The Red String Of Fate

Chapter 2

Nefarious (adj)

wicked, villainous, despicable

                            H I R A E T H                    A Q U I V E R

I was expelled again. I guess they got tired of me. I would too, if I was them. I lay at my bed staring at the ceiling. The planets that hung from the ceiling went round and round and round and round.

I wonder what it's like to be one of them? To just turn and turn. To just float serenely without a cause. To just lay there, peacefully.

I bet my family's tired of me too. Who wouldn't? Everyone leaves me at some point.

There was a shout from the living room. My parents were fighting again. It was a daily occurrence that happened ever since I was born.

"He's just a child! He can't fend for his own!" came my mother's distraught cry.

"I don't care! I'll send him off to- " a loud sound prevented me from hearing my father's next words.

I heard a slam of the door and my mother's sobs. I buried my face at my pillow, engulfing it's flowery scent. It smells like daises and roses. The childhood I never known.

My mother's sobs went on for minutes. I learned that everytime this happens, it's best to ignore this. My father's probably drinking his ass off. Bastard.

I examined the red string tied to my pinky. The only consolation I have. The person on the other side can either end my painful existence or give me happiness.

Either way, it's a win-win for me. I long to meet this mysterious person. The light to my dark tunnel.

The sobbing stopped then I heard heavy footsteps climbing the stairs. The door opened.

"What are you doing?" asked my mother, her voice was weak from all the sobbing.

My parents know about the red string of fate but they don't know I have it. I intend to keep it that way.

"Nothing mom, just contemplating on all the wrong things I have done," I said, trying to sound like I mean it.

"You better do," she went towards me and sat on my bed, "your father and I have been thinking..."

More like arguing. "We're sending you to a new school," she said, I looked at her pale face, she looks paler than she's ever been.

"What school?" I asked, pretending to sound interested even though we both know its the last thing I'll ever be interested in,"it's in New York."

"New York?" I repeated, New York? How?!

She managed a weak smile of her own, "yes, Hiraeth, New York, you're going to study in New York," she said, her eyes were misty and far away, like she's looking at something unattainable.

Is this what mom and dad have been arguing about? My mind wants to find a rational reason why but my heart wants to believe her blindly.

I said nothing but smiled guiltily at her. I just got expelled and this is what they give me? This doesn't make sense.

She looked at me and rolled her eyes, "you're leaving tomorrow so you might wanna pack now," her smile faded.

"Tomorrow?" my eyes widened. I looked at her straight in the eye.

"Yes, tomorrow," she stood up and left me sitting there thinking about the words she left unsaid.

                                                 ~∆~

I looked at my messy over packed bag. Complete with food, clothes, toys, and pictures. I would pack my own room if I could.

The door open again but instead of my mother it was my father's stern face that appeared. He entered the room and examined my work.

He said with a grunt, "make it neater," then turned to me,"here, it's your documents and passport, don't lose it."

He reeked of alcohol and cigarettes like he did in most nights, "you better not mess this up or you're on your own," he said sternly, his grey eyes cut through me, as if he was searching something.

"Yes sir," I said, staring at him back. We stayed there for a few moments before he snorted and left.

I sighed, feeling older than I am now. My precious father, always such a cupcake, brings joy to the family.

I stared blankly at the wall. I guess I should say my goodbyes now. I run down the stairs and went out of the house.

I head toward Kayo's house. My mind was soaring at the sky. A chance to start again and escape this small town. This is my chance to leave everything and finally be free.

I knocked on her door and waited. Kayo's parents opened the door. Her father stared at me, "who are you?" he asked, "I'm Kayo's friend. I just came here to say goodbye." I replied politely.

Her mother squinted at me and scoffed disapprovingly at my outfit, "why? Where are you going?" she asked me suspiciously, "to New York, I'm leaving," her parents exchanged looks.

"New York? Aren't you the boy who got expelled?" her father asked in disbelief.

I forcefully smiled at him, "yes sir, I am that boy."

For a few moments we stood there in silence, staring at each other.

Her mother broke the silence first, " Kayo!" she screeched, "someone's here to say goodbye."

"Coming mom!" Kayo appeared a few minutes after.

She looked at me and froze. She looked at her parents and gave them a look. Her mother was the first to leave and her father followed after giving me a last withering glare.

She turned to me, "why are you here?" she asked, annoyed.

She probably haven't forgiven me yet, "to say goodbye," I said.

"Bye," she turned her heel and closed the door at my face.

Next destination, Derrick's place.

Derrick's house was the street opposite of her. Which was lucky because it was getting pretty late and dark here.

I walked slowly to Derrick's house, disappointed in Kayo's rejection. I was trudging slowly at his lawn then the door opened suddenly, revealing a crying blonde girl wearing very revealing clothes.

She ran past me and I stood there dumbfounded. Derrick appeared a moment later and sat on the porch.

For a minute, he didn't notice me and when he did he nearly fell off.

"Holy shit man, what the hell are you doing here?" he looked at me, bewildered.

"Oh nothing," I trailed off and pinned my eyes to the ground, "who was that girl?" I asked and lifted my eyes to him.

He looked nervous and tired. He turned away, embarrassed, "someone... unimportant," I understood immediately that he did not want to talk about it.

It was the way our friendship worked. We hangout daily, we play games together, we laughed together but we never dwelve into each other's personal lives.

"Sooo.... what are you doing here?" he asked, finally looking at me, "I just came to say goodbye," I said, looking somewhat awkward.

He looked at me confused, "what? Where?" I smiled at him and tried to say in a casual manner, "New York," I tried not to laugh at his expression.

"New York?" his eyes widened in excitement, "New York!" he repeated, "you got it big time, man, maybe I should get expelled too," he said, jokingly.

"Whatever man, anyway bye," I waved at him lazily and started walking away, "bye!" he called out, "don't forget to bring me presents when you come back!" I stopped, shocked. He expected that I'll  comeback?

"Yeah sure!" I turned my head and gave him a smile, the best smile that I can give. He chuckled and closed the door behind me.

I laughed hollowly, knowing that I'll never return.