Unheard Calls: Chapter 05 - Moving Forward
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Chapter 5
(Moving Forward)
Flash of lightning. Roar of thunder.
I opened my eyes. I can’t move. I can’t breathe properly. I can only see nothing but a dark room but it’s not mine.
Flash of lightning. Roar of thunder.
I looked at my hand. I saw a bottle of pills, sleeping pills.
I can feel my eyes getting heavier and heavier, I don’t want to go to sleep. I might not wake up. I want to fight the urge of closing my eyes and yet I can’t.
Flash of lightning. Roar of thunder.
Panting Yui woke up and was shocked when she saw Nishikido Ryo looking at her intently.
“Help her.”
_________________________________________________________________________________
“Help her.” His husky voice alarmed her.
“What happened?” Yui squinted her eyes, adjusting her vision.
“The dream?” Yui exclaimed, she never had dreams like that for a long time now. Her last weird dream was a week before she encountered Kei’s sister and it was regarding her mother.
“That’s her.” He simply replied, meaning what Yui experienced in the dream was Nana’s situation. Yui woke her cousin up and gladly Takaki understood. Ryo led the two of them to where Nana lived. But when they arrived, the door was locked.
“I’ll handle this.” Takaki exclaimed and took a card out of his wallet. He swiftly swiped it on the side of the door and twisted it hoping he’ll get through. Good thing, the door doesn’t have double lock. Nana lived in a studio type condominium. Once you open the door everything in the room will be seen. Yui immediately ran towards the unconscious girl lying on the bed. She checked her out and she’s really in a deep slumber, really really deep. Yui tried to shake her up but yet no response was gotten from her.
“Come on let’s take her to the hospital.” Takaki immediately pulled Nana away from Yui and carried her. They took a taxi and arrived at the hospital just in time for the doctors to still do something to save her.
Yui watched Nana like a hawk, while Takaki asked the hospital if they can put him in duty of her. Morning came and Nana is still unconscious. Yui left the hospital to wash herself while Takaki was left taking care of the unconscious girl.
“I really don’t get it when people take their life for granted. If only they know there is someone willing to live the life they have.” Takaki exclaimed, as he talked to himself but unfortunately for him someone heard him.
“I don’t think someone will ever want a life I have right now.” She exclaimed in a low, dry voice. Takaki gasped as he heard her talked, but as soon as he calmed himself, he offered her some water.
“I lost everything…” She continued after she drank some water. Takaki shook his head again to disagree.
“You might lost everything but you can always gain something in return. You just have to move on and take the initiative to make yourself happy.” Takaki replied with a soft smile. Nana stared at him and can’t help but to smile back. Not long enough Yui came back with a food in hand.
“You again?” Nana replied.
“Ahmm…” She can only say nothing. Seeing his cousin twisted her tongue, Takaki took the step to explain.
“Look this might sound bizarre but my cousin here, Yui can see the dead. She’s been asked by your brother to tell you to stop killing yourself.” Takaki exclaimed, while Nana rolled her eyes.
“Really? Don’t make fun of me, alright?” Nana replied sarcastically, still not willing to cooperate.
“Think of it, I never knew you and yet I know where you live. I never knew you yet I know that you lost your brother, the most important person in your life.” Yui finally spoke up. Nana looked at her with wary eyes.
“Look, this is really not funny!” Nana finally broke down. Tears began to flow down her eyes.
“I just want you to live your life and not doomed yourself on the past. Nana, don’t blame everything to yourself. I did what I did to protect you.” Ryo exclaimed, asking Yui to tell her his words.
“But… But everything was my fault! I’m the one who killed dad! You’re not supposed to be blamed with that!” Nana shouted back at her brother. While Yui frowned in response, she’s confused.
“I don’t understand.” Yui exclaimed,
“You, what? Killed who?” Takaki exclaimed at the same time.
“There’s something, you’re not telling me.” Yui looked at Ryo, demanding for answers. But before Ryo can even speak, Nana initiated to tell the story.
“Our mother died when we were young. I was twelve and niichan was eighteen. Since then my dad began to drink and tried some drugs, hoping it will take all his pain away. My brother quitted school and worked, for me to continue studying, I got a scholarship and everything was going smoothly until I began to hit puberty. It seems that I grew up to be looking like my mother, from our body structure, face, hair almost everything. That’s the point when my father started to get confused and looked at me as my mother. He tried to have sex with me, which of course I refused. He kept on pushing me and hurting me for refusing. I want to keep everything as a secret but soon enough my brother noticed the scars I’ve been getting. I got through with him with a lie until one day…”
..:Flashback:..
