The Witches World in the Ocean

By elijah edwin

The Witches World in the Ocean is an invisible world bigger and hidden beneath the Pacific Ocean. It has not been discovered by man or science because it's in the preternatural realm. It's only known by it's residents and invited humans.
When the protagonist of the unearthly story, Matea and her best friend, Jadranka, are invited by their new schoolmate and friend to join the Witches World in the Ocean, they are baffled with the fact that no one actually cajoles them to join but are allowed to join the ethereal world on their own volition. Yet, the rulers of the Witches World in the Ocean are executing a vision of populating their world with human beings who are still alive on earth!
Matea fervently loves her boyfriend, Erinka, that she decides to invite him to the unseen world.

The Witches World in the Ocean starts after the fall of Lucifer and his followers who joined him in the rebellion against God in heaven. Eleven of Lucifer's generals later rises against Lucifer and creates the Witches World in the Ocean they plan to govern and control. Their mission was to lure humans into their exotic and enchanting world, making such souls invisible and powerful like the spirits. When such people die, their souls belong to the Witches World in the Ocean. Matea later finds out that some people's souls reincarnate while others couldn't; destinies differ.
But a written prophesy foretells the nearness of the last days of the Witches World in the Ocean!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
• Release date: Jan 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201796747

Book preview

Evincepub Publishing

Parijat Extension, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh 495001 First Published by Evincepub Publishing 2021 Copyright © Elijah Edwin 2021

All Rights Reserved.

ISBN: 978-93-5446-326-6

This book has been published with all reasonable efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. No part of this book shall be used, reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. The Author of this book is solely responsible and liable for its content including but not limited to the views, representations, descriptions, statements, information, opinions and references [Content]. The Content of this book shall not constitute or be construed or deemed to reflect the opinion or expression of the Publisher or Editor. Neither the Publisher nor Editor endorse or approve the Content of this book or guarantee the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the Content published herein and do not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose

The witches

world In the Ocean

Elijah Edwin

Dedication

To the marvelous Ocean, Queen of Aqua, Morning star. Matea Ceranic.

Acknowledgment

My sisters,  Ijeoma Okoro and Millicent Okoro. Special thanks to Emeka Chris Onuora

CONTENTS

First Life:  Initiation

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five.............................................67

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Second Life:  Reincarnation

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Third Life:  Back to the Coven

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

The Witches World In the Ocean

First life

Initiation

First Life:   Initiation.

Second Life:  Reincarnation.

Third Life:  Back to the Coven

There are secret things that can never be disclosed or understood totally and were meant to remain secrets forever.

– Elijah Edwin

CHAPTER ONE

First Life

Mum! Mum! Matea screamed, but her laboured squeal came out like a hushed whisper in her room. Sprawling on a spacious three-foot-high bed, she shook and wriggled her whole body as though she were in a heavy labour. The room was inky black, her spangled pyjamas that gleamed like diamonds was the only thing she could discern in her room. Her father bought her the pyjamas while on his way back from Germany three months before the dreadful night. Of all the gifts her father bought, it was the only gift she cherished most. Maybe, it was because of its alluring design.

Mum! Mum! Dad! Mum! She continued in a shrill voice. Mum! This time, she yelled.

Matea’s mother, Katarina, jostled from sleep with certainty that she overheard her daughter’s voice. She nudged Duje, Matea’s dad as he snores fiercely. She knew that waking him up would take long, so she decided to find out why Matea was screaming. She dashed into Matea’s room and tried switching on the light. Raising her hands towards the power switch fitted on the wall, she remembered that the two light bulbs in the room had blown up in one night. Katarina had wondered why it happened. She and her husband had come back late from work the following day else she would have replaced the bulbs. She had to do so the next day. With the help of Matea’s glittering pyjamas, she peeped in the dark room and saw her sitting on the bed. Katarina dashed forward and held her.

Baby, what happened? She asked as Matea clung strongly to her. She switched on a desk lamp near the bed that Matea had been using since the lights went off.

I saw it again.

What? Katarina asked. You mean you saw it again?

Yes. Matea moaned like a baby.

Any evil spirit showing itself to my daughter I rebuke you in Jesus name!

Matea closed her eyes and answered, Amen, with a teary tone, clinging tight on her mother’s body, praying. Minutes later, a hush of silence descended on the room as Matea fell asleep again. And half an hour later, the piercing shrill of Matea’s scream startled Katarina out of her bed. What? What? What again? Katarina asked with a voice laced with fear.

I saw somebody standing right here. Matea pointed at the door. Right now!

I thought you were sleeping. How did you...

It was as soon as I opened my eyes that I saw it.

