Cherry Bubblegum

i

Genevieve

Our old house suffocated me. Everywhere I turn memories of my little brother haunts me. From the stairs, where we used slide down with mattresses, the kitchen, where I'd cook him his favorite meals, the living area, where we used to watch action films, his room and my room where we used to have Nerf battles and wrestling matches and where I'd read him a new story, everywhere. Everywhere was tainted with his memories. It was like his ghost was always lurking in the corners of this house and it suffocated me. His death cut a deep wound in my heart and staying is like rubbing salt to my wounds.

So when my mother decided to leave our old house and stay at my grandparents home I immediately jumped in the opportunity. I wanted to take sometime to heal, I wanted my escape.

+++++++++

I watched my mother exchange pleasantries with my grandparents. It has been a while since we've visited them. It's different this time. This time we're here to stay.

"Oh Livia, it so good to have you here" my Gran gushed as she hugged my mother tightly.

Normally my mother would flinch from the contact but this time she hugged Gran tightly as if she was seeking her mother's comfort after a long and weary day.

"Maria, careful you might cut off Livia's circulation" Pops joked but he too joined the embrace.

"Thanks Ma," she whispered as Gran and Pops let go of her to look at me.

"Hello darling it's been a while" she smiled at me kindly as she opened her arms to me. I welcomed her embrace. She smelt like roses and I've always found that comforting. Pops ruffled my hair as I stepped out of her embrace.

"Look at you kiddo, all grown up." he smiled.

"You can go upstairs now Gen, your room has been set up by your grandfather already. You too, Livia." Gran said.

Pops and Gran lead us upstairs, I remember I had a room to myself whenever we stayed here. I wonder whether it would still look the same.

Pops went with my mom to assist her while Gran lead me to my old room. I recognized the weathered white door immediately and I stepped inside to find everything almost exactly the same. The midnight blue wall, the plastic stars in the ceiling and my drawings tacked to the wall behind my bed.

"We've kept all your drawings from all those time you visited us" Gran said with a smile.

"Thanks Gran it means a lot to me." I smiled at her and went to the small balcony in my room. The only difference now is the house at the empty lot beside ours. It was a one-storey house with a huge backyard. I heard giggling from the back and saw a little girl in a bright pink dress and colorful hat swinging.

"Higher Daddy" she laughed as her father pushed her a little higher. I felt a stab of pain in my heart as I remembered my own father and how close we used to be before everything fell apart. I was lost in my own thoughts that I didn't hear Gran come near me.

"That's Margaret and her father James" Gran pointed out.

"They moved in a year and a half ago with their other kid, Marco. They are such a happy family you know, despite everything." she continued

I turned to look at Gran my face must have said it all. What do you mean?

"Their kid Maggie has been diagnosed with leukemia. The poor kid underwent chemotherapy and lost her hair, thus the colorful hats. From what I know she's still fighting the battle."

I looked at Maggie and suddenly Gabriel's face came to mind. He would only be a few years older than her.

Gran smiled at me kindly "Come Gen you can unpack later, I'm sure you're starving and I've prepared you your favorite food"

I smiled back and turned to leave but not before on last glance on the laughing pair below.