Chapter 07: Library Of Thoughts
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“Here you go. Change,” Kiara barged into Cornelia’s room and threw clothes at Tiadora.

“Don’t’ want the whole world to know about you,” she continued.

Tiadora was lying down on Cornelia’s spare mattress that was filled with many colourful flowers. She vividly remembered the night before when Cornelia had brought into the room a mountain of spicy noodles.

“It’s alright. Tonight’s carbo-load night. Plus, we’re sharing it. I don’t really gobble everything up unlike that brother of mine. Oh and by the way, he wishes you good night,” Cornelia said.

Tiadora just smiled gratefully and shared the mountain meal with her before lights out.

“Where’s Cornelia?” Tiadora asked Kiara as she scanned the athlete’s room.

“She has training so she won’t be coming to the library with us,” Kiara managed to say.

“Thank You,” Tiadora took the clothes that fell onto her lap.

“Look. We kind of started of on the wrong foot because I thought you were actually Sally. So I’m sorry. Friends?” Kiara held out her hand as a jesture.

Puzzled, Tiadora just stared at the outstretched hand infront of her. Realizing Tiadora’s confusion, Kiara lifted Tiadora’s right hand, place it on her’s and shake it.

“You do this,” Kiara pointed to the moving hands,” whenever you meet new people. C’mon, get change. I’ll help.”

Reluctantly, Tiadora was forced to bathe differently in the specialized toilets. It felt weird but soon got used to it. She changed into a cobalt blue shirt with slim black jeans which she felt very uncomfortable in since she would look like a boy. Fortunately, Kiara managed to calm her down by saying that now boys wear like girls and girls wear like boys. Soon, they made way to the usual vending machine.




Jason was lying down on top on the vending machine, feeling bored. He didn’t want to disturb David, who was reading a book called “A Book Of Secrets”. Jason should know not to mess with David when he’s reading his books of darkness. Jason didn’t want to risk being on the wrong side of David. David flipped to the next page. Last page of Chapter 8. He felt more than relieved that he got Jason to shut up. The silence was all that he needed. Strands of hair started falling in front of his green olive eyes. It irritated him so much but he wasn’t going to complain. Coincidentally, at the very last word of the chapter, he heard Kiara’s high pitch voice. Sometimes he wondered why Kiara never joined Choir.

“Ooi, sleepyhead! Lets go!” Kiara pushed Jason off the vending machine.

With that, they walked side by side on their way to the nearest library. Tiadora learnt that students now had to take extra special activities after school lessons. Jason promised Tiadora to show her his super move in soccer. Also, Kiara showed off the wonders of her Blueberry hand phone. Tiadora was fascinated by how so many things could fit into a slim metallic item. Tiadora too described the festive events events that took place in Anastasia and the worthwhile learning experience of magic.

Upon reaching the library, the gang split up into 2 groups. Kiara and David were to find in the internet about the 16th Century or Anastasia while Tiadora and Jason searched through books.

“The library in my palace is so much bigger. And dustier,” Tiadora spread a finger across the clean smooth wood shelve.

“Like my room?” Jason said, making Tiadora laughed.

“Your laugh is so different from Sally even though she’s your descendant,” Jason continued, trying to make conversation.

“How does she laugh?”

“Something like Kiara’s but more glass-breaking.”

Tiadora smiled while scanning across history books. Most of them were on the events of World War 1 or World War 2. Soon, they grew tired and Jason sat down on the floor.

“Isn’t the floor dirty?” Tiadora asked.

“In the 21st century, nobody cares if it’s dirty as long as you don’t see it,” Jason confirmed.

Tiadora sat believe him sighing. There was absolutely nothing about her kingdom at all. She felt that these past few days have been a total waste of time. What might be happening at Anastasia right now?

“What’s your life like?” Jason broke the silence.

“Pardon?”

“I mean. You just talked about your kingdom when we were walking here. You never said anything about yourself. And that’s what I wanna know,” Jason explain.

Reluctantly, she said, “My life has been like any other princess before me. Well, until I turn fourteen. It’s when I found out I was a guardian.” Jason drew closer to hear.

As she continued, “Adapting to the powers and challenges were a burden on my shoulders at the beginning. Eventually, it became easier. Me and the other guardians fend off many enemies from the outer kingdoms. After a while, my father, the King grew quite fond of Sir Lancelot, the guardian of Fire and engaged me with him. Too bad, I never liked him in the first place. He was very proud and arrogant. Enjoyed boasting with his swords skills to others.”

“You got engaged to a loser? What a pity,” Jason meant it.

“The rest of the team was okay, I guess. I miss them already,” Tiadora hugged her knees.

Silence filled the air for a moment. Then Jason reached for his pocket jeans to take out a small box.

“Happy Belated Birthday!!!” Jason handed her the box with a smile.

“Thank You!” Tiadora smiled gratefully as she unwrapped the box and opened the cover.

There on the soft cushion laid a friendship band made of colourful strings and beads. It bewildered her as the design was exquisite.

“It’s a friendship band I made. Only for my friends. Here let me help you put it on,” Jason offered as he tied the two ends together on Tiadora’s wrist.

It fitted perfectly.

“Don’t take it off. If you do, it means you’re not my friend,” Jason joked.

“I promise. Hick!” Tiadora sounded.

Hick! Hick!

“Looks like somebody needs a glass of water. Here drink mine,” Jason passed her his Adidas bottle from his bag.

She gently sipped. For a while there wasn’t anything. Then, Hick!

“What is ...Hick!. happening?” Tiadora asked desperately.

“You’re having hiccups. Everyone has them. Unless…” Jason stared, not believing the facts.

“You’ve never hiccupped before? Weird? Must be that yesterday’s spaghetti. You want to get rid of it,” Jason eyed her.

She nodded furiously. So Jason tried ways like standing on your head but Tiadora thought that it was insane. Next, he tried to scare her but failed on the first try because the librarian found Tiadora’s scream a little too loud. Finally, he thought of a brilliant plan but chose not to tell Tiadora.

“Okay. It’s clearly experimental but it might work. You up for it?”

“Yes. Hick!”

“Remember it’s experimental.” Jason grabbed her shoulders.

“Just do it..Hick!..I can’t stand..Hick!..the feeli..”

Tiadora didn’t get to finish what she wanted to say because Jason had pressed his lips onto her’s.

Five seconds later, he let go. He was shocked he did it. She was shocked he did it. His hands were still on her, unable to release because of the sudden incident. Both eyes widened with surprise. Tiadora hesitated and waited.

“My hiccup? It’s gone?” Tiadora discovered, “You just kissed me..”

“HEY!” Kiara yelled from the end of the corridor, not too loud for the librarian to hear, “I found something!"