Katarina was too scared to pray for the second time that early morning. How can someone appear to her after she just finished praying? Katarina wondered. Does it mean that my prayer was not effective? Maybe if I pray again the person may still appear to her. Don’t worry. Tomorrow, we will definitely meet our pastor. This is too much. I will sleep right here with you, Katarina said as she lay down beside Matea.

Terrified, Katarina quickly searched the room with her eyes, casting covert glances at every corner of the room in fear. She was more scared than her daughter. This is Croatian country, and a lot had happened in the past weeks. One week ago, their neighbours living opposite their house died in their sleep. The horror of an entire family, two kids and their parents, wiped out in one night filled her with awe. Detectives have been milling around the neighbourhood trying to unravel the cause of death. Maybe what killed them has come to kill me and my family, Katarina shivered at her own thought. She glanced at the two light bulbs in the room and knew she must fix them the next day. Life first, she muttered. And family first. She clung to Matea’s body tightly.  

Stiff with fear, Matea was baffled at how tightly her mother clung to her. Maybe she’s afraid too, she thought before falling asleep again.

At seven in the morning, Matea woke from sleep. Shafts of blinding morning rays caressed her eyes as she rolled out of bed. She quickly slid the brown curtain close and dragged herself out of the room.

Katarina was coming out of the kitchen when she saw her. Are you awake?

Yeah, how about Dad?

He has gone to work.

So early?

Yeah, the mayor is visiting their company today, so Dad has to arrange some things in the company before the mayor arrives. She went back into the kitchen, picked up a cup, poured some hot water from the kettle to make coffee. Here, take, drink. Get ready for school. You’re almost late.

I thought we will see the pastor today?

I will see the pastor, not you. She gently fondled Matea’s hair. Listen, I don’t want you to miss school during this exam period, okay? She left Matea to her coffee.

Matea walked to the dining room and sat, sipping her coffee. Two minutes later, she scurried to prepare for school. Dressed in her crisp school uniform—white shirt, dark-pink skirt and a black tie, she returned to the dining room, where her mother had set out her breakfast. As she ate, her mum entered. Will you drive me to school today? Matea asked.

Baby, your school is not far from here, just five houses away. I don’t want to be late to see the pastor. Wait, let me get you money for lunch. She went to her room to fetch her small handbag. She looked on the bed, in the wardrobe and on the small table full of books. She finally found the bag on the ground, picked it up and took out some bank notes. But when Katarina came out of her bedroom, she was a bit startled that Matea was nowhere to be seen. She searched for her around the house, calling her name, but got no reply. She checked for her school bag. Not finding it, she figured out that Matea had left for school in fury, without saying goodbye or taking her lunch money. On the table was her unfinished breakfast. She didn’t worry much about her. She carried her leftover breakfast to the kitchen and made a hurried dart for the bathroom to shower. After she had dressed, she called White, their snow white cat, kneeled and petted her. Stay indoors. Don’t try leaving the house, okay? You know where to get your food, she instructed White as if she understands her language. After all, White knew she couldn’t go outside once everyone had left the house. She already knew where her food were always kept.

White was well trained by Matea’s grandfather. Katarina bought it for her father for his seventy-ninth birthday. When he was about to die, he gave White to Matea. Do you remember what your mum bought me for my seventy-ninth birthday? He had asked Matea in the hospital.

A cat.

When I’m dead, it’s yours. Always remember me with it.

No, Grandpa, you don’t have to say that. You ain’t gonna die.

Everyone is going to die one day. Even Jesus Christ died, so why won’t I? He laughed. Matea joined him but was not happy. White was big, agile, strong and quiet. Her fur was pure white, which informed the choice of her name. Matea loved White because she got her from her grandpa. The sight of the cat filled her with sweet memories of her late grandfather. Katarina shut every open door and window in the house, slid the curtains closed and left.

Jborbil High School was the first high school in Jborbil town. Founded at the dawn of the 20th century, it had graduated a lot of prominent people in Croatia.

Matea’s classroom was quiet. Most students were busy but silently reading their books because exam is barely few days away. There was a little drone of subdued whispering from some students. Matea wasn’t reading. She was pondering over the strange things she saw at night. Her pen fell off her hand as she got lost in thoughts. She bent down and picked it up. As she arose, she saw a girl in front of her. She shivered because she hadn’t noticed when the girl came that close. The girl was a new student in their school. Matea remembered it was the day the girl started school that she started seeing strange things at night.

Can you help me with your pen? The girl asked.

