Lost in the Dream

The Secret No One Told Me About

One

They say everyone who looks into their family history will find a secret sooner or later.

°°°

"Lucky are those who find a truly loyal friend in this fake world." Dad once said while we're watching a movie in the family room.

He's sitting next to Mom who's too focused on the TV, I don't know if she even heard Dad.

"Isn't our One the luckiest?" she suddenly blurted out, taking our attention.

"How did you say so?" I asked as I collect popcorns on the table.

"He didn't only have one but he got six good friends." Mom stated without leaving her focus on the TV.

"How did you know they are good? They are annoying." I hissed,

"Friendship is like that, son. You may have different mindsets and characteristics but those differences complement each of you. Not to mention, I love your friends. I see how you take care of each other I'm not even afraid if I die tomorrow."

My parents had a hard time conceiving me and Dad almost lost the two of us when Mom gave birth to me. That's when they decided they only need me and that I am the greatest gift they ever received.

They treat me like I'm the most precious thing in the world. They never failed to attend to all my needs and shower me with all their love.

They even love my friends and treat them like a family.

I don't remember when exactly I became friends with them but it feels like we've known each other since forever. We fight and annoy each other but at the end of the day, we found ourselves taking care of one another.

I don't know if it's just another dream but I saw how our friendship collided and broke apart. Never in my wildest dream did I imagine myself waking up in the morning and not finding any of them.

We almost grew up together. We shared a connection so deep it will be impossible to just turn our back to each other.

Now I'm standing in another familiar place, or so I thought.

LSN SCHOOL OF MARTIAL ARTS

I don't have any idea why I'm here but something is telling me to go inside.

My brows furrowed when I saw Malkiel and Martell fencing. I never saw them play since we only hang out when we have free time. I never got to see them play this until now.

When they're done playing, they both lie on the floor. They're quiet for a long time until Martell decided to speak.

"What are your plans now?"

"Do you think I can still face them after what happened? I failed everyone. I failed Sweven. I don't even deserve to live after what happened to him."

"You didn't want it to happen."

"But it happened because of me. I'm a horrible person."

"You're not; you're just acquainted with wrong people. You didn't know it's Sweven's father's car. No one knows that Sweven will be the one to use it, either."

"All my life all I did is to make wrong decisions. I need to pay for all my sins."

Martell sat and grab Malkiel's collar but the latter removed his grasp.

"You don't have to do it." Martell insisted, "Sweven understands. He's not close-minded. He doesn't even blame you for what happened. The guys are only mad."

"No," Malkiel shook his head, "I need to do it. I have to do the right thing at least once in my life."

The scene shifted and I found myself in an airport. I look around and found Malkiel boarding the plane. On the other side are us, running to find Malkiel.

My knees went weak. I look at where Malkiel goes but the plane has already left.

Once again, I lost another person I can't live without.

"I've seen the past and been through the future so you have to listen to me, you punk," Dad said while we're having dinner.

We all came to the point that we think we know everything when we don't. My parents might love me like I'm their most precious possession but we also fight and have misunderstandings like any other normal family.

I glanced at Mom who's just silently listening to me and Dad's bickering.

"You always say that, Dad." I hissed, "Why are you making a fuss when I'm old enough to decide for myself?"

"Because if I didn't stop you now, you'll end up regretting things in the future."

"As if you're a time traveler who had seen the future already. Stop bluffing, Dad."

"Soon you'll understand the vague things I say, as you call them, and when that happens, you'll thank me."

I grasped the watch and close my eyes. I won't have regretted it. I'll make sure no one leaves no matter what it takes.