I woke up in my room, sun rays hitting my face as I stretched my whole body welcoming the new Saturday morning. I stood up and fixed my bed sheets. I went in my personal comfort room and washed my face.
"Haidlee, breakfast is ready." My mom called.
"Coming!" I answered.
I hurriedly went down without changing my pajama. Manang's breakfast is always the best meal I'll always have. I sat down across my little brother Haiden, who is always eating cereals first thing in the morning. Me? My body always looks for vianne and rice. I waited for a couple of minutes and Manang Jiya served the food.
"Hmmm!! Tasty as always!" I exclaimed.
"Thank you, Hija," Manang Jiya thanked and patted my head.
"Manang Jiya, I'm no longer a child. I'm already 17." I complained and pouted.
Manang Jiya just laughed and went back to the kitchen. It was rude of me but I just noticed Dad at the center table. I didn't notice him earlier...
"Morning, Dad! Any appointments for today?" I askedhim cheerfully.
"Well, lots of work for me yet again, darling. So how's school?" he questioned, trying to lighten up himself.
For some reason, I cant answer. I don't know. Something felt wrong. I hate to lie but I have to, now.
"It's fine, it's fine. My friends are such lunatics, but they're fun to be with." I lied.
"How about you, Haiden?" Dad asked my lil' bro who was still silent.
"I hate my teacher." He answered bluntly.
"Thanks for the food." He continued and left.
I was about to follow him, given the fact that I'm done with my food, Dad stopped me. I sat back on my chair.
"Leave him. I'll talk to his teacher if i have the time." Dad reassured.
After that, Manang Jiya cleaned the table and I went upstairs to change my pajama into my casual clothes. I was currently bathing in my comfort room when I remembered the time I was talking to Dad a while ago. I couldn't remember any remnants about my school life. Maybe, I'll know if I enter school this Monday. I went out and dried myself. I just wore a simple plain v-neck violet shirt and a pedal. I made my hair into a messy bun and reached for my smart phone. I looked at the contacts in my phonebook. Topline University.... Mary... Gerben... Danielle... Jin... Scott with a heart... Wait. Why is this the only contact name with a heart?
Just when I was about to click his info, my phone rang. I almost fell on my chair and answered the call.
"H-hello?" I stuttered still didn't recovered from the shock.
"Haid, let's go somewhere today?" a voice of a guy asked.
I looked at the screen on my phone and saw the name Scott <3.
"Haid, are you still there?" he asked again.
"Ah.. yes, yes. Sure, I'm free today." I answered hurriedly.
"I'll be coming to your house. I'll pick you up there. Get ready." He said.
"Okay." I answered plainly and the line went dead.
I looked at the time. It's already 8:02 in the morning. I think it's a good thing since I'm pretty curious to know who this Scott-guy is. I quickly took off and hanged my attire and looked at the clothes in my closet. I took a simple laced dress with a floral design and took some belt. I wore my favorite rolling walkers and put some light make-up. I used my favorite perfume, Victoria Secret. The doorbell rang just as I went down the stairs. A guy in his teens wearing a mixed gradient black and gray polo shirt, a denim pants, two dogtag pendant necklace and a silver wristwatch, was seating on the sofa.
"It's very unusual for you to wear floral dress." He stated as he stood up.
"Just.... Something good happened. I just felt like wearing one." I said and stood in front of him to have a good look on his face.
Truth be told, he is really handsome. I didn't have a slight chance that he is my boyfriend.
"Where is the necklace I gave to you last time?" He asked.
"Oh, I forgot!" I exclaimed and ran back upstairs. I looked at the table. A daisy flower pendant necklace with diamonds embed on it was found above it. I took it and hurriedly went down. While going down on the stairs, I wore it. Suddenly, my foot slipped and I fell. The next thing I knew, Scott's face was so close to mine. I felt my face blushed. He was in time to catch me from falling.
"Thanks." I said and stood up to myself.
"That's nothing. Are you alright? Are you hurt? That necklace... It really suits you, together with the dress. Let's get going." He suggested.
