Remember Me, Aliyah

The uncertainty of the world always makes me think about how I can find real happiness. Is happiness still relevant in this cruel world? Or greediness makes the people feel the satisfaction they are wanting to feel.

When the pandemic started to blow, I readied myself for the possible event will happen in the future. I always think about what will happen tomorrow, but I forgot to look back on the past to reminisce some lessons.

After the 14-day quarantine period, I was able to go home after 5 months of being on duty. I am a nurse, and the pandemic tested my ability. I am not so sure if I fulfill my duty very well. Every time I see people suffer; I think what I am doing is not enough.

"I missed you so much, darling. No days I was not worried about you." My mom hugged me so tight. Her warm made me feel so safe after being alone for a long time.

"I missed you too, Mama. Where's Papa?" I asked then roamed my eyes around our old-fashioned house that was originally from her great-great-grandfather.

"He's outside buying some goods. He will cook something for you later. Why don't say 'hello' to your grandpa in the backyard first? I'm sure he will be thrilled to see you. He misses you a lot," my mother said then helped me to organize my things in my room.

I sighed as I remember the days when I was a child, this room was originally for my father. Then passes to me when I was 8, I was terrified back then. You know, sleeping alone in this old house was freaking my 8-year-old mind. But nothing happens, it's just my wild imagination.

After cleaning myself and getting enough rest, I decided to meet my grandpa who's still in the backyard. It is nearing dawn and the cold breeze of September started to touch my skin. My grandfather was a retired army, he slowly losing his eyesight because of his age. He is old but quite stronger for his age. He didn't notice me at first, I watched him looking at his old photos when he was a young man. I bet he missed those days.

"It was a long time I can still clearly remember how that young lady saved my wife's life."

I thought he was talking to himself until he looked up at me. I was surprised at first but later, I smiled at him. I sat beside him then also examined the photos. They were very old, and some are almost fading.

"Who's that lady, grandpa? Is she grandma?" I asked him.

He shakes his head. "I don't remember her name anymore, but she is pretty and she's amazing. She was different from other girls in our time. I remember that my best friend was so whipped at her. She got my friend's eyes and heart. But then, she was gone when we came back after surviving a bloody war."

I suddenly felt an unfamiliar pain in my chest when I heard his story. "Why is she suddenly disappeared? Is she dead or went to another place or something like that?"

"We don't know, but I know one thing, my friend was truly devastated at that time. He will cry every night and you know what was weird?" He paused then looked at me. "He would go to a certain dark place and gazed at the night sky."

He handed me an old picture. It was a man holding a guitar. I bit my lips and suddenly, I feel like crying. I caught my breath then gave back the photo to my grandpa.

"This is Henry, my childhood best friend. When we returned home after the war, he decided to quit the military. The last time I heard the news about them was he's getting married. I was so relieved that time, I thought he will be a wreck all of his life. I am glad that he has Sonia." My grandfather started to put the photos in the old box.

He stopped then look at me again. His forehead creased. I was confused about his reaction to me.

"Who are you, young miss?" he suddenly asks.

I smiled. "I am Aliyah, grandpa. I was gone for a very long time. But now, I am here."

"I wished you came back a little earlier," he said, and I was stunned.

What?

"I-I was doing my job, so I can't go home whenever I want. But I will stay for months, I promised to take care of you." I stand up then pushed his wheelchair inside our house because the sun is already set, and the cold wind started to blow harshly.

IN THE DINNER, my father was a bit loud. He was thrilled to see me, and I am too. I missed my family so much. But every time I remembered what grandpa told me earlier, my heart will start to ache as if I have heart disease, but I am physically healthy. I will find it hard to breathe and ended up crying. I was so confused about myself. I never met his best friend Henry and his wife. In fact, I never met grandma too. I have never had an interest in their lives. I never heard their stories.

"What's the matter, dear? Are you not comfortable?" my mother asked me when she notices that I am still awaked. It's already past midnight.

She sat down in my bed, waiting for my answer. I was completely bothered by how Henry man's story affects my whole system.

"Do you know anything about grandpa's best friend?" I asked my mother.