No, I’m not giving out my pen to a stranger. Ask someone else, she said discordantly. Matea turned to the other direction to encourage the girl to leave. When she turned back to the front, she couldn’t see the girl anymore. She was stunned. She hadn’t seen the girl come nor did she see her leave. Wide-eyed, she scanned the classroom to check if the girl sat somewhere else in the classroom, but she didn’t find her. Puzzled, Matea stood up and continued sweeping the classroom with her eyes to sight the mysterious girl.

Is that how you read?  A student who sat beside her asked.

Matea did not reply him; she kept searching for the girl. Five minutes later, the bell rang for lunch and everyone hurried out of the classroom. Matea left in search of her best friend, Jadranka. Jadranka had been her friend from childhood, always going to same school with her. Jadranka’s family was like family to Matea too.

Katarina sat in a chair, reading the Bible. Five men and a woman were sitting in front of her. Three women were sitting behind her. They were all waiting their turns to see the pastor. More people were still coming in. A huge, fair man in brown suit was directing them to their chairs. An hour later, it was Katarina’s turn.

How is your pretty daughter? Pastor Ivan asked.

She’s not fine.

Why? What happened? Remind me of her name.

Matea. I came here because of her.

Yeah, Matea. What happened?

She has been seeing strange things at night.

Things like what?

I don’t know if it’s a ghost, but I would say ghost. She said she sees ghosts every night.

Every night? Since when?

Three days now.

And it was the same ghost she saw in all?

No.

What did she see the first night?

A man.

The second night?

The same man. And the third night she saw the same man.

And what about the last time?

She told me she saw something but she didn’t tell me whether it was a man or a woman.

That means she didn’t see it so well.

Yeah.

How can you conclude she has been seeing ghosts? Does she see them in the physical or spiritual realm?

I don’t really get you. Could you repeat your words?

I mean does she see them in dreams? Or she sees them in the physical realm?

She sees them in the physical realm.

What! A dead long paused. This is serious! How could she see such beings in the physical realm? He paused again, relaxed back in his chair and gawked in blank space. Physical! What kind of evil spirit would ever come physically to torment her? Are you sure it was in the physical realm she sees those ghosts? Because I doubt it. Did she tell you she saw them in the physical? You didn’t see them, right? She just told you she saw something but you don’t know whether it is in the physical or spiritual realm, right?

Yes. But the person she saw last night left me speechless. She was pointing at the front of the door. I was there in the room when she saw it. I was quite scared. So, it wasn’t in a dream.

Wow! He exclaimed. Did you know whether she met a dead person when she was coming back from school or something else?

I don’t think so. Besides, how would I know if she did? She never mentioned such to me.

I asked because even if it’s the devil’s incarnate, she would be seeing it in dreams. Even if it’s a witch or a wizard, it can’t be seen physically. No evil spirit will manifest itself physically to its victim. Tormenting victims clandestinely is their mode of operation. But even if it’s any of these forces I mentioned right now, it means she has offended one of them. He paused and looked away. Evil... He huffed resentfully. Maybe, she offended a ghost, I guess. Maybe, she met a dead man while returning from school or maybe something strange happened in school. You should ask her what happened; whether she met someone strange while coming back from school or whether any strange thing happened to her at her school. She also needs to come here so that we will interview her on what she saw. I will like to know how the man she saw looks like.

I don’t really know. The first day she saw him I asked her to describe how he looks like but she couldn’t describe the man. She would always say the man has the same height with her dad.

This is so strange. Listen, you have to interview her seriously on how the man looks like. She has to tell you everything; from the first day she began to see all these things, Ok?

Ok, I will ask her.

Matea had told Jadranka she wanted to tell her something very important as she led her close to the entrance door of the school toilet.

Hold on first, Jadranka said. I want to tell you something too. Maybe, yours should wait. Listen, I’ve been seeing strange things lately.

What! Matea yelled out in shock. This is the same thing I was about telling her. What? You saw strange things like what?

Ghost, I would say, because to me, it’s quite complicated.

The last word she said seemed to trigger a speedy wind that blustered as though someone just walked passed them. Terrified, they stared around in horror. Matea realized the wind was coming from her back. She turned and saw the new girl as she walked passed them. They exchanged glances.

Did you remember her? Matea pointed. The new girl?

Jadranka looked. Yes.

She came three days ago. Did you remember what happened the first day she came?

Nope.

Think, think, think. Think of the first day we saw her in school. I guess that was her first day in school.

Jadranka remembered that they stood near the school board at the lunch period, eating pizza, when the new girl passed them, holding a bottle of water. She had tripped, falling in a pratfall and in the process splashing water on them.

What have you done? Matea had asked.

I’m really sorry, replied the new girl.