"Sure!" I said gleefully and followed him out. I couldn't talk straight.
A black Honda Civic was waiting outside. The guard waved at us and opened the gate. Scott led me beside the driver seat, opening the door for me. I went in and he ran to the other side and went inside too. He was about to step on the accelerators when I asked him...
"Do you have a driver's license?"
"I have. Don't you remember?" he asked back and I flinched.
"N-n-noo.. I just forgot about it. That's all. So, where are we going?" I asked back and look outside the window to avoid his gaze.
"Your favorite place." he answered and we're gone.
I thought for a couple of hours that favorite place Scott was talking about, while looking at the scenery outside. When my eyes felt like shifting towards the road, I saw a Ferris wheel not so far away. A flash of events flowed in my head. Are these memories of me and Scott dating??...
"We're here," he said cheerfully, and I wasn't wrong.
"Let's Go!!!" I shouted happily while jumping out of his car.
"Since your treating me... we'll go to the same routine!" I continued.
"You really didn't change.." he mumbled enough for me to hear it.
"Don't be such an old man and let's get in!" I said and dragged him in.
"Yes, yes Princess Haidlee." He said like surrendering.
First, we ride the carousel. Scott didn't really ride even though I persuaded him a lot of times. And still, I am always the one who rides it. He just took some pictures of me while laughing. I really hated him looking at me like that so, I threw the popsicle stick we ate a while ago after entering to him. After the ride stopped, I really ran for my life. But Scott is really fast and he punished me with a gentle kiss on the nose.
Then we ride the dizzy teacup. It was so fun! The cup we were in, we're spinning like crazy bumping on other cups and Scott kept on vomiting after the ride.
Next stop was the most famous place, The Haunted House. I almost pee on my dress due to the creepiness of the place. With all those skulls, mummy and ghosts everywhere, my face could not be painted. Instead of helping me or rather protect me from those things like what romance movies do, Scott just laughed his heart out. I ditched him soon as we arrived at the exit. It's his fault. Jerk!!.
I just walked nonstop, mumbling foul things about him, just when my stomach growled like no tomorrow. I saw a carenderia and looked at some food on the display. A certain food caught my eye. Adobo. Without anymore delays, I ordered for the food. I don't know but I felt like I'm familiar with the food even though I haven't eaten it before. Is this what they call de ja vu? After eating, I went out of there to go back to the amusement park. Scott might be worried. While walking my way back, a group of yankees blocked my way. I went on the other way but one of them blocked me yet again.
"What do you want?" I asked with authority in my voice
"Don't be tough, little miss..." the guy said while approaching me.
"Why don't we have some fun..."Another guy said and touched my hair, playing on it.
I felt gross and shoved his hand away distancing myself away from them. What do I do? Should I call Scott or should I run? But to where?
"Wow, wow. Don't be mean; we just wanted a little fun. I bet your not from here, little miss." Another guy said and was about to touch my shoulder..
"Don't you dare touch me with that filthy hands of yours!!!" I shouted trying to intimidate them.
"Whoa-... you, bitch!" the guy was about to punch me when a series of events flowed on my head yet again. Self-defense. I quickly grabbed the guy's arm and with all my strength I pinned him on the ground. The other guys were slack-jawed. One of them tried to punch me when a hand stopped it from getting on my face.
"Don't you dare lay a finger on her." He said deadly.
I let go of the guy I pinned and they all ran away. I was relieved when I saw Scott arrived. Scott hit my head.
"Don't you dare run away like that again, you dumbass. Things like this usually happen. I know I don't need to worry about you but your still a girl, remember that." He lectured and hugged me tightly I almost choked.
"Sorry. It's your own fault, jerk! Laughing at me like that, I scared my pants out, no scratch that, my dress and you? You just laugh!? Argh! I hate you after all. " I pouted.
"Sorry, sorry, you were just really cute I couldn't help myself. So, let's continue our journey?" he asked.
"Do I really need to answer that? Yes, of course, lead the way Sir Scott." I answered with matching British accent in it.
"Yes, your highness Haidlee," he said while bowing and took my hand.
