Misery vs. Mystery
"Who are you?"
A guy shouted
"Thief! Thief!"
"There's a thief! Who are you?!"
The guy came near towards Sam
Sam hurriedly grabbed a stick to point on him
"And who are you? Stay where you are! I said stay away!" Sam awfully said
"Hey! What's going on?" Kira came in
Sam is spooked when the guy pulled Kira away from her.
"Let go of me. Kiro, relax, this is Sam, my f-friend and Sam this is Kiro, my brother." Kira introduced both parties
Kiro let go of Kira and studied Sam.
"How many times do I need to remind you not to trust anyone? You should have let me know, before you let anybody in! Jesus Kira! You're such a trouble maker!" Kiro whispered to Kira
"And you! Leave!" he yelled at Sam
"No! Sam, stay!" Kira controlled her
"She's a good person! Listen Kiro, just let her stay with me!" Kira cried out
"You cannot trust anyone else but me. We are the same Kira, I know what's good and not good for you and I will be deciding for your own sake!" Kiro is hard
"You? We? No! We are different! You are just focused on acting savage, hard, and heartless these years, And I am searching for the people who believe in compassion, love, and human connection …
We are not the same and you are not deciding against my will!" Kira courageously said
Kira grabbed Sam out and went to the same bar nearby.
"He's my twin brother…
He is rebellious, joined gang and several violent groups. Been into jail and has different cases in this barrio. He feels unwanted by Mom and Dad and gets jealous because unlike him, I got their attention. That's why he became a rebel believing it'll pull my parents' attention to him …
I said he don't have to be like that, he didn't listen. I warned him, but he said "don't judge me!" and throw hurtful words to me and name-calls instead …
You know, you cannot change someone who doesn't see an issue in their action." Kira explained
Sam nodded
"Until one day, Mom and Dad died …"
Sam took a glance to her and saw tears.
"It is so hard to lose your parents. You're lucky Sam, that you still have them, you still have siblings ready to take care of you." Kira stared at Sam
Sam thought of her family. Mom, Dad, Aaron, Alex. She realized the life that she has been living before, is also the dream of some people.
"Not like Kiro, he went away instead of living here with me. He does not care for me, or of my feelings. He doesn't care at all. Until I asked him what can I do to make him stay?
I did everything. I search and investigated …
I found out he's part of a big syndicate. I tried to join their organization to at least know and monitor what is my brother doing. I joined without letting him know, or letting the majors know he's my brother."
Sam is astonished on what she heard.
"Until now, you were part of it?" Sam asked
"No, not anymore, I quit." Kira replied
"Why?" She asked
"Because in the first place, it's still an evil organization. And I don't want to be part of it at all." Kira replied
"They killed innocent people, harassed stray children and fight the government. They are violent and harsh and … immoral." She added
"So how was him?" Sam asked
"Who?" Kira responded
"Your brother." Sam said
"Still in there, and begin creating his own group … at school. He's been so many detentions for disrespectful doings and violent acts. But one thing is for sure, he's still my brother, and he cannot hurt me." Kira assuredly said
"But still you have to be careful." Sam worriedly whispered
They went home together. The next day, Sam drive her to school and have a walk to her classroom to make sure she'll be alright. Sam thought of staying until she saw the guy who insulted her the last time she took Kira at school and had known him by his Identification card.
He's Raffy.
"Hey? Are you following me?" Raffy asked
"Hah! Why would I follow you?" Sam replied
Sam walked after Raffy while he continued to walk. Raffy faced Sam again and Sam turned back.
"If you're not following me, then why are you going wherever I go?" Raffy asked
"Look who's talking. My feet can walk all the paths here. Who are you to question my freedom to walk?" Sam replied
"I know you are following me, for sure you have evil plans." Raffy said
"Hahaha! I'm not a demon like you. And can't you see? Where are you facing?" Sam asked
"To you, because I'm talking to you." Raffy coldly explained
"No. I am facing in front of my way and you're facing on me, on my way too. So basically, you're at the back meaning you are the one following me." Sam playfully said
And leave.
