Without a word, she threw her bag on the floor near the fireplace and ran upstairs to her bedroom. She locked the door. Her mother was in a state of utter shock. She could do nothing but stare at the staircase. After a while, another girl –this time a shorter and younger one- came into the house. This girl took her bag upstairs to her room and locked the door. While she was walking up the stairs, her mother spotted tears rolling down her cheeks.
What’s with these girls? The lady, mother to both girls, asked herself.
Without any questions, she went back to her work - cooking lunch for the two girls.
***
What’s her problem? What’s wrong with her? Why is she always so… hot-tempered and so irritated? And of all persons, she is my sister! I just asked her a question and she’s already so irritated and annoyed… am I that annoying? Maybe she has her menstruation…
***
Why must she be such a busy body? I mean… he’s mine, isn’t he? My boyfriend… did she have to ask that question? Damn! Now I’m really irritated! And my menstruation isn’t helping either… and most of all; Cecelia is my younger sister, for crying out loud! With that, she buried her head in a yellow and purple polka-dot pillow and screamed.
***
“Girls! Hurry down! Your lunch is getting cold… GILRS?! Could you please hurry up?!”
The lady of the house, Lilian Edna, was shouting to her 2 daughters.
“Coming, mum!” came a reply.
That must be Cecelia. Now, where’s the other lazy bum? Edna wondered to herself.
“Karen! Come down!” she shouted.
“5 more minutes!” Karen replied.
“No! Now!” Edna’s reply was firm and full of impatience.
A little while later, a girl with brown hair and hazel eyes, stepped into the dinning room, with a black Adidas shirt and a black khaki pants. She dropped down onto a chair and started helping herself to the food laid out on the table. She said her grace and ate her food slowly, avoiding her mother’s questioning glance. Then, another girl, this time with darker brown hair and a pair of exact same hazel eyes, just like her sister, came down the stairs. She was wearing a white empire-cut shirt with a beige shorts. She had nicer features than Cecelia and was definitely prettier than her. Her features were defined. She took a seat, as far away as possible, from Cecelia. She then wolfed down the food she had taken hungrily without even saying her grace. She then downed a cup of sarsi.
Then, she left her plate in the sink and ran upstairs to her room and locked the door. Later, Cecelia put her plate in the sink as well. But she washed the dishes and then thanked her mom for the food and went upstairs.
“What’re you gonna do?” asked Edna.
“My homework, I guess. Don’t worry. I’ll come down later to help you change the curtains,” Cecelia replied weakly, walking up the stairs, taking 2 steps at a time.
Maybe I should apologize to her. I mean, she is my elder sister…Cecelia thought to herself. Instead of going to her room, she stopped at Karen’s door. She lifted up her right hand, ready to knock it. Her hand paused at the door, afraid that her next move would ruin her life… forever…She finally mustered up all her courage and knocked the door.
“Who’s there?” came a tearful reply.
“It’s me, Cecelia, your irritating and terrible sister,” she replied sarcastically.
“Go away! And get outta my life, you big, fat idiotic moron!” Karen shouted, fighting back her tears.
“I didn’t come here to dance with you,” Cecelia muttered. “I wanna apologize for a particular reason I don’t know.”
“Save it, Cecelia!”
Cecelia was beginning to feel irritated and said, “You know what? You think you’re so smart. You think I’m your younger sister so you can push me around? Sorry but I ain’t your toy! And I don’t really care what you think about me! Yeah! I take my apology back… maybe youwould feel happier when you go to Uni.”
Those words sank deep down into Karen’s heart. She then realized that Cecelia was one who always took all her demands and never shouted at her before. She really respects Karen. Only that Karen doesn’t have respect for her… Heck, she doesn’t even have respect for her mum, for crying out loud!
“Cecelia, I’m sorry. What you said was right. I’ve been treating you like a toy and pushed you around a lot. And maybe I don’t feel happier going to Uni.
Cecelia paused at her steps. She turned around. “Yeah, you won’t feel happier only coz’ of Matthew,” she said, big fat drops of tears rolled down her cheeks and onto the floor.
“Hey, that’s not it. I love you and you know that. It’s juz’ that… I don’t like people talking ‘bout Matthew,” Karen said while walking towards Cecelia.
They inched closer and hugged each other.
Karen couldn’t fight back her tears anymore and she let her tears flow continuously like water-works. They hugged for a long time and kept on apologizing to one another.
“Sorry for treating you so badly, Cecelia. And sorry for being demanding as well.”
“It’s ok. I love you too,” Cecelia replied, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. “By the way, I’m annoying anyway, so I don’t blame you for hating me so much.