We ain’t gonna take sorry, Jadranka retorted. I want my uniform dry, right now! If you know what to do to have it dried, do it quick! And don’t forget to clean my shoes too.

I’m sorry mate.

Shut up! Matea snapped. Bitch, you ain’t going free with this.  Just make our uniform dry! Now! I don’t know how, but do it or... or....

The new girl left angrily.

Where did that idiot think she’s going? Jadranka tried to chase her but stopped.  If I see her after now, I will screw her to her early death! Look at my school uniform. She touched it and realized that it had dried up. She turned to Matea and saw that her uniform had also dried up, including the little brown stain she got from the toilet. The stain had gone completely too!

Matea felt her uniform. How come it dried up in a second? Even the brown stain I got from the toilet is gone too. Do you remember the stain I got from the toilet? I can’t see it anymore. Wow!

I know. That’s what I’m looking at. This is serious. There is something about that girl.

We need to find her.

Did you remember her now?

Yeah. Why? Do you remember we didn’t find her that day she splashed water on us?

Yeah.

Why?

Because I saw the same thing in the night.

Matea, you mean you see things at night like me?

Yes, she answered with a hushed voice.

Fear and lines of worry spread over Jadranka’s face. What do you use to see in the nights?

She glanced and lowered her voice. I see a man. And you, what do you always see?

A woman; I’ve been seeing a woman for three nights.

And this morning?

I barely saw the person's face.

Me too, I barely saw the person's face this morning. I’ve been seeing a man for the last three nights. She is the one doing this.

Who?

That new girl.

How did you know she is the one doing all this? I doubt if it’s her. You said you have been seeing a man. And on my part, I have been seeing a woman. Then how can she be doing all this?

You know it all started the day the incident happened. Have you forgotten what happened to our uniform that day? I twigged it’s her. She can do anything. Something is not normal about her.

Our clothes just dried up in a second. She might be the one doing these strange things to us.

Not that she might be the one. She is the one.

How’re you sure? There was a deep silence for a moment. Gosh!

What?

You are right. She is the one. She came to my class today and asked me to give her my pen. I didn’t see her come, neither did I see her leave!

We’re screwed! She came to me and asked for a pen too. The same thing happened. She vanished!

You saw her too? Do you know why she’s doing all this? I think it’s because we insulted her the day she splashed water on us. Or what do you think?

I think you’re right, Jadranka, but who is she that she is doing all this? What kind of power does she have? Is she some kind of a ghost or an alien? She paused. What should we do now?

This time we will watch her.

Watch her? How can we be watching an alien who has magical powers? I remembered the two light bulbs in my room blew up three days before I started seeing these strange things. Now, I’m pretty sure she was the one that blew them too.

What? My bulbs blew too. It is becoming so clear that this new girl is an agent of darkness.

What? I’m losing my mind! What do we do? Everything that happened to you happened to me too. This is a clear evidence she is responsible for all these.

I’m scared too. What baffles me most is that the two bulbs in my room blew off at the same time. I couldn’t see anything anymore. You know my room very well. Not just one bulb but the two bulbs blew off.

Have you fixed it?

My mum promised to fix it today, and yours?

My dad fixed...

Is anybody here? A female senior student shouted, interrupting their discussion.

One of the senior students is here. We better get out, Jadranka said and ran out with Matea.

School dismissed at 2:25 p.m. Matea and Jadranka set out for home. Soon Jadranka got to her house, which is not far from the school. She waved Matea goodbye and entered. Matea walked home introspectively. She had resolved to tell her mother everything that happened; how she met the new girl and had since then been seeing things.

An eighteen-year-old boy of Matea’s age was riding on a skate board along the street ecstatically. I’m not sorry, he told a boy he hit as he rode. Out of my way, loser, he shouted at a woman, then sprang up a small chair that obstructed him, from there he sighted Matea from a distance and increased his speed in order to catch up with her.

Hi, Matea, he touched her, stepped down from the skate and walked with her.

Erinka!

You left school without saying goodbye to me.

Oh, I searched for you but couldn’t find you.

We both know that you lied. Since we started dating you have never left school without saying goodbye. Is there any problem I may know, Matea?

I think you're right. But there is nothing wrong with me. I’m good.

Are you sure? If you’re passing through some hard stuff you can always tell me. I’m here for you always. Oh! I think I know why. Is it because Professor Ivor embarrassed you in front of everyone today?

No!

Then what?

A group of boys rode passed them on their skate boards.

Erinka you’re still here! One of the boys shouted.

I got to go since you don’t want to tell me what bothers you. Listen, we have a race right now in Vrhosol Mountain.

Won’t you go home?