"Why are you still here?" Kiro lead the way
Sam tried to walk while Kiro's troops blocks Sam's way
"Back off." Sam said while still bowing her head
"No! You are the one to get off our way. Pathways are for real students in this school. For the guys like us, and guys like me!" Kiro rudely yelled
Sam stepped back and walked away. She went to the waiting shed near the garden.
Paper rolls are thrown to her.
"Are you alright?"
"Smile!"
"Wait for a while."
Those were from Kira. She saw her on the benches where they're on a PE class. Sam managed to smile.
Meanwhile, more paper rolls are thrown to her, some were just plain and Kira is no longer there.
Another paper has message saying …
"HORRID FACE!"
Sam glanced everywhere trying to find that bastard. Raffy walked away and someone got him.
Until …
"She's here! Quick!" a guy yelled pointing Sam
"Get off from me!" Sam cried out
No one heard Sam screaming.
Sam felt her body moving and darkness filled her sight.
Raffy saw Sam tied up like him in the vacant area outside the campus.
Finally, coming to her senses, Sam forced to open her eyes. She smirked.
"I'm lucky that I know someone is coming to save me." Sam said seeing Raffy also tied up like her
"Who really are you? Why are you also here?" Raffy asked
Sam is in deep silence. Even in her own, she cannot answer.
"Why are you always getting in trouble? Anyway, I'm Raffy and you are…?" Raffy asked
Sam rolled her eyes
"Gangster!" He added
Kira came running.
Crying.
"Zamira, Zamira, Are you alright?" Kira worriedly asked
Sam nodded while Kira get off the chains.
"How about him?" Kira asked
"What's her name?" Raffy asked Kira
"GANGSTER." Sam replied while looking closely down to Raffy
Raffy stared at her and they walked away
"I KNEW YOU!!!" Raffy loudly shouted
Sam came back. She get the chains off.
"You don't know me … and you will never know me." Sam whispered to him
Sam held her waist and went home.
"I still cannot understand why there's a need to tie me up? Why people need to play dirty games?" Sam asked while lying in bed
"Shhhhhh … next time, I will keep an eye to you at school or you can just stay here. You know, you don't need to guard me at all times." Kira said
"Yeah, I know. But you're not safe. We are not safe. Tomorrow, when I'm on grocery, I'll call you many times, don't pick up any other calls. Or you can either call me but … when I did not pick the phone, it means, I'm driving. And … when I'm home, I'll go by the next door … SILENTLY so, if there's a knock, that's not me, DON'T let them in or ask who those people are. Next …" Sam stopped
"Shhhhh… You are over-reacting. I know, I know. Let's just sleep okay. My red blood's flowing heavily." Kira jokingly replied
The next day, Sam saw Zaldy in the grocery.
"Where are you staying? Sam, come home. Your real Mom is waiting." Zaldy encouraged
"Real Mom?" Sam replied
"Yeah. Tita Hazel's not your real Mom." Zaldy said
"No!" Sam cried out
Zaldy grabbed her to a coffee shop nearby the grocery store.
"Your Dad had an affair to a young Chinese lady who lives in Taipei and that was your Mom." Zaldy said
Sam is surprised.
*** Ahhh… that's why Mom … I mean, Hazel was been treating me the other way. ***
Sam thought
"That's the reason why there's a sudden change of home, school and everything!" Zaldy point out
Sam walked out.
It is freaking her out.
She took out her phone.
^^ 21 Missed calls from Kira ^^
Sam listened the voicemail
** "Sam, Kiro's enemies are here! I'm so scared please go home! Please!" **
*** END VOICEMAIL ***
Sam went home fast and saw Kiro putting Kira in bed. She's unconscious.
Kiro callously grabbed Sam.
"What happened to her?" He asked
"Why don't you asked yourself?" Sam weakly replied
"So where's the patient? Ahh.. I'm Dr. Lim." The Doctor came
Kiro led him in
"No one really knows she's asthmatic?" The Doctor worriedly asked
Sam and Kiro stared each other
"Are you the boyfriend?" He added
"No. I'm her brother." Kiro replied
"And you are … ?" The Doctor looked at Sam
"A-Ahh … A-ahhmm ... H-her f-friend … Yes, I'm her friend Doc." Sam said
"Okay. So these are the …" The Doctor handed a paper with prescription
"Ahmm ... maybe I can take care of the meds Doc., I am staying with her" Sam said
Kiro irately looked at Sam.