After that, they both went back to their rooms with light hearts. Just as promised, Cecelia went downstairs to help her mother change the curtains.
“Thank you, Cecelia. I’m so happy to have you at home. Even though Karen isn’t gonna be around, I thank God I still have you,” Edna said after all the curtains have been changed.
“Thanks mom, but I think Karen would be a better daughter than I would be,” Cecelia replied.
More days passed and Karen’s going to NUS is coming nearer. Soon, she would be going to NUS tomorrow.
The night before Karen’s departure, Cecelia bought Karen’s favorite chocolate with a thin layer of mint between layers of chocolate. When everyone was asleep, Cecelia sneaked down to the kitchen and took Karen’s purse along with her. She then opened the refrigerator and took about 2 pieces of chocolates and put them inside her purse.
A sudden shrill ringing of an alarm clock told Cecelia that it was time to send Karen to NUS. A tear slid down Cecelia’s cheek as she went up the stairs and put back the purse on Karen’s dressing table.
After packing up and all, Karen, Cecelia and Edna were ready to leave to the bus station and go to NUS. They were in the bus for quite a while. They soon arrived in Singapore. Cecelia checked her watch. It was 5.34 in the morning. While travelling to PGP (Prince George’s Park) by a cab, Cecelia quickly whispered something into Karen’s ear:
“If we’re gonna walk around in Singapore; please put your purse in the fridge. If not, look into your purse. Not now!”
Karen was in a good mood so she nodded her head and smiled at Cecelia.
Wow! That was easier than I thought! Cecelia thought to herself.
Once they reached PGP, Cecelia had a sudden urge to answer Nature’s call. She went quickly into the toilet, while Karen and Edna waited outside the toilet. Karen took the chance and asked Edna to ask Cecelia to check her school bag when they arrived home. Edna nodded and promised to pass the message to her.
Later, they heard the flushing of a cubicle.
“Ah! That felt a lot better!” Cecelia said, relieved. Karen and Edna just laughed.
They found Karen’s room number went inside her room. Then Edna had the sudden urge to go to the toilet. “Whoops, excuse me, please I need to use the bathroom,” Edna said and quickly rushed out of the room. Karen and Cecelia stared blankly at the door and suddenly collapsed into gales of laughter.
Suddenly, Karen’s cell phone vibrated before ringing shrilly. She quickly grabbed her phone and headed to the door. She started talking and talking like the world was gonna end. Cecelia shook her head and scoffed. Girls, she thought. Hold on… I’m a girl! She chuckled to herself.
Cecelia then had a sudden irresistible desire to look at the view of the hectic town of Singapore. She headed towards the door. The door shut behind her. She walked a few strides and saw the view. A soft gasp escaped her lips. The streets were clean and there were people jogging around. A few teenage guys were roller blading and doing some stunts with them. Karen’s nudge knocked Cecelia back into reality.
“Hey! Cecelia. What’re you doin’ here?” Karen asked her younger sister.
“Oh, nothing, really. Just looking at the view,” came her reply.
“I see. Where’s the key?” Karen asked.
“What key?”
“The key to my room door.”
“Oh, crap!”
“No, way! Cecelia! You actually forgot to take the key with you?!”
“Oh, goodness! I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!”
“No way! You’re so careless, Cecelia! How can I forgive you if you keep on forgetting things like this?”
“What’s going on?” Edna asked so suddenly that Cecelia and Karen jerked. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you like that. Now, tell me what happened?” “It’s Cecelia, mom! She keeps forgetting things. She forgot to take my room key along with her when she came outta my room!” Karen cried.
“It was an accident! I’m so sorry,” Cecelia said, on the verge of crying.
“If you’re sorry, Cecelia, you wouldn’t keep making mistakes like this!” Karen shouted back at her. “You are an idiotic, crappy loser! You are fat and ugly! I hate you!
“Now, wait a minute, Karen. At least Cecelia helps me wash the dishes and all. You don’t even help me take care of Cecelia. Good thing she can take care of herself,” Edna said.
“You can’t even-“ Karen’s sentence was interrupted by Cecelia’s voice.
“Would you stop it already? Like you’re so perfect! You think you’re so thin and pretty. We’re sisters, remember? We’re supposed to have the same features. Nobody’s perfect, ok? You’re irritating me!”
“Oh, yeah! Like you’re not! Puh-lease! You agitate me a lot more than I do to you, trust me,” Karen said, rolling her eyes.
“And how would you know that? Have you ever looked into a mirror before?” Cecelia asked.
“You mean in physically or mentally?”
“Both. Duh?” Cecelia said, raising an eyebrow.
