"What???",I asked drawing myself from him. He knew who did it? He knew? How?? I gave him an inquisitive look and he just grabbed my hand and led me out. We walked down the stairs and found Cass and Liam on TV. Innocent looks on their faces as if they knew nothing about my state of being locked up. As innocent and yet guilty! One of these certainly locked me in so that I don't go out with Omar. There's no maid or servant in this house and certainly it wouldn't be a ghost. One of these two did it! But who was it? I looked at them both eager to see if anyone would give a clue giving themselves away. Liam was all his man self and my heart told me No. He waved and smiled at me meaning he had no idea of me getting locked up. How's that even possible? How? I didn't say anything to him. I just returned the smile and exchanged a look with Cass. My smile faded and I wore this am ready expression. She looked at me as though she was anticipating for something other than what she just saw. I couldn't see the love in her eyes anymore. The love I saw back at Dhino-Rhino months ago had faded. It all must have been coated in lies so that we see what she wanted to see. Something was definitely not right. Cass surely never liked me and worst still I didn't know why. Lucky enough I had suspects which made it easier. Since the moment we met, Cass always had a thing up her sleeve and I couldn't understand what let alone why. She showed me an attitude, she poured coffee on my hand, she spilled my coffee right after I told her about Disneyland and Paris, she broke my vase then she certainly locked me in the bathroom. It was her! Liam would never do such a thing. Besides, what would he have against me being with Omar? It's so obvious Cass is in love with Omar... and me being with him made her insecure. If she was so in love with him then why did they break up? I bet he also loved her as much to the point of making her his so what went wrong? What happened to perfect...? I really have a lot going on and it will work out if I get the answers. I so needed to get the answers.
Was she the one that was meant to kill me? I remember from the horrible dream I had some days back. I ran right into a chisel. I took it for Omar. No no...Cass wouldn't want Omar dead. Why? If he's dead then how will she have him? Or maybe she doesn't even care. All she wants is for him to be alone....whether with or without her,she didn't really care with who just with no one. Killing him was making it a loss to all women including her and she didn't care. She must have been getting back at me. But for what? Dating Omar? It wasn't my problem he liked me. He fell for the crystal eyes, brown curls and coffee skills. It's not my fault that she didn't have all these. But wasn't Omar her good friend? Wasn't she like his sister? What kind of sister marries the brother? What kind of sister??? She was one person I've never seen before. Never in my whole life. But fortunately, I had now to see and experience her for myself.
"Prim....fasten your seatbelt....", Omar told me after we got into the car. I did as he said and he started driving. I didn't know to where but all I knew was I wanted some fresh air. These thoughts have been all over my mind giving me a slight headache from over thinking and so a cool relaxing breeze would heal me. I opened the window halfway and looked outside. I was scared and nervous of what Cass might do. She was playing dirty and I didn't like it. She was using mechanisms that are not allowed in a game. Not anywhere in the whole wide world.
"Don't worry about this evening please.....", I heard Omar's masculine voice. The authoritative voice men have that make the children know who's boss. If they where misbehaving, just a single cough from dad behind the door is enough to make them tidy the whole house in a minute and be the most disciplined children the world has ever made. Omar's voice wasn't the scary type that brought a repellent attitude to darkness but was deep in a cool way and my girly squeaky voice counteracted it. We were perfect that way....and sadly someone cast an evil eye on us. Someone I needed evidence to expose. Someone who was like a sister, more of a best friend and less of what she really is.
"Am not worried about it....",
"Then why are you quiet?",
"I was just thinking....",
"About?...",
"Omar...", I laughed. "well maybe I was thinking about you....",
"That's not true...You always smile when you're thinking about me. This time you weren't smiling...",
"Wow...you know if I were a teacher you'd get credit for the most observant student in class",
"Prim....", he began with a light laughter. Wasn't my joke funny enough? Was it even a joke to begin with? Well anyway...I tried. I didn't want Omar to find out about my little investigation although it was really hard keeping it away from him.
"What were you thinking about?",he asked again and I ran out of excuses. I guess it's now or never.
"Why did Cass break the vase?",I asked. Last time I did Omar didn't answer me and now I wasn't letting go until I got an answer.
"She was just jealous that I gave it to you...she's always admired that vase", he explained. It still didn't make sense to me. Still didn't make sense. Just for a vase...she'd go as far as killing me? No...there had to be something else. There was something else. There's something Omar isn't telling me. Something that he's not telling me.....and because of that thing...I am certainly going to lose my life if I don't correct it.
