Life is full of ups and downs. It's a constant ride filled with bumps as you journey along the path ahead of you, oblivious as to what's approaching you in the near or distant future. In life, you're basically walking without a destination - your mind is aimlessly trying to keep up with everyone else. I personally experienced this thrilling excitement that the universe had stored for me and it was truly, truly, life changing.
I was born into a loving family and I was blessed with wonderful parents. Never once spanking me for my naughty behavior or yelling at me for the clumsiness that comes with youth, they sought the best possible chances for me and worked hard to achieve those high goals not just for me, but for my little sister as well. We were always greeted with warm smiles and kind words that would ease any of our troubles. At home, it was a nice environment, the atmosphere would never taste the bitter flavors of hatred and anger - everything was simply peaceful.
Until one day, my dream-like state shattered into a million shards when I woke up with a rather harsh call from reality. I don't remember much from that fateful day and honestly, I try not to remember too much because it still stings. On that day, I saw nothing but red. My memories are tainted with that dreadful shade. My mind still sees the raging flames that grew stronger by the second as it devoured the small house, our entire home burned down to ashes - all of our memories destroyed. For some reason, I was the one who was awakened by the horrible smell of smoke and with that nasty scent in my nostrils, I ran down to my sister's room and quickly grabbed her, fiercely waking her from her peaceful slumber. Fearing for my life and my sibling's life, I ran out of the burning hell, grateful to breathe in the refreshing air of the outside world. Unfortunately, that day, I managed to save my sister but my parents never came out - they were trapped in that inferno.
From that point on, life drastically changed for me. I became in charge of my own destiny but in my small, young, weak hands, my sister's wellbeing rested there as well. After experiencing such a traumatizing event at such a small age, my sister became silenced. Too fearful of what she saw and what she was feeling, my sister shut down her voice and became a mute child. Her lively voice wouldn't respond to me whenever I asked a question nor would it call out my name when she was scared or in need of something. It was kind of lonely with that quiet mood but I did my best. I tried my best.
So, life carried on like the unstable waters in an ocean. I didn't know what would happen next and I constantly found myself contemplating my decisions when the living situation became too difficult sometimes to achieve. But like any great fairy tale, I needed a fairy godmother that's willing to lend a helping hand to a poor, hopeless spirit like me, so that I can continue with a positive attitude and aim for a happy, secured future.
My future actually changed when my sister became ill one day. We were walking down the streets like any other day, and I was filling up the air with promises that I was unsure of being able to fulfill. My sister, who was usually smiling and nodding at my words, suddenly collapsed from a high fever and a severe cold. Worried, scared and panicked, I screamed for help but everyone glanced at me for a very brief second before they ignored me and went on with their lives. I was mad that no kind person would stop to help me. I don't really have an optimistic side but I honestly thought that humans were capable of committing acts of kindness and selflessness. In that moment of dire need, no one came to help me, but right when I was about to give up, a car pulled up and a voice spoke to me:
"Do you need a ride?"
Shocked that someone actually paused their everyday activities to help me, I remained speechless until another blonde appeared before me. She helped me get my sister in the car before her brother took us to the hospital. I was a bit uneasy at first since I tend to think very badly about strangers and people in general, but there was something about those two. I was afraid they were going to ask for something in return or drop us off somewhere far away. None of that happened, though. She paid for my sister's medicine and even offered us shelter but the crazy part is that she's a popular singer in Japan! A famous singer offered her home to me and my sister, a couple of poor kids. It was like a dream.
My sister and I lived with an idol and her brother. It was kind of odd and stiff since we didn't really know each other that well and we came from different worlds. But as time passed, the relationships I created with all these new people became stronger by each passing day and before I knew it, I had a place in a family-like bond. I didn't think I would have another family after what happened with my parents. I thought I just needed my sister to go on through life. I wasn't the only one to think like that, though.
The singer I moved in with also had a similar story. Her parents died when she was a small girl and she's been with her brother ever since. The bond between the two is one that is unbreakable and I can't imagine how important they are to one another's life. The connection between the two was so deep, it truly broke her when her brother died.
Her brother, who suffered from heart failure, kept his medical condition a secret from her and me. He left the house, saying he was going on a trip, when in reality, he was going off to face the surgery of his life. When the last moments ticked down, his sister found out and she was devastated. She cried and cried, her tears nonstop as she grieved over her late brother. I only stood there, unsure of my place. Was I supposed to help her? Was I supposed to tell her that everything's going to be okay? Was I supposed to tell her that when I myself was lost and confused? Her brother's death hit me as well. He was a great guy that I grew close to. We shared similar backgrounds and feelings, we shared that same desire to protect our little sisters. When he passed away, I realized it was my job now to watch over my sister and his sister.
