It Begins From Where It Ended

Chapter 1

"Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on. You got the healing that I want. Just like they say--" I hit the dismiss bottom on my phone and suddenly sit up. This Marvin Gaye by Charlie Puth is now my favourite song. Honestly, I like the melody so much. It always cheers me up so it's definitely my morning alarm clock.

The sun shined through the curtain and into my room. To me, the sunshine is the biggest peeping Tom in the world. Why would he like to watch me sleep ? I'm like hmm...I've never thought of watching anyone sleeping. Isn't that weird and creepy. Speaking of this, last time Dennis showed me a song called "I Like to Watch You Sleep" something like that by a boy band, Union J. I really did freak out. Only by hearing the name of the song, I feel like something is crawling up my spine. Eww...I'd better cut off my mind before I can even have mood for breakfast.

After I wash up and get downstairs, Dennis, my elder brother, has already sat by the dining table. Dennis is not only my best friend but also my angel. He's like my own private guardian. I know that many people don't like to be in the spotlight of their families but I feel blessed to have a caring big brother. Well...he is only a year older than me.

Dennis passed me a bowl of cereal, snapping out my thought. We have two bowls of cereal as our breakfast everyday. It's "We have two", so technically, each of us have just a bowl. Okay, and a glass of milk which we pour into the bowl. Seriously, I don't really need to explain how I eat my breakfast, do I ?

"Hey, Mum !" I greet as I see her walking down the stairs.
"Hmm...Kloomornn..." Dennis chimes in.
Mum rolls her eyes, "Morning, kids. And please, Dennis. How many times do I need to tell you not to talk when you are drinking ? People won't understand what you're trying to say."
"He said good morning."
"I totally understand that." Mum says.
Dennis shrugs, "So why can't I ? See, you TOTALLY understand."
Mum sighs patting his back and nodding to me before she leaves. "Are you gonna say good night if now it's morning ? Well...have a nice day, boys."

My Mum works in a flower shop in town. She said she loved this job as much as she loved flowers. Not me. I don't like flowers. I don't like them because I don't like butterflies. I also think it's safer for me to be in the dark alone because sometimes I don't like lights. I don't like them because I don't like moths. Bugs, bees, owls, cockroaches, ghosts, and monsters are okay for me. But butterflies and moths ? They are NO WAY ! So...I seldom visit Mum at her workplace and Dennis seldom do that, either. I'm not sure if he doesn't like butterflies but I'm sure he is lazy.

About my Dad, he passed away in a car crash when I was six. He was too drunk to drive home then. The policeman told us that he crashed into a deserted building and died instantly. To me, he is forever thirty with that big sunshine smile on his face. He will always be so young and so handsome. Yes, I'm currently indicating that Mum isn't that young and beautiful anymore. Don't tell her or she might be pissed off. The truth is ugly but it is the truth. She's not a monster and she is ageing every single day. Whatever.

"You're good ?" Dennis asks me as I buckle up my seatbelt.
He asks me the same question like everyday or maybe he doesn't know what to say to me so he asks me that.
I smile back, "I'm good. Pretty good."
He nods. "So there's a hmm...how to say that, party. Yes, a house party in Diana's house. You should come with me."
This isn't the first time that my brother is trying to lure me out. He wants me to get to know more people and be like a normal teenager. I totally agree this point. And I'm totally grateful that he never really says to me about being a high school student. He knows that I'm progressing. He knows that I'm getting well. Have some patience and I'll be back to normal very soon. But I think I need to go slow, step by step. I've just forced myself to talk with people at school. I don't think I can get into a house party and act buddy-buddy with everyone.
I hold up a hand, "No thanks. Honey, I'm good." And I start to sing before he can try to persuade or summon me. "Na na honey, I'm good. I could have another but I probably should not. I've got somebody at home and if I stay I might not leave alone..."
"Fine. Fine." Dennis manages to speak over my notes. I'm glad that he finally surrenders, but before I can start to be happy, he adds, "I'll invite you again after class. It's an invitation. People love you. If you don't come, you'll regret it."
Oh. Tough love from your sibling. A pure kindness with threat.