We resumed our tour and ride the roller coaster, shouting our heart out. It was totally fun! Then, we ate ice cream and crepes at a nearby stalls and went to the photo booth. This is really a memorable day!! When the time struck seven, the amusement park's parade of mascots got started. It was really sparkling with all those different cute mascots. Scott suddenly held my hand.
"Haidlee, will you stay with me forever?" he asked without looking at me. It took me some minutes before answering.
"Yes, I will stay with you forever Scott." I said back and then smile. He faced me.
A feeling of oblivion swallowed everything around us, as if we're the only people there. I locked gazes with Scott's azure eyes that contains only affection towards me without any malice. Everything about him. A flash of memories has flooded yet again. Memories of me and Scott fighting for our love. I smiled at that. Without hesitation, through the guidance of Cupid, our lips closed the distance between us. A feeling I'll hold on forever.
We're currently in the parking lot. Scott is fixing the tire of his car, maybe one of those yankees did this to get revenge. How Low! But, I wondered how they knew this was our car... After a couple of minutes, Scott was done changing the tires. I went beside the driver's seat and entered, including Scott. He started driving. I could see happiness on his face. Based on the memory, Scott was a nerd before. When I met him, I hated the way of his grooming and I also saw that his paricularly handsome that's why I make-over him. After that he became a campus heartthrob without a hint. The time came when I can no longer keep in touch with him being famous and all. But then, he chased me and confessed to me. Unknown to the two of us, there was this girl Hilary who got obsessed with Scott. She started a bad rumor about me, then bullied and plotted my death, but Scott protected me all the way. Hilary was expelled and everything went well.
"Say, Scott..." I said sitting comfortable beside him.
"Hmm..." he hummed as a response.
"I will always, always love you." I stated with a genuine smile on my face.
"I will always, always love you too Haidlee." He replied.
After hours of driving, Scott dropped me home. I bid him good bye. As I entered, Manang Jiya approached me.
"Did you eat dinner already Hija?" she asked me.
"Not yet Manang Jiya" I replied and went to the kitchen.
"Wait there, I'll serve you your favorite carbonara," She said.
"THANKS MANANG!!!" I beamed with happiness.
A lot of things happened today. I started eating my carbonara when I remembered about my little brother, Haiden. I'll check on him at school tomorrow Monday. After eating, I went upstairs and took a bath. I changed unto my pajamas and fished for my phone from my bag. I looked at the messages. Scott texted me goodnight and that he really had fun. I texted him back too that I also had fun. I scanned for more messages. Danielle texted me last 7:03 pm on what happened at the park. If things did well... That chikadora. I ignored her message when another message caught my eyes.
"Are you the sister of Haiden Pelonchino? I hate to say this but please come to school this Monday. Something terrible is happening. This is urgent. From a staff of the school." I finished reading.
What the heck? What happened??? Wait, DON'T PANIC HAIDLEE PELONCHINO!! First, why did she/he send me this? Why not my father? Is this the reason why Haiden is acting weird this morning? Should I really go to his school? Or, will I let our dad handle everything?
Due to this many question in my head, my eyes closed and I fell asleep.
Monday. I have decided to go to Haiden's school today. Manong Leo, Manang Jiya's husband, drove me to school. I planned in going this lunch. I told dad everything last Sunday night without Haiden's knowledge. He told me that the teacher doesn't know anything. That there was nothing wrong with him. So, I asked dad's permission to go to his school. I hoped that what I'm thinking right now won't happen.
After lots of boring sessions, Manong Leo arrived at the right time and drove me to Haiden's school.
"Ma'am, when I took sir Haiden to school this morning, he was really gloomy like he doesn't want to go to school." He said.
"Manong Leo, stop with the Ma'am and Sir! Just call us hijo or hija like how Manang Jiya calls us. The two of you have been within this family since when our dad is peeing his bed." I sorted out.
"Okay, okay, Hija." he said back.
"Now, that's more like it. I don't know what happened but I won't let them continue on what they are doing to my brother upto this point. It'll end today." I said fired up.
"Be careful, Hija." He warned me.
