Chapter 12
1354 Words
"You'll marry Slade."
***
SAMANTHA
"Samsam," Chester called to me, so I turned to look at him.
S-Samsam? Does that mean...
"Are you King?" I asked.
"Colline, get in," my brother ordered, but I ignored him.
He didn't answer me but gave me a smile.
"Samsam, please remember that what happened back then wasn't my choice. Believe me, Sam," Chester pleaded, holding my hand.
"COLLINE! GET IN!" my brother shouted angrily from inside the car.
I immediately pulled my hand away from Chester. I was afraid my brother might turn into a dragon, and besides, my head was starting to throb again.
"I'm sorry, Chester. I'm still confused," I said, quickly getting into the car, and my brother started driving.
We were silent during the ride. Occasionally, I would glance at my brother and notice his angry stare at me. Is he mad? Well, I'm more upset than he is. If anyone has the right to be angry, I think it's me.
He stopped the car, so I was about to get out, but my brother grabbed my arm.
"What's it now?" I asked irritably.
But I didn't expect what he said next.
"I know you're starting to remember little by little. But remember this, Colline, I just don’t want you to get hurt, that's why I'm doing this," he said sincerely, making me blink in surprise.
"You'll understand me someday, Colline," he added before letting go of my arm. I got out right after that.
"I never wanted what happened back then."
Chester's words echoed in my mind.
Who should I believe?
I was so confused.
***
The next day, I decided not to think about things for now. I treated my brother the same way I always did.
I didn't want to hold a grudge. I'm too old for that.
"You lost again, Colline! Hahaha!" my brother laughed when he killed my character in Minecraft again.
"You’re such a cheat, bro! You hid in my own house!" I retorted, hitting him with my phone.
"Stop it, Samantha. If you break your phone, I won't buy you a new one," he threatened, so I stopped hitting him.
I went to the kitchen to make some coffee.
"Bro! Do you want a sandwich and coffee?" I called out while spreading strawberry jam on the bread.
"Sure!" he shouted back, so I grabbed another mug and made more coffee.
I also took another piece of bread and put some filling on it.
I grabbed the thermos and filled his mug with hot water.
"Here, bro."
I placed the mug and sandwich on the table, and my brother immediately took one sandwich and ate it.
I grabbed my phone and decided to check social media for a bit.
I don't have many followers. But whatever, I don't care.
My phone rang, and I scowled when I saw that Slade was calling.
"Pssh."
I ignored the call and kept eating my sandwich.
I saw my brother glance at my phone, and his frown deepened when he saw who was calling me.
"Answer it," he ordered.
"I don't want to," I replied firmly, crossing my arms.
Ugh. I didn’t know why I was getting mad at Slade right now. And I'm even more annoyed at my brother! He's so meddlesome!
Probably because he and Rica broke up, and now he’s concerned about my life. Ugh!
"Why don’t you like Slade, Colline? He's kind, smart, rich, and—"
I cut him off.
"And he’s not the one I love, bro. I love Chester. Is that so hard to understand?" I asked calmly, though deep inside, I wanted to take the sandwich and shove it into his mouth so he couldn't speak anymore.
"You can't love him, Colline. He'll just hurt you. So now, answer Slade's call," he ordered authoritatively.
To avoid further argument, I took my phone and answered Slade’s call.
"What do you need now?" I asked sharply.
My brother shot me a glare, but I just rolled my eyes.
"Are you mad?"
"Obviously, right? You're still asking."
Sorry, Slade, but you're caught in my anger right now.
"Can we meet?"
I frowned. "I don’t want to. I don’t want to see you, Slade."
He was silent for a moment.
"I know you want Chester and me to be happy, but until I remember everything because, damn it, no one is telling me anything, I won’t meet with you."
I waited for him to respond, but all I could hear was his breathing, so I continued speaking.
"I know you’re the one my brother wants for me. But sorry, Slade. I don’t want you. I only want Chester. My King," I said, looking at my brother, who looked like he was ready to kill me with his glare.
I heard Slade sigh.
"I understand, Samantha."
I smiled sadly. I knew I hurt him with how harshly I spoke.
Sorry, Slade, I’ll make it up to you next time.
I’ll help you find your forever person. But for now, I need to sort out my own love life.
"Thanks, Slade," I said and ended the call.
I sat down and continued eating as if nothing happened today.
"You’ll marry Slade," my brother suddenly said.
"In your dreams," I replied, rolling my eyes.
Is he serious? Why would I marry a guy I don’t love?
"I never loved him. And I will never love him, bro. Even though my memories are still a little messy, I’ve known from the start. It’s Chester who holds my heart," I said, pointing to my chest with my finger.
I was getting frustrated. Damn it.
I grabbed my wallet and was about to walk out the door when my brother suddenly called me.
"Samantha," he called.
I furrowed my brow. Samantha? It’s the first time he’s called me that. I was used to him calling me Colline.
"I don’t want you to get hurt. Please Samantha, listen to your brother."
Suddenly, my eyes welled up. And I didn’t know why.
I felt guilty in my heart. For my brother, and especially for Slade.
I was wrong for what I did to them.
"I'm sorry, bro. But I need to think about things right now," I said, leaving him alone.
I ran to the park, and when I found a bench, I sat down and caught my breath.
"Phew. I’m exhausted," I said, closing my eyes and trying to recall everything.
All I could remember were my moments with Chester. Us being friends. Him getting shot. The car crash.
Then... wait, what happened next?
I tried to remember but couldn’t recall anything else.
It was so frustrating.
But wait, why did I call Chester King back then?
Ugh, I don’t know. This is making me crazy.
I just need to get to the restaurant and eat.
Good idea, Samantha.
"One chickenjoy, one French fries, one burger, one coke float, and one spaghetti. Is that all, ma’am?" the waiter asked.
I nodded, and he walked away.
I’m so hungry. Woooh!
Soon, my order arrived. Finally! I can eat!
When I have problems, food is my only companion.
"What are you planning, Diane?"
"Nothing. I just want you two to be happy."
"Diane."
"I'm telling the truth! Even though I love you, I can't bear to see you hurt like this."
I rolled my eyes while listening to the gossip of a man and a woman sitting at the table near me.
They’re such gossipers. And the topic is so dramatic. Tsk.
But why am I irritated? Maybe it’s because the woman has the same name as Diane. Pssh.
"And I know that mom and dad will try to keep you apart when they find out you're not falling for me."
"Diane!"
"Just kidding, Chester."
Chester?
I stopped eating and looked ahead to see if the Chester I love and the Chester sitting there were the same person.
And confirmed!
Yes! And he’s with Diane!
I didn't realize I had pressed my fork so hard into the chicken. Poor chicken, I didn't mean to take my anger out on it, but that’s what happened.
Damn it.
- Writer
