Love of a Thousand Colors

Chapter 5

The paper is crumpled and wrinkled but the words are clear and readable. Frankly speaking, besides the way it shines under the light, I see nothing noteworthy about it.

Now, let's check the venue and schedule, so we could go. I pray that losing a thousand bucks and Israel's trust is worth it.

Hey self, you only met that fellow today and your typical practical self is mourning for something so trivial.

I read the front and there's nothing at the back. This is puzzling. I scratched my head in bewilderment. How shady! The details are incomplete! How do they expect people to reach them? Telepathically?

I guess I'd say hello again to one thousand bucks. I slid the coupon in between my filler notebook. If only I had a phone, I would've messaged Israel and tell him, 'Voila! Found it!'

Lucky is still fast asleep. I don't have the heart to wake her up even if she needs to eat and change her bandages. I'll be spending the night at the foot of her bed then, so she could easily rouse me from sleep if she needs me.

I took my pillow and a thin mattress to set a makeshift bed on the floor. Fortunately, there's a folded carton box I can use to protect myself from the cold floor.

I slept on my side, my eyes gazing upon my little sister. My position is a bit hard on my hip, yet I have no right to complain when someone younger and physically weaker sleeps every day in pain without complaints. How I long to give her hugs and play with her at the park the same as other normal kids do... It's also a bitter and depressing truth that no amount of money would make her normal.

Why? Why Lucky? Why her? Why us out of all people?

I got startled on my sleep. I heard the door open and the bell chimes ringing in. Franny and Tootch came home, their heavy, irregular footsteps made the wooden floor squeak and creak.

I clenched my teeth in frustration, then a few seconds later I realized two eyes staring at me. "Ah!" It was Lucky, sitting in her usual position on her bed.

Franny and Tootch came running, almost tripping and stumbling on each other. As soon as they stepped foot inside, the detestable sour smell of alcohol filled the small space of the room. It's suffocating.

Lucky made an attempt to cover her nose, but I bet it didn't help.

"Out!" I screamed. I reached for my pillow and hurled it at them. However, my aim was so bad, it just landed on the laundry basket near the entrance. Tootch chuckled and Franny picked up my pillow and slammed it to my face. She looked at Lucky briefly and left with Tootch trailing behind her.

"I'm so sorry Lucky." I said. "I was very surprised to see that you're already awake." It's true. I think if it's either Franny or Tootch, I'd still react the same way or even run away in terror.

"It's okay. At least you didn't throw the pillow at me. That would've hurt." Lucky said, smiling. "It's still night time and I don't like to go to the hospital." Yeah, as though there are better times to go to the hospital.

I muttered another apology. I realized I haven't had dinner yet so I whipped something up for the two of us. Franny and Tootch are in their room, snoring loudly.

After dinner, I changed her bandages and applied some cream. I reminded her to wake me up if she's hungry or if she's feeling ill. She shouldn't worry about me, she should think more about herself.

"I am thinking about myself. I would be sad if you won't have enough sleep." Lucky explained. What a sweet child...

"Don't be." I reiterated. "I'm your guardian angel, you know. Your super sister."

Lucky pouted, "You're not. You are the best loving sister in the world. You are like a mother we never had."

"Stop it or you'll see waterworks that might flood this shanty down." No matter how difficult it has been, she never fails to brighten up the sullen mood.

"Is Israel a friend?" Lucky asked out of the blue.

"Hmm, sort of. We only met today, so we're more of an acquaintance." I clarified. Lucky might still be worried that I'll spend lesser time with her because of him. Hell, it's his fault I wasn't able to get to my sister faster today.

"I see," Lucky said, but I can see there's something bothering her.

"Why? What's the matter?" I prodded.

Lucky went from sad to scared. "He seems nice. But I don't know, I think he's scary." Ah, you don't have any idea kid.

"Ah, don't worry. He's okay." I don't like to exaggerate or lie that I feel comfortable around him. Because if, by some miracle, Lucky will have true friends outside the family. I also want her to be honest about her relationships with other people.

"Okay. I hope he's really a kind person."

After our short talk, we slept again to our separate rooms and wished each other good night.

