MORE, MORE, MORE (the old comcast commercial...)

            I flipped open my phone. Eighteen new voicemails. I listened to them. Sixteen were from Adyin, telling me he was sorry and, then, very worried about my disappearance, and two were from my father. My father – telling me that he was disappointed that I'd run off and I'd get a nice lecture for this. I flipped down in my contacts – to Adyin. I pressed send.

 

            He picked up after one ring, "Tess? Honey, are you alright? I'm so sorry, so, so sorry."

            "Shut up," I said softly. "I've got to talk. I'm in Russia. Mr. Demidov's associates have Tonia; Adam and I just jumped on a plane. I'm so sorry. You don't have anything to be sorry for, Adyin. I – I –"

            "You just feel like you've got to go through the hard stuff alone," he whispered. "Like you don't need help, even when you do. You don't like or want to need anyone – but needing and wanting someone is human nature. Tess, I love you, but – but – sometimes I just want to tell you that you can't do everything by yourself."

            "I'm sorry," I said, choking back a sob. "I just don't want anyone else getting hurt. I love you too much."

            "But I need to protect you, Tess," he smiled. "That's all I'm going to say. How's it coming along with Antonia?"

            "I don't know – they're getting weather appropriate clothing for us now."

            "Ah," he sighed. "Wouldn't they just let you freeze?"

            "Death and murder isn't the object, it's getting something that the Firebird has."

            "Oh, thank God," Adyin breathed. "You will be careful, won't you, Tess?"

            "I'll be as careful as I can, Adyin," I smiled. "I'm going to go see if I can get through to Tonia. I love you."

            "I love you too, darling," he whispered. "Never forget that."

            "How could I forget?" I said with a laugh. He hung up. I felt sure that things would be okay. If I got fired, Adyin would take care of me. He loved me. It was surprising just how simple things were in the whole web of love. I realized that I wasn't your typical person in love – people claimed that they had that famous love-fire and I didn't but I was so in love.

 

            "Tess, I'm worried, she's not picking up," Adam said quietly. He was staring at his cell phone like it held all the answers in the world.

            "Let me try, Adam," I sad, patting his shoulder. "Don't loose hope, right now that's the only leverage we have."

            "Okay, I'll try."

NJ: read Lipstick first!!!

The plane flight was a long and grueling ten hours and 20-some minutes. Alec’s minions took our phones. And that’s when I began to feel guilty. The onset horror that I’d emotionally sent Adyin down a cliff wasn’t at all thrilling – in fact, it was pretty pathetic. I felt like a two year old who was a complete brat and seriously needed to be slapped. Adam held my hand and smiled at me sadly before turning away and sleeping. When we woke up – about 5 A.M. back home – the sun was shining brightly and it was one o’clock… in the afternoon. I was tired. I wanted to see Tonia and just crash on her shoulder – but she’d be needing me, if I ever saw her. Adyin, Adyin, why did I let you go?
Initially, I felt guilty, but then there was the anger and resentment. How could people stand there and watch as they saw their best friend get kidnapped? I figured that I personally wasn’t cut out for Legend-Seeking because I was a little too passionate. Maybe I’d get fired. Where would I go then? Would Adyin ever take me back?
I pushed the thoughts out of my head as we landed, the bright afternoon sun was not even visible. It was dreary, cold, wet, and mucky. And all Adam and I were dressed in were sweatshirts. Alec led us to an office – the head of the airport’s office – and told us to stay there because it was heated. He closed the door behind us.
“What size are your clothes?” he asked.
“Why do you want to know?” I asked – so very tired.
“Teresa, do you want to freeze? What size are your clothes?” he repeated.
“Size 9 jeans, size 9 shoes, I’m not sure what size shirts…” I droned. He asked the same of Adam, translated it into Russian size and gave instructions to his henchmen. He posted a guard in front of the office and walked out. Ten minutes later I got impatient.
“Hey!” I called, banging on the office door. “Hello?” A few minutes later, Alec reappeared.
“Yes?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Can we have our cells phones back?” I demanded.
“No,” he responded. I moved in front of the door.
“I’m not letting you out until you give me my cell,” I snarled. He chuckled eerily.
“Teresa,” he sighed, “I could snap you like a twig, but very well, you may have your cell phones.” He reached into his pocket and threw them at Adam, who caught them soundly. I moved away from the door.
“Thank you,” I breathed. He smiled and walked past me out of the door. I felt a chill run down my already icy spine. Was this some sort of sick crush? Alec was… kind of cute, but… Adyin.
Adyin – he created some deadly fiery passion rise up like a monster in me. Was that what being in love felt like? I’ve heard it described as fire burning up your chest and like your lungs and heart are about to explode. You loose concentration and train of thought whenever they’re present. That hadn’t happened, but what if I did really love Adyin? What if I didn’t fall in love in the “typical fashion”? I could say that I hadn’t lost weight, but I’d missed him terribly over two days. Maybe it was when we were apart that I truly missed him? How long would saving Tonia take?

