Untold Moments

Chapter 2: Monsters

Panting and screaming, 6-year old Yaya awoke from a nightmare. She quickly glanced around her room. It's pitch black and the hooting of the owls along with the singing of the crickets from outside her window didn't give much comfort. Beads of sweat slid on her paled skin as her eyes stopped at the sight of her closet. The door was slightly ajar. And intensely, though with much reluctance, she stared at its interior. Then she froze. Her face drained colors as her eyes grew into wide saucers. She could've sworn she saw something move in it. "Ah!" she squeaked, while pulling the covers over her tiny body. She trembled as she peaked through the covers and chanced a glance at the closet but quickly looked away. She is scared. 'What should Yaya do now? Yaya is scared! Wait. Yaya thinks Cookie-kun's in the guest room…' thought Yaya. And with that thought, she quickly jumped off the bed and ran towards the door. She nervously fumbled with the door knob for a few second before getting it opened.

The scenery that welcomed her only made her gulp. It's also dark in the long hallway and only candles stationed in some candleholders of the walls guide the path. Kukai's mother really did have a thing for Candles. Oh, but why does this hallway seem longer tonight? She shivered as a gust of wind blew from the open window near the staircase. Grasping on her pajamas and taking a deep breath, she tried to comfort her self. 'It's okay, Yaya. Cookie-kun will be here to protect Yaya.' She took a small step towards the engulfing darkness and decided to take another when suddenly a door creaked causing her to jolt in surprise. With that, she raced down the hall looking for the room Kukai was in.

Yaya was getting close to his room but tripped when she heard something again. She landed with a loud thump then she heard some movements from the kitchen. Footsteps echoed through the hallway, seconds later, she froze. 'It's getting louder.' Eyes wide, 6-year old Yaya could only stare, waiting to see who or what was going to come out of the darkness into the dimly-lit hallway. Her eyes widened even more as a silhouette of a creature turned and started its way towards her. Her hands began shaking. She's terrified. She held her breath as her fists clenched, preparing to scream if ever—"Cookie-kun!" she said while jumping up to her feet. She gave a sigh of relief as she treaded towards him. "You scared Yaya!" she added, pouting.

"Oh! Sorry, Yaya. You should keep it down and aren't you supposed to be sleeping? And I already told you it's Ku-Kai not Cookie." said Kukai. "No. It's Cookie-kun! And yes, Yaya is supposed to be sleeping in bed. But Yaya had a-a... n-nightmare!!!" she said while waving her arms in the air to emphasize her point. Kukai just chuckled. "Come on Yaya I'll take you to your room and I'll tuck you in too" he said while grabbing her hand and walking towards her room.

Her eyes widened. She's still scared. "But there's a monster in my closet, Cookie-kun! It's gonna eat me when you leave! It's big and scary." she said while clinging on to him for dear life since they are already in front of her room's door. "Are you sure about that Yaya? In 3rd grade the teacher didn't say anything about having monsters in closets" said Kukai calmly.

"Cookie-kun! It's real! It wants to eat me too! I need a knight in shinning armor to protect me. Like in Sleeping Beauty, he protects her from a dragon!" replied Yaya dreamily. She had been watching that movie every single day and mentioned it atleast five times each day. Kukai chuckled at her childish fantasies.

"Sure, Yaya. Whatever will get you to sleep." said Kukai and then he blushed. 'Why'd I say yes?' he thought while walking towards the closet. He carefully opened the closet's door further and inspected everything in it. "Yaya, there's no monster in there." he stated.

"Really." was all Kukai said and after that Yaya shot out of her bed and ran towards him. She peeked in the closet and when she saw that nothing was in there she sighed in relief and gave Kukai a hug."Yay! My knight scared the monster away!! Cookie-kun can you tuck me in now? Yaya's feeling sleepy" she said while yawning.

"Sure, Yaya" he said as Yaya led him to her bed. She settled in and Kukai put the covers over her."Cookie-kun, thanks for scaring the monster away and for being my knight. Promise me we'll be friends for ever!" Yaya said in a cheerful voice. "Promise. Now go to bed. Your mom said she'd take us to the park tomorrow!" said Kukai while grinning at her.

"'Kay, Cookie-kun. Oh! And let's play Princess and Knight in the park!" Yaya replied excitedly before a yawn escaped her lips. Tonight has been really tiring for little Yaya. Kukai chuckled as he gently patted her head. "Sleep." He said in a soothing voice as Yaya slowly closed her eyes."Goodnight, Cookie-kun." Yaya whispered as she drifted off to sleep.

"Goodnight, Yaya." Kukai answered quietly as he bent to kiss her on the forehead. "Sweet dreams." He whispered affectionately. When he was sure that she was already deep in sleep, he carefully picked his way out of her room. 'Maybe, someday, we'll be more than just best friends. Or at least that's what my brothers are always telling me' thought Kukai as a fond smile crept on his face.