Unfortunately, things did not go very well. She was heart-broken by her only family member's death and was on the verge of losing her senses. When that happened, I felt scared, useless, and hopeless. She helped me so much and when it was my time to help her, I couldn't do anything for her. I couldn't reach out for her like she did on that unforgettable day. The one who offered a hand was my sister. The one who shined the light upon the dark, clouded skies was my sister, not me.
My mute sister saw how depressed she was and she did something unbelievable. She spoke. She actually spoke, after such a dry period of time without her sweet, melodic voice, my sister spoke! It was a shock for everyone, and tears were present on that day. The sound of her small voice calling my name was nostalgic and heartwarming, I was thankful for such a blessing. My sister was finally stepping out of her traumatized cage and exploring the wonders of youth which are filled with nothing but the happy melodies of infants playing in the green garden with joyous smiles.
After that awakening, everything changed. The singer who was once fragile and destroyed, was now getting back on her feet, and while doing so, our own friendship strengthened. I didn't realize it at first but there were small things that I noticed. My sharp eyes caught sight of her smile and despite having different forms, my mind engraved every little gesture done by her. Her grins would fill me up with a fuzzy feeling because I knew she was content with something. Her frowns would make me uneasy since I knew something was bothering her. Her pouts gave me pleasure because I knew she only made those faces when she was in a playful mood. When she would bite her lip, I knew she would be deep in thought over something. When her eyes traveled everywhere in an attempt to avoid eye contact, I knew something was wrong.
I noticed so many things but it took me so long to realize the most obvious thing. I was in love with her. I ended up falling for her.
I was in love with her smiles, with her voice, with her eyes - I was in love with her. I was the poor fool who fell for the rich girl. That thought made me so scared and I tried to deny my feelings many times which I think bothered some people since even they were encouraging me to make a move. I didn't however, and when I wanted to, it was too late.
When she was finally going back to resume her career as a singer, something tragic happened. She got in a car accident on her way to a press conference. When I heard this, I wanted to die. The girl I was in love with was in the hospital, fighting for her life after participating in such a horrible accident. The air was sucked out of me and I had no idea what to do. I ran to the hospital with tears in my eyes. I got there with sore legs and a flustered face, and after waiting an eternity, I received the worst possible news.
She was mute.
The girl I was in love with was mute.
The singer that saved me was mute.
Trapped in denial, I avoided seeing her when she was awake but I secretly went to visit her when she was asleep. I still remember how peaceful and angelic she looked. Seeing my angel like that, covered in bruises, on a hospital bed, without a voice - it pained me. She helped me so much and this was her punishment? It seemed cruel and unfair but after she made the drastic move of removing herself from the world of singing, all the stored feelings inside of me were released and they finally made their way to her ears.
That was the day I confessed.
That was the day I became her voice...
Living with an idol, spending time with another broken family, falling in love with my angel, losing a dear friend, hearing my sister's voice again, suffering while seeing my loved one in pain… All these components made up my story but it's not over yet. There's still much to come, I'm sure of it.
The skies were a nice shade of midnight blue, a few visible stars shining down in the dark blanket hovering over us. The silver moon hung in the corner, radiating off a bright illumination for the dark streets of Tokyo. Not many people were outside at this house but even from inside, you could hear the faint chirping of crickets and the rustling of the swaying trees. It was a peaceful night and somehow, it had a touch of nostalgia as well.
I looked away from the window and focused my sole attention back to the sleeping blonde on the bed. Her chest was slowly moving up and down, reassuring me of her breathing. Her golden hair was finally gaining back that shine of life that it lacked before, and her face was earning back that lovely shade of warmth in her cheeks. The ugly bruises implanted onto her white skin by the accident were becoming less and less visible. Overall, her small, frail figure was returning to its old, strong self.
I scooted my chair closer as I continued to inspect the blonde. With a careful touch, I grabbed Rin's small hand and smiled. Her hand wasn't cold anymore, it was nice and warm, reassuring me of her presence and well-being.
It's been two weeks since that tragic day. Rin's injuries are slowly but surely healing, and those traces of her accident are fading away. Of course, because of her fractured rib and broken arm, Rin has remained in the same bed for the entire time. She is unable to move a lot due to the pain that comes with it which is why I'm here. I've been staying with Rin for the past afternoons and nights, ready to help her if she needs something or to simply keep her company. Usually, she asks for me to read her a story which I gladly abide to since I enjoy seeing that wonderful smile that appears on her face when I'm reading to her. Other times, I'm filling up the silence by telling her anecdotes about everyone else and when she uses her puppy eyes, I even sing for her.
The time we spend together feels special and it's kind of embarrassing that we're both dating now. It doesn't seem like it and I try not to dwell too much on that fact because if I do, I'll become a nervous wreck. I'm just glad nothing changed between us, and I'm very glad of the bond that we've developed now. Compared to the first time I met Rin, I would have never thought I'd be sitting here, next to her, holding her hand.