I already missed him.

posting fron New Jersey... not cooL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm writing like a machine though, and I'm WAY ahead of you!!! MUAHAHHAHAHA!

Kisses to my peeps!

Asiat

"Lipstick: Being Dumped for 'Arctic Blue'"

So, a lot of you like when I feature other people's work [i.e. Vortican's fan fic ect.]. I've got a newbie here for you: Lauren. This is her story entitled "Lipstick" and I've subtitiled it "Being Dumped for 'Arctic Blue'"

lolz. Without further adeiu...

"Ooh la la!" came her voice from across the room. I could tell it was going to be a typical night for her. She was out almost every night and she would never leave the house without her trusted lipstick tube. My name is "Prety in Pink" but she has close to ten different shades. Depending on her outfit, she cooses a different shade to match her looks. Now, I don't like to bag, bu I am one of her favorite shades, if not her favorite. Mostly all of her outfits contain some hint of pink in them. Once in a while, she cooses a luscious red or royally regal purple color to wear. But hey, I have spent the most time in her purse out of all of us. None of my friends can name and describe every compartment and crevice of her purse the way I can. Yes, I am pretty well traveled. I could even be called a veteran among my comerades.
Here she comed! Oh no, what's going on?! She's wearing a blue and green dress with light blue pumps. How do I fit into this equation? Where is her hand going? Not "Arctic Blue"?! How could she do this to me. Her soft, gentle touch against his tube made me feel as though there were icicles piercing through my heart. But then, after she set him down, her hand began to move in my direction. Her fingers brushed past me as she reached for the mascara, and so I nearly lost all hope. However, since I am right next to the mascara she might catch a glimpse of me once she puts down the mascara. One last chance! I made sure that my metal tube reflected the light and my beauty glimmered. When she set the mascara back down on the counter, she gave me a questioning glance and then, she chose "Arctic Blue"! I finallly realized the reality of the situation: I had been DUMPED!

LOLZ :D :D :D

Kisses to the peeps!

Asiat

Alec the...

Wait for it...

Alec the Sadistic.

It's perrrrrrrrrrrrrrfect.

lolz.