Is a bet? He rode off.

Be careful! She called after him.

I am, always. Just then he hit a car in front of him. He turned and looked at Matea.

I told you, she said to him with a smug expression very visible on her face.

Ingloriously, he rode off swiftly. 

At her family’s well-appointed sitting room, Matea sat in a plush cushion reading her book. She was waiting for her mother to come back so that she would explain everything about the new student that joined them in Jborbil. Eventually, she slept off. Twenty minutes later, Katarina came back and found her sleeping. She didn’t care to wake her but Matea noticed her presence and woke up.

Welcome Mum!

Katrina walked closer to her, How was school today?

Fine. Did you see the pastor?

Yeah, that reminds me; he said that I should ask you something.

And what is that?

The day you started seeing things, did anything strange happened to you at school?

No, Mum.

Think well. Did you meet anybody strange when you were coming back from school? Did you fight anyone?

No, Mum.

You mean nothing strange happened to you at school? And...

No, why?

Just to know where all these things you have been seeing are coming from.

Matea trembled like a dried leaf for no known reason and came back to her senses. She wouldn’t believe her mum had already asked her questions. She wanted to reply ‘yes’ in all the questions but she didn’t know how and why she had been answering ‘no’. In the inside of her mind, she really wanted to tell her mother everything that happened between her and the new girl in school. Both women heard a siren wailing in front of their compound and they scurried out to the front door. Matea was surprised to see her dad with the police escort car. Maybe, he was arrested, she thought. But looking around the cars that were in the entourage, they were quite uncountable.

Come on, baby, Duje, Matea’s dad called at her. Come and hug me.

Matea still did not understand what was going on.

Your father has been appointed as the Minister of Works, he quipped and giggled with a self-satisfied smirk.

What! I can’t believe this! Katarina quickly rushed and hugged him including Matea.

And guess what baby? He enthused, looking happily at Matea.

What Dad?

He opened the car boot and brought a bag out. I bought you a gift. Guys, let’s go inside.

Matea, guess what is in this bag? She tried to touch it but her dad swung the bag away from her reach. Touching is forbidden, but guessing is allowed. Matea tried to guess. I can’t twig it Dad. Tell me Dad, she demanded.

I got you a skate board. He brought it out. This is so special. It was made with diamonds and gold. All your friends will envy you when you ride on it.

I don’t need it.

Her parents looked astounded.

I don’t understand, said Katarina.

But baby, you have been disturbing me to buy you a skate board and here it is. Why don’t you need it anymore?

Matea was silent.

Matea, your dad bought you a skateboard you have been obsessed about for so long now. Katarina’s tone was more of a question than a statement. 

Yes, I know he bought me a skateboard, but I don’t need it, she whined and left for her room.

Mouth agape, Duje stared at Katarina. I thought she asked me to get her one?

Just keep it safe. She will still come for it one day. I guess she’s passing through things right now, Katarina said.

Did you visit the pastor today? And what did he say?

He said that it’s really a serious matter. He also advised I ask her questions about what happened to her at school the day she started seeing things. But she wouldn’t tell me. She kept answering ‘No’ to every question I asked her.

Who could be doing all this to her?

I don’t really know, sweetheart.

Matea was bewildered as she stood in her room. She couldn’t fathom what was happening to her. She needed the skateboard and why did she reject it? No, this can’t be left like this, she thought. I need to go and accept the skate board and also tell my mum everything that happened about the new girl in school, Jadranka and I. She stood up and left her room. When she got in the living room she saw her parents at the time they were about to kiss themselves and quickly turned to go. But they had already noticed her.

Matea! Katarina called. Come over.

Mum, I want to tell you something!

Katarina was filled with joy because she guessed that Matea was going to tell them everything that had happened to her. What baby? Come on and sit here. Tell me something.

Matea sat down as was asked.

And what is it you want to tell me?

I’m hungry.

Her parents were dismayed. This is what you want to tell us? Katarina asked.

Yes.

Baby, I thought you have eaten your lunch?

Yes, but...

Katarina was perplexed. But what?

I’m still hungry.

Let me go get you some food.

Get me what?

Food.

I don’t need it.

Katarina drew closer to her. Baby, what is the matter with you? You are behaving strange. Is there anything bothering you? Tell us. We're your parents. If you couldn’t tell us who else would you tell?

Those words struck her ears like a church bell, and she felt remorseful for her actions. But she couldn’t say anything. This girl has started again, she thought and ran to her room. Duje drew closer to Katarina and touched her.  

She will be all right. First of all, I am going to meet the pastor myself tomorrow, Duje said.

