Lorelei

[kanzen]

http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp13/kanzenatsume/Lorelei/cover-1.jpg

-- Author's Note
Lorelei is a multi-genred story (Family, Slice of Life, Drama, Humor, Romance etc.), rated PG. Thanks to all the CC and Hack creators! Enjoy reading & please comment ;] more chapters soon!

-- Contents

1 - A Broken Family
2 - Goals and Ambitions
3 - Mother

[kanzen]

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“…as we both look up the stars; I could feel his hands tightening its grip around mine. His breath, overwhelming…near, as it tickled the back of my neck. It was there and then, I knew that he would pro –“

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…RING! RING! RING!

Stupid clock had no other use but to ruin people’s dreams! “What a wake up call,” says a very tired Zinnia. “I was in the middle of dreaming!”

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It was 8:45 am when the clock rang. It took about four snoozes to get poor, dozing Zinnia to get on her feet. The ring we just stumbled into was the fifth. “Why am I getting up early again?” She tried to recall in a rather complaining tone. “Right…got it…coffee first, then that.”

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After a quick shower, getting her paper, coffee and morning news, Zinnia checked her office at the basement to see if she had forgotten anything. The office was messy as usual, all filled with pending works. As well as her ‘supposed to be novels’ that never really reached their end; let alone a chapter three.
“I guess I’ll have less time when Scott gets here,” she mumbled to herself with a sigh. “…can’t be helped. The little bugger’s got nowhere else to go.”

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…RING! RING! RING!
“Ugh! What now?” She bursts out of frustration. Obviously she had enough of rings for one day. She picked up the phone. “Hello, Miyazama residence…”

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“What’s taking you? It’s 9:00 am!” A familiar voice shouted from the other line. “Hey, I just woke up, give me at least a couple more minutes. Have you eaten?” She asked, in attempt to quickly change the subject. “Yeah, got tired and hungry. I’m at old man Pop’s diner, near the bus station.” “Alright, alright I’ll be there to pick you up.”

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Fueled with coffee and an early morning shouting, she marched out the door and got into her car, checked the time once more; 9:03 am.

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“Plane arrives at seven, so Scott must be at the local bus terminal by eight.” She thought to herself with slight irritation to her own failures. “Hehe, the kid must be really mad at me right now.” She said with a chuckle and shrug.

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Once she arrived at Old Man Pop’s Diner, Zinnia looked all over and there she found a hint of blonde - Scott. It was obvious why she chose Old Man Pop’s despite that it’s expensive – it had Scott’s favorite home cooking.

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“Hey, baby sis. I’m really sorry,” she apologized before her sister bursts out first. “I didn’t get any good sleep lately and -”

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“Have YOU eaten?” Scott asked, totally dismissing her sister’s apology. “N-no. I just got up remember?”

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Without a word, Scott called the waiter and ordered a breakfast platter for her sister. “I’m loaded, just for today. You’re paying me back tomorrow.” She said as she faced her sister.

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“Yeah, alright, I’m sorry.” Zinnia said with a smile. “I miss mom’s cooking too.”

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On their way home they fought and argued – naturally. But all the bickering stopped when they arrived at Zinnia’s place. It was the first house she drew on her drawing board that turned into wood, brick and concrete – beautiful and dear to her.

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My eldest daughter, Zinnia – artist, sculptor, novelist and architect, was her father’s favorite. She was beautiful, talented and smart. Short tempered and lazy from time to time but she gets through.

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And my second daughter Scott – pessimistic and a little rebellious, she’s smart too but a little reserved. Her father didn’t favor her much since she’s always causing trouble, and somewhat gender-confused.

Shame I’m not in the living world anymore to comfort them. But I’m here to at least tell you this story.

[kanzen]

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Once the two arrived, Zinnia showed her sister around the house. She was more than glad to show it off to say the least – since she designed it herself.

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“It occurs to me that you’re always trying to lose weight,” says Scott. “How so,” asked her sister in bewilderment. “You installed a huge set of stairs just to get to the front door. That’s enough to get your heart pumping every time you go in and out of the house.”

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“You read me well.” Zinnia laughed and they continued down the basement.

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The basement didn’t feel like a basement at all. It was bright and roomy. It was also separated to four rooms including a bathroom. Scott was purely amused at how her sister managed to make a basement feel ‘non-stuffy’.

