"Like a rose that blooms amidst the chaos, I vow to protect those I love, even as the shadows of violence loom and the scent of blood thickens the air."
- Roses and blood
🅞🅡🅘🅞🅝
"Are you sure it's okay with your sister that you're coming with me today? You know I understand if you choose to stay with her first the whole day. She needs company," Daisy said, her voice laced with genuine concern.
I met her worried gaze and gave her a reassuring smile. "It's okay."
I explained to my sister that I would rather stay with her today, to provide her with comfort after what happened to Caleb. Even though they were just co-actors, they had grown close and shared a lot of experiences together. I understood why Penelope was so heartbroken.
But still, she insisted that it was okay for me to go with Daisy today.
We had just come from the newly opened apparel store earlier. We didn't catch the grand opening because it started early, but Daisy understood why I couldn't follow the schedule because I was worried about my sister earlier. I couldn't leave her. Only Grandma and Nanny Lorna were with her at home; both my parents were out of the country on a work trip.
Since I was eight years old, my parents have been a part of The Sanctuary, a relocation system that I don't know much about. They are incredibly passionate about their work. But because of the news they received about Caleb, they booked a flight home tomorrow.
I look at Daisy as I feel her warm arms wrapped around me. She hasn't bought much, just one bag of things that I insist on carrying. We're on our way to my car, planning to get takeout for lunch. We'll just bring it home and eat there. We'll also buy something for Grandma and Nanny Lorna.
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"Nanny, we're on our way home. We already bought food, so please don't bother cooking," I told Aling Lorna while driving home.
My peripheral vision caught Daisy organizing the medicine she bought for my sister in case she got sick. I insisted on paying, but she was stubborn and paid for it herself. That's just how much she cares for my sister.
And that's why I like her very much too.
"Okay, dear, I just cooked some rice in case we run short," Nanny Lorna said on the other end of the line.
Aling Lorna has been working for us for a long time. She was already there when Mom was pregnant with Penelope. She cleans the house, cooks for us, and has been our all-time babysitter since we were kids, especially when Mom and Dad were busy with their work.
"How's Penelope doing?" I asked her, my other hand focused on driving.
"Oh dear, she still hasn't come out. I've called her several times to eat breakfast, but she's still locked in her room," she replied worriedly.
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Because the call was on speakerphone, I noticed Daisy glance at me. I looked at her, and she gave me a warm smile, though I also saw the sympathy in her eyes after hearing what Aling Lorna said.
After about a twenty-five-minute drive, we were at the gate of our subdivision. I rolled down the window and gave the guard, who'd emerged from his post, a pointed look.
He smiled, a little too eagerly, and quickly opened the gate. Seriously? That creepy smile again. I'm starting to really dislike this guy. Every time Daisy and I are together, he stares at her like she's a prize he wants to win. It's incredibly unsettling.
Our house is a few hundred meters from the gate. As I drove, I noticed the usual sights along the way – people going about their business, houses lining the street. My eyes caught sight of Elehiya and Edwyn playing badminton in an empty lot. At least someone's having a good day.
The sunlight glinted off their smooth, fair skin as they laughed and played, their movements fluid and effortless. Mom says they're around my sister's age, but they seem so incredibly self-sufficient.
There are a lot of whispers about them in the subdivision. For their age, they're living together – which is... unusual. They moved in three years ago, but I've never spoken to them. They're just...off-putting somehow.
Every time I see Elehiya's face, even from a distance, I get this weird feeling. It's not romantic, I'm sure of that. But there's something about her… it's like I've seen her before, somewhere. It's unsettling.
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I knocked on my sister's door.
"Penelope, I brought you some food. Let's eat," I called out.
But after a few seconds, she didn't answer.
I sighed. "Okay, I'll just bring it to your room. Is that alright?"
I felt a sense of relief when she finally responded from inside.
"Okay, Brother."
She just didn't want to come out right now. I totally get it.
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"You two are perfect together, my dear," Grandma said, her eyes twinkling. "Orion, such a handsome young man, and you, such a lovely girl. When are you two going to make it official?"
Grandma had been on this campaign since Daisy's first visit. It was getting a bit much, honestly. She was like a lovesick puppy, all excited and relentless.
Daisy giggled, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink. I winked at her, silently pleading for backup against Grandma's matchmaking assault. She smiled back, a conspiratorial glint in her eye.
Grandma, completely oblivious, continued, "Reminds me of your Grandpa! Even after I said yes, he still courted me every day! Flowers, serenades... he even climbed a tree once to get my kite back!" She sighed dreamily. I pictured Grandpa, a notorious klutz, probably ending up with more scratches than romantic points.
Nanny Lorna, our ever-present helper, chuckled softly. The whole thing was like a scene from a sitcom – a well-meaning but slightly over-the-top grandmother, a blushing potential granddaughter-in-law, and me, the hapless grandson stuck in the middle.
"So, when's the answer, dear?" Grandma asked Daisy, her tone playful but persistent.
"Grandma..." I mumbled, mouth full of adobo.