"Yes, Manong." I said back yet determined.
When I arrived, lots of students were going out of school already. Ms. Marquez.. I mumbled...Ah.. there it is... Haiden's room.
I could hear the voice of Ms. Marquez, Haiden's adviser. I couldn't see what's inside since the windows were covered with curtains. I walked towards the door. They're not out yet. A scene who's very familiar played in front of me. The teacher was molesting Haiden in front of everyone and his classmate were mumbling bad things about him. I couldn't believe my eyes. She told my father that nothing wrong was happening yet this? And I thought he was bullied. This is far worst than bullying. Without any more thoughts, I barged inside all eyes looking at me.
"How dare you say those things to my little brother?" I asked her with my eyes full of hatred. I want to say more words on her but I must control my emotion, so I looked at the side of where my brother is and... "Let's go Haiden." I said with full authority. I must not add more problems, especially to my brother and father.
We went out to where Manong Leo is waiting. While on our way, Haiden told me that he left his bag. I decided to go back to get it. As I walked back, I bumped unto an old lady.
"I'm so sorry. I'll be careful next time." I apologized.
"Time will come and you will realize that this is not your reality. Hehe." She whispered enough for me to hear.
I didn't understand what she said so I didn't mind it and went back. I told Manong Leo to bring Haiden home because I still have my afternoon class. The whole afternoon sessions, I didn't listen to my teachers instead I kept thinking about that little incident a while ago.
I'm in the dining table, sitting across Dad.
"Dad imagine this? That teacher was shouting at Haiden? And the worse part is, he's in front of everybody! She was saying bad things on Haiden! How cruel could that be?" I said almost hysterical. "That's why, Haiden was acting like this..." I continued blurting.
Dads face changed. If a while ago he's not in a good mood, now, he's really not in a good mood. Like, he is going to murder someone.
"What a liar, I can't believe that a prestigious school like that lacked some discipline to their teachers. What a shame. I shall press charges on that teacher for her actions. Don't worry Haiden, starting tomorrow; you'll transfer to another school." He said with authority, and assurance.
"Thanks Dad." Haiden said with a poker face.
After eating, he just went upstairs. What a gloomy child. He was totally handsome if not for his attitude. Oh well! The problem is solved. But I really couldn't take off from my mind what that old woman told me. What did she meant about that?
-----..----..----..-----..-----..-----..---------
Part Two
'Whew! Whew! Whew!' As I've heard the sound of the ambulance. I don't know what happened but my heart beats faster than usual and a lot of my memories kept flashing to my mind.
"Are you alright?" I wouldn't have noticed that we're in front of Topline University, if Scott hadn't shook and asked me.
"Ahm, y-yeah! Thanks" I answered with my forehead creased. I stormed out from the car and went directly where my classroom is without bidding goodbye to Scott.
It has been thirteen days since the last time Scott and I went to the amusement park. I've been neglecting all his messages and calls including the ones from my best friends. My mind is full of confusing things. I've been thinking of why memories kept flowing in my head whenever I see things which seem familiar to me. And what's the connection of what the old lady had said to me with my memories. I don't know what to do with myself anymore.
I sat on my chair and put my bag on my lap. I fished for my phone and read the messages. I tapped the write message and started typing.
'I'm so sorry, Scott. Promise, I'll make it up to you. I-I just want to be alone for now.'
Even a single word can't process in my mind. I don't know what is happening with me. There's also this time where I dreamt about a bitten apple on a white table in a white room. Beyond it, there was a white curtain. I can see a silhoutte from it. It seems like a bed with a girl on it. My head throbbed and I woke up that day. I have this weird feeling that it has something to do with my past. After thinking about these things, I didn't know that the class has ended. I went out of the room and was about to take another step forward when I remembered that I still need to do something to make up to Scott. So, instead of going home early, I took the liberty to turn back and went straight to a place where I know Scott will be staying.
