The Fifth Story Told By The Stars (Part 3)

The Fifth Story - The Game of Fame (Part 3)

Jen could feel adrenaline rushing through her veins as she brought the knife down. The sensation as it pierced right into the human flesh caused all her senses to go numb. But she realise something was wrong as soon as she got her senses back. Jen looked down at the knife. It dug deep into the body, but not the body of the person she wanted.

Alston could feel the cold blade in his flesh, but he resisted the pain. He had to protect Jolin from the crazy girl. Jolin was looking at him with very wide open eyes, it was filled with shock and sadness. She's going to cry. Alston wanted to say some words to comfort her but something was gushing out from his stomach and it's stuck in his throat. Blood flowed out of his mouth and everything he saw became blur, even Jolin's face, it was blurring. He fell on the ground, lying beside Jolin. Everything felt so cold, where's Jolin? He can't see anything anymore, he wanted to call out to his sister for help, but words escaped him, he couldn't speak, for blood was still flowing out of his mouth. His eyes teared up. Is he dying? He could still feel the blade in his flesh and the taste of his own blood, is this the way people are supposed to end their life? He thought of his sister's face, and the toys he had in his room, and the old cabin house, and before his final breath, he thought of Jolin smiling at him when they on the jeep going to the Festival. He shut his eyes and slept.

Jolin stared at Alston's body and her hands were full of his blood. "no... no... this can't be happening, Alston, wake up, wake up!" shouted Jolin, shaking Alston's dead body, desperately. Jen walked over to Jolin and pulled her hair. Jolin got up and kicked Jen at the stomach. She began running again, sobbing as tears ran down her cheeks. Jen chased her and caught up and tried strangling Jolin as she struggled on the ground. Spotlights shone on her and the police came down just in time and pulled her away from Jolin. She was handcuffed and lead away to a police car. She shouted and screamed, trying to break free. Allison came to Jolin and hugged her, wrapping a blanket around her body. "Where's Alston?" she asked. "Did you see him? He ran off into the woods right after you left," Jolin cried and explained what happened. Allison was stunt. She rose up, expressionless face, and walked over to her brother's dead body. She hugged Alston in her arms and mourned as Jolin was carried into the ambulance and was sent to the hospital.

Jolin stood in front of the mirror in a room. She checked her hair and make up one last time and head off into the dark corridor. She could hear the fans screaming their heads off. Everyone's waiting for her to get up that stage. As she walked in her high heels, she smiled triumphantly. Everything worked out just as she had planned. She knew about Jen's plan to murder her, she was far too smart for her anyway. So why waste that chance? She would act as the victim, with the right medicine to inflict a minor amnesia, get lost in the woods, but there was this tricky part, hoping someone would find her, but it worked out in the end, and knowing that her best friend would be a determined person, comes back and tries finishing her off, but instead, got sent to jail, and she becomes the nation's most sympathized teen star. Not only did it helped her gain more fame and publicity, she even got rid of unwanted people like that worthless boyfriend of hers. Well, maybe, there was some minor accidents and death, but it was worth it, Jolin achieved her plan. "I always get what I want," she said to herself, smiling as she climbed up the stage to greet her fans and began her first song. The crowd cheered loudly as the famous teen star kick started her concert.

And the story ended with the star blinking in the night.

The Fifth Story Told By The Stars (Part 2)

The Fifth Story - The Game of Fame (Part 2)

After much convincing and puppy eyes from Alston and Jolin, Allison finally gave in. It was Saturday and the annual Festival was going on in the small town. There would be magic show, concerts and many interesting things for sale in the Festival every year. And Alston was always excited when that day arrives. Allison would always bring her brother to the Festival but she had to duty that day that she couldn't skip. Alston was not suppose to go but Jolin promised to take good care of herself and Alston and so, with Allison's permission, both of them got up a Jeep and followed Allison's colleague to the town. Alston was grinning all the time and Jolin smiled at him too. Jolin liked Alston. He was always so innocent and pure in heart. Jolin never had to be afraid or anxious of anything when she's with him.

They strolled, hand in hand, on the streets. The dull little town came to life on that day. People crowded the streets and brightly coloured tents and caravans lined up by the road side. A big stage was being set up. Jolin stopped and stared at the big lights and huge metal bars used to support the stage. Alston took a glance at them and pulled Jolin away from that place. Jolin became immersed in her thoughts, she used to be singing on those stages. She started recalling on one of her performance.

She danced and sang on the stage, making sure her fans were entertained all the time. He sight fell upon a young man. He smiled and waved at her. "He made it," she thought to herself. She waved back and continued singing, but she felt way more happier than she was before.
Jolin was nudged back to reality. Alston seemed anxious. He pointed at something behind Jolin's back. She looked at where he was pointing and saw a man with a hat, a mask covering his face, staring at her. He broke into a run towards her. Alston grabbed hold of Jolin's hand even tighter and began running. They ran through the gathering crowd by the stage. Constantly bumping into people and trying to evade them. Someone was singing on the stage so nobody minded them. But the masked man continued pursuing. They stopped for a moment to catch they're breath and began running again. They stopped and hid themselves behind a van. Jolin felt her chest rising up and down rapidly. Alston loosen his grip and searched around the place anxiously. For that one moment, Jolin saw a man in him, not a boy. "Nobody around, we safe," he said with heavy breath.

A hand grabbed Jolin's by surprise and she screamed. She was pulled out into the streets by the strong hand. The man who was chasing them took off the mask with one hand and Jolin recognized him. He is the man in her concert. "Jolin? Baby? You're alive?" and he hugged her. It came back to her again. It's him, Federer, her boyfriend. Jolin began crying as she hung unto him tightly. Alston just stood there, staring at what happened. He didn't say anything and remained silent, unsure of what he should do. He felt that it was hard to breath, as if something is in his chest. Alston hated that feeling but it kept growing as he stared at Jolin and the man hugging. He closed his eyes and turned his head to look at something else. He had never felt that feeling before, but it won't go away and he couldn't get rid of it.

The man, known as Federer, according to Jolin, was her boyfriend and sent Alston and her to the cabin house. Alston stomped his foot on the wooden floor as he entered the house. Federer looked at Jolin in the eyes, "I'll come back again tomorrow, maybe in the morning. I have to handle a concert in the Festival, Jen's singing, the company finally officiated her debut, she'll love to meet you, you guys are the best of friends," Jolin just smiled and she waved him goodbye as he left the forest in the car. Allison came out of the cabin. "Alston's really grumpy, wonder what's wrong. So, that's your boyfriend huh?" "Yeah, I remembered him now," "Are you ready to go back home then?" Allison asked. Jolin looked at the star studded night sky, "I don't know," and they entered the warm cabin together to escape from the cold wind outside.

Jolin was trying to get Alston to finish his breakfast, when the car arrived. Alston was giving Allison and Jolin a hard time with his grumpiness. And the sight of the car didn't make it any better. Jolin put on a coat and went outside. Federer got out of the car and so did a girl with shoulder length hair. She seemed tearful and immediately hugged Jolin when she got down from the car. "I can't believe it, you're still alive," and she took a step backwards and took a good look at Jolin, "I missed you so much, we must talk of what happened, Federer told me you lose your memory, do you still remember me? I'm Jen, your best friend, we trained together remember?" And memories came flooding back into her head.

Both of them were really tired from dancing. They sat side by side leaning against the wall in the dance practice room. "I hope we could debut as a group, Jen, like a duo, it'll be so cool," said Jolin. "I know, we could go on tours and have concerts, and you know what's the best thing?" "What?" "We're in this together, silly," replied Jen and the sweaty girls laughed together. Jolin phone rang. She stood up and went outside the room to answer the call. "Jolin, congratulations," it was her manager, "he company agreed to let you debut," Jolin was so excited, "Really?" she asked in disbelief, "how about Jen? Is she debuting too?" The voice from the other side of the phone fell quiet. "Well, the company thinks that, it's not the best time for her yet, so just be happy and sleep early, you'll have your first photoshoot tomorrow morning," and the call was ended. Jolin put her phone in her pocket and stared at the door. She stood there for a while before entering the room again.

Jen. Jolin remembered now. Three of them went inside the car and left the cabin site. Alston looked longingly through the window at the sight of the leaving car. His best friend is leaving him again. Will he leave her and never come back?

The car drove on to a graveled road, up to a hill and stopped near it peak. There was a long bench overlooking the forest below. They sat there together and talked. Jolin felt strange. The place looks really familiar. The trees, the hill, even the gravel road. But she couldn't remember why. "Jolin, we need to go now, I have to go sing in the Festival, it's the last night," Jolin smiled and they all went up the car. Before leaving the place, Jen asked her, "When do you plan to go back, everyone in the company is missing you, especially your fans?" Jolin couldn't answer her. "Let's meet here tomorrow, if you want to go, we'll bring you along and leave this town and forest together, tomorrow," said Federer with a convincing tone. Jolin looked at him and nodded. Federer and Jen smiled at each other. He started the engine and they went down the hill.

Jolin carried her backpack and hugged Allison. Alston locked himself up in the room. "He never liked goodbyes," explained Allison. "It's okay, I'll come back and visit you guys often, you guys saved me after all, tell Alston that I love him very much and take a good care of himself, you too Allison, thanks for everything," said Jolin. Allison smiled and hugged her again. Jolin climbed up the jeep. "Why do they want to meet you there? It's easier to fetch you here," said Allison. "I don't know, but I promised, bye Allison," she waved one last goodbye to Allison and at the cabin, hoping that Alston would notice and left the lovely wood cabin in the forest.

The driver left Jolin alone on top of the hill. She sat on the bench with her backpack on her lap and waited. The sun would be down in half an hour. She looked all around her, the trees, she remembered these trees...

Jolin looked into the car. Federer was driving and Jen was sitting beside him. Jen had been plotting to finish her up all along, but Jolin never thought she would dare to do anything. She ran and ran as the car accelerated even faster. Jen had always been jealous of her for debuting alone before she did. "So, that b*t*h had an affair with my boyfriend all these while," she thought to herself. "I'll make them pay..."

The sound of the incoming car woke Jolin up. She started to run. It's repeating, as she ran her memories came back to her. It's getting even clearer now. Jolin ran and reached a sign. 'DANGEROUS, BEWARE OF ROCKS'. Jolin ignored and continued running. The car was approaching, and Jolin would soon meet her end. The caught up and was behind her, inching closer and closer every second. None of them realized as a huge rock came rolling down from the higher ground of the hill. It hit the car. The car came to a halt. Jolin stopped and carefully looked into the car. Federer's face was red with blood. He seemed to have fainted, or was he dead? Jen crawled out of the car. Jolin wanted to help her but Jen thought otherwise. There was a long knife in her hand. She shouted Jolin's name and started chasing her. Jolin slid down from the side of the road into the forest. Jen slid down too, still on the hunt for Jolin.

