THEIR ANGEL

VIII

"Dennis, you are needed in the principal's office." The patron said giving me a glare. I know he hated me but couldn't do anything about it. Almost everyone in school hated me, I had very few friends and I treasured them. I quickly rushed to the office and knocked.

"Come in." I got in and he lifted his head. "Oh, Dennis. Your mother called and said it's urgent." He gave me the phone. "You can talk to her outside." I took it and left.

"Hello mum. How are you?"

"I'm good Dennis." She said but I could hear crying in the background.

"What's going on?" I was getting worried.

"Dennis, are you seated?" She asked her voice shaking.

"Mum, What's going on?" I asked firmly. I already knew that I wouldn't like the news.

"Mama Laila, she is gone." I froze. My mind confused. What did she mean, what was really going on? I sat on the grass despite the people looking at me.

"What.... what do you mean mum?" I asked shakily. I couldn't breath.

"Dennis, she is resting with the angels now. She's gone Dennis."

"How? I mean, When? I don't know." I ran my hand through my hair. "Mum, tell me. What the fuck happened." I shouted then calmed down. "Tell me it's not true. Please."

"It's true Dennis, I'm sorry. She is dead." She whispered. I couldn't breath. I just froze there not doing anything. "Dennis?" I tried to answer, I really did but I couldn't. "Dennis, come on. Answer me. Please." I opened my mouth but I couldn't produce any sound. "Dennis, Jaime is missing." That got me out of my state. "I know you know where he is. You both know each other too much. Everyone is worried about him." Where could he be right now then I sighed.

"Mum, tell everyone he is okay. He just needs time on his own." I said shaking my head. "I know where he is. Just don't worry about him. But when he comes back tell him I said I hate him."

"What?" You  could feel the shock from the scream. "I am serious Dennis."

"He'll come back tomorrow. I know it. Just let him know those words from me. He'll understand." She sighed.

"Okay son. I'm sorry about Mama Laila." She whispered before she hung up. Mommy. I cried holding the phone. She promised to look after me. She promised she wouldn't leave me.

***************

Jaime

I woke up before sun rise went back to the railway line. I sat down and watched as the sun rose. They loved this. We stopped coming when Dennis changed. We would always face to see who came here first but in the long run we would sit down and watched it as it peaked over the hills.

"They checked thrice already. Come on Titus, let's look elsewhere." That was Oliver's voice.

"I know but let's check again. Maybe he came.... there he is." Titus. They both sat on my sides and watched with me silently till it was up and glaring. "They are worried. Everyone is worried." I remained silent.

"You know, they would have loved watching this here with us. I remembered that time we were almost all of us here. We couldn't even speak enjoying the view." Oliver said. "I remember her saying, when it comes to it. Those who are alive matter than the dead. I didn't understand her then but now I do. Jaime, you are not the only one mourning her loss. I'm not saying you are not allowed to grieve but people look up to you so the need you more."

"Wow, he is wise now." I chuckled still watching the hills.

"We all are worried about you. People were looking for you until we called Dennis."