School had long ended and Phidelia couldn't help her excitement – finally getting the chase to escape for a while; the cruel reality of her life now to once again meet her family. Especially her parents whom she had long been separated from.
She sat glued beside her sister in the bus with all the exuberance and excitement evident in her actions and face as she balanced her gaze between her sister and the glass window she sat beside. For reasons beyond her explanation, she couldn't – form since she died to escape the four walls of the school except when she wanted to taunt Tina and her gang; which was the only opportunity she got.
She had for the past few months, felt locked and trapped by a strong force~ she could barely give a clear description to but then; her sister's presence suddenly changed everything.
With Phidel beside her, she could now do things she had wished to do for so long; like joining the bus like all other High Schoolers. From her instinctive thought despite her gibby demeanor –flashed Phidel a smile when their eyes met; making her sister return the smile while she swiftly travel her gaze back to her phone.
The latter had wanted to ask her sister the reason behind those broad smiles but then, that will make her a weirdo among the passengers on board so decided to save it until they alight.
After those anxious moments which looked like a never-ending drive for Phidelia, the bus finally came to a halt at their stop. She hastily glided down the bus, followed by Phidel who looked absurdly calmer after seeing her sister– perhaps planning her next move to put Tina and her gang in a tighter corner. To make them more miserable than they are now– to show them how helpless and abandoned her sister felt. How it felt to be left in the dark cold hands of death.
“Hey,” Phidelia nudged her sister noticing the look of foreboding plastered on her face.“What are you thinking of?” She asked as her sister's gaze met hers.
The latter noticing the excitement on her sister's face decided to keep her in the dark for now until it’s certain– to allow her at least enjoy this moment and not corrupt it with her plans which will literally remind her of her current state. “It’s probably good to save it for later.” Her mind told her.
Masking her actual concern with a smile, she asked Phidelia the reason behind her excitement.
“Meeting Mum and Dad of course.” She busted, clearing stating her excitement.
Phidel scoffed at her reason, slightly shaking her head. At that moment, Phidelia saw an ice cream chart which was actually her favorite joint; not far from where they had gotten to. Instinctively, she scampered off to the spot– allowing her gaze to trace to her sister who was lost on what she was about.
“Hurry.” She gestured her over which practically gave Phidel a clear interpretation. The corners of her mouth intuitively curved into a smile and she hurried over to Phidelia.
With the description from the latter on what she wanted; her sister got two stakes of ice cream. One for herself and the other for Phidelia. Not wasting another second, they continued their walk.
After a few strolls along the busy sidewalks, they finally got to their destination. The sensation of being home once again sent refreshing and relaxing hormones through Phidelia as they staggered into the compound.
“I’m home... ” Phidel announced on walking in through the door– followed by Phidelia.
“Welcome, dear,” Emma said as she glided in from the terrace leading to the backyard with a box in hand.
“Auntie Emma–” Phidelia exuded at that moment; seeing her Auntie after a long while. Phidel swiftly glanced at her then back to their Auntie while a smile brightened up her face.
“Thought you will come together with Isla and Jade.” Emma hastily added– dropping the box which looked kind of heavy on the floor.
“Well that,” Phidel muttered, “I was caught up between something so didn't see when Island left.” She replied as her eyes lurked around; sensing the house awkwardly empty with the feeling that someone’s presence was missed. “Where’s Mum and Dad?” Phidel suddenly questioned on an impulse.
“They already left,” Emma answered.
“They left?” Both Phidel and Phidelia repeated quizzically. The former instantly noticed her sister's face intuitively dropped in disappointment which made her feel bad too.
“They apologized for leaving so suddenly.” Emma intervened, noticing Phidel’s disappointed gaze. “They actually waited for you for a while dear but then they were running late for their flight dear. They had to leave on an emergency judging from the look of things.” She added.
In whatever way they left, Phidel felt the harm had been done already so nodded her response anyway. Excusing herself, she sauntered off to her room followed by Phidelia.
*******
Lucas had earlier on left to his room– leaving his sister to herself as per her request; knowing well nothing was going to make her open up to him so far as she had set her mind.
After about 30mins, he glided down the stairs from his room to the dining table; following a call from Nanny Courtney. Intuitively, he slammed himself into one of the chairs behind the table; watching as the latter went her way around the table with the dishes– preparing to serve him.
“Am I eating alone?” He asked on an impulse, seeing no sign of his sister.
“I guess so Lucas.” Nanny Courtney answered without looking up but instinctively felt bad for the young lad who had grown fond of eating together with his sister since their parents are almost out every time.
“But what about Tina?” He inquired as the awkwardness of eating alone was getting to him. “Isn’t she joining?” He went on– bombarding his Nanny with a series of questions she had no answers to.
Courtney spontaneously sighed, settling in a chair beside him; suddenly overwhelmed with all the questions.
“How about we do this.” She said, convincing Lucas to eat with her rather as they wait for Tina to get over whatever was eating her up. “Give her some space to get over her issues.” She went but the expression on the former’s face told her otherwise. “Don’t worry, She will come around soon.” She assured; brushing her hand through his hair with a smile across her face.
Eventually, Lucas agreed and did as his Nanny asked but inwardly wished his sister would open up more to him. At least voice out her grievances which is gradually destroying her limp by limp.
If there was something he wanted most, that will be having his once kind and loving sister back once again– taking away all the bitterness she harbors in her that had become scales on her eyes; blinding her from seeing for herself the number of people who really think and care about her.
It still felt strange to him how she suddenly changed overnight because of their parents~ to the extent of even becoming a murderer. He shudders to think more about what she can do it doesn't open up.