Middle of Everything

CHAPTER 17 : Orange Light

I've been talking to this stranger hoping he can hear me but I can't blame him for not seeing or hearing me. Today after Parisa heard about those smoke that is looking for her. I've been really careful about keeping an eye on her. If Alex isn't around to protect her then I will do my best to protect her from those smoke. Alex can't see them all the time but I am already a soul so I guess maybe I can see them. But today while waiting for Parisa buying some stuff she needed. I visited the coffee shop where I met Cedric. 

I am thinking if Cedric knows about the smoke and he can see me then maybe he can tell me why those smoke wanted to take Parisa. The shop isn't that far from where Parisa is buying so I am not worried about forgetting her and for some time I able to find her light so I don't get lost finding her. All I need is to remember her name all the time so if ever I get a little bit far I know when to get back. But this day seems no luck. Parisa does not like going out all the time. Five days had passed and this is the only day Parisa decided to go back to this mall. I am worried that I can no longer get the chance to talk and find an answer to Cedric.

Then I saw her the kid with the orange light again. The kid who is at my burial. She is seating alone next to the window. Looking far away. Now to think of it as I glance closely to her, I finally get a glimpse of her face. I was shocked at what I saw. My body shook as I stand and slowly try to get close to her. My eyes are starting to fill with tears. I can't believe what my eyes are seeing right now. Her light is still free flowing and as I try to touch it, she then felt my presence and look at me, she is surprised and stunned to see me.

"It's been a while, I miss you," I said and held her in my arms. "Aerie!"

Losing someone is the most painful experience of any human could ever felt. It is like giving away the most precious thing you kept for a very long time. And also dying unexpectedly seems to cliché but I guess it runs in the family. 

Aerie and I died the same way. It is from an accident and it's all my fault. 

One of my regrets that I wish I never did is letting her ride the car that rainy day. Aerie is sick since she was born. She inherits our mother genetics and was born with a case of cancer in her brain. Yet even though she has those condition you will never see her sad. She is a strong girl and that is why we are confident that she will get through this condition. But as everything is turning as we're wishing. That day took her. One rainy day of March. 

That day I just graduated primary school and there will be an overnight party in the next town at my friend's house. I insisted my dad, to let me use his car. At first, he wouldn't agree because he worries a lot but after trying a couple of times he finally let me but first, he gave me some chores to do before living. And those chores are buying stuff for uncle and dad's night out.

"Can I come?" Aerie said while pulling the side of my shirt. "You always said you will drove me to town but you always broke your promise. John already took me with his bike around the park which he promises a long time ago-"

"uh, wait, I think he just promises that yesterday." I laughed.

"Not funny! My point is he made his promise and you didn't." She let go of my shirt and sigh really deep. "I know you help me go to Doctor Cheska but that doesn't count!"

"Dad doesn't want you riding cars with me."

"And why?" now she is annoyed but she tries not to show it, she sighs again and look at me with her teary eyes. "Oh, please brother promise after this I won't bother you when you are reading your books and when you are writing or doing other stuff."

"Come on just let him come," John replied coming from the kitchen and gave me the list that dad told me to buy.

"You too?" I said. "I'll be dead if I let Aerie come with me."

"I won't tell." John smirk.

"He won't tell see!" Aerie insisted.

"Okay! Just don't ever tell this to Dad or Mom."

"Promise!" John and Aerie said in unison.

I wish I could turn back time because after that tragic event I stop seating on the drivers' seats or the front seat. Because sitting on that part makes me feel every single moment of that accident. I can still remember it on repeat and watch my little sister dies in my arms and can't do anything but to cry.

As we drove on our way to the shop. I decided to turn onto other direction and tour her around town. I reach the first street where I first lost my way home and forgot to bring any money for me to take a ride home. 

Aerie laugh as I told her that story. She was seated next to me and watch every building that we pass by. She hums her favorite tune and points everything she sees on the road. The rain is pouring really hard that day. It is supposed to be sunny according to the forecast but I guess they were wrong. Aerie, on the other hand, doesn't mind the rain. She was just enjoying that moment. Then we reach the intersection of that street. 5 minutes. That is all it takes to capture that moment. Just like what happened to me. Aerie also experiences it. We are laughing at the first minute. She hums on the second and third then on the fourth we heard a screech of a wheel trying to stop but it was too late as the truck hits us. The last minute is a mere slow motion of the crash. A deafening experience where I cry really hard as I try to hold my sister away from the crash. She was covered in blood. Her white dress is now turning red. The crowd is rushing as they try to check the accident. The noise is loud but all I can think about is my sister. I waited for her to open her eyes and tell me she is all fine but that day she never did. And now seeing her in front of me, I can't control myself but cry. I am happy to see her but in pain to know she is also like me. As my tears fall I realized that it is also starting to rain outside.

I try not to let go for a couple of second as I hug her but then she pushed me and let go. My body felt the struck of pain as I heard what she replied.

"Who are you?"