The Stone's Curse

SUMMER has ended and so is vacation for everyone. Normally, everyone is getting ready for the next school year. But it was different for Tasha. She was packing her things like she isn’t coming back anymore.

“Tasha! You done yet?” That was her Aunt Abella, sister of her Paṕa. Her aunt is the perfect definition of an elegant and easy-going socialite. This is actually the third day she has known of her existence. She hasn’t met her Aunt Abella even before when her parents had any gatherings. It’s always them and their neighbors.

“Almost done, tía.” Well in the first place she doesn’t have a lot to pack. Just few of her clothes and some memorabilia. She doesn’t even need to clean and secure the house since her aunt already catered a moving company to help them.

Oh, she will be living with her Aunt Abella starting today. So even if she doesn’t want to leave their home, what choice does she have? She’d been living in hell for almost a decade now. Because of some stupid law, it’s either she be adopted by strangers or go to a rehabilitation center. Gladly before that happens, some Abella Sanders puff out of nowhere and proclaimed she’s a family.

It’s almost lunch time when she finished. Her luggages are being put in the car by some men. She saw her aunt talking to someone. Maybe the one she told her about, the caretaker. And before she hops in the car, she turned for a one last glimpse. It’s a bittersweet goodbye for her.

“Thank you Henry. We’ll be off now.” Aunt Abella waved her goodbye to Henry. Tasha suddenly looked at Henry before they speed off and she saw a mysterious look in his eyes. Something is telling her she needs to be careful.

“So Tasha, where do you like to eat first? I’m starving!” Aunt Abella exclaimed as she tosses her stilettos on the car floor. Tasha sat there in silenced. She’s freakin’ still not comfortable with her. It’s just the third day seeing and talking with her. Maybe her aunt noticed it that’s why she ignored the not answering niece and give instructions to her driver. Tasha just put on her headphones and watches the street as they leave. Green Valley had been her childhood. Everything about her is here. But for whatever reason the gods had bestowed upon her that she must leave this place with a disheartening memory.

It wasn’t a long ride when she felt the car was slowing down at a parking area while her headsets suddenly came off her ear. “Let’s go mi sobrina.” It was her aunt, still at a very energetic voice. She can’t believe someone’s mouth wouldn’t fall off for smiling that much.

So they are at a five-star hotel, huh. Well, her aunt sure is wealthy enough. She won’t be thrown outside a restaurant anymore. She sighs at the sudden flash of memory and just wishes her aunt was there when they needed her. No! Stop thinking about that anymore Tasha. It’s not your aunts’ fault why that gruesome night happened to your family. Just be glad that after a decade you are finally having to live normally again. This is surely what maḿa and paṕa would want.

They had a table ready for them the moment they entered. Maybe because these creatures know they had something to loathe from her aunt. She can’t blame them though. One look on her aunt screams billions of dollars.

“So what do like to order dear?” Her aunt asks while intently looking at her. Well, she doesn’t need to worry eating a bunch of her favorites since she isn’t paying. But she won’t be that bad on their first meal together of course. She just got herself a steak and a cake. If she’s going to live with her, then she has plenty of time to enjoy these privileges.

“Tasha, since you will be living with me starting today I’ve already arrange for your school and luckily they accepted your application.” Heads up for Tasha the moment she heard that part. Well, she didn’t expect to get into any school after what happened at Green Valley High. She manages to graduate without attending any graduation ceremony. She knows her aunt has something to do with it but she didn’t bother to ask.

“I know it’ll be hard for you to adjust but just to remind you, I’m here to help you in any way I can.” Her aunt looks worried saying that. There’s nothing she can say about that. “For now Tasha, you need to eat up a lot. This is going to be your first international flight ayt?” Aunt Abella changes the topic and there she goes again showing that unusual smile her aunt always displays.

It was nearing dawn when they reach the airport. After settling in, Tasha finally says her last goodbye to the place where all of their family’s dreams were built. It’s where she grows up learning every happiness and every pain there is. Her aunt says they will be going to their ancestors land. A place she never heard off. She hasn’t asked any questions about that place yet but she is curious as to what life is waiting for her. Maybe this is her place of redemption, a place where she can find answers.

[NOTE: Spanish terms used;

Tía=Aunt

mi sobrina=my niece

maḿa and paṕa= mom and dad]

SEVERAL hours later, Tasha was awakened by some girls’ voice over a radio. Have they arrived yet?

…we hope you have enjoyed the flight entertainment. We are now nearing to land…

So they’re really here, huh.

…ladies and gentlemen, we are now approaching Swietzerville where the time is 20:00. At this stage you should be in your seat with your seatbelt firmly, fastened…

As the voice in the radio continued her announcement, Tasha grabbed her coats and look beside her. Her aunt seems busy looking at her phone. Was she allowed to use that? Tasha shrugged off the question and prepared herself. Yes it’s her first time flying so she isn’t used to it. As everyone started going out, she noticed her aunt is still focused on her phone. “Tía? Are we not getting off yet?” Her aunt jumped off a little. “Oh! I’m sorry dear. Yes, yes let’s go.” Her aunt replied in a shocked tone.

They finished all documentation and needed process before stepping outside the airport. She grabbed her coat closely. It’s a strange breeze of cold air. “Tasha, you see that black limo over there?” Aunt Abella is pointing at the left side of the entrance. It’s a bit far yet but she can see someone waving. Tasha nod at her aunt. “That’s our ride” Her aunt saying that still at a lively tone.

They finally approached their ride. It’s indeed a limo with a man in black waiting for them. “Let me help you señorita.” This man offered. Weird but she needs to get used to it now. “You can take a nap first Tasha. I’ll wake you up when we get home.” Her aunt said and she abides. Her body is aching. It’s her first 4 hour flight.

…meanwhile…

Abella’s thoughts gone back to that news she saw earlier. Her assistant send a link to her and she was just able to read that earlier as they land. What is the council thinking! They just can’t revise any law without her.

Maybe the Gustav’s has something to do with it again. They had been eagerly recruiting families to vote for them. Damn the Gustavs! That one hell of a family had been their mortal enemy since history had been written. Do they really think I won’t stand for our family huh?

Well, I’m not backing without a fight. This is our land. And now that Diamond is back here with me. I have the upper hand. Abella looked at Tasha. “Cassandra, Alexander, I’m really sorry but our family needs her. Our people need her. Diamond Tasha Sanders, It’s your curse…”

[Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. names, characters, and places are products of the author's imagination.]