Jolin continued running when she reached the leveled ground of the forest. It's getting dark in the forest. With limited visibility, Jolin found herself groping around and tripping over large tree roots and stones. But she kept on. She reached a large tree and rested for a while. Her strength were all drained. Jolin couldn't even felt her legs anymore. Someone kicked her on the side and Jolin fell to the ground. Jen found her. "I hate you Jolin, why can't you just die from the first 'accident'? Everyone was so sad that they're favourite little singing star went missing. But I was so happy, the company actually debuted me when you're gone, it was my opportunity, no more backstage dancer, no more nobody, I was finally, somebody. Do you think I'll let you go back alive and take the spotlight away from me again? No, Jolin, you'll die here, I'll end your pitiful life. You don't have to take it as a bad thing, just think of it as helping your best friend to succeed in her life," and she raised up the long knife above Jolin's body, ready to dig it deep into her flesh. "Bye bye Jolin, any last words?"

The Fifth Story Told By The Stars (Part 1)

The Moon was shining brightly, hanging in the night sky, elegant and pale. A star appeared among the cloud, and took its place near the Moon, as it began telling a story.

The Fifth Story - The Game of Fame (Part 1)

A girl walked, limping, through the woods. The night has fallen. She felt really thirsty and hungry. The cut on her forehead had stopped bleeding but her left arm was still badly bruised and so were her legs, it was painful to walk, but she kept on. It was like an eternity until she reached a small river. The girl sat on the river bank and scooped a handful of water with her hands. She washed herself and drank. The cuts stung badly so she left them alone. Nobody spoke in the woods, only the crickets and insects in the forest chirped. She was scared and alone. She wondered how she would die in the forest. Out of hunger or getting eaten up alive by the wild inhabitants of the woods? She couldn't decide which was the best choice among those two so she kept quiet and prayed. Only God could save her now. There was a rustle among the wild bush tree near the river. Something's hiding inside, observing her. The girl could not move her body because of fear. That was it, her end had come.

When a boy, same sized as her, but fit and lean, jumped out of the bush. He looked at her as if she was a dream come true. Something that excites him. He shouted a name. Allison. And a girl came running to the river. Allison looked much mature then herself. She stared at them both and remained silent. Allison reach out her hand to the girl, "I'm Allison, the Forest Ranger. I can help you, just come with me," the girl took Allison's hand and she leaned on to her all the time, limping through the woods until they reached a small cabin house. The boy followed closely behind the two girls. The girl was given a bath and her cut was tended by Allison. After finishing up the last band aid, she was lead to a small bedroom. "You'll be safe here until tomorrow morning, we'll contact your family or friends and they could come and bring you home, so don't worry," Allison assured the girl with a smile. The girl seemed confused. "Family? Friends?" she mumbled to herself. "What's your name?" Allison asked before leaving the room. The girl thought hard, but nothing, "I don't know," she replied.

Allison sipped her cup of coffee. She looked at the girl, and thought, " She lost her memories, this will make everything harder, I'll try and see if can help her gain back some of her memories, truthfully, she looks really familiar." "Want a cup of coffee?" The girl stare at the coffee pot and shook her head. She was quiet all day. Allison tried striking up a conversation. "This, is my brother, Alston. He's 18 but he suffered a very high fever and his brain tissues were severed when he was 8 years old. Since then, acts and remain as an 8 year old until now," she looked sadly at her brother. Alston was sitting on the floor, finishing a puzzle. The girl rose up from the chair and walked to Alston and sat beside him. They looked straight at each others eye and turned to the puzzle and continued finishing it. Allison smiled at the sight of the two.

Alston and the girl went for a nap and Allison cleaned up the table. She picked up the toys on the floor and came upon the puzzle. It was almost finished. Just the middle part left. Being helpful, she picked up the remaining pieces and assembled them to complete the puzzle. And she now realise why the girl was so familiar. She was on the puzzle. Jolin, the teen star, singing sensation. She ran to the kitchen table and picked up the newspaper. It was on the front page, Jolin is Missing. So, the girl's name is Jolin. Maybe she could remember something now, "I'll show her all her videos and music, maybe she could regain her memory," and she went to her her computer and started searching.

The girl woke up and walked out of her room. Allison was behind the computer, she seemed busy. The girl stood there, not sure whether she should do anything, fearing that it might disturb the kind person who saved her from the forest. Allison saw her and beckoned her to the computer. The girl approached the computer and sat beside Allison and stared at the monitor screen. There were pictures of her and videos of her singing. Allison kept asking her whether she remembers anything. The girl shook her head, until a picture of the Jolin Tour Concert poster appeared on the screen. Her head felt painful and she saw flashbacks of the past. Fragments of her memories were coming back to her...

She was standing in a room. There was a big mirror, and it was full of clothings, jeans, dresses, tube tops, leather suits and also cosmetics. She walked to the mirror and looked at herself. Beautiful. Confident. Stunning. She smiled with satisfaction. "Jolin," and she turned back, "your concert's starting," said her manager. "I'm ready now, where's Jen? I didn't see her the whole time," she asked. "She must be with the other dancers, in the waiting hall, hurry up, we need you to get the ball rolling," and the manager took her hand and they hurried out of the room.

She opened her eyes and stared at Allison. "I think, my name is Jolin," and Allison smiled, "you're memories' coming back," and Jolin nodded. It must be a good thing to remember something, Allison looked so happy. Both of them turned towards the computer and continued looking at all the videos, hoping that Jolin could recover more. But something was bugging Jolin, she couldn't remember who Jen was. She must be her friend, for she seemed to care for her a lot from what she saw just now.

Days passed, yet Jolin's memories hadn't recovered much. Allison was worried. Should she keep Jolin with her or send her back to her management agency. Alston was playing with Jolin outside of the cabin. Her brother seemed to have grown really fond of Jolin. He liked her since the first day she arrived in their wooden house. Allison had always been a busy forest ranger. Many things needed her attention, illegal lumber jacks, animal hunters and poachers, she was the guardian of the forest. Her brother was always being left alone and with Jolin accompanying him, he seemed to be much happier now. Sending Jolin away would only break Alston's heart, and that in return would break hers. Allison shook her head to get rid of the thought. She turned back to the monitor screen and finished up her report. Suddenly, she heard Alston shouting, "Jolin!". Allison rushed out of the cabin and found Jolin on the ground. Alston was panicking and tugged at his sister for help. Allison checked Jolin's condition and carried her into the house. "What have you two been doing, Alston?" With tear filled eyes, she looked at her sister and answered, "I showed Jolin my toy car," and he held it up for his sister to see, "I played with her and chased her, just game, and she head hurt and sleep on the ground, don't want wake up," Allison patted her brother on the head and smiled, "she dying? she dead?" he asked, "No, Alston she's fine, she'll wake up soon, she just fainted," and Alston smiled at her and at Jolin on the bed. "Good thing she safe, she my friend." Allison bit her lip. Things would get her hard if Jolin goes away.

It was midnight, the clock pointed at 12 sharp. Alston was tucked in his bed. Allison was drinking coffee and reading a book on the couch when Jolin became conscious and walked out of her room into the living room. Allison put down the novel as Jolin sat beside her. "I remembered something."

She was running. It was on a gravel road, there were trees all around her. Someone or something was chasing her. Her leg was killing her. She looked over her shoulder and a black car was speeding up to her, it was closing in. She ran for her life. She must survive. She lost her footing and stumbled. The car continued approaching. They're going to kill her. She had no choice. One of her leg was twisted. With much effort, she carried herself to the side of the road. It was really steep down. She will have to jump down into the valley to save herself from them. They car was coming. A few more seconds and they would reach her. She closed her eye and let herself fall down into the dark valley. She bumped her head into something hard and everything went black.

Allison kept quiet. Jolin stared at the carpet on the floor. "I cannot go back, someone is waiting for me," Allison put her arms around Jolin, "they'll kill me," she said. "Then you'll have to stay with us, until something is figured out and you recover totally from your memory lost," Jolin nodded. "If only you could remember who was chasing you," said Allison. The night was cold and an owl perched, high up on an oak tree branch, as it hooted into the night.

The Fourth Story Told By The Stars (Part 2)

The Fourth Story - Lotus In The Sea (Part 2)

It was Saturday, Jon and Kat went on a date together, and they watched movie and had lunch together. Jon realised his love for Kat. And he could felt Kat's feelings for him too. But neither of them confessed their feelings. They're both sitting on the beach, looking out into the sea at the setting sun. It was beautiful. Kat closed her eyes and the breeze blew on her face, her hair was swept back by the wind and she looked really pale. Jon was worried, Kat's health's getting worse, and she's not telling him anything. Kat spoke after a while, "Jon, you're a very nice guy, I hope you find someone, a girl, good enough for you," Jon fell silent. Kat suddenly bend low with her hands around her waist. She seemed to be in pain. Jon panicked, "Are you okay?" she faked a smile and straighten up, "Got you didn't I?" But Jon could see that Kat was really in pain, it wasn't just one of her jokes. Kat stood up and ran towards her car, she waved at Jon, grinning, and entered the car and sped off. Jon was troubled by Kat's action. He would have to find out and dig the truth from her tomorrow night.

But Kat didn't come at night. She never appeared again. It was like she disappeared. Jon couldn't contact her because he, (foolishly) never asked for her number or address before this. And all that Jon could do was wait. And waiting was probably one of the most tormenting thing that Jon had to do in his life, at that point of his life. One evening when he just arrived at the beach for his night duty, one of the lifeguard came up to him. "Jon, you remembered the lotus thing you asked each of us before this?" "Yeah," Jon answered. "Well, my children told me about this story, a myth they learned from teacher who was a local around here, about a lotus in the sea, they said that, when the moon was right, you would find a lotus flower, I remembered it was white in colour," Jon nodded, "yeah, what does it do?" My children said that it's magical, just by eating the petals of the flower, any sickness would be healed, any illness gone away, even death could be cast away, it's too impossible and illogical," Jon kept quiet, thinking hard, "Kat needs the flower, she's sick?"

