Date = 13 June
Place = San Francisco (UCSF Medical center)
POV – Aria
“Brain Cruise, can you tell me how he’s doing?” I’m standing at the nurse station of the intensive care unit. The woman looks at me over her glasses.
“That man sure has an entourage. Are you one of his fans?” Her eyes pulls into a line. “Wait, you’re one of the girls that brought him in?” She says before I can answer. I nod.
“The police was looking for you to give a statement.” My heart hitches and my stomach knots. I’m not sure what I’m gonna tell them. I guess the truth will have to do. Will they think we have something to do with it? Should I tell them that Brian was blackmailing me? Should I tell them about the message?
“Eh, my sister is in the pediatric BMT ward. I had to go to her.” Her accusing gaze lifts and gets replaced with one of pity.
“Oh, not to worry, they’re on their way now, so go wait in what we call the mourning area … it’s the little room around the corner.” She points down the left side corridor.” I swallow down the nauseating taste in my throat and manages a faint smile.
“Is this Brian guy your boyfriend?” No way. Definitely not. I’m not even sure what we are. Enemies?
“Eh, let’s rather just say that he’s an acquaintance.” Not even a friend.
“I see. He’s stable but in an induced coma. The bullet missed his spine by inches but he has some swelling on his brain. His mother is with him now, so you can come back later.”
“Perhaps I will.” I need him to wake up … to answer my questions. I turn and walk down the corridor. A middle aged man is sitting on one of the benches, his head in his hands and his fingers threaded through his dark hair that’s sprinkled with silver strands. Next to him a young girl, about Leyla’s age, is eating some ice cream, a braid of the same dark hair flowing over one tiny shoulder. I wave at her when I walk past and receive a big toothless smile, her eyes look like melted chocolate. She’s cute.
Hearing a familiar voice as I turn the corner, I impulsively squat my back against the wall as if that would somehow make me invisible. I don’t want to see him. My heart is still too raw. And the fragile state I’m in, I know I’m going to break down in tears at the sight of him.
“You can stop this pathetic acting,” he sounds furious, “I know the truth.” I was ready to sneak away, but now, I lean back more and stay frozen to the spot, hoping to become one with the wall. What’s going on in there?
“You’re a lying fucking bitch!” That’s Lee’s voice and he sounds worked up too.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” This voice is thin and insecure. Amanda. Bitch. They’re yelling at her for some reason. Now I’m even more intrigued.
“STOP!” Enrique yells and I nearly shriek in shock. I put my hand over my mouth to keep myself from making a sound. I’ve never experienced him behaving like this. Is it because of her involvement last night?
“What’s wrong with you?” Amanda sounds baffled.
“With me … ” Enrique gasps but gets interrupted by his twin.
“Wait brother, let me explain it to the bimbo,” contradictory Jackson sounds serene with just a hint of dangerous sarcasm, “Dr. Burden just got the new DNA results back … see, the thing about my family is that we have this brainiac for a brother.” Sometimes I just have to admire this man’s don’t-give-a-shit demeanor. It must be so freeing not to worry all the time like me. “And he, being far off in some poverty stricken country, instructed our sister to compare the DNA from your test, to one we did earlier …”
Mel. That sneaky pregnant witch … I almost caught her in the act and I never even suspected. Wow, this family is frickin amazing – almost like a James Bond crew – every day something new happens. Well, at least I can’t complain that my life is boring anymore.
“And wonder above wonder … none of them is a match.” His voice is now lazed with ice and a shiver runs through my body. I hitch in my breath. How is that possible?
“So?” It sounds more like a gasp than a word.
“Ug, my sister is right, you really are brain-dead. Okay, so let me spell it out for you then … it means that neither my brothers nor Mel is the father of the little human in your tummy.” Jackson stretches out his words as if he’s trying to explain a difficult concept to a child. It takes a moment for my brain to fully digest the information. I’m stoked. And mad. But mostly, I’m ecstatically relieved. My heart races and I push my hand against it to try and slow it down.
“Ug, you’re stupid … Mel is a girl … of course she can’t be the father,” Amanda giggles. Is it really possible that she still doesn’t get it? Or is she just acting dumb to avoid the situation?
“Wow! Shit, you really are a moron. All boobs and no brains.” I almost chuckle at Lee’s defeated chime.
