Enchantment Under Astral Skies

EVANDER PERCY

Something was not right about the newbie. No way she would call me 'Evander Percy' just to joke around about having stupid connections. I was lost in thoughts.

"Is something bothering you?" Mr. Baker asked me as he saw me staring at the empty sky for so long.

"No, I was thinking about this new tune, that I produced, wanna hear?"

"Absolutely," Mr. Baker said enthusiastically. He always loved and enjoyed the music played by me. I took my guitar and started playing the new tune I made. He listened patiently till the end of the song. "Wonderful" his face was all proud. I never write lyrics to my tunes, it was mostly Nana or Lala. I tried writing sometimes, but I was always stuck with words. 

Mr. Baker was that one soul who believed in whatever I did and supported me. I always was grateful for what he was doing for me and my sister.

"Now, come down for dinner, it's already late and you still haven't had your dinner."

"What about Dad, is he home yet?" I asked with a slight hope.

"Evan, have you ever seen your dad entering this palace before 11 pm?"

disappointment swept across my face. I can understand he is a workaholic, but shouldn't he spare a little time for his children?

"I am here for you and Ela okay? and I will always be there. Now come down and have your dinner!" Mr. Baker attempted to cheer me up and of course, he succeeded. Mr. Baker was a good human and he was no less than a father figure to us. But that one part of my heart ached for my father's love. "What about Ela? Did she eat?"

"Yes, she did, now stop enquiring me and come down. This would be the last time I am saying this if you shoot further questions then I may have to drag you down forcefully."

I gave Mr. Baker a warm hug and stormed out of my room.

It was morning popularly known as Ela's part of the day. She would put on some show every day. "Has anyone seen my dodo?" Ela was searching for her cat.

"Dodo must be somewhere around, you are already running late for school, pack your bags now." Mr. Baker said taking a sip of his black coffee.

"Baikie, you know I would have an awful day if I failed to kiss my cat goodbye." Ela had this weird superstition she believed in. Ela has called Mr. Baker Baikie since the day she started speaking.

Initially, Mr. Baker started working as my father's assistant but later my father appointed him as our nanny, seeing the bond we shared. But still, he never attempted to try as much as Mr. Baker did.

"Maybe, the poor cat was horrified by your morning act and hid himself in a safer place." I loved bullying my little sister.

"EVAN! This is why you don't have a girlfriend yet." she was all annoyed and I was all happy.

"I never wished to have one," I said to exasperate her even more.

"Now stop bickering, and leave" We were silenced by Mr. Baker's words. I packed my bags, patted Ela on her head and left the palace. Ela hates head patting.

I reached the bus stop and was waiting for my bus. That's when I saw an appalling sight. It was that weirdo. What is she doing in this area? If she is boarding the 8 AM bus, then she must live somewhere around. What if she saw me exiting the palace, maybe that's the reason she called me 'Evander Percy'? I hate to admit the fact that I was also an overthinker like everyone.