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“The left’s my office. Second door’s the REAL basement with all the junk. The door at the right’s the bathroom. And the last door’s your room – it’s not done yet though so you’ll sleep in my room for a while.”

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“Can I have a peek at least?” Scott passively said while opening the door without permission. “Hey, you’re already doing it.”

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Inside there were old grey flooring and walls, boxes that contain Scott’s stuff brought over by the movers before hand and old grey wood furniture; all mundane…

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But a light fragile-looking figure caught Scott’s eye. “What…who’s that?” she pointed to the white figure on the old bed. “That’s Lorelei, one of my failed attempts in creating a human-sized robot; of course it starts with a doll...” Zinnia said; her voice mixed with both pride and dismay. “I don’t know what went wrong, she’s just…broken. Anyway, I’ll throw her out soon -”

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“NO!” Her little sister yelled. “What…why? I’ve been trying to fix her – no luck.” Her sister stammered. “It’s not like you to make mistakes OR fail. What are you up to,” says a very doubtful Scott.

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“If you want to keep her…” Zinnia started with a smirk, “…I will. And I’ll fix her.” Scott said as she tries to lift the doll into her arms – too heavy. She placed it on the bed in its original position.

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“I’m sure you can. After all, you’re Scott; not Zinnia.” She said as she pats her sister’s shoulders, “That’s what mom used to say.” Scott whispered as she looks up at her sister – smiling. “I bet she still does.”

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“Now I know you’re tired and all so get washing and-” My eldest started again to change the subject. “I’ll sleep here.” My little Scott said – cutting her sister. “You sure do have a STRANGE habit of cutting people’s sentences. But you can’t. It’s still pretty dirty in here.” Scott just agreed with a nod as Zinnia went out the door.

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After their evening bath the two got ready to sleep. Zinnia opened her favorite book as she reclined on the back board. “Hey Zin, do you think I could really fix Lorelei. I mean, I just said that out of…out of…” Scott started.

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“Out of pure desire and emotion…?” Zinnia absently murmured as she closed her book.

Surprised at her sister’s correct remark, Scott asked again to hide the fact that her sister could read her. “Yeah, I guess. Why are you trying to make a human sized robot slash doll anyways?” “I guess I just want to do what Dad couldn’t do.”

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“Surpass Dad; are you crazy? That man’s brilliant...too brilliant!”

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Scott hugged her knees to hide her face – occupied with tears. “Too brilliant to even go down to earth, too brilliant to see that I just can’t do what he expects of me; too brilliant…to see me.”

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“Yeah, sometimes even I feel like we’re all under his shadow. And he’s casting a pretty BIG shadow.” Zinnia sighed and looked up the ceiling.

“That’s why I created Lorelei. Just to see if I could do what he can’t do. But now I failed, so…I trust that you can do what I can’t.” Zinnia looked over her sister, still curled into a small fragile figure. “I’m sure you can do it.”

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Due to her soft and kind remark, Scott opened up and wiped her tears as her sister kissed her forehead. “Time to sleep little Katrina,” Zinnia sang softly a familiar lullaby, “…the stars and the moon await you in the skies...”

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“Only mom can mention my name without getting me mad…” softly she whispered to herself. “How about we visit mom tomorrow?” Zinnia asked her dozing sister. “I miss her,” she then fell asleep.

[danirawr_SC]

Great start! The doll scared me a little at first.

[decoyenderek_SC]

Ooh, great intro! That doll, Lorelei is creepy for sure. Maybe the spirit of the mother will haunt that doll? Anyways, can't wait for more!

[Mrs.Kuma]

I love how this is going, cant wait to read more! That doll is creepy for sure!

[kanzen]

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As the sun shines, birds chirped cheerfully as they spread their songs from tree to tree. There was a soft breeze with a bit of sunshine; Sunday on May – Mother’s day. “Scott! Breakfast’s getting cold,” shouts a very irritated Zinnia, “Mom’s waiting!”

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“The dead has all the time in the world, Zin.” Scott groggily murmured as she slowly crawls from the bedroom door. Hearing this, my Zinnia got flushed bright red. “Have some respect! Do you know what day it is?”

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Slowly Scott sat on the table and buried her head in her arms. “The day she died?” Her sister placed the plates on the table with a mix of grim and sad look on her face. “Other than that…?” She asked once more; sighed when her sister couldn’t answer. “She died on the 9th, her birthday, six years ago…” Zinnia started as she took bites of her plate. “You were only ten and you thought she was sleeping…”

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For about half an hour both just sat there, quiet - not daring to say a thing; afraid, grieved, nervous? I myself am not sure what they were feeling – let alone, what they were thinking. Both of them tried to say something, but decided not to.