Nana nervously opened the door of their house, she was afraid to go home that night in fact she’s afraid to go home everyday. She’s afraid that something undesirable might happen to her again. She stepped inside and took a deep breath to relax herself but the stench of the room took over her system. The smell of cigar, the smell of alcohol and the smell of dirty dishes and garbage were mixed into a very very foul stench. Nana went to check on her father, he was easily be seen, he was lying on the floor by the living room with a bottle of beer in hand. ‘Same old scenario’ she thought. Unable to resist how dirty their house is, Nana decided to clean up. She picked up the garbage and bottles lying around, she swept the floor and wiped the table. She was done with the living room. It’s time for the kitchen. Nana was silently washing the dishes when a pair of arms snaked around her waist. Indeed she was shocked, indeed she was in disgust. Her eyes widened, her tears began to flow unconsciously, her heart began to pumped fast, faster than usual, lastly her knees began to weaken.
“Dear, the dishes could wait, come and play with me.” A hoarse voice was heard, that sent chills down Nana’s spine. Nana immediately pushed her father to the side but as a man that he is she barely moved him. Luckily, she was able to escape from his grip.
“Playing hard to get, I see…” Her father exclaimed yet again. Nana was terrified, she was confused, she didn’t know what to do.
“DAD! It’s me! It’s Nana! I’m Nana!” Nana shouted. But the alcohol and drugs made Nana’s father confused.
“What are you talking about, Nana is our little girl, she’s only 8.” He exclaimed and chuckled a little as he found her statement funny.
“No dad! Stop it please!” Nana shouted on the top of her lungs as her father began to kiss her by the neck and held her tightly.
“I’ll be gentle don’t worry.” He whispered on her ears. Nana was tired of this everyday routine, is she refuse she will get hurt further. She already has too many scars to hide from her brother. She decided to give up. She can no longer do anything but to cry. Her father began to unbutton her blouse when she heard the door opened.
“What the fuck!?!” A devastated guy exclaimed, it was Ryo, her brother. He immediately pushed their father to the side and hit him hard. He hit the wall and landed on the floor.
“What do you think you’re doing to my sister?!” Ryo sat on top of his father and punched him repeatedly. He was in disgust, he didn’t expect his father to be this bad, to be this crazy. It pained him that it was his father that he is hurting. The love he has for him was slowly fading and hate was emerging.
“Don’t you have any respect left, huh?! To us? To yourself?!” Ryo said yet again. Ryo was busy hitting him when the unexpected happened. It seemed that their father found a knife lying on the floor. The terrified Nana who sat helpless on the floor saw, what their father saw and took the chance to grab the knife before he could. But Nana was surprised when he was able to grab her hand too. Ryo was surprised and was taken a back. Nana struggled with the knife, she was able to save herself and save her brother but…
“How could you?” Their father exclaimed in pain and shock. He was stab deep enough for the internal organs be damaged. Nana pulled out the knife and stabbed him again to make sure, this time his heart. She was just too tired, she was left with no other option. Ryo was stunned by the scene but hugged Nana really tight and get a hold of the weapon.
..:End of the flashback:..
“I killed our father. “ Nana exclaimed as she began to sob.
“But I wanted to protect her, that’s why I told her that I will take the credit and tell the police that I’m the one who killed him.” Ryo exclaimed which Yui repeated.
“I argued with him. When our argument ended I just lost myself and attempted to jump off the building. He saw it and I fought with him, but unlike you no one saved him. I caused my brother’s death. “ Nana cried loudly.
“I want to tell the police that it was all my fault. But until the very end my brother tends not to fail in protecting me, the police saw the letter he wrote where he admitted the crime. Yet again I was freed. I don’t deserve this life…” Nana exclaimed for the last time.
“But why can’t you understand that your brother just wanted the best for you? He gave up everything for you.” Yui exclaimed.
“You don’t get it don’t you?! He should be the one living and me who supposedly dead!” Nana exclaimed.
“Well, technically, both of you should be living if only you didn’t attempt to kill yourself.” Takaki said, hitting Nana with his words.
