by Amanda Grace
However, despite his protest, Marcus didn't have so much of a choice because of his sisters. Sarah and Vanessa really wanted for this vacation to happen, and so he was forced to come with them in Paris.
Sarah has hectic schedule as well. But unlike Marcus, she can ask her professors to excuse her for some time and that's exactly what she did. Now, for Vanessa, she just got a new project because of her proposal. She knew it would be awful to miss the vacation so she talked to her people and asked them to move the project a little later than the planned schedule. Fortunately for her, their team agreed and gave her enough time to unwind in Paris.
Even though Aidan's children had a tough time making this vacation happen, they still ended up going with him in Paris. He felt loved and supported because of this. Aidan realized he has been rewarded with such amazing son and daughters.
Before they hopped on the plane, Aidan and Marcus dropped a very big news for the twins. Aidan told the girls that when they graduate, they will be supported by him. As a matter of fact, he has been planning to make a firm for the girls so they can have their own company.
Sarah is taking up Interior Design while Vanessa is taking up Architecture. Aidan thinks that by being together, they will be able to make a good and stable company. Marcus already knows this and now doing his best to make everything happen.
Sarah and Vanessa were beyond thrilled, flattered and amazed after hearing the news. At first, they could believe that their father has been planning this for them for quite some time now. They also felt very pressured but their brother Marcus told the two of them that he will be there for them every step of the way.
The twins are both 3rd year college at Columbia University right now. They have been doing great in their academics, but they are not as good as their older brother Marcus.
Marcus graduated in Harvard. He took the course Business Management because of his intensions of helping his father to run their business. This is the reason why the twins valued Marcus help. They both know everything will be okay because of Marcus. He just never fails. He worked really hard to get where he is now and Sarah and Vanessa are just thankful to have him as their brother.
"Wow, I love it! Paris is so beautiful!!", Sarah told them with so much joy in her eyes.
"Let's go Sarah. Here, take a picture of me!", Vanessa told her twin sister.
"Okay, okay.. But after you, I want you to take some pictures of me too!", Sarah replied.
"Hey, you girls don't go anywhere far. This city is huge and we don't want you to get lost.", Marcus warned them like he's talking to little kids.
They just nodded in an excited way and ran the park near Eiffel Tower.
"This place is phenomenal, don't you think, Dad?", Marcus told Aidan.
"Yes, indeed.", he said with a tear escaping his eye.
"What's wrong Dad?", Marcus asked with concern and curiousness in his face.
"Nothing, son.. It's just that, your mother and I went here more than 20 years ago. In here, at the exact place, at the exact location. She was wearing an elegant black dress and I was with my classic tux. It was even more romantic that time because I have her by my side.", Aidan told him.
"Dad, I didn't know you and mom went here. If that's the case then.."
"Then I should've told you not to go here? Isn't that what you will say? Well, Marcus, have you seen the looks of your sisters? How could I say no?", Aidan just chuckled. Marcus was left there with so much worry. Aidan was such a good father to them.
"How do you do this, Dad? You love mom so much.", Marcus asked him.
"Son, you know, your mom and I had a very lovely story. She was working at a small café when I met her. You grandmother didn't like her that much. She's an average girl with a lot of responsibilities. At first, I was scared to love her.. but then, it came that day when we finally end things up.. and I was shattered.
I told myself, you loved her.. you know you loved her and now you know what you've lost. Now your hands are feeling emptier.. now your heart feels a little heavier.. You were young, you were careless that you didn't know how valuable she was.
So what I did was ran after her.. chase her.. and never let her go away from me ever again.. and I tell you son, it was worth it.", Aidan told him.
"That's very noble, Dad. I like a love like yours.", Marcus told him.
"Why, haven't you found yourself a woman? I saw you and Melinda at the party..", he chuckled.
"I don't know Dad.."
"Don't say that. You know. Or yet you did know.. at least a part of you did so don't say that, son. In some strange, mysterious way, you knew she's the one. In her eyes, I'm pretty sure you caught her. You were just scared. You'd be surprise, a lot of young men like you ask me, how do you know if she's the one? You'll know that and I can't explain how or when.. you'll just know..
Probably when you thought yourself that nothing had ever looked more beautiful.. that moment when you saw your world with hers. That's the moment you should tell her what your heat is telling you.. Don't be scared, son.. all you have to do is open the door.. all you have to say is: COME IN.", Aidan gave his an advice and everything just made sense to him.
5 MEETING PHOEBE
Aidan went to a very classy opera in Paris. His children were still busy when he left their hotel. Sarah and Vanessa were just taking a lot of pictures to upload in the social media accounts, and Marcus has turned into their personal and temporary photographer.
It appeared that her twins are enjoying this lovable city without any doubt. On the other hand, Marcus felt bored and exhausted taking the twin's pictures. Marcus doesn't really enjoy posing and taking pictures, and even if he has a social media account like her sisters, he doesn't do much posting in the internet.
Sarah and Vanessa planned to go to museum and tourist spots. This is what excites Marcus. His children loves studying history, and they love seeing ancient artistry just like their mother.
