The Space Underwater

Chapter 1

Justin Ren Araneta

The phone rang noises as 5 kicked. I searched for my phone at the reading table before putting the noise off. I opened my eyes to see what time it is, checkinf it was 5, then I blankly stared at the ceiling. Glowing moon and stars are pasted on it, showing me a pleasant view. I grabbed the picture frame at the table and stared at my picture, beside me is my twin.

'Good morning bro. It's time to get up' I said as I raised myself to sit. I brushed my hair first, took the picture back, and stood to do some stretches. I really don't have an athletic body, nor a towering height. I am 5'4, visibly thin as stick and pale. As I looked to the mirror, I saw the traces of ribs at my chest, my swollen cheeks, and my pale pigment.

I walked silently at the corridor, since my dad hates noises, especially when he is asleep. While walking, I passed frames that holds a picture of my family. As I reached the double-connected stairs, I looked at the biggest picture frame there is in this house. It includes my father, mother, my twin, and me, nearly fading.

Fading? Yes. It was my 17th Birthday when my father came home, drunk. I was casually eating my cake at the kitchen, with my mom, then a noise came running through. As we arrived at the stairs, my father threw a wine bottle at the picture, directly hitting my face.

I touched the glass, rubbing my fingers on it. I bloomed a smile on my face then continued to walk at the corridor.

I reached a navy blue door, and with gentle, I opened it, avoiding any creaking. As I slowly closed the door, noises of machine greeted me.

'Hi bro' I greeted Jaxtin, who was sleeping so deep on his bed, pipes connected on him. I touched his face, stared at him for a minute, before kissing him on his cheek and forehead.

'How are you doing? Hm? Not going to answer again? That's unfair!' I shouted in a whispering way.

'You know the enrollment that I told you? At Bournemouth University? Guess what, I was accepted and I will start my studies there today. You dreamed of entering that school right? You always tell me back then, that no matter what it takes, You’ll be admitted there' I sat beside him and hugged him, laying my head on his shoulder, cupping his face using my hand.

'And so I did my best! And I now, I'll go there today. No, we'll go together. Wake up now, or I'll leave you alone. I know you don't want that' i mumbled some words before a tear fell down from my cheeks. I looked at him with complete awe as I touch his face again.

'Know what, you're really unfair. Even if you are playing dead, you still look good. I hate you for that. Ahaha' I laughed, expecting some laughs to join me as well. But, none.

I looked at the time and it was 5:40 already. 'Bro, I need to go now. Aww. Don't worry. Father we'll be here shortly' I bid farewell before leaving his room, still not making any noise.

I walked slowly and lean and saw that my parents door is still closed, I went to the kitchen and grabbed a pair of bread and some jam and some almond milk before heading to my room.

I opened my phone, surfed through it while munching the bread. I saw Anne, online already. I waved her first, then she greeted me with another one.

While chatting with Anne, I heard my parents door creak, and that is my 'go' signal. I ate the last part of the bread and gulped the milk fast and went to my bathroom to take a bath.

Soon, I was already wearing a navy blue hoodie, black pants and my bag. I slid my phone at my pocket and I opened the door, again in a slow manner. The lights at the living room are already up. Meaning, my mother is still sleeping while my Dad is surely, reading the newspaper.