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“Her birthday…” Scott whispered while she sat still. “She died on her birthday, because of me…” The statement was too gloom-filled; she wouldn’t dare let anyone hear it. “I’ll wash the dishes.” She said as she got up and went to the kitchen.

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Time is neutral I must say. It passes by in the same speed, whatever the circumstance. However, while my poor troubled daughter washed those dishes, it felt like time stood still.

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I could feel myself, wanting to pat her shoulder, hug her, and tell her it’s all right. But that’s impossible. I just watch her from a distance as she got herself lost in the memories of the past.

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Six years ago, May 9th at our family home, we were celebrating my 34th birthday at our old house. Everyone from both sides of the family came and the house was filled with laughter, joy and dancing.

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On that day I didn’t realize…

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…that it would be my last.

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As I imagined the scenes I noticed her tremble before me. Could it be that she saw what I saw? “Scott, the cemetery closes by 12 noon for lunch break, hurry!” Unfortunately before I could wrap my arms around her she already ran out the kitchen. “Yeah, hold your horses!”

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Oddly, she looked back, smiled and said, “Happy Birthday mom.” Tears flooded my eyes as I felt a mix of happiness, joy and pain in my heart. Even if I’m not living, I could feel it pumping, beating against my chest. “I love you, sweetie.” I said as I blew her a kiss.

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“Double time girl, we still need to go to dad’s place this afternoon!” A very irritated Zinnia said. “Quit being so hot headed! You’ll get old early.” Zinnia pouted at the remark. “Me, get old? Nuh-uh. Not until I get a boyfriend, get married and have six children I won’t,” she joked.

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Time passed as they drove and soon arrived at the Spider lily Cemetery at near noon. “Ladies, we close in 15 minutes,” says the guard at the gate. “We won’t be long, sir.” They said as they climbed up the prayer shrine.

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Soon after praying they approached my grave where Zinnia noticed a vase of Proteas. “Looks like mom has an admirer,” she remarked with a soft smile.

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“Somebody must’ve mistaken mom’s grave for someone else’s.” As usual, my very negative Scott disagreed with her sister’s statement. “Yeah, I bet that somebody just accidentally knew that Proteas are one of mom’s favorite flowers.” Zinnia teased.

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After cleaning my grave, praying for my wellbeing and bidding goodbye, the two rode on to visit their father. Something I never expected both of them would do. But he’s still their father, no matter what.

[kanzen]

thanks for your support everyone~! i'm terribly sorry for the delay, there's so much things to do nowadays ^^" but don't worry, i'll update this story atleast monthly LOLz

[chowgilly]

Im loving the story! Keep up the good work

[kanzen]

thanks, I'll write when I have time. oh and btw, please rate so I know what you guys think about the story over all ^^"

[kanzen]

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Upon arriving to a familiar house they were greeted by Mikuru Natsume, the head of the household. “Welcome back my ladies, you both look rather glowing today.” Zinnia bowed in return. “You do as well; I suspect it’s a girl?” Mikuru, at that time was 2 months pregnant. “We really can’t say yet, but if you say so young miss.”

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“Ah, I see.” Zinnia looked around and saw how their ancestral home is still in its original beauty. “I see the house is in good shape. The garden’s well tended too. Father must’ve been pleased with your work.” Zinnia complemented. “If not Young Miss, I’d be fired already.” Mikuru joked. It was a joke, but she was serious.

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After their brief greetings they walked into the house. “Sadly, your father will not be able to come today to commemorate as he is on a business trip.” Sadness and relief filled the two. Seeing him is good as they haven’t seen each other for quite some time, yet they’re always nervous around him.

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“I’ll prepare some tea and you two should get some rest. Dinner will be ready shortly.” Mikuru said as she led the two into the tea room. “I’d love to help make dinner Mikuru-san; after all, you shouldn’t strain yourself.” My eldest said, concerned. “That won’t be necessary young miss.” She declined in a firm yet respectful tone.

