9. Taking A Break.

I cried harder each time I looked at the fireworks. It hurts so much. Michelle stood at the back of me but I didn't know.

Karen,she called. Why are you crying. Who hurt you . She squatted in front of me.

I faced her crying into her shoulders. Dave did. I can't believe I'm opening up.

Dave?. What did he do.

He keeps denying his feelings for me and it hurts so bad.

Wait,She asked confusedly. Dave likes you?.

I explained everything to her.

Karen,she ran her fingers through the tip of my hair. It's okay to feel that way. I once felt that way towards Jack but look we're now a thing. I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt you. Maybe he's scared to open up .

I raised my head up,Dave is not the shy type.

Dave,Jack and me grew up together. I know him very well. He can swallow things at the top of his mouth. He only open up to Jack sometimes.

I cried harder,I hate him so much.

No you don't. I patted her head. You're just frustrated. Give yourself a break to heal. He'll come for you. I know it .

I hugged Michelle, thanks. You're the best.

No need to thank me.

We went back to class. I will give myself a break just as Michelle said. I laid on my futon. Karen I said to myself. Give yourself a break from him.

Waking up the next day with a slight head is so awful. I stood up had my morning stretches. I went to the bathroom to have my bath. It still feels weird taking a bath in the school's bathroom.

I wore a short knee length skirt and a baggy jean leaving my hair falling to the back. I headed to class.

Class started. Every teacher is so strict and they explained to details. We barely got a break. Our English teacher gave us an hour break to refreshen ourselves. Michelle and I went to the cafeteria. Dave and Jack are coming toward us. I brought out my phone and faked a call till we walked passed them.

Dude, Jack tapped me. Your sis just ignored you. Are you guys having any issues.

No,I replied coldly.

Are you sure,he pestered.

Do you have a problem with it,I barked.

Dude calm down. Just trying to help.

We walked passed them. I don't wanna talk to him.

We ate Noodles and Chicken Manchurian.

An hour is up and we headed back to class.

Classes are over for now. We'll continue on the night. I went up to my "only me spot". I brought out a cigarette. I lit it and smoked. I smoked about four cigarettes. I brought out the alcohol I took at home from the bag I'm carrying. I can't get myself. She keeps appearing in my head. I drank till I was drunk. I stood up staggering all around.

Her images keep popping up in my head. I want you but we can't be together.

I staggered my way through the stairs. I tried to maintain my balance. I slipped and fell from the middle of the stairs to the ground.

Jack ran towards us panting heavily. Davvveee just fell of the stairs.

I opened my eyes widely and ran towards the staircase. I saw him lying dead on the floor with blood on the floor. I started shaking. The school called an ambulance and they came in no time. I watched them carry him on a stretcher and carrying him into the bus. I held my tears. I can feel my heart ripping into two. I followed him to the hospital and called mom and dad on the way. They conducted a CPR for him in order to get a pulse.

They rushed him in. The doctors said he has to undergo a surgery because he has some broken bones.

Mom and Dad arrived looking so worried.

Karen,mom ran towards me. How is he.

I really don't know his present condition but they're doing a surgery for him.

How did he fall off a staircase.

I don't know.

Hours later,the surgeon came out and we headed to his office.

The surgery was successful. But he might not remember somethings because he has a temporary memory loss but he'll recover from it. Like I said it's just temporal.

I heard a relieved sigh from Dad. What causes the fall,he asked the doctor.

According to the test results, there's a high consumption of alcohol that might have led to the fall but he's fine now. He just need to rest. And also try to him to places where he can remember things.

Thank you Doctor. They had a handshake and we left to see Dave. I can sense a flash of anger on Dad's face.

We entered the ward. He's laying down looking helpless and weak. I walked towards him and held his hand.

Mom sat beside him.

Dad stood angrily.

Dad,he called. He remembers him.

Why are you so careless. You even get yourself so drunk that you fell off the stairs. What if you died. Why are you such a useless son.

Babe,mom called. This is not the time to scold him. He just recovered. Take things easy.

Fine,but you gotta be careful. I always tell you to quit drinking and smoking but you won't listen.

I watched him say nothing. I helped him to sit up. I'm sorry,he managed to say.

Don't say you are sorry. You always say it when you've made a mistake. Just be more careful,I don't wanna lose you.

He nodded gently. Mom soothed him with healing words. She also calmed Dad down. I feel a sense of anger in me. How can your son recuperate from an accident and all you do is to scold. That's awful. Luckily,mom calmed him down.

Mom escorted Dad home. I stared at him. Does he remember me.

Dave, do you remember me.

He stared at me.

I stared at the lady in front of me. I don't seem to remember her. I tried to remember her but I can't.

He nodded his head in disagreement. I sighed sadly. You remember Dad but not me.

I'm Karen, your step sister. Do you remember now.

He nodded in disagreement.

Seriously,I sighed sadly. I looked at him. An idea popped up. I moved closer to him and kissed his lips.

Do you remember,you kiss me every time.

I held my head. I can feel it. The image of the accident is haunting me. I held my head harder shaking, screaming and started to cry.

Dave,I didn't mean to hurt you. I hugged him. Stop thinking. Stop trying to remember. It's hurting you. It's fine if you don't remember me. I'm just lying. It hurts so bad.

I pulled apart from him and looked at his face. I cleaned his tears. He looks so pale.

I need to get you something to eat. I'll be right back.

He nodded and I left his ward.