"Don't act as if you care." Kiro whispered and buy the medicines.
"Ahmm ... Miss, just let him do the job." Dr. Lim said
"I am the one staying with her here. And that bastard is setting her life at risk." Sam said
"Hmm. Here's my calling card. Don't forget to update me when she gets better okay?" The Doctor said
Sam nodded and waved goodbye to him
"Why are you still here?" Kiro asked
"I'm taking care of her so I'm staying." Sam replied
"What do you think you are doing? Huh?" Kiro raised his voice up
"I already answered your question." Sam tamely said
"You know what! We do not need you. Keep that in mind. So you can leave now and don't get back!" Kiro furiously said
Sam hardly stared at him and leave without replies.
"She's with the bastard Doc. I cannot keep you informed. But I'm sure she will be alright. Anyway it's Sam, Kira's friend. Good night." Sam texted the Doctor
Sam went to a bar nearby and a call from the Doctor appeared
***ON THE PHONE***
"Good, and where you at? Why is it so noisy?" He asked
"In a resto bar nearby." She replied
"You know, don't worry. It is good that brothers and sisters are taking care of each other. That's the essence of family." He said
Sam thought of her sisters Aaron and especially Alex who means a lot to her
A guy came near her, it's Raffy.
"You're drunk and alone." He whispered
"Of course not. Standing alone doesn't always mean I'm alone. It means I am strong enough to fix things by myself." Sam replied
"There you go. Look at you, don't be so sensitive and serious. People say, if you fail to do stupid things while young, you'll have nothing to laugh about when you're old." He said and took a sip on his wine
"I don't care what other people think of me, I enjoy living with my own rules. And I no longer have the vitality for meaningless friendships or for unnecessary conversations with you." Sam said and walk away
*** Why the hell I am talking to him!? *** Sam thought
Suddenly, her phone rings…
***ON THE PHONE***
"Sam?" Kira said on the other line
"Yes Kira, how do you feel?" Sam worriedly asked
"Where are you, please come home. I need you. Please." Kira begged
"I want to go to you Kira, but, it is your brother." Sam said
"He's lost. I am alone here. I'm scared." Kira worriedly said
Sam hurriedly went home
Days were fast. Still, Sam guards and drives Kira at school.
She stayed and waited her in the parking area.
"Hey! Hey You!" Raffy said with full pride
Sam rolled her eyes
"Stay away from me and my car! What do you want?" Sam said while taking off the shades in her eyes.
"Your number." He said
"Hahahaha! Just kidding. I just want to say sorry for my attitude these few days. I'm sorry." He added
Sam stared him behind the window. She opened the door and took a cigarette.
"Hey, you smoke?" He shockingly asked
"Why? You are smoking?" Sam lit up her cigarette
"No way. It's bad for the health." He said
"According to your statement but why would I believe you?" Sam asked while puffing the cigarette
"It shortens your life on earth." He said
"So?" Sam sarcastically replied
And blow the smoke
"… and will begin your life in heaven earlier." He whispered
"I have no choice where to spend my life for Earth and heaven are both tragic." She said
"Of course not." He replied
"Why?" Sam coldly questioned
"Earth might be terrible but heaven is an everlasting happiness." He said
"Heaven? Everlasting happiness? They both doesn't exist. Every second is suffering and like criminals, we're sinners, we'll both go to hell." Sam replied at ease
She blew a heavy smoke
"No, Jesus died for our sins. And of course, heaven exist. It's not us but God will decide where we will be spending our life after death." He said
"Stop preaching! Not because someone died for our sins, meaning we are free to do wickedness and apologize and assume we are forgiven just like what you are doing to me right now. And of course, no one will decide where we'll be spending life after death because THERE … IS NO … GOD." Sam said while getting in her car.