We dressed like normal people – nothing expensive or obtrusive. Nothing that would make people assume that we weren’t two kids waiting for our parents to come from a second honeymoon. We arrived at ??????? Airport at 7:30 and ran to find gate F12. A little complication – as usual – security. The security guards weren’t convinced that Tonia was kidnapped or that we would find her in F12. We had to buy two tickets to get us in – and the only flight available was to Moskow, Russia. Adam and I looked at each other. Tonia owed us big time. The minutes were ticking by. We got to the bagel place two minutes before our meeting, but they were there early too – and Tonia wasn’t with them.
I sat down next to them, and Adam sat next to me. Alec Hellonov sat across from me, drinking from a coffee cup.
“Coffee and a shot of vodka,” he commented, raising and eyebrow at me. He had a tiny white scar lining the right side of his face, from his eyebrow to his chin. He was the kind of person who sent chills down your spine. His buzz cut didn’t cover up the intelligent, vengeful look in his eyes. He was primeval, almost animal; but his eyes were much too intelligent to belong to an animal. He reminded me of an eagle or a vulture. Something inquisitive that enjoyed things – dead things.
“Tell me why we’re here,” I said quietly, trying to sound like I wasn’t afraid and like I wasn’t worried that my best friend was lying in a ditch – dead.
“You are here,” he whispered leaning in. I leaned in, too. “You are here because you are coming with us.”
“No, I’m not,” I said.
“Yes, you are,” he sneered. “You think that my – friends – and I want to prolong this anymore than we have to? We would like to end this as soon as possible. My employer want to make sure this is done properly and quietly. You are coming with us… to Russia.”
“Yeah right,” I growled. “We don’t have any plane tickets.” I said that regardless of the plane tickets to Russia that were burning a hole in my pocket.
“Yes, you are. Do you think my associates did not already consider your refusal?” he asked. “That is why we stopped you at the gate and insisted you buy tickets – because we wished you to come with us.”
“Why?” I asked. “Why do you need us? What would we add to your little party, eh? Where’s Antonia?” Alec and I were right up in each other’s faces now. A security guard walked up to us and put his hand on my shoulder.
“Ma’am,” he said. “Is there a problem?” I leaned back.
“I’m sorry, officer,” I said, not taking my eyes off of Alec, “No, no problem.” The officer walked away. “Where’s Antonia?” I asked again.
“Antonia,” Alec sighed, “Is already in Russia.”
“You lie,” Adam broke in.
“I beg your pardon, but I do not,” Alec feigned politeness. The security guard was still eyeing us. Adam was about to stand, but I grabbed his hand and pulled him down.
“What are you doing?” I hissed. “Control your temper – remember it doesn’t control you!” Adam tore his deep brown eyes away from Alec and looked at me. I could see how agonized he was over Tonia’s kidnap. It was terrible, but he could not loose it now.
“What happens if we do come with you?” I asked.
“We don’t take you forcefully,” replied Alec.
“Well,” I said sarcastically, “That’s a relief – for a second I thought you would knock me over the head.”
“Ah,” he sighed. “Hit a lady? Never.” I chuckled. I could certainly get along with this Alec, no matter how cruel and distasteful he was. He glanced at his watch, “We’re going to be late if we don’t hurry.” His associates came and surrounded us as we stood up.
“I’ve a question, Alec,” I said. “I don’t have any clothes, and neither does my friend. What are you going to do about that?”
Alec smiled. “We will get you more in Russia.”
“I’m not wearing a babushka,” I said.
“You won’t have to,” Alec replied. “Russians are not as primitive as you suspect, Tess.”
“Fine, but I don’t want to look like – some prostitute – either,” I said, seriously. He laughed.
“We will try; get on the plane,” he ordered. He was being ten times friendlier to me than to Adam or his own co-workers. What was up with that?

What IS up with that???? I LOVE Alec, though. He's all coooooooool, ice cold passion. Makes me wanna laugh, he's so mean!

Kisses to the peeps,

Asiat

*Alec*

Alec... the Vengeful? the Animalistic? the Sarcastic???

I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up, the sky was dark with thousands of dark, twinkling stars high above and luminous clouds glowing with the moon’s light. Someone sat down next to me, but I didn’t even bother to turn and see who they were – didn’t care at all.
“Tess,” I heard the whisper. “Tess look at me.” I turned my eyes to Adam’s warm gaze. He took my hand and squeezed. “We’ll find her – you and me. We both love her and we won’t give up. The world hasn’t ended yet, just remember that there’s always something we can do.” I cried.
“Useless excuse – what can I do?” I sobbed and sobbed.
“Teresa Emily Ashby – get it together now,” Adam said sternly. I chocked on my tears. “Now, if the same people who took Tonia took Chloe – who the heck do you think took them?” So then it hit me that maybe, just maybe, Demidov was the one who took Tonia. Seemed legitimate, right?
“So, Demidov, right?” I asked. Adam nodded. After a moment of silence, “What do we do? What leads do we have to where they are?”
“This,” Adam said, reaching into the pocket of his coat. “This was left on a post just outside.” He handed a letter to me. I opened it and read:

“To whom it may concern,
We have taken the Firebird, Chloe, with no intention of harming her, and your little friend, Antonia, was a mishap – if she had not come after us, she would not be with us and then where would we be? She is charming. Nor Chloe or Antonia will be harmed. My master only wishes something in Chloe’s possession. We will return the bird – and the girl – once we have what we desire from the bird. We’d like you to meet us at 7:42 P.M. at ?????? National Airport in New York; Barry’s Bagels by gate F12
Sincerest,
Alec Hellonov”

“Good God,” Adam breathed. “What are they doing to her?” I sighed – the lovesick puppy thing was going to drive me mad. I turned to Adam and smiled.
“What are we waiting for?” I asked him. “It’s 7:20 right now. We got to go.” Adam returned my smile and hugged me.

LOLZ!

Love ya'll!

Asiat

FoRM???

not much time... i'm dozing here...
Her silver crest shown like stars and her red feathers glowed like they were on fire. She was magical – just magical. Her golden amber eyes looked at me inquisitively. The light coming off of her was as bright as the sun.