"Nobody believes in those stories, maybe people desperate enough, dying people might believe it, where did you hear this from Jon?" "Kat..." Jon understood everything now, Kat's ill, really ill, she's dying, that was why her health was failing, that was why she needed the flower so much, the white lotus in the sea. "Kat? Katherine Carlson?" Jon looked up. "You know Kat?" "Well, in this whole city, there would only be one Kat that's famous enough to know, Katherine designed the best surfboard the beach has ever seen in years, and she was the best female lifeguard, after Jacqueline that is, we had, That was before she left and you came and replaced her. She was having some sort of complications, illness, can't be in the water for too long, it affects her body immune system, that's what I heard, it must be depressing for her, Kat loves swimming, she loves the sea, poor girl," Jon understood everything now, it's all so clear, why was he so blur? "Do you know where she lives?" he asked. "She was admitted into the hospital long time ago, she wasn't suppose to walk around too much, she needed rest," Jon ran off. He needs to see her, now, she had to be fine, she must.

Jon arrived at the hospital and checked with the nurse for Katherine's room. "Room No 25, sir, second floor," and he sped off, up the stairs into the Intensive Care ward. There was many ill people in the hospital, and none of them looked fine either. He walked past the beds, with his eyes constantly searching for Kat's face. He reached the end of the long room and on laid on the bed on the left, sleeping, was Kat. She looks really pale, as if all her energy had been drained away from her. Jon's trembling hands made its way to hers. She looked much better than the rest in the room, but he couldn't stop his tears from running down his cheeks. Kat opened her eyes and smiled at him. "How did you found me?" "I had my ways," Jon replied, sniffing. Kat smiled and went to sleep again. Jon dug his face on the bed, just beside her frail body, and cried.

"Where are we going Jon?" Kat asked. He piggybacked her from the hospital and they're now standing on the soft sands of the beach. "Your favourite place, the sea," and Jon continued walking, making his steps towards a small boat. "I have a surprise for you, a present," he said. When Kat was seated comfortably in the boat with blankets wrapped around her body to keep her warm, he rowed the boat to the middle of the sea. It was a night with the full moon, yet the sea was so calm. Everything was bright, the pale moonlight shone on Kat's face, and it was so white, as white as paper. Jon stopped rowing when they reached the usual spot where they would spend their time searching for the lotus. He pulled out his backpack, and unzipped it. He put his hand in and took out beautifully folded lotus flower, made of white origami paper. He gave it to Kat and she hold it in her hands. Jon smiled and continue taking another lotus and placed them on the sea, and they floated on the calm water. He took more flowers and placed them on the sea. Before long, there was countless white paper lotus flower floating on the sea all around the little boat. Kat hold the one in her hands close to her heart and began crying. Jon moved in closer to her and hugged her. "I love you so much, it took me days to finish these flowers, but they're nothing compared to what you've been through, I'm sorry I couldn't be with you in the first place, when you needed someone, will you accept me now?" he asked. "She cried even harder. Jon wiped the tears off her face and under the full moon, with many lotus floating above the sea around them, they kissed. "I love you too, Jon."

A year had passed since Kat left Jon and this world. Jon was still an awesome lifeguard. He was not given night duty anymore now and was entrusted to handle the crowd in the day time, when the beach was at it's busiest moment. "You've got a package to sign, Jon, the mailman's waiting at the reception counter," said Jacqueline as she took over Jon's place for a moment. "Who is it from?" "I don't know, check it out yourself," "I'll be right back," and Jon ran off into the office. The mailman seems to be having quite a hard time with the reception girl, as usual. "Here's your package sir, if you don't mind, please do it faster, I'm not welcomed here," and he glared at the girl. Jon smiled and signed the package, it was a big and rectangular in shape box. Jon wondered what's inside. He carried the box into the locker room and unwrapped the sellotapes. Jon opened the box and there lying among the styrofoam cubes was the most beautiful designed surfboard Jon had ever seen in his life. There was a card. He opened it and read it to himself, "Jon, I could never repay you for your present, the beautiful paper lotus, I always knew there was no such thing as the mythical Lotus in the Sea, but I had nothing left, no hope for life, I knew I was dying, the lotus was the only thing left for me, a reason to live. Then you came and proved me wrong, I was looking for the wrong thing all along, your love, was the real lotus, the only Lotus in the Sea that I needed. Thanks for everything, this is for you, that I've made, use it well. Goodbye, Jon, I love you."

Jon felt the surface of the surfboard and in one corner, was Kat's signature. He hugged the card and cried as loudly as he could in the locker room. "Thank you, Kat."

The moon shine brightly as the sea reflected it's pale light. If someone would just look carefully enough, he or she could have seen a white lotus, floating among the waves. The Lotus in the Sea...

The star ended it's tale and hid itself behind the Moon.

The Fourth Story Told By The Stars (Part 1)

It was getting colder in the night, but the girl kept on listening, as the star began another tale.

The Fourth Story - Lotus In The Sea (Part 1)

The Wise Men of the village often gather the children around him, huddled together by the fire and tells them wonderful stories of warriors and beautiful goddess, of lessons and myth that they could learn from. One of the stories the little children liked, was about the Lotus in The Sea. Legend has it, when the moon was in the right shape and position, and it's soft light beam shines down from the heaven unto the sea below, one would be able to find a white lotus, revealed by the moonlight, floating among the white waves. This white lotus was rumored to be magical, so magical it could work wonders...

Jon grabbed a tighter hold of his backpack. He swung it over his shoulder and after taking a deep breath, entered the South Beach Management Office. He approached the counter and the office girl took one glance at him through her spectacles before continuing her work on her desk. "How may I help you?" she said with a solemn tone. "Did someone died this morning? What an attitude," he said to himself, in his mind, "I'm Jonathan Choi, the new lifeguard who was transferred here from the North beach as a replacement, I was supposed to meet the manager or something," I said. She continued her work without establishing any form of eye contact with me. She was silent for a few seconds, "Maybe she's like a computer, a slow one, she needs time to process data..." Jon thought. "Replacement huh? Mr Woo Jung Dal will be waiting for you in Room 3, so please proceed there with your documents ready," "Thanks," he smiled, hoping for a smile in return. To his 'dismay and shock', there was none.

"I hope Mr Woo behaves in a much more positive manner," he mumbled to himself as he unzipped his backpack and took out the documents. He knocked at the door and entered the room. And Mr Woo, the manager of the Administration of Safety and Lifeguards was sitting in a chair. He was smiling, and Jon felt at ease. Mr Woo asked him to have a seat and they went through the interview session quite fast. Mr Woo was friendly and very outspoken and they both left the room and headed out to the beach for orientation.

"This would be the lifeguards' restroom and office, and that would be the restricted area, no fishing, boating or any kind of water activities, especially swimming there," he explained pointing at a secluded area behind a huge rock. "The other lifeguards will explain everything else, and this is Miss Jacqueline, the head lifeguard here, Jac, this is Jon, the new guy who got transferred here," and a matured lady came up to Jon and shook hands. "Nice to meet you, I hope you do great as a replacement, won't want the quality of the lifeguards here in the South Beach to drop, don't we?" and she winked at Mr Woo. "You're right, Jac," and he turned to Jon, "give it all you've got, make friends so they won't see you as just 'the replacement' and impress the seniors here, alright?" Jon grinned. "I've got to handle some work in the office, handle the new boy for me, will you, Jac?" "Aye, aye captain," and Mr Woo left. "Let's go and meet the others," and Jon followed Jacqueline to continue his orientation.

Jon got home that night. It was a tiring day. Apart from the moody reception girl, the other lifeguards and staffs were really friendly. He felt that he could fit in just right in time. He stood by his apartment window, facing the sea. It was calming, the sea waves rolling in and out, the sound that the water makes when they hit the rocks and the shore. The moon was shining brightly, almost full moon, but not fully rounded. Was he imagining it? Someone seemed to be swimming in the middle of the ocean. That's really dangerous, and not recommended. But the figure was an excellent swimmer, with just a few strokes, she swam yards, "she's good," he said to himself. Assured that a lifeguard must be in duty at that time, lessening his worries for the swimming figure, Jon fell on his bed and slept soundly.

Jon woke up early, it's the next day. He was assigned night duty that day. He carried his backpack and wore short trousers and a T-shirt before heading out for a stroll in the city. It was a sunny day, he went around, checking around stores and restaurants for something interesting to see. He came across a shop selling sports and swimming equipments. Jon entered the shop and a ring from the bell welcomed him. He checked out the surfing boards. A very nice collection, good board, perfect design, build tough. He was impressed. He checked for the designer's name. But there was none. "Like it?" Jon turned back and there stood a girl, about the same age as he is. Tanned skin, gorgeous body and sharp eyes. "Ye..yeah..." he stuttered, "Darn it, what's wrong with my tongue?" he asked himself. She scowled and walked away, leaving Jon standing there stunt.

The rain poured and the heavy tapping on the glass windows made by the raindrops woke him up from his dreamlike state. Jon rushed to the door. He was too late, the rain's too heavy, and he didn't brought any umbrella. He would have to call the taxi or something. The girl was standing outside of the shop's entrance too. She seemed annoyed by the rain, she glared at Jon for staring at her before using a plastic file she was holding to cover herself from the rain and ran across the street into a car parked there. She started the engine and left. Jon checked his wallet, "great, not enough for a taxi", so he ran from shop to shop, seeking refuge under their canopy, avoiding the heavy rain.

The rain subsided and Jon reached the beach. He took over the duty from the afternoon session lifeguard. It was his turn now. He sat on the chair under the big umbrella. There was only a handful of people left on the beach and they all left when night covered the sky like a big blanket. Jon relaxed and laid back on the chair, closing his eyes. But his ears were open and alert. The sea was like an orchestra, there was a symphony going on its own. The waves began a melody and the 'splash' was like the rhythm of a song. But something disrupted the beautiful song. Someone jumped into the water, diving straight into the surface of the glassy sea. Jon stood up and took a closer look at the sea. With just a few strokes, the person swam a great distance away. Jon took off his shirt and jumped into the cold water.

The moon was shining brightly. Jon was closing in the person, a girl. The girl turned and looked at him. It was that girl from the shop. She scowled, again. "What are you doing here?" she asked, "I'm the lifeguard, night duty, and I believe I'm the one supposed to ask that question," I replied and she said, "So you're the new guy, the replacement, so whatever," and continued swimming around, she seemed to be searching for something. "Can I help you or something?" Jon asked. She ignored him. "I'm good at looking for stuff too..." She turned and looked at me, "just leave me alone," "the sea is a very dangerous place to be at night, my lady," and for one moment, Jon thought that she might act in a more kindly attitude after his good intention and care. Instead, she glared at him, "You, don't teach me how I do things, especially when it comes to the sea," she checked her watch, "great, it's all your fault," and she swam to the shore and ran off into the night. Jon went up to the shore, wore his shirt back and sat back on the chair. "Funny girl," and he smiled.

