The Life of Her

To School

A Flashback

“M-Mom,” I uttered as I felt my back tinged in ache. I rose up from sleep. I heard her footsteps rushing towards me like.

She gently touched my face as I saw her apprehensive mood. “T-Trent…you’re awake.” Her voice immediately became coarse. I raised my hand deliberately and touched her.

“W-Where am I?” I asked Mom.

“Y-You’re in the hospital, sweetie.”

“W-What happened?”

“Well…You passed out a week ago.”

A prickling pain suddenly strike me on my head, cupping up with both of my hands. I winced and cried out for help. “M-Mom.”

I saw her panic and called the nurse immediately.

She held my arm and those tears were racing down her cheeks.

“It’s okay, sweetie. Everything is going to be alright soon. Dad is working on it, okay? You…You don’t have to worry.”

___

Daylight just came in, beaming the windows with its rays. The rooster was loud and clear together with Amber’s dog outside the porch, barking like it was no end. I yawned and stretched my arms wide. Whining, I slowly glanced over the clock. It was six. I am early. His vibrant, lurid voice echoed outside my room as his steps paced towards the stairs.

I pulled my thick, dark rose coverlet and piled my pillows over the side. I snatched my phone from the desk, just rang for an alarm. I instantly turned it off and went to put my sleepers on. Amber is nowhere to be seen, as well as Guiltz. Perhaps, they’re doing some affairs that don’t need my aid. I hummed a song as I went inside the comfort room. Turning on the faucet, the coldness clasped both of my hands. It was freezing. Breathing, I washed my face thoroughly and massage both of my limbs.

Today is the conference meeting in Galvin’s school, more like the former school I took my studies. Mrs. Aliana had discussed with me to get back to it and Amber had also assented regarding the matter. She also wanted to finish her schooling, just like how she guaranteed her dad, so I am doing it on her behalf. Rubbing the towel over my haggard face, my phone suddenly vibrated into a message. Shin just texted me and wanted me to come over to their place this weekend. Brushing my teeth, I read her long message. Her mother had missed Amber. Hence, I wanted to tell her when we meet today. Perhaps, she would also be delighted to know about the news. Surely, she also longs for them. I texted her back.

Hello, Shin. I am quite doing great here. Mom and I decided to take me to school once again. I hope you’re well there too. I’m excited to meet you soon and the others in the apartment. Please tell your mom that I also miss her. I’ll definitely come over there at any time. I’ll give you an update later.

Without a minute, a message from her rang on my phone.

Great! Can’t wait to catch up with you soon! Please say hello to your Mom for me too! Anyways, I wanted you to know that Margarita is asking things about you, just like how she used to when you were still here. Also, an old man just came by and asked if you’re still here. I guessed you already know him. I can’t remember his name, but surely he’s always with his dog.

Oh is that it? I guessed most of the people there are quite inquisitive of me.

I softly chuckled as I sent her a reply.

Yes, it is! Anyway, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later. See you!

My door suddenly vaulted wide and revealed Galvin with crumbs of bread on his lips. He was biting his fork as he stood in front of me. He smiled and I could smell garlic bread from him. He took the fork from his mouth and moved nearer.

“Good morning, big sis! Mom told me that you’ll be the one to go with me to the conference meeting.” He said with a high tone.

“Good morning. Yes. Are you ready?” I asked.

He bounced and grabbed me by the arm. He slowly towed me outside the room, dragging me to the first floor. I saw Mrs. Aliana take a fine sip of her hot choco latte. Beside her cup was a sandwich with strawberry filling. The boy fluttered his hand, enough for her to recognize us both, giving us a warm greeting and a glow.

“Good morning. How’s your night?” She asked me.

Looking at her and reminding myself of what happened yesterday night, Mrs. Aliana is normal just like before – no hard feelings between us two. Maybe because, she sees me as her real daughter or she just loved Amber so much. I smiled at her as I felt comfortable with her now. Somehow, the guilt and anger which were crippling around my soul were slowly vanishing – slowly letting me see who she is as a person.

“Good morning, Mrs.-Mom.” I straightaway changed her name.

She blinked rapidly at me as if she heard me call her by another name. I laughed in a sheepish manner, scratching the back of my ear. I glimpsed over the toasted bread, lettuce and slices of bacon. “Those smell tasty.”

Her smile became broad. She jolted from her chair and pulled the others for us to sit. Galvin moved swiftly to his and sat beside her. The child is having his day. I sat across them both and let myself lead the prayer. After, we dig in with the food. I took an amount of rice from the white ceramic bowls with pink blossoms designed around them. The bacon smelt so good that I snatched two of it. Galvin was enjoying his food, while Mrs. Aliana had finished her drink. A sudden feverish sensation engulfed me from behind as I saw a thin pale white smoke coming from my back. A cold hand suddenly was laid on top of my shoulder.