“Yes, it might be your fault. But will you just appreciate the love your brother given you?” Takaki added.
“He forgave you already and he didn’t regret a thing in what happened.” Yui said softly, as she caressed Nana’s head.
“But…”
“No buts.” Takaki smiled, while Nana looked at him.
“He fulfilled his duty on protecting you. Now, in order for him to move on, you should accept your duty of protecting yourself. This is his last gift for you, your life. Will you give your brother a gift? Will you let him be with your mother?” Yui asked in a sweet voice, wiping the tears on Nana’s cheeks. Nana nodded and tried to smile. Ryo on the other hand got distracted by the bright light he’s seeing where everything is serene, peaceful and beautiful. He can even see his mother waving her hand. It’s just so beautiful that he can’t take his eyes off of it. But before he stepped into it he looked at his sister for the last time.
“I love you, Nana. Don’t you ever forget that.” Ryo kissed Nana’s forehead and stepped into the light.
“That’s it. He crossed over now.” Yui smiled, while saying the good news. Nana lowered her head knowing that her brother can never be with her ever again.
“You lost him but you gained us. We will be your friends.” Takaki exclaimed as he ruffled both Yui and Nana’s hair. Nana smiled at the two and nodded. Soon enough the room was filled with soft laughter.
“But hey! You didn’t tell me you almost died!” Takaki furiously exclaimed at his cousin.
“Don’t worry, a fine man saved her.” Nana replied, looking at Yui with a smirk.
“Fine man?” Takaki asked,
“Wait I believe his name is Inoo Kei.” Nana giggled as she saw the change on Yui’s face.
“Him again!?” Takaki exclaimed, attempting to grab Yui.
“What?! He’s just a friend!” Yui defended herself as she tried to go out of the room.
“A friend huh!?” Takaki murmured as Yui disappeared in the room.
“I think you’ll do the same thing to her right? I mean just like what my brother did to me.” Nana asked, bringing Takaki’s attention to her.
“Yeah, I might, she’s been through a lot than you can ever think of. I will protect her as much as I can.” Takaki smiled at her, while she smiled back. “She’s the only family I got. I will do all I can to make her happy.”
_________________________________________________________
Next
Chapter 5
(Moving Forward)
Flash of lightning. Roar of thunder.
I opened my eyes. I can’t move. I can’t breathe properly. I can only see nothing but a dark room but it’s not mine.
Flash of lightning. Roar of thunder.
I looked at my hand. I saw a bottle of pills, sleeping pills.
I can feel my eyes getting heavier and heavier, I don’t want to go to sleep. I might not wake up. I want to fight the urge of closing my eyes and yet I can’t.
Flash of lightning. Roar of thunder.
Panting Yui woke up and was shocked when she saw Nishikido Ryo looking at her intently.
“Help her.”
_________________________________________________________________________________
“Help her.” His husky voice alarmed her.
“What happened?” Yui squinted her eyes, adjusting her vision.
“The dream?” Yui exclaimed, she never had dreams like that for a long time now. Her last weird dream was a week before she encountered Kei’s sister and it was regarding her mother.
“That’s her.” He simply replied, meaning what Yui experienced in the dream was Nana’s situation. Yui woke her cousin up and gladly Takaki understood. Ryo led the two of them to where Nana lived. But when they arrived, the door was locked.
“I’ll handle this.” Takaki exclaimed and took a card out of his wallet. He swiftly swiped it on the side of the door and twisted it hoping he’ll get through. Good thing, the door doesn’t have double lock. Nana lived in a studio type condominium. Once you open the door everything in the room will be seen. Yui immediately ran towards the unconscious girl lying on the bed. She checked her out and she’s really in a deep slumber, really really deep. Yui tried to shake her up but yet no response was gotten from her.
“Come on let’s take her to the hospital.” Takaki immediately pulled Nana away from Yui and carried her. They took a taxi and arrived at the hospital just in time for the doctors to still do something to save her.
Yui watched Nana like a hawk, while Takaki asked the hospital if they can put him in duty of her. Morning came and Nana is still unconscious. Yui left the hospital to wash herself while Takaki was left taking care of the unconscious girl.
“I really don’t get it when people take their life for granted. If only they know there is someone willing to live the life they have.” Takaki exclaimed, as he talked to himself but unfortunately for him someone heard him.
