redhead.

“Both,” replied Sandra.

It would be Clee who would interrupt the exchange as she broke into a fit of laughter. Sandra and the redheaded girl would follow afterward.

“Okay you two. Go to lunch.”

Chapter 1: Prologue

Crash. Boom. Six year old Sandra Shan hated heavy storms especially when the sounds of thunder and lightning felt like an explosion. Clasping her ears together, she dug into the folds of the covers hoping to drown out the noise outside.

“Oh honey, it’s okay,” reassured a sweet voice. “It’s only thunder. It can’t hurt you.”

Sandra’s mother Linda always knew what to say. She sat down on the bed, parted the dark hair from Sandra’s face, massaged her back, and began to sing.

“Remember the words?”

Of course she did. How could she not? Her mother had been singing it to her since she was in diapers.

“Okay Sandra sing with me,” Linda smiled. “Join me when you’re ready.”

Honor thy King Atlas
True ruler of the Sea
Unite the four princesses
And bring back Atlantis to harmony.

As usual Sandra preferred to hum the tune which made her mother laugh. At the moment, she didn’t feel like singing. Thunder and lightning echoed even louder.

“Read me a story mommy,” begged Sandra covering her ears again. “Please.”

“Oh all right,” giggled Linda. “If this will get you to sleep then so be it. What story would like to me to read?”

“Atlas and the Sea Kingdom!” squealed Sandra.

“Why doesn’t that surprise me? You seem to love that book,” said Linda. She turned toward the bookshelf to find it. Slipping a finger through each spine of every picture book, she finally stopped at one bound together by old leather permeated by the aroma of sea water. Lying next to her daughter, Linda opened up the worn out pages filled with ancient text and drawings as she began to read to Sandra her story.

“Long ago when ancient Gods ruled over the world of Man,” she began. “There existed the magical city known as Atlantis. Surrounded entirely by water and ruled by the wise King Atlas, Atlantis paid tribute to the sea god Poseidon who honored the Atlanteans with vast array of magical gifts, powers, and even protection. However, there was disarray within the kingdom as King Atlas’s jealous brother Prince Gadeirus sought to covet the throne for himself. Declaring war against the nearby land kingdoms, Gadeirus murdered a young princess who happened to be the human daughter of Poseidon and framed Atlas for the crime.”

“That was bad,” muttered Sandra clutching her covers even closer.

“Yes it certainly was,” responded Linda as read on. “Upon learning that his favorite daughter had been killed and believing Atlas to be the culprit, Poseidon flooded Atlantis drowning the great city into the ocean. Many Atlanteans did not survive but those that did, including King Atlas and Gadeirus, were cursed by Poseidon to live as immortal sea creatures with the bodies of both a human and a fish.”

“Mermaids!” laughed Sandra with glee.

“Yes honey. Mermaids.” Linda sighed. “As the legend goes, King Atlas and the surviving Atlanteans lived for centuries underwater flourishing and adapting to life as a magical undersea kingdom. Eventually, Prince Gadeirus’s betrayal was discovered by Atlas and Poseidon. To punish the traitor, the sea god banished him to the deepest, darkest depths of ocean floor where they say he still plots to one day overthrow his brother and take over the city. As for King Atlas and the seafolk, the long years have been difficult for them as they longed to return to the world of humans. With the blessing of Poseidon, many Atlanteans began to surface on land. Some even remained, settled down with the humans, and even had children. However, the call of the sea proved to be much stronger as the seafolk returned to Atlantis with their children forever turning their back on the land dwellers.”

“Mommy, did King Atlas visit the land too?” asked Sandra.

“Sandra I’ve read you this story a billion times and the answer is always yes,” clucked Linda. “King Atlas also missed being on land and because he had no children of his own to be heirs to his throne one day left Atlantis to the world of humans. Once on land he seduced several mortal women whom bore him a daughter and each carried the first initial C in their name…”

“Like Cassandra!” corrected Sandra.

“Yes just like your full name Cassandra,” said Linda. “Anyway, King Atlas vowed that once each of his daughters reached their full age then his magical gifts would be bestowed upon them. When that happens, it is expected that his daughters must leave the world of land to return to Atlantis to claim their rightful positions as monarchs of the undersea kingdom.”

“Mommy what is a monarch?” asked Sandra.

“A monarch is someone who leads kingdom like a king, queen, prince or princess…”

Linda’s explanation was interrupted as a loud pounding came at the front door. It looked like Sandra’s bedtime story would have to wait.

“Stay here,” she ordered her daughter. “Don’t leave your bedroom until I tell you to.” Linda slowly shut the door as she went downstairs to answer the door.

A few minutes of inaudible murmurs could be heard as Sandra got out of bed to listen through bedroom door. From what she could interpret, her mother was shouting as some other voices answered back in response. Curiosity kept eating away at her as she slowly turned the knob of her bedroom door open just a smidge before sneaking near the railing of the stairs to overhear the conversation downstairs. The loudest being her mother’s while a male and female returned the discussion.

“I TOLD HIM THAT I DON’T NEED HIS PROTECTION! I CAN TAKE CARE OF HER BY MYSELF!”

“Linda, it is not safe here! We can find another sanctuary to take you both to. His enemies are increasing and will stop at nothing to get to her!”

“WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS? SURELY, YOU MUST BE WORRIED ABOUT THEM?”

“I assure you we have everyone safely hidden away. There is no way they can be traced. Our sources have informed us that you have been compromised and there are spies ready to come after you at any moment. We have to leave here now!”

“WE ARE NOT LEAVING! I’M TIRED OF RUNNING! EVER SINCE I MET THAT MAN OUR LIVES HAVE BEEN TURNED UPSIDE DOWN! I’M SICK AND TIRED OF ALWAYS HAVING TO LOOK OVER MY SHOULDER…”

“Linda, think about the danger you’re putting yourselves in…”

CRASH! BOOM! SMASH! The storm kept getting louder. Sandra could not hold her ears any longer as she called out.

“Mommy!” she wailed from the top of stairs.

Her mother turned toward her with shock as she mouthed the words.

“Sandra, go back to your room…”

Yet those words stopped the moment the spraying of broken glass, splintered wood, concrete, dirt and debris exploded through the windows and doors. A blinding light flashed across Sandra’s eyes as she felt herself lifted up by a hulking presence. She attempted to scream for her mother but to no avail as she saw a mixture of bright lights and shadows overlapping each other before the strong stench of smoke filled her nose. Immediately the room turned black as the crackle of red and orange flame engulfed the house into an instant inferno. Sandra tried to keep eyes opened as the smoked stung her vision at the same time she kept coughing through the haze. Tears filled her eyes as she felt herself being carried away from some unknown force before she made one final glance as the image got further and further away.

Lying facedown on the floor was her mother surrounded by a pool of blood. Sandra tried to call out to her mother one more time as the strange presence carried her off. Exhausted and dizzy, she succumbed to the blackness.