Chapter 5 Meaning of D2

Ariel Winter

After school hours, I bade Racheal and Cory goodbye and headed to the taxi station with Ghostie.

"I see you've finally made new friends," Ghostie started.

"So? What about it? Are you jealous?" I asked, and she pouted.

"Kind of," she answered, and I chuckled softly.

"But I don't like that Racheal. She's too bossy," she remarked, and I nodded.

"Me too. I don't like her either."

"Then why are you friends with her if you don't like her?" she probed, and I shrugged.

"Erm... let's just say it's because of you," I answered.

"Me?" she repeated in surprise, and I nodded slowly.

"Sure. The whole class seems to know you, but no one is willing to talk. So you see, if I become her friend, she might tell me what she knows about you," I explained, and she grinned widely.

"Thanks, Ariel," she said appreciatively, and I smiled.

-

On getting to the taxi station, I flagged down a taxi.

"We'll see at home," Ghostie said in a whisper, and I nodded without looking at her.

I opened the car door and got into the taxi.

"Harmony Block," I called, and the driver nodded before driving off.

Leaning back in the seat, my mind drifted off to the last conversation I had with Jayden.

He bluntly told me our relationship would be over once I left town, and he's sure acting on his words-he hasn't called or messaged me since yesterday.

What should I do? I guess I should just call him first...

-

The driver soon stopped in front of a beautiful house.

Is this really my home?

The walls were painted brown, unlike the faded blue of yesterday.

I paid the driver and alighted from the car.

Walking to the front door, I stared in awe at men who were still painting the upper part of the building.

I never knew the "ancient" building could look this beautiful.

The door was slightly ajar, so I pushed it open and walked in.

I met my mum and Kamara seated in the beautifully transformed sitting room.

"Oh my God! Is this for real?" I wondered as I looked around. The whole house looked completely different.

"I hope you like what you see?" my mum asked, and I nodded.

"Sure, Mom. It's really, really nice," I beamed happily, and she smiled.

"I'm glad you like it. You should go check out your room," she informed.

"My room?" I repeated, and she nodded.

"What happened to my room?" I probed, and Kamara scoffed.

"Go check it out yourself, dummy," she said with a frown.

"Spoiled brat," I muttered before heading upstairs.

-

Entering my room, I widened my eyes in surprise as I looked around.

The cracked walls had been fixed and painted. There was a new wardrobe and a fancy reading table in the room.

"This is so nice!" I squealed in delight.

I walked up to the wardrobe and opened it-my clothes were neatly arranged.

"Thanks, Mom," I muttered.

I tossed my backpack on the bed and was about to pull off my clothes when Ghostie came in through the wall.

I widened my eyes in shock. "Omooo! How did you do that?" I asked, and she smirked.

"Have you forgotten I'm a ghost?" she said, looking around the room.

"Wow! Your room is beautiful!" she remarked, and before I knew it, she started running around excitedly.

I stared at her in surprise. "Are you sure you're 18 years old?" I asked, and she stopped.

"Why did you ask?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You behave like a little kid," I answered, and she frowned.

"If I'm a little kid, then what are you?" she retorted angrily, and I chuckled softly.

"Calm down, D2. I didn't mean it that way," I said, trying to calm her down.

"D2?" she repeated, and I nodded slowly.

"But why did you call me that?" she asked, her face stern.

"Are you dumb? Didn't you hear Damian's response when I asked him about you?" I said while pulling off my shoes.

"I heard, but I didn't fully understand what he meant. Can you please explain it better?" she pleaded.

"Fine! He said, 'You're stupid just like her.' Do you know what that means?" I asked, hoping she'd say yes, but she shook her head.

I sighed in frustration. She must really be dumb.

"So you see, it means D2 is a girl-and that girl is you," I explained, and she gave me a weird look.

"But how can D2 be my name? I mean, is there a name like that?" she asked, and I laughed out loud.

"You're so naïve! I never said it was your real name. It could be your alias," I said with a shrug, and she nodded slowly.

"Alias name... but what about my real name?" she probed, and I smiled.

"Don't worry, baby. I'll find out soon."

"Are you done talking to yourself?" a familiar voice asked, and I froze.

I turned to the voice and saw Kamara standing at the entrance.

"Erm... when did you get here?" I stuttered.

"Long enough to hear you talking to yourself about a D2," she answered, still staring at me weirdly.

"I was not talking to myself. I was revising for a test," I lied, and she smirked.

"You can tell that to dummies," she retorted in disbelief.

"But why didn't you knock before coming in?" I fired.

"It's not my fault you left your door open," she snapped back.

"Fine! Then why are you here?" I asked with a frown, but she just kept staring.

"Kamara!" I called, and she sighed.

"Are you sure you're okay? I think you need to visit a psychiatrist," she said, looking concerned.

"Are you trying to say I'm insane?" I asked, offended.

"No, I'm just trying-" she started, but I cut her off.

"Just tell me why you're here!" I barked, and she eyed me coldly.

"Dinner is ready. You can either come down or stay here talking to yourself," she said mockingly before leaving.

I bit my lips and turned to Ghostie.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, playing with her fingers.

"It's not your fault," I assured her, and she smiled lightly.

I pulled off my gown and changed into an indoor outfit.

"Wait here for me," I instructed and walked out without waiting for her response.

