Illusion

TWO

"Aren't you going home during weekends, darling?" Mom asked. She's helping me pack my things.

"I don't know mom. I still need to think a about that,"

"B-but how about Ashley?" I stopped upon hearing her name. Memories starts to flow on my mind again. My hands are trembling with the sudden mention of my twin's name. This is your effect on me. Even your name hurts me.

"I'm s-sorry Asher. I-if it's your decision then we'll let you," mom tried to sound cool but I know she was shocked too. I don't know if it's about her mentioning Ashley or my reaction towards her question.

"You done, girls?" I thanked Dad in my head for saving the awkwardness me and mom had. I closed my last bag and sighed. When I look at mommy, she smiled but I saw crystal tears in her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I'm too emotional," she laughed a bit but still, she sounds shaky.

"Don't worry too much, mommy. I will call you everyday," I said but I didn't mean it. Maybe it'll somehow calm her. They helped me carry my luggage to the cab waiting outside.

"We'll miss you bad, Asher."

"Yeah. You know this house feels cold when you're not around, come home whenever you want, okay? I will miss you," I nodded and slightly smiled at my mom. Dad's patting her shoulders while smiling sadly at me.

I know Dad. I'm sad too. Very sad. But I'll be more sad if I stay here a bit longer.

"I'm sorry but I'll go. Love you both," I kissed them both and hugged them before turning my back and slid my self on the cab.

When my parents are already out of my sight, I sighed. Tears escaped my eyes. I will miss them too. But I need to do this for Ashley... and for myself.

I nodded at my guide before entering the door of my new room here in the Academy.

There are two beds, two cabinets, two study table.

"Hi. You must be my new roommate?" A girl asked from behind. She smiled at me and extended her hands.

"Alec." I stilled for a second before I smiled back and took her hand.

"Asher." I simply added.

"Nice name," she commented then giggled. "I was so excited when Miss De Alba told me that you're arriving today. See? I even ditched," she laughed shyly.

I just smiled shyly too. I'm not really fond of talking to strangers. And in Alec's case, she's someone I just met... so... She's still a stranger to me.

"You're silent. Anyways, I understand if you still feel uncomfortable. Well, I talk too much so I probably crept you out,"

"That's fine. I just don't usually talk,"

Alec's lips formed an 'o'. "Your bed will be on the right," she said. I thanked her and went to my bed eight beside the window. She helped me fix my things.

It's 10 minutes before 6 so Alec invited me to the cafeteria. It's time for dinner already.

"I usually cook my food but I got lazy today. I enjoyed talking to you so I forgot about it too." She said as we're walking towards the cafeteria.

I stopped midway when I felt someone's watching me from behind. I roamed my eyes on the hallway we just passed but there's no one who looks suspicious or interested in me. Ah, assuming Asher is in the house.

"Asher come on. We'll run out of meal," Alec said so I hurriedly went to her direction. I saw Evan, one of my classmate on the table beside where Alec is.

"Hi Asher. Didn't know you're living in the dorm, too." He smiled.

"Actually, she's just new now if you don't mind, shall we go and---"

"Oh, sure baby. Eat well," he smirked at Alec then winked at me. Alec pulled me to the counter and ordered us food.

"That ass head really knew how to piss the shit out of me," She ranted. I don't understand which part did Evan pissed her.

"You two knew each other, don't you?" I asked out of curiosity. She rolled her eyes.

"Right! Unfortunately, he's my ex. We broke up last week and I'm sure he's fine with his new girl now. Very fine, actually! You know why we broke up? Well I caught that son of a bitch making out with my best friend. Yes, you heard me right. My bitch of a friend was making out with my boyfriend. Cool right? After giving me a good sex, he went to that bitch. Probably to compare who's fucking better. Now, I completely regret giving my V-card on that fucke--- oh, sorry I really talk too much." I only smiled. Well, that's gross but I think Alec's cool.

We ate our dinner in Alec's favorite spot. The food is delicious. It tastes like mom's.

"So Asher, why'd you decided to just stay in the dorm? Let me guess..." She leaned closer and smiled evilly at me. I'm lying on my bed and she's sitting beside me. Didn't she aware of private space? "You had a row with your parents?"

"Wrong guess," I simply answered still reading the book Athena, my cousin, gave me last Christmas. She sighed.

"What's your strand by the way?" She asked.

"STEM,"

"Can't you at least pretend that you're interested?" She sarcastically said.

"Oh, I am interested," I smiled sarcastically at her frustration. " STEM 12 - CLASS A. Happy now?"

"I'm a HUMSS student by the way," she said then went to her own bed. "We better sleep, we'll be early tomorrow and I have to cook for us. No need to go to the cafeteria and meet that annoying bastard," she said goodnight.

As Alec said, she cooked breakfast for us. Now I think I need to buy my share of groceries too.

"My class will start at 9:00 AM today. 'Bout you?" She asked after greeting me Goodmorning.

"8:00 AM. I'll go now, thanks for the breakfast, Alec." I smiled and went out. I walked on the hallways of the dormitory silently. When I was out, I felt the feeling of being watched again like last night. I glanced both side but I saw none. And when I decided to just continue walking, I immediately stopped. On the end of the pathway was a guy. Smiling ear to ear and looking at me.

Who the hell are you?