I gradually tilted my head enough for me to glance over who it was and saw a face covered completely with her black, lengthy hair, peaking with her right eye. A looming smile was curved on her lips as she called me out by my name. I took a gulp and witnessed myself slowly getting feeble. A snap suddenly appeared just in front of me, coming from Galvin with his pestered face.

“Are you okay, big sis?” He consulted.

I looked at him perplexedly and saw Mrs. Aliana vexed.

“As if you saw a ghost beside you.” He added.

I instantly glanced over my side and there was no one. She was gone! It was totally a sense of contentment. But just right I turned my face to eye at them again, she was behind her mother, peeking on her right side like a maddening woman. She was dauntingly smirking! I made a poker face as I stared right at her, not minding her mother’s expression. She was joking around and I was her prey. It’s not even funny. I saw her create a pout and fixed her hair into a bun. She's enjoying and settled her arms.

“You’re a killjoy.” She said and rolled her eyes. She decided to wander around, passing every corner until she went off the hook by departing upstairs. I heard a soft squeal from the floor. Guiltz just passed by Galvin, bringing with him tiny pieces of lettuce and cheddar. He bowed his head to me and instantly followed Amber. I chuckled, not minding that they were two curiously staring at me.

Their faces were too awful for words, eyebrows crossed to each and their eyes were intently glued on me. I made out a gauche laugh and tried a way to convince them that I’m no zany person around here.

“I…I just remembered a joke from…from Bailey.” I said to both, waiting for them to be persuaded.

In an instant, Mrs. Madison burst into a laughter that she could almost cry her eyes out. “Y-You should have seen yourself. Galvin kept poking me when he noticed you staring out of the blue and suddenly tittered. We even thought that you might need to see a doctor. G-Gosh, I’m sorry.”

I continued to laugh, even though it was obdurate. “Y-Yeah. I’m not crazy Galvin, okay? Your sister here is in good condition.” I smirked at him and gave him a thumbs-up.

The boy believed and continued. We finished our meals with full stomachs. Mom had washed the dishes while Galvin and I went upstairs and prepare. Galvin took his shower immediately, while I took my important things. Clearing the way, I heard a soft laugh from the inside and caught Amber currently talking to Guiltz near the window. The two of them witnessed my presence, but didn’t bother to look. I closed the room and passed them. Amber suddenly blocked my way with a deadly glare.

I made a haughty look and asked her, “What?”

“Nothing. What took you so long?”

“Your mother is having a good day, so she’s talking about random stuff. And oh, we’re going to Galvin’s school today, so better prepare yourself.” I admitted.

“Can I come too?” Guiltz pumped.

I rubbed my chin, but just before I could give him a response, Amber was the one to answer. “Yes. You’re coming with us.” She glistened at him.

“W-What?-”

“He’s just going to get inside your bag. He already promised that he will behave and never make a sound once we got there.” She cut me off once again.

I looked at Guiltz who was making a smirk at the angle. Amber ceased all of a sudden. I made a fuss, scratching my eyebrow and left without a choice but to take a bath.

___

“The sun is quite lovely today, don’t you think, big sis?” Galvin said as he placed his hand over the window shield.

I focused on the sunlight and was hit with it directly, flashing my eyes. I instantly moved myself back. I blinked several times and tried to narrow my sight again. His sharp orange shirt fit so fine with him together with his grey cargo pants. His hair was well brushed as his shoes were shined. Amber suddenly appeared on the passenger seat and slowly moved the papers that were on her side. These past few days, she was able to touch things in her will but only for a few seconds. I found myself holding my breath as I followed her fingers and moved those sheets. Luckily, the taciturn driver was not able to see it, keeping his eyes on the road. Guiltz unexpectedly made out a soft squeal, that let him glance over the mirror.

I laughed hysterically and tried to make a mouse sound, leaving him to drive continuously. The traffic was a bit of a jammed and it took us about thirty-five minutes to arrive at our destination. Stopping by a red high fenced building, I paid directly the driver and waited for him to cross the other street. Looking flat at what was in front of us, I held Galvin’s bag tight and took a deep breath as I felt the uncomfortable emotion running on my end.

Amber suddenly hugged my arm as she covered behind me. “I don’t like this place. it reminds me of many things.”

“Obviously. You should and be joyous.”

The child glimpsed in awe and sneered. “Let’s go, big sis.” He held my other hand, taking me into a full obligation of the three, including the tiny creature.