Hey, readers. This is a brief, maybe not so brief, author's note.
First, to go over the reviews. I read the reviews and I understand that some readers don't want me to title my story, "Untitled." Frankly, neither do I. I myself don't think that calling my story "Untitled" is very original either. The thing is, I don't know what to call this story. I'm still deciding. Also, I will have a summary up soon. So in the mean time, I can only hope you will continue reading the story, with or without the title and summary. But, I promise you, I will have a title and summary in the near future. Also, speaking of romance. I put the first chapter up to give you somewhat of a background. I will lead this story into a romance, don't you worry about it. It will have romance and everything, I just have to work it out first. It may seem that right now the story seems very raw, since, well, it kind of is. But, I have the plot out and this story will continue. I really do like the readers' reviews, whether they are flames or compliments. They help me improve my writing and help give me ideas on how to improve the outlook of the story in general. So thanks. This author's note was just to clear out some of the readers' questions and comments. Hope you guys keep reading.
Ok. On with the story.
****************
As I reflected my life while trudging slowly down the hall and heading to the stairs, I failed to notice the large body in my way. I bumped into the big, strong but also soft figure and stumbled back in shock. I lifted my head, looked straight ahead, and saw a broad chest. I lifted my head higher until it strained from such an uncomfortable position and met Sammy's brown eyes.
'Of course,' I thought wryly, 'Only such a tall and strong figure can be Sammy.'
"Mother called you down for dinner five minutes ago. Where were you?"
"I was walking down the hall, on the way to the dining room."
I hated the way he talked to me. His voice, so cold, demanding, unfeeling. He only talked to me in such a way. To mother, and even his friends, he talked so gently and warmly that it was hard for me to believe that such a man could be so unfriendly to me, his own sister. I can't blame him though. He's still mad at me for hurting Mother all those years ago, when I finally collapsed and gave myself up to the darkness that had been leading up til that very day. Mother never said anything to me or Sammy about that day. She seems to have forgotten it. But, I know, and Sammy knows, that she had never forgotten. I can tell by the way she looks at me, full of caution, sadness, and..understanding. But Sammy never had that understanding for me. He is too fiercely protective of Mother to ever understand what I went through that day.
"Well, walk faster. Don't let Mother call you again."
His words startled me out of my reverie. Once again, I met him in the eyes and was attacked once again by coldness. I've learned to be strong when dealing with him and his anger. I looked right back into his eyes with as much fierceness and anger as I can.
'After all, an eye for an eye, right?'
He gave me one hard stare before he turned and walked down the stairs. I stood for another second or so before following him. I always take a beat after each of our encounters before I do anything to stop the rush of my blood and the pounding of my heart. Sammy always had this way of getting me riled up. Even when we were little, he would play pranks on me and irritate me in a way no one else except older brothers can.
Sammy started attending college three years ago. He got accepted into USC based on a football scholarship. His tall stature, superior football skills, and friendly disposition have earned him a high standing in the hearts of his fellow players and coaches. Since Mother and I live fairly close to the university, he would often come home during the weekends to check up on us, or just Mother. He doesn't trust me to take care of Mother on my own, ever since that day. He thinks I will hurt her again.
In a way, Sammy's right. I have been hurting Mother. I refuse to talk with her about my academic and athletic accomplishments. However, somehow, I know that she knows. She has more than enough friends to keep her updated on my grades and sports events. After all, she attends all of the important swim meets and track competitions, even without my informing her of them. Sometimes, I wonder how I came to deserve so much love from Mother, so much support. I know I have been a poor daughter for the past years, ever since Father passed away. But my stubbornness refuses to allow me to act any other way.
I didn't realize my feet had led me to the kitchen until the smells of the food and the brightness of the kitchen lights hit my nose and eyes. Sammy had already sat down and Mother sat to the right of him, at the head of the table. Another set of fork and knife sat next to Mother's and across Sammy's and I knew it was for me. I reached the table and pulled out the chair quietly so as to disturb the discussion going on between Mother and Sammy as little as possible. Mother looked up and smiled at me.
