Lost in the Dream

Crossroads

One

"What's coming will come, and we'll meet it when it does."

-Hagrid

°°°

When I thought everything goes as planned it will be ruined again with another tragedy I never wanted.

I fell on my knees as I cry hard.

I want to scream and hate the world.

Why can't I be happy?

Why does this happen to me?

All I wanted to bring my parents back.

All I wanted to be with the people whom I love.

All I wanted is for us to be together forever.

I've been a good son to my parents and a good friend to my friends but why am I being punished like this?

What have I done so horrendous for me to suffer this much?

When I thought everything is going on smoothly why do I find myself at a crossroad once again?

I kneel on the ground and look up at the skies.

Even the weather is mocking me. Why does a tragedy like this happen in weather so fine?

(Age 15)

"Where are we going, Dad?" I asked when I realized we're not heading home yet.

"You'll know when we get there," he answered with a smile.

I instinctively turn my guards on. The last time Dad said that we end up hiking instead of having a picnic. Dad is weird like that. Once he decides on something, there's no planning needed. He just goes with the flow.

Even when we stopped in a grocery store and asked me to buy some things, he still didn't tell me what's going on.

We drive for thirty minutes until we reached an apartment. Mom's not with us because she's still in the company. I doubt if she even has any idea about Daddy's motives today.

He rang the bell three times before a boy my age opens the door for us. My heart started racing as thoughts assault my mind.

"Koa, come here!" the boy called into the room.

Another boy came to us. He's probably two or three years younger than us. I stare hard at their faces trying to find any trace of my Dad.

"One, this is Gideon and the younger one is Koa as you've heard," Dad stated.

I glare at him which surprised the three of them. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and gave Dad a look of disappointment.

"I can't believe you did this you us, Dad."

Dad's brows creased. He stared hard at me until his lips slowly curled up into a smile. Dad can annoy me most of the time but this is the first time I wanted to punch him.

"What do you mean?" he asked but still smiling.

"Does Mom knows about it?" I asked in annoyance.

"Of course. Why wouldn't she?"

"How can you do this to us? To Mom? Why did you hide it?" I'm ready to walk out of the door when Dad burst out laughing.

I watch him in confusion. What's so funny about this situation? I respect him so much but it turned out he's someone I shouldn't even look up to.

"What are you thinking exactly?" he asked between laughter.

"Why did you have to hide that you have other kids?"

Dad's laughter echoed in the small apartment. When he finally recovered, he hit the back of my head.

"You moron." Dad hissed, "They're not my sons, well, not by blood, at least. Their mother is a close friend to me and your Mom. I've been planning to introduce them to you but I was busy these past few weeks. By the way, they'll be transferring to your school next week and I'm hoping the three of you will be good friends."

(Age 16)

The sound of Gideon's scream woke me up. I almost fell on the floor in surprise. He's sleeping in the lower bunk of the bed while I stay on the top.

"What happened?"

"Who on earth leave this s**t here?!"

I narrowed my eyes to see what he's pertaining to then burst out laughing. On the bed across ours is a mannequin dressed as a mummy.

"Why are you laughing? You're the one who did it, right?" he accused me.

He's clearly annoyed now. He easily gets scared and when he does, it's really hilarious.

"No," I answered matter of factly. I don't even know how that thing ended up there.

"Damn it, One. I'm really gonna kill you," he said in annoyance.

"What? It's really not me."

"If it's not you, then why are you laughing?"

"Because the one who did it is really genius. I heard last night there's a new kid. He might own that."

As if being summoned, a boy came into the room. He's not as tall as us, probably just as tall as Koa.

"Hey, you're the new kid?" I asked.

The boy nodded. He went to where the mannequin is and lie next to it.

"You own that?" Gideon asked.

"It takes a very broken, twisted soul to do what you just did. Did you know that this guy right here," I pointed at Gideon, "almost had a heart attack because of your doll?" I laughed.

"You're too nice, thanks for noticing," he said. I don't know if he's being sarcastic or what but it made me laugh. "I didn't mean to scare you, though. Sorry, dude."

"That's a nice introduction you pulled there. I'm Gideon and that's One. You are?"

"Sweven, and well, the mannequin." he shrugged.

"Welcome aboard, Sweven. I'm not exactly happy with the mannequin, though." Gideon said making me laugh harder.

(Age 16, school festival)

"I had a thought." Gideon suddenly blurted out.

"Geez, no." I exclaimed.

"Nuh-uh." Sweven shook his head.

"I swear this is a good one this time!" Gideon said but we ignored him.

I moved my chair next to Sweven to avoid Gideon and his hideous ideas. The last time I follow the guy's lead, I end up in detention. Not going to happen again.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he's sulking on his seat and now he's picking a fight.

"What do you mean?" Theo asked him. Theo is our classmate but everyone is avoiding him.

"You look like you want to rip my head off." Gideon hissed, making me and Sweven watch in anticipation.

That's the thing about Gideon. When he didn't get what he wants he started picking a fight with anyone and it always ends up hilarious.

"Sorry, that's just how my face works." Theo shrugged, "Why do you look like that?"

"How do I look?" Gideon asked,

"You look like a grumpy evil queen who got dethroned. Move before I really hit you." Theo said which made Sweven and me burst out laughing.

(Age 17)

"You're not my favorite person today." Theo sulked.

"When did I become your favorite person anyway?" Koa's laugh sounds like an old lady.

"Why does it feel like I've seen this film before?" Martell wondered.

"We basically watch it every time." Malkiel laughs, "and we all know how it ends."

"You're being disrespectful to your elders, Koa," I said which didn't help at Theo's mood at all.

"Play with me, you weakling!" he pointed at me making everyone laugh.

"He only picks the weakest." Sweven shook his head in disbelief.

"Are you looking down on me?" I pulled Sweven's collar, "How dare a dwarf-like you make fun of me?"

We came in different places met in a much unexpected moment but click like we're each other's pieces.

"One day, you'll use this. Once you have it make sure to take care of it. If one day you face things that will require you to choose, make sure to choose the one you won't have regrets."

If this is the kind of situation Dad is talking about, why does it seems like I'll lose no matter what decision I make?