Chapter 1: The Bells Ring Today

The church bells rang emitting a loud sorrow filled sound that echoed through the night. The religious structure was abandoned by everyone before the sun had set save for one little girl. She had been there weeping since early morning; her tears hit the old wooden floor silently and her sobs went unheard. She sat hugging her knees mournfully as she stared at the place where her parents’ coffins had laid.

The bells always rang the loudest when somebody passed on into the next world.

In the front of the church the large creaky oak doors opened slowly revealing an old man with a gentle, kind aura surrounding him. He dressed in a black suit appropriate for that of a funeral and wore a concerned expression across his aged face a pair of spectacles resting on the bridge of his nose. The man with white hair and compassionate blue eyes scanned the inside of the church anxiously. His eyes darted around in all different directions until they came to meet the little girl, then he strolled swiftly down the aisle toward her.

When he reached her he hesitated, “Alexandra…?” he questioned unsurely. The child looked up at him weakly with red, puffy eyes from crying. The eleven year olds black hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail and her glassy blue eyes had lost their usual sparkle. Her pale complexion glowed in the light the moon gave off through the glass windows giving her a sort of miserable beauty.

“Alexandra, we should go now. Staying here will do you no good.” The man murmured quietly. Alex spoke softly in a lifeless tone, “I suppose your right Quillish. However, I can not help but feel as if the world is collapsing around me.” she pulled herself up off the floor wearily, “Here we stand in the house of God and yet…I feel as if He has stolen my life away.”

Quillish gazed at her sympathetically, “Alexandra…Because I am the only family you have left you will come to live with me. Although I’m afraid I cannot offer you what you would call a normal life.”

“I’m afraid it won’t matter what type of life you offer me grandpa. I no longer have the will to live.” She whispered closing her eyes.

“Then come with me, there is someone I wish for you to meet.”

The two stood side by side as they left the church and walked out into the warm summer night. Enjoying the feeling of warmth, Alex, pondered over the unfairness of the world as Quillish opened the door of the small black English limo that had been awaiting them. She climbed in the back of the car and sat down cross legged on the black leather seat. The interior of the car was expensive looking consisting of only black and gray colors. As she watched Quillish get into the front seat she realized that there was a sheet of thin glass separating them. She tilted her head to the side as if stupefied, and then turned to her right to look out the tinted window blankly.

Quillish turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life, the engine rumbling. He pressed his foot down on the gas pedal and remained silent as they drove; there was no reason to speak. Alex was actually thankful for the quiet. It felt as though every word that left her lips drained more energy from her already tired mind.

The sounds of the bells were still ringing in her ears as they sped across the streets of Winchester, England. Their destination unknown to her she tried desperately to ignore the incessant noise in the back of her head and instead wondered about the person Quillish wanted her to meet. Truthfully, Alex didn’t want to see anyone and would rather have shut herself away in a lone room. There she could crawl up in a ball to wait for her life to come to an end, and then she could finally meet her parents in heaven. It was a depressing thought but it was as she said before; now that her parents were gone she no longer wanted to live. After all what was left for her?

But there she was again allowing her mind to drift off to manners of the past. She had to stop thinking of these previous events and move forward. Sighing inwardly she focused her thoughts back on the current timeframe. From the respectful tone her grandfather had used when speaking of this mysterious person she had allowed herself to deduce that he or she was some type of important figure. If they were important it would lead anyone to believe that their appearance would naturally be neat, tidy and that they themselves would be elegant, even handsome. However, Alex had learned that expecting the unexpected was one of the most meaningful lessons in life. You had to access every possibility no matter how unlikely it seemed. Since she was given no information about this man or woman it was impossible to determine their appearance; although it couldn’t hurt to fantasize.

In her mind he was a man. He would be tall, frighteningly large but his eyes would be kind and gentle. When he looked upon her his blue eyes would sparkle with empathy, and then although they barely knew one another he would embrace her in a hug warming her insides and allowing the sorrow to evaporate from her being. His hair would be dirty blond like her mother’s and she would need to resist the urge to playfully ruffle his up do. He would be beautiful, pale like an angel and his smile would make her melt. He would glow but only for her.

Alex nearly jumped startled from her fantasies by the abrupt sound of her grandfather’s voice, “We’re almost there Alexandra.” he smiled, “That didn’t take long at all, nearly three more minutes before we arrive.”

“…” She didn’t reply.

The fantasy had been a reassuring comfort for a moment before she realized that it would never be. In fact it would be no surprise if the person she was to meet was completely opposite of the make believe man her imagination had concocted. Actually, she was nearly ninety five percent certain they would be. Past experiences had taught her nothing ever turned out the way she wanted.

The car stopped.

‘Already?’ She thought. It hadn’t felt like a fifteen minute drive. Perhaps it had been because she was so distracted during the car ride.