"Serenity, honey. You must be hungry! I heard you had a track meet this afternoon and that you did very well! Come, come, sit down. Let me get you some food."
Immediately, she took a clean plate out of the cupboards and poured as much food as she can onto the white surface. I stared at my hands in my lap, not saying anything. Truth is, I am hungry. I had worked hard this afternoon and I was looking forward to Mother's home cooking. I smelled at the wonderful scents in the air and smiled at the slight grumble in my stomach. I look up and I meet Sammy's eyes. Somehow, his eyes weren't so cold anymore. I watched as a bombard of emotions went through his eyes before a mask was set once again. I looked down disappointedly and stared at my hands once again.
When the plate was set in front of me, I couldn't do anything except sigh happily internally at the sight of food. My mouth watered a little but I caught the dribble of saliva before it slipped out. I was about to pick up my fork and dig right in. But, Sammy's voice stopped me.
"Well, Serenity. What do you say? Say thank you to Mother."
'Serenity,' I thought wryly. 'No Sere, Serena, Seren. Just plain old, formal Serenity.'
"Oh Sammy. It's alright. She's hungry. She should dig right in!"
As always, Mother tried to appease the tension between us two siblings. But, as always, I will have none of it. If Sammy wanted to be this way, I will return his hostility.
"Of course, *Samuel*, how rude of me. Thank you Mother, for cooking this delicious food."
Samuel's eyes blazed at my sarcastic formality and was about to say something when Mother interrupted.
"Well, let's get eating!"
We ate in silence for the first few minutes until Mother asked Sammy about his football practices and games. He immediately lighted up at the talk of football and went into full detail about his practices, friends and coaches. Mother listened attentively and comfortably drifted into the peaceful zone that was only for her and Sammy. Sometimes, I wish I could be part of them. But, as usual, I am left out of the conversations. I don't know whether it is because of me, or maybe that's just the way of this family: for the happiness of the family, one member has to be left out.
I finished my meal quickly and left silently, leaving behind lively chatter and happiness.
**************
School ended and my high school years are over. Pretty soon, summer also passed. June and July rolled by quickly and soon August reached us. It was time for me to pack and move to Northwestern. In a way, I was excited to leave and start my college career. After all, I will be attending a prestigious college and most importantly of all, far away from home.
I know that when I leave, Sammy will come home more often to keep Mother company. At first, I tried to convince myself that I didn't care, that Sammy's frequent visits will do Mother good. However, I started getting jealous at knowing that the relationship between Mother and Sammy will only get closer, instead of the opposite that I will be experiencing with my family.
Finally, the fateful day when I will be leaving my home arrived. Sammy drove Mother and me to the airport. We arrived at the airport two hours early because Mother wanted to spend time with me before I actually left. Her logic is that if I were to leave immediately when arriving at the airport, she wouldn't have spent anytime with me at all. So, the three of us arrived two hours early and walked around the airports, looking at the stores and restaurants that were so plentiful in the large airport. I even engaged myself in some of the discussions that Mother had with Sammy.
Two hours passed quickly and I had to board my plane. When I reached the gate, I turned around and faced my family. Mother was crying and she suddenly threw me into her embrace. I was surprised for a second because it seems like such a long time since I've been hugged by Mother. I hesitantly wrapped my arms around her and we hugged each other for a minute or two before letting go. She wiped her tears and smiled at me. I smiled a small smile back. It seems like finally, we have reached a peace.
The same did not go between me and Sammy. He looked at me and stared into my eyes. He looked so hard at me, like he was trying to send a message to me telepathically. I stared back, just as hard. The tension was thick and I couldn't take it anymore. I waved a small goodbye to them and entered the gate.
When I finally sat down in my seat, I thought back to all the tension between me and Sammy for the past three years. Whenever we see each other, we just stare coldly at each other, like we expect one or the other to back down finally, after so much anger. I never backed down, no matter how strong and stubborn Sammy appeared. I always held the 'eye for an eye' logic in my mind.
I opened my bag and took out a book. It was book about Ghandi. I flipped through a few pages until I saw one line.
'An eye for an eye makes the world go blind.'
