Lost in the Dream

The Ones Who Are There When You Need Them

One

Keep the ones who heard you when you never said a word.

°°°

I close my eyes for the briefest seconds to chase away the assault of memories but when I opened them, the scene continues as if watching a forgotten film, I found in the attic.

"Dad is a clocksmith. Don't argue with him." I said before taking a gulp of grape juice Mom has prepared. 

They are basically arguing about how they woke up a little bit late, causing Mom to miss her favorite TV series. My parents may be both professionals and both respected in their work fields but you'll change your mind once you heard them fight over small things.

Mom and I looked at each other and burst out laughing when Dad turns his back to look at us.

"I'm a horologist! Why do you keep on calling me that? It sounds like I'm doing some weird things and acquainted with black magic." Dad hissed as he continues working.

It is the weekend and they usually just stay at home unless there's an important thing they need to attend. Sunday is family day. I'm not even allowed to go out with my friends since this time of the week is supposed to be spent with them. 

I'm not complaining, though. I love my parents more than anything. 

"They're the same thing, though." I teased, "But horologist makes you sound like a horrible person." 

"If I'm a horrible person you won't even experience this fancy life you have right now, you little punk." 

Dad's sulking is what makes up the mood every time. His passion for his work is what makes him successful. Despite having a lot of competitors, his company is always at the top. People tried to copy him but nothing beats the original. 

Dad never repeats his designs and he only makes them upon special request. You can't even get one unless you have a good reason enough for him to make one for you.

"There's a lot of clock in the house and you still woke up late. That's unbelievable, Mom." I kid, trying to take sides with Dad.

"Whose side are you taking, huh, One?" Mom playfully asked.

I pulled her closer to me and kissed the top of her head. 

"Being an only son has its perks and disadvantages, eh? I should get married soon so I can take sides with my wife instead." 

"I'm not ready to wed off my baby yet." Mom hugged me which made me smile.

"I'm kidding. I haven't found someone like you yet."

The smile on my face slowly disappears as the memories fade into thin air. Then the realization hits me.

 I'm alone now. 

I stare at the medicines prescribed by the doctor. They only heal the physical pain. The pain I feel in my heart, on the other hand, they simply can't mend.

A knock from the door caught my eyes and found the guys peeping on the glass door like a bunch of creepers.

I walked towards the door to let them in and was surprised when they came in with baggage and traveling bags in their hands. 

"Where are you going?" I asked as I watch them make their way inside the house.

"Isn't it obvious?" Martell asked, "We're having a sleepover! Now move your a*s, One."

He locked his arm on my neck and basically drags me towards the guys who are now making themselves at home.

I silently watch as they do things they usually do whenever they come here. 

My parents love them. They treat these guys like their own sons.

"I gave birth to only one but I'm rewarded with six more. You are like my own; I'm happy One found people like you."

"Oh! You're smiling!" Malkiel exclaimed when he saw me smiling at Gideon who's being beaten by Sweven and Theo for cheating.

Martell, who's sitting on the carpet in front of me, squeezed my knees and smiled at me genuinely. 

He doesn't talk much but his gestures say a lot about him. His smiles basically tell "It is okay, Mom. We got your back."

Sweven and Theo are the closest. They might fight a lot for their contradicting personalities but Sweven is not Sweven if Theo is not there. 

The same thing goes for Theo. Sweven might look like the sensitive one but Theo's keener when it comes to emotions. Despite being the group's joker, he easily gets offended. 

Gideon and Koa are like siblings. Koa is the youngest among us. Gideon is the most cunning one in the group. He could be caught red-handed but still denies it. He only does it for fun, though. Gideon and Koa have the longest history since they knew each other since they were young. 

Malkiel and Martell are the ones with deep connections since they share a lot of similarities. They are also the oldest in the group. There's no written rule about the eldest being the leader but we instinctively rely most on the two of them. 

Me--on the other hand? 

I don't know. 

In fact, I don't know which place I have in the group. It feels like I'm a shadow, someone you wouldn't even notice if gone.

I know and I'm sure for a fact that even if I disappear, their lives will go on. Nothing will change because there will be someone who'll watch their back.