BURNING RED

Chapter 5

DREAM

I woke up startled when I heard voices outside. I looked around and found myself still on the same spot. I groaned in pain when I stood up. I tried to reach for my back to massage it but I couldn't reach it.

I looked at the papers on the table and saw Alexander Lindsay's profile.

It had a red check on it and some date scribbled.

That date was my soon to be engagement party!

I walked out of my mother's room then ran to my room.

I dived to my bed and cried all night.

I needed someone to help me escape.

Escape this hell hole.

I woke up to the sound of laughter. I opened my eyes and found my Grandparents standing below my bed.

Without thinking I hurriedly threw myself to my Papa! How I missed them so much.

Papa hugged me back and it gave warmth to my frightened heart.

He whispered how much he loved and missed me. My tears started to fall. He caged my face with his big hands and tenderly smiled at me.

"Don't worry my dear Iona. We're here now. Nobody can hurt you." He wiped my tears and hugged me again.

I looked at my Mama who had a serene smile. Her face was glowing and eyes happy.

"Mama! I missed you so much! I thought you won't ever come back. I didn't know what to do."

"Like what I've said before my dear, just follow your heart. Even if the end result won't be good, you still tried. Fight for your happiness and be free. No one can lock you up and order you around. You have your own life to live. Use it to get what you want."

I hugged her tightly then kissed her cheeks. I looked into her eyes.

"I love you Mama."

"I love you Papa." Then back at him.

"And we love you too my dear Iona." They whispered then the room suddenly became pitched black.

I shouted when they let go of me. I scrambled off my bed and tried to catch up with them. I couldn't see anything! I ran and ran..

I shouted their names some more until I ran out of breath and strength that I fell flat on the floor.

With my shaking hands I got up and curled up on the carpet. My eyes were so puffy I could barely open it.

"My dear Iona.. We're so sorry for making your life miserable. It was all our fault. Please forgive us." I heard Mama's voice.

I looked up and was blinded by the light from my bedside lamp.

I saw her on my bed, gently caressing my younger me.

I crawled towards them and watched.

Papa came inside my room and sat to the other side of my bed.

They couldn't see me! I tried to touch Mama but my hand just went through! Like I was a ghost or something.

Am I dead now? My heart broke. I didn't even had the chance to get what I really want.

"Everything we have is yours to take my dear. We will do everything in our power for you to get your dreams and be happy."

Papa.. Mama..

I looked at my younger me. I suddenly remembered my 9th birthday when Daddy and Mommy promised me to be with me on my birthday party. I remembered that I didn't want to blow my candles yet because I was waiting for them. But at the end, their secretaries just called and apologized for their bosses.