Chapter 28

`Lavi

At first I just walked away but then it turned into running. I didn't really know where I was going but something pulled me to visit my old home. How ironic that I call it home?

I went anyway by taking the train then a bus. It took me more than an hour to reach the stop nearest there. From the station, I started walking to my old home or rather, the house where I used to live.

I know what I'm doing is crazy and after a long time, this is the only time I chose to visit. Visit? I wonder, has it already been sold? Is there anyone living there? I know though for a fact that it's empty except for a few furniture left.

If it hasn't been bought yet, the place is probably coated with dust. It's not like Uncle Sheryl can spare the money or time just to keep an empty house clean.

My feet became impatient from walking so I started running again until I finally reached my old home. It is no longer one though after the first one before this.

I didn't seem to care though and walked in front of it. It was empty. No one had really bought it yet. Obviously it's closed so I didn't bother to pass through the gate. It looked so old and worn down, a lifeless house it looked ever since that day.

No more cheerful sounds coming from within. No lights lit to show the presence of people living there.

Depressed by the sudden reminder that they're no longer here, I started walking back towards the station.

My eye caught something else though and led my feet towards the land filled with trees.

I imagined children playing as I sat myself on the bench but that isn't happening since it was already getting late. I remember this place well when I used to play with Tyki-nii. It has been such a long time. Remembering brings good old memories but then comes the painful reminder of lies.

I was too deep in thought until the phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. It consisted of three missed calls and a text from Allen asking where I was.

It's a good thing that I brought it with me this time but I'm still causing trouble by not being there.

I replied to Allen's text apologizing and asking him to tell Auntie Trisha that I'll be arriving home a little late.

My phone suddenly rang again, it was from Auntie Trisha.

"Where are you, Lavi? What time are you arriving?"

"I don't think I'll be joining you guys for dinner but I'm heading home right now."

"Where are you?"

"At a park."

"Which park? I'll ask-"

"There's no need. I'll go home fine myself, Auntie Trisha. Please."

She hesitated then sighed in agreement.

"Okay but try and hurry up."

"Yes, Auntie Trisha."

I closed my phone then placed it back in my pocket. I hurriedly walked back to the station. I need to hurry. It's getting late. I can't afford to miss the train.

I should plan things better next time. I shouldn't have even done that on a whim. It isn't like me at all. Ever since coming back, my mind has not been at ease. This is bad. I need to focus.


`Tyki

I arrived home and met someone familiar.

"You're the kid Uncle Mana took in?"

"Yes."

"How is he?"

"Doing well."

"He is the cousin of my mother if you're wondering how I knew him."

"Mana never told me much about his family except for Uncle Neah who I often see. I didn't know."

"It's fine. He didn't really like much my father so he avoided us because of that. I only saw him once at my parents' funeral but mother often talked of them."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine, shounen."

"It's Allen. You aren't that much older than me."

"Just felt like it."

"I guess we're sort of cousins and since Lavi's your brother, I guess we're like cousins too."

"Where is he?"

"He went out after a walk. It took some time before he replied to my text. He said he's arriving late. I'm heading home myself but I'm worried since he looked down."

"What happened?"

"We were looking through old photographs. He seemed to try smiling for Road but for me I can see it in his eye."

"Which photographs?"

"The one where you and Lavi were just little before you came here."

"Thanks for telling me. Good night."

"Good night."

I wonder where Lavi went?


`Lavi

I arrived at the train station after taking the bus. It had been a long journey and upon arriving at the train station, I found out that I don't have enough money to return.

I decided taking the train to a certain station that can cover my money left. I'll just walk at that stop.

I did as I said but upon having started walking from the stop. I realized how cold it was already outside and I still have a long way to walk.

My phone rang, it was Uncle Sheryl. He probably has arrived at home.

"Where are you, Lavi?" he asked with a concerned tone yet firm at the same time.

"I'm walking home already."

"Where?"

"Don't worry. I'll get there."

I didn't want to do this but I can't just tell them where I went. They'll only worry.

Uncle Sheryl gave a deep sigh similar to Auntie Tricia then just told me to get home safe.

I placed back my phone only to hear it ringing after a few minutes.

Another call came and to my surprise it was Tyki-nii. I wondered why he called. Maybe Uncle Sheryl asked him to try calling me to ask where I was.

"Lavi?"

"Tyki-nii? Why'd you call?"

"You've been to the old house?"

My eye widened in shock. How did he-

"Lavi? Are you still there?"

"Yes. How'd you know?"

"That's not important. They are worried now. Where are you?"

"Near the bakery."

"That's still a long way to walk."

"I'll manage."

"I'll pick you up."

He put down the phone before I was even able to protest. What's going on?

I feel weird. Tyki-nii's acting weird.

Judging by the distance, it will probably take him around less than twenty minutes to get here by car. He naturally would use that instead of just walking for that would be pointless. He arrived though half the time earlier than expected.

"Get inside. It's cold."

"Thank you."

"Have you eaten yet?"

"No."

"The restaurant is still open there."

"It's fine."

Ironically, it was the shop of Allen's uncle, Neah.

"It's not. Let's go, Lavi. I haven't eaten as well. I arrived after dinner."

"Okay."

I felt uneasy and weird since this is where I work.


`littlebunny1412: Thanks for reading.

And thanks to 'PINKhairedBADASS' for reviewing.

And a Happy New Year!


January 2, 2012