“Now son, I know you haven’t been here for a long time, but it’ll feel like home in no time.”


Too bad I don’t remember what home feels like, Liam thought. He had just arrived at Kade after 7 years of boarding school in Phinaehas.


Liam was sitting with his father, Sir Benjamin Vhesdrin, in a spacious luxury carriage. It had stopped outside a large, colourful garden, with flowers all in bloom. Beyond this sight, there appeared to be an extravagant palace, towering over the rest of the overpopulated town.


Liam turned to see his father giving him an annoyed look. “Please. I don’t have all day.” Sir Vhesdrin mumbled.


Liam let out a sigh as he opened the carriage door and got out. He waited for his father to lead the way. As they walked through the garden, Liam started to recall memories of which he had tried to forget. Images of his childhood flashed in front of his eyes. Some were blurry, but others were crystal clear. Liam remembered the adventures and games through the mazes in the garden. In the back of his memory, something he tried to forget was surfacing - a tall adolescent girl with rich, black Asian hair, and creamy white skin. Thinking about her made him feel uneasy. Why is father doing this to me? What am i supposed to do when i see her?


After walking through the garden, they passed by an elegant fountain, the flowing water glistening in the sun. Finally reaching the mansion, Sir Vhesdrin led Liam through the guards at the front door, and into the main foyer. The inside was just as Liam had remembered it. The floor was covered in white marble, and each side of the hall was lined with extraordinary pillars that were almost 3 storeys high. They walked until they reached the room at the very end, and were let in by a butler.


The inside looked like a small library. Books were lined up against the walls. Liam didn’t remember ever exploring this room. At the end of the room were two large couches, a desk and a chair. Liam looked around the room and noticed a small fireplace against the left wall. It seemed like a pretty cozy office. As he was examining the environment, his mind wandered off to the memories of the girl again. He had made her cry, which made him cry.


“Well, well. If it isn’t my old partner in crime. How are ya doin’, Ben?” a low voice boomed.


Sir Vhesdrin grinned and walked up to him. The two embraced like any old friends would. “Arion Klaes. It certainly has been a while, hasn’t it?” He turned to Liam. “Have you forgotten your manners? Say hello to your god father.”


Liam, although startled to have his train of thought interrupted, turned to Arion. “He-Hello Uncle Arion.” He regained his breath. “How do you do?” Liam bowed his head slightly.


“Liam, my boy. Is that really you?” Arion took a few seconds to examine him up and down. “My little god son has become a man!” He walked over and placed his hands on Liam’s shoulders, giving them a quick squeeze. Arion looked at Liam’s face closely, which caused a hint of red on Liam’s face. “So handsome too!” Then he let go and turned back to Sir Vhesdrin. “What brings you here, Ben?”


Sir Vhesdrin chuckled. “You know why I’m here. My son needs to further his studies, and you know there’s no better place than your institute.”


“What, you want me to teach him? You’ve told me how well he’s coming along. What if he plays better than me? I’ll be joke!” Arion teased.


“Ah, not the piano. I did mention he’s advanced a great deal, haven’t I?” He chuckles. “A father’s got a lot to be proud of…”


Liam, now sitting on the couch, wasn’t really embarrassed about the topic, which was himself. He was kind of used to it by now. His father never stopped bragging. Liam didn’t think so highly of himself though. Of course, he wouldn’t say that he was of average talent. But his ego wasn’t that big. Liam sat back and listened to the rest of the conversation.


“…no, it’s not the piano. It’s the cello.” Sir Vhesdrin explained.


“Ah, the cello.”


“And the theory.”


“And the theory.”


You know how much more well off musicians are these days if they know a couple more instruments. I’ve got to say, I’m glad that you taught him when he was younger. At least he doesn’t have to start from scratch. But Liam’s cello-playing still needs a special touch, and you are, no doubt, the master.


Hey, my playing isn’t bad at all, Liam thought.


“Ah, well old friend. I’m on the verge of retiring. You know that right?”


“Arion! I know you can’t deny talent when you see it! Liam’s playing isn’t impossible! He just needs some guidance.” Sir Vhesdrin’s voice starts to rise. “As your oldest, dearest, most valued friend in the world… well you do this for me or not?” he demands.


Arion took a seat next to Liam. “Well, my boy. What do you think? Do you want this or is this just your father’s doing?”


Liam looked up at his father, who looked back at him expectantly. Liam quickly nodded a few times, and said, “Yes, uncle. I do wish for it.” I wish it could happen far, far, away from this house and from a certain someone.


Arion chuckled. Sir Vhesdrin looked at him inquisitively. “Well Arion, will you please? I’m placing him in your hands.”


Arion replied, “My friend, whatever you ask, I’ll always do. We’re sworn brothers, aren’t we? I was just joking abour retiring, you silly old fool.”


Sir Vhesdrin sighed, relieved. “One day I might just have to murder you!” The two old friends laughed.


At that moment, a young lady, with her tousled hair flowing behind her, ran to Arion and jumped on his lap. “Papa, you didn’t tell me that Liam’s back!”


Liam, who had been lost in thought and was interrupted yet again by his name, looked up to see a beautiful girl with the same pitch black hair and skin as the girl in his memories. She looked about 17 or 18. She had a long shirt that hung off of her frame nicely, and… no pants? She was looking straight at him. She’s gorgeous. But it can’t be…Ira? What do I say? I can’t speak to Ira… I…I…
“…I’m Monique! Remember?” She had watched Liam’s face change from awe to confusion to horror to blank.


Monique? Liam was confused. Oh, Monique, the younger sister. How could he forget? They had all grown up together.


Monique got up to give Liam, who was still sitting on the couch, a hug, one that lasted maybe a bit too long. She gave him a cute smile as she returned to her father’s lap, but somehow the smile could look wicked too.


Arion said to Monique, “dear, I think you should show him around the building. He’s probably forgotten everything. Refresh his memory, will you?”


Monique gave her father a quick hug before she took Liam by the hand and led him out.