Stage. Yes, a mini-stage where all of the students who are talented and confident enough show their real talent. Scott and I used to hang out in this place because it is quite relaxing and comforting. Besides, it gives amusing activities. It's really amazing! Watching the students give it there all... After walking from building to building, I was not wrong. I saw Scott leaning at the side of the mini-stage, holding his phone with his forehead creased and a little bit pouting. I smiled at his image. So cute, yet so hot. Gosh! What am I saying? What is this? What am I fantasizing my own boyfriend? But really...
I went to the backstage without Scott noticing me. I approached and asked Manong Carding, a helper who helps arrange things on the mini-stage, a favor.
"Ah, yes hija. No problem." He replied while smiling at me radiantly.
He started preparing everything. Luckily, no one is listening today (I want Scott to be the only listening to this...) and there are only a few students around, so at least, I won't embarrass myself. Now all I need to do is to prepare and remember the lyrics of the song. Yes, a song. I'll be presenting on the stage to compensate the lost time which I haven't spend with Scott. I know the song I chose doesn't really mean my intention but I know some of its words can bring the message to Scott. Mang Carding signaled me that everything was ok. I smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Mang Carding." I mouthed as I walked past him. He just smiled back, leaving me alone on that stage with a microphone, a guitar and a stool.
I let out a heavy sigh. I held the microphone, holding it tightly. I tested it. I then positioned myself on the stool putting the guitar on my lap.
"Mic test, mic test. 1, 2, 3, 4. Mic test, mic test."
All the students who are near the stage faced my way. I gulped. I'm nervous... But nervousness won't stop me from relaying my message to the one dear to me.
"This song..." I started.
"...is dedicated to the person whom I ignored for days which I regretted much. He is the one who is always there for me. Making me laugh, comforting me in sadness and protected me for a long time, though I hated him before for being a nerd and a jerk. Hehe! Peace! I dedicate this song to you." I continued.
I readied myself and closed my eyes. I hope he'll like it.
I hope Mary and Danielle including Jin and Gerben are here, though they hate hanging out here. I feel embarrassed to let them hear me singing but please, at least, just for this day. I'm so guilty not replying their messages and answering their calls.
"~~I wanna run, wanna run away-ay
I'm dreaming of a place called home
I could try but I'm stuck in to-day
I'm dreaming of a place that's-
3000 miles away
Feels like its forever
Seems like yesterday
We were running round town together
This place, just ain't the same
I miss the stormy weather,
I'm not okay
3000 miles away~"
I felt a lot of gazes towards me. I want to stop and run away because nervousness is striking but this is for Scott so I will endure it. As I wait for the second verse, I saw Scott in the middle of the crowd. Our eyes meet... it's as if we're the only people in this place. With our attention only focused towards each other not caring about everyone, He smiled at me sweetly. As if falling from the sky, I fell for him, deeply. I smiled back at him giving me courage, I continued the song.
"~~You don't pick up but I keep redialing
Cause you're asleep got your phone on silent
Still early here I'm wide awake
I just wanna hear you tell me all about your day
Although I never really showed it
I had to leave for me to notice
That living in the sunshine's cold
I'm dreaming of a place called home
I wanna run, wanna run away-ay
I'm dreaming of a place called home
I could try but I'm stuck in to-day
I'm dreaming of a place that's 3000 miles away
Feels like its forever
Seems like yesterday
We were running round town together
This place, just ain't the same
I miss the stormy weather,
I'm not okay
3000 miles away~"
I saw Scott walking towards the stage not even caring who he bumps at. I shuddered for a second. Will he come up here? And before I even knew it, he stopped just in front of the stage. We eyed each other. The song was still going on. When he mouthed those three words, I was so glad. I continued singing with relief in my chest.
"~~If I could go back for the weekend
Or just for a day
To see familiar faces, that's all it would take
But it's too far
3000 miles away
Feels like its forever
Seems like yesterday
We were running round town together
This place, just ain't the same
I miss the stormy weather,
I'm not okay
3000 miles away~"
Scott has this sad look on his face. Did he not like the song? But he just smiled a while ago. Or, was it just my imagination. I couldn't figure out what is going on in his mind. But I never missed his expression a while ago. His jaw dropped when he heard the song "3000 miles" by Emblem 3. It was one of his favorite bands. I smiled at him yet again before I closed my eyes.
