The Choice I Made

CHAPTER IV: Smoggy Memory Lane

I wake up to a gloomy Tuesday morning. I reach out for my phone and check the time. It's already nine o'clock. I look around the room and see my netbook left open and the battery drained. The 'vivid' dreams from last night flashed back in my mind. No. It felt so real that it could impossibly be a dream. It's a memory.

One name kept me staring at an empty space. Shane. Just at the mention of his name stirs a feeling of familiarity inside me. I have a brother. But, where is he? Why haven't I seen him around? Why no one has mentioned him, even Dad or Mom? Even Eric? I scanned through every bit of memory I have, but nothing's coming out. They are all but blurry images. Why can't I remember anything?

My train of thoughts was cut by the ringing of my phone. Eric. I hesitated answering at first because he might notice that something's bothering me. As troubled as I was, I decided not to ask anyone about it and figure out the mystery by myself.

"Sam, it's past the breakfast time. Are you still sleeping?"

"I just woke up. Sorry."

"No, it's fine. Do you want me to take your breakfast in your room?"

"No, no. I'll just go downstairs."

"Alright then." Then the dial tone clicked.

I got up from bed and washed my face. I headed to the hotel's dining area with a gloomy feeling.

Eric waved as soon as he spotted me. I sat across him and devoured the breakfast in front of me.

"Had a good sleep?"

"A bit. The time difference is still hard getting used to," I replied realizing a bit late that my voice made it so obvious that something's wrong with me.

"Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good," I avoided his gaze and just continued poking the pancakes.

He was still staring at me when I looked up but I guess, he dropped whatever is on his mind because he said, "You only have one schedule today. A story conference for the CF of Kolon sports in the afternoon."

I just nodded at him and continued eating my breakfast. Thanks to my schedule, my mind will get occupied. At least for the whole afternoon.

I was alone in my room the whole morning. I've got nothing to do so I switched on my netbook and opened my most trustworthy browser. I typed my name and clicked search. I clicked the first link that appeared and read my own biography--the biography known to the public. There's nothing about Shane. I clicked for more links but nothing about me having a brother. I tried searching the news archives and found one interesting article dated April 19, 2008. I was about to click the link when I heard my alarm ringing. Time to take a shower. I closed all the tabs but bookmarked the news article. I'll read you later tonight.

The shower was as refreshing as I expected. After prepping up, I proceeded to the lounge where Eric is waiting.

"Where are we going?"

"At SM building. The story conference will be held there."

We took the elevator towards the parking lot. Eric turned to me when he noticed that I kept following him.

"Aren't you going to drive your Porsche?"

"No, I'm letting him rest."

"Hahaha! You're the only person I know who treats her car like a person." He's spazzing from laughter. No one was around because Eric told the team to rest. The story conference isn't that of a big deal anyway. Belle was also extremely tired that she has been sleeping for sixteen hours already.