But suddenly, all too suddenly for me to take it in at the time, the walls shuddered and began to collapse. Behind me, Tonia, who I’d never even know was following me, jumped out and grabbed me, pulling me onto the threshold as the floor of Chloe’s home collapsed. Chloe jumped off of her perch and cawed loudly. Mr. Gorbachov fell and screamed in agony. We looked down on him with sympathy – but that was only the beginning of our mistake.
In the short time we spent ignoring Chloe’s caws and looking down on Mr. Gorbachov, someone threw a net over Chloe, sending her crashing down onto the floor next to her master. Unfortunately, Mr. Gorbachov was incapable to free or save his bird when a black masked man came and put a needle into the thrashing bird. Tonia jumped after him, rushing down the damaged stairs after the man. The man was too absorbed in tormenting Mr. Gorbachov that he barely noticed Tonia coming upon him. She was about to knock him out – literally, because Tonia could knock someone out with one of her punches – and he just turned around, broke her wrist, punched her in the face, and flung her over his shoulder.
Tonia’s not light, I couldn’t carry her, but this guy did it with ease. He struggled a little, but managed to walk off. Right before he walked off – to where I didn’t know – he took a knife from inside his coat and threw it at my face; I was pretty sure I’d die. I close my eyes, thinking that if I kept them closed I wouldn’t feel the pain. After a few seconds, when nothing touched me, I dared to peek - Adyin was standing right in front of me with a knife in his shoulder.
“Oh my God,” I gasped. Tears just formed in my eyes and I almost fell of the ledge. Adyin grabbed me with his one usable arm and held me close, his hand cradling my head and holding me close.
“Thank God you’re alright,” he whispered.
“No, I’d rather be dead – look: Tonia’s kidnapped and you’re hurt,” I sobbed. He only smoothed my hair in response.
“Don’t blame yourself, please, darling,” he said, his voice a low, sweet sound – like someone singing a lullaby. “I’m glad I saved your life. I’d be glad to take more than a knife for you.”
“Shut up!” I cried thrashing out of Adyin’s grasp. “My best friend is gone and I don’t even know who took her? And you? You just sit there saying it’ll be all okay? It won’t be till she’s back home, I swear.”
“What are you yelling at me for?” Adyin gave me a sad smile. He shook his head.
“Just leave me alone, go to the nurse, or something!” I growled. My head hurt and my best friend was kidnapped by someone I didn’t know. Anger and adrenaline pumped through my veins. I punched a wall and tottered on my crutches and I had eight bloody splinters in my knuckles. I sat with my legs dangling and leaned my head against the doorway.


I think it's a little choppy - not my best part... and the part I was having trouble on... GOOD LUCK to those who write fan fic!!!

All my love,

Asiat

*CRASH* & Scratch That

*CRASH*:
So, I've been having super DUPER troubles with FoRM. What's a girl to do? I realized a HUGE mistake - how the heck does Tess get up to the room on crutches??? - and the next scene is... well... *CRASH*

Scratch That:
In reference to the Mystery Book that I'm writing - that few know has been resurected. :D :D :D JUST AN FYI to those who understand: A tree named Isidore - well that tree may not exsist... but it may - just forget anything I told ya'll!

All my love,

Asiat

PS: I'm working on everything, but am refusing to go back until I finish La First Draft. EEKKKK but we're almost there with FoRM!!!

Christos Anesti! Alitos Anesti!

Happy Easter, everybody! I have brought you chocolate [um... not really, figuratively!... well okay, literally]

FoRM for ya'll!!!

Tonia wanted to be alone. Adam was strolling in the gardens of the lodge. I sat in the bookstore with my feet propped up, an interesting book on mythological creatures in hand, and a hot cup of coffee. The morning sun shone through the windows. My mind started wandering off. The lodge was a bit like a mall – there were a lot of miscellaneous shops that held mystery and wonder. There was one shop that had always sparked my interest, but I had never gotten the courage to go inside: The Sphinx Café.

And suddenly, I was drawn to it – like literally sent grabbing my crutches and finding the place among the many strange shops of the lodge.

And there it was. The Sphinx Café. It was a small coffee shop that smelled like incense, Arabian coffee, and was decorated with lush fabrics. I don't know how to describe it; there were curtains around each table, falling like a tent around the people within. The waitresses wore bindis and saris – and were mostly Indian or Arabian women. There was a snake charmer at the bar and he actually held shows. I had watched a few from afar. Now, as I walked in, I was assaulted by the smells and sights. The ceilings were painted with turquoise and red and earthy colors.

