CHAPTER 1: AMARA

I am isolating myself inside my room, reading my favorite book. This past few day is draining, feels like a never-ending scenario. It was terrible... really terrible, I failed two of my major exams and it cause ruckus inside our home

Mom would kick me out of the house if it weren't because of Dad.

She doesn't know the art of adolescent. Tsk

Talks about being old….

I opened the next page, chapter nine. "As the princess sheds a tear for her beloved as it summon the dragon, conquering the world. He, who are willing to die for the one his heart chosen, start a war to claimed her as his"

Taming the beast, a story of a man who was blessed to have the power to control the untameable dragon. He fell into a deep love that was not granted. As he wasn't noble but a commoner. Society is indeed terrifying.

This was a book lent by my younger sister. She was worried I'd die from boredom, after being grounded in my whole vacation days. I do understand why the rating is high, indeed worth of time.

I love reading, I find magic mesmerizing. With the taint of undying love and a little bit of dramas.

"KNOCK! KNOCK!"

"Dinner's ready"

Finally, I am allowed to roam around the house unlike those who are lock in their room. Although, I was prohibited to touch even a single of an electronic gadget. Since it is summer vacation, a trip with a friend in a beach. Watching shore, where children play. Or relaxing with the sounds of waves.

It was perfect…

Something I'll never experience in this year's vacation.

*Mentally screaming

"Your sad face won't lift your punishment so fixed it now" I look at where that strict voice came, it was Mom. Our gazed met but look away immediately, hiding my pouting lips.

"You don't love me anymore" I whispered. But it didn't slip in her ears. She pinched me on my side upon hearing it. It stings, I look at her teary eyed, trying to win her over. But it's impossible as she glared at me.

We walked together at the dining table where Dad, Anna, and Brother Alex were sitting. After I sat down on my chair, I look straight Infront, only to meet a fuming glare from my mother.

I immediately dodge, afraid of adding fuel fo the fire…

I can feel a bullet sweat on my forehead rushing down my neck, despite the aircon. She was indeed scary, but that makes her different from the other. She can be sweet enough to melt you, or controlled you.

"Come on, sweetie. Our princess won't be able to eat properly if you wouldn't calm yourself" Dad trying to soothe mom's.

Go! Daddy!

"Stop, spoiling them" My mom said.

A conversation started by how our days at school, to our friends, to our home. Trying to have an open forum every single day. They made sure, that their children trust and comfortable enough to talk with them, avoiding a mental torture. As the number of children being suppressed by their family are increasing.

I was always open in admitting, this is the perfect family one's would wish to have.

I really love this Family…

As our family talks comes to its end, we bid goodnight to each other. I start walking up to the stairs, heading back to my room. I entered the bathroom and cleaned my self in a warm water and then change into my panjamas.

I threw myself in the bed and wrapped my body with my comforter. The cold breeze from the air conditioning with the silence enveloping the whole room. My eyes started to get heavy. I didn't fight back and let me drown back to my dream.

I was shocked when I opened my eyes.

The first thing I saw is a greenery field glittered beneath the scorching sun. It's wide, clean, and beautiful. The air is swirling around carrying this fresh scent. The trees are dancing in the wind's rhythm.

I was holding a hand, when I look at my side to see who it is. Instead of the person's face, I saw a church behind our back.

"Let's go, Aurea" the voice from my side said.

Huh?

I look around and I was in my….

room?

Was that a dream?

I stayed in my bed, resting my back to the headboard. Trying to delve down my very core. But I can no longer remember, that was weird. It was rare for me to forget about dreams, I was once tried to master lucid dreaming.

I shrugged my shoulder, as I shoved it a side. I got up and go straight in the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and took a bath.

When I go down, I saw Dad and Brother Alex watching a football game. While Anna is in the kitchen helping Mom. I sat at the table and watch their back.

For some reason, that dreams feel so real, like it was my reality. But is that even possible?

Nah, you're crazy, Aurea.

Huh? who is Aurea?

"Amara?"

Who the heck is Aurea? Is it a name from my favorite movie? or it is a name in the novel I'm reading?

"Amara"

I don't think so…

So, who is Aur—

PAK!

Ouch! What a heavy hand. When I look up, I see mom's raging eyes. My face turn pale and my sweat starting to rush down my neck. I swallowed hard as a flash of memory from my past punishment suddenly occur in my head.

"M-m-mommy hehe" I closed my eyes when she raised her hands again.

But, instead of hurting me I felt her hand on my forehead, checking my temperature. When I opened my eyes, her face is full of worries. She even looks at my eyes intently, trying to read between the lines.

"Are you sick, honey? What's happening? Are you in pain" I smiled, and act like in pain.

"Mommy, I'm in pain. I need you supeerrr hugggg" I said in a very dramatic voice. I heard her sigh and hug me tightly. She was caressing my hair, after that she gives me forehead kiss.

I smiled at her…

Why would I think about someone else anyway. Maybe, it's better to forget about that. She looks at me full of concern.

"Come on, Mom. Your princess is strong and healthy" I said.

"Okay, but if you're feeling even a little bit of sick. You have to tell me, immediately" she said.

I smiled at her. She walks back to the living room to call Dad and brother. I watch her leave when someone let out a fake cough. I look at her, she was sitting Infront of me. I look at her confused

"Do you have any problem? Is the book I recommend you didn't ease your boredom" I laugh with how suspicious she looks. I crossed my arm and close my eyes, acts like thinking.

When I opened one of eyes, I see her patiently waiting.