The next morning, me and Lucky set off early so I can speak a word to the security guard and file proper complaints to the authorities. We made it an hour before our typical drop off time and the usual guard stood by the door and greeted us.

Franny and Tootch got themselves busy with repacking their goods. I remember explicitly telling my good for nothing sister to not get involved with that kind of dangerous and illegal business. I rammed that shrinking brain of hers that she and Tootch will be caught and killed for that crime and I'll never forgive her if Lucky gets entangled with her mess simply because she didn't listen.

But Franny is overly confident that she can evade the police forever. She even bragged that the only reason the bad guys haven't come after any of us is because of Tootch and the favors her girlfriend gave to them.

It's sickening how she can justify her wrongdoings like this. Her brain got so twisted and unpredictable. I wonder if she can ever get back to her normal, innocent self once again.

The kind guard took Lucky's bag and offered to carry my sister for me. I thanked him but I know Lucky prefers to let me carry her.

"I'd like to tell you that my sister was left all alone outside by your new guard here." I started, carrying my sister to her room while the guard listens.

The man, in his late 30's, was very shocked and confused. "How cruel and irresponsible!" He opened the door of the classroom for us and helped me set up a foldable sofa chair for Lucky.

Lucky looked worried. "Nothing bad happened. Let's forget it."

I ignored what she said and asked the guard how to report the incident. He told me he'll write a letter and give it to their supervisor on my behalf. But I told him I want to do something myself so I could put more pressure on his superiors. He said it's okay, too.

Before we left, a woman came up to the guard and informed him that the newbie just got fired. That was fast, I thought. The guard told her he was about to report that guy, so he asked if it was because he neglected his duties.

The woman shook her head. "He was trying to open the safe in the directress' office since he started working here. Someone gave us a tip and we played the security tape. The camera is broken though, but we saw him get in and out of the corridors near the boss' office at very suspicious times."

"I hope he's not only fired. He deserves some jail time, too." I said. The woman told me she'll forward the incident to the police, so he'll get the punishment he deserves.

"The bloke even turned off the lights thinking he won't be seen. We have night vision cameras, unlucky for him." The lady smirked and pointed one of the cameras in the lobby.

After filing a report, I made my way to school and to my surprise, a familiar car pulled over. It's Israel's. He and his gang are going to school at that time, too. They motioned me to hop in, but even in my jolly mood, I declined. A good morning walk has always been my routine. It allows me to think and enjoy the neighborhood.

I'm glad they didn't push it any further. Israel waved goodbye and left.

But the sole reason I didn't take the ride is because I'll be betraying him soon and it's unfair to gain any more favors from him even if it's just a measly truck ride to school.

And in addition, I'm contemplating on how I'll be able to reach Jacob's Robe with zero amount of information. Maybe I should stop at an Internet cafe first and get some clues. But I'm short of money and Israel wouldn't have bothered asking for the coupon if it's possible to find the answers there. But if I have money to spare, I might try.

Yellow pages? Same thing. Should I ask people? But who? I have to ask many people and they probably haven't heard or seen this business? The police? Probably, but would they entertain questions if it's unrelated to crime? Damn, this is so difficult!

I can see more and more students walking with me toward school. The streets are now filled with young kids chatting with each other. Others browsing their phones with their headphones on. The girls taking one last look on their pocket mirrors, fixing some stray hair or checking if there's something stuck between their teeth. The teachers are heading to their respective rooms with their lesson plans and attendance sheets in hand. Most are enthusiastic to teach, some are excited to send someone to the principal's office.

I dream that someday Lucky would be able to go to a regular school. Walking hand in hand with her best friends, excited to see each other again on break time, play some sports, join some clubs. Fall in love and get her heartbroken, nope, cross the last one. Any guy that will break her heart will be shredded into pieces.

"Buy 1 Get 1 Pizza Promo at Jedi's! All Flavors! Bring your friends and family!" A young lanky guy wearing a Jedi robe is giving out flyers to students and passersby. I approached him and got one of those. Not because I plan to avail, a buy 1 take 1 promo isn't necessarily a discount or a sale. Especially if the price actually covers for two. The Jedi actually gave me an idea.

I have to retrace my steps and get to the person who gave me the flyer. Jacob's Robe, here I come!