ELARA
William and I only went home so I could shower quickly and change. This time, I didn't redraw the hickey. I got ready, and we went straight to a museum.
We arrived at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Inside was beautiful. We learnt about ancient China and saw objects brought from the Forbidden City.
"It's beautiful here," I said softly.
"Let me take a picture of you," William said.
He pulled out his phone and started taking photos. After he finished, we stood close together, scrolling through them. He posted some on his SNS. After the museum, we went to a random restaurant and ate noodle soup. The food was good — but not as good as the werewolf's restaurant.
"Where do you want to go now?" I asked.
"I want to visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum," he said.
When we arrived, we explored vast collections about the culture and arts of Hong Kong and South China – paintings, manuscripts, and exhibitions about Cantonese opera. We spent more time there than we expected, just admiring everything.
When we came out, we walked hand in hand.
"Going for a walk?" William asked.
"Sure," I smiled.
"This is the best day since we came to China," he said.
It was a really good day. But not the best. At least not for me. I didn't say anything. I just smiled at him. He stopped and pulled me into a hug.
"I love you, baby," he said, kissing my forehead.
"You do?" I asked playfully.
"What kind of question is that?"
"I mean… before me, you were a playboy. You could lie easily," I teased.
"That was before. Since I met you, I have changed. I'd be stupid to cheat. You're too beautiful. No way I'd lose you."
"Aww…" I kissed him. He kissed me back gently.
Are you having fun? Dr. T's voice echoed in my mind.
I froze for a second.
What the—?
Yes. Yes, I am, if you really want to know.
"Are you okay?" William asked.
"Yes. Of course." I forced myself to focus on him.
"Let's go home and chill," he said.
"Okay."
When we got home, we changed into comfortable clothes and put on a movie. William brought popcorn and cola. We sat on my bed watching TV. Every few seconds, William would jump or scream. I just laughed.
"It's not funny," he complained.
"You wanted a horror movie," I reminded him.
"I did it for you," he said, hiding behind a pillow, peeking out now and then.
Let's go for a walk later. Dr. T's voice again.
I ignored him this time. I leant closer to William, shoving popcorn into my mouth.
Why are you ignoring me?
Trying to have a nice day with my boyfriend. I replied mentally.
Silence. Then something clicked.
How the hell can I talk to him mentally?
Wait… how can I talk to you mentally? Or is this just in my head? Am I going crazy?
You are not going crazy. And what do you think? He asked mentally.
It's impossible.
It shouldn't be possible.
But how can I ignore the fact that I see spirits? That my blood is black? That I heal fast?
Then my phone buzzed.
A message from Dr. T.
Dr. T: Still think it's impossible?
My jaw nearly dropped.
I forced myself to stay calm. William was currently trying not to faint from fear at the movie.
What are you? I know you're not human.
And you think you are? He asked.
Yeah! What kind of question is that?
Are you sure?
I wanted to say yes. But it felt like a lie. I was born from a human. My parents are human.
But then…
Why is my blood black?
Why can I see supernatural beings?
Why do they obey me mentally?
Why do I heal faster?
Why do I see better? Hear better?
Why does my necklace react only to Dr. T?
When I put all of that together—holy fuck. No. No, no. It can't be.
If I'm not human… then what the hell am I?
My breathing quickened. The signs were there all along. How did I never question it?
"Baby? Are you okay?" William asked.
He turned off the TV and put his hands on me. I shoved him away.
"Don't touch me!" I snapped, jumping off the bed. "I need fresh air."
I ran outside into the yard, inhaling and exhaling rapidly.
"Baby—"
"God! Just leave me alone for a second!" I shouted.
My parents came home, followed by my grandmother.
"What happened?" my mom asked.
"I—I don't know. She just started having a panic attack and told me not to touch her," William explained.
"Honey, what exactly happened?" my mom asked gently.
My grandmother leant closer. "Is your necklace warm?"
I snapped my head toward her.
"Why would it be warm?"
Her face went pale.
"What?"
"You heard me. Why would it be warm?"
My dad pulled William aside.
"Well… usually your necklace warms up when you lose control of your emotions," my grandmother said carefully.
"Don't give me that bullshit. Tell me the truth."
"That is the truth," my mom insisted.
"Fine. Then take off my necklace."
"No," my grandmother said instantly.
"I SAID, TAKE IT OFF."
"And I said no! It's for your own good!"
"My own good?" I laughed bitterly. "On my birthdays I feel like crap because of this damn thing. And you still won't take it off?"
"We're not doing this to hurt you," my mom said.
"Then why? What are you hiding?"
Silence. They exchanged glances. That was enough.
"Fine. Don't talk to me until you tell me the truth."
I stormed into my room and locked the door. All night, I sat on my bed thinking. What am I? Maybe Dr. T knows. But what if he hides it too? Why is everyone hiding something from me? Shouldn't I have realised I wasn't entirely human? Or maybe I did. Maybe I've just been lying to myself.
Fuck.
My head hurts.