Alex played with the hem of her oversized black t-shirt as she listened to Quillish open, and then slam his door shut in the same breath. She pondered what awaited her on the other side of the car door. Judging by Quillish’s well-dressed form, even if it had been for the funeral, she presumed that she was about to be brought into some ritzy rich people place…

Eyes suddenly widening in recognition for the first time in days she looked down at her clothing. Her ratty shirt, faded blue jeans and beat up shoes…she was in no condition to enter a place of such stature. Alex immediately became self conscious of her appearance keeping her eyes downcast. Silently she promised herself to keep them locked onto the pavement in order to avoid all sneering faces. She refused to let these ‘higher’ people put her down with their demeaning stares.

Completely oblivious to her anxiety, Quillish came around to open her door. A true gentleman. She had never really known her grandfather besides the Christmas visits he had made every year but she did remember that he had always given her the best presents. They were usually also the most expensive gifts she received, further confirming her suspicions of the classy establishment that undoubtedly awaited her arrival. She had always sort of seen her grandfather, up until she turned eight, as Santa Claus. It hadn’t been a completely absurd assumption after all; he did possess all the cheerful fat man’s traits. Well minus the belly…but when she had been little she had never really believed that Saint Nicholas was all that big of a man. …if he was how would he have fit through the chimneys?

Alex climbed out of the car awkwardly nodding silently to thank her grandfather. True to her internal pact she kept her eyes fixated on the pavement refusing to look up and be humiliated. She waited for him to move but he didn’t…

“Alexandra,” Quillish chuckled, “may I ask what on earth you find so interesting about the ground?”

She blushed but still did not look up. But then after thinking it over she considered it to be rude not to look him in the eye while he was speaking to her.

“Mmm. I do not wish to be ridiculed…” She whispered quietly as her grandfather’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

He smiled warm-heartedly, “Alexandra,” he said suddenly understanding, “Nobody here will ridicule you. They’re all just like you.”

“Like…me?” She repeated confused.

“Yes, all the children at Whammy’s House are orphans.”

“Huh?” She said with surprise, “We’re at an orphanage…? Wammys. Wammy. But isn’t that your name…?”

“Yes, I founded this orphanage. It is a place for unique, gifted children. All the kids at Wammys are geniuses one way or another.”

Just as she had predicted the setting in which she now stood, Wammy’s House, was a posh, elegant establishment. It looked as if Quillish Wammy had thrown every ounce of his fortune into his orphanage. The red brick building was enormous and looked, from her standpoint, able to room over a hundred children. And the house, not being colossal enough, was rear to a large, exquisite front courtyard and surrounded by a black iron fence. However, despite its overwhelming appearance it still possessed an inviting air that beckoned her forward. For the first time in days she smiled as she stumbled upon a realization.

This was home.

“It’s beautiful.” She whispered sincerely.

Quillish laughed, “Yes, I suppose it is.”

Shyly Alex intertwined her fingers with her grandfathers, “I’d like to see more of it.” she said quietly her eyes never leaving her new home.

Quillish didn’t speak but instead smiled and moved forward gently pulling her along with him. If Wammy’s House looked this marvelous draped in the shadows of night she quickly become excited thinking how magnificent it would look radiating within the sunlight. She considered her self lucky to even call such a remarkable place her home. She felt her heart racing with anticipation as they walked up the stone path toward the front of the oversized house.

When they reached the door Quillish looked at her earnestly, “Now listen closely; all the children are asleep at the moment so we will have to keep silent. We wouldn’t want to wake everyone and make a big fuss.” he grinned, “We can introduce you to the others tomorrow. Does that sound alright?”

“Yes that sounds fine.” She answered hardly able to contain her excitement as he turned the key in the lock.

He pushed the door open and gestured with his hand for Alex to go first, “Ladies first.” he offered keeping his voice low.

“Thank you.”

Stepping past her grandfather she entered and wasted no time taking in her surroundings. She heard the door shut behind her but paid it no attention being completely awestruck by the interior of the house. It was amazing. The hallways appeared to go on forever and were furnished expensively a red velvet rug running down the passage farther than she could see. Portraits hung everywhere each one unique and brilliant. Probably like every child who lived in the astounding place.

“Do you like it so far?” Her grandfather grinned knowingly. His voice was still hushed to avoid waking the orphans.

“It’s…brilliant.”

He nodded, “Follow me.” he said proceeding forward.

Alex followed him, still distracted by everything around her, walking slowly so not to miss anything amazing. There was a stupid smile stuck on her face as she thought again, ‘This is my home.’ she wondered, ‘Is God possibly trying to make amends?’ No that couldn’t be it. God knew that nothing He did would substitute for the lives of her parents.

She was caught off guard as she accidentally bumped into her grandfather.

Her eyes widened, “I-I’m sorry!”

“Ssssshh! Hush Alexandra!” Quillish reminded, “Keep your voice down. Its alright you don’t have to be sorry. I understand that this is a lot for you to take in.”

