The Forgotten

The Forgotten (7)

I woke up as the light streamed into the room through the gap in the curtains. My eyes widened as I saw Marcus still sitting on a chair next to my bed. He was sleeping peacefully so I quietly crawled out of bed and walked to the shower. I washed my hair thoroughly as it stunk of salt and there was still some sand in it. It took a while but once I was confident that it was all gone; I dried off and got dressed.

I walked back into the room and giggle at Marcus who was sleeping with his mouth open. I quickly took a picture of him and then he started to stir. He rolled completely off the chair and fell onto the floor. I burst out laughing as he squinted up at me.“You look so funny when you sleep!” I exclaimed grinning down at him. He glared at me but quickly got up and walked to the bathroom. “Hurry up dude; I’m hungry!” I called out to him. I could hear him mumbling about me being an ungrateful bitch and I grinned.

We walked into the dining room and I sat down next to Lia. “Are you okay Ness?” She asked. “I’m fine; stop worrying.” I replied before digging into my waffles and bacon. She was still watching me. “Eat something Lia.” I told her. She picked up her slice of toast and took a small bite of it. “Since you are teaching me how to swim properly today, I am personally going to ensure that you eat properly.” I told her. She looked shocked but then her face softened into a smile. I picked up her plate and put on two waffles and a piece of bacon. “I don’t care how long it takes; you are going to sit and finish everything that is on that plate.” I told her. She stared at the plate and then back to me. “Do you know how fatty all of this is?” She hissed. “Does it look like I care how fatty it is?” I countered and Lia sighed before picking up a waffle. I smiled. I’m not going to let one of my friends waste away.

We walked down to the meeting room and Isaac looked so depressed. I know this may sound weird but I was so happy when I saw him like that. He was too happy with making us suffer and it pissed me off. “I’m very disappointed with you guys. I was not best pleased to hear that someone almost drowned yesterday and then I had to deal with a whole load of angry complaints from parents. You need to be more careful.” He informed us. I felt really guilty at that moment. Everyone was getting in trouble because of me.

*Marcus’ P.O.V*

I looked over towards Vanessa and saw her eyes downcast. She was obviously thinking that it was her fault. That made me feel even more guilty. I had almost killed her yesterday. I needed to go and comfort her. “Today you will be spending quality time with your partner. You will tell them a secret that nobody else knows.” Isaac told us. “You may go anywhere except for the beach. Do I make myself clear?” He informed us. There was a collective groan and everyone reluctantly agreed. If possible, I saw Vanessa sink further down in her chair.

We walked out of the meeting room and I caught up with Vanessa outside of our room. “You have no reason to feel guilty. It wasn’t your fault.” I whispered in her ear and she jumped. “Marcus, you have to stop creeping up on me!” She exclaimed as she walked into our room. “Sorry but you look so sad and I know you’re feeling guilty but it was my fault.” I told her. “I should’ve told you that I can’t swim though. You can’t blame yourself.” She whispered to me. “That’s not an excuse. I shouldn’t have thrown you in. Period.” I argued. She looked at me and probably saw the determined look in my face and she didn’t argue.

“Do you wanna stay here or do you wanna go somewhere?” She asked me. “Let’s go to the cafe.” He told me. We walked down past the beach to a cosy cafe. We ordered two caramel frappuccinos. He pulled me towards a booth. “I’m really sorry about yesterday.” I whispered. “It’s no big deal Marcus.” She insisted. “It is a big deal.” I said. “My mother drowned when I was nine years old. My dad completely broke down and then went out drinking every night. When he came, he would beat the shit out of me and my sister. It was the worst torture. I was scared that he would kill us. The reason my mum drowned was that I disobeyed her and went to swim in the sea. I got taken out by the tide and then she tried to save me but ended up drowning instead. I tried to save her. I tried so hard but I couldn’t support both our weights without sinking.” I told her quietly and she placed her hand over mine. “My dad blamed me and couldn’t face me being unharmed so that’s why I was abused. My sister was involved because she would always try to protect me. I was so happy when my sister graduated from uni and got a job because that was the day I moved out from that house. I didn’t want to feel guilty anymore but my father drunk himself to death from the loss of his family. Both of my parents are dead and it’s all my fault.” I told her and the tears that I had been holding back for a while streamed down my cheeks.

*Vanessa’s P.O.V*

To say I was uncomfortable would be an understatement. Where was the cocky, flirty and arrogant Marcus? I didn’t like this emotional one. He scared me. He was trembling as the emotions overwhelmed him. I was so shit at comforting people. I used to be really good with it but I lost my compassionate side a long time ago. I looked at Marcus bawling his eyes out and I felt my heart melt. I walked around to his side of the booth and pulled him into my ‘care bear’ hugs. That’s why my dad calls me that. I love that nickname.

After a while, he started to calm down and regain his composure. “Sorry about that.” He told me quickly. “You have nothing to be sorry about... except maybe from keeping me from my frappuccino but that is it” I replied trying to cheer him up. It succeeded and he gave me a slight smirk. I walked round to my seat and then sipped at my beverage. “You need to forgive.” I whispered. His head snapped up at that. “What did you say?” He asked. “You need to forgive; your dad, your mum and finally yourself.” I replied. “My mum? She needs to forgive me not the other way round.” He told me confused. I smiled a small smile.

“I know you’re a bit angry that she left you. If she didn’t leave, you wouldn’t feel so guilty and your dad would still be the loving dad you once had. I know how you feel; trust me. Forgive your dad because even though he did all those things to you, he loved you and love can make you do crazy things. He loved your mum so much that it blinded him from the truth – he needed to care for you more than ever. Forgive him so that he doesn’t rule over your life. Finally, you need to forgive yourself because you will kill yourself with all that hate in you. Their deaths weren’t your fault. If God believed that they were needed on this earth, they would be still here. They had more important jobs to do up there so stop blaming yourself. Once you do all of that; visit them and tell them what you weren’t able to say.” I finished and Marcus just stared at me.

He was just sipping at his frappuccino probably thinking about what I just said but I was getting really bored. “I’m gonna head back to the hotel and give you some space.” I told him before walking out of the cafe. I was halfway there but Marcus caught up to me. “You’re so evil. You did that so I would have to pay for your frappuccino too!” He exclaimed pretending to be pissed. I smirked and winked at him. “I’m surprised you caught on.” I joked. “So what’s your secret?” He asked. “There are only two males on this earth that I can trust.” I told him seriously.

“Why won’t you tell me who they are?” He whined. “I don’t want to.” I snapped. We were still standing in the same spot and I was getting pissed off. “I want to know.” He carried on. “I’ll tell you. One of them is my daddy and the second one is-” I stopped abruptly as a familiar person caught my eye. “Jason, is that you?” I said and Marcus looked beyond confused but the guy turned around and grinned at me. “Ness!” He exclaimed grinning. “Jay!” I squealed excitedly before running towards his outstretched arms.

So who is this Jay character? Who expected that about Marcus? Comment and vote please! Nana :)