"...Don't think too much about it", he said caressing my fingers. "Not promising but I'll try", I honestly silenced him and he didn't say anything else. He kept driving. I bet he sensed the rise in my temper and decided to only follow my lead. I really needed a complete quiet environment and it did me good when he kept quite. The silence helped me to meditate and contemplate on where life was taking us and how cool the ride was. The roads where empty and the lights shone all over the place revealing the beauty of the dark night and twinkling stars all over the place. I've always been amazed and fascinated by the sight of it. It was as the milky way and always seemed to scintillate and always brought a sparkle to my heart making me adored it greatly. It was like a world I've never seen before and each time I raised my eyes, I'd always see something I've never seen before indeed. Beneath such beauty, I write my chronicles each passing second and the leading words shall be 'Under the starry night...'
Minutes after the long long drive, finally we came to a stop. The smell of the car began to be nauseating and I quickly got out for breath of fresh air. I stood outside the car and stole a glance to look at the moonlight just for a second. I loved it dearly. I adored it and sent flying kisses as though on a hot air balloon hopping they reach the moon spirit.
"There's no one up there....so that's a waste of kisses....you'd at least send them to someone who'd reciprocate them",he commented after seeing what I just did. I knew he meant himself. I smiled and spared one for him. He grabbed it and put it in his shirt's pocket. I laughed. That was funny and so passionate.
"Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there....", he smiled. I nodded agreeably and of course didn't forget to wear a smile on my face too. He gestured at me to follow him in and I did. He was two steps ahead of me but I quickly ran to him and held his hand. It wouldn't hurt! We walked in and he lead us to the counter.
"Hola",He began
"Hola señor,Cómo estás? ", she replied. I guess. I wasn't good at whatever language they were talking of but I could tell it was Spanish. Hola is hello in Spanish. I heard it from a cartoon once although my aunt says am old enough for cartoons. When I get home and going to spank her for that. I understood a word today just cause of a cartoon. Cartoons ain't that bad!
"Estoy Bien,cómo estás?",
"Estoy bien, gracias",
"Está abierto? Acuario...el aquarium?", he asked. This was getting interesting. I wasn't getting anything but the fact that they were communicating really made me know God is sovereign. He mixed those men's languages as they built the Babylonian tower to see God. They had no idea. Completely no idea! Hence they brought us here where we are.
"Sí señor,ambrimos alas seis. Necesito comprobar para su nombre en el libro de membresía", she replied.
"Omarion Green...", he gave her his name and I saw her busy fingers on the computers keyboard. She must have been looking for Omar's name in the computer. Amazing.... This is just amazing. I should learn some Spanish some time. It sounds cool. And of course I'd be able to listen to other peoples conversation like now. It's really a bother when you are among people who speak a language you don't understand. What if they're planning on kidnapping you? So to be on the safe side....I need to learn. Now that i think of it...how many languages are there out there? I cant possibly learn all of them; but anyway. After she found his name, she took some receipts and stamped them the place's logo and gave them to Omar.
"Gracias señor, Disfrutar...",she smiled as she gave Omar the receipts. I looked at her badge so that I could see her name. Stella. Not bad. Not bad she actually remind me of this rich kid I knew. Stella Valiente. She was like a goddess on earth. If I start describing her now, probably the whole night will last and I won't get to have fun with Omar.
"C'mon", Omar held my hand and we went on our way. We went up the stairs and lo and behold...beauty personified. There was a huge tank made of glass that covered all the walls except one with a door that we use to get in and out of this room. A lot of live fish were swimming happily in this tank and it really made my soul spark. The sight of it was enlightening and breathtaking. The water was sea blue making it seem as though we were already at the actual place. I walked close and put my hand on the tank. I touched it and felt the coldness that came from the water. It was the coldness that was so comfortable prompting you to throw yourself in it. Making yourself vulnerable to it and making it drive you through it all. I leaned my face on the tank touching it with my cheek and closed my eyes. I wanted the coldness to put out the heat that was flaring up in me. Today has been a really tough day for me. First Omar's verse broke and then we missed a date at Dominic's because someone locked me up in the bathroom. I needed a break. All these things where burning up in me and igniting a fire that kept burning bright each time I thought about it. Leaning on the tank helped restore order and brought back the real me. I found refuge and glory in this place. If only I knew how to swim, I'd throw myself into the tank and have fun like all the fish.
" 'you a fan of fish?", Omar asked. I looked at him and he did it too. He stood with his hands in his pockets and leaned against the pillar that held and supported the building.