"~~Feels like its forever
Seems like yesterday
We were running round town together
This place, just ain't the same
I miss the stormy weather,
I'm not okay
3000 miles away~"
After a fade, I ended the song. I didn't notice that there were a lot of students who watched and gave me a big round of applause.
Just when the song has ended, I could still feel Scott's eyes staring at me. I slowly opened my eyes as I've waited for the instrumentals to end. And there, I saw Scott a few meters away from me smiling and was so proud of me. I gave him a genuine smile and there, I knew to myself that were definitely okay.
Scott motioned me to go towards him. I walked. When suddenly, someone pushed me and fortunately Scott managed to catch me. Our nose collided each other. We laughed, just as I remembered. I quickly turn around to see who pushed me. It was my best friend, Danielle. I just stuck my tongue at her. I noticed that Mary was standing near the backstage. Has she been there all this time?
I was about to approach her when I knew Scott hasn't let me down yet. When I looked at him, he noticed I was mouthing towards Mary, he instantly put me down and I ran to chase Mary. I know Danielle won't do something that hilarious. Maybe.
Mary might have threatened Danielle or maybe I'm the one who thinks she was the one who did it, I might break one or two of my bones due to the impact.
"Caught you!" I exclaimed.
"Sorry, sorry!!! I didn't mean that, SWEAR! It was just... I didn't know you had a golden voice, my dear bestie. Wanna share some of your talents to me?" She stated.
"Idiot!!" I hit her head.
"Ow!" She groaned holding her head.
"What if Scott hadn't caught me? I would hit the cemented floor face first. And what do you think will happen? It'll ruin my oh-so beautiful gorgeous face." I said in a hyperbolic tone. Mary also hit me on the head making it equal for both of us. We both laughed.
"Why would I push you if Scott is not in front? Like duhh!!! Even if you get lost in this vast wide world, Scott will look for you even if it's in the deepest part of Earth. Lucky for you because you have that kind of a man. Me? I wonder when my forever will come to my life." She said swaying side by side while clasping her hands on her chest. I smiled at her image. She is so dense! Totally!! She didn't know that Jin has been liking her since last year. And Jin is such a coward. He won't even try confessing. Well, love will find a way.
"Oh, I forgot! Scott and Danielle are waiting. Let's go." I remembered and grabbed Mary's wrist. She stopped me.
"No, you alone will go. Cherish the time with Scott. I texted Danielle to get out from there. Now, make-up you lovers!" She proclaimed.
"Thanks. Ill always love you, Mary!" I shouted with matching motion of my hand from my mouth. She just gave her sweet smile showing her complete set of white teeth.
After that, I ran. Not minding the students staring at me, I ran as fast as I could and finally I arrived. The crowd of students a while ago dispersed like a bubble now. I quickly saw Scott seating on the side of the mini-stage. I called out from there. He quickly noticed and went to my direction. We continued walking silently towards his car.
"Are you still angry?" I asked with sincerity in my voice, as I faced him.
The sadness that filled his eyes back then are still there, in those beautiful azure orbs. I don't understand.
"Hmmn... you know that I can't afford to get angry for a long time. I'm.... Just disappointed, a bit." He said with his eyes on the ground. He looked at me and smiled- a comforting one.
My brows furrowed when he said that. Disappointed? Where? I was about to ask why but he already knows what I want to say.
"I'm disappointed with myself for not knowing the regrets and doubts inside that fragile heart of yours." he answered without me asking while looking intensely in my eyes. Eyes filled with....those sadness.
He took me home and bid me goodbye with a sweet good night. I went upstairs without even minding Manang Jiya who was looking at me. I threw my bag on one of the chairs inside my room and dropped myself on my bed. Still, I couldn't get off of my mind what Scott has told a while ago. Should I tell him? But what am I going to say, if I myself can't even figure it out.
