Aira

Lost

“Happy birthday!” my parents said as I walked through the door. My mother was wearing her beautiful long green short sleeved which she kept only for celebrations. My dad was wearing his new orange shirt which I got for him, looking his finest. The living room was decorated nicely with paper hearts and balloons as a tasty looking chocolate cake sat on the table. Snacks were laid down as well as some of my favorite fizzy drinks.

My brother jumped into my arms, giving me a tight squeeze. “Happy birthday sis!” he said as he kissed my cheek.

“Oh my god…” I mumbled speechless.

“Now, now, let the guest of honor take her seat,” my mother said as a slight chuckle escaped her lips.

“Come on Athena! Take a seat. Who would’ve thought that our diapers girl is already eighteen,” My dad said as he dragged me towards the brown couch.

“Dad! Don’t call me that…” I was flustered as I sat in front of the cake. My mother walked towards the table, putting the candles on top of the cake. She put the first candle which was shaped as the number one, followed by the second candle which was an eight. She then took a lighter and lit the two candles.

“Albert, switch off the lights.”

My dad walked towards the switch and flipped it up, allowing darkness to fill the room, leaving only the faint candles’ light to brighten up the spot.

“Time to make a wish big girl!” my dad said.

Silence filled the air. My cheeks were painted pink as a vast smile covered my front. I put my palms together, intertwining my fingers as I closed my eyes. I wish for my parents to always stay happy by my side. I wish they can finally clear off all their debts and relax. I wish that I can go to Uni with her… and stay with her forever. I opened my eyes and blew the small flames away. The rapid claps of my family broke the silence as they looked at each other. My dad took out a small light blue box from his pocket and handed it to my mom. My mom looked back at me as she gave me a tight hug.

“We are very sorry we couldn’t send you to university this year… thank you for always being understanding and patient with us. We will try our best this year,” she said as sorrow filled her voice.

“Mom!” I yelled. “Don’t force yourselves. I will work hard this year and gain my own money for university. I’m already an adult, it’s time to stop leaching off of you guys!”

My dad had a faint smile on his front followed by a deep frown. Displaying intense disappointment. “It’s a father’s job to send his child after their education. I’m sorry.”

“Oh my god!” I rolled my eyes before my mom let go of me and sat calmly next to me as she reached out her hand with the box on top of her palm.

“We know how badly you wanted one,” my dad said.

I looked at him raising a brow and back to my mother. I raised up my hands and reached to the box. It felt kind of heavy. I wonder what it is… I reached to the lid with my left hand and unraveled the gift. My eyes were wide open in shock as my lips slightly parted. It was a key.

“Follow me,” my father said as he walked out of the living room. My mom smiled at me as she dragged me by the hand. We walked outside to the parking area. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a motor bike. A black motor bike with red stripes exactly how I wanted. I stood facing it, paralyzed as my parents stood next to me.

“Its second hand and has a few scratches on it, but we hope you like it,” my mother said as she put her hand on my shoulder.

“I love it!” I yelled as an enormous smile appeared on my front, plumping up my cheeks. “but wasn’t it expensive?” I asked.

“Oh stop worrying about such minor things!” my dad said, slapping my back.

“Thank you so much!”

***

The summer sun rays flashed before my eyes through the thin white curtains, bringing me back to reality. My face was filled with dry tears. When did I fall asleep? I looked at my brother sleeping soundly as I felt my heart getting crushed and torn with each second. They are gone… they seriously left me… I pulled back my short hair as it kept getting in my face. I felt insane. I wanted to punch something. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. I clenched my fists, digging my nails deep into my flesh as I watched the blood drip down my hand.

A knock on the door startled me. I quickly reached to my bag, grabbing a few tissue papers before I stood up and walked to the door. I looked through the eye piece and saw the land lord outside.

“Hello,” I said as I pushed open the door.

“Hi dear. Could you please follow me to the office to get the paper work done?”

“Ah yes. Of course. Just give me a second.”

“I’ll be waiting for you in the office. Take your time.”

“Thank you…” I said as she left. I closed the door, releasing a tense sigh. I looked at my wrist watch reading the time. Seven thirty…

I walked back to my brother and tapped lightly on his shoulder. “Just five more minutes…” he mumbled before pulling my jacket further up on his head.

“Edward. I need to go out for a bit.”

No response. I clicked my tongue as my temper was as short as nonexistent. “Edward!” I shouted. He jumped up in shock. “Yes?” he said scared.

“Wake up.” I commanded calmly.

“Okay I’m awake. I’ll go get ready for school.”

“You’re not going to school today. I have to go out for a bit so I need you to watch the house. Don’t open the door to anyone and don’t look outside the window. You have your phone right?” I asked as I was crouching next to the couch where he sat on.

“Yeah I do,” he said reaching to his pocket and getting out his cell.

“Okay good. If anyone knocks on the door or the window or you start having a bad feeling, call me ASAP.”

“Okay, got it!”

“Good boy,” I said with a faint smile as I patted his head. Feeling his soft wavy hair.

I grabbed my jacket, adjusted my watch exactly on my wrist and grabbed my backpack before I walked out. I locked the door and walked down the stairs. The office was right next to the building. It was covered by glass windows as I walked to the entrance and stepped inside.

