Chapter 6: The Past

[Lexxeignne]

My sweat was dripping as I repeatedly punched the punching bag. When I felt tired, I stopped and wiped the sweat off my face with a clean towel and drank lukewarm water.

I looked at the door as it flew open. The girls barged in with a smile on their faces.

"Wahhh, Lexxy baby! We miss you!" They said at the same time while walking towards me. They attempted to hug me, but I raised my hand to stop them. They immediately frowned.

"I'm sweaty! Don't dare hug me! And what are you doing here?" I said while raising an eyebrow.

"Eh! We just wanted to visit you. Right, girls?" Sam said, and the three crazy girls nodded with a wide smile. I rolled my eyes.

"Tsk. You're just here to annoy me." I said with a pout.

"Of course not! I swear! Well, let's have a movie marathon?! Please, Lexxy baby?" Mara suggested with a puppy look. I gagged.

"What else can I do? You're already here," I said and strutted out of the gym. They squealed and followed me out.

"Yes! Hehehe," they were whispering behind me like chickens.

~~~

We are now watching a horror movie in the theater room. The title is Scream Queens.

"Waahhh! Turn around! Turn around! It's right behind you! Waahhh!"

"Ahh! Stupid! Turn around!"

"Eh! What a fool! I said turn around! Huhuhu, that's why you died!"

"Ugh. Be quiet! I can't concentrate on watching! I only hear your voices!"

Hahaha, they’re so noisy while watching. Guess who’s the noisy one? I quietly left the room for a moment when my cellular phone beeped. It’s a message.

I have 5 messages. Huh? An unknown number?

From: 09 ******** 8: Hi! Sweety babe! Good morning!

From: 09 ******** 8: Are you busy today?

From: 09 ******** 8: You seem busy

From: 09 ******** 8: Sweety babe?

From: 09 ******** 8: Wanna go out with me? Please?? *pout emoji*

I smiled at the stupid Aki. Will I reply or not? Is he inviting me on a date? Eh! I looked around and decided not to reply, then I went back to the room.

"Aaaahhhh! Aaaahhhh!"

"Huhuhu, the killer is coming!" Mara yelled while shaking Sam’s shoulder. I chuckled while shaking my head, then sat down next to Camila. Sometimes Camila will also yelp when startled. Pfft! I guess I'm the only one who didn't scream. I’m not scared at all. Well, I like horror movies.

I had an idea. Pft. I stood up and picked up the remote that was on top of the side table for the lighting and so on. They didn't notice me because they were busy watching. Hmmm. I sat down next to Camila again. I almost laughed at their faces. Later, the killer appeared on the screen wearing a demon costume. At the same time, they screamed in surprise. I press the light on and off in the remote.

"Waahhh! W-Why is the light blinking? Huhu," Mara jolted.

"Waahhh! Huhuhu, don't tell me there’s a ghost?” Andrea grabbed Camila’s arm. When I saw the killer's face on the screen facing us, I paused it without them knowing. Hehehe. They looked back at the screen.

"Wahhhh! The k-killer!" Sam stuttered.

"Huhuhu, why is he looking at us? Wahhh! Mamiiiii!" Camila yelped and hugged my arms tightly. The light blinked again. I pretended to be scared, but deep inside, I was laughing. Pft. Their expression was priceless!

"Aaahhhhh!" they screamed when the light was suddenly turned off and the curtain slightly opened.

"Waaahhh! I don't want to watch anymore! Huhuhu, mamiiii I'm scared!" They uttered. I could no longer control myself and laughed out loud. I turned on the light and looked at their priceless faces. They looked so pale.

"Bwahaha, look at your faces!" I said and burst into laughter. Camila looked at me with wide eyes.

"Why are you laughing, Lexxy baby?! Are you possessed or something? Wahhhh! I don't want to watch horror movies anymore! Huhuhu," Sam said in horror. Hahaha, epic!

"Whoever evil spirit you are, who possesses our Lexxy baby! Huhuhu, please leave at this instant!" Mara said while crying. Pft. My stomach hurts and my eyes teared up from laughing so hard. I played back the movie.

"Aaaahhhhhhh! Please don't k-kill me! Aaaahhhhh! Don't come near me!" the girl in the movie screamed.

"Waahhhhh! The movie suddenly played! Huhuhu," the girls said in unison.

I burst out laughing again.

"Bwahahaha! Hahaha! Damn. My stomach hurts! Hahaha,"

They stopped and looked at me. Soon, they saw the remote in my hand. They realized I was just scaring them. Pft.

"Lexxy babyyyyy?!!!" they said at once while glaring daggers at me. I laughed and ran out of the room while laughing. They chased after me.

"Waahhh! Lexxy baby!"

"We'll skin you alive, Lexxy baby, when we catch up with you!" they yelled.

I was still running as they chased. Hahaha. We ended up in the mansion's garden.

"Huff! Huff! I'm tired! You run so fast, Lexxy baby!" they uttered while catching their breathing.

"Ok! Ok! I'm tired too! Don't chase me anymore. Hahaha, I’m sorry! It’s because your faces are so epic while watching the movie!" I said while laughing, and they joined my laughter.

"Hahaha,"

I lay my back down on the grass. Hah!

"Waahhh, me too!" Mara said and lay down on the grass as well. The other girls lay back down as well. Now we are lying on the grass while looking up at the sunlight.

"Hahaha. Seriously! Your faces are really epic! It's priceless! I wished I had filmed it! Hehehe," I said, and they laughed.

"That’s so hilarious! I don't want to watch horror movies again with you, Lexxy baby!!" Sam said. Pft.

"Yeah! I'm really scared! I thought it was real! Hahaha," Andrea said.

"Dang! Your acting is like a pro! You even screamed at us!" Camila said while chuckling.

"Yah! We didn't even realize it!" Andrea said.

"Peace!" I said with a peace sign, and then we burst into laughter.

*Kruuu* *kruuu*

We looked at each other and got up.

"Who’s tummy was that?" I asked.

"It's not me," Sam said.

"It's not me either," Camila said.

"Especially not me," Andrea said.

Only one girl did not speak. When we look at Mara, she is smiling with a peace sign.

"Hehe, peace! That's my tummy! All the screaming and running makes me hungry! Haha," she said. And we laughed.

"Then let's get to the kitchen!" I said, and we stood up. We entered the mansion and went directly to the kitchen. I just hope mother Fe already cooks something for us.

When we arrived in the kitchen, mother Fe was already setting the table. There are already dishes on the silver platter. My eyes immediately twinkled at the sight of delicious food. We quickly sat down in the chair.

"You’re right on time! I just finished preparing lunch. You can eat now." Mother Fe said.

"Thank you, mother Fe! Please eat with us!" the girls and I said at the same time.

"It’s alright! Don’t mind me. I will eat with Delfin later." She said while smiling.

"Okay!" we said and began praying before eating. Mother Fe left the kitchen to do something. The girls and I munch our food while also talking about school.