You don’t have to. You were just appointed the Minister of Works. You have to focus on your new office from tomorrow. Don’t worry, I will sort it out myself.

You don’t have to worry, my love. She’s my daughter. My daughter first before any other thing.

The telephone rang. It interrupted their conversation. Katarina hurriedly picked it. Hello, who is this?

It’s Pastor Ivan, said the voice over the telephone.

Oh, Pastor Ivan.

Tell him I am coming tomorrow, Duje whispered.

Katarina didn’t bother to say that. She wanted to hear what the pastor was about to say.

Have you talked with her? Pastor Ivan asked.

Yes, I just finished talking with her but she wouldn’t tell me anything.

I had a vision. It’s the reason why I called. I guess her ordeals are from school. They are definitely from school. Advise her to be careful for now. I will call you later, he said and ended the call.

Katarina kept the phone back and turned to Duje.

What did he say? You didn’t tell him I would be coming tomorrow?

That’s not so important yet, Sweetheart, she paused. He just said her strange behaviours are coming from something that happened to her at school.

Of course, that’s where it’s likely to come from, Duje quipped and stood up. Let me take a shower.

Matea laid supine in her bed sobbing silently. She wasn’t doing all this on purpose. She didn’t know how and why it was happening. She wanted to talk about what happened in school but something kept stopping her. It’s definitely that new girl. She is the one doing all this. Why is she even doing all this to me? She asked herself and just then she heard something like the rustle of the wind around her. She quivered, stood up and looked curiously around her bedroom with her wide-open eyes. Maybe, the girl is here with me, she thought and hurried off the room.  

CHAPTER TWO

Katarina sat on her bed reading the Bible with a curved desk lamp. She checked her wrist watch, it was 1:00 a.m. The exact time Matea shouted when she saw something a night ago. Katarina was happy she hadn’t heard anything from Matea yet. This is the exact time, she mumbled. She recorded the time a day before. She had been reading the Bible all night just to keep herself awake and wait for that time. It got to 1:22 a.m., yet she didn't hear anything. She resolved she would check on her daughter. But as she attempted to open Matea’s room door, she changed her mind. She was scared of opening the door. For some seconds she stood transfixed in front of the door. Finally she decided to go back and sleep. If she will shout again, she would have likely done so by now, she said to herself as she turned to leave. She saw White as she whirled to go. She shook with fear and huddled. White, she called with a subdued frightened voice. White, what are you doing here? I will take you to bed, she said and carried her off to its small house where she laid it. She then hurried into her room to get some sleep.

Hustling in Jborbil High School at the lunch time, Matea searched for Jadranka all over the school: from class to class, from the toilet to the canteen. Coincidentally, she saw the new girl in the canteen. She was sitting in a chair alone and was backing Matea. Matea knew the girl hadn’t seen her yet. She walked silently towards her. As soon as Matea got to where the girl was, the girl turned as if she saw her coming. Matea quivered.

Did... did you see my friend, Jadranka? Matea stammered.

No.

Matea was silent, thinking on what else to say to keep the conversation going. She reasoned that if the new girl was really the one doing all that were happening to her, that befriending her may help in stopping her from doing all she was doing. She kept staring at the chair beside the new girl hoping she would ask her to sit. But the new girl kept staring away. Matea finally sat on a chair beside the new girl. The girl turned and looked at Matea, expecting her to say something. The girl’s eyes were quite frightening and would not let Matea look directly at her. Matea quickly turned her gaze away but was still wondering what to say. At last, a thought germinated in her mind.

Erm... about the pen you asked me to give you yesterday; I was really bored and peevish at the time you asked me for the pen. It was why I refused to give you the pen. I was in a huffy mood then and I’m very sorry about that, Ok? Did you succeed in getting another pen yesterday?

Yep, I bought one.

I’m Matea. And you’re?

Flora.

Woo hoo! What a beautiful name. I love it. I wish my mum had given me a name like that, Matea said wistfully and smiled. It means flower, huh?

You’re right. Flora didn’t even offer a pretence of a smile like Matea.

She’s just mean, Matea thought.

Jadranka was strolling towards the canteen when she saw Matea and the new girl. She was shocked. Matea saw Jadranka and signalled her to come over but she refused. Flora noticed what was going on but pretended she didn’t see them. Matea still tried to convince Jadranka to come over but she stood faraway still trying to make up her mind on whether to come or not.

So you live around the school or far away? Matea asked.

Why do you ask?

Nothing, I just asked.

It’s not really far from here.

Jadranka eventually came and joined them.

Here is my friend, Jadranka. Jadranka, this is Flora.

Jadranka sat close to Matea, scared to come near to Flora.

