Chloe: I'd recommend you spend more time with Barbara today.
Samuel: Why?
Chloe: You need some catching up to do.
Samuel: I mean... That's true, but why would you suddenly bring it up?
???: (Sobbing) Please... Wake up, Samuel... It has been too long...
Samuel: Huh?
Chloe: You are waking up now. This will be our final goodbye.
Samuel: What do you mean-
24th December 2015
7:06 a.m.
I opened my eyes and found myself off the bed. I lifted my head and looked over the bed to see Amna on the other side.
Amna: The next time you take this long to wake up, I'll be dumping a bucket of water over your head.
Samuel: That doesn't sound as bad.
Amna: Are you trying to provoke me?
Samuel: No, no... Anyways, good morning.
Amna: Good morning.
Samuel: Any updates?
Amna: Well, yes. The business called and wanted to know your opinion on making some purchases. Daniel called asking what time we would arrive at the party. Sarah called too to just tease you about her dress...
Samuel: All right... And what did you reply to Daniel's question with?
Amna: Five p.m.
Samuel: Perfect. In that case, you're dismissed for now. I'll get my work done and meet you at four.
Amna: Sure.
3:57 p.m.
I got ready and walked over to the living room where Amna was already waiting for me.
Amna: You're slow when it comes to getting dressed too?
Samuel: I still have the choice to leave you behind.
Amna: You wish. Barbara and Sarah are expecting me as I need to give a speech.
Samuel: A speech? Why didn't you tell me about it?
Amna: Just because I work for you, that doesn't mean I must give you every little detail about what I do...
Samuel: Ah, never mind... Let's go...
We walked to the car and as I looked back at the front doors, all the maids and guards stood there to give their farewells. I felt unsettled as it was the first time they ever did this and it reminded me of Chloe's last few words. I started to drive off, keeping an eye on the side mirror, and they didn't stop waving goodbye until they went out of sight.
It's not like I'm leaving home for good...
I looked over at Amna and she was looking out the window. For some reason, I started to feel fear in me. And that voice who told me to wake up... It can't be Amna... Why would Amna cry to wake me up? Could that just be me hearing someone's voice from when I fell unconscious? If so, it must be Sarah... Yes, I must've been right...
4:47 p.m.
We reached the event venue which was located over the tallest mountain in Kavnar. Amna immediately grabbed my hand and ran over to the railing to watch the view of the city. We waited there and pointed to areas that Fathima talked about or had visited. And despite telling Dan that we'd be there by five, we stayed out and watched the sunset behind the ocean.
We entered the venue at around six fifteen. Sarah stood inside near the entrance with a smile like the Grinch. I asked her what had gotten her to smile like that, to which she grabbed her phone and showed us her gallery.
Sarah: Aren't these cute?
There were around fifty photos of Amna and me on the side... Amna grabbed the phone from Sarah's hand and aggressively went through all of them.
Amna: None of these photos are even decent. The only good one is the one where the sun is right in front of us. Couldn't you have done a better job?
Sarah took her phone back and was defeated...
Sarah: (Talking with a faint voice) I'll be talking to Daniel... You two go have fun...
Sarah slowly walked away from us and Amna decided to follow her, which left me alone at the entrance. I took this as an opportunity to find Barbara and spend time with her.
I looked around the entire area and couldn't find her. I then asked some of the staff where she may be, but the unsureness from their answers made me not want to listen to them... I kept looking until I had no choice but to ask Dan. The problem with asking Dan was that he might have been drunk. Despite this, Dan was the one to approach me and wrapped his arm over my shoulders.
Daniel: A boozy day. Ain't it, Samuel!
Samuel: Do you mean 'busy'?
Daniel: You know what I mean!
Samuel: Yeah...
Daniel: (Moves his face directly in front of Samuel's) I heard, you are looking for Barbara.
Samuel: Yes, I am.
Daniel: Then why did you not- Why- Why didn't you come to me first?
Samuel: (Nervously answers) I couldn't find you and asked others while looking for you.
Daniel: You- You are cheating on me!
Samuel: Huh?
Daniel: You are a cheater!
I started to pray to God for help of any kind, and it didn't take long for my prayers to be answered.
Sarah slid her hands between Daniel and me and pushed him away, proceeding to grab his hair and force him to stay behind her.
Daniel: What did I do?!
Sarah: You better keep your mouth shut and apologize to everyone you've embarrassed.
Samuel: How much trouble did he cause...? I've never seen you this mad.
Sarah looked at me and her face turned red. She tried covering it with her other hand and said in a calmer tone...
Sarah: I'm sorry about Daniel.
Samuel: Don't worry, it's completely fine.
Sarah: And I'm also sorry that I yelled in front of you...
Samuel: That's fine as well. I got to see a side of you that I've seen before.
Sarah looked away and we stood still without saying a word... Just as I was about to ask Sarah about Barbara's whereabouts, Dan began to yell...
Daniel: The two of you get a room!
Sarah: (Kicks Daniel's leg) I'll lock you in a room till you forget what sunlight looks like!
Samuel: Anyways, as I was about to ask whether you know where Barbara is.
Sarah: Oh, she's outside, in the back garden. I think that she is on a call though.
Samuel: Finally... Thank you so much.
From there, I left the two and walked towards the garden.
Upon spotting Barbara, I stopped as she sounded frustrated.
Barbara: What do you mean you can't make it happen...? But you promised that you'd do it tonight...! I don't care if the football game is up, do your job, you idiot... You know what? You're fired... You asked for it...! No, I won't forgive you. Goodbye.
She hung up the phone with that and now I had to approach her...
YOU ARE READING
Life is a Deception (sample)
General FictionSamuel William, a man in his twenties who had lost his parents at a young age, had finally begun exploring life, which led him to experience a series of events built to awaken him. From the pain of his parent's death to the happy and melancholy new...
