WHEN THE SEA CALLS

"Rhea!!" The sea whispered.

Rhea stared at the blue sea which looked calm and deserted. Yet she could swear that she heard her name. Gradually there was a rising in the sea.

"Rhea!" The sea, called in a whisper. "Come, Rhea! Come quickly!!"

Fear ran down her spine.

What's her connection with the sea? Why does the sea always whisper her name? She thought.

She could feel the wave around her. She tried to run for her dear life but she was rooted to a spot.

"I don't want to come closer to you. Leave me alone!!" She yelled.

"Rhea!! You're mine. You belong to me!" She could hear amid the wave.

She felt the wave drag her in the direction of the sea, as she struggled to get herself freed. She walked past the dry land and into the sea, involuntarily.

"Leave me alone!!!" She yelled but it came more in a whisper. "Help! Help!!" She yelled harder this time, as she struggled to free herself. "Ah! Ahh!! Ahhh!!!" she screamed.

"You are mine, Rhea! You're mine!!" The sound echoed deep into her eardrums.

She screamed so loud, struggling so hard. She successfully freed herself but landed on her butt. She whined in pain, trying to recall where she was before she fell. She looked around as everywhere became familiar once more.

It must have been a dream. She thought.

Or what else can it be if a few minutes ago, she was in the blue sea, struggling to free herself from the stronghold of the wave that held her captive, and a few minutes later she was sitting on the floor in her room?

She wiped her temple, as sweat dripped down her face. The door opened slowly and she turned.

"Happy birthday, Rhea!" Celia and Mr. Odin said together, as they walked fully into her room.

She swiveled her eyes a bit. She has forgotten that today is her day; her birthday!

She chuckled. Who forgets a day like this if not her?

"And why are you on the floor, drained in sweat? Or did your boyfriend just jump out of the window?" Celia asked playfully.

Rhea groaned, standing up slowly as her butt still hurt. She must have fallen off the bed while trying to free herself in her dreamland. "Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Celia," she whimpered slowly.

"Are you okay, darling? You seem to be in distress," her dad said.

She chuckled, trying to hide her pain. "I'm fine, Dad. Where is my cake?"

"Is that your good morning?" Celia asked, pouting her lips.

Rhea giggled. She had forgotten her manners.

"I am so sorry," she said. "Good morning Dad. Good morning, Celia."

Celia rolled her eyes. "Happy birthday once more and for your cake, you will have to come downstairs and get it."

"Dad, why can't you bring the cake to my room? Mom usually does that," Rhea whined

Her dad smiled and walked up to her. "That's because today is a special day. Go take your bath and get ready, okay?"

"Go, go, go," Celia cooed, waving Rhea off with her hand.

"I don't want to," Rhea whined and pouted her lips.

"You have to, okay? It's a must that you get ready."

Rhea rolled her eyes. "The last time I checked, it's my birthday, not yours."

"Well, It isn't my birthday like you said but I don't think you will want to keep your guests waiting," Celia said and sat down on the bed

"Did you mean to say a guest and not guests?"

"You heard me right. It's not just a guest but a lot of guests."

Rhea blinked. " Are you for real?" She asked but Celia ignored her. She groaned. "You're such a-a..."

Celia chuckled and their dad smiled.

"I'm happy for you, Rhea" her dad cooed, walking closer to her. He pulled her into a hug.

"I love you, dad," she cooed.

"And I love you too sweetheart."

As she hugged her dad, her mind drifted back to her Mother. If she had been here, it would have been fun. Tears dripped down her face as the past birthdays celebrated with her, flooded her mind.

"I wished Mom was here," she cried.

"I wished she was here too. It would have been a perfect birthday," Mr. Odin said.

Celia couldn't hold back her tears either. Just like Rhea, she misses their Mother so much. She missed their family time together. She wished she could be here right now but it can't be. Despite the pain she felt, she knew one thing for sure: all the beautiful moments they had shared would remain in her heart. And just like their Mother has promised, she is watching them from above.

"Rhea. I know how much you miss Mom; I miss her too. Do you know what makes me happy?" Rhea shook her head. " Because she is here with us today, just like she would always be." She placed her hand on her chest. "Because right here is where she lives now. And for as long as our heartbeats, she is alive."

Mr. Odin sighed. "I wished I could give you the perfect 16th birthday your mom wished for."

Rhea smiled. "It is a perfect birthday, Dad. Having you and Celia here with me is worth more than gold. I'm happy to celebrate this birthday with you both. And I love you so much."

"I love you too," Mr. Odin answered

"And I love you more. Don't forget that," Celia said.

Rhea smiled. " Thank you, Celia."

Celia wiped her tears. "Enough of the tears shed, and the moody atmosphere. It is time to celebrate the most beautiful sister anyone can ever have."

Rhea chuckled. " Are you for real, right now?"

" Of course I am. Now, go get ready, and join us downstairs. Louie is here with a few others."

Rhea chuckled. "Thanks, Sis."

"Go," Celia smiled, pushing Rhea slightly. After Rhea left, she left the room with their dad to attend to the few guests they had before the celebrant gets ready.