Aidan just accepted Kevin's invitation to watch a romantic opera. It is just a few blocks away from Eiffel Tower and their hotel. When they arrived the place, people were everywhere. It was just so crowded so he figured the play's going to be incredible.
The play is about a woman who was trying to escape her past. She went to Paris to find herself some peace of mind. In there, she met a man who fell in love with her.
While watching the whole play, Aidan couldn't help but feel attracted to the woman. The play was with a little bit of musical so the woman had to sing before the man kisses her and the story ends.
Before they even kiss, the woman sang a very romantic song his wife also loved, Moon River. Amelie was an amid fan of Audery Hepburn. As a matter of fact, Breakfast at Tiffany's was her favorite movie. So, when the woman sang, Aidan felt her deeply in his soul.
Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.
The woman found the man standing behind him, they walked at each other, and the man kissed her. Everybody clapped their hands, and the curtain fell right in front of Aidan. It was a very romantic play.
After the play finished, Kevin and Aidan waited for the director at the party. He was introduced to Alfredo, the man behind the play. Aidan was just refreshed and amazed by the story. The woman also deserves some appraisal so he complimented Alfredo with so many overwhelming words. They were all having a good time.
"So, how did you come up with that story? It was amazing!", Aidan told Alfredo.
"My friend, it's all about expression. Believing in love. Paris is called the most romantic city for a reason. Everywhere we go here, we find inspiration. Every day is another a story to tell.
You should visit here more often times!", Alfredo told him with his French accent still going in his head.
"You know, Alfredo, my friend Aidan here has been single for so long. That's why when he threw a party a month ago, I told him to come with me here in Paris. What city would be more perfect to find love other than Paris?", Kevin told Alfredo.
"You're single? Ohhhh.. Aidan, my boy, you need to meet women in here! They are one of a kind. This city is so promising, I bet you won't leave this place without meeting someone special.", Alfredo told him.
"That's great, Alfredo. But I'm only here for 3 weeks. It would be.."
"No, no, no.. Aidan! My friend! This is Paris!! This is the city of love. I tell you what, just stay here at the party a little longer, and you will meet someone!", Alfredo insisted.
"Alright. You guys just talk there, and I'll just come check my wife Samantha. Alfredo, can you give Aidan a lot of lectures in love? He needs it?", Kevin teased Aidan and Aidan just give him a sigh in a very funny way.
"Okay, Kevin.. Tell Sam to go sit here with us so we can chat even more!! (Alfredo laughed) Aidan.. " Alfredo made so many sought after speeches on him again… Aidan was just there sitting so helplessly, listening to Alfredo's love advice. He gotta admit, Alfredo is a really nice man. However, Aidan is just plain dead tired hoping and believing in love. He was just wasted..
Until something came out to Alfredo's mouth..
"Actually, there is someone I'd like you to meet.. Do you know Phoebe? She's the woman in the play.. oh wait.. there she is!! Phoebe!! Phoebe!!", Alfredo called her after spotting her walking at the party. She just smiled at Alfredo and walked to their direction.
Seeing Phoebe in a black classic dress made Aidan reminisce Amelie. They have the same style.. and probably the same eyes. As she walked with every languid, Aidan's heart was skipping a beat. His heart fluttered and he felt butterflies in his stomach.
"Aidan, I want you to meet the woman of the play.. Phoebe.", Alfredo introduced him to her.
"Hi.", Phoebe greeted him extending his hand. Aidan just stared at her, and then reached for her hand to kiss it. He was moved and he never thought he'd feel this way ever again.. so he said to her..
"Hi."
THE END
MYSTERY :
(FREE BOOK)
Brutal Slayings
(7 BOOKS SERIES)
COLD EXIST 1
Summary
This is an exclusive story that starts with the intriguing murder of a man called Johann Christoff who was an admirer of fallen war hero’s, He had ritualistically visited the city's catacombs, paying homage to the fallen soldiers and heroes on every third Sunday, as the desire of his father and since his passing almost fourteen years prior. He had come to quickly learn and memorize the intricate maze of tunnels in the catacombs. With each step the rhythmic harmony of the chanting grew louder. He fought the urge to call out into the darkness, instead steadily and silently moving deeper into the blackness that was the abyss. He saw three men in black robes, tied at the waist with a red rope belt, sat kneeling on the floor, their hoods pulled back and off their heads. They rocked in unison as they repeated their dreary chant. Two swords lay crossed in the middle of the floor; a ring of red dust encircled them. In three equidistant spots around the circle, three sets of six inverted crosses had been drawn on the dusty ground. Darkness consumed him, his body falling limp. When Johann awoke, he had been stripped of his clothes and tightly bound at the wrists and ankles to a large ceremonial table. These men made a declaration after which they killed Johann but little did the whole town know what was coming for them as they found Johann's headless naked body lay in a pool of crimson blood on the floor. His legs having been bound, arms spread, forming an inverted cross. His torso had been expertly carved and hollowed from just below his ribcage to his pelvis. A set of rudimentary symbols had been branded on his sternum – a triangle with a six bordering each side. At his feet sat a small wooden crate, atop which sat his severed head. On the floor a short message had been written, each letter having been painted in blood, "We are of one deity, of love and hate, of birth and death. This is how we preach."
