HAZEL -I blink at her in puzzlement.Told her so much about me? What more did they know about me except that I rescued Arielle?Shaking her hand, I utter a broken response. "I um... Well, it was nothing. All thanks to God really."Anya nods happily until her eyes shift down behind me. Instantly, her brows crease in vexation as she huffs. "I had just mopped the floors an hour ago!"The three of us glance over at the puddle of melted Popsicles until someone's phone starts vibrating.Katie reaches into her dress pocket, fishing out her iPhone. She studies the screen. With a deep inhale as her cheeks flush red, she states. "Excuse me, I must take this call...Anya, please escort Hazel to any of the guest bedrooms."With that, She starts gliding swiftly away in a graceful manner.Anya complies and pivots on her heel. "Follow me miss Kashani."With my mind muddled by unanswered questions, ruefully I stare at Katie's retreating back as she exits through the main entrance doors.Heaving a de

Some say recurring dreams symbolize incidents of our past experiences. Events that may have had some very troubling and profound impact on our emotional and physical state.While yet others say such dreams may represent incessant and equivocal conflicts currently plaguing the dreamer. But of course, it all depends on the content of the dream.Laying awake for the past 20 minutes while my eyes fixed on the intricate ceiling, I've vaguely concluded that my recurring dream could likely be premonitions of what is stored ahead in my future.It's that recurring dream, sha dowy figures looming ever closer and nearly suffocating me when suddenly another darkened figure emerges and plucks me away. I dimly recall a pair of eyes as blue and vast as the ocean. At the very next junction for some ridiculous reason, my mind construes up an image of Vladimir's eyes.An instant scowl furrows my brows as I shake my head in denial at such a notion. That jerk would frighten me senseless in a dream instea

She mouths a silent 'oh' as she places her left palm flat on the island surface. Her eyes flit about in a thinking gesture before settling on me again. "Is that all you prefer to have for breakfast today?""Um...I guess.." I motion with my hand towards one of the fridges. "I can only eat Halal or if that's not available then Kosher, but all the stuff in there is labeled in foreign languages except for the eggs and the tortilla wraps.""Ah" Her lips began to tug in a smile. "So you're Jewish."I shake my head in denial and point to my hijab. "Muslim..."Something akin to concern glints in her eyes before they return to merriment again and she flashes me a lively smile. "Oh, I see. Yes, of course, the headscarf will excuse my ignorance. I wasn't aware that Muslims are allowed to eat Kosher. What was that you said you eat?"Did she not know I'm Muslim the second she saw me?"Halal meat." I reiterate uncomfortably.I hope she doesn't hate me for being a Muslim like the demonic owner of th

HAZEL -My lips set into a grim line as the women lead me through the corridors.As soon as we arrive at the foyer stairwells, I spot Grigori in a black suit and a tie standing a few paces away next to Duffield the chauffeur, and Arielle.From a fancy box, Grigori holds out a cigar towards Duffield who examines and briefly sniffs it before handing it back.Arielle is tugging at Duffield's watch from his wrist, her red Shirley temple curls bouncing in the process. When suddenly she bites his hand and he yelps, snatching his hand away.She giggles at his reaction, hopping up and down before her eyes land on me descending the steps. She screams happily. "Princess Jasmiiiiiine!!" And then darts forward, I can only do one thing but smile and hold out my arms towards her. She jumps into my embrace and nearly tugs off my hijab in the process."Quit hollering so much, child," Bev comments as she walks past Grigori. "You'll cause us to go deaf.""Shut up Bev!" snaps the redhead in my arms."Ar

HAZEL - "Miss Rachael left for an important meeting at the corporations two hours ago," Anya exclaims, as she busily flutters the feather duster over objects in the foyers seating lounge area.My shoulders slumped in dismay. I really anticipated seeing her this morning to share with her the devastating news of Mr. Mirza's life-ending illness. I wasn't sure if I could reveal to her about Naheed and her evil implications concerning my brother's safety.Anya pauses dusting and pivots toward me with apparent concern. "Is there something troubling you Miss Kashani? Do you want me to have Miss Rachael phoned?""Oh no it's fine," I decline, shaking my head. "I'll just wait till she gets back, thanks."It was best that I spoke to Rachael face to face instead of breaking the news to her in the midst of what could be some crucial business interaction. I didn't want to cause her distress there."You look very tired!" Anya remarks as she places her hands on her hips and examines me with brows fur