Cleo's confused bark snapped me out if my reverie. This was all too strange. Emeralds? I needed to show this to AJ. I wanted to open the envelope, my curiosity was sky high, but I stopped myself. Whatever I do, I do with AJ. I trust him and we're a team. Plus this was addressed to him. So I gave in to Cleo's requests and whines of going back inside the house.

John was opening the door. And I smashed into him. He caught me by the waist. His eyes went wide, but he held me gently.

I moved back quickly, "Sorry John, I was just—"

"No worries, I was coming to call you," he said.

"Umm is AJ up?" I asked.

"No, not yet. I think I'll go wake him up."

"Oh it's okay, I'll go. We'll be down in a minute." I said and brushed by him going up the stairs.

"Delilah—" he called midway.

I stopped and turned. "Yes?"

"Mail?" He asked smiling.

"Right! Sorry," I flushed. I ran back down and gave him all the mail, except the emerald letter.

I went back up and opened the door to AJ's room. He was up, and was inspecting his wound. It looked ghastly and painful.
It had a layer of yellow around it, the ointment he was applying.

The gunshot was in a peculiar place. And it was hard for him to reach there himself. I rushed ahead and helped him apply the medicine.

"You're here," he said. "Thanks, I was just trying to get this done, then I was on my way down."

"I told you I'd help. You must still be in so much pain."

"That's okay. It's healing," he said. "What did you do all morning?"

"I went out for a walk with Cleo. She's delightful." I said almost done with his wrapping.

"You know I was thinking maybe I could take you somewhere? We've got nothing else to do. We can walk around the place. There's this one cave near the beach, where I used to go as a kid. I could take you there. The view is just breathtaking," he said looking back at me.

"I'd love to AJ, but about that. I — I found something, you should probably see," I said sitting next to him.  I took out the envelope from my pocket and placed it in his hand.
"Sal asked me to take out the mail. I found it there. It's addressed to you. And it's just—weird. The emerald on it."

He took it and and inspected it carefully. He touched the crested jewel and seemed confused.

"Thanks, but I don't know what this is. There's not many people who know my name. I have no idea what this is." He said.
"Should I open it?"

"Well, yes!" I expressed.
He grinned.
And then opened the the envelope. The inside was a emerald green letter, with golden text in it.

It read,

Dearest Aidan,

I understand you must be confused right now reading this letter. Thinking how do I know your name? How do I know who you are? Your parents? Your dog?
I assure you, you'll get all the answers you need. But for right now, I require you to do me a huge favour.
Why must you do it? A favour for a stranger, someone you've never met. Well boy, once I tell you what I know about your parents you'll want to do it.
I need you to steal something.
Stealing is something you're good at isn't it? Taker?
Show me what you've got.
All you have to do, is steal an item from a gala taking place this month. In Hawaii for the first time in forever their will be a Cresent Moon Gala.
It'll be an exhibit showcasing semi precious and irreplaceable gems and jewels. What I need you to do is steal a set of four stones.

Particularly rare and unique jewels. They've been in your family for ages.
And they were the reason your parents met their demise.
I need you to get them for me.

Four Bahia Emeralds.

So what do you say? Deal?

Taker?

Sincerely and faithfully,
U.E.

"What the bloody hell," AJ said his eyes still on the words he'd just read.

"I honestly don't know," I said.

"Is this a joke? This person wants me steal something? What the heck," he cussed.

"I'm a little confused too babe," I professed.
"Do you know who U.E. is? Or this so called gala he's talking about?"

"No I've never known anyone by those initials. And Emeralds? My parents? I told you they died in an accident. I—" he stopped.

"Look, let's calm down okay? Why don't we just have breakfast. We'll think about it later." I offered.

He didn't respond.

"Aidan?" I asked.

He looked at me then.

"It's just that, I never knew my grandfather. Dad said he'd died before I was born. And mum said she didn't know who her parents were. I just don't get what family they're talking about. And how could I have known anything..? I was 7 years old!" He said, creases all across his forehead.

"Maybe it's a fake? Someone just trying to mess with you?" I suggested.

"Maybe," he said looking far off.

"You're right let's get breakfast. I'm starving," he finally agreed.

He kept the letter away, but still looked tense. We walked down till the kitchen and had breakfast, everyone was pretty silent except Cleo, she was panting and barking playfully at AJ.

