Scattered Souls

Chapter 2 - Enchanted Tune

I sat on my bed with the note clutched in my hand, the musical box right beside me, for what must have been ages. Still trying to make sense of what all of this meant.

"Sweetheart, your favorite breakfast is ready" mom's voice beamed as she knocked on my door, snapping me back into reality. "I'll be down in a minute, I assured her."

As I sat at the table(after being wished and receiving my birthday presents) wolfing down my favorite dark chocolate chip pancakes, the riddle in the note was still playing on my mind.

"Is everything alright?" I was surprised when dad asked, as he was usually less observant than mom.

After a minute of internally contemplating whether I should tell him about the gift or not, I concluded it was worth a shot. After all, he would know his mom better than anyone. Perhaps there was something I missed.

"I received a mysterious gift this morning. A beautiful gold teapot. A music box, from Gran. Do you know anything about that?" it's like I couldn't contain the information any longer, I had to get it all out.

"Ahh yes, the family heirloom." Dad said proudly. "Your grandma's most prized possession. She would barely let me near that thing when I was growing up." He continued. "Apparently, every firstborn female grandchild in each generation is supposed to inherit it upon turning eighteen."

"Is that all?" I wondered out loud, my interest was seriously piqued.

"That's all I've heard. I never bothered much about it since it wouldn't affect me." Dad admitted.

"There was also a really strange note. A riddle. I have no idea what it means."

"We'll be happy to take a look, honey." mom chimed in.

After studying the note for a good few minutes. Both mom and dad looked just as perplexed as I was.

"I honestly don't know what that could mean" my dad, who was a master when it came to riddles, looked defeated.

"Maybe the words in the note are also passed down, similarly to the gift" mom offered some of her insight. "The words don't seem particularly relevant to the gift itself.

" True. I mean it is a possibility. " I said. "At least I'm now the proud owner of such an exquisite piece."  I beamed, trying to make light of the situation. I really didn't need them worrying any more than they already do.

I placed the teapot on my dresser and decided to get ready for my shopping and lunch date with my bestie, Alexa. Some retail therapy seemed like the perfect distraction.

Alexa, was the perfect person to go shopping with, her sense of style was impeccable. It probably had a lot to do with her supermodel gorgeous looks, she had long, fiery red hair and barbie doll blue eyes that contrasted in the most beautiful way possible. My shoulder length black hair(I have mom and dad's genes to thank for that), with streaks of blue and my hazle eyes paled in comparison.

We ended up getting matching blue T shirt dresses and I got a pair of black thigh high denim boots. Birthday shopping was a tradition for us.

By the time I got home, I was exhausted and ready to pass out. I literally plopped on my bed, face down, arms and legs sprawled out.

The eerie tune of 'Strange Enchantment' shocked my senses just as I was drifting off, sending goosebumps up my skin. I jolted up and scanned my room as soon as my eyes opened.

I was beside myself when I realized it was the music box. Wide open, illuminated by a golden hue and this horrid tune blaring out of it.

I approached it, attempting to be braver than I felt on the inside. As I reached out in an attempt to close it, I felt some kind of strange power surge through me before I was engulfed by darkness.