Knock. Knock. Knock.
Sheryl didn't answer. Owen turned the doorknob--- it wasn't locked! Luke and Owen were welcomed by Avantasia's song 'What kind of love' which was in full blast. Luke turned off the stereo. They called her name but no response. Owen went around the bed only to be shocked by the terrible scene.
Sheryl lying in a fetal position at the foot of her bed unconscious with a nearly emptied bottle of whiskey in her left hand while her right hand was holding her tummy. She was pale---her lips were pale and streaks of tears were evident on her cheeks. Some pills were scattered on the floor. Horrified by the scene, Luke, who was standing behind Owen, shouted for help.
"Help! Call 911!" he shouted. We rushed to her room. We saw Owen checking her pulse-- nothing. Luke did CPR trying to resuscitate her. My mom was hysterical.
"Please... God! Don't take her from me. Not yet! Please!" she cried.
"Dad, get mom out of here," I said as I put a blanket on my sister.
"Please... Sheryl. Please... come back!" we uttered a silent prayer as Luke continued doing CPR on her.
Soon, the EMS arrived. They took over and not long after, she was revived. Still, she has to be brought to the hospital for further examination.
"Are you okay?" I asked Sheryl. She said nothing. My mom was feeding her with fresh fruits she handpicked from our backyard.
"Just let her take a rest, iho," my mom said while petting Sheryl's hair.
It'd been three days since she was released from the hospital. My parents, especially my mother, never left her side. My friends and I had to go to work, but we tried to visit as often as we could. Even Amanda, who looked really concerned, visited her. Sheryl changed a lot after that incident. She became quiet and lonely.
One day, I found her crying silently while lying on her stomach.
"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly. She remained quiet, so I just pulled her close to me and hugged her tight.
Days turned to months.
One lazy Saturday afternoon, my friends and I, including Amanda, were gathered at my house discussing our summer holiday.
"Why not bring Sheryl to Isla del Fuego?" Shane suggested.
"Not a bad idea. Her quietness really creeps me out," Owen said while acting cold.
"Amanda, settle everything before we go on holiday," I said.
"Don't worry, sir. I already instructed all the people concerned and all transactions will be done before you go to Isla del Fuego," Amanda replied as she showed the schedule.
"I thought, she's coming?" Luke asked. Amanda looked surprised.
"No need, sir. I have so many tasks to do in the office," Amanda replied shyly.
"No--- you're coming with us. Think of it as an extension of your work," I said firmly. The boys looked at each other with amusement on their faces. Shane even pretended to cough. We talked more for an hour or so before they left.
It was a fine day in Isla del Fuego. Sheryl was reluctant to join, but when my parents encouraged her saying that they will come only if she does, she agreed.
We were staying at the Bachelor's Den-- for free which pleased the tight-fisted Luke so much. The resort is situated on the east coast of the island, which has the highest elevation so we can enjoy the majestic landscape: the sparkling turquoise water bathe by the sun, the towering palm trees along the golden beach, and the rolling hills carpeted by verdant grassland that stretches to a deep ravine carved by the waves and time.
"A penny for your thoughts?" Luke asked Sheryl who was standing alone at the veranda of the modern two-floor Mediterranean cottage we're staying in for a week. Luke stood next to her.
"W-what do you need?" she asked in a soft voice with her head down.
"Uhm just wondering whether you want to join us later. We'll be having a BBQ party at the beach," Luke said cheerfully.
"I... I'd rather stay in my room," she replied. Then, she walked fast to go inside still with her head down so she didn't see Amanda who was standing about two meters away from them. It was good that Amanda was able to keep her balance when Sheryl bumped her.
"Sorry ate," Sheryl said who looked terrified.
"No. Are you okay?" Amanda replied while she held her arms helping her regain her balance.
"Thank you," Sheryl said before she rushed to her room.
"Hi, Mr. Adams," Amanda greeted Luke with a warm smile. Luke nodded.
"Uh... what are your plans tonight Amanda?" Luke asked. "Wanna join us? We'll be having a BBQ party at the beach."
"I'd rather not. I have to be on stand by coz' there might be an emergency at the office," she said.
"Whoah! That bastard is so lucky to have a pretty and hardworking PA as you," Luke said flashing his charming smile. Amanda laughed.
"Hey, what are you guys doing here?" I asked with a merry tone, but my mind was saying otherwise; 'Fuck off, Adams! I'm gonna make your stay here a living hell. And you Amanda, how dare you smile at this piece of shit!'
We prepared for our party as we marveled at the different array of colors such as yellow, orange, crimson, and purple painted on the vast horizon. Owen and Shane prepared everything we need for the BBQ--- Korean way.
They prepared a table full of food. There was meat, seafood, and fresh fruits and vegetables. When it comes to the BBQ party, the brothers are the masters. They prepared galbi, bulgogi, gamja salad, samgyupsal, grilled gochujang shrimp, greens like cucumber, green pepper, and so on kimchi and other spices. To complete the set, Korean alcohol was also present.
Partying under the moonlight is the best. We grilled, sang songs, and danced. Only a few tourists were on that part of the beach so we could shout and be crazy if we wanted.