"Oh, don't be shy! You two are perfect! Just imagine the beautiful babies you'll have!" Grandma's last comment nearly sent me into a coughing fit. I was mortified. Daisy was trying hard not to laugh, her face bright red.
The mental image of Grandma's matchmaking enthusiasm coupled with the thought of our future children was just too much. I gulped down some water, wishing the floor would swallow me whole. This was easily the most awkward, hilarious, and endearing family dinner ever.
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I'm sitting on my bed, happily watching Daisy browse through my mini library in my room.
"I feel really sad for your sister, Orion," she says, picking up a book and walking towards my bed.
She sits next to me.
"I was really rooting for their growth as a love team in the industry. Caleb is a very talented kid," she continues, opening the book.
Then, her eyes narrow, and she looks at me. I raise an eyebrow, giving her a questioning look.
"Isn't it weird? With all the cases like Caleb's happening, no one knows who or what is committing these crimes."
I give her a comforting smile.
"Are you scared?" I ask, and she returns her gaze to the book.
"With all those cases this year? Who wouldn't be scared?" she replies.
The cases she's referring to are the string of murders and disappearances happening this year. There were some last year, but there are more this year. The victims are found in a specific area, bloodless, and with the same signature mark, two punctures on their necks. The investigators believe a serial killer is behind these murders because the circumstances surrounding the bodies are identical.
I took her hand, and she looks at me, her eyes widening slightly.
"Don't worry," I say, squeezing her hand gently. "I won't let that happen to you, or to anyone I love. I'll protect them, including you."
I see a blush creep up her cheeks, and she quickly pulls her hand away.
"Oh, please," she says, rolling her eyes playfully. "You're so full of it! You wouldn't last five minutes in a horror movie without hiding behind the couch, clutching your pillow like a teddy bear!"
She bursts into laughter, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
I can't help but smile, my heart warming at her teasing.
"Alright, alright," I say, raising my hands in mock surrender. "Maybe I'm a little scared of the dark, but I'll protect you from anything that goes bump in the night. Trust me, I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you. Ever."
"Oh," Daisy said softly, her eyes lingering on a corner of my room. I followed her gaze.
There it was: my desk, with its meticulously arranged DC figures and all sorts of random stuff I'd collected over the years. It felt like a shrine to a life that was gone. But what really caught my eye was the picture frame sitting right in the middle. It was faded, a snapshot of Arkin and me, laughing together. It was just a memory now, a reminder of how close we used to be.
Below the picture, a jumbled pile of stuffed toys lay scattered - remnants of our arcade battles, quirky souvenirs from amusement parks, all whispering stories of the adventures we shared. They were proof of a bond that was broken, a friendship that was shattered.
"You miss him, don't you?" Daisy asked quietly.
I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. All the memories came flooding back, sharp and clear, like a punch to the gut. His laugh, the way he used to hold my hand, that comforting feeling of always having him by my side… All gone. There was a gaping hole in my life now, and nothing could fill it.
"Yeah," I croaked, my voice tight. The weight on my chest felt heavier, like a physical ache.
"I miss him so much," I whispered, the words barely audible. I was just hoping, against all hope, that maybe, somehow, he would come back to me.
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August 24, 2024
MOON PHASE: WANING CRESCENT
🌒
7:30 p.m
After dropping Daisy off, I decide to stop by the department store to grab some of Penelope's favorite snacks and sweets. Even though I know they're not exactly healthy, I also know they're her go-to comfort foods when she's feeling stressed or down.
Penelope and I, we're pretty close, you know? I understand how to make her happy. Getting her these things doesn't make me a bad brother, it's just my way of showing her I care.
As I'm picking out the stuff I need, I notice a pair of eyes watching me from the side. It kind of startles me when I realize someone is standing next to me.
She smiles. "Hello..." she said
I feel a little awkward, but I smiled back. I didn't expect to see her here. After loading up my cart, I look back at her.
"Elehiya, right?" I asked
The way she looks at me is intense, like she's studying every part of my face. Her eyes are locked on mine, as if she could see right through me.
"Yes, and you're Orion. You're Penelope's brother, aren't you? Son of Mr. and Mrs. Riveral. This is the first time I've gotten a good look at you."
I scratch my neck, feeling a little embarrassed. "Really?"
She's weird, I'll admit. Something about the way she's looking at me makes me feel uncomfortable.
I take a step back when she suddenly walks towards me. What's wrong with her? She's starting to creep me out.
"Believe me, you don't look like anyone I've ever met before. But your eyes tell me I've known you for a very, very long time."
Her eyes narrow, like she's trying to figure something out.
I raise an eyebrow. She did mention knowing me earlier, right? And we live in the same neighborhood? What's she trying to say?
"Maybe... because we live in the same neighborhood and we've been seeing each other for the past three years?" I ask.
But she just shakes her head and narrows her eyes, still staring at me.
"No... It goes back further than that."
We lock eyes for a long moment. Suddenly, my phone buzzes. I pull it out of my pocket and look at the screen.
Daisy is calling...
"Elehiya, it was nice meeting you..." I say, still looking at my phone. "I have to -"
Fuck... Where did she go?
I looked up, and she's gone.