"Somehow....it's just unfortunate that I can't really swim otherwise I'd throw myself in the tank...",I replied while stroking my hair with my with my fingers. I leaned on the tank and stared at him. I thought about it all over again. He was giving so much for me. So much! It was beginning to make me uncomfortable because it made me feel like I was in dept. I owed him and I had to something in return although he contested me when I told him about it. He said it wasn't a competition and there's no point in me to do or think in the manner I was thinking. Love is not like that. I grew speechless right after he said that. Where was he all my life? Why did I only have to meet him now? Only now??
".... I'll teach you how to swim...", he said grabbing my hand and dragging me outside the building. We used the door on the other end unlike the one we used when we got in. When we got out, I flipped mouth agape. There was a very big pool. Bigger than any I've ever seen in my life before. So big it covered the entire courtyard which I couldn't even estimate it's distance. It was very big. I bet it's even the biggest pool in the city. I walked out and along the edge admiring all the people that where in. Only about twenty people for such a big place. They made all the swimming tricks and it really looked cool on the water. I walked along the edge to half way the pool. It was another long way to the other end and I wasn't going to go that far. I went back to where Omar was and he had already changed into his swimming pants and seemed ready to jump into the water.
"Ready to swim?",I asked wiggling my hands in the air like they do in movies when someone is swimming. Don't mind me I watch a lot of movies. He nodded and jumped into the water. I stood and waited to see him come out of somewhere but he was nowhere to be seen. I got nervous and started shouting his name. I knelt on the edge and looked into the water trying my best not to get too close lest I fall in. I looked and when fright brought me to the breaking point,I got up and was about to go look for the lifeguard when I saw his head peeping out of the water. I instant said a little prayer thanking God for saving him.
"You called me?",he asked standing in the water opposite to where I stood. He leant his hand against the wall and looked at me.
"Yeah....you scared me...I thought...something had dragged you....", I explained trying not to look chick. I looked away and smiled in relief that he was okay.
"Didn't you say that your name is burned on my heart and no one can take me away?",he reminded me of what I said just this morning. I smiled and nodded vigorously.
"True...I guess I was worried for no reason...",I put my hands in my short's back pockets.
"Come...",he said giving me his hand and pointing at the water with his head. I was scared. Very scared. I've never swam before and here I was trying to go into the water. It really looked tempting.
"You know I don't swim...", I backed away.
"I'll help you....", he said in an assuring manner that made me believe can do anything. I could do anything. I have it all in me. I just need to give it a go. Only those who risk going far know how far they can go. How will I ever swim if I dont give it a go...how? I just had to step out of my comfort zone and bring about change because that's when it happens. I removed my shoes and my jacket. I walked down the steps to where Omar was. I carefully placed my hand in his and he dragged me down the water...
"Wait...I need a lifejacket.... ", I said while walking out of the water. I was so scared and nervous. I couldn't trust these waters. They'd do anything to pull me down and out of the way. I dont trust them. Not at all. I looked at Omar and he seemed broken. What I said didn't show a good picture of trust. I needed to trust that he'll make sure I won't drown. He wouldn't. He surely wouldn't and I trusted that. I didn't suggest the life jacket because I didn't trust him but in case the water did something. I just wasn't sure of anything. My first attempt to swim and it was a big deal. I didn't want Omar to feel offended in anyway. I wanted him to know that I trust him a lot. I never doubted a single inch of his intentions with me. I did. I care about Omar and I know he cares about me too. He wouldn't have done all he did just to build me and then with one blow see me crumbling down in one go. He would never do that. I quickly turned around and ran into the water.
"You know what....you are my lifejacket... ",I said walking back and further than before with extreme audacity. I went into the water and it was up to my waist. Wow the pool was deep. I didn't mind anyway. I walked even further until it went as far as my chest. I stopped and didn't dare go any further. As much as I had my life jacket with me, I needed to make sure he saw how much I loved my life and how this was something of great importance to me. I beckoned him with my hand to come toward me as if I was now the expert. He walked to me fighting against the water's friction just to get to me. I swallowed hard as fear started to creep in my mind. What if I trip and fall? What if?
"Seems like you've always been in the water....", he said while coming to me and giving out his hand for me to hold onto as my support. The floor was slippery and I was getting nervous. I held his hand and strongly making sure I don't fall.
"That's how much am attached to it....", I winked.