Jon was given night duty for every night, except the Saturdays. And every single night, the girl would go and swim in the sea. She was always circling around the same spot, searching for something. And being the gentlemen he always was, he would go and accompany her in her swim. But the girl never answered his questions. She was always ignoring Jon. But Jon was persistent and for the 100th time he asked her, "What are you looking for?", "Gosh! I'm looking for a stupid lotus flower, happy?" she replied, out of annoyance. "Lotus?" "It's time again, I have to go," and she swam back. Jon was confused, he's no scientist but he was smart enough to know that lotus never grows in the sea. He went home and on the next morning, he asked around the lifeguards whether any of them knew about the lotus growing in the sea but nobody seemed to have heard anything about that.

It was night again, and Jon met the girl in the sea, "I'll help you find the lotus, what colour is it?" This time she looked at me and smiled, "You believe that there's a lotus, floating in the middle of the sea? You're crazy," Jon smiled back and said, "At least I'm not the only one crazy around here," "Thanks, it's white, by the way," the girl said. "What is it for?" Jon asked again. "You won't believe me anyway, I appreciate this, I'm sorry for being so cold," "It's okay, it's normal for me," and she giggled. They spent nights like that together, but with each meeting, the girl seemed to lose her strength and stamina more, day by day. It showed from her swimming. Jon became concerned and asked, "You're not as good as when I first saw you, are you alright?" "I'm okay, and they continued swimming, searching for the lotus. 'What's your name? I never got to know it," said Jon.

"Call me Kate," was the reply.

The Third Story Told By The Stars (Part 3)

The Third Story - Dear Mom & Dad (Part 3)

I screamed at the sight of Roger's body. I knelt down by his side and tried wiping off the blood on his forehead but it just got worse, and my hands were dripping with blood too. Dad was standing, just staring at me, holding a baseball bat. Mom came up to me and knelt down beside me, looking at Roger and she said, "It's okay now honey, he can't hurt you anymore, we finished him off," I was so shocked, how could those cruel words came out of her mouth, I was so filled with disgust, I pushed her aside and tried pulling Roger up, all the time trying to wake him up. We need to leave this house. I turned with Roger leaned on to me and staggered towards the door. That was when I felt a hard hit from the back of my head. And I fell to the floor, along with Roger. Everything was spinning, round and round, and I closed my eyes, trying to lessen the pain I felt on my head.

When I opened my eyes. My hand was tied up. I was laid on a bed. It was a rather small bed, a children sized bed. The bed had pink coloured sheet and there was stuffed dolls placed all around me. My head still hurts. I squinted my eyes trying to focus my vision. Dad was drilling and Mom was seating on an old rocking chair, huddling something in her arms. She noticed that I was awake and smiled at me. "You might want to meet your sister, Mary, she misses you, maybe you can play with her for a while," and she stood up from the chair. My dad finished drilling and he hammered a hook into the wall. He finished fast, and turned to her wife. Dad hugged Mom and they walked to me, all the time smiling at the thing my Mom was holding in her arms. I was so afraid, but I couldn't do anything. They sat on the bed, and put the thing next to me. I almost faint out of screaming, for the thing next to me, was a rotting corpse of a small girl, strands of her black hair still stuck on her scalp, and there were worms wriggling in and out of her pink frilly dress. I screamed till I sounded hoarse. But all they did was just smile as the gazed lovingly at the dead body.

"You guys are crazy! Nuts! Get away from me! Get that thing away from me! Oh God!" I shouted. Mom spoke, "your sister, she was so badly hurt, when the wretched man rapped her. He forced her and she became depressed. The police caught the man, but Mary, poor Mary was still disturbed by what happened. She wouldn't eat, not even her favorite lasagna. Then she died. It was so unfair, our whole world was falling apart, but then we found you Monica, you looked a lot like your sister. Black hair, fair skin," and Dad continued, "So we took you home from the orphanage, we decided to protect you from any harm. We could not let the same thing happened just like what happened to Mary. So, we captured those naughty boys, and brought them here, and made sure they caused you no more trouble, ever again," my dad stood up and walked to a switch. He flipped it on, and I saw everything. There hanging by the ceiling, was the body of all the boys I've dated. In one long row. And now, Dad just finished adding one more hook to the row, for their new collection, Roger.

"At least, your sister won't be lonely with these boys here to accompany him," and she smiled. "I'll go and get the knife," and she walked out of the room. Dad came closer and sat next to me and the dead body, "We love you two, very, very much..." and Dad fell to the ground, unconscious. Roger had woke up and beaten him on the head from the back. "Are you okay?" he asked. I nodded. He untied the rope, binding my hands. We walked out of the room and we're in the basement. Roger saw the baseball bat on the floor, among the boxes, he picked it up and we climbed the basement stairs out into the living room.

We ran to the door. It was locked. "Where do you think you're going without telling us, honey? You're grounded..." and Mom slashed blindly at us with the long knife. Roger took a firmer hold of the baseball bat, "I'm sorry, Auntie, but we've got a party to catch," and with one hard swing, my Mom was beaten down to the ground. He then kicked the door open and we ran out of the house into his car. He started the engine. His face was still flowing with blood, but he looked relieved. I was too. We've escaped hell.

But we're wrong. My phone rang. I answered the call, "I think you've forgotten you're lunch box, honey," I looked back. My Dad's truck was chasing us. They're still following us. Roger understood the situation and he sped up. We drove up the cliff area. And Dad's truck started banging into Roger's car. Roger sped up cornered and turned the car. We're beside the truck now, and Roger accelerated and banged the truck knocking it off the road, down into the cliffs, 50 feet below, along with my parents. Ex-parents. And that was the last time I ever saw them again.

I stayed over at Yvonne's home. The house was just full of bad memories to me now. I found out that Mary was rapped by a man when she was just 12. Traumatic and depressed, she refused to eat and died. Her parents got depressed too because of their only daughter's death. That was when they adopted me. Things should have gone better. But they got over protective. And thus, the disappearance of the boys happened. It was my fault after all, those boys, actually died, because of me. The police came and dealt with the case. The dead bodies, Mary and those boys, they were placed where they should have been in the first place. I was really grateful for Roger, he stayed by my side through everything. I was finally safe.

It was such a rough year, but I pulled through. On my graduation day, there was no tear filled parents sitting there, proudly, heads up high, to see me receive my graduation certificate, but, I didn't mind. I was relieved never to see those two person I once thought to be my parents. When the ceremony was over, I took some photos with my friends and they all left for photo taking with their own families. I sat down on one of the benches. It was a very sunny day and a hand grabbed me by the shoulder. Roger massaged me and then sat by my side. "Where's your parents?" "They met an old acquaintance, and well yeah, they talked, so I've got some spare time for the lonely girl sitting on the bench here," he answered with a grin. "Thanks Roger," and I laid my head on his chest. I closed my eyes, trying to forget everything, just appreciate my life and how lucky I'd been, and my phone rang. I answered the call. And a familiar voice, the voice I never thought I'd ever hear in my whole life again, sounded from the speakers to my ear.

"Congratulations on your graduation, honey, Mom prepared your favourite dish to celebrate together, lasagna"...

And so the star ended a story and retreated back behind a cloud.

The Third Story Told By The Stars (Part 2)

The Third Story - Dear Mom & Dad (Part 2)

"Dad! You scared me," I exclaimed. Appearing behind someone out of the blue would scare anybody. "Got you didn't I?' and he laughed. "I see you found the chain, braveheart, coming down the basement all alone," "I'm a big girl now, Dad," I replied, "Don't worry so much." My dad smiled at me. 'Where do that leads to?" I asked, pointing at the barred door. "That one's nasty, it leads to the sewerage treatment system underground, our house was one of the old ones, so the basement's situated deep beneath the ground. It smells so bad in there, and sometimes beggars and homeless people lives in there, so I had to locked it up. It's very dangerous if they broke into the house." Dad explained. He seemed concerned.

We went up the stairs together. Mom was watching the TV. "There you are, honey, you scared us, never go off anywhere without telling us okay? Or you'll get grounded, understand?" 'Yes, Mom," I smiled and sat down on the couch with her to watch the TV when I felt something hard in my back pocket. The photo. I took it out and asked my parents about the girl in the photo. They fell silent, and my mom began to sob. I felt really guilty, and my Dad comforted her as he told me the story they've been hiding from me. The girl's name was Mary. My elder sister. She died when she was 12 because of an accident. They felt really depressed losing her, they decided to forget about her and they stored up everything about her and left it in the basement. I felt really sad because Mom couldn't stop crying. So I left Mom and Dad alone in the living room and went back up stairs. I locked my doors and stared at the photo. If only she was still here, we could be the best of sister. To think that I never knew about her all these years. I lay on my bed and fell asleep.

It was the next day. Halloween was here. I rose up from my bed and checked my phone. "Are you ready for tonight?" its Roger, so I texted back. I got into the toilet and washed up. It was a holiday so I have the whole day to finish my costume. It's so exciting. I sat down in front of my desk and I saw the photo again. I picked it up and put it in my drawer. I need to find out more about Mary. I picked my phone up and called a senior I've known from church. She works in the hospital in the town. Everyone in the town was born in that hospital. My senior handles all the birth records in the hospital. So I asked her to find out more on Mary. I need to know more about my sister. At least her birthday, I owe her that much as a sister. When I went down, Mom was cooking, she seemed to returned to her usual self, cooking and humming to herself. I felt glad. After lunch, I continued finishing my costume. When I checked my watch, it was already 4:30 p.m.. The party starts at 7. I need to hurry up. With one last touch, it was done. I checked my phone, only to realize that the battery's dead. Great. I connected it to the charger and rushed into the bathroom for a bath.

After the bath, I put on my costume and went downstairs. "Nice costume, honey, isn't it a bit scary?" mom asked. "It's a new fashion trend mom, after all, Halloween's about ghost and the scary isn't it?" I answered back with a laugh. Mom smiled and said, "I guess so, by the way, Roger called the house, he couldn't reach your phone, he said his car broke down, he couldn't come fetch you, you'll have to drive to the party yourself, he'll follow his friend's car, he apologized, honey" I realize my phone was charging, " I see, I hope he's okay, thanks mom, I went upstairs and took my phone. It was half charged, but it's okay. It was already 6.30 p.m.. I took my car keys and head downstairs. "Don't come home late, honey," "Sure" and I closed the door and entered my car. I switched my on my phone before starting the engine. Miss calls from Roger. I hope he's there already. Somehow, there was this uncomfortable feeling inside of me.