I stood up and changed into my casual clothes. I went down and ate my dinner with Haiden. Father seems late tonight. I hope his doing well with his health. If you wonder where my Mom is, she's always out of town because of work. Something like that... After eating, I went upstairs yet again and made my homework. After finishing, I took the liberty to watch the movie Gerben lend me last week. He even told me that it could lift up the stress.
An hour or more has passed, I finally finished watching it. I stretched myself. I liked the strong action genre though it has some parts that were a bit cliché. Instead of going to bed, I went straight for the kitchen and took some snacks from the cabinet, including a glass of milk for me to sleep well tonight or I'll start thinking about "that" again.
I woke up in the morning earlier than usual feeling dizzy. I woke up not because my eyes suddenly feel that its time to wake up, but because of the noises from downstairs. I hurriedly went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth as well as taking a bath. I think I spent almost fifteen minutes just brushing my teeth and half an hour in taking a bath. I went out from the bathroom almost an hour. As I open the door, I was shock to see my little brother at the corner of my room, crying while sobbing.
He look at me, eyes filled with worry, sadness and fear. Oh God! I want to cry too because of what I'm seeing today. Why? Did his teacher do something bad to him again? Or is it all about the-------.
"Ate Haidlee, Daddy......Daddy.... They brought him to the hospital Ate, I'm scared." He sobbed greatly.
Two words...two words made my whole world turned upside-down. Two words that made my head ache real hard it's almost breaking and two words which made me see darkness.
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Part Three
I sat on a bench outside the room were Dad was in. My chest felt heavier as if I carried all the weight of the world on my shoulders. How could this happen? Manang Jiya informed me that Dad suddenly collapsed while eating breakfast. Manong Leo rushed him to the nearest hospital. Mom immediately came back and must be arranging everything. I sat there. I didn't let anyone know about this. I must not let them know. I don't want to drag them into this, not now, when I finally made up with Scott and my friends.
"Are you, perhaps, the daughter of Mr. Pelonchino?" the doctor asked.
"Ahh, yes I am. What happened to my father?" I asked panic-striken.
"He's in good condition already. You don't have to worry anymore. He just needs rest. He was just overworked." The doctor answered and left.
I let out a very big sigh. I felt relieved as if a bone has stuck in my throat and was removed. I turned in the doorknob. I saw Dad sleeping peacefully on the white bed. I went to the side table and put the foods on top of the table. I sat on the stool near the bed. I stared at Dad's face. His chest lift up and down showing that his already fine. I watched his serene and sound sleeping figure. He......he was the person who made me grow into what I am today. I don't know what to do if I ever lost him one day. I touched his ruffled black hair. I smiled. It was soft as a feather. I startled when someone suddenly barged inside the room. It was my mom, Christa.
"How's your Dad??" She asked while panting.
"He's okay, Mom. You don't have to worry. He just overworked himself." I answered smiling to ease mother's fear.
"I'm so glad!!!.....I thought, I thought....." She exclaimed almost crying.
I walked to her side and huged her. I made little circles on her back with my palm to comfort her.
"Haidlee, stay here. I'll pay for the hospital's bill and buy some medicine indicated in the prescription." She said and left.
I took my phone from my pocket. Scott texted me if I'm fine. I replied that I was alright and he doesn't have to worry. I shouldn't worry about him because he was not angry. And, news flies fast. I bet Manang Jiya called him about it. Since everything's fine, I don't have to think about those things anymore. And then he bid me goodbye and texted me to see him this Monday. I forgot to tell you that today is Saturday. I want to spend my time with Scott today but I didn't bother anymore. Besides, it's still a good thing that I get to watch my Dad here.
After for I don't know what time has passed, Manang Jiya volunteered to take over for me. I thanked her before I left. Using the elevator, I went down and exited the hospital. While walking on the street, I decided to buy some junk foods at the convenience store. After buying, I left the store and started eating the Marty's salt and vinegar flavored crackers. Without looking at the road, I didn't notice that I bumped someone. I looked at the one I bumped, it's the old lady!!!.
"It's you again, Ining. I hope you cherished every moment you have experienced this time. The time has come. Everything will go back to the way it was." She proclaimed.
