Merrie's Thinking Book

Reunion - Part 1

The year was 2016 when I received a text from a familiar phone number. It was from Savannah. Former class monitor of 2 Intellect.

She had planned to have a reunion party at her house in Kenton. Everyone was invited. At least, if you count the ones that were lucky.

Memories of the incident surged back into my mind. Like the warm embrace of a lost friend. I had felt so empty after graduating. This - was just what I needed.

******

A few rounds of circling around Sansaria Complex, I found the block where she had resided years after the hot sin of hers was committed.

I pushed the button for the 3rd floor and entered the elevator. A feeling of uneasiness grew deep in my heart.

There's a touch of familiarity in these halls, but I can't quite wrap my head around it.

I passed the same brown oak wood doors and azure-coloured doormats. Again, and again, and again. Every step I took I felt as if there was something sinister about to be unleashed.

And thus, I reached the end of the hall.

No. 99, how I found it ironic. After all, a single mark missed was what costed dear Amille's life. She didn't even get to show her parents the card.

Following a sequence of knocks and name-calling, the only eggshell coloured door opens to reveal a dishevelled, unkempt Savannah. Looking as if she hadn't slept for days, I almost felt pity. How could I ever feel that for the likes of her?

"You came - thought you wouldn't" she spoke with the dulcet voice she was known for. Like a stifled scream.

"I wouldn't dare, you're the Ketua Kelas, aren't you?"

******

What greeted me wasn't exactly expected, but it was welcoming nonetheless.

I went to the the living room and made myself at home.

Savannah had told me that she would take some time to prepare herself.

So I took it upon myself to busy my empty stomach with the cookies that were displayed on the rustic oak coffee table.

As I bit the peculiar-made cookies, the bitter taste attacked my mouth showing no signs of leaving.
Just like how the memories of that day always seem to linger throughout my life, making sure I never forget.

Forget how my dear friend was betrayed by that blonde headed woman.

How she was pushed on the train tracks

How her bubbly light persona went dim.

How her smile faded.

How the lights in her eyes went out.

HOW SHE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.

******

A bead of sweat dripped down on my forehead. My hands grew unsteady. A certain party is observing me.

"Who is it?" I asked with bated breath.
"It's me, Savannah" she said in her soft-spoken manner.

She then quietly sauntered over to the end of the table. She looked anew. She wore a different set of clothes, far more better than what she wore the first time. Needless to say she looks resplendent.

There was an air between us that unsettled me. I noticed it grew ever since I stepped foot into this place. She was aware of something I don't.

To avoid awkward circumstances to grow any further, I reached out for the plate of the oddly bitter cookies just to find that they have completely vanished.

Did I somehow finished them all in one sitting? If so, where did the plate go?

Suddenly, Savannah started speaking. Mouth agape, words begin to sprout rapidly and unintelligibly. I couldn't process what she was saying. I was put in a trance by her. I couldn't react.

It was obvious she had been keeping these emotions to herself for years. She was expressing so many things at once, but why?

Slowly, I managed to grasp the words she spoke of.

"You were jealous, I know you were just a kid,"

But how could you.

******

By some otherwordly force, I was pulled back from the fantasy I've been living in. From here, I finally realised what happened. It wasn't clear then, but now I know.

It wasn't Savannah that got second place. It was me.

It wasn't Savannah that ushered us to go home by train. It was me.

It wasn't Savannah that stood so close to Amille by the ledge. It was me.

It wasn't Savannah that pushed Amille. It was me.

I could still taste the splatter of blood when the train hit her. It made such a horrific, yet gratifying sound.

The crunch of her bones, the glassy eyes, the clumps of hair being scattered around the tracks.

I breathed in the scenery as if it was unfolding right before my very eyes. A feeling of euphoria wavers across my mind.

Such a beautiful memory hidden, what a shame.

Snap snap.

I couldn't believe it. If what Savannah said was true, why didnt she stop me?

She could've saved Amille but she didn't. Amille would've still be here hadn't been for her selfishness.

This is HER fault. She betrayed Amille. She betrayed me.

I need to act fast. I need to do something. Something so I could avenge dear Amille. A life lost due to one's ignorance. Justice will prevail.