Autumn's Daylight

Chapter 2

Fatima

When we came back to Uncle Tom's house, I saw aunt Karen waiting for us to come home.

“Where have you been Faith?” aunt Karen was so worried.

“I got lost, I'm sorry for making you worried.”

“Let's go and eat dinner” uncle Tom said.

“Okay”

Smelling aunt's dishes makes my stomach run. I'm so hungry.

“I know you're excited about your aunt Karen's dishes, but we need to pray first.” uncle Tom tease me. I just smile and he begins to pray. After his prayer, I grab the steak in front of me and feed my hungry stomach. I miss her dishes. Before I eat all the delicious dishes that aunt Karen cooks for me and Kevin. Kevin. I need to ask them what happened to Kevin. My father once told me that during dinner, we are allowed to talk about what happened with our whole day. So I think I can talk to them about Kevin.

“Ahm, can I ask something?” I start.

“Yes, dear” aunt Karen answered.

“What happened to Kevin?” she coughs softly and drinks her water. “I'm sorry for asking, but I want to know. He's my only friend here in Northridge.” I add.

“Okay, you deserve to know what happened to your cousin Kevin.” uncle Tom starts. “Last spring, Kevin met Caleb. He is new to our church, and he came from Mill's family...” Oh no, Mill's family is known to be one of the self-destructing families here in Northridge.

“Caleb became Kevin's member or disciple, and he tries to fix his life. He fixed him.” What? If he fixed him, why Kevin is acting so weird?

“But Kevin is such a hopeful guy, like you he sees that something is good in people. He's not looking to the outside but for what is on the inside. He went to Caleb's place and try to hang out with some guys there, he shared the gospel and many youths repent from their sins. And then he met Harold. Caleb's cousin, leader of the fraternity that Caleb joined before he got his saving. Kevin tries to fix him too, but he failed. Instead of fixing him, he became like him. I don't know why or what is his reason for destroying his life like that. Caleb stayed at church, he changed and continue what Kevin started. Caleb tried to reach Kevin but he failed. Kevin is still studying his college, and he only comes home when he needs some stuff. We gave it to him because that's the only reason why he continues studying, and we don't want him to stop. Education is really important, and we hope and pray that it leads him back home.” uncle was close to tears before he finished his last sentence.

So this is what happens to people who see good in everyone. They try to give all they had and end up losing the goodness in them. This is what happened to Kevin. My innocent friend. I remember when we were young, and we were talking about how the whole people on earth will get their salvation. We always dream to save everyone. But I guess Kevin forgot to save himself first.

“I'm sorry about what happened to Kevin. I'll try to talk to Him.” I said and aunt Karen burst into tears.

“Thank you, Faith,” she said while sobbing.

I feel so sad for aunt Karen, she didn't deserve this. No one deserves this.

--

After what happened yesterday I decided to call Kevin's number. Uncle Tom gave it to me earlier. I dialed his number and I'm surprised when someone picks up after the second ring.

“Hello? Kevin...” my voice is shaking

I waited for his response but there's nothing.

“Kevin?” I ask again. My patience is slipping away and I have so many things that I would like to say to him. I heard small laughs on the other line. Is Kevin trying to make fun of me with his friends?

“You know what Kevin. You're so coward and selfish! You're unbelievable! Your mother is crying and longing for you and you're out there destroying your life together with those.... with those....” I can't say it. I can't lower myself for them.

“What? Assholes? F*ckers? Haha, name it baby.” Oh no. He said it.

“Who are you?!” I burst out! There's no way that I will hear those words from Kevin. No way.

“Who are you?” he repeats my question. He's not Kevin. His voice is rough and very manly, unlike Kevin who has a very soft voice.

“If you're looking for Kevin, he's not here” he adds.

“Where is he?”

“I don't know and I don't care.” he rudely said before ending the line.

What a jerk he is?! I need a break! I went down to ask for uncle Tom's permission to go out. He wants to come with me but I decline his offer. I promise him that I will remember the way back home, and he finally agrees.

I walked straight at the side of the road for me to remember every detail of the street. I try to remember every tree that I passed by, I even took pictures of it. Yes I know I'm being paranoid but I'm just not good with remembering directions. I stop walking and decided to enter a small restaurant. It looks fancy and pricy. The waiter gave me the menu and I smiled at him. I ordered a single meal of pancakes with strawberry syrup. And guess what, it costs 10 dollars. I tried to convert it into a peso and it's so frustrating to spend my money on a single pancake. The chef needs to take good care of my pancake.

After 5 minutes my pancakes are here. It looks presentable and delicious. I take a small bite and I'm so willing to spend another 10 dollars for this one (if I had). It's so delicious and the strawberry syrup is melting with my tongue and the pancake is so soft and smooth. Oh and I forgot my problem with Kevin. Yes. Oh, I remember it again. The reason why I'm here with this precious pancake is because of Kevin. I need to plan something. A plan that will save Kevin from his drowning.

“Care to share your pancakes?” a familiar voice asks. I look at him and my guess is right.

It's Alice's owner. He's smiling at me.

“Hey” I awkwardly say waving my hand. It's like I'm already dismissing him by waving my hands goodbye.

“What are you thinking?” he seriously asks.

Back to being serious?

“Oh nothing”

“Care to share?” he repeats his first words but this time with a serious tone. Is he on my pancakes?

“No. I can't share my pancakes. It's so pricy." I spit. He looks at me with amusement and covers his mouth with his hands. I heard him chuckle. “What?” I ask him.

“No nothing, you're cracking a joke aren't you?” he asked me with a smile on his face. He should never stop smiling. He's so handsome when he smiles. Oops.

“I'm not”

“Oh” that's all he said, and he goes back to being serious. “Care to share what are you thinking about?” Oh, now I understand.

“I'm sorry if I assumed that you're on my pancakes. To answer your question....” I stop my mouth from talking. I'm not sharing my thoughts with him. I don't even know him, yes I know that he is Jacob, and He is Alice's owner but...

“You know it's fine if you don't tell me what you're thinking inside. But I just want you to know that Kevin is still a good person.” I'm surprised by his words. He left after saying those and I'm speechless. Does he know Kevin? Of course, he does. He also called Uncle Tom Bishop last night. Is he a member of Uncle Tom's church?