I was on my way when the phone rang. I answered. It was Yvonne, my senior from the hospital, she sounded worried. "Monica, I think there's something you need to know," "What is it?" I asked. "Mary, was born on the 10th of Sept in 1980. I had all the documents with me. I tried having while I'm at it so I searched for you records. But, there weren't any," "What?" "It's true, and according to the records, your Mom never gave birth again after giving birth to Mary. That means you're..." I stopped my car. Turned the wheels and head back home. "Where are you now?" "I'm heading to your house, Monica. I'll pass you all the documents," I was really confused, there's more, other than Mary, that my parents had been keeping secrets of from me. I don't even think they're my real parent's now. "Thanks, Yvonne, I 'll reach the house soon, bye" and I put down my phone. I need to know the truth. I accelerated. I need to know it now.

When the house come to sight. There was a car parked outside. Roger's. What's the car doing here? I parked my car and entered the house. It was silent. Yvonne haven't reached the house yet. What I heard next stopped my heart. "What are guys going to do?" It was Roger's voice. He sounded scared. And I heard loud thuds, like someone getting beaten up, it came from the dining hall, and it was silent again. I felt my hand trembling as I walked nearer to the dining hall.

And there was Roger, lying on the carpeted floor, with blood flowing from a cut on his head.

The Third Story Told By The Stars (Part 1)

As the little girl dug her little hands deeper into her coat, another star began a story.

The Third Story - Dear Mom & Dad (Part 1)

Monica. That's my name. Age? 18, still young and full of potential. That's how I would like to describe myself. Apart from that, I have really loving parents, my Mom, works at home, some online business and Dad's a professional carpenter. He owns several workshop, so we're kind of living the "good" life. They provided me with everything I needed and wanted. I'm would call myself lucky I guess. Well, lucky in my life in that way, but I'm really unfortunate when it come to my love life.

It's like none of my relationships lasts more than a date. The most being two. And that only happens once, with Brian (my second date). How unfortunate is that? Let's just say, all of the guys I've date, since I started dating when I was in Primary 5, they, disappeared, like really, lost. They're parents would published out leaflets and notices, desperately asking for any sign of their sons. All of them, were like that. All disappeared after a date with me. Man, I feel like some horrible, misfortune bringer or something. After 10 guys disappeared, I finally convinced myself, I am the one at fault. So I stopped dating or met any guys. And 'as expected', the disappearance stopped. I never told this to anyone, it would be like rubbing dirt all over my own face. I felt guilty all on my own. It's like I really caused they're disappearance, I'm the reason, but I never knew in what way or how.

It was around 4 years since I stopped dating, when, I first met Roger in Economy class. He's good looking. Well toned body and a fabulous smile. Well, I couldn't help it, and soon, we began spending time with each other, chit chating on MSN. Afraid that he too would go missing, I never went out on a date with him. The most I would do with him would be exchanging glances and notes in Maths class, and more MSN... MSN, that's like the best invention the human mind conceived and achieved in the modern world, it helped me and Roger to become the best of friends, and soon enough, boyfriend and girlfriend. But we kept it a secret, I love him so much, I don't think I could afford losing him. The thought of living without him was tormenting enough, to live without him, would lead to instant suicide.

The school's having it's annual Halloween Costume Party, something the Seniors and the Juniors would rather die than to miss. Everyone in the school would spend weeks and weeks to prepare their costume, hoping that might have their chance to be crowned, The King and Queen of the Night. I began preparing and discussing my costume with Roger, we've decided on the Goth theme, and I was soon assembling my costume and accessories. I needed Dad's old metal chain, he used to wore when he was younger, it was in one of Dad's old photo, he was kind of a rocker from what Mom's told me. I walked down the stairs to the kitchen asking my Mom where I could find it. She was cooking. Smells good, lasagna.

"Mom, do you know where's Dad's metal chain, the one he wore around the neck as a rocker?" I asked. "it's in the basement, honey. I'll ask daddy to get it for you when he comes back home," "it's okay, I can get it myself," "Aww, don't sweetie, there's mice down there, and it's really dark, let daddy do the hard work," Mom explained. I smiled and nodded. "What are you doing with the chain, honey?" "It's just the Halloween costume party, I'm going for a Gothic look, to match Roger's," I stopped. Darn it, trust me to slip it out. "Roger?" she asked. "He's my friend, my partner to the party, that's all," I replied. Why was it so hard to just explain, it's just my mom, nothing to be afraid of right? "Well, honey, you should invite him over to our place for dinner," she smiled at me and turned the oven and took out a tray of sizzling, hot lasagna. With a very sharp and long knife, my Mom began cutting the the dish, dividing them into squares. "Maybe I would, thanks Mom," and I ran back up stairs. Mom's so nice, maybe I'll just invite Roger for dinner, he's an adult, I'm sure nothing would kidnapped him, and he would just disappear, I was so childish, still believing in a self made tale. I smiled to myself as I text him the invitation.

My mom prepared her famous spaghetti and lasagna for the dinner, tomorrow would be Halloween, and the party was just around the corner, I needed one last piece of the metal chain to finish it. Dad must have forgotten, I'll have to remind him again after the dinner to get the chain for me from the basement. The doorbell rang, and I ushered Roger in to the dining hall. My Dad engaged in a talk with him while I helped my Mom to lay out the dishes on the table. After a word of grace, we began our dinner. Mom and Dad likes Roger. He was always good in talking, and we all laughed at his funny stories, everything is going right. I'm so lucky. After the dinner, I sent him to the door. And we stood by his car. He looked at me in the eyes and whispered, "I really love you" in my ears. My heart was beating like crazy. 'I'll fetch you tomorrow," Roger said with a smile. He pecked a kiss on my cheek and drove home in his car. I'm not lucky, I'm damn lucky.

Dad and Mom weren't in the living room nor the dining hall when I got back in the house. I sighed in relief, hoping they didn't spy on me or anything. I was on my way up the stairs when I remembered the metal chain. I decided to get it myself, I'm not afraid of mice. I searched for the key and found it. I went to the stairs which lead to the underground basement. The doors locked so I unlocked it and opened the door. It air in the basement was really dark and musty. It gives off a very suffocating feeling. I fumbled around in the dark. Groping the walls in search for maybe a light switch. Found it and switched it on. It was smaller than my room. Full of boxes and crates. Most of them were labeled, Mom's handwriting. So I looked around, and came across one that says, 'Baby Monica'. I smiled to myself. Another one which was labeled, 'Cookbooks'. And there it was, 'Sweet Old Memories', this might just be the right one. The box was placed on top of other boxes against the wall, so I carried it down. I opened it and searched for the metal chain. There it was, old yet cool. I was about to close the box when I say a photograph. Curious like a cat, I took it out for a closer look.

There was Mom and there was Dad, but standing right between both of them, smiling, was a little girl, it wasn't me, so who could it be? She had long jet black hair and fair skin. She's really pretty, a closer look again, she had Mom's eyes and Dad's nose. Who is she? Could she be my sister? I wondered, holding the picture and look up where the box had been before I took it down. Locks. The door was barred and locked. That's weird I never knew there was a room in the basement. Come to think of it, this was my first time in the basement. Mom and Dad never allowed me in here. I carried another box down, for a closer look at the barred door. I put the picture in my pocket and was about to try the basement keys on the lock.

"What do you think you're doing, young lady?"

The Second Story Told By The Stars (Part 4)

The Second Story - Will You Dance With Me? (Part 4)

I shuddered. Her every words were cold but somehow, inviting. What's wrong with me? I took a closer step towards her. She's beautiful but also sad. Very depressing, even with that smile on her face, she still looks miserable in some way. "I'm not Alston, my name's Aaron." She smiled widely, and giggled to herself, "You never change do you, Alston? Always such a joker. It's ok, Tse Yee won't see us, let's continue. You promised you would. Do I have to ask again? Fine, will you dance with me?" Yes... i mean, No! What was I thinking? "No, sorry, I don't know how, and you've mistaken me for someone else, I think I should go to sleep now..." and she started crying. "I was left alone in this big mansion for so, very long... And yet, you wouldn't dance with me..." She looked at me with her beautiful eyes filled with tears. My heart softened. I moved forward, "maybe, just a short one?" and she smiled another one of those ghostly smiles. She took my hand, her skin was cold, almost icy. She put one of my arms on her waist and another one held hers. And swiftly, she guided me, and we danced. I couldn't remember when we stopped, it just seemed to go on and on. And oddly, I liked it. I shut my eyes and enjoyed the rhythm as we glided on the dance floor.

I opened my eyes. It was already morning. I rubbed my eyes. I'm in the bed. Was it a dream? The woman's smile still lingers at the back of my head. I washed up and went downstairs for breakfast. Mom's bacons and eggs were just the right thing to kick start the morning. I gobbled a few bacons and two bulls' eye eggs. Not hungry anymore, but the smile still haunts me. I shook my head over and over again. Maybe it'll wake me up. "What are you doing, Aaron? You sick? Let grandnana take a look," and she put her wrinkled old hands on my forehead to check my temperature. "Nothing wrong, hmmmm," "I think its my assignment, grandnana, I have to finish it fast hahaha... It's quite challenging, this place is huge, the backyards' huge," "Yes it is," she nodded in agreement, "once, your great-grandpapa, Sir Fabian Perez, held a ball here, thousands were present to enjoy the fine wine and a pleasurable dance with beautiful ladies," I tried imagining it, "you must be really beautiful too, aren't you, grandnana?" i asked. "Back in those days, I guess I was, Jacqerina and I were always the one's who attracted the crowds' attention," she explained. "Jacqerina? Who's that?" grandnana's expression turned cold in a sudden, and she answered, "No one, just an old friend, eat your eggs, it's getting cold," and she rose up from her chair and left the dining hall. Mom took a seat beside me and began cutting slices of bacon, "Did I say something wrong?" Mom looked at me and raised her shoulders.

I finished my breakfast and went out into the yard. This time I brought along my sketchbook. I sat down under a tree and began my sketching. I tried concentrating, but the woman's smile just won't stop appearing in my head. I stopped in the middle and walked back inside the mansion. I took a small tour myself around the house, maybe that'll get rid of her smile. I can;t believe I just danced with a ghost, maybe it was just a dream. I reached a large door and entered it. Its one of the master bedroom. I checked the lock, it open. So I entered the room. It was furnished with beautiful, brightly coloured tapestries, old wooden antiques were placed around the rooms and a large wooden wardrobe caught my attention. It was taller and bigger than me, I felt really small standing in front of it. Curious, I opened the door and dusts flew out. It caused me to cough. Once the dusts settled down, I continued exploring the ancient wardrobe. It was filled with suits, beautifully tailored. I ran my fingers on the surface of the fabric. Silk, very expensive, judging by the quality. I took a white one off it's hanger. I tried it on and looked at myself at mirror. Splendid, it fits me! Maybe I should show off to grandnana. So I left the room in search of my grandnana.

