Lost in the Dream

Part 2: Secrets of the Past

Gideon

"Family is supposed to be our safe haven.

Very often, it's the place where we find the deepest heartache."

-Iyanla Vanzant

°°°

When I was young, I thought I have a perfect family. People regarded my Dad as "Lord". We live in a huge mansion I thought it was a palace.

I don't want to roam around alone because I'm afraid I'll get lost. Dad is always surrounded by men in black suits and they are all scary that I hide whenever I see them.

Since Mom has recently given birth to my younger brother, Koa, she can't play with me so I play alone now.

Dad is naturally scary and he gets more frightening whenever he and Mom get into a fight. He always hit Mom and I hate him for that.

She spent the night crying and I can't do anything about it.

One night while Dad is away for a business, we secretly leave the place. Mom said we need to get away from them because they are bad guys.

We stayed in a small apartment while Mom worked waiting tables in a Café that was owned by a close friend of hers. We stayed there until Koa turned seven but everything has changed when my brother keeps telling me he met our Dad.

Mom said we need to leave again and that's when everything started to fall apart. Mom said she'll come to find us but she never returned.

We learned from a close friend that she was killed by the syndicate where our Dad is a part. That night, they're chasing Mom because of the Diamonds that are practically attached to Koa's teddy bears.

Those diamonds cost billions that's why they're ready to kill if it means getting their hands on it.

As long as the Diamonds are in our possession, they'll come after us and neither Koa nor I will be alive if they found out.

I did my best to protect Koa from them and keep them in the dark about our family history. I work part-time waiting tables while he's studying.

But Koa has other things in mind. He found out about our parents and the diamonds. He secretly took it and gave it to the police.

I was already at the bus station after my shift but Koa hasn't called yet. Usually, he waits for me here so we can go home together.

It took three rings before he picks up his phone.

"Where on earth are you?" I asked as soon as he answered.

"Calm your t**s, Giddy. I'm just chilling."

Of course, I don't believe him. Koa is not good at lying. I checked the date on my watch and heave a sigh.

"Wait for me there."

I hang up and call a taxi. Today's Mom's death anniversary. We never saw Mom's body because it was already taken care of when we learned about her passing that's why it's been Koa's habit to go back to that place every time he misses her.

Time has passed but this place remains the same.

It's been a decade but we're still running away until now.

I was walking leisurely when three familiar men appeared in front of me.

I started cursing as I run away.

Where is Koa? They can't find him. They must not find him!

Someone pulled me and I almost throw a fit but it was Koa to my surprise.

"We need to leave this place," I whisper yell.

"They're here for me," he said calmly.

"Of course, they are genius!" I said in exasperation.

Their footsteps are now near us so we both run.

"You have to run, Koa! Go!" I exclaimed between my hard breathing.

"Are you stupid?! I'm not leaving you here!" Koa argued.

I want to hit him right now but I'm afraid I don't have time for that.

"I need to distract them. If they catch you, they'll definitely kill you! You need to save yourself!"

"Shut up, Giddy! I'm not losing you like I lose Mom!"

If you don't want to you should've listened to me.

I didn't tell him that, though. I guess there's no point in fighting with him.

I need to get him out of this place and until then I can't let anything bad happen to him.

I took his hand as we run side by side. I can still hear their footsteps and this time, they're getting closer.

We run and run until we reached the spot where we used to hide from them. I pulled him to the side and make sure we don't make any sound.

"I told you to not go back there! How many times do I have to tell you that it's dangerous? They killed Mom and they won't think twice to kill you, too. If they found out you gave away those diamonds just like that, that will be the end of you!" I can't help but exclaim.

"If I didn't do that, they will chase after you!" he countered and this time, I really hit the back of his head.

"That's so genius of you, Koa." I glared at him.

We saw three pairs of black shoes before we hear someone speak. We both fell into silence when we slowly look up at the people in front of us with the one in the middle pointing his g*n at Koa's head.

"You got nowhere to go, boy." The man in the middle with his deep croaky voice said. His voice alone is scary like the sound of metal being dragged into the pavement.

In a blink of an eye, Koa collapsed on my lap. My tears fall on his face as I stare at the whole on his forehead.

No. This is not happening.