“Enough! I know it’s not my baby … so why did you do this?” My heart now strums into some violent palpitations and then it seems to stop beating altogether. Not his baby? The meaning of it all only now hitting me full force. I think I’m gonna throw up.
“Eh, Enrique, please … I … I … I love you … can’t we just become a family … just forget about the tests and imagine it’s yours. ” I’ve heard love can make you do crazy things … even drive you insane … but this girl is pushing it over the edge. Stealing condoms, faking DNA tests, working with murderers … this woman seriously needs to see a shrink.
“Frickin hell, somewhere out there a tree is working tirelessly to provide you with oxygen your brain is clearly not using.” Lee has this special knack of chipping in with serious sarcastic chimes, but in a cute way.
“Don’t touch me. Who’s baby is it?” Enrique still doesn’t sound happy and my whole being wants to go over there, throw my arms around him and comfort him. But I stay put. There’s a protracted period of sickening silence. My nails dig into the paint on the wall.
“AMANDA!” I jolt once more, suddenly feeling queasy.
“Brian. It’s Brian’s.” She doesn’t sound to sure. I’m grossed out and my gorge rise. I swallow it down. I can’t afford to vomit now.
“Shit. And I thought I was demented … but you’re fucking sick.” Lee adduces. I nod my head in accord. That’s true.
“How did you cheat the DNA test?” Enrique asks.
“One of the nurses is a big fan … ”
“It doesn’t matter … tell us about last night,” Jackson interrupts and shifts the subject in an instance. I’ve learned that he is not the most patient boy in the world. “Who are those people working for?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never met the boss, but they call him the Old Man.” Amanda’s voice is raspy as if she’s close to tears. There’s a hard sniff.
“Sweetie pie, I’m gonna need you to put those few remaining brain cells together and work with me here,” Jackson being Jackson, “Have you seen Chloe with anybody lately?”
“Eh … she met this guy once … I stayed in the car. But it wasn’t The Old Man.” She’s clearly tearing up.
“How do you know that?” Jackson has no pity for her tears.
“He was a man … but he was not OLD. He was in his twenties.”
Lee snorts “I swear she was dropped on her head as a baby,” and I can just imagine him rolling his eyes.
“What did he look like?” Jackson is relentless.
“Eh … a bit like that T-Bone guy … dark hair, tanned skin, handsome.”
“Do you know what they want from us?”
“No.”
“Think!” I swear Jackson could make the devil pee his pants when he speaks like that.
“Eh … Chloe just said that you guys killed their amigo.” Sounds foreign. Spanish … or Italian.
“THEIR amigo?” Jackson repeats, accentuating the first word. It could be that he did not hear well the first time. Or I’m missing something … like usual.
“Yes.”
“And why are you three helping them?” Jackson is still calm, but his voice is even more demonic than usual.
“Chloe said that if we helped them, they would give us what we want,” Amanda sobs.
“And let me guess, you want Enrique, Brian wants Aria, and Chloe wants Damion?” Lee chirps in with an extra sarcastic voice.
“Well, yes,” she whimpers. “But Brian … eh … Chloe just uses him sometimes to execute their plans.” Wow, talk about a knife in the back. I almost feel a ping of pity for the man.
“Like last night, they were gonna get rid of Mel.” Her voice breaks and I can barely make out what she’s saying now.
“Two flies with one swat,” Lee mumbles, “Chloe gets rid of the competition and all of us would be heartbroken … tortured. Mel is the perfect target.”
A loud thud sound springs from the other side of the wall I’m leaning against, giving me a fright. I swear I felt it vibrate.
“And there you go again. Why do you always have to hit something?” Lee sounds annoyed.
“I’m not gonna let them hurt my sister again.” I should have guessed Jackson did the hitting. It’s his thing after all.
“Did it make you feel better … NO … you just have sore knuckles and you’ll have to pay for the damages.”
“So?”
“Ug … I forgot … you rich people never think about the cost … you can probably buy the whole damn hospital.”
“What would I do with a fucking hospital?” For someone with such a sharp brain, Jackson can sometimes be so clueless. Lee doesn’t answer him but just lets out a peeved grunt. I wonder how those two stay together in one house when they bicker all the time.
“Amigo … that means friend … so what Italian bastard’s BFF did we kill?” Enrique this time digresses … notably not in the mood for small-talk.
