GARDEN OF MEMORY

CHAPTER 03

KHALIL

I felt guilty about what I had done earlier. I could see the worry on Rose's face, but I had to do it. I didn't want to get hurt again, not again.

I went back to my library room and continued reading. I was so absorbed in my book that I didn't realize it was already night. I went downstairs to get something to eat.

"Khalil!" a deep voice called from the darkest room, my dad's room.

"Da-d?" I looked at my dad from afar and slowly approached him. I was nervous because my dad was a quiet but strict father.

"We need to leave this country. I already booked our flight."

"Us? But Dad, what about Kuya? We haven't found him yet."-Yes, I have a brother. The reason we built this castle was to have a place to stay while we searched for him. Kuya left a long time ago when we were still in California. We had no idea where he went. Someone told us he was here in the Philippines, so we immediately came here. But we've been searching for him for the past 10 years.

Since we've been here, Dad hasn't allowed me to mention that I have a brother. He didn't want everyone to know that we were searching for him and that Kuya might find out we were following him. I was afraid too, so I told everyone I met that I was an only child.

"He knows we're here. I talked to him yesterday. He's fine, and we don't have to worry anymore. You have school tomorrow; that's why I'm rushing you. I don't want your studies to be affected by this stupid search for your brother." My dad's voice was filled with anger. I didn't say anything.

"I gave him this address so he can stay here if he wants to."-Even though he was angry, nothing could compare to my dad's love for Kuya.

Our maids were packing our things, leaving nothing behind. I quickly looked around the castle one last time, admiring the beautiful flowers in our garden. I told my dad that I had to go somewhere for a bit.

I arrived at the spot where Rose and I were talking. I was looking for my handkerchief but couldn't find it. I guess the people visiting our garden must have taken it.

I took a piece of paper and wrote what I needed to write for Rose. I put it in a bottle with a rose inside, closed the bottle, and placed it where she had laid down her small blanket. I buried the bottle and put a large stone on top of it.

"I'll be back, Rose," I whispered to the air and left.

ROSE

BEEP!!!

A BMW almost hit me. Was the driver stupid? He knew someone was going to cross.

I immediately went up to him. "Hey, you! Are you blind?" I hit his BMW. I didn't care if it was expensive; I just wanted to talk to the driver.

"You know I was going to cross; why did you even drive through?" I asked directly, with anger in my voice.

"Yes, Miss?" I was surprised by his face because he looked like Khalil. Wait, why am I thinking about Khalil? "Hey, old man!" I glared at him with my fiery, angry eyes.

"Old man? That's harsh; I'm only 25," he pouted at me, like a child who was being sulked at. I didn't even know him.

"Excuse me, I'm 19. You're still older." I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes at him.

I was surprised when he handed me a credit card. He was really testing my patience.

"That's what you rich people do; you use money for everything. Sorry, I won't accept your bribe!" I hit his BMW again and left because I was so angry.

"What does he think I am, someone who can be bought? So annoying!!" I kicked a trash can I passed by because of my anger and frustration.

Before going home, I stopped by a coffee shop to rest and relax because of what happened earlier. I knew my head was going to explode. I didn't have a choice; it was the nearest place, and it looked nice.

I called a waiter and was surprised when he handed me a green tea. "Uh, hey, I haven't ordered yet?"

"It's for you, ma'am. We don't have any other customers here. We just opened, ma'am," the waiter said with a smile, placing a green tea and a chiffon cake in the table.

I looked around and was surprised because the waiter was right-I was the only customer. I felt scared.

"Rose, take a deep breath. Maybe it's free because I'm the first customer." I gaslighted myself because I was scared that someone was following me or that this coffee shop was haunted.

I didn't eat or drink it. I left quickly, afraid that they might have put poison or sleeping pills in it.

"Ma'am? Your food." A waiter called out to me, but I didn't look back because of the fear I felt.

I was already outside the coffee shop and quickly called a Grab taxi because I didn't know what to do. My heart was beating so fast. It beat even faster when someone suddenly grabbed my shoulder.

"Miss Sungit..." I heard a deep voice behind me. I felt my knees tremble, like they were about to give way.

I slowly turned around."You again!" The person who grabbed my shoulder was the same guy I had argued with who was driving the BMW-THE ARROGANT GUY IN THE BMW.

He was wearing a black plain shirt with matching black pants, and he was wearing a mask and a cap. Even though he was covered up, I recognized him immediately because of his necklace with the letter "K."

"Did I scare you?" His voice sounded like he was worried.

I raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I wouldn't be scared of what you're wearing?"

"Damn, how did you recognize me so fast?" I could see the amazement in his eyes.

"Of course, who could forget the person who almost hit me?" I rolled my eyes at him and turned away.

The taxi I called arrived, and I immediately got in without looking back at him.

"Miss Sungit..." That was the last thing I heard from him before I closed the taxi door. I wasn't going to waste any more time on him; he was just a bad stranger.