"Hmm, I met him only once. When I about to marry your father. He's a good man, a good-looking man. I was pregnant at that time to you. I just find him weird when he said, 'she's going to be the beautiful and outstanding girl who will capture the heart of a man, and in that time, I was just 2 months pregnant, and your gender was still unknown." My mother shrugged her shoulders.

Who is this man? Who is he?

I was overthinking things, and I can't remember how I fell asleep. I woke up around noon then I decided to organize my things. I started to unpack the things I bought for my family and some close neighbors and friends. I keep distracting myself the whole time. I prevented myself from having even a small talk to my grandfather. Until now, I'm still worried about myself. I was so eager to know more about his best friend.

"Thank you for the visit and your gifts." The old lady smiled at me. I smiled back.

She's the same age as my mother. Their family was close to ours, so my mom and I decided to pay some visits. I drifted my eyes on some large photos hanging on the walls. The is pretty that on ours. The largest one was probably their family picture where an old man and lady sitting, and two people were standing behind them.

My mother was in the restroom when the old lady spoke. "Can you still remember the time you are with him?" she said.

Her words sent shivers down my spine. What is she talking about?

"Huh?" The only word I have managed to say.

"Although he was able to marry my mother and have children with her. I know he never loved her. He never loved my mother because of that one girl." She looked at me.

"Do you remember that time, the time you left him?"

I froze.

It freaked me out so much. I never wanted to go out again. What is that old lady talking about?! I nearly thought she was crazy but when my mother said they are close friends for a very long time, I lost it.

"Why don't you accompany your Papa on the farm? He will take your grandpa," my mom said while cooking our breakfast.

"I don't want to go out. It is not safe yet," I answered, making excuses again.

My mom made a face then looked at me with suspicion. I sighed and directed my eyes onto something else.

"What is it that's bothering you? Since the time you talked to your grandfather, you started acting weird. And it got worse when we went to the Dizon's. What is it, darling? I know you are now an independent person, but I am always your mother, you can tell me anything." She smiled at me.

I know, right. But I think she will never believe me. So, I decided to just keep to myself. I go with my father and grandpa to the farm to stop my mother from being suspicious. I dressed at my best and wear my mask.

On our way, I recognized some familiar faces including my childhood friend. She was so shocked when she saw me, and she almost didn't recognize me.

"Oh my! Aliyah!" She hugged me.

My father left me. I faced my friend who was so excited to have a little chit-chat with me.

"So, how's the city? Gosh! It changed you a lot!" she said then looked down at my body.

"City life was so tiring! You are indeed lucky that you work here in the province." I gave her the drinks I bought.

"And... The love life? How is it?"

I closely spit my juice because of her question. I coughed three times then glared at her.

"I don't have time for that. Work is eating my time too much; do you think I can still entertain boys?" I raised one of my eyebrows.

"That's what you are lacking! Your body looked pale, although you are in shape, you looked lifeless. Look at you," she comes near to me. "You need to be fucked,' she whispered.

My eyes go wide, and I pinched her arm. She laughed at my reaction. What the heck!

"I was just kidding, you know. You need boys in your life, seriously. You are getting old." She waved at a man walking toward us.

The man smiled at me. "Hello, you must be Aliyah. I'm Jeremy, Gail's husband."

I am shocked! What?! This crazy girl married a decent man?!

"I know that look, Aliyah. You are judging me!" She pouted.

"I just can't believe that you are already to a... Nice man. I thought you want some bad boy?" I grinned.

She shrugged her shoulders. "People changed. And time flew so fast that if you won't chase, you will leave behind. You know what, I have some plans later tonight. You want to join?"

I narrowed my eyes. "What is it?"

"My batch mates will organize some party." She smirked.

Oh, no! She always does this. When we are in high school, she always wanted me to have a guy to hang out with. I tried once, he courted me, but I quickly rejected the guy when my father found out. I was grounded for the whole year and never wanted me to go near Gail anymore. Luckily, my father changed his mind but still, he doesn't want to have a boyfriend until I was 24. I am now 27.

"I don't think I will like where is it going," I said then fold my hands on my chest.

"Come on, you are already an adult. You are not that high schooler that was forbidden from everything. Your father won't mind," she said then wore a wide smile.

At some point, I need to freshen up. Since I came here, things started to get weirder and weirder. I've been to bars in the city so...