Is she the one you asked me about few minutes ago? Flora asked.

Oh, yeah. Do you still remember the day we insulted you about splashing water on us?

Yep.

We’re really sorry about our attitude that day.

Oh, don’t worry. I’ve forgotten about that.

If you have forgotten about that, then why have you been scaring us since that day? Jadranka sniffed. With her probing eyes, Flora shot a quick glare at Jadranka as though she read her thought. Jadranka got startled and frightened wondering if Flora could also hear people’s thoughts.

Erinka was searching for where he would sit down in the canteen before he bumped into Matea.  Hi, he said to Matea.

I got to go, Flora said. I have got a Music class in five minutes. She left.

Ok, Matea said and looked at Jadranka.

I’m going to leave you guys together, Jadranka said and left too.

What is the meaning of that look? Erinka asked.

What do you mean?

I mean when that girl left, there was a way you and Jadranka looked at each other; as though you were mocking her or something else.

No, it’s nothing. How was the race yesterday? Matea quickly changed the topic.

Oh! It was horrible, he said ruefully.

Horrible ... you didn’t win.

I won, but there was a fight. I didn’t get the cash.

I told you to stop betting but you wouldn’t listen.

I love betting. You know some of the things I have today I got them from betting.

A watery smile crossed Matea’s face and she said with a voice that was laced with sneer and resentment, You got them from betting but I hate that. I want you to stop it. Stop it.

I can’t.

Then count me out of your life! She snarled savagely and stood up to leave. But Erinka held her hand. Get your hand off my wrist! She snapped.

Have you forgotten our deal when we started dating? We agreed that you shouldn’t dictate for me to act against my wish, you remember, don’t you? I can do anything I want.

Matea was silent. Erinka stood up and left. Matea didn’t know what else to do. She was ashamed of herself. Her love for Erinka was very deep. Many boys in the school had approached her to become her boyfriend but she turned their offer down. She was the one that asked Erinka for friendship. She remembered those days, how she messed up many times before she finally got Erinka as her boyfriend.

Erinka was a quiet boy. He was not the type that hunts for trouble. It was the first thing she loves about him. Erinka in his preserved way had never sweet-talked her like other boys did. Erinka was irresistibly handsome. His startling eyes were intriguing; almost preternatural. His charms always sent Matea to raptures. Matea was really in love with Erinka. The first time Matea noticed Erinka in the school lab, they were doing a Chemistry experiment.

Now listen to me, Professor Johnson said, When you raise the glove up, turn it upside down and cover the tools.

Everyone did as he said. Matea was not paying any attention to the Chemistry teacher. She has been staring at Erinka since the class started. Immediately Erinka’s eyes locked with Matea’s, the glass she was holding fell off her hand on the concrete floor with a shattering noise.

Matea, are you all right? Professor Johnson asked as he walked close to her.

I’m sorry sir, she apologized.

You aren’t really sorry. This is the second time you're doing this in my class. Now, you’re telling me you are sorry. You’re going to pay for it this time. In fact, come to my office tomorrow with your parent. I want to talk with any of them.

Back home, Matea bit her lips in fear as she relayed the message of the Chemistry teacher.

Why did he want to see us? Katarina had asked Matea at dinner time.

Because a glass container we used in our lab experiment fell off my hand and broke on the floor.

Were you the only student in the lab? Katarina asked without waiting for an answer. What were you doing when you broke the container?

Matea was silent. She would not say she was staring at a boy.

Well, since the professor wants to see you, you should go.

After Katarina had seen Professor Johnson everything was resolved. Matea’s love for Enrika continued to grow stronger by the day. One day, during the lunch break, Matea and Jadranka entered the canteen with lunch trays searching for a place to sit down. Matea saw Erinka sitting down on one of the chairs alone. As soon as Erinka’s eyes met with hers, she tripped and fell down crashing her tray. Her lunch spilled on the floor and everyone who understood what happened began to laugh at her. Jadranka was really ashamed of her friend.

What is happening to you since this month? Jadranka asked Matea as they were going home after school.

I don’t really know. I guess it’s because of that boy.

Erinka? Matea. What did you see in that boy? He hasn’t even talked to you. I don’t think he likes you. If he does, he would have said a word to you. You shouldn’t be the one begging for his attention.

Awful things had happened to Matea because of Erinka and they always occurred whenever Erinka stared at her. His eyes are really intriguing and startling, Matea had once said as she was washing plates in the sink at home.

Who? Duje, Matea’s father, had asked as he entered the kitchen to make a coffee. Your boyfriend?