He took me to the shallow part of the pool and showed me how basically I could swim. He supported my trunk as I lay on the water and flapped my legs like a fish while propelling myself through with my hands. It was hard! I had to keep moving both my feet and hands for me to make a perfect propel through the water without touching the bottom. I did it on my own for a few more rounds and then decided to just sit at the edge and watch him swim. I untied my hair and shook my head for all the water in my hair to fall off. My hair had shrunk, was tangled and straightened my curls a bit. No problem. I decided to run my fingers in it for the mean time to drain it faster and maybe maintain my pretty curls and make it less tangled. With much focus I looked at how amazingly he scaled the waters like a whale. He was almost Aquaman himself. He'd go to the other end and come back in less than a minute. Cutting through the water like he was born in it. He ruled over it like a king and all it did was just to make way for him. If only I'd swim like that, in a skillful manner just like Omar...I'd really be unstoppable. Everyday I'd visit the ocean for just one swim. I'd give so much to get as cool as that. I crossed my legs and leaned my elbows on my knees and kept looking at what my merman was doing. I'd surely be a happy shimmering mermaid. A very happy one. I raised my head and looked at him as he went all the way to the other end of the pool and then like a shark, he quickly turned around and came back with so much speed as if he sensed a predator around me.
"Are you okay?", he asked while floating in the water. I nodded and of course with a smile across my lips. He got out of the water and sat right next to me.
".... Am just a bit hungry.....", I added.
"What would you like to have? King Augustin's birthday cake?",he asked.
"Honey, I've had quite enough of ancient bakery and icing, don't you think?", I asked remembering Pablo as I put my legs in the water. He was one interesting guy. Very interesting. If only we'd go again so that I'd make fun of him once more.
"I assume so too...",he fluffed my hair and got up to leave. A thorn quickly pierced my veins as I saw him go. I felt its poison flow all the way to my heart drawing life away from me. I couldn't call to him to come back for he had already left. My legs became weak and I couldn't even lift them out of the water. I became breathless and my blood ran fast. I sweated as though I just finished running a marathon and my body was in extreme pain as if I just came out of a boxing game and to make matters worst I lost. Although, through it all,I was not scared of anyone or anything. I was totally fine. Just fine. Fear had left me and the only thing pulling me down to my death was this thorn. I held my breath and looked up only to find refuge in these fireflies. They flew in such a manner even I couldn't understand. They seemed as if they'd carried a message for me of which I was failing to interpret. They flew over my head and around me,each attempt full of enlightenment and redemption. They managed to land on my cheek and the moment they touched my skin I felt a million healing kisses all over me. It was such an encounter I've never had. I lifted my hand hoping for my fingers to touch at least one. Instead, they escaped and flew right in front of me. All of them looked at me as if they remembered me from somewhere. I surely deny I was a fly in my previous life...if at all it's there!
I slowly drew my hand toward these beautiful insects and in quiet manner,I extended my fingers hoping for them to land on my hand. I saw them reciprocating my actions and coming all to gather in my hand. My eyes got opened and I could finally get the message they brought. They all assembled and formed that which looked like human eyes. I didn't understand how that happened but I loved it anyway. I blinked several times to make sure the tears on my eyes did a good job cleaning my lens for me. I wanted to make sure I see things clearly. Who's face it was and what did they have to do with me? I continued to blink continuously and right after,I saw the face clearly. My hand that which was holding the fireflies was on his cheek. I could feel the warmth that his body had away from it. I smiled. Omar....Omarion.....Omarion Green!
"Brought some chicken nuggets....with pepperoni spread all over", he said drawing my hand away from his cheek and into his. He sat next to me and opened the box. The aromatic steam from the hot food spread across my face advertising the food for my tummy to buy. I took one and gave it a small sized bite. I chewed on it slowly allowing my mouth to conduct a thorough examination and waiting for my brain to give us the result. Was it a Yes or No?! My brain can never get it wrong. This is one of the exam it will always get right. Always. I looked at him and caught him staring at me. His hand was empty and the other hand had mine in it as he hadn't let go since. I could sense his thoughts although I wasn't in his mind. I think I knew what he might have been thinking about.
"Thinking about Lily?",I asked. Certainly! He always said she also loved chicken nuggets with pepperoni like I did. I guess eating them right now made him remember her. I wasn't hurt nor was I jealous just happy that he could find someone he loved in me. Of course some would say he doesn't love me but only the girl whom he sees in me. I wasn't concerned about that. "No.....", he replied. "You are the only girl I see in you.....no one else.....". Coincidence or.....? He just confirmed what I was thinking about just that he said something else....he added vanilla to the muffin making it a chocolate vanilla muffin. I nodded to what he said and took another bite. I signalled with my eye's for him to take a nugget but he shook his head indicating a negative reply.
He looked at me and took in a deep breath. I felt his hand on my forehead and it slid all the way to my shoulder and his fingers got caught in the web of my hair. He touched every single strand and tried not to disturb my chewing. He knew how much I valued chicken nuggets with pepperoni and I really love the fact that he respected it.
"Why was your hair in white?", he asked after a full examination of my hair. He then realised it was it's brown self. I looked at him in the outbox way. He's seeing that now? Seriously?