After breakfast, AJ and I decided to go around town and find out more about this supposed gala. We didn't tell John or Salazar about the letter. AJ didn't want to tense things up, especially since it had just begun to become peaceful.

I kept on my blue sundress and paired it with brown sandals. The only other ones I had. AJ wore a white shirt with gold accents and black pants. And after what felt like ages, he gleefully put on his dearest fedora hat.

I smiled when I saw his expression as he put it on. As if two long lost friends were reuniting.

We went down till his Jeep. And were all ready to go when suddenly we heard Cleo bark and jump right into the back seat.

"Wow there Cleo, what do you think you're doing?" AJ asked her sweetly.

She just sat still, as if it was her right.

"Cleo—" AJ was about to pick her up and place her down when I stopped him.

"Let her be. Let her come with us. Might be fun," I suggested.

AJ thought for a moment or two before giving in to her adorable dog eyes and my kind requests.

He grinned as he sat beside me in the driver's seat.

"Shall we?" He asked me.

"We shall!" I said happy to finally roam around Hawaii. Even if the reason to do so was behind a quaint Emerald envelope.
                °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

AJ was quiet throughout the drive. I was lost in thought too. This was just all too sudden. All too familiar. The morning skies were blue and alive. Puffy white clouds stranded across it like cotton candy. Cleo was leaning towards the left side, her head bopped outside. Tongue flailing with the wind.

"Where are we headed?" I asked AJ.

The streets were full of colorful tourist chittering and chattering about their next day adventure in Hawaii.

"We're going to the museum, to see what the fuss is all about." AJ answered.

"Museum?" I questioned.

"Yeah, if there's going to be a gala in a week or so, all the Jewels and artifacts must already be in the local museum."

"How are we going to get in?" I asked.

"I have a friend." He answered conspicuously.

"Do you think it's true? The whole 'been in your family for ages' part?" I said.

"Frankly I don't have a clue. I don't know much about them. Any of them. I told you. All I know are my parents and my uncle. Whom I've never met." He said flatly.

I sighed.
"Don't get too worked up about this. We'll figure it out."

He looked at me, his eyes emotionless and numb.

"I hope so," he said. "We're here."

I hadn't realised but we were parked in front of a big white palace like place. It was white and grand and had sea creatures carved into the walls.

"This is the museum?" I asked.

"Yup, let's go!" he said grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the entrance.

There was a man standing by the entrance, the doors to the museum were locked. Big white spear looking bars blocking the way in.

"AJ I don't think we'll be able to—" but I stopped as AJ and the man by the entrance broke into a hug.

The man had ginger hair sweeped to the side, and had pale green eyes. His face was covered in light freckles and a goofy grin.

"AIDAN!" he exclaimed. "Is it really you? Gosh you look so different."

"You too Ian! It's been a while." AJ smiled and said.
"This is Delilah, she's with me."

I smiled and nodded towards Ian, who was least concerned about me. He was still in awe of Aidan returning?

"Uh Hello!" He greeted finally.

"Ian I need a favour, I know it's all too sudden but. You see Delilah really wants too see the inside of the museum. Especially cause there's no one inside right now." AJ winked.

Ian grinned.
"Aidan you know I can't do that. But it's good to see you haven't changed."

"Please Ian. It's not like we're going to steal anything." I chummed in. Knowing where AJ was getting at.

"Yeah, please Ian!" AJ mimicked my tone.

I was quiet uncomfortable.

"Oh come on guys. Can't you just go get a room or something?" Ian whined.

AJ swat his arm, "You owe me Ian."

Ian sighed and blushed.
"Shit okay Aidan. But please be quiet and don't TOUCH anything! I could get into some serious trouble."

"Hey the museum opens at noon. We'll be good. Thanks man," AJ replied and gestured me to follow.

Once we entered the place, a chill of cold air went through me. The place was fully made of cold marble. It was all black and white. There were artifacts everywhere.

"What was that about?" I asked him.

"What? Ian?" He said.

"The whole thing."

"We'll talk about it later, okay?"

AJ didn't let me look at anything either, he rushed me through the deserted museum floor to the very end of the place.

Their was a grand glass wall with pictures of each and every piece of precious work put up and around the marble palace.

