When I arrived at the cemetery, the sun had not yet risen, and the breeze was still a bit chilly. According to some people, when there’s a cold breeze in the cemetery, spirits might be nearby. I used to be afraid to visit the cemetery, but not anymore. I only do it three times a year. Should I still waste time thinking about paranormal scenarios?
I opened my bag and took out the candle and lighter I brought. After lighting them all, I greeted Mom and Dad. For the last fourteen years, I have been asking them to forgive me for my past mistakes.
“Mom, Dad, good morning to you both. Are you together with Jane now? Please tell my daughter that I love her very much. I know you’ve already forgiven me, Mom and Dad, because I can feel it. I’m really sorry for the way I behaved in the past, for not listening to you and not taking your advice to heart. Dad, I also forgive you for slapping me before. I know you were hurt when you did that. I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you let me feel your presence? Did you think I was angry with both of you? That won’t happen because I love you both so much. And I know that only the two of you can love me unconditionally.”
“Mom, has Jane grown up? Is she already a young lady? I don’t even have a single picture of her. Am I as beautiful as she is, Mom? Please, let me feel your presence again; I miss all three of you so much. I promise I’ll fix our house so that you and Dad will have a place to come home to.”
“Jane, please take care of your grandma and grandpa, okay? And listen to what they tell you because it’s for your own good, my dear. I’m sorry if I can’t visit you often, please forgive your mother. Until now, I’m still hurting from losing you, do you know that? If only you were still alive, I’m sure you and Ameera would get along. Why did you leave me, baby? Do you know that you were the reason I managed to get through everything before? I wish you took me with you…”
“Don’t worry; once my employer’s daughter is okay, I’ll come back here, and I won’t care about what they say. I miss all three of you.”
“Jamie, please stop.”
I heard a voice speaking behind me, but I didn’t turn around. “Dad, can’t you please make your presence felt at home instead? You know I’m scared of ghosts.”
“Jamie, where have you been?” he asked.
I felt a shiver down my spine, especially when I felt his warm breath on my neck. When I heard his question again, I finally turned to face him.
I couldn’t forget his penetrating gaze that seemed to see into my soul whenever he looked at me. How could I forget that when I still have nightmares about his departure every night?
Fifteen years had passed, but my body still reacted the same way to the man standing before me. It was like we met again just yesterday.
“Brent…?” I called out his name, wanting to confront him, wanting to ask him, wanting to hurt him, but I couldn’t. I just remained in my spot, staring at him.
“Why did you only come back now?”
“I don’t know how to answer your questions. And I don’t even know if I have the right to ask you why you did that to me. All I know now is that we don’t have anything left to talk about.” My voice lacked any emotion as I replied.
“But Jamie, I want to explain-”
“Don’t, and please just leave.” I pleaded with him.
“Let’s talk, please.” He begged.
“Not now, Brent.” I told him before I turned around and hurriedly walked towards the motorcycle driver who was waiting for me. “What are you doing here?” I asked the man who was sitting beside me on the bus earlier and was now casually leaning on a coconut tree near the rented motorcycle. Did he follow me? I felt a bit scared and anxious because he might be a killer.
“I don’t know; my cousin just brought me here after he saw our picture on the bus. Wait, where are you going?”
He’s Brent’s cousin?
“Enough!”
When I found out they were cousins, that was the last straw. I hitched a ride on the motorcycle waiting for me and asked to be taken to the bus station.
“Ma’am, were you bothered by those two?” The driver probably noticed that I seemed afraid of those men.
“Not really, do you know them?”
“I only know Brent, Ma’am. Since he returned to Stonewick, almost all the girls here have been trying to get his attention. And now that his cousin is here, we’re at an even greater disadvantage. You saw that the guy is quite good-looking too.” The driver said.
So, the effect of men on women is still the same. I wanted to ask the driver if his wife is beautiful, but the bus was arriving, so I hailed it and quickly boarded. While on the bus, my mind was filled with questions. When did Brent come back to Stonewick? Did he ever look for me?
After returning from the province, I went straight to Khalifa Hotel. I planned to borrow the kids and take them to the Highlands if Samer agreed. I wanted Khaleel and Ameera to meet Groot. I texted Samer first, asking if I could come up to the higher floors. Instead of replying to my text, he called me.
“Sweetheart, wait for me in the lobby, okay?” he said on the other line.
Of course, I was puzzled as to why he called me sweetheart. Maybe I misheard him. Perhaps, what happened earlier at the cemetery had messed with my hearing. I was still at the entrance of Khalifa when I spotted Samer walking towards me. I frowned when I noticed his expression. Something wasn’t right, and I could tell from his face.
“Samer, what’s wrong?” I asked when we met in the middle. But I was already anxious. What if something happened to the twins?
“Jamie, forgive me for what I’m about to do,” he said, which confused me even more. What was Samer talking about, and I couldn’t understand him. Could he be on drugs too?
I became even more confused by what he did next. He suddenly hugged me tightly and kissed me on the lips. What’s happening? My eyes asked as he released my lips. His actions were surprising, and I wasn’t prepared for it, to be honest.