"Fine, I'll go with you."

Gail smacked his husband's arms in excitement. I wonder why her husband will let her party every time she wants.

"Okay, we will fetch you by 8. Wear something sexy like with a deep neckline, you know?" She touches her boobs.

"What? Do you I need to be so sexy to catch boys' eyes. No way, I will not wear anything like that!" I said with finality.

She rolled her eyes and waved goodbye. My father fetches me, and I sat beside my grandpa. I was thankful he was quiet the whole time until we got home.

I QUICKLY examined my closet to see if I can get some decent sexy dress. I only have my white uniforms here and some denim pants. I just realized how terrible my closet is. I have nothing to wear. I badly need a shopping day.

"Where are you going? It's 7 pm already," my father asked. He looked at my dress.

"What are you wearing?" He stood up.

I looked at my mother to seek some help. She nodded then calmed my father.

"Honey, let her be. She was old enough to wear whatever she wants. You are going out with Gail, right?"

I nodded then looked at my father. "I will be back before you knew it. I just want to be with Gail, it's been a long since we got together. Please, just this time..."

"Only if you can promise me that you will go home before 1 is and will never get drunk." My father was serious.

"I promised," I said then raised my right arm. I heard Gail's voice outside.

It took a minute before he finally nodded his head. My nervous smile turned to excitement. I kissed them goodbye before meeting Gail.

"Are you ready to flirt?" she asked.

"I have limitations," I said that killed her mood.

"What is it?"

I sighed. "I need to be home before 1 am. And no hard liquor for me or my father will kill me!"

Gail rolled her eyes. "Fine, come on!"

We went to a small loud bar. I wasn't expecting this to be like this. I looked away when I saw everyone is making out with someone. It made me cringed. I was not for the bar. I was meant to be at the hospital. It is not long before I realized that Gail was not with me anymore. That girl was such, ugh!

I sat at the empty table and a waiter gave me some drink. I don't know what is but after a few sips, I started to get dizzy. Alright, I need to go home, and I need to find Gail. It is a very wrong idea to wear some heels and a very short dress here and it was a big mistake that I was here!

I got stuck in the middle of the dance floor. I held my head, I am dizzy. My body trembled when someone grabs my waist then touched my ass. What the heck!

"I bet you are alone, can you come with me?" the guy asks then looks at my exposed cleavage while licking his lips.

"Get off me! I don't need a company." I pushed him.

He didn't listen but instead, he forced me to kiss him. I slapped him hard. The crowd stopped; the guy was about to hit me when someone grabs his shoulders then punched him in the mouth. The people gasped.

I was still in a state of shock when that unknown man dragged me out of the bar. I am still dizzy, and I don't know what to do. He suddenly stopped at the parking lot. I managed to examine his well-built body before I begin to puke on his shirt.

It was so embarrassing! I was a total mess. It was too late before I realized what I have done. I just puked on someone.

"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to." I looked at his shirt. Dammit!

I opened my bag to see if I have any tissue or handkerchief to wipe his shirt. I was so frustrated when I found nothing but my mobile phone.

He opened the car's door beside me then get a piece of cloth and handed me a wet wipe.

"Uh, thank you." I hesitate to get the wipe. I heard him sighed then pulled me closer to him then wipe the edge of my lips. I stunned.

"You know, young lady. This place is not a good girl like you," he said in a very deep and husky voice.

"I-I was with a friend." I stuttered. Why?!

"Uh-huh." He continued to wipe my mouth.

My eyes drifted to his shirt full of puke. Although my hands were shaking, I still managed to get the cloth and start cleaning him. He stopped what he is doing the I was so shocked when he removed his shirt. I immediately closed my eyes. I heard him chuckled.

"You are cute." He pinched my nose.

Still, my eyes closed, I felt him grabbed my hand then guided the cloth to his broad chest. He was the one who controlled my hand to wipe his body. Oh my!

I withdrew my hand then turn around. I heard him chuckled again then he opened his car again. There was a sudden silence before he grabbed one of my hands and made me faced him.

"Are you alright now?" His soft and manly voice filled my ears. His breath smells like mint and wine, I suddenly get conscious of how my breath smells, so I just nodded for a response.