“I don’t think someone will ever want a life I have right now.” She exclaimed in a low, dry voice. Takaki gasped as he heard her talked, but as soon as he calmed himself, he offered her some water.
“I lost everything…” She continued after she drank some water. Takaki shook his head again to disagree.
“You might lost everything but you can always gain something in return. You just have to move on and take the initiative to make yourself happy.” Takaki replied with a soft smile. Nana stared at him and can’t help but to smile back. Not long enough Yui came back with a food in hand.
“You again?” Nana replied.
“Ahmm…” She can only say nothing. Seeing his cousin twisted her tongue, Takaki took the step to explain.
“Look this might sound bizarre but my cousin here, Yui can see the dead. She’s been asked by your brother to tell you to stop killing yourself.” Takaki exclaimed, while Nana rolled her eyes.
“Really? Don’t make fun of me, alright?” Nana replied sarcastically, still not willing to cooperate.
“Think of it, I never knew you and yet I know where you live. I never knew you yet I know that you lost your brother, the most important person in your life.” Yui finally spoke up. Nana looked at her with wary eyes.
“Look, this is really not funny!” Nana finally broke down. Tears began to flow down her eyes.
“I just want you to live your life and not doomed yourself on the past. Nana, don’t blame everything to yourself. I did what I did to protect you.” Ryo exclaimed, asking Yui to tell her his words.
“But… But everything was my fault! I’m the one who killed dad! You’re not supposed to be blamed with that!” Nana shouted back at her brother. While Yui frowned in response, she’s confused.
“I don’t understand.” Yui exclaimed,
“You, what? Killed who?” Takaki exclaimed at the same time.
“There’s something, you’re not telling me.” Yui looked at Ryo, demanding for answers. But before Ryo can even speak, Nana initiated to tell the story.
“Our mother died when we were young. I was twelve and niichan was eighteen. Since then my dad began to drink and tried some drugs, hoping it will take all his pain away. My brother quitted school and worked, for me to continue studying, I got a scholarship and everything was going smoothly until I began to hit puberty. It seems that I grew up to be looking like my mother, from our body structure, face, hair almost everything. That’s the point when my father started to get confused and looked at me as my mother. He tried to have sex with me, which of course I refused. He kept on pushing me and hurting me for refusing. I want to keep everything as a secret but soon enough my brother noticed the scars I’ve been getting. I got through with him with a lie until one day…”
..:Flashback:..
Nana nervously opened the door of their house, she was afraid to go home that night in fact she’s afraid to go home everyday. She’s afraid that something undesirable might happen to her again. She stepped inside and took a deep breath to relax herself but the stench of the room took over her system. The smell of cigar, the smell of alcohol and the smell of dirty dishes and garbage were mixed into a very very foul stench. Nana went to check on her father, he was easily be seen, he was lying on the floor by the living room with a bottle of beer in hand. ‘Same old scenario’ she thought. Unable to resist how dirty their house is, Nana decided to clean up. She picked up the garbage and bottles lying around, she swept the floor and wiped the table. She was done with the living room. It’s time for the kitchen. Nana was silently washing the dishes when a pair of arms snaked around her waist. Indeed she was shocked, indeed she was in disgust. Her eyes widened, her tears began to flow unconsciously, her heart began to pumped fast, faster than usual, lastly her knees began to weaken.
“Dear, the dishes could wait, come and play with me.” A hoarse voice was heard, that sent chills down Nana’s spine. Nana immediately pushed her father to the side but as a man that he is she barely moved him. Luckily, she was able to escape from his grip.
“Playing hard to get, I see…” Her father exclaimed yet again. Nana was terrified, she was confused, she didn’t know what to do.
“DAD! It’s me! It’s Nana! I’m Nana!” Nana shouted. But the alcohol and drugs made Nana’s father confused.
“What are you talking about, Nana is our little girl, she’s only 8.” He exclaimed and chuckled a little as he found her statement funny.
“No dad! Stop it please!” Nana shouted on the top of her lungs as her father began to kiss her by the neck and held her tightly.
“I’ll be gentle don’t worry.” He whispered on her ears. Nana was tired of this everyday routine, is she refuse she will get hurt further. She already has too many scars to hide from her brother. She decided to give up. She can no longer do anything but to cry. Her father began to unbutton her blouse when she heard the door opened.
