Nevermore (Book One)

Chapter 3: Trent

Chrysler Building
London
23rd Floor
6:32 pm
8 more minutes before the ball will start...

                       
                       It's not that I don't like to dance, but I am not that good in socializing with other people. I grew up training physically and mentally inside my mansion. So, that will explain the rest. Anyway, as I head for the main door, a sudden chill runs down to my spine.

                        "Cool off man. Gotta get goin'." Raphael stood beside me. With him was a girl she met a few seconds ago. "Meet Linda. An executive director from one of the famous company here in England. The well known Cross Corporation."

                        "Hi, you must be Trent Mendrez. I will formally introduce myself. I am Lindsey Davila-Cross. One of the guests here tonight. I am also a researcher, mind if I share one with you?" Lindsey wore a scarlet mask. The mask covers half of her face. Scarlet somehow contrasts her dark skin. Her dreadlocks somehow mesmerized me. Her scarlet gown ignites in my eyes like it was a flame to catch as a prize.

                         "Well Lindsey," I stare at her for a while. Then I continued to speak, "actually, yeah. What research do you prefer?"

                          "Just call me Linda. Lindsey's kinda too formal. Anyway, you're 17 right? I'm just only 22. She giggles. Her smile is somehow hypnotic.

                          As she tells her research about different birds, I remembered my owl before. His name was Fritz. A white one which was a gift from my father from Norway.

                         My childhood suddenly flashes back. It was a time where I pay a visit to Honolulu, Hawaii.

                         I was with my mother. Beside me, Carlo plays with the crabs on the blinding white sands. Near him, stood a mighty fortress. His toy soldiers are half buried on the sand. Carlo was just 4 or 5 years old during that time. It must be 4 or 3 years ago.

                       We are happy during that time. Joy engulfed the sadness. Those precious memories are worthless more than this treasure and riches that I had.

                         Those people really cared for me. My caring and sweet brother, my lovable mother and my generous father. We were once a happy family. Once. Only once. It will never happen again. For one particular thing, I am sure, it will never happen again. Because, it was taken away from me. My brother's death became the catalyst to the change in the relationship of my parents. It torn their vows to each other.

                        To me, it shattered my dream of a happy family. I will never rest until I have my revenge. I believe in one particular saying about revenge. It's sweet.

                       I grin as I plan my next step. This time, I will execute someone who is related to my brother's death. I just hope that he's here.

                      I tried to think of more, but I didn't notice that I am hardly squeezing the left hand of Linda. She murmurs, "oww! You're somehow weird and sadistic Mr. Mendrez. I think it will be better to stay off of your course. Excuse me." She left without looking at me.

                         Raphael stared at me like "what's wrong with you man?" He followed her without asking any permission from me. Though he doesn't even need one.

                        I was left alone with some unfamiliar guests roaming around like the wind.

                       The music really captivates me. Its rhythm was somehow familiar, like I was a part of it. It's just calling me to seek that music. Where is it coming from? I don't see any musician around, even some speakers to play it. Until I narrow my head to the space near the stage, I saw this beautiful young woman in a white ball gown. The design was like same or similar to a wedding gown.

                         She wore a silver mask. The mask was covered with many lavender feathers. I really stared at her like I am a critic. Until then, her face became very familiar. A face I once knew will be a part of my life. The woman I thought I will share a vow with.

                         Akiane Krimarik.

                         She's here. Just few more wide steps and I can touch again her soft pale skin. Her long curly auburn hair seduce me. Her sharp cerulean irises suddenly meet mine.

                         I knew deep in myself that this is not right. So in other words, I turn away from her sight. I just keep on walking away, kindly hoping that her persuading music will let me go finally.

                        It's hard to forget somebody who shared her life with you. But much worse is that, she already became a part of yours.

                       I did not hesitate to walk farther than I did before. As I walk straight, I didn't notice that I am already heading to the garden. It was just amazing how a rich man brought his garden to this floor. Even though I am much more rich than this host, I don't plan to bring my garden above so many houses.

                         There, I suddenly tried to enjoy the smell of the wet earth. The apples were hanging freely from its trees. Some benches exist on every corner. Based from what I can see, they were made out of mahogany.

                        I tried to look above. The stars are there. Shining brightly like some scattered jewels in the dark sky. I wanted to reach one tonight. Just like a wish to be granted. Maybe it's not yet the right time to formally talk with Akiane. Someday will work I guess. Just a wild guess. Not even sure of it.

                             Not that far from me, stood a white woman in an elegant and seductive black gown. She wore a white mask, which covers her entire face. Though she doesn't want to show her face, she shared her beautiful hair. Black hair fixed in a long fauxhawk style.

                          She's amazingly beautiful. I just wonder, what was her name?

                           I tried to talk to her but looks like she was alarmed by my intention. In other words, she left.

                          Well, I guess, wishes might be true. Really true.