“Why do people always look at me when they ask things like that?” Jackson protests.
“Oh, I don’t know … maybe because you’re the one most likely to be a serial killer,” Enrique chuckles and his little laugh fills me with joy. All I want is for him to be happy … with me.
“At what stage do you reach serial?”
“Three,” Lee concludes quickly. How do they know all these stuff?
“Well, if we’re talking physically killed, I’m not serial yet … but if you go with theoretically, I’m way past three.” His tone is grave. Has he killed people? My heart jumps up as my throat tightens. Neither Lee nor Enrique responds … only silence fills the air and I can hear my own breathing. I’m starting to feel claustrophobic in an open space. Could Jackson be a murderer? Nah, he is not that crazy … is he? The soft ping of an incoming message breaks the quiet.
“It’s him again,” Jackson says, “I took Mel’s phone. I don’t want whoever this is to upset her. It’s not good for little Xamos,” he resumes, affectionately referring to Mel’s baby by his name. The grim divergence between his previous statement and the now adoring loving overtones in his voice just blows my mind. How can one go from ice cold to warmhearted in a split second?
“It says, mayday, mayday, the clock is ticking.” Strange message.
“It can’t be him,” Enrique sounds unsure, “we all saw his body.” I don’t know who he’s talking about, but I recon it’s the person who sent the message.
“Maybe it’s his ghost,” Lee giggles. Leave it to the psycho twin’s crazy roommate to make jokes at a time like this.
“I don’t believe in fucking ghosts.” And all Jackson’s previous warmness vanished. “They are all dead, that I’m sure of. All three of them. I was there when that prick breathed his last and went to hell. And I would like to believe that if a person dies, they’ll stay dead.” I’m so glad I didn’t fall in love with that twin … I would be a jittery anxious mess all the time. Don’t get me wrong … I like Jackson … but he’s just too complicated for me to understand, not to mention that he tends to bring the fear factor out in me.
“Okay, so unless hell suddenly got cable, it’s clear that spirits don’t send messages from beyond the grave … so who has his phone?” Lee again with one of his quirky little comments.
“A family member?” Enrique suggests and Jackson snorts.
“Our research showed they didn’t have any other family. But whoever has his phone must have been close enough to him to know about the ‘mayday’ messages.” Mayday messages. I lean my head a little to the side to be able to hear better.
“Close like a best friend? An amigo?” Amanda says.
“You know, for a cow with no brains you sure have some bright moments,” Lee sounds stunned.
“Yeah, I’m pretty good with thinking out plans and stuff.”
“Ug, I have a headache. I’m gonna get some coffee … you guys meet me outside when you’re done talking to the police,” Enrique sounds tired and my heart bleeds for him. I can help him. I know I can make him feel better. I just need him to take me back … without a contract this time. I’m so caught up in my thoughts that I don’t see him until he clears his throat right next to me.
“How long have you been here?” I push myself away from the wall and bite my lip. He still gives angry vibes; his voice harsh.
“Eh … I’m here … the nurse said the police … I must give my statement,” I stutter, being caught off guard. Is he angry at me? What did I do? I wring my hands anxiously.
“We need to talk.” Yes, I know. We can get back together. I’m too excited to answer so I just nod eagerly. His demeanor changes. I reach out my hand and take his, realizing that his hands are tense; clenched into tight fists. He pulls it slowly out of my grip to let it hang firmly against his sides. Heartbreak is written all over him and I feel out of sorts. His downhearted look makes me depressed. Isn’t he stirred to continue our relationship? To get me back? Isn’t that what he wanted just a few days ago?
“Enrique, I’ve heard … we can be a couple again,” I open up hoping he would reciprocate what I’m saying. His eyes are stiff and taut and watery. He, himself is rigid.
“Aria, I can’t … we … it’s over. It’s just not working for me … and anyway, you need to take care of Leyla. I’m sorry.” My heart shatters. He extends his hand as if to touch my face, but retracts it quickly. His eyes move to stare at the wall behind me.
“I’m really sorry,” his voice thick and hoarse. My eyes fill with tears. So this is it? He just used me. He never loved me. He blinks a few times and turns his head away.
