Chapter Five

Kacy's POV

In the following days after my parents' burial, I've isolated myself in my room, locked the door, and closed all the windows. It was dark, and I didn't want to go outside. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I didn't want to feel anything, but I cried every time I thought about my parents. I still couldn't understand why they had to leave me. They were the only family I had, and yet, yet they died.

I'd never forgive whoever killed them. I swear to God to give justice to their death. I'd hunt those gangsters one by one, kill them all... Or that's what I thought, but I couldn't really kill anyone. I'm weak. I couldn't even protect myself without Jerome's help. If only I were strong enough, perhaps, perhaps I could have saved them.

I've read novels and watched movies about this before, but it really hits different if it happens to you in real life. You'd wish it was all a dream. You'd want to wake up from this nightmare. It was so difficult to say goodbye to the people who have been with me for my whole damn life. The people who taught me everything.

I've lost the motivation to chase my dreams. Life felt so meaningless without them. I didn't know what I'd do anymore. I just wanted to lie on my bed and wait for my time to finally see them again, but time seemed too slow.

Everything was black and white. There was a complete silence around the house, and silence meant remembering. I wished I could just forget about them and all the memories they left, but I couldn't. I wouldn't have been here without them.

Thanks to Uncle Ben, he always checked out on me. He reminded me many times not to take actions I'd regret. But despite this, I've been thinking about it, like it was the only way to get rid of this heartache, but still I couldn't do it. I didn't have the courage to kill myself.

Uncle Ben encouraged me to continue my studies to do what I loved, but I couldn't remember myself anymore and the things I loved to do. He and his wife would be the ones to manage my parents' businesses, as he knew I couldn't do it alone. In return, he wanted me to stay with him and his family so that it wouldn't be difficult for him.

I didn't know what hell was waiting for me there, but what else could I do? I didn't even want to talk or think about it yet since my life had just been ruined by the fact that my parents had passed away, so I just agreed to whatever Uncle Ben said. I just want to be alone for a while. I hope the world can wait until I'm okay again, if I'll really be okay.

"Thank you so much for everything, Jerome," I said. "But after this, after moving to my uncle's house, you don't have to be with me again. You've been a very good bodyguard to us, but you know, life happens sometimes."

"It's okay, ma'am. I understand. I'll just look for another job. I just want to remind you to take care of yourself. Sir Carl and Ma'am Brenda won't like to see you sad," Jerome replied.

Jerome helped me pack up my things. It would be the last time he'd drive for me, so I decided to double his wage. He didn't want to accept it, but I insisted. Soon, we arrived at Uncle Ben's house. Clara helped us bring my stuff to my room.

"Welcome to your new room, dear," Uncle Ben said. "I hope you'll get along with my wife and children. Please make yourself at home. Don't be shy to tell me if you need anything."

"Thanks, Uncle," I replied, forcing myself to smile.

After a week or two, I decided to continue my studies. I have talked to my professors and dean about what happened. They felt really sorry about it. I did it for them to consider my absences as excused.

"Andre!" Dorothea exclaimed as her son entered the living room. "What happened to your face?"

Andre spoke out, but we couldn't understand what he was saying due to his swollen lips. Dorothea got frustrated with her own son, but before she could do something, I suggested he write it down so that we would understand.

"Tell us, Andre, who did this to you?" Uncle Ben asked.

Andre took the pen and paper I gave him and wrote it down. Bryan Browne, Cathryne's boyfriend.

"Why would he do that to you?" Dorothea asked. "Did you do something to him to get this many bruises?"

Andre shook his head and wrote, "He mistook me for Cathryne's boyfriend. Perhaps he's jealous."

"Youngsters love it, I guess," Uncle Ben said.

"That Bryan did it terribly. He'll keep hurting Andre if we don't report this to the principal. They shouldn't allow someone like that at school," Dorothea said.

"Please don't do that, Mom," Andre pleaded.

"Why? Are you afraid of him?" Dorothea asked. "Don't worry, son, he'll never mess with you again once the principal knows this. I'll ask them to call his parents. They should know how to raise their son properly."

"What happened?" Cathryne asked as she walked towards us. "Andre, are you okay?" She was about to touch Andre, but Dorothea stopped her.

"Don't touch your brother, Cathryne. It was your fault why he's like this," Dorothea said.

"My fault? Why, Mom? Did I do something?" Cathryne asked, confused.

"Your boyfriend. He did this to your brother. You should break up with him and never ever get near him again if you don't want the same thing to happen to you," Dorothea said.

"But, Mom—" Cathryne was about to say something, but Uncle Ben interrupted.

"Please listen to your mother, Cathryne," Uncle Ben said. "Your boyfriend doesn't seem to be a good influence. We'll go to the principal tomorrow. As for now, please go and have a rest."

Dorothea, Cathryne, and Andre left the living room. I was about to go when Uncle Ben stopped me.

"How about you, Kacy? Is there anyone who's bullying you at school?" he asked. "Please don't be shy to tell me if there is. I'll take care of them."

"Thanks, Uncle, but there isn't," I replied.

"I'm glad to know that. Go now and take a rest. You still have a class tomorrow," Uncle Ben said.

I went upstairs and continued to my room. I just realized how more peaceful it is to be single than to be in a wrong relationship.

As I lay down on my bed, I remember the guy who bumped into me earlier at school. He had blue eyes, short uncombed black hair, and a sharp jawline. God! Why am I thinking about him? He wasn't even that handsome.

Then, I remembered I've got homework to do. I stood up, turned on the lights, and took my things out of my bag. But I couldn't think of any topics that piqued my interest. All I'm thinking about is that guy. I have to get him out of my mind, or everyone will laugh at me tomorrow.

"Right!" A brilliant idea came to my mind. "Let's listen to some music." I took my phone and turned it on. I forgot to turn off my data; a notification popped up on my screen. Bryan Browne sent you a friend request.

Bryan Browne? I think I've heard that name, but I couldn't remember when or where. I just have a poor memory. I need to do my homework, and yet here I am, scrolling through my social media account, stalking this guy named Bryan Browne.

While looking at his profile picture, I realized he was that guy who bumped into me earlier. But how did he get my name anyway? Boys are scary, aren't they? I accepted his friend request. As I was writing, my phone vibrated again. What is it again this time? I want to focus on my report.

Bryan sent you a message? I opened it and read. Hey, Kacy. Nice to meet you. What's nice about meeting you, Bryan? Look, I'm here trying to focus on my report for tomorrow, but you keep disturbing me. I sent it and turned off my phone. Finally, I'd done my report and fell asleep with a smile on my face.