“Ergh! That’s it! Mummy! So should we go down and ask for a spare key or what?” Karen said, denying that she was irritating.
“I guess so…” Edna said.
“Oh! Wait, I forgot! I do have a spare key. Whoops… I guess I’m just as forgetful as Cecelia,” Karen said sarcastically.
“Right, very funny, I could laugh my head out,” Cecelia said sarcastically.
“And you still can laugh! You’re so annoying, damn it!” Karen said, trying to open her room door with that spare key of hers.
“Ok! That’s enough, girls!” Edna said, raising her voice a little.
Suddenly, Karen’s purse dropped out of her pocket all because she was so angry. It dropped under the bed and no one noticed it.
Later, they started to feel hungry and tummies started rumbling. One of Karen’s friends was in the same university as her. He said that there was this cool shop named Subway.
So the 4 of them took a bus to Subway.
“Wow! It’s really good!” Cecelia complimented as she bit into the tastiest burger she’s ever tasted.
“Yeah! Told you guys,” Karen’s friend said. His name is Danny Douglas, but people call him Dan. He had pure auburn hair. His eyes were gray. He wore oversized hoody and faded denims.
“Thanks for recommending this wonderful shop, Danny,” Edna said.
“You’re welcome.”
“Hey, let’s go for a walk later! I wanna know more ‘bout Singapore!” Cecelia shouted, excitedly.
“Sure, no prob,” Dan replied.
“Yea, no prob,” Karen echoed darkly.
“Yay! Thanks, Dan!” Cecelia cried for joy.
“Erm… no prob?” Dan said, awkwardly.
“Great,” Karen muttered under her breath.
“Look! Monkeys! Cool! Hey, Dan! Are they proboscis monkey?” Cecelia asked.
“Nope. Proboscis monkeys can’t be found in Singapore,” Dan answered politely.
“Wow!! Many, many monkeys!” Jolene cried.
“Yup and there’s a big one sitting right next to me,” Karen said wryly.
“Hey! That’s not funny!” Cecelia said, hurt by her words.
***
After eating, Dan brought Karen, Cecelia and Edna around town. They passed by a few skaters whom Dan waved to.
Wow! The skaters here are really good! Cecelia thought to herself.
Dan brought them towards town, near PGP where it was more hectic and busy…
“Do you think we can see PGP from here, Dan?” purred Karen, injecting more sweetness into her sweetest voice.
“Nope. It’s close but still far… if that makes sense,” Dan joked.
Karen laughed her sweetest laugh, “You’re really a joker, Dan.
Cecelia gave Karen a look which said ‘You-already-have-a-boyfriend-traitor!’
Karen immediately rolled her eyes at Cecelia and turned away from Dan. She knew she was wrong but didn’t like to admit it.
Dan and Karen were walking in front while Cecelia and Edna were at the back of them. Cecelia was eying the ice-cream intently as they were passing the ice-cream stall.
“Wow! Tempting… Yummy, mommy, can I have one?” Cecelia asked in her sweetest, most sympathetic voice.
“That’s how she goes fat,” Karen told Dan.
“Haha. Very funny… like you’re so thin,” Cecelia said, emphasizing on the so.
“At least I’m thinner than you! You think you’re so pretty. I hate you!” Karen challenged her.
More arguments pierced into Edna’s eardrum and her patience was wearing out on a thin thread.
Edna was about to stop their squabble with a sharp “Stop it!” but something else came out of her mouth. It was only when she realized then she shouted, “Karen! Look out!”
Karen turned in time to see the car centimeters away from her back but it was too late. Karen shut her eyes. She waited for the pain… she heard a scream. She didn’t know who screamed. But whatever it is, it was a blood-curdling scream.
Seconds seemed like hours when she shut her eyes. But she knew it was only for a few seconds. The screaming was gradually getting louder and louder… and it continued for a long time.
A thought struck Karen. To her horror, the person screaming was her! She was screaming all this while. She was waiting for the pain to come when she knew the pain wouldn’t come.
When she shut her eyes, Cecelia hurled herself to the roadside so that the car would knock her not Karen. Karen opened her eyes and found herself looking at Cecelia’s limp, lifeless body. Her face was twisted with terror. Her mouth opened in an ‘O’ of horror. Cecelia’s white tennis shorts were stained with blood.
Karen bent down and gently cradled Cecelia’s head. Tears clouded Karen’s eyes. A tear slid down her cheek and fell onto Cecelia’s eyelid and it flowed to the ground. It looked as if Cecelia was crying and sharing tears with her sister.
Tears misted Edna’s vision and in a split second, the soft sobs became loud wails. Karen felt a pang of guilt… After all that Karen had done to Cecelia, Cecelia has the guts to save her from a car crash even if it means taking her life.