~~~

[Akihiro]

Every minute, I look at my cellular phone. I still got no reply. Hay! What have you done to me, Lexxeignne? I miss you.

"What's up, bro? Left out in the cold? Pft!" AX said, and I looked at him sharply.

"Woah! Just relax, bro! So what? Are you just going to stare at your phone all day and do nothing?" he said, and I gave it a thought.

"Aish!" I brushed my hair with my finger. Tsk! Who am I going to ask for Lexxeignne’s address?

Aha! Samantha! Right! Lex is Samantha’s friend! I picked up my phone and typed a message.

To: Couz_Samantha: Hi, Sam! Can you do me a favor? Please? *pout emoji*

I smile from ear to ear while waiting for Sam's reply.

*beep*

I quickly opened Sam’s reply. She said, And what is it, dear cousin?

To: Couz_Samantha: Can you tell me Lex's address? Pleaseeee, pretty cousin?

*beep*

From: Couz_Samantha: No.

I was disappointed with her reply.

To: Couz_Samantha: Please? Promise! I have no bad intentions. I just want to see her. Please?

*beep*

From: Couz_Samantha: Why don't you ask her instead?

To: Couz_Samantha: Eh, she didn’t reply to me. Pleaseeee? *pout*

I waited for Sam's reply but it’s now 10 minutes passed by. I got no response. Maybe she’s doing something, so I should wait a little longer.

What?! 30 minutes yet she still hasn't replied?! Aish! I messed up my hair in frustration. After getting up from the sofa, I began pacing back and forth. I looked at AX. Tsk. The fool fell asleep. Damn!

*beep*

My smile widened when I saw Sam's name. But I was disappointed with her reply.

From: Couz_Samantha: No. She might get mad at me. I'm sorry, dear cousin. Hmm. Btw. I'm here now at Lex's house. Do you really like her to the point you are so desperate to get her address? Hahaha, don't worry dear cousin, you'll see her tomorrow anyway, so tomorrow you can continue your courtship, okay? Just ask her tomorrow. Bye-Bye!

Hayy! Alright! Tomorrow! What am I going to do now? Tsk. The stupid AX fell asleep.