AJ scanned through them all until he reached at the very last one. It was a poster depicting four very shiny uneven shaped Bahia Emeralds. But one thing that popped out of the poster was the word, "Cursed."

"Fuck!" AJ cursed and slammed his hand into the glass wall.

Thankfully it didn't budge. AJ must've been in pain. And anger. But this was just irresponsible of him.

"AJ what are you doing?" I yelled

"I'm sick of this Lilah. This is cursed this whole fucking thing is cursed. I just got shot! The crew isn't with me!? My family apparently didn't die of an accident. And this— this cursed Jewel is a fricking heirloom!" He screamed and his voice hollered around the marble walls.

"AJ?" I shushed and tried to touch him. But he swat my arm away.

"No, no please go away," he cried.

"What?" I asked.

"Stay away from me or you'll wither away too. My family, my friends. It's like a plague that follows me."

"AJ you're talking complete bullshit. Think AJ. Your crew is still with you. And we don't even know whether this is legitimate? You—" but I was interrupted.

"Don't— please!" He yelled again clutching his head.
"Let me think God damn it!"

I stopped. It was as if he was possessed. I'd never seen him like this.

"AJ? Why are you being like this?" I tried to get near him.

But he pushed me back. His eyes were cold and full of rage. He wasn't himself anymore.

"You know what to hell with you. Come to me when you can recognise yourself in the mirror." I fumed and began to walk off. But he ran forward and grabbed my wrist.

"How will you leave? You don't know the streets?" AJ asked his voice had a tinge of regret.

But I was much too pissed to care.

I shook his hand away but his grip was strong. "John will be more than happy to pick me up," I said.

"John? Really? You're going to call John," he huffed.

"Yes what's wrong with him? At least he's sane right now." I talked back.
And tried again to let go of his grip.

"You don't get it? Or are you doing this on purpose?" He said.

"What?! What are you saying AJ? If you want to say it. SAY IT."

"He's freaking in love with you Delilah! Can't you see!" He yelled sarcastically.

I had, had enough. He was possessed for sure.
I tried again to pull my hand from his.
"AJ you're hurting me. Let me go!"

It was as if he was flicked back to reality and he let go of my hand.
He looked sad.

"I don't know who you are anymore AJ. I don't want to see your face right now." I yelled back and ran to the entrance. My hand going to my phone, then working it's way up to my ear.

The dial tone went on for what felt like hours. I saw Ian in awe as he saw me rush by him, take Cleo from the car and dash for the other side of the road. I ran towards the beach beneath and sat underneath a huge coconut tree.

"Delilah?" John answered suprised.

"John?" I said. My voice was wavering with the anger and hurt. But I wasn't crying.

He sensed that something was wrong in an instant.
"Is everything okay? What happened?"

"J-John? Can you come pick me up?" I whispered.

"What? Of course. But where's AJ?" He asked.

"I don't know."

"Okay okay, where are you?" He asked again, I could hear him starting a car.

"By the beach near the white museum."

"I'm on my way. Stay there."

I hung up the phone.
          °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

John came by shortly after. Cleo and I were still underneath the tree. I was still in shock. I was staring out at the ocean and wondering what I had to do next. When John came and sat down next to Cleo and I.

He touched my wrist, and it burned to touch. I look down at it and saw it was scraped by the grip. His grip.

"Delilah you're hurt." John said.

"It's barely a hurt John." I said back not looking at him.

"What happened? Where's AJ?" He asked.

"I told you, I don't know. Please just take me home." I replied.

"Of course come on I'll help you up."

After we were in the car, John started telling me how terrified he was when he got my phone call. How he'd thought we'd gotten into an accident of some kind. But I was too invested in my thoughts of AJ and four weird Emeralds and the initials U.E. to pay too much attention to John.

We reached home in no time, Sal was outside waiting for us, he had a leash ready for Cleo and two glasses of water for John and I.

John took Cleo, the water and rushed inside with Sal. I sat down outside on the porch and stared at the ever changing Ocean.

My hand was aching and I felt the corner of my bag poking my side. I adjusted it and realised I still had the envelope with me.
I was about to take it out when Sal came back. He sat down next to me and asked me cautiously, "May I see your hand miss?"

I realised what he was doing and shook my head. "Sal I'm fine don't worry."

But he insisted and I gave in. He was dabbing some sort of antiseptic on my wrist. And wrapping it up.

