City of Starlight

Chapter 1 - Into Another World

Chapter 1- Into another world

(Aurelie's POV, New York)

5 years from the end of 'Forest of Fireflies'....

I dashed back home as soon as the bell signalling for the end of the school day rung. Given that it was a Friday and my parents would not come back until later in the evening, I had the whole afternoon to myself. Once I arrived back in the small apartment where I live with my parents, I threw down my schoolbag and rushed to the kitchen to preheat a bag of popcorn. If I were lucky, I'd be able to binge through two movies, and do my homework of course, before my parents are back. I liked having this freedom to do whatever I pleased. My parents were always nagging me to do this and to do that. Well, that's mainly mum. Dad is pretty laid back and quiet for most of the time.

Recently, I couldn't help but feel as if he's hiding something though. I don't know what it was, but his face would always be etched with stress or sadness. Sometimes a combination of both. Yet, it couldn't possibly be from his work. After all, how could it? He loves working with the horses up in the Bronx. It must be something else, but I couldn't imagine what was causing the strange mood that has gradually overtaken him. I've asked her mum if daddy was ok. Every time, the answer I receive is one I'd rather not hear. "He's fine. What makes you think he's not ok? Now, don't you have homework to do?"

I settled down with the freshly heated bag of popcorn and turned on the TV. I especially enjoyed those of the fantasy genre, no matter how much mum and dad seemed to hate those films. I couldn't understand why they tensed whenever I mention the word 'magic'. It's absolutely absurd considering that they don't believe in such things. However, I can't help but notice how anything fantastical or remotely fairytale-like makes them paranoid. I sometimes wished that she could have powers like the characters in her books or on the television. It would be so cool, to make things appear, to turn them into various objects.

The following couple of hours went by in a flash and soon, the credits were rolling for the second film. I got up and turned off the screen before looking over to the small clock sitting on the kitchen bench. 8:30pm. My parents should be back. Where were they? I reached for my phone and called both of them. Nobody answered. My heart started to race a little but I reluctantly pressed down the anxiety.

Then, I prodded to the pantry and scrimmaged around. Surely there would be a pack of 2 minute noodles sitting in there somewhere. A tiny corner of yellow packaging peeked out from the top shelf and I got out the pack in glee. Since mum isn't there to make dinner, I'll just have to settle for the unhealthy option. Halfway through my meal, I heard shuffles outside the apartment. Then, the familiar jingle of keys.

My parents burst into the door, startling her a little. "Oh good, I'm glad you've found something to eat. I'm so sorry. Your father and I were both caught up because of an accident down in the subway," mum said as she went over and peered into the bowl of noodles.

I shrugged, "It's ok. I called you both twice though." Then, I added with an eyeroll, "Did your phones lose battery again?"

Daddy laughed, "You know I'm bad with technology. I forgot to charge my phone overnight."

Silently I thought to myself, only the old say they're bad with technology. Dad's only like...38. It's not that bad.

"Aurelie, you could have ordered takeaway. You know those noodles aren't good for you," mum commented.

I shrugged and sat back down to finish the bowl. When I was done, I left the bowl in the sink and went into my room. I had to get started on that homework sooner or later...

.................

Midnight

I had woken up pretty early for basketball training in the morning so by 11pm I was already sound asleep. However, I was woken up by the voices in my parent's room next to mine. I rolled over and pulled my pillow closer in hopes to muffle out the sound. I realized that it wasn't going to help. What could they be arguing about at this hour anyway?