“What the fuck!?!” A devastated guy exclaimed, it was Ryo, her brother. He immediately pushed their father to the side and hit him hard. He hit the wall and landed on the floor.
“What do you think you’re doing to my sister?!” Ryo sat on top of his father and punched him repeatedly. He was in disgust, he didn’t expect his father to be this bad, to be this crazy. It pained him that it was his father that he is hurting. The love he has for him was slowly fading and hate was emerging.
“Don’t you have any respect left, huh?! To us? To yourself?!” Ryo said yet again. Ryo was busy hitting him when the unexpected happened. It seemed that their father found a knife lying on the floor. The terrified Nana who sat helpless on the floor saw, what their father saw and took the chance to grab the knife before he could. But Nana was surprised when he was able to grab her hand too. Ryo was surprised and was taken a back. Nana struggled with the knife, she was able to save herself and save her brother but…
“How could you?” Their father exclaimed in pain and shock. He was stab deep enough for the internal organs be damaged. Nana pulled out the knife and stabbed him again to make sure, this time his heart. She was just too tired, she was left with no other option. Ryo was stunned by the scene but hugged Nana really tight and get a hold of the weapon.
..:End of the flashback:..
“I killed our father. “ Nana exclaimed as she began to sob.
“But I wanted to protect her, that’s why I told her that I will take the credit and tell the police that I’m the one who killed him.” Ryo exclaimed which Yui repeated.
“I argued with him. When our argument ended I just lost myself and attempted to jump off the building. He saw it and I fought with him, but unlike you no one saved him. I caused my brother’s death. “ Nana cried loudly.
“I want to tell the police that it was all my fault. But until the very end my brother tends not to fail in protecting me, the police saw the letter he wrote where he admitted the crime. Yet again I was freed. I don’t deserve this life…” Nana exclaimed for the last time.
“But why can’t you understand that your brother just wanted the best for you? He gave up everything for you.” Yui exclaimed.
“You don’t get it don’t you?! He should be the one living and me who supposedly dead!” Nana exclaimed.
“Well, technically, both of you should be living if only you didn’t attempt to kill yourself.” Takaki said, hitting Nana with his words.
“Yes, it might be your fault. But will you just appreciate the love your brother given you?” Takaki added.
“He forgave you already and he didn’t regret a thing in what happened.” Yui said softly, as she caressed Nana’s head.
“But…”
“No buts.” Takaki smiled, while Nana looked at him.
“He fulfilled his duty on protecting you. Now, in order for him to move on, you should accept your duty of protecting yourself. This is his last gift for you, your life. Will you give your brother a gift? Will you let him be with your mother?” Yui asked in a sweet voice, wiping the tears on Nana’s cheeks. Nana nodded and tried to smile. Ryo on the other hand got distracted by the bright light he’s seeing where everything is serene, peaceful and beautiful. He can even see his mother waving her hand. It’s just so beautiful that he can’t take his eyes off of it. But before he stepped into it he looked at his sister for the last time.
“I love you, Nana. Don’t you ever forget that.” Ryo kissed Nana’s forehead and stepped into the light.
“That’s it. He crossed over now.” Yui smiled, while saying the good news. Nana lowered her head knowing that her brother can never be with her ever again.
“You lost him but you gained us. We will be your friends.” Takaki exclaimed as he ruffled both Yui and Nana’s hair. Nana smiled at the two and nodded. Soon enough the room was filled with soft laughter.
“But hey! You didn’t tell me you almost died!” Takaki furiously exclaimed at his cousin.
“Don’t worry, a fine man saved her.” Nana replied, looking at Yui with a smirk.
“Fine man?” Takaki asked,
“Wait I believe his name is Inoo Kei.” Nana giggled as she saw the change on Yui’s face.
“Him again!?” Takaki exclaimed, attempting to grab Yui.
“What?! He’s just a friend!” Yui defended herself as she tried to go out of the room.
“A friend huh!?” Takaki murmured as Yui disappeared in the room.
“I think you’ll do the same thing to her right? I mean just like what my brother did to me.” Nana asked, bringing Takaki’s attention to her.
“Yeah, I might, she’s been through a lot than you can ever think of. I will protect her as much as I can.” Takaki smiled at her, while she smiled back. “She’s the only family I got. I will do all I can to make her happy.”
_________________________________________________________
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