How right Ghandi was.
First, to go over the reviews. I read the reviews and I understand that some readers don't want me to title my story, "Untitled." Frankly, neither do I. I myself don't think that calling my story "Untitled" is very original either. The thing is, I don't know what to call this story. I'm still deciding. Also, I will have a summary up soon. So in the mean time, I can only hope you will continue reading the story, with or without the title and summary. But, I promise you, I will have a title and summary in the near future. Also, speaking of romance. I put the first chapter up to give you somewhat of a background. I will lead this story into a romance, don't you worry about it. It will have romance and everything, I just have to work it out first. It may seem that right now the story seems very raw, since, well, it kind of is. But, I have the plot out and this story will continue. I really do like the readers' reviews, whether they are flames or compliments. They help me improve my writing and help give me ideas on how to improve the outlook of the story in general. So thanks. This author's note was just to clear out some of the readers' questions and comments. Hope you guys keep reading.
Ok. On with the story.
****************
As I reflected my life while trudging slowly down the hall and heading to the stairs, I failed to notice the large body in my way. I bumped into the big, strong but also soft figure and stumbled back in shock. I lifted my head, looked straight ahead, and saw a broad chest. I lifted my head higher until it strained from such an uncomfortable position and met Sammy's brown eyes.
'Of course,' I thought wryly, 'Only such a tall and strong figure can be Sammy.'
"Mother called you down for dinner five minutes ago. Where were you?"
"I was walking down the hall, on the way to the dining room."
I hated the way he talked to me. His voice, so cold, demanding, unfeeling. He only talked to me in such a way. To mother, and even his friends, he talked so gently and warmly that it was hard for me to believe that such a man could be so unfriendly to me, his own sister. I can't blame him though. He's still mad at me for hurting Mother all those years ago, when I finally collapsed and gave myself up to the darkness that had been leading up til that very day. Mother never said anything to me or Sammy about that day. She seems to have forgotten it. But, I know, and Sammy knows, that she had never forgotten. I can tell by the way she looks at me, full of caution, sadness, and..understanding. But Sammy never had that understanding for me. He is too fiercely protective of Mother to ever understand what I went through that day.
"Well, walk faster. Don't let Mother call you again."
His words startled me out of my reverie. Once again, I met him in the eyes and was attacked once again by coldness. I've learned to be strong when dealing with him and his anger. I looked right back into his eyes with as much fierceness and anger as I can.
'After all, an eye for an eye, right?'
He gave me one hard stare before he turned and walked down the stairs. I stood for another second or so before following him. I always take a beat after each of our encounters before I do anything to stop the rush of my blood and the pounding of my heart. Sammy always had this way of getting me riled up. Even when we were little, he would play pranks on me and irritate me in a way no one else except older brothers can.
Sammy started attending college three years ago. He got accepted into USC based on a football scholarship. His tall stature, superior football skills, and friendly disposition have earned him a high standing in the hearts of his fellow players and coaches. Since Mother and I live fairly close to the university, he would often come home during the weekends to check up on us, or just Mother. He doesn't trust me to take care of Mother on my own, ever since that day. He thinks I will hurt her again.
In a way, Sammy's right. I have been hurting Mother. I refuse to talk with her about my academic and athletic accomplishments. However, somehow, I know that she knows. She has more than enough friends to keep her updated on my grades and sports events. After all, she attends all of the important swim meets and track competitions, even without my informing her of them. Sometimes, I wonder how I came to deserve so much love from Mother, so much support. I know I have been a poor daughter for the past years, ever since Father passed away. But my stubbornness refuses to allow me to act any other way.
I didn't realize my feet had led me to the kitchen until the smells of the food and the brightness of the kitchen lights hit my nose and eyes. Sammy had already sat down and Mother sat to the right of him, at the head of the table. Another set of fork and knife sat next to Mother's and across Sammy's and I knew it was for me. I reached the table and pulled out the chair quietly so as to disturb the discussion going on between Mother and Sammy as little as possible. Mother looked up and smiled at me.
