The Man in My Dreams

CHAPTER 4: The Favor

Chapter Four: The Favor

I can't get the discoveries I made out of my mind. Why didn't I think of this sooner? Why didn't I realize right away that Van couldn't be human because people don't have the ability to disappear? If he isn't human, what is he? What about Marcus? As far as I know, only aliens and vampires have the ability to disappear.

"S-So, it's either Van and Marcus are both a-aliens or v-vampires," I concluded. That's why I see Van and Marcus even in my dreams. Are they good or bad? Since I met Van, he hasn't hurt me; he even called me 'baby.' On the other hand, Marcus first appeared in the forest, where he threatened me, and the second time he threatened me again just recently. So, does that mean Van is the good one while Marcus is not? I don't know which is true.

I decided to get out of the bathtub as I started to feel cold. I've been soaking here for almost an hour. I got carried away with my thoughts and lost track of time.

After I dressed, I heard a knock.

"Come in." I said calmly.

It was Lina, the most mature and loyal assistant in my house. I consider her real family. Sometimes she is my friend, sometimes my adviser, sometimes an enemy, but mostly, she treats me as if I am her real daughter.

"I thought you were already asleep, Zarianna." She said.

"I just finished bathing."

"Your birthday is coming soon. You'll be turning eighteen. Do you have any plans?" I looked at her when she mentioned this. If Lina hadn't reminded me, I might have forgotten about it.

"I have no plans to prepare." I had almost forgotten about my birthday because it was then when my brother disappeared. Whenever it's my birthday, I always think of him, and his loss still pains me. Actually, I haven't seen my brother's body since he disappeared five and a half years ago. I was 13, and he was 21 at the time. No one knows where he is or what really happened. Even though I haven't seen his dead body, I still consider him completely dead because if he were alive, he would have shown himself to me by now.

"Still the same? You still think about your brother?" I just lowered my head to what he asked.

"Zarianna, maybe it's time to accept what happened to your brother. So much time has passed, and wherever your brother Zillian is, I'm sure he's still watching over you and is happy with his current state." I cried at Lina's words. She hugged me and let me cry on her shoulder.

"It's easy to say, but it's hard to do. It's hard to forget my brother."

"I never said you should forget your brother, Zarianna. What I'm saying is you should forget what happened to him." Despite my tears, I laughed. Oh right, how silly of me. Lina pulled away from the hug and looked at me closely.

"Why are you laughing? Are you changing your mind? Your birthday is only a week away; let me know so we can prepare." She said.

"Alright."

"So?"

"You're right. So much time has passed. Let's celebrate." I said cheerfully. Lina smiled and hugged me.

For the entire week, I was busy preparing for my upcoming birthday. The household staff, especially Lina, were working hard to make sure my birthday would be a success. The venue was just at home. The day after Manang and I talked, she immediately called gown designers. They took my measurements and everything. The next day, I accompanied Lina to choose the sample cakes at a bakery she picked for my birthday. So far, all the cakes were delicious. The following day, I spent the entire day thinking about and writing down my list of 18 candles and 18 roses. I only chose my classmates. I temporarily forgot about my questions concerning Van and Marcus. Now, as I lie on my bed, I'm contemplating who will be my last dance. Lina knocked and came in.