She nodded dumbly her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as Quillish shook his head laughing silently. Alex observed him curiously as he took his keys out of his pocket again.

“Is this the door to your room?” She asked.

“My office.” He replied as he unlocked the red oak door.

As he went to enter the room he was stopped by a sudden vibration in his pocket. The old man looked startled for a second before he reached into his back pants pocket and pulled out his cell-phone. He pressed the talk button and brought the mobile device to his ear. Alex remained still as she listened.

“Hello?”

“Oh yes Rodger. I’m with Alexandra at the moment what is it that you need?”

“Is it so urgent that it cannot wait?”

“I see. Very well. I’m on my way.”

Alex was confused now, “Who’s Rodger?”

“Hmm? Oh never mind that right now. I have something important to address so just go on in my office and I’ll be back soon.” He informed her quickly giving her a gentle nudge.

“Oh o-okay.” She stuttered nervously.

The door closed sealing her inside the room. She took in the room immediately noticing that it was not nearly as astounding as the rest of the house. It was plain, ordinary and had only the ness cities. Anything you would expect to find in a normal office straight down from the cluttered desk to the plush, formal carpets. She giggled to herself finding it funny how her grandfather had spared no expense when it had come to the whole house yet his office was the least decorative of its entirety.

‘Hmm? So grandpa likes sweets?’ She thought as she sighted a large bowl of candy resting in the far left corner of the room, ‘ That’s interesting.’

Amused, she strolled over to the assortment of candies. There were so many different kinds and all of them, much to her surprise, looked deliciously mouth watering.

‘He has so many…I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I just took one…’

She reached for a piece of pink taffy and raised it to her lips. She bit into it slowly and savored the flavor; it was absolutely scrumptious.

“That’s my candy.” A flat monotone voice came from behind her.

Alex jumped placing her hand over her heart in fright as she spun around on her heel sharply.

She shrieked terrified, “Ahh!”

The older boy who had spoken flinched visibly at the volume of her voice.

“W-who are you!?” She demanded, “Where did you come from!?”

He was thirteen tall and lanky but the terrible hunch in his back almost halved his height. He wore a plain, slightly wrinkled, white shirt and baggy blue jeans that covered his naked feet. The boy looked in desperate need of a haircut, his long black hair nearly grown down to his shoulders messy and uncared for. His eyes were definitely his most interesting feature; they were big, a mixture of gray and black and had dark bags lying neatly underneath them signifying that he hadn’t slept in ages. His pupils were enormous and he was deathly pale. Overall he was more than a little frightening.

“…I came from the bathroom…” He replied in the same dull pitch he had used before, “It’s over that way…” he pointed to the other side of the room. True enough there was another door that she could only assume lead to a bathroom.

“O-oh w-well, what are you doing here? This is my grandfather’s office. Shouldn’t you be sleeping like the other children?” She watched him cautiously as he brushed past her toward the candy bowl.

“I could say the same to you.” He answered simply grabbing a piece of candy between his index finger and thumb in the oddest manner she had ever seen.

Her brow twitched in annoyance despite her fear of the strange boy, “Why can’t you just give me a straight answer?” she asked irritated by his avoidance of her question.

His stare was unnerving, “Well,” he opened the candy wrapper plopping it into his mouth, “perhaps you’re the one who owes me the answers. Considering you are a stranger in my home… and therefore a probable enemy. How am I to know if you are lying or not of Mr. Wammy being your grandfather.” he chewed, “Mmmm. This is really good.”

“What!?” Alex growled raising her voice. She couldn’t believe the sudden aggressive emotions the boy had stirred within her but for some reason his cocky attitude really pissed her off and she found any feelings she had that had to do with fear were completely eradicated.

She huffed and started by poking him in the chest, “Me!? A probable enemy you say! Ha! For all I know you could be some sick pedophile who broke in to steal all the children away!”

“That would be quite unlikely considering I am still a child myself.”

“Ugh! You’re an unbelievable boy! Unlike you Quillish gave me reason to be here! I don’t suppose he had given you permission to enter his office!” She retorted angrily never having been so infuriated in her life.

“That is an assumption that you have made based on, might I ask, what evidence?” He asked calmly.

Alex opened her mouth to speak but she found that she had no words to respond. So instead she settled for glaring at him, her hands clenched at her sides rigidly.

“I thought as much.” He ended the argument confidently plopping another candy into his mouth.

She bit back her tongue to stop herself from saying something atrociously rude. Her eyes blue eyes blazed with rage meeting his black orbs with a challenge.

The door opened suddenly and Quillish walked in, “Alexandra…” he trailed off catching sight of the young boy. He seemed taken aback to see the two children together, “Ah I see you’ve already met him.”

“Huh? Met who? Who is this!?” She asked still glaring at the boy.

“Hmm? Oh this is the person I wanted you to meet.” Quillish smiled as Alex’s eyebrows shot up in astonishment, “This is L.”

Well…he was certainly pale like an angel.