"Hello," a man said in an Indian accent. "What can I do for you?"

"Oh," I replied, warming to his welcoming smile. "I've always admired this place, but never came in – it's beautiful."

"Yes, I have seen you watching this place, it is good you have come," he laughed. "No, it is wonderful to have someone who enjoys our culture." He put his hand on my shoulder. "Please, sit. We will educate you." There was something about this guy that was so warm and friendly – the way he talked and smiled and laughed – they made me feel like this was a place I belonged. The man introduced himself as Ari, the owner of the shop. He ran the place with his wife, Yasmin, and his daughters, Asa, Reth, Nefrititi, and Sae. They were all beautiful. They had little red bindis and long, thick, shiny black hair that they kept in a braid that fell down their backs.

They brought me strong Arabian coffee. It was the strongest coffee I had ever tasted.

"You get used to it," a man said when he saw me choking. I looked up – it was Mr. Gorbachov.

"Um, sir," I stuttered.

"No, no," he waved his hand, "none of that. Call me Dmitri. You are Tess, right? The one who Barry was so rude to?"

"Yes, Dmitri," I replied.

"I am sorry, he is an object of charity amongst my family and me," he smiled. "He never learned, though we have tried to teach him so. Did he hurt you badly?"

"No, well, a little. But I'll be fine," I smiled back.

"I'm glad," he returned. "I have been looking for you. You see, when my people were taking care of your ankle, your friend, Adyin, stood in for you at our meeting. I was, to say the least, unsatisfied. I employed you and it was you I wished to talk to. You see, I would like you to meet my bird."

"Oh, sure," I said, shocked. This dude sounded kind of creeper-ish, but not anything like Barry. Kind of a chivalrous creeper – if that's possible. I mean why would he want to talk to me? "Where is he?"

"She," Dmitri corrected. "Chloe, my Firebird." I giggles behind my hand. "What is so funny, Tess?"

"Chloe isn't a very Russian name, Dmitri," I said.

"Ah, there is a story to that," he smiled. "Chloe used to be Deidra. My grandfather changed her name. None of us know why though. She is an extraordinary bird. She wanted to meet you."

I chocked on the coffee for the second time that day. "What? She wanted to meet me?"

"Oh yes, Chloe is very particular," he stood and waved his hand again. "Would you come with me?"

We went to a part of the lodge I'd never been in before. Stained glass windows cast a bright, colorful shadow on the carpeted stairs. It was a magnificent spiral staircase – the kind that make you dizzy. I realized that this was the tower. It was the tower that you saw in every picture and postcard of the lodge. Some said that a crazy old lady haunted it; or maybe someone like Mr. Rochester's wacko wife from Jane Eyre.

"This has been Chloe's hide out for the past week," Dmitri whispered. "I trust the Legend-Seekers to care for her. The only problem being when she leaves for food."

"Oh," was all I said. He opened a shabby turquoise door – the paint was chipping off and it didn't look sanitary – and inside was just a tiny dark room. It was an extremely tiny dark room. Who knew? He led me to yet another shabby door and another. Finally, we went down through a trap door and into a room that was plain and elegant. There in the corner, perched on a pole that hung on the wall, was the Russian Firebird, Chloe.

kisses to my peeps!

Asiat

Stupidity + Digornio = ???

I don't know if any of you have ever seen something you wrote years and years ago? I found something I wrote in thrid grade.

Boy, I was rAnDoM, had EXtreemly bad spelling, and, well, wow. You could SOOOO tell I was going to be writer. :D

So, I'll be posting some... randomness for ya'll to see! [*hears the general moan from blog-readers*]

All my love,

A.A.

it's just what i needed!

no FoRM, sorry. This is an update...

but, as Vortican knows, I'm working on a long-forgotten work. [and don't any of you DARE mentions this bloggo's namesake... and Vortican don't spoil it!] but I was having some trouble with inspiration... having trouble creating the scenes of this great epic... and then!

THEN!

THEN!!!

O, geez, this is the third time in four days I'm crying... I watched one of those awe-inspiring period dramas... one of my ultimate favs, Jane Eyre. I've read the book so many times, I've lost count. I've seen the movie [with ruth wilson and toby stephens... gah!] and sweetness, I've GOT IT!!!

"You've got it," as my English teacher says. and I eagerly await posting it on Holy Saturday. [the delay is only because I'm going to need to do some mojo typing up of it... eek!]

All my love, dears,

Asiat