The Joker

Carleigh

I sat next to them. I closed my eyes and felt the cold weather. Reminisce with the memories that we've shared. I wish I could turn back time but I knew God had his reason. This is not the end but the start. I need to face the reality that my parents are gone and I need to survive.

I smile bitterly and touch the grave of my parents. I knew my parents were watching me from above. And this pain that I felt will be gone. After a short talk to them, I decided to go home.

I sigh before holding the doorknob. Now, I'm back to reality with no one to lean on. All I can hear is my breathing, here in the small apartment that I rent in Makati. I checked my emails if there's an available job offer. This coming March is my graduation day. My High School life will be over.

I sighed when I saw my bank account. I want to continue my study but I don't have enough money for college. Auntie Martha, the owner of this apartment has many jobs for me to offer but I turn her down. She was disappointed but she knew me. I have pride.

Leaving for almost half of the year was a bit of a struggle for me. I grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth. When my parents died, our business was shut down because no one could manage it. I was 17 and I'm still minor to handle our business. I don't have any idea. Auntie Cindy, my mom's step-sister, sells our houses and business without informing me. I was shocked and I don't know how to react because it's new to me.

I thought she would adopt me but she did not. She only wants my wealth. And she almost sells me to a different rich guy. That's why I decided to run away. I've been hiding for almost half of the year and changed my identity. Scared that Auntie might have found out where I was.

A soft knock suddenly backed me from reality. I stood up and went to the door to open it. I frowned when I saw no one but I stopped when I saw a gift on the floor.

Out of my curiosity, I opened the gift. Inside of it is a letter. It says 'Find me' Raising my eyebrow. Who the hell will prank me? It's in the middle of the night. Instead of thinking nonsense, I threw the paper in the trash and slept.

The next morning after class. Instead of going home, I search for a job that will fit my age. It's kinda hard because some of them need experience or asking if I'm of legal age.

I took a deep breath and went straight to a coffee shop to rest. It's 2 in the afternoon but I can't find a job. My whole body is sweating and also I'm starving to death. When suddenly a couple of guards wearing a black suit went to me. I freeze a bit knowing if my auntie finally found me. I was about to run but the guard beside me held my wrist.

All of the people in the coffee shop are looking at us weirdly. Instead of arguing with them. I calm myself. Knowing that this is the end of my life.

"Are you Carleigh Suarez?" I raised my head a bit. Then, I realize that is not me that they're chasing.

"Nope" I immediately answered but the man with a blue suit appeared and disagreed. My heart beat fast. And I don't know why I felt scared right now, that might something happen. I grabbed my bag and threw it at them. I ran and left the coffee shop.

Everyone panicked when the group of men with black suits started chasing me. 'The hell! I'm not Carleigh!' I said to myself while running.

I turned left and jumped on the small wall but suddenly I fell on someone. "What he-" I suddenly covered his mouth when I heard the guards are getting nearer. I was shocked when our faces were an inch away.

"Carleigh," he said almost in a whisper. Looking at my eyes straight. Something in his eyes reminds me of someone but I can't describe it. The whole face of that guy in my dream is blurred.

I stood up when I couldn't hear their voices and footsteps. "Thank you," I said when I didn't know what to say. Then, he suddenly hugged me. Saying the foreign name to me repeatedly.

"Don't leave" he begs. "Don't leave me again"

In a couple of hours that was standing in the middle of the alley. I don't know what I felt for the stranger. But it seems familiar that I can't name it. I look at the guy. He looks pale but he manages to look for Carleigh. Who is Carleigh?

I pitied him that I need to lie to stop him from worrying. I know he is a stranger. But there's something in him. Saying that I should protect him.

I hugged him back and whispered, "I won't leave you".