"Daisy had brown hair just like mine. Her hair was soft and very long. It went beyond her waist and I always loved combing it", I paused and smiled. I miss Daisy so much. So very much. I just humbly await for the day I'll see her again. Her memory is so painful for me but I still mastered courage to talk about it.
".... She was a reporter and I fear to say she loved her job more than she loved me and my mom. She always wanted to take me to Paris....it was our daddy's dream actually. He wasn't well earning but always longed to make sure he strives for his children to see the better in this world. He wanted us to see Paris,to stand on the Eiffel tower and shout out joy from our hearts. He was one crazy dad. He went with Daisy and when my mom was pregnant with me. When we came back, things didn't seem as perfect anymore and it all began falling apart piece by piece. He worked harder even just so he'd get enough money for me to see Paris. Unfortunately, he was taken away from me before I could see him. He also didn't get a chance to see me. He became workaholic just because of me. Because of that, I've never had the strength to look at him. All my life, I've lived with the guilt that I took his life away from him. I've never even once dared to look at his face....hence I don't know what he looks like. "His pictures are the ones you made face the wall right?", he asked. He must have seen the picture flames in my room that I flipped. I turned all my fathers pictures against the wall. I closed my eyes as I did it. I never wanted to see even an inch of his face. Never wanted to....
"Am sorry for that.....", he gave a sorryish expressed face and I smiled. "Don't worry about it.....After he left, Daisy took it upon herself to fulfil our father's wish. She worked even harder than dad to secure enough money for us to have a good time...", I laughed as tears ran down my cheeks. I fought a good fight and it just didn't work out. They wanted to come out and I let them do as they please. My heart was bothered yes but my mind was at peace. I got over this pain and moved on. They won't ever come back. The least I'd do is to live with the memories and life they left me with. This would be such a huge favour I'd ever do for them. Wounds heal. All we ever remain with are scars.
"..... She must have been a strong woman....", he commented while putting his arm around my shoulder. He must have noticed my discomfort in talking about the story further so he did that to make me understand it was okay to not go on. However, I wasn't bowing down to that. I'd give a thousand pedestals just for a moment like this. Just for a moment like this....
"She was...she sure was.....", I agreed. "She managed to get enough money to cover both our needs and we got everything ready. We packed our belongings under the impression that we'll leave the next day and since we planned, we had our hopes up. Further that same morning, Robbie her workmate called that he found a very expensive shot that'd get them more views than any other channel. It really burnt my nerves to hear that. I mean life isn't always about competitions is it? What was the big deal if they didn't have more views?", I asked as though Omar knew the answers.
" Well....",was all he could say.
"You know what....she left. I tried all I could to stop her but no...she didn't come back. She never came back....I always wish I'd been more persistent that day...how I wish....", I took a deep breath pushing the tears back. "That makes the both of us.....", I heard him say. I got lost as I couldn't understand what he meant by that.
"I also wish I were a bit more persistent that day...unfortunately, she was more persistent than me. I regretted ever letting her go....I feel like I let her go to her own grave.....",he said looking at the water. I knew who he was talking about. I felt sorry for him. Very sorry. We both lost someone we loved. We were all broken hearted and yet we managed to still complete one another. We managed to complete each other. Sometimes it takes two broken pieces to come up with something new and much more beautiful than the original artifact.
"It's totally okay.....! Besides...I don't really let it get to me anymore. I understand now....it had to happen that way so that someone else is the very first person to take me to Paris....", I said the last part looking at him. It was meant to be him. It was all for him. My dad left it for my sister and my sister left it for him. He looked back at me and had a slight contagious curve on his lips that also went as far as contaminating me. Running all over and spreading throughout my body. I closed my eyes and raised my hands up high letting out a shout of relief.
"Is it a habit of yours...to always scream out your feelings?", he asked with one eyebrow raised and this sarcastic smile on his lips. The romantic one had disappeared and this one appeared out of the blue but I knew he had no ill motives.
"... As along as you'll be there to listen", I winked and pulled my leg up to my chest. I crossed my arms on it and leaned my head on them. I looked at the water and its stillness brought back the calmness to my entire soul. I was completely healed and everything was fine again! My laughter and smiles or sorrows,if any, will be coming entirely from my heart. Every single emotion.
"..... So Omar...my hair was white because I didn't want it to be brown. Brown reminded me of this nasty, gnashing beastly memories and I didn't want that...", I said reaching for the takeaway box and taking another chicken nugget. I satisfied my grief, hunger and meatatarian nature over the poor chicken. I ate almost three pieces in one goal and am pretty sure that Omar was looking at me right now and was like 'wow....I fell in love indeed'. I wanted to lick my fingers but I remembered he doesn't like it and lucky enough the box had napkins inside. I used one and kept the other....for later.