She throws her cigarette and started the engine.
"And if there is… that God of yours … is fraud." Sam said before closing the window
*** Both Goddess and God-less. ****He thought.
Sam went to a café nearby. Upon getting in, Sam received a blank text message from unfamiliar number.
She ordered a cup of vanilla coffee while getting her seat.
"Vanilla coffee?" Waitress yelled
"Mine." Sam and the other lady both replied
Sam looked at the other one.
They both stared at each other shockingly
"S-sam?" Bern asked
"A-ahmm.. H-hey? Ah-ahh…" Sam is speechless
"Babe?" Another girl came near Bern and kissed her cheeks
"Ey.. A-hmmm Sam? How long will you stay here? You want to join us?" Bern invites Sam
"A-ahhm No. I mean, I want to, b-but it's your date." Sam said
"No. I insist." Bern claims
"B-but I need to go. Actually, someone 's waiting for me out there." Sam refuse for the second time and started to dial the unfamiliar number.
It's ringing.
"Oh! I have to take this call. Excuse me, I have to go." Sam tried to pretend
*** ON THE PHONE ***
"Heyyyy! Honey, I'm so sorry if I took so long. I'm coming." Sam happily said to the phone trying to hold her tears as she went out.
Bern is counting her steps and waiting for her to look back
"Ohhh!! Now, you're calling me Honey when you call God … Fraud!" said the guy on the other line
So, it's him.
"Where the hell are you?" Sam asked
"Here still, why?" Raffy curiously asked
Sam dropped the call and drive.
…
"Get inside." She said to him
Raffy gets in.
"Drive." Sam ordered and went back seat
He drove without hesitations nor questions.
Upon seeing Sam on the mirror with tears in her eyes, he knew it! Something's freaking her out.
"Where do you want to go?" He asked
"Everlasting happiness. Heaven. Let's meet your God!" Sam cried out
Sam caught him staring at her on the mirror trying to study her face.
"I just have few questions to ask." Sam said holding her tears
The car stopped.
"WHY DID YOU STOP?!! Are you scared your God has no answers to my questions?! How many possible questions will he cater Huhh!!?? Ask him what's my life for? Am I for Earth or for heaven or hell? What did I do wrong to him?!" Sam howled in anger
"Hey, relax. We're just out of fuel." He said
Sam is self-conscious and stared at him
"What's your idea now?" He asked
She's honestly left no idea. She's just mad. And he saw it in her eyes
"My house is just 2 kilometres away. We can walk and talk …" he said
"… and get drunk." he added
Sam sadly bowed her head. They walked and arrived to his house.
"Why did he let me live in a complicated life? What's the sense of being here? Fake family, fake friends, fake sister and fake lover! Everybody's fake! Untrue!" Sam cried out
"Don't wait for the things to get easier, simpler, better. Life will always be complicated. Just learn to be happy right now, otherwise you'll run out of time." Raffy comforts her
"Yeah you're right, what flows, flows. What crashes, crashes. I am at the stage of my life where I don't force someone to stay. If you want to stay, you can stay, if you want to leave, you can leave." Sam tipsily said
"That's right! Do not be scared of losing people, be afraid of losing yourself trying to please them. Always be brave to let go and be patient to wait for what you really deserved." Raffy responded
"Honesty is what I deserved!" Sam cried out
"Yeah! I would rather be a frank sinner than a lying hypocrite." Raffy replied
"The problem is … people were often hated when they're real … and are being loved when they are fake." Sam replied
"… and besides, I admire those people who speak the truth no matter how hard it is." she added
Raffy guiltily watched her cry and brought her to his room.
"One day someone is going to hug you tight that all of your broken pieces will fit back together. Just distance yourself from people who drag or put you down, people who lie to you, forsaken you, and people who use you … even Kira." Raffy replied
Sam is spooked on his words and stared at him with all curiosity
"I mean; you can't trust anyone even the people you think you know." Raffy whispered
"Why do you know her?" Sam asked
"Of course, I know her. The one who saved you when we're tied up?" Raffy replied