Where were you last night?

(A short story for my Creative -Writing Class)

“Where were you last night?” He looked at me. Sipped his soda. No answer. It must have been a hundredth time that I asked him since this morning. And it’s the hundredth time that I didn’t get a response. I’m getting pissed off and I don’t want to nag him anymore so I picked up my things and left him in the caf. He didn’t follow me. He used to follow me whenever I walked out on him. Why didn’t he follow me? Did it mean that anytime soon he’ll call me and yell at me? No. I haven’t done anything wrong last night. Nothing that I could remember. He even said he had fun.

I’d noticed that he’s tired when I saw his face yesterday. I told him that perhaps he should rest, but he’s the one who insisted we do it. So we did. When we parted last night, he seemed distracted. I’d been sending him messages asking him where he was; if he had arrived home. But until I fell asleep, there was no response.

          “He’s just tired. Perhaps he needs space.” I talked to one of the closest persons to him that I know. His best friend. Honestly, I feel so annoyed all the time. It’s not because he never talks to me, I’m used to that attitude of his, but the fact that he never tells me anything anymore makes me go mad. It’s like he had already closed his door and threw the key away where I couldn’t find it. “You know how he is. Just let him be.” She said.

What made me more pissed off is that the other person I know whom I could talk to about this was also missing. He hadn’t shown up since this morning and he’s not returning my messages or answering my calls either. The last time I talked to him was yesterday before I went out with his brother, he was at home and I told him that I would call him as soon as I get home. I did. But he didn’t answer. Just like what he’s doing right now which really piss me off. I missed him. But all I can do is wait till he show up later.

I remembered the time when I met this guy. I’d never imagined how he became his brother. They were different in so many ways. And yet they have this deep connection. Like twins who could feel what the other feels. From that moment, I had this desire to be a part of their lives. But what part exactly? That I didn’t thought about. Until the moment came that I needed to choose.

          “You lied to me! You used me!” I couldn’t forget how he yelled at me in the lobby. His eyes burning with pure hate, ready to erase my image in his sight and in his mind. “It was not on purpose. It just happened.” I was in tears and I tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen to me. That’s how he is, plain stubborn and childish, unlike his brother who is mature and has sense. “I’m sorry.” Then just like that I walked away and left him standing there in rage.

          “You should’ve told me. We could’ve done this together.”

          “He’d only get mad at you. I couldn’t risk it. He’s your brother. You’re family. It’s too important than us.”

          “We’ll fix this.”

          “No. I’ll fix this. It was my fault anyway. I would do anything just so he wouldn’t blame you for this.” And without another word, I stood up to find him.

          I went up to him that time and said sorry. I begged him and he had forgiven me. On one condition.

         

          “Aren’t you happy with me? Why do you need him? He’s my freakin’ brother! You could’ve picked anyone but him!”

          “I didn’t plan for this to happen! I love you too. But your brother, he’s, he’s different. I’ve loved him from the moment I saw him and nothing could ever change that. ” I tried to reason out with him but he wouldn’t listen. That’s just the way he is.

          “From now on, you stay away from him. If you don’t, something bad will happen to him!”

          “He’s your brother. You’re family. You can’t do that. I know you won’t.”

          “You’ll see. It’s just simple. Me or him.” He left without another word.

After classes yesterday, he approached me and asked me to go with him. He said that it would be the last and that he’s willing to let me go and give way to mine and his brother’s love. I was surprised, but I felt happy. Something inside me suddenly believed in miracles. Though, I noticed that he looked tired. I told him that maybe we could go another time and that he should rest, but he insisted we go. So we did. We went to the amusement park and spent the whole night. On our way home, I cannot wait to call his brother and tell him that we’re now free. That we could now be together with his brother’s approval. We can now be happy.

I waited last night. But there was no call from him. No text either. Even from his brother. I started to panic, but I tried to calm myself by thinking that perhaps they were just talking. Perhaps they have reconciled. Perhaps they were catching up with each other. Making up for the times that they have lost because of me. I fell asleep thinking of them. Of tomorrow –

- which is today. Now I sit here, under the mango tree. Where we used to sit after a long day. Honestly, I’m getting bored. But the thought of seeing him and hugging him made me feel excited. But what’s taking him so long. I’ve been here for two hours. Still no sign of him. Until I heard someone crying behind me. It was his brother’s best friend.

“What happened?” I asked her.

“Are you serious? You didn’t know?!” she spat at me.

“I wouldn’t be asking you if I do. Whatever’s the matter with you?!” I spat back.

“He’s dead! He’s dead because of you!”

For a moment, I thought I was hearing nonsense talk, or perhaps I was asleep, but I’m not. A tear fell and trickled down my cheek. It’s not true. I don’t believe it. I run to find his brother. As I do, it’s as if my tears were running too.

Eventually, I saw him there. Sitting on a rock in the school garden where I first met the two of them. He’s not moving. He’s not even crying. He’s just staring nowhere.

“What happened to him?” I asked.

“He rests now. That’s what you wanted right?” He looked at me straight in the eyes. This is the first time that I feel afraid of him.

“I don’t. I – I don’t understand.” More tears were rushing down my cheeks. I feel as if I’m red with rage or loneliness or fear.

“It is.” He stood up walking towards me. “I told you to stay away from him or something bad will happen. You didn’t.”

“But you’re family. I’d never thought you would – .”

“I never thought that I would too. Until you came. You’re my life. I’d do anything for you. He’s gone now. We could be together now. We could start anew.” He’s trying to hug me but I started to run. I run as far as I could. Away from him. Away from everything. Away from what I did.