"Where is your friend?" he asked again.

Right! Where is that girl?! I gasped.

"What time is it?" I asked the guy.

He took a glimpse at his wristwatch. "It's almost 1 am. You have a curfew?"

"I need to go home; my father is going to kill me!" I said hysterically.

Oh, please! Don't get me wrong, I am not overreacting. If you know my father, you can't blame me.

"I can give you a ride if you want?"

I gazed at him. I shook my head. "I already bothered you so much. And thank you for saving me a while ago. I need to go." I was about to run when I heard him call my name.

"Get in my car, Aliyah! Please," he said.

I slowly turned my head to him. "I never told you, my name." He was starting to freak me out.

"I just know you for a very long time. You can trust me." He held my hand.

"How can I trust a man like you? I don't even know your name!" I spoke.

"As I said you can trust me. I am a well-known doctor here in town." He stepped on the lights revealing his handsome face.

I looked away. No! I will fall on that face!

"Huh? Really? Do you think you can fool me easily?" I rolled my eyes.

"If I'm going to do something bad at you, I should have done that when you were not on yourself." He raised his hand and showed me his license card.

Oh! He's truly a doctor!

But before I can read his name, he immediately hides his card.

"So, are you going to accept my offer or your dad will ground you forever?" He smirked.

I pouted my lips then rolled my eyes. "Fine, as if I have any choice. My friend was nowhere to be found--" I gasped. "Oh, my! I need to find Gail first!"

"Don't worry, I will take care of her when I come back here," he said then pulled me on the front seat of his car.

"Do you know Gail?" I asked him.

"Let's just say, I am a friend of her too. Wear your seatbelt, dear."

I don't know how this man got me so easily. I never let myself go with a stranger. But now?! I'm getting weirder!

I checked my phone and it's 12:47 am. My home was so far away from that bar. I glanced at this man who's smiling. He's probably crazy.

"Can you go a little bit faster?"

At my peripheral vision, I see that he looked at me for a second then gave me what I wanted. It was a great relief when we got home just right in time.

"Oh no!" I exclaimed when I saw my angry father standing at the front door of our house.

When he noticed me, he immediately went near me. His eyes drifted on the man that is now beside me.

"Who is this man, Aliyah? Where the heck is Gail?!" He was furiously mad.

"Uhm." I don't know what to say.

"Good morning, sir. I brought your daughter home, safely. Her friend is--" he looked at me, "- was fine as her."

My father softened. I think he knows this guy. He nodded. "I'm so sorry for my daughter. I know she made a mess; she is. Thank you, Doctor Dizon."

See? A Dizon? What?! A Dizon?!

Is he somewhat connected to that crazy old woman?

Before I could ask him some questions, my father dragged me and that man left without saying a word.

"I will never let you go out again in the night. I know something happened, look at you! You looked like an addict!" my father said.

But my brain was completely out of place. That drink consumed me and the fact that man was so familiar. Why the heck is he so familiar with me even though I don't know his name?!

I cleaned myself, I also checked my phone and tried to call Gail. That b*tch.

Unknown Number:

Don't worry, you can sleep now. She's with her husband now.

Who the hell is this?

Me:

Pardon, but who are you?

Unknown Number:

It's been only an hour and you totally forgot who saved you then you rewarded with smelly puke.

My mouth formed a big 'O'. Are you kidding me?

Me:

How did you get my number?

He didn't reply. I think I was awake the whole night. What is happening? Why is that guy keeps on surprising me? Is he some kind of spy? Is he spying on me?

My head hurts so bad. How bad was that drink?

"Too bad that you don't know what's going on," my grandfather suddenly spoke.

Here we go again!

"Grandpa, I'm not in the mood." I massage my forehead. I feel like it is breaking apart.

"He's waiting..."

Huh? I looked at my grandpa who is now sleeping in his wheelchair. This old man was certainly a big...

Who's waiting with who?

"Aliyah, someone is looking for you!"

I heard my mother shouted from the living room. Probably it's Gail. I shrugged my shoulders then I didn't even bother to fix my hair. And I regretted that.

"Hello, Aliyah. Still, remember me?"

The handsome Doctor Dizon is here!