“I’m going to be unavailable for a while. Good luck with Leyla’s transplant. I know it’s gonna be a success.” I can’t say anything cause of the lump in my throat. A vein is seriously jumping around in his neck. I want to shout at him, tell him how much I’m hurting … but I can just stand there with a dropped jaw, my mind a gooey mess.
“I’ll see you around.” I watch him walk away without looking back, and slide down the wall to a squat position – my arms hug around my legs, my butt just touching the floor. The tears stream freely down my face. Did he really feel nothing? I stare into the distance without seeing anything. I wish I never met him. I wish I never fell in love with a robot. But it’s my own fault … I knew he was heartless … a player … someone without feelings … I knew it all and I still let myself get attached. Stupid. Pathetic.
“Aria!” Mel shouts worriedly. I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting there, but when I look up the tears already dried on my cheeks and my legs are stiff and cramping with needles and pins.
I get up and am immediately grabbed into a tight hug.
“What’s wrong?” her voice a comforting whisper in my ear.
“Enrique … he doesn’t love me … and he’s leaving.” I manage to get it out. She pushes me away and look straight into my eyes. Hers look sad too. She shakes me like a rag doll, my head bobbing up and down.
“Aria, listen to me,” I bite my lip and try to focus on her, “Right now, we all need to do everything to stay safe. And more importantly … to keep the people we love the most away from danger. No matter how difficult it is.” I nod. That makes sense. “Those people from last night … they’re connected to Harry somehow. You know the man that almost killed us … that killed my dad?” I nod again. Yes, so I’ve overheard.
“Do you understand how serious this is?” Again I nod. “Okay, so Enrique has to keep you and your sister out of the mess since you can’t go anywhere. Understand?” She eyeballs me. I think I do. Another nod.
“Great. So just be patient and don’t lose faith … please. And you stay strong, okay? Don’t go overthinking things like you tend to do.”
I wipe the new onslaught of tears with my sleeves.
“Okay,” I sniff.
“Promise?” Her smile is now big and warm. She holds out her pinky. I lock my pinky with hers, smiling back.
“Promise.”
“Right. Now, I just came to say goodbye. I’m sorry I won’t be around for the transplant, but I’m sure it’s gonna work.” I frown.
“Where are you going?”
“Oh, yeah, I almost forgot why I came here,” her eyes grow huge and her fear is clearly visible inside, “Since they want me … AGAIN … I’m leaving with Damion and his family. I don’t know where we’re going yet, but I’ll contact you from my new phone.” She hugs me again.
“I wish you could go with us,” she snorts and then gives a hard sniff. “Anyway, Garcia organized some very special guards for you and Leyla. They’re Damion’s buddies. You’re gonna be fine … we all are. And the boys will find whoever this Old Man is … you’ll see.” My body feels cold and I start to shiver. What if they don’t? What if they hurt Leyla? Or torture us? Or kill Mel? She clings to me even tighter.
“Don’t overthink,” she whispers. I hate this telepathic power this family seems to have. “Stay safe, bitch. I’ll see you soon.” She lets go and waves sadly at me before she struts off. Tears wet my eyes again. To say I’ve reached rock bottom is an understatement. Another person I love dearly is walking away from me. I haven’t even comprehended the first loss, now I’m dealing with another one.
“Hey, Mel!” I shout with a shaky voice. She turns around. “Since I won’t see you … happy birthday … bitch! I’ll keep your present safe until you return.” A huge smile appears on her weeping face and she blows me a kiss. I form a little heart with my hands in front of my chest, and then I have to wipe the tears again.
I walk into the room and without looking at Lee or Jackson I fall onto a chair. I’m drained. These past few days just emptied me out.
“Hey, girl, are you alright?” Jackson asks and I look at his worried face. How can I be okay? I’m laying at the bottom of an endless pit, looking up. Leyla gets one last chance … what if it doesn’t work. Enrique doesn’t want me. Mel is flying away. Someone wants to kill all of us. Will things ever get better? At least they can’t get much worse. No … I’m not going to think like this. I promised my best friend. I’m strong enough to get up and fight. Fight for the people I love.
“No,” I answer truthfully and wipe the last tears away, “but I will be.” I lean my head back and close my eyes. But Jackson, in an instance, loses his sympathy and won’t let me rest.
“Great, now we need to figure out what we’re gonna tell the cops.”