My blue eyes continued to examine Rin's face and after a few seconds, her eyes finally began to flutter open. I patiently waited for her to fully open her eyes and adjust them to the bright light of the room. It took about 10 seconds for Rin to blink several times before she turned her head to look at me. With a small smile and sleepy eyes, she mouthed, "Hello."
I returned the gesture, sending her a loving smile as well. "Hello. Did you sleep well?" I asked in a gentle voice, careful not to be too loud.
Rin's hand looked for the phone and upon seeing this action, I grabbed the phone from the nearby table and swiftly placed it on her palm. She grabbed it and began to type her answer, taking less time than before. When she was done, she handed me the phone for me to read her reply.
'I had a nice dream. What about you? Have you been sleeping? You have bags under your eyes.'
I laughed dryly at her concern. Even in a hospital bed, she's worried about me. "I'm fine. I'm don't really have a desire to sleep," I answered, returning the phone back to her grasp.
Rin shook her head, her face giving me a disapproving look. She typed her message quickly and showed me the screen.
'Get some sleep. I'll watch over you.'
I smiled at the generous offer. "Thank you, but I'm fine," I reassured her.
She took back her phone and was quick to write her answer.
'Get some sleep while I eat something.'
I looked back at her. "Are you hungry?" I asked, getting ready to stand up and call a nurse. When she nodded, I was already at the door, calling for some assistance. It didn't take too long to get a nurse's attention and when I did, the meal was brought to the room quickly. I helped Rin sit up and when she was stable enough, I grabbed the plastic spoon and carefully brought the warm soup to her lips. I was cautious not to give her a full spoon of the hot liquid since her throat is still healing and Rin told me it hurts when she swallows
"Is it good?" I asked, watching her lick her lips in satisfaction.
She nodded and with a playful smile, she grabbed the spoon from my hand and offered me some of her meal. Giggling, I accepted and ate some of the soup.
Knock Knock! Knock Knock!
Rin and I stopped. "Come in," I answered, loud enough for the person on the other side of the door to hear me.
The door opened to reveal a tired, brown-haired woman in a white coat. She turned to close the door before she faced us with a bright smile despite the exhaustion in her brown eyes. "Hey, guys. How's it going?"
I smiled politely. "Great. Rin just woke up from her nap and she's eating right now."
Meiko nodded as she looked down at the clipboard. "Well, I have some good news for you," she announced. "It seems Rin's fractured rib is slowly healing and because I have received no complaints of unbearable pain from the patient, then I can say Rin is definitely doing a whole lot better, and you can finally go back to your house tomorrow."
My lips twitched upward, a grin forming from the joyous news. "Really?"
Meiko nodded in confirmation. "Yes. Rin's arm and rib can heal at home as long as she stays in bed and avoids any type of commotion," she explained, her eyes traveling to the blonde on the bed. "I'm sure you're tired of seeing this bland, hospital room.
Rin nodded. She beamed at the doctor, happy to hear that she's leaving this colorless room.
Meiko smiled at us before she looked up in recognition. "Oh! Rin, I forgot to tell you something."
Rin raised a brow. She mouthed, "What?"
"A person called to ask about you the other day," she informed us. "They've been calling for the past few days now. They didn't give a name, though, so I was wondering if you were expecting a visitor."
Rin brought a finger to her chin as she thought about it. When no one came to mind, she shook her head innocently.
Meiko sighed, shrugging a bit at her response. "Alright. Well, I'll see you later."
I waved at her. "Bye." I watched her leave and when the door closed, I returned my attention back to Rin. "Did you hear that? You get to go home!"
Rin clapped, grinning from ear to ear.
Yes. Finally, after so much time out, we get to go back home….
The sequel is finally here! This is just like a recollection of all the previous chapters, so I hope you stay tuned for more!
Here are the reviews for the last chapter!
Azure-Blue-15- I'm glad you liked the ending!
DeletedAcount00001- Ahh, thank you for the compliments! They make me so happy!
Ilovevocaloid93- Sorry! For some reason, the page always refreshes when I'm updating stories, so I forgot to go back and change that.
Dinodude8000- Ahh, thank you! You're too kind!
EricCantona228- Here you go!
Lizzie-Chan- Aww, thank you! Don't worry, here's the sequel!
LTOD (GUEST)- Aww, thanks! Here you go!
SparkyBubbles- Anything for you, Len-kun! I hope you continue to like this!
Domi-Chan.2003- Aww, glad you liked it!
Thank you to those that read 'I'll Be Your Voice'! I hope you like this one as well, it does have more romance than before!
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Bye! Until next time!