Raven

"Brrnnnnnnng," my alarm went off, jolting me awake from my dreamless slumber.

"Good morning, universe," I muttered, slowly opening my eyes to adjust to the light.

I said my prayers, went through my morning routine, and went downstairs for breakfast.

"Good morning, Miss," Mr. Jules "The butler," said as I descended the staircase.

"Good morning, sir." I returned the greeting with a friendly smile.

"Your Father has important business matters to attend to, so he left you an apology for not being able to join you for breakfast today." He continued.

"OK, thanks for relaying the message," I said as I sat down for breakfast.

My name is Raven Jordan, I'm a seventeen years old girl with jet-black hair which contrasts my pale skin.

I live with my Dad and our butler Mr. Jules whose daughter "Ashley" happens to be my favorite friend at the moment. We seldom meet but we chat on social media, she is quite chill and cool.

It's been like forever with my Dad because my parents are separated.

My mother is a well-known fashion designer. She rarely calls, but when she does, it is always lively.

I've been home-schooling for as long as I can remember, so my life isn't as exciting as you might expect.

My extracurricular activities include sparring and cooking classes.

I have a lot of social media friends, so I'm not missing out on much. I have a few friends here in Maydawn, including my next-door neighbors "Jake and Yvonne." They come around for holidays every now and then. It's always fun to have them around. When they're around, I get to hear about the legendary high school mysteries and juicy gossip, we play video games and, of course, go shopping together. I have many fond memories of them.

If anyone asks, I'm an ambivert but I'm pretty sure I lean more towards the introvert side or perhaps I got used to it because I have been spending most of my time indoors since heaven knows when. Thank goodness phones, televisions, video games, and food existed else I would have died of boredom. Yes, food, I'm a fit foodie. #Food is Life#

Today is a Friday, so there isn't much going on. After finishing my morning classes and taking a short break, I went down to the gym to warm up before my sparring session with Mr. Chi Fu, "my spar mentor."

After 40 minutes of the same routine, I was covered in beads of sweat.

"We'll do the exercise again and call it a day." Mr. Chi Fu gave the order.

"Tap out, tap out, I forfeit," I groaned, no longer able to bear the pain in my arms.

"That's all for now; you need to work on your pain tolerance more, it's very important. I'll see you next time, and have a nice day." Mr. Chi Fu said as he left me in the gym.

***l ***l ***l ***l

A few hours later

***l ***l ***l ***l

The doorbell rang, yanking me out of my virtual world.

I went down to greet my father with gusto.

"Welcome home, Dad," I said as I hugged him, took his suitcase, and headed to his study.

"I haven't been here in a long time," as I dropped his bag and wandered around for a while, I had this thought.

After a period of wondering, I decided to leave the study, but my gaze was drawn to something.

There's a small album hidden beneath a stack of books on the study desk.

I had no idea this existed, nor do I recall ever seeing it.

Picking it up, I flipped it open to reveal the first surprise for the evening.

I hastily closed the album and returned it as I heard the soft sound of the door opening.

"What's taking you so long, Raven?" My father inquired, peering at me.

"Nothing, Dad, I was just leaving." With a smile, I responded.

"All right, I didn't find you in your room so I decided to check you here, anyways you put on a cardigan and turn on the heater in your room it's raining outside," my father advised.

"All right, Dad," I said, walking out of the room, somewhat perplexed by what I had seen earlier.

I managed to set my thoughts aside and went to my room.

l**Dinner time**l

"Hmmm, everything smells so good.

We're having lasagna for dinner, but the sight of the glorious sauteed butternut squash and apple salad with cool whip on the table made my mouth water.

Cakes and cookies as well? That's strange. Unless there is a surprise or a celebration, there are usually no cakes and cookies for dinner.

What's the occasion?" I thought with a slight smile.

I pulled out of my thoughts and started helping myself. You don't get to see your favorite dishes and desserts every day so never miss out when you do.

"Hmm hmm," my father cleared his throat.

"Have some water." I subconsciously said as I continued munching my desert happily.

"Raven, We will be traveling out of the country in a few days." He said softly, observing me.

"What?" I was puzzled by the sudden decision.

"There's a catch. You just get your clothes and daily necessities packed, you'll be meeting your mom in a few days." He continued with a smile.

"Dad, are you for real?" I asked excitedly.

"Yes, we're traveling out of the country in three days so get ready and say your goodbyes" he continued.

"Are we staying together, Dad?" I inquired.

"Yes, I will show you around and stay with you for a few days, but I have a business meeting to attend, so your mother will come get you while I'm gone," he replied.

"Won't you at least meet Mom before you leave?" Without much thought, I asked.

"No more questions Raven, a young lady should be reserved and not talk too much," his crisp voice sounded as he ate.

"Yes, Dad," I replied with an awkward smile.

"Thank you, Dad." After dinner, I gave him a warm hug and skipped happily to my room.

***l ***l ***l ***l ***l

Raven

**l **l **l **l

The weather turned even colder after the heavy rain this evening. I looked out the window taking in the view over the town.

I am definitely going to miss maydawn town. I will miss the peaceful environment, my private tutors, and of course my extravagant room, the best comfort zone you can ever imagine. It's all for the best, finally taking a step forward from my boring routine life into an interesting one (I hope).

To top it all, I am finally going to meet my mum after all these years. Although I am nervous and uncertain, I can barely contain my excitement.

I have always wanted to meet my mom in person and do a lot of things with her. I try to avoid mentioning the topic of my parent's separation to my Dad, it makes him sad for some reasons I do not know. The last time I asked, I was a lot younger. He skillfully avoided my questions, and did a lot fun things with me till I totally forgot about it.

Later that evening, I was going to ask him to read me a bedtime story when I found him crying in his study. When I asked, he said something got in his eyes. Of course, I was young but I knew when someone was in tears. After that incident, I decided not to ask anymore. I would probably ask my mom when I meet her. I do not know what I was thinking about bringing up Mum like that. It still puzzles me how they relate happily when Mom calls and how Dad seems to not talk so much about her.

humph, there are a lot of things I do not know and it is not helping that I am a curious person.

I took a glance at the notebook and diary won my table and remembered that I was running low on supplies.

I made a note of the new items I needed and, of course, recorded my day in my diary.

I had a rather stiff dinner conversation with my father earlier but it had to be that way. What if I pressed on and he changed his mind? Adults undoubtedly have a variety of thoughts going through their heads and have their way of doing things.

This was the first different page in my diary because it contained an obvious sentence that puzzled me.

"Who is he?" I wondered, recalling the boy I saw earlier in the album.

I only got to see the first two pictures on the front page.

A picture of my parents and "little me" with a little boy that looked my age and a picture of the little boy and I making a sand castle.

The odd thing about this is how the little boy seems as familiar and unfamiliar as he looked.

Maybe he is a childhood friend or a family friend????

"Maybe asking my Dad would unravel this knot." I thought but rejected the idea immediately.

I would have known about that album if he wanted me to know about it. I have a feeling he is keeping it a secret.

I do not remember this ever happening and nothing is coming to me no matter how hard I try.

My thoughts were going on and on till I got a slight headache from thinking and overthinking, I guess.

Okay, that is it for today. I am exhausted and I need all the rest I can get because tomorrow is going to be a long day.

I switched off the light and dimmed the lamp stand close to my bed. I thought of a few things, said my prayers, and drifted off into my dreamland.