" Kale Ludenberg! "
I groaned as my landlady knocked loudly at my front door. Groggily, I leave my bed to face my landlady -- who was fairly attractive but still menacing and stern. I opened the front door and faced with a blonde woman in her mid 30's who is holding a notebook on one hand and writing with the other.
"It's still the first week of August, Ms. Laine. Could you please wait til the end of the month? I still don't have any penny to down it. I promise I'll pay my rent."
She pushed her thin framed glasses further up her nose. And shut her notebook then turned to face at me.
"Yes. I do know about that. And isn't it common courtesy to let your guest in before you talk?"
" I'm sorry for my rudeness, Ms. Laine. Please do come in."
I offered her a sheepish closed eyed smile then moved to the side to let my guest, who is muttering under her breath how people today lacked manners, inside my humble apartment.
"Would you care for a drink?"
" An ice cold water, Please."
I nodded then headed to the kitchen to get Ms. Laine her glass of water. I returned and gave her, her glass of water which she drank half full then placed on top of the table. I took a seat to the couch opposite of hers, so we are facing each other.
"How was your first week stay here in Mellow Town?"
" It's great! This place is so much different than in the city. It's much more peaceful here. I'm starting to love Mellow Town. My only problem now is I still don't have a job. Man, I do hope that I get accepted soon!"
I smiled happily as I remembered everything that I saw and happened as soon as I moved here in Mellow Town. I could see vivid images of what I saw. The ponds, parks, streets, forests, Everything! All are well kept but still had a little touch of Nature.
She nodded and smiled slightly at my response.
"I'm glad that you like it here."
The mood suddenly change; from the light warm happy mood earlier to bone chilling tensed atmosphere. She looked at me. Her gaze steeling. Straight to my eyes like she's looking into my soul with her icy blue eyes. I felt my breath hitch. I hadn't felt fear ever since I left home. In that moment, I knew that I should never dare to piss her off.
" But I have to warn you if you value your life, never stick your nose in other people's lives."
Suddenly, the mood change back to normal. I let out the air that I unconsciously held back.
" Oh, and I have something for you. It was delivered earlier even before the crack of the dawn. Quite an irrelevant hour. It messed up my sleeping schedule. Anyway, here."
She handed me a something wrapped around with a gift wrapper that looks like it was going to burst with whatever is inside it and a smaller envelop with my name on it. I muttered a quick thanks to her as I grabbed both and opened one first. I ripped open the big one to find ... A blanket?
" If you may excuse me, I'm going to take my leave."
"See you around, Ms. Laine."
She stood up and left me alone. I unfold the blanket then see an object in the center, it's a huge ruby amulet. I carefully lifted the amulet and analyzed it closely. There is something in it that seemed different; Even though it looks just like a normal ruby amulet, I feel like this thing is bad news but I just blamed on me being paranoid for no reason at all. I placed it down gently on the cloth and wrapped it again. With a mental note to hide it by the bookshelves, I set it aside and grabbed the envelop. I gently opened it to find a letter addressed to me.
Kale Ludenberg,
Good day! We, from the NewsNet, have accepted you. To know your position, Kindly go to the NewsNet main office at xxxxxxxx. It would be a pleasure to work with you.
Truly yours,
Ricky Stan.
I jumped in joy and fist pumped the air. After doing a little happy dance, I plopped myself on the couch rather carelessly. Positive emotions coursing through my body. I can't stop myself from smiling.
' I think today's gonna be a great day.'
I got the amulet and letter and put it on top of my drawer beside my bed. I grabbed a towel and made my way into the bathroom to prepare. Unbeknownst to me, the ruby glowed an evil red.