It was already late in the evening. Mom and grandnana were no where to be found. I searched the kitchen, and there was a note on the refrigerator. It seemed that they went out to buy groceries, so I'm alone in the house, and Dad won't be home till 8 p.m.. I went inside my room, I felt dizzy suddenly, and felt asleep, and there was that smile again. Go away... no wait, come back. I sat up straight and opened my eyes. I was in the middle of the dance floor. How did i get here? I stood up and brushed my newly found suit. "You're wearing the suit I made for you!" and she giggled to herself again. 'You look really handsome, Alston," I smiled shyly, "I do?" "Of course you do! Let's dance" and she took my hand, and we dance, all through the night. Her blood red gown pressed against my white suit. We dance, and dance, and dance...

"Aaron! What are you doing laying on the floor like this?!" scolded grandnana. I stood up, rubbed my eyes. "I, I was..."confused and cold, I didn't know how to reply back, "We were looking for you, go back to your bed, and take off that suit you're wearing, it's not yours!" and I was soon back in my room. I took off the suit and went to bed. I was really tired, tired from dancing. And there was her smile again. Those cold smile accompanied me as I drift off to my dream.

She still appeared in my head all day. I can't stand it anymore. I would do anything to stop it now. I sat in front of my laptop all day, trying to finish my assignment, but it's still troubling. I can't do anything, my mind's restless. I'm going insane. I took some pills and went to bed. My handphone's ringing made me woke up. I answered the call, it was Evon, "Aaron, I think I'm paying you guys a visit, so don't go anywhere," and she ended the call. Blur as a koala bear, I went out of my room. I went downstairs. No one's home again. I walked towards the dining hall, but my feet thought otherwise, and I was soon standing at the dance floor. "Alston, she knew, she saw me yesterday, you have to choose, be with me or stay here, come on, come with me, I can make you happy, she's bad, Alston, she caused my, my death, I knew it, come with me," she pleaded. My mind cleared at that moment, but not as clear as it should be, I'm tempted, under some kind of spell. I wanted to go with her, wherever she wants me to go. I wanted to be with her. "Where are we going?" I asked. "A peaceful place, Alston. Some people call it death, but I just call it, a peaceful place," she answered back. I don't wanna die, but my feet was failing me, I continued walking with her, hand in hand. One step at a time, each step, close to death. I could smell blood, the white marble floor has turned all red, stained with blood, pools of blood. We stopped and she turned to me, asking "Will you dance with me? Dance to our death? Just say yes, and it'll be over."

Then I heard a shout. "STOP!" Grandnana? It was her. The woman stopped and so did I. She turned and faced grandnana, her expression was ugly, full of hatred and pain, it wasn't beautiful anymore, nor cold, it's just full of anger. "Jac, give me back my grandson, he's not Alston." Jacqerina, the woman's name I now realise, spoke in a deep, rough voice, "I knew Tse Yee, I knew in the very beginning, but what difference does it make, you took away my life because of Alston, now, I'll pay you back, by taking the life of the person you love, your own grandson," and she laughed and giggled. My grandnana knelt down and begged, "It was my fault, I killed you, don't take away his life, take mine, please," "No, Tse Yee, no, taking away your life, is just a bonus for you, I'll take away his," she held my hand up, the one she was holding, "and you'll suffer more, until the end of your pathetic life," she said, with an air of triumph. "You're a beastly woman, I thought you would be no more of a trouble for me when I killed you, I was wrong, I should I have burned your very bones, cursing your soul into hell for eternity, I overlooked that, you were always weak, Jac, I was the stronger one, you'll never win, never!" Jacqerina laughed and my grandnana fell to the ground, "Not anymore, Tse Yee, this time, I've won." Was my grandnana dead? No! She can't be, I stood up and walked up to her, "bring her back!" I shouted, "you have no rights to take anyone's life away," she glared at me, "I do, as a matter of fact, I'll take your whole family's life, the Perez, starting with your grandmother and your dear sister," and she laughed again.

My sister banged at the glass door of the ballroom, she'd arrived, and she witnessed what happened, I can't let anyone get hurt anymore. Jacqerina started approaching my sister, Evon was afraid, but she stood her ground. I ran up and stood before Jacqerina. "I will dance with you, to your peaceful place, let's go, and forget everything, I'll stay with you forever," her face turned back into its beautiful form and she smiled. "Let's go, we must not waste more time," she held my hand and we walked to the pools of blood, where she died, years and years ago. Evon terrified, banged harder at the glass door. I turned and with one last smile at my dear sister, I, Aaron Perez, entered death, through the pools of blood, slowly descending with the woman in the blood red gown as she held my hand tightly.

.....

Haunted Mansion

Rumors has it, that the mansion, owned by the Perez family, was haunted, previous sightings of a woman in blood red gown was confirmed by many who passed the house. Recently however, there were reports and rumors, that a man in a white suit and the woman in her red gown would dance in the ballroom, all night, never ceasing. Is it a new ghost? Does the disappearance of the recent Aaron Perez and Madam Tse Yee Ng Perez who fell into a coma on that particular night when Aaron was discovered to be lost? Are they connected? How true are the rumors? One can never know until they experienced it themselves.

Reported by,
Emily Tan,
President of the T.G.C.

.....

And so the second story ended and the star continued a small dance of its own.

The Second Story Told By The Stars (Part 3)

The Second Story - Will You Dance With Me? (Part 3)

Rumors has it that the large mansion by the Fourth Street, near the Perez Memorial Garden was haunted. It was the formerly known as the Perez mansion. Men who worked as gardeners never stayed long in their job. Most of them were terrified by what they would often see when the sun retreated to its nightly slumber and would quit the next day. The absence of a gardener caused the place to be outgrown with ivy and tall and long weeds. Increasing the 'haunting level' of the place. There were many rumors. All of them different from each other on the reasons the ghost haunt that particular mansion, however they all shared one same thing, that the ghost was a woman in a blood red dress and she was always seen to be dancing all alone in the ballroom through the glass windows of the huge mansion.

My name is Aaron. Aaron Antonio Ng Perez. I''m studying in the University of Art, majoring in landscaping and garden design. My mom's a cook and my dad's a business man. He's mixed Chinese and Mexican, cool huh? Apparently, my grandpapa, who was a Mexican, died just a few months back, and he left us with some family heirloom, that's what it says in his will. My dad, Enrique Ng Perez inherited the Perez family mansion. I heard that it was situated in a small countryside somewhere in the country. Grandauntie Mag never likes that place, nor does she seem to like my grandnana. She says that, the mansion was a horrible place and grandnana would be the most horrible person on earth, she ever wondered how come two things so horrible never stayed with each other. No one knows why she hates her, but I never cared. This girls fights, are just way out of my concern.

So back to the story, Dad and Mom was considering whether to move in to the old mansion, when I, yup, me, had the final assignment to do, to do a real, may i repeat, a real garden landscaping form my project. It was hard to find a place in the city, those rich people with huge backyards already had their landscaping done by famous designer, they don't want a student, it's degrading, so where could i finish my project? BINGO! The Perez Mansion! After further consideration and deep thinking, we packed our stuff and moved to the huge, old and ancient mansion, just for a little while, until i finished my assignment. We drove there for a few hours before arriving, and boy it's scary, the place was overgrown with plants, its almost a forest. We hired people who helped us to clear the place and soon enough, I could call it, a place where humans could inhabit, not for a long time, maybe a few weeks or so, cause that mansion was huge, and I'm not a afraid or anything, but it seems haunted too. And I've heard rumors about this woman ghost, and she's all bloody, ewww... Even if there is one, let's hope she's hot, at least she'll be worth the shock.

My younger sister, Evon, loathed anything ancient, even the cloths she bought two years ago would make that cut, so moving into a mansion like this, its a torture. Being the smart one in the family, (or so she claimes herself to be) Evon managed to find a friend who was willing to accept her in their home until we move back to the town from the horrible mansion. Minus one annoying sister, I was suppose to be happy, but I was poured with a glass of cold water right on my face, when grandnana Tse Yee said she'll move in with us. She claimed to be living in the mansion before and being the experience one, we need her guidance. It's not that I don't like grandnana, she's nice, especially to me, she said I looked a lot like grandpapa, but she's always nagging. And it gets tiresome when two ladies (grandnana + mom) keeps nagging at you all the time. Ahhh... Fate.. live with it Aaron...and that's all I could say to myself.

I chose a room just next to the staircase and unpacked. It was a nice room, there was one very old looking mirror and a small table, dressing table, wardrobe and the bed was really soft and comfy although the sheets smells a little. I arranged my stuff and took my camera for some picture taking of the backyard of the mansion. The place was really huge, it means the family must have been even richer before, I reached the back of the house and started snapping pictures. This place has potential. I could make it really beautiful with a sculpture there and some... Wait, something was moving in the grass. I saw a wooden plank near by me, and picked it up, walking steadily towards the moving bush. A thief? I'll show you... I walked slowly, step by step, when the bush shouted.

"I'm sorry! Don't hit me! Please!" A girl's voice? And girl's face popped out of the bush, she about Evon's age. "What were you doing here?" I asked. "Hi there! I'm Emily! The president of this town's Teenage Girls Club! welcoming committee... You must be the elder brother, where's the sister?" "Evon didn't come with us, she's staying with her friend," "I see... oh well, there goes a potential member, anyway nice to meet you, bye," and she turned to leave. "One word of advice, this place is like haunted, so you're really brave, just don't do anything that'll disturb peace, you know, they're supposed to be 'Resting in Peace'?" and she gave me that expression,"anyway, good luck, ghostbuster!" and she ran off, disappearing through the hedges. That's weird. Haunted huh? Just what I needed. I took the pictures and went inside when the sun started to set.

It was late at night, grandnana took her usual medications and fell asleep, right away. Mom and Dad stayed in their room after dinner. I tried closing my eyes to sleep, but it wasn't working. So I got up, took a t-shirt and put it on and headed out of my room. It was cold. I put on my earphone and scrolled through my playlist in my Walkman phone for something to listen to. I walked down the stairs and continued walking. The white marble floors were glowing, reflecting the moonlight. I found a song i wanted and played it. I stopped walking and looked around, the ballroom. A very grand hall, probably, the grandest and largest. I entered the room. It was really cold and i hugged myself, trying to keep warm. That was when I saw something that sent chills down my spine. Blood, crimson red, drops of them on the floor trailing, as if someone was walking around bleeding. You might call me weirdo, but it kinda tranced me or something, cause I followed the trail of blood, and it lead me to something, or was it someone, a lady in a blood red night gown. And she seemed to be waiting for someone. But who?