"Serenity, honey. You must be hungry! I heard you had a track meet this afternoon and that you did very well! Come, come, sit down. Let me get you some food."
Immediately, she took a clean plate out of the cupboards and poured as much food as she can onto the white surface. I stared at my hands in my lap, not saying anything. Truth is, I am hungry. I had worked hard this afternoon and I was looking forward to Mother's home cooking. I smelled at the wonderful scents in the air and smiled at the slight grumble in my stomach. I look up and I meet Sammy's eyes. Somehow, his eyes weren't so cold anymore. I watched as a bombard of emotions went through his eyes before a mask was set once again. I looked down disappointedly and stared at my hands once again.
When the plate was set in front of me, I couldn't do anything except sigh happily internally at the sight of food. My mouth watered a little but I caught the dribble of saliva before it slipped out. I was about to pick up my fork and dig right in. But, Sammy's voice stopped me.
"Well, Serenity. What do you say? Say thank you to Mother."
'Serenity,' I thought wryly. 'No Sere, Serena, Seren. Just plain old, formal Serenity.'
"Oh Sammy. It's alright. She's hungry. She should dig right in!"
As always, Mother tried to appease the tension between us two siblings. But, as always, I will have none of it. If Sammy wanted to be this way, I will return his hostility.
"Of course, *Samuel*, how rude of me. Thank you Mother, for cooking this delicious food."
Samuel's eyes blazed at my sarcastic formality and was about to say something when Mother interrupted.
"Well, let's get eating!"
We ate in silence for the first few minutes until Mother asked Sammy about his football practices and games. He immediately lighted up at the talk of football and went into full detail about his practices, friends and coaches. Mother listened attentively and comfortably drifted into the peaceful zone that was only for her and Sammy. Sometimes, I wish I could be part of them. But, as usual, I am left out of the conversations. I don't know whether it is because of me, or maybe that's just the way of this family: for the happiness of the family, one member has to be left out.
I finished my meal quickly and left silently, leaving behind lively chatter and happiness.
**************
School ended and my high school years are over. Pretty soon, summer also passed. June and July rolled by quickly and soon August reached us. It was time for me to pack and move to Northwestern. In a way, I was excited to leave and start my college career. After all, I will be attending a prestigious college and most importantly of all, far away from home.
I know that when I leave, Sammy will come home more often to keep Mother company. At first, I tried to convince myself that I didn't care, that Sammy's frequent visits will do Mother good. However, I started getting jealous at knowing that the relationship between Mother and Sammy will only get closer, instead of the opposite that I will be experiencing with my family.
Finally, the fateful day when I will be leaving my home arrived. Sammy drove Mother and me to the airport. We arrived at the airport two hours early because Mother wanted to spend time with me before I actually left. Her logic is that if I were to leave immediately when arriving at the airport, she wouldn't have spent anytime with me at all. So, the three of us arrived two hours early and walked around the airports, looking at the stores and restaurants that were so plentiful in the large airport. I even engaged myself in some of the discussions that Mother had with Sammy.
Two hours passed quickly and I had to board my plane. When I reached the gate, I turned around and faced my family. Mother was crying and she suddenly threw me into her embrace. I was surprised for a second because it seems like such a long time since I've been hugged by Mother. I hesitantly wrapped my arms around her and we hugged each other for a minute or two before letting go. She wiped her tears and smiled at me. I smiled a small smile back. It seems like finally, we have reached a peace.
The same did not go between me and Sammy. He looked at me and stared into my eyes. He looked so hard at me, like he was trying to send a message to me telepathically. I stared back, just as hard. The tension was thick and I couldn't take it anymore. I waved a small goodbye to them and entered the gate.
When I finally sat down in my seat, I thought back to all the tension between me and Sammy for the past three years. Whenever we see each other, we just stare coldly at each other, like we expect one or the other to back down finally, after so much anger. I never backed down, no matter how strong and stubborn Sammy appeared. I always held the 'eye for an eye' logic in my mind.
I opened my bag and took out a book. It was book about Ghandi. I flipped through a few pages until I saw one line.
'An eye for an eye makes the world go blind.'
How right Ghandi was.