She was about to leave when I grabbed her arm. It's a bit rude but I'm sorry.
"What do you mean by that, Ali?" I asked. Curiosity filled my whole being.
"Tonight, you will wake up by the truth. I just hope that when you wake up, you won't forget everything, Ining. Now, may I leave and one last thing, may the lord guide you, Ining." She smiled before she left.
I was about to ask her more questions when I noticed she had already walked far enough for me unable to catch up on her. I didn't chase after her and continued walking the side of the road where jeepneys usually alleys. Since I don't know how to drive a car, instead I learned how to commute. What is really going on? I mentally asked myself. A few minutes had passed, and I arrived home.
Haiden and I played Tekken 5 while having our snack. I looked at the time, its past 5 pm already. I poke Haiden's cheeks to resume our game after eating dinner. Manang Jiya has arrived and prepared the food, and its afritada. While sitting on the dinning table, I missed having dinner with Dad at the center. Well, Mom works abroad so she doesn't go home that much. I liked how Dad teases Haiden and he would just glare at Dad. It is too nostalgic.
After playing, I went upstairs and changed unto my pajamas. I lied on my bed still reminiscing what the old lady told me. Tonight, meaning tonight. Staring at the ceiling, I started feeling heaviness in my eyes and fell into a deep slumber.
I stood in the darkness without a hint of a single light. I tried looking for something yet, for no avail, I didn't see anything. I decided to sit. But when I was about to sit, I felt my skin crawled. I looked back but saw no one. I heard a faint sound of crack. I looked up and like a glass, the walls of darkness started to crumble into pieces. I felt my body became heavier that I fell on my back. I watched the falling pieces. I saw faces in it. Dad, Mom, Haiden, Scott, Danielle, Mary, Jin, Gerben....Their faces fell on the floor, shattering... And darkness filled my vision yet again.
I felt my head throbbing. I slowly opened my eyelids. A white ceiling projected before me. Is this a dream? A continuation? But it feels so real. I looked to my side, and to my shock, I saw my little brother beside the bed where I was in.
"Haiden..." I called out. My voice was hoarse. He suddenly shouted and I heard doctors, nurses, and helpers ran to my room.
I noticed that a dextrose hanged right beside my head. I looked at my left hand and indeed it was injected there. I sighed.
"What happened?" I asked trying to sit up.
Haiden rushed to my side and put pillows at my back.
"Ate, you've been asleep for almost four years. Mom is distressed and Auntie is the only one who pays for your fee here. Ate, I was so scared. They were about to kill you. I'm so scared." He answered starting to sob again.
I hugged him to lessen his uneasiness. I saw the shock ad disbelief on the faces of the people crowding inside. Then one by one, they left with murmurs that hadn't died down.
Days had passed, our situation at home improved. Mom was so glad that I woke up from all those years. She was sobbing, crying her heart out. The most amazing thing that happened was that when Dad heard my name and that I woke up, his state of mind came back. I was so, so glad but sadness reigns over me. Was it because, everything that happened was not real?... Scott, everyone.....was not REAL. I looked at the house. It was the same. Nothing was changed. I really wondered...
I woke up early in the morning. I did my morning rituals and went to school by commuting. I remembered Manang Jiya serving the breakfast and Manong Leo driving me to school. Ah, how I wish they've existed... But it was not. They're NOT REAL.
I stepped in front of Topline University's gate. The same school, I hope I'll meet Scott. I really miss him.
Entering the premises, I went straight to where the mini-stage was located. But unfortunately, I saw no one. My chest hurts, so painful it feels like it'll break.
The whole class sessions ended without me, meeting my friends. So, maybe they really are NOT REAL. So maybe perhaps it was JUST A DREAM.
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[Miss Author: I edited it again. Hoped you liked it! There's still an epilogue. Don't forget to vote and comment pepz! ^_^]
YOU ARE READING
Just A Dream
RomanceRichness Thoughtful Friends Loving Family Caring Boyfriend Everything a person desires she already had........ but everything was a living lie. She opened her eyes and saw that it was all the opposite. But, one thing is for sure...