"Prim....don't be afraid of adding colour to your life. Don't get to an extent where everything will be in black and white you inclusive. That's not how it's supposed to be....It's always beautiful to add a little colour to your life. It always is beautiful and good. I'll always be here to help with that....if you need it....black and white No....colour? Yes...", he whispered the last part and it made me all teary. That was true. I didn't want to have colour in life. All my colour was fading. Dimming by the second and I didn't even do anything about it. The faintness was coming from my heart anyway and I let it go all the way to the outside and the surrounding darkening everything. Not that I didn't have the strength to bring change just that I needed those words so much. I needed such encouragement.
"I promise you....even if everything turns black and white....we'll still be in colour",I smiled and held tightly to his hand. He smiled back....and we both got empty. No words, just stares.
"They'll be closing soon....do you want us to go somewhere else from here?",he asked bringing another topic into discussion.
"No....no no...no..last time I chose a place things went quiet ugly and am not risking any more lives...", I quickly refused the offer. I wasn't going to make the same mistake again. No.... Last time was enough. I don't want to get hurt anymore....I already got hurt seeing Omar in that state and worst of all finding out who the culprit was. That was the worst part of all! I think from here... I should go show him who's boss! I haven't met him since the day before yesterday when he came to visit Omar. Well....I guess I can meet him today....and tell him a few things.
"Can I just see you swim like a whale one last time and we can go?",I requested with a grin on my face. I didn't want him to say No although I hundred percent knew he wouldn't say No. He hesitated at first but said Yes after I persisted. He jumped into the water and I followed him all the way to the other side. The other people where leaving as the place was getting closed making the pathway a bit congested. I moved away from the edge and walked further away to avoid 'accidents'. I walked faster to catch up with him and I sat on the edge where I found safe and people free. He was still in the water doing a few tricks of course. I enjoyed every bit of the show and I was happy to gladly point at him and shout 'that's my boyfriend' although no one really gave me the attention I wanted.
I took out the last chicken nugget. It was richly blessed with pepperoni strips that fell off from the other pieces. This piece was at the bottom and was greatly enriched. I was going to enjoy it. It shone bright and the golden brown really made me drool even more. I licked my lips and welcomed it home. I brought it to my lips and was about to take a bite when all of a sudden somehow I lost my balance and fell into the water! I wanted to scream but my mouth was filled with water and I couldn't. The water was strangling me and quickly pulling me down to the bottom. I wagged my legs in search for air but it didn't work. I completely forgot all the things Omar taught me a few minutes ago. I completely forgot each and every swimming tactic. I pinched my nose so that water doesn't get in anymore. I closed my mouth tight. If it was dying I'd die out of hypoxia and not my lungs being water drenched. Am hydrophobic.
I kept my eyes open hoping to look into someones eyes and being noticed. The lights where still on and I could see through the water. No one was around to hear or see me... I gave muffled sounds but no one could hear me. There was no one around! Where was the lifeguard when I needed him most?! Where was my lifeguard?....
I looked around but it seemed as though this was the end. I kept my eyes looking up and I saw a figure of a person right where I sat. He took the take away box and thew it in the bin and then he left. I thank God for such perfect vision he gave me. Of course I couldn't see clearly and the images where still blurred but the sensible blurr. Some blurr is just so horrible you can't make anything out of it. Well we are grateful anyway. This person seemed to be in a coat! Who comes to the pool in a coat? And my curiosity got me thinking. Either he was the security guard or....an imposter! Sent to come and kill me! By Cass! I mean who else?
I felt my back hit on a hard surface and I knew I reached the bottom of the pool. The force I fell with managed to push my brain to remember exactly what had happened. I was busy eating my nuggets watching my boyfriend have fun in the water when I suddenly lost balance. I suddenly...lost balance! Something that doesn't happen even when I overeat! Losing balance wasn't my thing..something was definitely not right. I didn't step on something neither did I loosen my grip for me to lose balance. That means one thing.....the person in a coat had a hand in this. He was the one that gave me a push and I lost my balance. Then he threw my takeaway box in the bin so that when Omar comes, he'll think I have gone somewhere and won't bother looking around for me because he knows I'll come back. Well played...well played! It was just unfortunate that I discovered it all a few minutes before I die. Before I die.....