“Please take a seat miss Endreed,” she said pointing towards the empty seat in front of her desk.

“Yes, thank you,” I said while I walked towards the chair and sat down. She pulled out a sheet of paper from her drawer and placed it on top of her desk, sliding it towards me. I held the document and began reading the terms and conditions.

“To keep things short, the monthly rent for this place is seven hundred dollars.” My eyes widened as I struggled to keep a straight face. “And payment shall be paid in advance for each month.”

“In advance?” I repeated. Shocked.

“Yes. Please pay this month’s rent to continue living in my flat,” she said as she entered some numbers on the payment terminal on her left. I frowned as I didn’t know what to do.

“Could you please make an exception? My house was burnt just last night and my parents are gone. Can I pay at the end of the month? Once I get my salary?”

She looked at me with the corner of her eyes as the fake smile vanished from her wrinkly face. “Have you read the terms and conditions? There are no exceptions. If you can’t pay today, please leave.”

I bit on to my inner lips as I struggled to keep my cool. “I will pay…” I said as I took out my wallet from my black backpack.

“Please place your card on the screen.”

I took out my debit card and placed it on top of the terminal’s screen.

“Thank you. I hope you have a nice stay and get comfortable in your new home.” She wore a gentle smile again. I avoided any eye contact with her as I placed my card back into my wallet and left the office.

I took out my phone and dialed Edward. The phone rang for a while before he picked it up. “Hey. Is everything okay?” I asked

“Of course! Stop being such a worrywart, sis,” he said as lively as ever.

“I’m glad to hear that. Do you have any food in your bag?”

“Yeah I have a pack of nuts and a few packs of dried meat. Oh and also I have string cheese and orange juice!”

“Why do you have so much food in your bag? Didn’t you eat anything yesterday at school?” I questioned.

“Nope! Cause, we had a summer fair at school and they had tons of free food.”

“Oh okay that’s good. I’ll be going to work now. Make sure you eat and stay hydrated. And don’t forget what I told you,” I said as his voice calmed the storm in my heart.

“Roger that! By the way sis!”

“Yeah?”

“Happy birthday! Yesterday was your birthday, I didn’t forget! Its September first! You’re a nineteen-year-old grandma now!” he chuckled.

My gaze fell to the ground as I struggled to keep my tears in. I sucked in my lips before allowing my eyes to wonder around the place. “Thank you, dumbass,” my voice cracked. “I have to go now. Take care. I’ll call you every two hours make sure to answer fast.”

“Bye, bye.”

I hung up before placing my phone in my pants pocket. I walked towards my bike and drove it to my work place.

***

“Oh my god Athena is five minutes late!” said Mei.

“Listen, I’m in no mood for jokes right now. Leave it for later,” I said as I walked to the changing room. Mei was a very petite girl. She had long black curls with big doll eyes. She always attracted the most costumers with her gorgeous face.

“Why? What happened?” she asked, following me to the changing room.

“Let me change first then I’ll explain.”

“Dude, we’re both girls I never understood why you always change in private,” she whined. “Oh!” she snapped her fingers. “You have a huge burn mark!” she concluded.

I stared at her with slit eyes and a blank expression before releasing a deep sigh. “Yes. Now please let me change in peace.”

“Okay, okay you should’ve said so from the beginning. No need to be shy,” she said as she finally left the changing room.

I took off my black jacket followed by my plain navy blue shirt that reeked of smoke. I folded them and put them inside my locker as I took the white buttoned shirt and put it on. I removed my black jeans and replaced it with the dark brown trousers, before finally adding the brown vest on top and the baseball cap.

I left the dressing room and walked towards the cashier. There weren’t any costumers yet. My hands were shaking as I wondered how I could greet customers with a smile.

“So?” I heard Mei’s voice as she come to my side, hugging my arm. “Gosh you reek of smoke! I didn’t know you were a smoker.”

“My house burnt down,” I blurted.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she let go of my arm and looked up to me. “I’m sorry to hear that… was anyone hurt?”

“Yeah… both of my parents died,” I said softly as I lowered my cap to cover my eyes.

She stood in silence without saying a single word. “I hope they rest in peace… are you okay? Don’t dwell on it k? we need your customer service skills. Don’t give us that scary face.” She chuckled, taping me on the back.

I felt the corner of my lips flinch as I closed my eyes. “How in the hell can I be okay?” I shouted. “I had to see both of my parents burnt to the stake and all that you care about is my scary face? Aren’t you supposed to be my best friend or something?”

She stepped back as she looked at me with eyes full of loath. “Don’t you dare shout at me! I’m trying to cheer you up here and you’re taking it out on me?”

“I didn’t mean to take it out on you… it’s just too much to deal with all at once…” I mumbled in a disappointed tone.

“Oh so you just take it out on me?” she rolled her eyes. “You know what? Don’t talk to me again if it’s not work related. I don’t wanna be close to a suicidal freak like you, to be honest,” she concluded before walking back to her spot.

I felt my heart squeeze further as my breath was unsteady. I looked at her with my lips slightly parted, before I pulled my gaze back to the counter. We were friends ever since high school… that’s all it took? This easily?