---

Damian Devin

I woke up with a throbbing headache and slight body pain.

I sat up on the bed and looked around-the pot of starch was still on the bed, and cigarette butts littered the floor.

I ran my hands through my hair. I felt so confused and empty.

Glancing at the wall clock, it was 9:00 p.m.

Damn! I slept for roughly nine hours.

I dragged myself off the bed and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

I met my mom seated at the dining table. She was drinking, as usual.

"Hi, Mom," I greeted, but as expected, she ignored me.

I smiled lightly and walked into the messy kitchen.

This is really frustrating! I was too tired to clean up.

Opening the refrigerator, I took out a bottle of water and a canned meal before walking out.

I had barely taken a few steps toward the stairs when I heard my name.

Am I dreaming? Did Mom just call me?

"Damian!" she called again, and I turned to her.

"What's that in your hands?" she asked coldly.

I looked at the bottle and then at her. "It's water and food, ma."

She stood up in a huff and came closer.

"Water?" she repeated, and I nodded.

"What do you want to do with it? Poison yourself? Leave me too?" she yelled.

"No, Mother. I'll never leave you," I assured her.

"Liar! They all said the same thing-and they left!" she retorted angrily.

"Just go away! Just go away!" she screamed.

"No, Mum. I'll never leave you."

I tried to touch her, but she pushed me away.

"They all left-my husband left, Daphne left-so what are you waiting for? Leave me alone!" she screamed, holding her head.

"Mother, please stop," I pleaded, but she didn't budge.

"Daphne killed my husband. Daphne destroyed my family!" she shouted.

I bit my lips as tears rolled down my cheeks.

"I gave her life. I gave her love. But look how she repaid me... she made me-" she stopped and broke down in tears.

I was about to say something when I heard a knock at the door.

I rushed to open it and sighed in relief-it was her therapist.

"Please come in, ma. She's at it again," I informed her, opening the door wider.

The woman rushed in and tried to calm my mother, who was still screaming.

I watched the therapist bring out a small bottle and syringe from her bag.

She drew out the contents and injected it into my mom's arm.

"I love you, Damian. I love you, Daphne," I heard my mother murmur before drifting off to sleep.

-

Ariel Winter

After dinner, I bade my mum goodnight and headed to my room. As for my dad-he was still at work.

-

Entering the room, I met Ghostie in front of the mirror.

"What are you doing there?" I asked, and she turned to me.

"There's no reflection of me in the mirror," she answered sadly.

"That's because you're a ghost," I reminded her, and she nodded slowly.

I moved closer to the bed and sat down.

Picking up my phone, I dialed Jayden's number, but he didn't answer.

I dialed again-still the same.

What's wrong? Is he mad at me? I wondered.

I was about to call again when a message popped in-from Jayden.

I clicked and read it.

"Stop bugging me with calls. I'm with my new girl."

"No! It can't be!" I exclaimed.

"What is it?" Ghostie asked, moving closer, but I ignored her.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I read it again.

"Oh Jayden... am I that easy to forget?"

"Why are you crying?" Ghostie asked.

"Nothing," I lied.

"I'm not a dummy! I know you're not okay. Please tell me," she insisted.

"And why should I?" I snapped, hoping she'd back off. Instead, she smiled.

"Because I'm your friend," she said sweetly.

I stared at her and sighed.

"Fine. It's Jayden-my boyfriend, or should I say ex."

"And what did he do?"

"He replaced me. So easily," I replied, more tears flowing. She scoffed.

"Is that why you're crying? Why waste tears on a jerk like him?" she frowned.

"Jerk?" I repeated.

"Yes. Guys who treat girls like trash are jerks," she said with a small smile.

"Oh," I whispered.

"So who's the little kid now?" she pouted, and I laughed.

"Forget him. Date someone better," she continued.

"Better? And where will I find someone better?" I asked while deleting his number and message.

She smiled mischievously. "What about Damian?"

I huffed. "Hell no! He's so rude."

"That's because you don't know him," she defended.

"You talk like you know him better than I do. He's my classmate, remember?"

"Oh," she said slowly, and I smiled.

But speaking of Damian made me remember something...

Ghostie and Damian have the same eye color.

-

Damian Devin

After tucking Mum in bed, I headed to my room.

I didn't know what I'd have done if her therapist hadn't shown up on time.

She assured me Mum would feel a little better when she woke up.

-

Entering my room, I hid the pot of starch under the bed and dusted off the sheets.

I sat down and was about to undress when my phone rang.

It was Racheal.

Why is she calling? I wondered, and declined it.

As expected, she called again. I picked up on the second ring.

"Hi Damian!" she chirped.

"What do you want?" I asked coldly.

"I just wanted to check on you," she said.

"Thanks. I'm alright," I assured.

"And also I-" she began, but I cut her off.

"Good night, Racheal," I said and ended the call.

I wasn't in the mood for anyone.

Pulling off my clothes, I picked up the cigarette pack-empty.

Jeez. Did I smoke them all?

I got off the bed and walked to my reading table.

Opening the drawer, a shiny object in the corner caught my attention.

I brought it out along with another cigarette pack.

It was a golden chain with the letter D engraved on it.

I smiled lightly.

It was a birthday gift from my late dad. He made one each for me and Daphne.

Hers had D2 on it.

I guess... it stands for Daphne Devin.