"Alston, there you are, I was waiting for you..." and she smiled at me.

The Second Story Told By The Stars (Part 2)

The Second Story - Will You Dance With Me? (Part 2)

Jacqerina shut the door behind her silently. Tse Yee was already getting dress up in the white gown. "Long time in the toilet I see," "Haha... I'm getting nervous that my stomach's just having these butterflies, I thought being in the toilet might help, it's my first time to this kind of ball," "you're right, I was nervous when I first went to a ball, you never knew if you'll meet the right person for you there, but I did, I met Alston," Jacqerina stopped smiling, but she immediately faked a smile. "You should wear this red one, Jac," said Tse Yee as she held up the blood red night gown. "But that's yours, I have mine in the wardrobe..." but Tse Yee stopped her, "We're best friends aren't we? Everything that belongs to me, is yours. We share everything don't we?" Jacqerina smiled meekly as Tse Yee helped her to undress and getting inside the red dress. "It fits you, perfectly." Jacqerina looked at herself in the old mirror. She looked like a princess. "Thanks, Tse Yee." "It was my pleasure," and she walked over to a small table and poured a cup of black tea, handing it to Jacqerina, "here's a cup of black tea, its from China, it helps to relieve nervousness and it'll give you relief, try it." Jacqerina said a word of gratitude and took a sip, sweet, yet bitter in a way, without much thought, she gulped down the whole cup as Tse Yee smiled to herself.

"You're late, Alston," said Sir Fabian, "Sorry, papa," replied his son. "I expect the best of manners and treatment to our guests from you and your fiancee," said his father and Alston nodded in obedience. "Ahhh! Sir Bulgani and Lady Sandra, welcome, welcome!" and Sir Fabian left his son to tend at the new guests. Alston flashed a smile and walk to the other side of the ball room to look for guests that he could entertain when his thoughts were somewhere else. "Brother, the ball is starting very soon, where's Tse Yee and Jacqerina?" said Magdelene who followed closely behind Alston. "I don't know," and he left her absent minded, as if he never really realise Mag was there in the first place. Mag wanted to catch up and shout at her brother for ignoring her but the crowd was too much and the sight of Alston was soon lost in the crowd. "maybe I'll go find them myself," she said to herself. Magdelene dived in between the sea of people and wriggled her way out of the ballroom. The music began yet the crowd remained as unsettled as before.

Magdelene found her way into the Tse Yee's room. She opened the door, it was unlocked and entered it. It was empty, perhaps they left for the ball, she thought. She was about to leave the room when a shiny crystal vial in the corner of the room caught her wandering gaze. She walked to it and picked it up. It's empty. She opened the stopper and took a faint smell. Magdelene majored in medicine in the university and she knew well enough that the vial contained poison. She walked to the small table wear a set of Chinese teapot and teacup stood side by side. She held the cup and smelled, she was right, "someone must have drank a cup of poisoned tea, and it has to be either Jacqerina or Tse Yee, the one who didn't drank it, would be the person who poured the poison," sensing something going really wrong, Magdelene ran out of the room making her way to the ballroom. "If someone really did drank it, she would be dead really soon, unless she is given the antidote", she continued running but a thought kept bothering her, "who poured the poison? Why?'

The ball had begun and after a speech by Sir Fabian himself, the people began finding a partner, paired up and commenced a dance. Tse Yee and Alston were dancing as a pair. Soon a business partner came up to the pair and asked the Chinese beauty's hand for a dance and so Alston was left standing at the middle. He looked around and spotted Jacqerina in her red gown and walked towards her. He approached her and gave Jacqerina a smile. She looked pale, and as if something was bothering her, but she managed a smile, stuttering, she asked, "Will you dance with me now?" Alston held out his hand. Jacqerina took it with quivering hands. "You don't look well, are you okay?" "I'm fine, let's dance, I love this song," and they walked to the middle of the dance floor and danced. Neither of them noticed, blood dripping down her blood red gown, onto the white marble floor, as they continued dancing.

Magdelene finally reached the ballroom. She was frantically looking for Tse Yee and Jacqerina. She soon saw Tse Yee, dancing with an unknown gentlemen, "she seemed fine, the poison must have kicked in by now, that means... Jac..." She pushed the people standing on her way, to progress to the middle of the dance floor to search for Jacqerina. A scream, a shrilling scream sounded through the ballroom. Magdelene rushed to where it sounded, to find drops of blood on the floor, trailing, and she followed it till she reached a gathering circle of people. In the middle of the circle, was her brother, Alston, holding Jacqerina, in her blood red gown, lying in a pool of blood. It was far too late. Jacqerina had been poisoned to death, by a poison so cruel, it causes a person blood veins and arteries to burst making blood to flow out of the body in the fastest speed, resulting in death. Magdelene scanned through the faces of the crowd but none of them were Tse Yee's.

In her room, Tse Yee sat alone in a chair, smiling to herself. She looked proudly at her own reflection in the mirror. "Everything that belongs to me, is yours, Jac. We can share everything else in this world, but not him..." and she laughed by herself.

The Second Story Told By The Stars (Part 1)

The girl continued listening as another star began a different story...

The Second Story - Will You Dance With Me? (Part 1)

Alston grabbed hold of his fiancee by her right arm tightly."Tse Yee, she did nothing wrong, I'm the one at fault," she wrenched off her arm from him, "you care for her so much, you're still defending her, how could you?" Alston kept quiet for a moment. "We'll discuss this after the ball, you need to prepare, Papa invited some prominent people from the business, so, let's put this aside and show your best tonight." "You know what Alston, you make me sick, asking me to pretend like nothing's going on between you and Jacqerina?" "Nothing! is going on between us, yes, I admit, I love her, more than I would ever love you, but she realise and treasured the friendship both of you shared and she was all ready to give up on any feelings she had for me, so stop this nonsense and just, just move on will you?" Tse Yee glared at Alston as they stood at the long corridor in the Perez's Mansion. They exchanged glares but none of them exchanged words. They stood, in silence, until Tse Yee pulled up her long black gown and stormed down the long hall, as her dress rustled against the white marble floor, into her bedroom.

It was the night of the the Grand Ball, where the Perez families and friends would gather for a dance and fine wine. Sir Fabian Perez, the head of the family, father to a charming son and a beautiful, intelligent daughter named Alston and Magdelene respectively, stood under the arched entrance of the mansion's fine ebony door, welcoming guests as he delights himself by engaging small talks with them. "Mag, my darling, where's your brother?" Fabian asked. "He's still in the room I think, papa, should I call him out now?" "If it's not much work for you my daughter," "Please, papa, I'm a strong, smart, female medical officer, ok?" "Yes, yes, I know you are, now go get your brother, more guest are coming in soon," and with a small bow, Magdelene disappeared among the crowds and went up a spiral staircase, in search of Alston.

In one of the room in the mansion, Tse Yee sat right in front of an old mirror, staring straight at her own reflection, admiring her own Chinese beauty that these Mexicans adore so much. On the bed, were two gowns, a white one, and another bloody red. She rose up from her chair and opened the dressing table's drawer. She place her long, slender, yet pale hands inside as she searched for something. With a smile on her face, she carefully hold a small crystal vial in her palm. She held it up for another look, the black liquid, as menacing as ever, stored in the vial. "I'm sorry, Jac, but we're best friends aren't we?" and a cold smile spread across her face as she laughed, together with the reflection in the mirror.

"Alston, don't be sad, I understand, we're still friends aren't we. I'll do anything for my best friend," said Jacqerina, faced turned to the floor.
"I'm sorry."
"It's ok."
Alston turned to leave. "Will you dance with me? Tonight? At the ball?"
Alston turned back again to face Jacqerina. He smiled and said, "If God's willing, I don't see why not."
"Thanks," and Jacqerina went up the stairs.
Alston stood there by himself, thinking, until Magdelene surprised him from the back and pulled him out of the small hall, out into the ballroom.
"It would be better to do this as soon as possible, before things gets bad," he thought to himself, but Alston never knew how wrong he was, things had already been worse.

The First Story Told By The Stars (Part 2)

The First Story - Her Eyes of Blue (Part 2)

Silas waited all morning, it was his holiday today, he was determined to make her speak to her again, like that day. The girl finally came out of the room and stood at the balcony. He Hello-ed her and she nodded back at him. He beckoned her to come down into the streets. She shook her head but Silas started to sing aloud, embarrassed by the attention he would attract, she went back to the room, and was soon outside standing in front of the apartment door.

Silas smiled, "It worked, hehe," The girl blushed and said, "Don't do that ever again.""Only if you promised to come down when i ask you to,""I'm not a puppy you know," "Of course not, you're much cuter than one," and the girl blushed. Silas took her hands, "Follow me," "but, but I can't..." and he lead her off, away from the apartment door into the streets. They walked hand by hand, until they reached a little coffee house. It was the only one in that town, and cutely furnished, perfect for lovey doves and children. Silas lead the girl into the shop, up to the second floor where he starts slowing down and was now pushing the girl up the stairs. The girl was curious yet resisted from going up, but she gave in, and the most beautiful thing she had ever seen came to sight.

Coloured paper planes are everywhere, on chairs, tables, cupboards, on the carpeted floor and even hanging by the ceilings and windows, all of them are lined and placed with care to form beautiful patterns. It was like she stepped into another world. It was all very colourful. Her eyes watered. "Do you like it? This was all the paper planes you sent down to me, I kept all of them," and Silas grinned to himself. The girl took a seat next to the window where it's hanging with paper planes. He found an empty stool and sat next to her. "Thank you. They're beautiful," "This is the result when you interacted with another person, if you had never replied my first paper plane, this would never be possible."

Silas felt like the happiest man on earth, "the girl must have felt really happy being appreciated like this, way to go, Silas," but that all stopped when the girl started to sob. Tears came falling down. Her blue eyes filled with tears. She stood up and ran out of the shop. Leaving Silas alone, again. "Have I done or said something wrong?"

