Past Island: Regrets and Guilt (Past Series #1) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 2: Jax's Clumsiness

// Present //

Jaximux Collins sits alone in his dimly lit apartment, staring at a photograph of his brother, Ethan. The edges of the photo are worn from years of handling, a testament to the countless times Jax has held it, seeking solace or perhaps punishment. Despite the decade that has passed, he still can't find the closure he needs. Guilt gnaws at him relentlessly, whispering that he stole the life his brother might have had if he were still alive.

Gabi-gabi ay binabangungot pa rin siya ng nangyari. Para sa kanya ay hindi pa siya pinapatahimik ng kuya niya dahil matindi ang galit nito sa nangyari. Na baka hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin siya napapatawad nito, na kahit ano man ang ma-achieve niya sa buhay ay hinding-hindi siya papatahimikin ng aksidente na nagawa niya.

Jax stands up and walks to his small, cluttered kitchen. "Another night," he mutters to himself, reaching for a bottle of whiskey on the counter. "Another drink." He pours a generous amount into his glass and takes a long, slow sip, the burn of the alcohol a familiar comfort. As he drinks, his mind drifts back to the day his life changed forever.

-----------------------------------

// Flashback: The Accident //

Jax was only eight years old, eager to help his big brother Ethan with household chores. "Jax, ingat ka lang ha!" Ethan warned as Jax clumsily carried a bucket of water across the room.

"Kuya, ayos lang ako!" Jax insisted, determined to prove himself.

"Ay talaga lang ah, clumsy ka pa naman HAHAHAHAHA," Ethan teased, his laughter filling the room.

"OO KAYA HMMP!" Jax said, sticking out his tongue playfully and pretending to throw the water at Ethan. But as fate would have it, he tripped over the edge of the rug, spilling the water everywhere. "Sorry Kuya!" he added, tears welling up in his eyes.

"It's okay, Jax! Don't worry, kukuha nalang ako ng pamunas sa baba," Ethan said, trying to comfort his younger brother.

Jax watched in horror as the water seeped towards the frayed extension cord lying on the floor. "KUYAAAA!" he screamed, but it was too late. Ethan stepped into the water, and the room lit up with a blinding flash as the electricity surged through him. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, and Jax could only stand there, paralyzed by shock and guilt.

------------------------------------

// Present //

The memory of that day never fades. Jax finishes his drink and stares at the empty glass. Despite his success in business, the guilt has always been there, engraved at him. He tries to drown it with alcohol, but it never works. He knows that this successful life belongs to his brother, that life could have been this nice for Ethan. But this seemingly perfect life is a horror to Jax's existence.

His phone buzzes, breaking his thoughts. It's a message from Remy, his friend.

Remy: "Hey Jax, remember Past Island? Ready ka na? I need closure... and I think you do too."

Jax sighs, contemplating the idea. Remy had always been the dreamer among their group, always talking about the mystical island from his mother's stories. An island where you could meet the souls of the departed and find peace.

Could it really help? Jax thinks. Could facing those memories on Past Island finally give him the closure he desperately needs?

------------------------------------

// Flashback: The Funeral //

Standing by Ethan's grave, Jax felt the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. He had been the one to spill the water, the one who caused his brother's death. His parents tried to console him, but their words felt hollow. How could they understand? How could they forgive him when he couldn't forgive himself?

"Anak, it wasn't your fault," his mother said, her voice breaking. But he couldn't believe her. Only he knew that he didn't deserve forgiveness, that his parents only said those things so he wouldn't feel guilty anymore, but he knew for himself that they were deeply hurt by what happened.

He remembers the look on his father's face, a mix of grief and silent accusation. His father never said it outright, but Jax always felt that he blamed him for Ethan's death. Every accomplishment, every success felt tainted, as if it belonged to Ethan and not to him.

------------------------------------

// Present //

Jax makes up his mind. He picks up his phone and replies to Remy's message.

"Ready na ako," he says with determination.

As he sends the message, a flicker of hope ignites within him. Maybe this journey to Past Island, as fantastical as it sounds, could be the key to healing. If nothing else, it would be a chance to face his demons head-on, alongside his friends who were also haunted by their pasts.

He looks at Ethan's photo one last time before slipping it into his pocket. "I'm sorry, Kuya. I hope this can make things right."

With that, Jax begins to prepare for the journey ahead, ready to face whatever challenges Past Island has in store.

He starts packing his bag, taking only the essentials. Each item he packs feels like a step closer to redemption. He includes a notebook and a pen, thinking maybe he could jot down his thoughts and feelings during the journey, hoping it might help him process everything.

He also packs a small memento - a toy car that Ethan loved to play with. It was a gift from their parents on Ethan's sixth birthday. Jax feels a pang of guilt as he picks it up, but also a strange comfort. He tucks it carefully into his bag.

As the day of their departure nears, Jax can feel his anxiety mixing with a strange sense of excitement. This could be the turning point he's been waiting for.

He takes one last look around his apartment, making sure he hasn't forgotten anything. The place feels emptier than usual, as if it too is anticipating the journey. Jax locks the door and heads out, each step feeling heavier and lighter at the same time.

He arrives at the dock, where he sees Remy, Darren, Raiver, Killua and Ash waiting. Each of them carries their own burdens, their own reasons for taking this journey. They exchange nods and small smiles, a silent agreement that they're in this together.

"Ready?" Remy asks, his voice filled with determination.

"Ready," Jax replies, and together, they board the boat that will take them to Past Island, hoping to find the closure they all desperately seek.

§----------------§

Past Island: Regrets and Guilt

Written by: @Clintoooon_

DISCLAIMER : This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, place, or events and incidents are either the products of the author's imaginations or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblances to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

@All Rights Reserved. Clintoooon_. 2024.