“So, you’re leaving?”
“Yes. How about you?” I ask Caecius.
“I’m going to stay here for a while.”
“We’re going to see each other again, right?”
“Yes. Our places are accessible for the both of us, Fariah.”
“Here. These are our photos. I got mine. And I thought you may want to have your own remembrance too. You know-let’s just say these are our souvenirs.” I spoke.
“I’ll keep these.” He smiled. “Let’s see each other again.”
“Naturally?” I laughed.
“Yes- we are always been pulled to be together in the most natural way. Without us having to exert much effort.” He uttered.
“You’re right. Our meetings-it always happened during moments when we definitely needed each other’s company.”
“The Universe knows what’s best for its inhabitants, Fariah. It always knows what’s best for us to be experience.”
“Can I hug you?”
“Come here.”
I was leaning through the car’s windows, smiling. When I feel my brother’s gaze on the mirror above the headboard. I looked at him, only to stopped myself from showing my smile. The both of us are silent all throughout the car ride. It will be good if Diana is here. She’s the only one who’s entertaining to have around. Not my brother…
“You’re finally good?” He asked.
“I don’t know.” I answered.
“You’re now fine. You are finally out of your melodramatic condition.”
“Are you for real? I hate your mouth. I always hate the words the came out of it. That mouth got nothing good to say. It always doesn’t find the right words to be uttered.” I-I unleashed the hatred that’s been wanting to be out.
“Right. That’s good. You are now back to your usual self. Back to your sanity.”
I didn’t answer him. He’s always been like this. And I am tired dealing with his attitude but I cannot seem to have a choice-but to endure the discomfort.
“If I were you-I still choose your friend instead of someone who’s laying a trap without your notice.”
“What are you trying to imply?” I spat.
“You barely knew that guy. And you already put too much trust in him. You’re coming off as needy, Fariah. Strengthen that dignity of yours.”
“I am sorry, okay? That I didn’t get that much attention from the people whom I am supposed to call “my family”. That I couldn’t help but to put more trust to those people who are not even blood-related. Strangers. Instead of having to receive the attention that I need from the three of you.”
He scoffed at me and put his eyes on the road. “You never ask. You could’ve just told our parents that.”
“Why bother? I tried. I tried, okay. But what do they do? They do nothing. They compromise it with material things. And I don’t even need all of those.”
“I’m tired of hearing your rants. We’re here now.”
I opened the car door and slammed it loudly. I huffed angrily and went towards the gate not bothering to look at my brother’s face.
“Use your mind, Fariah. Always use that logical side of yours. One blow of affection, you’re easy to give in. You’re going to hurt yourself again.”
“I don’t need any advice from you. And can you please acting like you know better. That people aren’t even allowed to express their emotions. To show vulnerability.”
“Emotional emotions always get in the way, Fariah. You’re creating more space to invite much pain in your life. Take it from me.”
“Fariah.” A weak voice is heard.
My brother and I both looked towards where it came from and I saw Mike. He looks like a mess.
“Fari, where have you been all this time? I went here every day but Carys will always shove me away. Telling me you’re not going to come back.”
“She went to hell. You can go there and replace her position now.” My brother answered.
But his eyes are only fix at me. And I can feel my heart beating so fast that I want to ran away from him immediately.
“You need to go inside, Fari. It’s getting late.”
My brother pulled my wrist which was eventually stopped my Mike’s hand.
“Let her go.”
My brother’s face went more stoic as he threw him a half-way glance coldly.
“You don’t have the right to tell me what I need to do.” My brother pulled me and positioned me behind his back, blocking my view from seeing Mike’s face.
“You’re good to go. You don’t have to stay here any longer.”
“Get away from her, bro. Fari and I need to talk.”
“Talk about what? Your false pretenses and fake excuses? She doesn’t need any of those- especially from you.”
“And who are you to talk like that? Fari is supposed to be the one who will say those words to me.”
“Me? I have a special role in her life. Expedient to her welfare.” My brother rang the doorbell. Carys is seen walking towards us hurriedly. The very moment she opened the gate, my brother swiftly pulled me with me and instantly close it.
“Fari. Talk to me please. Please, Fari.” Mike begged.
My brother looked at me coldly and whispered, “Don’t be too soft. Let’s head inside.” I wanted to look back but my brother held me to avoid myself from doing what I want. And walked me through the doorway, and close the door.
“You shouldn’t stay here for any longer, Fariah. You need to move out. That pest won’t remove itself from your life, Fariah. He’ll continue to stick around, until he managed to remove your defenses.”
“You don’t know anything about what happened.”
“I know. Ray told me everything.” He answered.