Ever since Silas never met the girl. She would not come out of her room nor reply any of his paper plane messages. He felt crushed. He waited for her every morning but to no avail. The girl refused to meet him. "She must really hate me," was all the reason that he could think of. But Silas could not stop himself from stopping by at outside of the apartment, under balcony, just staring blankly into the room. He started escaping by driving back into the city to help out in the hospital for eye surgery, hoping that work, would heal his broken heart, or at least, numb the pain for a while. "Doctor, a patient is waiting for you, she needs a corneal transplant, you would have to check her conditions before approving the operation," said the nurse. "I'll be there in a minute," "Alright doctor, is there anything I can do for you? You looked troubled," "I'm fine," Silas smiled weakly. The nurse smiled, nodded her head and left. The night goes on, and so does the pain in his heart.

Silas was walking to his clinic in the small town one morning, there was no operations scheduled until the next morning so Silas could rest and go back to the peaceful little town. He stopped in front of the girl's apartment again, he sighed and suddenly feeling an outburst of anger, he punched the tree which stood by the other side of the street next to him. "I may be wrong, but she cannot just leave like that, how could she, after..." Silas stopped. A red paper plane falling slowly in the air from the tree landed right beside his feet.

Slowly, he picked it up and unfolded it, it was damp and doesn't seem new like the ones he would receive when the girl replied his message instantly in the mornings. But he unfolded nonetheless, and there was a big heart drawn on it, with these words inside the heart, "I Love You..." Silas felt like he was energized, a new strength, a fire burned inside him. He could move mountains or even fly up high and soar in the sky, "so, she likes me, she love me, she doesn't hate me, she was probably searching for this, no wonder she blushed!" He jumped for joy and knocked the apartment door, shouting for someone to open the door. But nobody was in the house. It was empty. "It ok, I'll come back tomorrow, and when I do, it's my turn to say "I Love you", this i promise," and Silas left, but not like how he was that past few weeks, this time, he was happy.

The next morning, he dressed up neatly and with a bouquet of roses in one hand, he walked up to the girl's house. "Let's hope she's home today," and with his fingers crossed, he started out on his first step in his journey to Silas's beautiful future. He reached the apartment door and was about to knock, when his phone rang, he answered and his nurse's voice rang out, "Doctor, where are you, there's an operation waiting for you, the eyes is available, from a new donor. You have to come now," "Alright, I'll be there," he put down his phone and reluctantly, left the house and head off into his car to the hospital. "I'll finish and come back soon." He placed the roses on the seat beside his and drove in great speed.

Silas put on his operation coat, mask and the gloves as soon as he arrives. The nurse briefed him on the donor's detail and the patient's condition. The donor's name was YoonA Im. Aged 26, suffered a weak heart when she was alive and just died a few hours ago. Cornea condition, good. Perfect for the patient. It's time for the surgery. Silas took a deep breath like he always does, and entered the operating room. The patient, a little girl was all ready, anesthetized and unconscious. He walked to the covered body of the donor. He signaled the nurse to open the cover while he check the equipments. Ready, Silas turned to face the donor. His heart stopped.

He could barely catch his breath, his senses were all numb. He could not move, all he could do was stare at the body. Lying on the operating table, as the donor, was the girl he was so used to see dressed in white, standing in the balcony of an apartment. Her eyes were closed, just like the first time he saw her. But this time, she could not open it herself anymore. Silas could fell tears, warm, yet never ceasing, flowing endlessly down his face. He wanted to shout, "God! What have I done to deserve this? Take me instead! Why?!" But his throat were dry, nothing could come out. "Are you ready, doctor?" Silas looked up from the body, to find the whole operation team looking at him. He was handed the knife and the body was pushed forward. The nurse used the forceps to opened the eyes. Blue eyes. Silas's heart shattered. He could think of nothing, his head was spinning, he couldn't feel his feet anymore, as he fell down to the ground, and fainted.

One sunny morning, Silas got a call from a friend, a doctor who just moved into the small town he used to work in. He needs Silas's help to fit in and to familiarize himself with the new place. So Silas agreed and he drove to the small town and arrived at the clinic. "Silas hyung! You're here!" (hyung means older brother in Korean) "Hey hyung je..." "This place is awesome, it's so peaceful but i haven't get around this place yet, it's all so new to me," Federick, the doctor friend laughed. Silas smiled and together they started walking around the town. Soon they reached a familiar old apartment. Silas stopped. He looked up to the room, where she used to stand, eyes closed. "What's up, hyung?" Federick asked. "Nothing... this place, just brings back memories that's all." And a white paper plane flew out from the window. Silas caught it right in his palm. It's browned because of age. He unfolded it and it was written in his own handwritings, "What's your name? You knew mine..." Silas held back his tears. "I never knew YoonA was your name, until the very end." he thought to himself.

"That's mine!" He looked up to the apartment's doorstep to see a girl aged 10, with pony tails staring angrily at him. She ran up to him and snatched the paper plane away from him. "I found this myself, they're mine, I have a collection you know! Hmmph! And who are you?" the little girl look inquiringly at Silas with bright blue eyes. And the girl eyes started to swell up with tears, "I'm sorry, Mr. Stranger, something's wrong with my eyes, F.Y.I. I don't cry for strangers ok?" as she wiped her eyes. Silas nodded and the tears he held back would not contain itself any longer and he let them out as he continued looking at her eyes of blue.

And the star ended the First Story...

The First Story Told By The Stars (Part 1)

A star soon began telling a story, whispering it softly, into the little girl's ear...

The First Story - Her Eyes of Blue (Part 1)

He was named Silas. Aged 28, quite a young age to be an eye specialist a.k.a. an ophthalmologist. Intelligent and calm was how Silas grew up to be. He never thought of becoming an eye surgeon, all he wanted was to help out as a doctor in small villages where people requires much medical assistance. Silas's mom thought that he should at least mastered a certain medical area, one which he prefers, so Silas chose Ophthalmology.

He was a good one and he never fails in any of his surgery, be it cataract removal or corneal transplant, he was the best the hospital ever had. But Silas wanted to continue his dream as a small town doctor, there were 3 other eye specialist in the hospital, so he doesn't have to worry whether there's a shortage in that. With the blessings of his parents and some reluctant letting go of the hospital, Silas transferred to a small town just one and a half hour drive away from the city.

This is the story of Silas and his first love, whose name he never knew until the very end.

Silas always walks to his little clinic at the edge of the small town because everything is in walking distance in that area and he found out that driving in his Bentley would only waste petrol thus not helping the environment to be any better than it already was. Silas loves the morning walk, there was always fresh air, birds chirping without a care in the world and old folks of the small town going their own way to their usual routine and errands to run. He loves the small town, it was much quieter and peaceful than the concrete jungle he used to lived in. One thing that intrigues Silas even more was the presence of a young lady who stood at the balcony of a certain apartment every single day. She was always wearing a white silk sleeping gown with her long black hair flowing down her back. The girl never speaks to anyone, nor does she seem to notice anyone's presence, let alone Silas's.

But Silas notices her. Every single morning. The girl would just stand there, eyes closed, for a very long time, as if meditating. He would sometimes just stare at her as he walks till she's out of sight. It was one morning, as usual when the girl was standing on the balcony eyes closed, Silas passed and this time he just looked at her once and he left for a patient was waiting for him, but before she was completely out of sight, he took one last glance. Blue, crystal clear blue, and moreover, Silas saw that the girl's eyes were not just blue but also sad too. He could not get her out of his mind. Was he stunt by the beauty or what? "Whatever..."he thought to himself. Silas tended the patient but deep in his thoughts, brain waves are forming pictures of a girl in white with sad blue eyes.

It was in the next morning, Silas decided to step out of his shell, and make sure the girl, realises his presence. "Hey... Wonderful morning isn't it? Hahaha..." The girl turned and with the exact same sad, blue eyes but this time set on him, and with an expressionless face, nodded. "I'm Silas. The new doctor in the this town's clinic. Nice to meet you." The girl nodded again and this time she left the balcony and entered the room, leaving the embarrassed Silas standing all alone in the streets. "Now she's tough..." he mumbled to himself. With just the little ego of man left in him, he hastened his pace to the clinic. But Silas wasn't just going to give up like that. He may not have any experience in this kind of girl-boy relationship before, but he has never lose to anyone, be it exams or pop quizzes. He was going to make her talk, and maybe, be her friend, no matter what.

And so in the following morning, he set out earlier with a small notepad. "If she's not going to speak, maybe she could write," so he tore a paper from the pad and wrote down, "What's your name? You knew mine..." and folded it into a paper plane and launched it right into her room. Silas waited and soon, a pink coloured paper plane flew out from the room onto the streets where Silas was standing near. He picked it up and unfolded the paper, to find himself reading, "None of Your Business". "She's really tough," he thought to himself and tore another paper, written with, "You're nice... Let's be friends..." and the reply in a blue coloured paper plane was "No, thank you." Silas tore another paper and wrote, "Bet you didn't know that being too long inside the house and not coming out for a short walk or exercises makes you fat, I'm a doctor, I would know and girls don't like being fat." A yellow coloured paper plane flew out, "Aren't you late for work, Doctor Silas?" He checked his watch and found out that it was already 8:45 a.m.. Silas picked up his bag and managed to scribble one last reply and launching the paper plane into the girl's room. "Thank you for the reminder, see you." Silas reached his clinic and sat at his chair. He smiled to himself, thinking, "At least she remembers my name," and continued finishing his report.

Silas and the girl continued exchanging paper airplanes and soon enough he had a big box of coloured paper planes from the girl. They became good friends through the paper planes massages but she never comes out of the room after the last time he saw her. One early morning, as he was walking the usual path, he saw from afar a girl in white walking on the streets outside of the apartment. She seems to be searching for something. He walked up to her and tap her shoulder from the back. The girl was startled and turned to face him. Beautiful, that was all he could think of. The girl blushed and with her hands, close her mouth as they're gaped open. She took a few steps back and mumbled a hasty, "Hi..." Silas was as stunned as she was so he managed a few words, "Bye, no, I mean, Hi, hi, what are you looking for?" The girl's blue eyes widened and she said "Nothing, really. Ummm, I'm just taking a walk, a short one, you know, exercise, or else I'll get fat, like what you've said." "Haha... Yeah..." "Well, I'm not suppose to be meeting anyone nor be close to anyone, like interact that much, I gotta go" and she smiled shyly. "But why?" Silas asked. "Well, it's hard to explain, just don't get too close to me, those paper planes were really nice, but I hope there's nothing between us, even being friends might be burdensome. Bye." And she left, entering the house. Silas was taken aback by all that the girl had said. He's not giving up now, the girl, "she's the one" he thought to himself. Silas stared at the opened room and left after a moment. Little did he realised that the girl, hidden behind the curtains, was peeking at him all the time, until he left.

"I hope he doesn't find out, how careless of me! What should I do? Where did it go?"