*****
"Is it something fascinating to throw yourself in the water?", Cass asked in a manner that I didn't go well with. She had issues. She didn't seem concerned that I would die in the water. She wasn't even happy that I got saved on time. Right in time before I could even die of suffocation. Omar didn't notice at first but it grew weird when he found my shoes at the very first place I removed. He came back to the water and the beauty of light led him all the way down the pool...to me. The doctors said I was almost gone. Almost...but Omar came on time! He saved me.....!!!! He saved me!!! He showed his love for me yet again! On the other hand, someone was complaining that we have a habit of throwing ourselves in the water. Oh she had no idea. Utterly no idea. She had a problem! "First Omar and then Prim....who knows who'll jump in next?", she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest making me even more angrier! I got up and was about to strangle her when Omar held me back to the bed. He helped me support myself against the bed's head and put some pillows behind me. Liam took Cass out of the room and I really felt relieved. Her presence was choking me and I really didn't like it. I was already almost done away with by the hands of water and yet here she was rubbing salt in my wounds. "Don't mind her.....", he said calming me down. How can I not? She is the evil one....it's her! She's the Judas of our time!!!
"I cannot...", I replied.
"Please....she doesn't matter.....", he whispered. "..... To me you do..." If only Cass would hear that. If only!
".....what do you think Luen is doing right now?", I asked the very question that just crept into my mind. I didn't know why but all I thought of was Luen.... I really liked everything about her. I've never met her in person but from what Omar said, I really liked her. A lot even! "Primrose.....please not her....", he begged. He even mentioned my full name...for the first time. He must have been either in the middle of an involute decision making attempt or he was totally confused.
".... But why? I want us to talk about her...", I insisted. I really wanted to just talk about her. My affection was growing much bigger and I eagerly waited for the day I'll meet her.
".. She's with her mom and dad...I guess...", he shrugged his shoulders. Mom and dad? Wasn't she an orphan? "Wasn't she an orphan? Parents for where? Maybe she got adopted....?", I asked hoping he'd give me the answers I wanted. He got up and raced around in the room he caressed his hair as though it was sweaty and uncomfortable. Was everything okay? No...nothing was okay....nothing. Something was definitely wrong.... He came to where I was and told me he'll be back. He pecked my forehead and left. I didn't feel convinced. I got out of bed and followed him. I tiptoed all the way so that he couldn't suspect anything. He went to his kitchen and took a seat on the chair behind the counter. He slammed the counter and rubbed his nose. Something was wrong. Something was bothering him. A lot! Was it because I asked about Luen? Well....maybe....I had to apologize. I didn't mean to harm him. I didn't mean to....I just wanted something that'd brush his thoughts away from me and Cass and into something else. And the something else I found was Luen. I didn't know it was going to upset him to this extent. I had to apologize. I had to apologize! I slowly began walking and convinced myself I was doing the right thing by venturing into such an attempt. Before I got close, she had already gone there! Her trickling eyes and gestures attempted to lure him but he was man enough not to fall for them.
"I noticed you're a bit off so I made you something....you know like good old days...", she started as she carried something on a tray and placed it right in front of him.
"Give it a go....Prim needs you strong...", she insisted. As if....she was using me as bait to get whatever she wanted from him. How cheap!
"A happy drink?",he asked. Happy drink?! Did Cass just make Omar a happy drink? Why? How? When? On what grounds? What was she trying to prove? How did she even know the recipe....? He told her? No...Omar would never tell her that! No! Utterly No!
"Yeah....like I said, just like good old times...", she smiled. What on earth did that mean? Did it mean what I thought it meant?
"Go on...taste it...", she persuaded him and he just decided to carry the glass. Whether he carried it because of her persuasion or because he really wanted to taste it I don't know but all I knew was that he carried it. It went all the way to his lips and he took a sip. He even seemed delighted by it! Hmm!!
"How was it...?",she eagerly waited for a compliment. Oh Cass....you play your cards very good.....very good. Unfortunately, I play them better and I'll gladly show you who's best.
"Just like it always has been....good...",he gave it away. His response was more like a lance. What? Again.....what did he just say? Just like it always has been??? Meaning....?
I became so confused that I lost my balance. For real this time. I wasn't dumb but this conversation just made me the dumbest they'll ever be! My brain had shut down and lost all functionals. Chaos was all over my mind as my ideas and thoughts where scattering. Everything getting disoriented as if I got jinxes all over me. I leaned on the wall trying not to make any thing that will blow up my cover and bring their attention to me which would be very deadly right now.
"So...Omar do you remember when we went for a Domio anteloquez concert?", she asked leaning on the counter and looking right at him.
