(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.