I'll just stalk her FB. Right! Hehehe. Tss. Why didn't she accept my request?! I pouted. Hayy! She is really beautiful!

~~~

[Lexxeignne]

*ring* *ring*

I immediately approached the table where my phone was placed.

Atty. Lim calling...

Hm. What does she need this time? I pressed the answer button.

"Yes, attorney?"

‘‘Lex, sorry for disturbing you, but I have something important to tell you.’ she said.

"Spill it,"

"Ok. The company will celebrate its 33rd anniversary on Friday night. And you need to come, Lex. The BOD wants you to socialize with the other business owner and our investors. They want to meet the new owner of the company and the BOD has no choice but to agree since it is the request of the investors. You know what will happen if you don't come." Tsk. What a bummer. I don’t really like parties, but it’s like I have a choice either.

"I'll come, attorney. Maybe it's time to face the crowd. For sure, I will be the highlight of the events."

"Good to hear that, Lex. And yes, you're the highlights because it's also a welcoming party to you as the new owner of the company. You still have time to prepare for the events. You can come to the office. I have to go, Lex. I just called to inform you. Bye."

I let out a sigh. Am I really ready? Will I be able to deal with them after over three years of not showing up?

*flashback*

3 years ago.

My eyes widened as I stared at them. Tears kept flowing down my face.

"You're a worthless child! Your mother shouldn’t have given birth to you! You're nothing but a disgrace to our family!"

You're nothing but a disgrace to our family!

You're nothing but a disgrace to our family!

You're nothing but a disgrace to our family!

The last word daddy left echoed in my ears. I was speechless.

Since my twin and older brother Van died saving me, their treatment of me has changed. Even my eldest sister Georgina ignored me. They blame me for my brother's death. But then they treated me differently. Only my late older brother was kind to me and cared about me.

"Are you still blaming me for my brother's death?!" I cried and my heart throbbed painfully.

"Yes! Because from the moment you were born, it was a pure misfortune that happened to this family! First, you are to blame for your twin's death! Second, you are also to blame for your older brother's death. Third, you are also the reason why your grandmother died defending you! I'm ashamed because my daughter is a murderer!" Father's voice bellowed angrily. I felt weak on the knees from what I heard. I ended up sitting on the floor.

"Yes! It's all my fault! I hope I'm the one who disappeared and died! If I die now, will you be happy? Huh? Tell me? I didn't want everything to happen! If I could just turn back time I would have chosen to die than them!" I couldn't stand the pain I was feeling, and I ran into my room with shaky knees and sharp breathing.

I even heard them calling me, but I didn't listen. Then I locked the bedroom door and grabbed my backpack to fill with my clothes, but only a little. I took the money I had saved and my card. Fortunately, I have savings in the bank. But I knew it would run out soon because I haven’t saved enough money. But I don’t care anymore. All I want is to get away from this hellhole right now.

After all, they didn't know the real me. I endured them for so long and I think it’s time for me to go. When I finished, I galloped to the terrace. It was just low, so I jumped down swiftly. I immediately ran towards the gate quietly, the guard let me out, thinking that maybe I would just come out for a while and would be back later. I looked back at the house full of bitter memories before I turned my back permanently.

I took the bus, but I didn’t know where it was going. I do not know where I will end up. The entire ride, I was asleep. It was evening when the bus stopped at the station and dropped all the passengers off.

And now I’m just an idiot sitting on the bench alone. I don't know where to go. I exited the terminal and took a walk down the road. Until I reached a dark alleyway. I saw people fighting, so I approached. A guy was beaten up badly while the other girl was lying on the floor, bloody wounded. Tsk. A gang fight.

I saw others still fighting. I just silently watched. The petite girl stood up and tried to resist. The fight was unfair because their opponent was carrying a stick. A guy was about to hit the girl but halted when I threw a stone at his head. The guy turned his attention to me. The girl sat up weakly while the guy cursed out loud.

"You are looking for trouble, girl." the ugly guy said while holding his stick.

"Tsk. You're ugly!"

"What did you just say?!" He said angrily as if his ears were letting out smoke.

"Eh, are you deaf? Tsk. It’s a pity. You are not just ugly, but also deaf? Stupid moron." I mocked playfully.

“You’re dead! Guys, attack her!” the guy said furiously. Ten boys rushed at me in a rage while the others wore a mocking smile.

They were about to hit me when I dodge the stick with my hand. I immediately threw out the idiot who was going to hit me.

One against ten. I smirked. They don't know who they are messing with. What I'm capable of. Gang fights were the reason why daddy scolds me. My ability to fight almost killed the mayor's son in our city. That son of a b*tch deserves the beating.

The ugly gangster rushed at me at once with their sticks and surrounded me.

It was so stupid of them to think that they could scare me with their arrogance. I bend down and attack their feet, causing them to lose balance. One of them was about to strike me with the stick when I dodged it and punched him in the jaw instead. I quickly approached him and pressed the weak point on his nape, causing him to faint.

9 to go.

The others rushed at me the moment they realized what was going on, but I managed to dodge their attack. A piece of cake. They're weak. Tsk. Every time they pounce on me, I target their weak points, causing them to lose consciousness.

And now we are one on one with the remaining guy. He can actually fight. Hmm, not bad. He's probably the leader of the gang.

"What have you done to my underlings!" He said angrily, then attacked me. Since I'm up in arms, I let out all my resentment through this guy with no mercy, like a punching bag. This actually felt good.

"T-that's enough. D-don’t k-kill h-him."

When someone spoke up, I stopped. I let go of the idiot and turned to the woman. I saw her gang group trying to get up. They were beaten up badly, too. The girl approached me slowly.

"T-thank you for saving us." the girl said and bowed.

"I didn't help you," I said coldly. She looked up while wondering.

"Tsk. I just passed by this area. You're blocking the way." I said.

She smiled and said, "It doesn’t matter. If it wasn't for you, we would probably be a goner from all the beating."