Brutal Slayings COLD EXIST
The early morning sky was a brilliant mix of deep oranges and yellows to the east, and deep tumultuous blues and purples to the west, where the waning crescent moon hung low on the mountainous horizon. The cool autumn breeze danced gracefully amongst the aspens, the leaves rustling in excitement. The faint, lonely song of a lark gently wound through the thick mountainous forests. The mountainside was painted in shades of fiery reds and gold’s as fall took hold and the leaves began to change. High above the tree line, a thin layer of snow had fallen overnight, capping the rugged and windswept mountains in a delicate veil of white.
Far below in the valley a small village sat alongside a tumbling creek, untouched by time, as if forgotten, surrounded by emerald fields dotted with beautiful patches of wild purple and blue violets. Small brick houses dotted the cobblestone streets, their sod roofs dripping from the morning dew. In the centre of town the old cathedral stood tall, its gothic spire, stained black with time, reaching skyward. Statues and fountains of long dead heroes and oft-recounted battles lined the maze of streets.
Silently a young man, no older than twenty-three or –five, walked through the city's narrow winding lanes. His name was Johann Christoff. He walked slightly hunched over concealing his true height, his long brown hair pulled back into a tight tail. Despite his lack of shoes he quickly and surefootedly made his way around the wet cobblestone. He wore brown leather pants rolled to just below the knees. His white shirt was tucked securely into his waistline, revealing a rather decorative leather belt. His brown vest flapped open with his brisk pace.
Upon reaching the town's main square, he paused briefly before a bronze statue, tarnished green with age. It was that of a fallen war hero, his horse rearing in fear, his sabre drawn, leading the charge. Carefully the young man ran his fingers over the statue's aged base plate. For just a moment he laid his head to rest against the large tarnished plaque. With a gentle sigh, and one final glance at the figure, he continued across the town's main square toward the entrance of the hamlet's cathedral.
The heavy iron clad doors of the minster slowly swung open, the hinges straining and groaning under the weight, the whining echoing on the morning breeze. Gracefully he slipped through the small aperture, closing the door carefully behind himself. The cavernous expanse of the cathedral resounded in its silence. The large stained glass rose windows behind the altar painted the grey stone in fantastic multitude of colours. Statues of the saints surrounded a large crucifix rising from the altar. Two rows of columns flanked the nave, rising in support of the ribbed and vaulted frescoed ceiling.
Silently Johann bowed his head and offered a quick prayer before making his way toward the far wall. He strained slightly as he pulled on the rusted iron ring of a heavy wooden door. Silently it swung open, the cool air from below washing over him. He had ritualistically visited the city's catacombs, paying homage to the fallen soldiers and heroes on every third Sunday, as the desire of his father and since his passing almost fourteen years prior. He had come to quickly learn and memorize the intricate maze of tunnels in the catacombs.
As he made his way down the narrow stairwell, he noted that the torches had been lit leading down the winding passage, an unusual occurrence, as he was normally required to light at least one to carry with him into the darkness below. Carefully he made his way down the circular, and unpredictable stone steps. The light of the torches danced wildly upon the walls as he made his way lower into the depths.
Finally he reached the bottom of the long staircase, and no more torches lit the way, just darkness. Pulling the last torch from its perch, he entered the catacombs, ensuring to wave the flaming log in front of him as he walked. Immediately he was greeted with by the unusually dry musty air. As he made his way deeper into the tunnels, he passed rooms filled from floor to ceiling wit
h bones. In some rooms skulls had been arranged into crosses, bones stacked around them to hold them in place. Other rooms housed the ornate sarcophaguses of priests and bishops, still others of soldiers, generals, and heroes.
As he instinctively made his way through the labyrinth of tunnels he began to hear a faint chanting echoing throughout the darkness. Startled he paused; no one was supposed to have been in this infernal maze at this hour. Orienting himself toward the noise he ducked under a low arch, and began down another dark tunnel. From the shadows behind him, a man dressed in a dark hooded robe emerged and began to silently follow.
With each step the rhythmic harmony of the chanting grew louder. He fought the urge to call out into the darkness, instead steadily and silently moving deeper into the blackness that was the abyss.
Rounding a corner, he could see the flickering of torchlight from up ahead. The unpredictable light bounced around in the narrow hallway. The chanting was more recognizable now, a single verse, three lines of Latin – repeated over and over again.
Cautiously he approached the doorway, wearily peeking around the corner. Three men in black robes, tied at the waist with a red rope belt, sat kneeling on the floor, their hoods pulled back and off their heads. They rocked in unison as they repeated their dreary chant. Two swords lay crossed in the middle of the floor; a ring of red dust encircled them. In three equidistant spots around the circle, three sets of six inverted crosses had been drawn on the dusty ground.
As he stood trying to decipher the ungodly ritual, two hands grabbed him from behind. One wrapped tightly around his neck, the other held a rag over his mouth and nose, the rotten odour causing him to instantly gag. He tried to fight, to scream, but with each breath he felt weaker, his ears beginning to ring. Dizziness began to overwhelm him. A raspy voice whispered in his ear, "Noli timere tenebras."