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They all sat down as Mikuru prepared some hot green tea. “Please Mikuru-san? I’d love to teach Katrina here a thing or two about home cooking.” Zinnia said as she waited for her tea, “Don’t you think it’s a good way to improve her ‘wife-skills’?” A thoughtful face and a nod is all Zinnia needed. “Alright, but do be careful, I’m highly responsible for the both of you.”

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“Ah, but don’t worry Mikuru-san. If the kitchen gets burned, then repairs come out of Kat’s pocket.” My silly daughter teased. “What?! You’re not serious, are you?” Scott’s voice finally came out as she reacted. “Well it’s settled then.” A soft smile formed in Mikuru’s face as she pours it.

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“You can’t be serious; I can’t cook!” my dear Scott protested in as she hid her face, sipping the tea. “Sorry sis, but it’s about time you know more than eggs and bacon.”

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Later that evening, my two daughters are already busy at work in the kitchen. “Make sure you stuff the fish right.” Zinnia reminded as she spread some seasonings on a handful of shrimp. It was a Sunday; seafood night. Scott had already made some sushi; the only thing she’s confident about since it doesn’t need to be cooked. “Yeah I got it.” Scott briefly replied. Watching the two, I felt really amused and amazed at how fast my little Scott learns. It’s not that easy to get the stuffing in without tearing the fish. Mind you, I was getting hungry myself.

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Moments later Mikuru popped into the kitchen and called out the two. “My ladies, the Onsen’s ready. I’ll finish the rest here.” Hearing her, Zinnia turned her head and smiled “Look Mikuru-san! Kat just made some sushi, try one,” she said as she pointed out the table. “…Looks good; alright then, let’s see…” she murmured in approval as she sat.

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Nervous, Scott couldn’t hide what she felt as Mikuru took a bite. She can’t see her anyways… “It’s good. And it’s shaped right.” She cheerfully approved. “My, the master would be very proud; sushi’s one of his favorites.” Scott smiled as she unexpectedly received a good verdict, “Thanks,” embarrassed, yet very grateful.

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Slowly she got up and proceeded to the kitchen counter. “I’ll be making dinner now, you both go take a bath and change. The young master would arrive shortly from school.” Scott dared to ask but Zinnia stopped her “We’ll be going then.”

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‘Young master?’ I heard myself ask. Did my husband remarry? If he did then how come I didn’t know about it? STEP, STEP, STEP; There were new footsteps that came into the house. “Toshiro is that you? I’m in the kitchen.” Mikuru called out to her husband. “Yes, we’re home.” He called out from the hallway. “I’ll just get some things from the car.”

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Mikuru rushed to the door and greeted the new arrivals “Ah, young master, welcome home.” Mikuru bowed at the young boy as a greeting. “How was your day?” He was silent; didn’t say a word. Nervous, she kept her head down.

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I looked at him carefully as he just stood there. He’s a good-looking young man and he had some of my husband’s features. Slowly he opened his lips “It was good, as usual.”

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A sigh of relief came from Mikuru as she received a reply and was allowed to elevate her head. “Dinner will be served soon, would you like some tea?” carefully, she asked, obviously in a softer tone. “I’ll make some tea later; I wouldn’t want to trouble you.” He dismissively said as he walked into the hall.

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With the boy’s presence gone, she sighed and relaxed. ‘I thought he was going to fire me or something.’ Silently, she whispered to herself. ‘What a relief.’ She breathed in deeply and closed her eyes. She remained standing at the entrance, waiting…

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“I’m home, dear.” Her husband cheerfully greeted her. “What’s the matter? You look pale.” Gently, he caressed her cold face. “I’m alright, just a little pressured is all.” Relieved, she smiled.

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“Toshiro-san! Help, there’s a thief!” The boy yelled from somewhere else. “Toshiro-san, Mikuru-san, help me!” Both rushed to where he is, quickly to rescue their young master, only to discover who the ‘thief’ was.

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“Mikuru-san, thank goodness!” He said as if he’s been saved from something dangerous. “That’s thief’s in father’s room,” he accused as he pointed out to Scott. “There’s this new thing; we call it KNOCKING! You pervert.” My feisty daughter shouted back; still half naked; surprisingly unembarrassed. “Pervert? Who in the world are you?” “None of your business, whacko!”

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Out of nowhere, Zinnia appeared just in time. “That would be my younger sister, Katrina Miyazama.” Stunned, due to hearing the family name the boy stuttered. “Ne…Neesan?” Zinnia smiled as the boy stammered. “Good to see you again Hideki-chan.”