Chasing Trails

Chapter 3: The Unlucky Bastard and A New Home

Thank you for reading <3 - Lela

     My body hurt all over. I remember slipping into the darkness. I guess I was just closing my eyes because my head hurts badly but I can still hear the sound of cars passing by. My eyes were heavy but I tried my best to open it. Everything was hazy but I can hear the screech of a car stopping by. There were hurried footsteps and I saw a tall figure peeking into our car. I was relieved when I saw someone and I just decided to shut my eyes. I am too tired, and I will just leave the responsibility of looking for help to the unknown figure.

**********

     The man wearing the blue ray-ban peered out of his window to see four more cars in front of him. There were orange cones and candy caned coloured tape further up the highway he was using that day. He gritted his teeth to suppress his anger, his ray ban slid slightly from his nose, revealing two pair of dreary eyes. He quitted smoking just two months ago, but his temper was still as wild as fire. Johan is an editor and as a self-proclaimed backbone of journalists in Pena Publications, his work must always finish on time. Most of what's published polished and perfect for the biggest newspaper in town had ran under the senior editor's nose before they got printed out. He was supposedly on time, but the accident slowed him down. It looked like someone's unfortunate black Proton Saga had crashed sideways into the road divider. Several policemen were in charge of documentation while another few traffic officers get in charge of keeping the road functioning smoothly.

     He was cranking up the car's AC when suddenly, his pursed lips formed into a straight line and curved upwards. He used his forefinger to push his ray-ban spectacle up onto his nose bridge. The anger in his eyes was replaced by a glint of cunningness. The traffic officer waved his red signal rod, asking the man to wheel in forward cautiously. Sweat trickled down his forehead, it was 9.00 a.m. in the morning but the heat was already testing his patience. Johan swiped his phone unlocked as he wheeled in. The lime coat clad police was waving using his free hand to ask Johan to move faster when the man peered out of his window again -this time with his phone in one hand. The was a snap of a camera and he received a jeer from the policeman from doing so but he didn't care. He licked his lips in contempt as he drove away from the scene; his head was planning a dramatic blog entry to lure in sensation crazed netizens, leaving a trail of smoke to the tragic scene.

**********

     I feel soft droplets of cold water trickling down my face.

     "Bunga, wake up, it's late! If you don't wake up now, you will miss Fajr prayer "

     There is another trickle of water and I was going to push Kakak away when I accidently breath in a droplet into my nose. My eyes widen and that strong sting wakes me up. Knowing that I am already late, I ignored the haunting dream I had and I quickly made my way to the toilet while ignoring Kakak who is giggling her head off. Nobody escapes a spray of water from Kakak when they are late for Fajr.

     It was 6.50 a.m. when I have done my prayer. I am folding my praying cloth when my mind goes into a spiral train of thoughts about the dream. When I first got out of the hospital, it played on repeat like a broken cassette whenever I sleep. I had my fair share of waking up in the middle of the night, crying because I missed Ibu so much. My eyes are welling up with tears again when Kakak peers into my room.

     "Dude, it's almost 7.00 and if you are not out in the living room, you will get an earful from Che        Mah."

     "I'm folding my stuff here. Don't call me dude, dude."

     "Fine, but be quick. Please, bro?"

     "Okay! I will be there before you say 'Che Mah' okay?"

     Kakak nods and left, her long black hair trails behind her. After five years of being pushed and pulled by close relatives, I asked to be transferred into an orphanage. Those who pushed claimed that I was an unnecessary burden and I believe that those who pulled saw me as the opportunity of claiming money from whatever Ibu had left me with. They tried to keep me with them, but I broke dishes, refused to eat, made trouble at school and fought with their children when they tried to bully me. They finally caved in after seeing me as a difficult child to raise. The first year of living at the orphanage isn't all that good, but I am a good girl most of the time. As long as I live by the rule, nobody tries to hover around me. Silence became my solace and I am friends with my privacy. Even when I speak, it's mostly with the staff and older people that are not annoying -Kakak is one of them. I am now 13 and I am grateful that I am still kicking and living.

*Author's Note*

Hey, it's Lela! How was the chapter?

Let me know in the comments! Kind, constructive criticism are welcomed <3

Please drop me a vote if you find the chapter interesting (^0^)/

I personally think it went on a bit vanilla so I might add a sprinkle of smoke and action later on.

Vocabulary:

Johan - This name is as common as the name 'John' in US/UK (I guess?). 'Johan' also literally translates to 'the champion'. Which explains his I-don't-want-to-lose/kiasu attitude.

See you in two weeks (^_<)

Love, - Lela.

*The media do not belong to me, all credits go to its rightful owner.  

© 2017 Lela Rentaka