What a cutie….

It makes me want to tease her even more….

"Well, kinda" I said and look at her with serious expression. She looks shocked "Why? everyone likes that book" She was in deep thought. I can't stop myself from bursting.

Anna is a total bookworm; she is the opposite of me.

Her face is slowly turning from confused to annoyed. I immediately cover my mouth but it's too late, she threw the rag near her, and I failed to dodge so it ended up on my face.

Yuck! Mom uses it to clean the counter earlier. I sent a death glared at her and was about to throw it back, but someone stop me. Brother Alex took the rag and put it back at the counter.

"Both of you clean your hands." He said in a strict voice.

We followed him and while standing next to each other, behind Alex, our eyes meet. We burst out laughing. When the three of us turn our back. Mom and Dad is smiling.

We started eating.

What should I do after breakfast? Well, it's not like I have lots of option. I will finish the 'Taming the Beast' before Anna start sulking and after maybe a little bit of sleeping and then definitely not studying.

Some stood up with the 'girls should be smarter and more focus on studying than boys' but I hardly believe that. Just imagined those genius like Einsteins, they were men. In my own perspective, as long as you have awareness of what's education role in one's lives, it's enough.

Prioritize but balanced.

*Mentally nodding

"What do you think about picnic this Sunday" Mom asked.

My eyes twinkle as I look at Mom. She laughs with our reaction.

"Then, it's a picnic"

After our lunch, I hurriedly run towards my room. I took the book and sat on my bed, resting my back at the headboard. I opened the page where I left my bookmark,

A line caught my attention.

"They sought the love that bound to end. As light and darkness are not made to be together. One will rise above the sky while the other fall into the abyss"

Love, huh…

How about me? when will I ever feel love? I am nineteen and I've never been in a intimate relationship. It is a flex, not everyone is like me. Yes, that's right I am pure and innocent.

*Mentally crying

[want to experience it but never had the chance]

In the end, I was able to finish the book. Anna would be glad, she lends me her books because she wants someone, she can talk about it, someone who can relate. I don't mind, as it serves me an enjoyable moment.

I finish reading earlier than expected. I will take a nap first. I lie down and took the remote to increase the cold temperature of my room, for better sleep. I wrapped myself in my comforter and run after the dream world.

"Aurea"

huh? I opened my eyes and wait…

Where am I?

"Aurea let's go a visitor arrived" I can't see her face clearly. But her voice sound like a girl. We walked outside holding each others hand. There's a lot of people here. We stood at the back.

Is this the same dream again?

"Aurea? are you not excited to meet people?" She asked with a concern tone. I just smiled and nodded.

"Should we escape then?" Her voice is now full of excitement, thrilled to what will happened. We walked slowly not letting other people noticed. Until we reach the back door, we run outside.

As my eyes adjusted to the light. The view of a beautiful greenery field and the smell of the fresh air makes me realized.

Yes, it is indeed the same dream.

I was holding her hand, when I look at my side to see who it is. Instead of the face, I saw a church behind are back.

"Let's go, Aurea" A girl's voice said.

"Amara" a loud knock wakes me up, shattering my curiosity of that dreams. As expected, the moment my eyes are wide open. The dreams were unreachable, indescribable. I lean on my headboard and let out a deep breath. This is the first time I dream about the same thing.

The door opened and revealing Anna's excited face. I smiled at her and gestured to make her go near my bed. She hops in and sit beside me.

"Are you okay? you're sweating a lot" I lean my head on her shoulder, comforting.I stayed like that for about ten minutes. It's just a dream why do I feel so worked up?

"I'm going to wash my face" She nodded, and I head straight to the bathroom. I usually don't fret about dreams, but this one leaves a lingering feeling.

It's hard to explain.

I go out and found Anna holding the book. I smiled as I walk towards her.

"I just finish the book. The beast tamer fell in love with the princess and start the war to get his beloved" I sit in the side of the bed facing her. I tuck some of her hair at the back of her ears.

"I really enjoyed the story, it's intriguing how the supposed MC turns out to be a villain, willingly destroyed himself to attained what he desired the most"

She looks at me with amusement…

"You really read it" I chuckle and nod to answer her question.

"Then do you think such love do exist?"

I looked at her waiting for my opinion. Anna has always been the baby of our family. I want to protect her and her happiness till the day that I die.

Looking at how curious her face is, makes me want to pinch her cheeks.

A cutiee~

"Yes, I could destroy this world just for you" I said playfully, she slightly hit my shoulder, and we laugh together.

"Frankly, I believe that love has its own definition depending on to people. Remember love is the most powerful weapon one's can wield" I look at her eyes, glimmering in excitements for my next words.

I hug her tight and pinch her cheeks after. She frowned due to my action. She doesn't like to be treated like a kid.

"Why don't you go back to your room, think about the finest thing someone could ever desire. Something that will make him do whatever it takes to have it. Reflect, whether such action can be definable as love"

Anna is a twelve-year-old kid. She acts matured most of the time. So, in times like this makes me realized that she is still a kid. The moment her presence is no longer here. I was drowned back to my curiosity.

That beautiful place,

I want to see it again….

The face of the girl and her name.

The place and even the people, I want to see it clearly. Thirst to find out the next thing to happened, made me want to go back in my bed and started dreaming. This won't do,

Let's focus on the Sunday picnic, instead.

*Nodding

What food Mom will prepare? What is the place this time? thinking about it makes me drool. A view with a delicious food.

I hope Sunday will arrived fast…