Hybrid Ultimate

Chapter 9

“You?” I was surprised as I stood up. I exhaled in relief.

I had thought a thief had gotten into the house. I guess I had been engulfed in my thought that I was not aware when he walked in. It was Rafael.

“Hi” I managed to greet them, I didn’t know what to say as I was surprised he was there with me.

“What is the matter with you?” He questioned, looking at me with concern.

Of course, he was my brother but we were not like regular brothers and sisters. We didn’t have that type of relationship.

Well, it was a bit better when Father was alive but after Father’s death, he became withdrawn from everyone.

Their Father was murdered right in front of him and his mother a few years ago. I was just six at that time.

I was away with my elder brothers when we heard the news that Father had been murdered right in our house.

Rafael and I didn’t talk much when Father was alive and after Father’s death, he became worse.

“Nothing, I am fine” I wiped my eyes quickly. I didn’t want him to know anything.

For whatever reason, I was not comfortable with his presence. How did he get in and what was he doing here?

“How did you get in and what are you doing here?” I questioned. I could see the expression of shock on his face.

I thought deeply about what I had said. I quickly rephrased my words

"I mean why are you home at this time of the morning? I believe you should be in your shop?” I raised my brows.

“Yes, I… I came by to get something. I forgot a client’s portrait in my room so I came to get it” He explained.

Right. I could see the wrapped envelope in his hands. I nodded.

“Listen, I know we have not been talking much since forever but I am not a monster. I'm still your brother and you can talk to me.” He pressed.

I rolled my eyes. Why would I tell him? Of course, he would make fun of me and believe I am insane just like everyone else.

No, I wasn’t going to allow myself to be used as an object of mockery again.

“It’s nothing. I guess I am just imagining things. I am okay” I sighed and faked a smile.

Rafael looked at me and smiled, walking closer to me.

“Even the blind can tell your smile is fake. You do not need to pretend Raquel, talk to me” He pressed.

I opened my hands to say something but I could not say anything.

I shook my head. I wasn’t going to allow Rafael to ridicule me. He smiled, sitting down.

What was he doing? He had just said a client was waiting for him. Why then was he sitting down? He didn’t seem to want to leave until I told him.

I rolled my eyes and sighed as I dropped my arms.

“Even Ralph does not believe me!” I threw my arms in the air.

“I am not Ralph. Ralph is our brother, not me” He crossed his leg. He seemed even more comfortable. “Tell me”

“Okay,” I sighed and sat by his side, pouting my lips.

"If you must know, I have been having nightmares for a while now. I see this thing, this stranger, this…” I exhaled.

I didn’t know of a better way to explain.

“He keeps calling me, calling my name. He tries to hurt me. Last night, I saw him in my dream again.

He was trying to strangle me.” I demonstrated, holding my neck.

“When I woke up this morning, the signs were on my neck.” I exhaled and bent my head.

I expected Ralph to laugh but he was quiet, studying me gently. Why? He wasn't laughing?

“Was that what mother talked about in the morning? Telling you to get it out of your head?”

“Yes. Mother believed I was making it up.

Everyone who gets to know me believes I make it up even Ralph. I am disappointed”

“I understand. If no one else believes you, I believe you” He held my shoulder.

I turned to look at him. Was he really serious? Was this happening? “I believe you and I know you aren't making it up. You see when Father died, I began to have nightmares.

The day Father died, I lost an important part of me. My lover, Elle died.”

My eyes widened in shock as I turned to look at him.

Elle was his girlfriend? He nodded, seeing the surprised look on my face. No one knew Elle was his girlfriend. She was our neighbor who suddenly went missing one day.

No one knew she was dead. How then did he know? Well, she was his girlfriend.

“When she died, I became lone and desolate that was why I became withdrawn.

I began to have nightmares. Seeing different things. It was difficult for me.

Father’s death and Elle's death made me feel like the world has come to an end.

I began seeing different things in my dream. Do you know how I was able to conquer it? I stood up to them. I became the master of my dream.” He sighed and held my hand.

“Listen—” I turned my face to meet his.

“When next you see this stranger, confront him you stand up to him?

Ask him what he wants from you. Do not allow him to press you down anymore” He advised.

I was surprised.

“I have to go. My client is waiting for me”

I was overwhelmed with joy as I

embraced him. The last thing I had expected was what just happened.

“Thank you so much” I embraced him from behind. He held my hand and went back outside.

I was filled with joy immediately and wanted to return to my room when I heard a voice.

“Come to me, I am waiting for you”

It sounded more like a whisper. I turned around but there was no one there. Again, I heard the voice.