" No....no Cass...we can't do this. We can't talk about that....are you serious? Prim is not fine and this is all you think of talking about?", he scolded her and she got angry. "Since you met Prim looks like your life began revolving around her. It's always Prim this ,Prim that....same with Liam and honestly...I said this once and I'll say it again..am sick of hearing her name! Seconds ago you where fine. You even drank the happy drink I made you. Now that I want us to talk of good old times you get angry at me and introduce Prim in the picture. That's selfishness Omar. You use me! You only come to me when you need something but when I want something from you you push me away and hide behind that Prim!!", she finally let it out giving me another blow.
"Can't you think of something else other than her? It's as if you spaced your whole brain just to occupy it with thoughts of her....you even erased me....", she began crying and I knew this was getting personal.
"What is your problem exactly?",he asked as if he wasn't bothered. Of course he wasn't; anyway why would he be? I wouldn't understand if he would be. And yet on the other hand, she didn't understand that he wasn't bothered. Two sides of the coin indeed.
"I think we've already walked down this path Omar and you absolutely have an idea of what am talking about right now...", she defended herself and left him speechless. I heard footsteps coming toward the door and following after them was a glass shatter! He stopped and I bet looked behind.
"...I think I've made you quiet a good number of happy drinks already...how about I make gruesome drinks too to balance the equation? And don't take me for granted on this one...", she breathlessly spoke to him. I decided to leave. I got enough information and from it I would get a full report and interpretation to fill all my empty spaces. I walked all the way to my room and carefully drove myself in the blankets....and just then, he got in.
"... Sorry I took a while....", he apologized sitting right next to me. I could see the rage on his face and I decided to take advantage of it. A person can say anything when they are angry. Anything....it's the best time to ask them for secrets and they'll be able to reveal them to you. Just make sure you do it in a manner that they won't suspect anything. Of which I don't know how.....
"Uum.....so did Luen get adopted?",I asked.
"No...she found her real parents.... She wasn't an orphan to begin with. Her parents just had issues since she was an illegitimate child and so they where sorting it out so she had to stay in with us...they both decided they didn't want her and never came back after lying to her in the first place that she was an orphan and her parents died in a car accident. Years later the case was taken to court and both her parents signed an affidavit explaining themselves rather than appearing in court of which I found unruly....they took her in after I left...her with ma'am violet", he explained in a blink. The whole story was scattered and I couldn't really trace the corners to get a perfect path through. I still got the main point anyway.
"How do you know all these?",I asked.
"She told me....", he replied and I instantly saw him smack his brain. He didn't want to say that.
"Oh My God...that means she's around. Can we go see her tomorrow?", I asked again.
"Yeah...I mean No...No...It's pointless...useless to be precise...",he stammered and I knew I was near my goal. "Why not? Am not going to kill her and neither will she want to kill me...",
"Don't be so sure.....",he said pointing at me. He rubbed his mouth and stood on the window looking outside. "Why shouldn't I be? Do you think I'd really kill her??? Or...she'd really wanna kill me??", I poked the bees. I wanted him to face me when he'll be saying it. I wanted him to be looking at my face as he confesses. He still looked at the window ignoring my questions and words.
"No matter...I can always find the address myself...",
"Prim! The water must have gotten to your head I can clearly see it now", he began in a tone that made me sad. He sounded angry and lost. "Why don't you understand that you can't meet her? You've already met her before..!", he blurted it out again. He propped me by my shoulders strongly and I felt rigid. My shoulders felt stiff but I wasn't going to let all my efforts go to waste because of some tingling illness. I wasn't going to give up. I've come this far not to sit and rest at the tip but to accomplish my intended mission and that I was going to fully do. I became nervous as my worst nightmare was coming real. I didn't want it to be true. I didn't want it to be true....no...just not now...no....
"I've met her before...?",I asked brushing his hands off of me. I've met her before? That means she is....no! It can't be! I refuse to believe it! How? Seriously? It couldn't be her...no! A huge NO from me. I looked firmly at him telling him to tell me the truth. To tell me the ending of this fairytale so that I go rest. Will the princess get the prince or the evil witch will ruin it again? As usual.....
"Prim.....you've seen Luen before. A lot of times... She's been in front of us all this time",
"No....." ,I backed away from him. I couldn't believe it.
"Yes...she lives here too....Prim....Cass is Luen!". For a moment I stopped breathing. I could hear my heartbeat in echoes and all that gave me refuge was it. I came round in a second and it was followed by a stinging sensation in my chest, then my head. I couldn't believe it. Cass was Luen??? Oh My Goodness. It can't be. I won't accept it. I won't! Yet again evil thinks it has triumphed! And again...the evil witch ruined everything. More like as usual! But I refuse to let my story end the way she wants it to. I won't accept what she wants. I'll bring about a change that I personally want. Even if it means I have to bring a lot of twists in the story. One thing is for sure that it will end.....only my way!