Matea never hid anything from her parents. Always, she was sincere to them in all things. They loved her so much because of that. Her father had often told her to always be sincere and never keep a secret from them. Tell me what your problem is and I will always tell you how to solve it, her father would always tell her. A good daughter does not keep secrets from her parents, her mother reminded her often.

Matea was silent, while Duje approached her, casting a penetrating gaze on her blushful face.

Your boyfriend? He repeated.

Yes, he hasn’t talked to me since I knew him, but I love him.

Then go talk to him if he hasn’t, he advised and paused. His face suddenly puckered and he quickly recanted. But girls don’t woo the boys. If a girl does, they may think she is so cheap. Just wait, one day he will likely come out of his shell and say a word to you. Patience is a virtue. You have to wait. How long have you been slobbering over the boy?

For almost a month now, Dad.

And he hasn’t said anything to you? Be patient, there’s still enough time. He will eventually come to you.

But five months later, Erinka never spoke a word to her. Matea began to get obsessed with him. The silence of each day seemed to her like a decade.

Mum, I want to ask you something, Matea had said to her mum as they sat in the living room one day watching television. Katarina didn’t seem to hear her. The comedy she was watching had kept her eyes glued on the TV. Matea sought for the whereabouts of the remote control pad. She found it and switched off the television.

What have you done! Her mother retorted. I’m watching a steaming comedy!

It’s a programme, they will repeat it tomorrow. I want to tell you something.

Snap it! I can hear it later! Now, give me the remote!

Matea dropped the remote and stalked off to her bedroom. Katarina felt remorseful over her harsh words to her daughter. She stood up and went after her. She entered Matea’s room and saw her reading a book, Matea pretended she didn’t see her. Katarina walked close to her.

I thought you were watching a comedy? Matea asked.

Yes, but I quit. I can watch it later.

Ok then, stay, Matea said and turned her gaze to another direction.

You know you are my beloved daughter, her mother said and sat down close to her, then began to smother her hair. Please tell me what you want to say. Let’s share it. Problem shared is problem solved.

Matea smiled. Katarina didn’t notice it. Matea turned back to face her and told her everything about Erinka.

You mean he was the one that made you break the glass container in the lab twice?

Yes, Mum.

How long have you been swooning over him?

Almost five months now.

Five months? Wow! If he hasn’t said anything yet, then, you go talk to him.

But dad said that it will look like I’m cheap and easy if I make the first move.

It doesn’t matter, Matea. If you love him and he isn’t flirting with other girls, go for him. Or is he a lecher?

No, he isn’t. He’s always cool, a quiet boy. He talks only to members of his skating crew. He’s a skater. I have been watching him. I have never seen him with a girl. But how would I make the first move, Mum?

It’s very easy.

How?

Write him a letter. Tell him to meet you at a quiet corner around your school. So that he can hear your heartbeat. But don’t say a thing to him when he comes. If he asks why you called him, tell him to forget it and leave. Do it like two times. He will definitely say something.

That sounds good Mummy! She simpered. But Mum, I can’t do that. It looks childish.

Then try this new option. Try to make fun of him with your friends and let him notice it. But later tell him that you’re sorry. Just like love drama, that’s how it starts.

It sounds good, but I don’t buy it, Mum. He might hate me so much for that. Did you consider how much he might be hurt? I don’t want to make him cry. I love him so much.

Oh, I see how much you love him. But this second option is better.

No, Mum, I can’t do that to him.

Then you’re not ready to have him. When you are ready, go to him face to face and tell him how you feel about him.  

I can’t even face him, Mum.

Maybe, he also wants to talk to you. Maybe, he’s shy of girls too. I’ve thought out about three options. Choose one if you really want him. You’re my daughter and my friend. I can’t tell you what will hurt your happiness.

Matea pondered on the options to choose. She had ostentatiously done a lot to lure Erinka into talking to her but all to no avail. She couldn’t stand Erinka’s romantic eyes. His eyes swept her off her feet. It was five days since she talked with her mother and any time she comes back home Katarina would ask her the option she had chosen. She would always reply as she hadn’t taken any. Try taking a step before you lose him, her mother would always tell her. Matea started watching romance movies of various kinds. She wanted to figure out a creative way to approach him. The last romance she watched gave her a little clue on what to do. She had waited for a good time to do it.

One day, Matea resolved to go and talk to him. I think it will be the best option, she thought to herself. She then sought for him. When she saw him coming out from the library, she was scared to go near him. This is my chance to do this, she said to herself. And as soon as she came close to him, she pretended not to have seen him and tripped him. They both fell down. The three books Erinka was carrying strewed. The thud of their fall drew people’s attention. Without wasting any time,