My Campus Life - S02 E23

3 years ago

My Campus Life - S02 E23

Read Story: SEASON 2 EPISODE 23

☆

I woke up one Sunday morning to notice a picnic basket on the front porch. I looked around, wanting to know who had left it, picked it up and walked back inside.

I called to one of the housekeepers whose name was Josie, and asked her if someone had come by that morning. She said no, and went back to mopping the floor, as I bothered her no more.

Halfway towards the stairs, I saw Mum and Dad at the top, as I waited for them to come down before I showed them the basket.

“What do you have there, sweedy?” Mum asked as she reached the last of the staircase.

I showed her the basket containing a lot of goodies in it, and she smiled.

“Aww, baby. You shouldn’t have,”

I bit my bottom lip at the thought of telling her that the goodies weren’t from me.

“How were you able to afford this?” Dad looked at me suspiciously, and I breathed.

“Mum, Dad,” I started and clasped my behind. “These weren’t from me.”

Mum gasped. “What?! Then who could have given them?”

Dad made for the door and pulled it open. Turning back again, he called to Ivy – another housekeeper of ours. “Did you see who dropped this?”

Ivy stammered, “N-no, sir. I haven’t left the dining room since.”

Dad rolled his eyes and questioned further. “Are you sure you didn’t see anyone? Not even the deliveryman?”

Ivy answered, giving no positive answer, as he gave her permission to leave.

My mother inched closer to my Dad, and asked me to go up to my room while they figured out what was going on.

I really wanted to help, but owning to the situation that I was still in, my Mum didn’t let me – so, I was left with no choice but to do as I was told, and let them handle the case.

Day after that, the guy Mum had introduced as Philip, came visiting. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt being around him, and I marveled at how a guy that I had gotten to know not quite long could made me feel that way. But what exactly was he talking about me remembering? Could it be – I drew my breath and let out a sigh. “So what would you like to do today?” I could hear the jumpiness in my voice. How can this one guy make me nervous. Why does it feel like there’s something about him that I need to remember?

“I’ll do anything you want to do. Just mention.” came his reply, getting me back to reality.

I gave a smile and blushed really hard inside, slipping into thoughtland. Why is he so nice? Is he like this to every girl? Thousands of questions hovered in mind, as I saw a hand stretched out to me.

“Shall we?”

I accepted his kind gesture and placed my hand on his. I wondered what he had in mind, and was pleased that I was going to be with him.

☆

“Where have you two been?” Mum’s angry voice sounded in the living room, and we looked at each other.

“At the park.” I gave a straight answer, having no urge to explain.

“Oh, baby. You know you shouldn’t have stayed out long, not when you’re not strong.” Her voice softened, and Philip and I relaxed.

“I didn’t let her do anything that’ll wear her out, aunt. I’m quite aware of that.” Philip said, throwing a quick look at me.

I chuckled inwardly and maintained myself, trying not to let him notice.

I had already forgotten about my Mum’s absence, until a beeping sound jolted me out of thought.

“I’ll get it!” Mum moved in the direction. Taking the telephone out from where it was hanging on the wall, she answered, “Hello?”

Philip and I made to sit on the long sofa opposite the two normal ones, as Mum uttered loudly, “He’s been spotted?!”

“Who’s been spotted?” I turned to Philip, who gave an ‘I don’t know’ shrug.

Who am I kidding? How will he be able to know? I shifted a little, trying to keep my distance.

We waited for her to end the call, not being able to hear the rest of their conversation, as we got up and made towards her.

“What’s it, Mum?” We asked simultaneously, and I gave Philip a weirdly look.

“Someone just told me that -” Her eyebrows made weird movements.

“Oh. Oh, thank goodness!” Philip exclaimed, and I stood staring, completely lost.

“Who are you talking about?”

Mum gave me a ‘no one’ look and smiled. “You should get some rest, my dear. I know you must be really weary.”

I nodded and said nothing else. I wondered who the person was, and was curious to know why they were bent on not telling me – or maybe they have a reason. Or maybe they just don’t want me to know, I shoved the unexplainable feeling off…

Deafening noise of gunshots, accompanied by sirens’ wail increased the tension on Brooklyn street. Facing forward, I began to sprint; my loud grunts filling the air, and tired feet slapping the hard road, as I ran so fast, with the thought of my legs about to explode going on in my mind.

The steady pound of my footsteps echoed in my ears, as beads of sweat that were already gathered on my forehead rolled down my face and splattered to my chin. The fear I had from being on the run, was one that added to my strength – and the soles of my shoes hitting the ground, made me not want to give up. It was one way to release my energy, and continue lest I’ll be caught.

Adrenaline coursed through my veins, as a thin layer of sweat covered the nape of my neck. I tried to keep my breathing steady, and I pushed harder, going really fast. The ground blurred below me as I continued to run for what seemed like longer than it should have. I wasn’t ready to stop, and I knew the only thing that could hinder me from survival were my doubts and limits.

At this great speed I could barely see a few feet ahead of me, not with the smog formed in front blinding me from urging on. Everything became veiled, but still I pounded my feet across the road, my lungs getting strained at the cold air which bit into it. Feeling the wind whip my face, the hair on my skin stood erect, sending chills up my spine. My mind was racing faster than my feet, and my steps pounded in time with my heartbeat; the former remaining frantic with thoughts, How is it that they are able to find me? Has my end come at last?

I felt my whole body working; my leg muscles running warm, as fresh air entered my lungs and blood flowed into all my limbs. I quickened my pace until steps became leaps, and anxious feet flew over stones. I pumped my legs, gaining momentum with each push, as I darted past buildings and trees, with my calves burning, and breath forming clouds in the air.

Gut-wrenching, heart pumping after several thrusts forward, my legs got all weary, and I began to slow down – breath coming in short gasps.

I turned around, knowing that there was no way that I could make it in time, as the wailing of sirens could be heard not so far off.

I looked to my right, realizing that I was on Canary bridge, as it occurred to me that there was no way I could escape this time. I was ready for anything that lay in wait, and was ready to pay for my sins… for every sin committed.

~James