Gray Fuentes

I can’t take this atmosphere. I’ve always knew my mother hated me so much, why would she even make an effort to give me a lift to school. The ride feels forever, we sat there in silence without giving each other glances. I sighed in relief when we arrived on the front gate. I quickly get off the car, then she spoke.

“Remember your role for now on. You just have to lay down low until your father win the elections. At least make yourself useful, if not for your face we wouldn’t even lift a finger to find you. After this you can take your prize money, leave and never come back. You don’t deserve the name Fuentes.” she said without even looking at me. I slammed the door closed and enter the school without looking back. I never asked to be born in the first place, especially when she’s my mother.

I wouldn’t plan to help them if it’s not for Angelo. He’s the only person who acknowledged my existence. Ever since I was a child, I’m not allowed to leave my room. The world never needs someone like me. I only live with the dark and Angelo is the only one who held my hand through all that, despite of me being his shadow. That’s why I have to be the one to take revenge for him. I have to find who killed him. I was about to turn into the corner when someone bumped me. It wasn’t powerful but the girl is looking at the floor with a slight grin in her face. I groaned in annoyance because of that.

“I’m very sorry. Are you o ̶ ”

Her sentenced stopped mid-way and stared at me. I looked at her with my face full of irritation. I was about to leave when I felt two arms wrapped around me. I was left in awe, she hugged me. Her hug tightens as if saying she’ll never let go of me. It was warm, I can feel her warmth coursing through my body, it was comforting. I can feel my heart’s beating louder and louder, making me feel alive than I’ll ever be. I let her hugged me, I enjoyed it. The she sweetly whispered Angelo’s name. My heart suddenly became came a stop; my mind froze on the name that she said

How could I be so stupid. I should’ve expected that she’s pertaining to Angelo. He’s the one who deserve this kind of warmth. He’s the one that should be standing here now. He’s the one that’s meant for this girl. At that moment I hated him. But what I hated more is me hating him. The girl’s touch felt like a scorching fire, it begins to hurt as it burns longer. I instinctively pulled her away, and looked at her.

“Look miss, whatever that your thinking I’m not the one you thought of.” I said trying to be calm as much as I can despite of me hurting. I must never meet her again, I don’t want to take what’s belong to Angelo, I am Afterall just a shadow of his existence

“B-but you’re…”

“I’m not him! I will never be him!” I don’t want to hear what she was supposed to say that’s why I cut her off. Don’t let me get her for much longer. At least, don’t speak his name while I’m here. At least gave me a look saying I’m here as me. But it was impossible. No one can look at me without thinking Angelo. That’s why I have to stop this delusion.

“Whatever is dead will stay underground, accept it before you drown yourself in the past” I bitterly said before I left her alone. It was nice to feel the warmth while it lasted.

I continued to try to find the director’s office to report my arrival and to know my class. It wasn’t long before I found it, I knocked on the door and excused myself before going in. I saw a lady who’s on mid-twenties sitting on a table looking scared while papers on the floor. I didn’t pay attention on that, so I excused myself again to catch her attention.

“Sorry for what you have saw. So, I assume your Mr. Fuentes?” I nod in response. She explained some few things then she said I’ll be in Class 3-A, the same class as Angelo. Fortunately, she will be the advisor on that class. I silently followed her to the class.

She entered the room first, then after some introduction she called out my name so I walked in to the room. When I was at the center, I saw same faces in each person in the room ̶ shocked. Who wouldn’t be after seeing the face of their dead classmate?

“I’m Gray Fuentes. Angelo’s twin brother.” I plainly said.

I scanned the room and, on the corner, left of it caught my attention. Can life be any crueler than this? The same girl that hugged me is sitting in this room, wide-eyes stuck on me and mouth slightly open. Our eyes met and locked on each other. I don’t even know what I look right now but one thing is clear for me, she looked at me with full of question and disappointment. I felt a throb on my chest, it feels heavy. I can’t bear the pain so I looked away.

“Mr. Fuentes please seat on the empty chair on the left corner beside Ms. Dawn” I followed where she pointed at, I could just facepalm myself and thought life can really be crueler. I stand up straight and walk towards her then sat on the empty chair beside her. I tried to focus my eyes on front and not giving her any attention. I heard a soft laugh, the first thing that I thought was heaven, the sound of an angel. I let out a heavy breath and forcibly closed my eyes. ‘Oh God, kill me now!’ I thought, knowing fully that I could never resist such temptation.