"It was just a scratch," I muttered.

"Or a rather firm grip," he replied.
-
-
-
"I've never seen him like that Sal, it was as if he was someone else completely."

"There are many facets of a person, miss that they themselves are not aware of. Certain situations, memories and narratives bring out the best and worst in people. About Aidan, he's never been agressive per say. But perhaps people change." Sal seemed sad as if AJ had broken the rose tinted glass through which Sal saw him.

"Salazar, there's something I need to ask you. That emerald Collar Cleo wears, where did it come from?" I asked.

"Oh that? That came in the mail one day from someone who claimed to be part of the family. Someone who claimed to know Cleo. I figured it must be the boy. I thought the emeralds were fake?" He said.

"They're certainly not fake Sal. And AJ didn't send them."

"I could find that letter again for you. Would you like to see it?" He asked.

"That would be great Sal, if it's not too much trouble."

He nodded smiling and went back inside.

Next came John. It was afternoon now, and everything was calm. The house was on a more deserted side of the island.

"Are you okay?" John asked.

"I'm fine," I said.
"But I do want to show you something."

Then I told him everything, the emeralds, the envelope, U.E., the weird museum. And AJ lashing out.

John seemed taken aback. He was still staring at the words in the letter after I'd finished telling him the whole story. His blue eyes scanning every syllable.

"This is so fucked up," John finally said.
"When AJ came to us, he was eight? And his parents had passed of an accident. He didn't know anything about his family. And we didn't care to investigate his parents deaths. I feel so stupid. I should have known something was off!"

"How so?" I asked.

"I knew AJ's dad came from a wealthy background. Wealthy yet tainted. He'd left home to marry Odette, AJ's mother. And they worked hard to build a family, afford this house. But that day, the day they died. It was never a clean case you know. It was weird. But I was younger then. I didn't doubt the official report."

"What do you think happened?" I pressed on. "Do you think they were murdered?"

"No, I think it was an accident. I think they just went crazy," he said his face pale.

"Crazy?"

"These emeralds, they're not exactly ordinary. I don't believe in this stuff usually. But well, they're supposed to drive you insane bring you bad luck. Unless you're an heir or something. Bahia emeralds." John said.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"But AJ's father was an heir. Why do you think he went insane then?"

"That day, Odette was the one driving the car. Not Eric."

"But how did it only effect AJ in the museum? I was there too." I wondered out loud.

"I don't know. Maybe that was just him. Not the emeralds. We're just walking in the dark here."

I sighed at the thought. I wished there was an excuse for his behaviour. But there wasn't.

"So what now? You think we should do it? Or is it not worth it."

"I would want to know what really happened to my parents regardless. And he's always been so alone. He loved them you know. Even though he doesn't admit it. However much he remembers of them, he misses them."

I didn't say anything.

"How are we going to do it John? Just you, me and a screwed up AJ?"

Now he didn't say anything.

We both knew this was impossible without the whole crew. But was this something we could even ask of them? Especially since we'd just gotten out of a crazy situation.

"Who's U.E. though?" John asked.

"I don't know. Never heard of him before."

"Me  neither—" John said as Sal came back with another emerald letter in his hand.

He gave it to me and said, "It's very odd miss, there's no name, just the initials. U.E."

And truthfully enough, the letter ended with two gold letters.

U.E.
             °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

John was leaning in to see what was written in the letter. His breath was cool and ticklish down my neck.

"Well here he is again? U.E." John said. Still leaning in.

"It could be a woman too you know." I said and looked at him as a reflex.
His face was inches away from mine. I could see the white lines in his electric blue eyes. Like electricity and flashes and thunder.

He gulped, "They."
He corrected himself.

We were separated by frantic licks given to us by a freshly fed Cleo.

She seemed recharged and chaotic.
Just how I like em.

"Um I have a resolution." John said getting up abruptly.

"Well do tell. I'm fresh out of those."

"Just trust me Lilah. We'll solve this. Trust me," he said winking. Then turned and ran upstairs.

Cleo still sat next to me on the porch staircase.
"I guess it's just you and me then, Cleo beo. Just you and me."

She woofed.
I giggled.
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I apologise for the late update guys, I wasn't feeling inspired. But I am committed to finish this book so here it is! I hope you like this chapter.
Please keep voting, reading and commenting!
I really appreciate it.
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