Suddenly, Karen’s guilt turned into anger. Why did Cecelia have to do that? I’ll never forgive her and myself! Karen thought to herself.
One of the passers-by called for 911 and 999. After a while, the ambulance and police came. They carried Cecelia’s lifeless body into the ambulance. The policemen were controlling the traffic while 2 or 3 policemen were taking the motorist of the car who knocked Cecelia to the police station. Karen, Edna and Dan followed in the ambulance van.
Edna was crying while Karen just kept quiet. She didn’t want to talk to anyone. She had to be alone. She needed her own space. She needed to think… What was the last sentence had I said to Cecelia? That question kept on lingering in her mind.
After about 10 minutes, they reached the Singapore Hospital. Cecelia was given a special treatment in the emergency ward.
Unfortunate for Karen, she couldn’t enter the ward because she had homophobia (Afraid of blood). I want to see Cecelia for the last time. God, please forgive me my sins. Please let me enter the room without fear of blood. Karen ventured a silent prayer.
Involuntarily, Karen stood up and headed for the door of Cecelia’s ward. The moment she entered, the doctor shook his head in despair, a grim expression on his face. In a blink of an eye, Edna sniffled a sob. She suddenly went out of control and started to shriek hysterically that sounded more animal than human.
It took Karen a few seconds to realize what was going on. She forced back a tear but hot tears blurred her vision and rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. Karen stepped towards her mother to hug her.
“I’m so sorry, mother. It’s all my fault and I don’t really mind if you ground me for life,” Karen whispered into Edna’s ears. Her breath felt warm against Edna’s cold face. Edna was too shocked for words. She couldn’t remember the last time Angeline had hugged her and apologized to her. Edna returned Karen’s hug. Dan dropped down on the ground to console Karen.
After that, they got out of the hospital and went back to Karen’s campus. Suddenly, Karen remembered about the chocolates that Cecelia had given her. Karen checked her pocket for her purse. She finally fished out her purse. No… that wasn’t her purse. It was a packet of tissue. Oh, no! My room’s my only chance. Please be there, purse. Karen thought to herself.
Karen suddenly started to jog to her room. Her speed gradually started to pick up and before she realized it, she was running rapidly towards her room. She ignored the shrill calls of Edna and Dan.
Karen reached her room door and fumbled for the key in her pocket. She finally managed to take it out and started to turn the key furiously.
At last, she got into her room and immediately, without hesitating for even a second, she checked under her bed. And there it was… her purse is still where she had dropped it. Karen breathed out a sigh of relief.
She took it and reluctantly opened the zip.
***
Dan and Edna were running up the stairs because the lift was full. Edna had to stop halfway because she was too tired. Dan was panting too and waited for Edna to recover.
“How long more do we have to reach Angeline’s room floor?” Edna asked Dan in between loud pants and wheezes.
“Erm… About 6 more floors, aunty,” Dan replied politely despite the fatigue he was facing.
“Ok. I suggest let’s continue, shall we?” Edna smiled at Dan.
“Erm… Ok, aunty. But you don’t have to force yourself,” Dan said, an awkward expression on his face.
“C’mon! It’s ok. I can do it. I’m not as old as you think,” Edna said, flashing Dan another smile. And she started to continue running up the stairs. Dan followed her.
***
Karen was still hesitating to open the zip. She finally bucked up enough courage to open the zip. She was afraid to find out what was in there.
Just as she opened it, Dan and Edna came running into the room. Karen took the chocolate out and tears misted her vision. Without a second thought, tears trickled down her cheeks like water-works.
For in her purse, the chocolates were melted. She tried to open the wrapper but the chocolate just stuck to the wrapper. It was so melted that it was almost liquid. Karen started to sob loudly with all her heart.
It took a while for Edna to realize what was happening. The chocolates that Cecelia gave Karen melted. It’s just like… the moment she passed away, everything started to change. Edna thought to herself.
Even though he didn’t know what was going on, Dan stepped towards Karen and dropped down beside her, putting an arm over her. Karen rested her head on his shoulders. Dan’s hoody was soaked wet by Karen’s tears but he didn’t really seem to care.
Edna started to take tissues out of her leather handbag and handed them over to Dan who gave them to Karen.
They continued to hug each other.
***
It was almost half a year after Cecelia’s death. And Cecelia couldn’t check her schoolbag because she’s dead. Actually, Karen had written a letter for her. The worst thing that made Karen feel so guilty is that she couldn’t attend Cecelia’s funeral… her own sister’s funeral and the last sentence she said to her was: I hate you!
