GROWING UP WITH MY LOVE

NELINA

We are almost there. It was quiet, easy to tell that the police had not arrived. The only noise I could hear was the engine of my car and my heartbeat racing in my chest. The road was dark, but the color white caught my eyes. I suspect it was my brother's car, although it was not clear as the streetlight was far from where the accident happened.

As we drew nearer, the car was almost unrecognizable from its original design because of the damage. I froze, and my breath came in short. The car bumper cut through the electrical tower. It seemed to be struck by another car on the side as it left a mark on it, crumpling my brother's favorite Ferrari car. Before we could pull over, I saw a man running away.

Thank God someone is helping them. I let out a long breath of relief.

Despite that, I couldn't calm down even when the car stopped. My hands are sweating as I open the door. I step out of my car, maintaining my eyes in the right direction when suddenly a fire flares. A loud explosion follows, and the noise of the car debris falling on the ground and snapping apart.

I close my eyes, my hands covering my head, and I refuse to process what might be happening. I can't, no, please. This can't be happening. It happened. A debate in my head lasted for seconds. Until I felt a man's hand on my shoulder, rocking me, which took me out of reverie.

"Ms. Nelly? Ma'am."

I slowly opened my eyes to gain back my vision. A pair of almond eyes with black orbs are staring at me. It's Jason, my driver.

"Are you okay, Ms. Nelly?" Jason shook me, taking me out of my trance. I look into his eyes in confusion.

I stay mute as I check what has happened—roaming my eyes around—the car debris scattered all over the road. Beads of sweat dripped on my temple because of the overheated air. I suspect what might happen to my two favorite people.

"NO," I said, my voice brittle.

I gasp in the horror sight on the other side of the road. My mind rattles, and my hands' shiver, unable to decipher if what's in front of me is reality. An hour ago, I was just living a normal life. I have everything that the world could offer. But none of them matter now while watching the orange fire devour the remains of my brother's car. Never had I imagined not having my dad and brother in my life.

Why? Why them? I can only spit out questions in my head. My heart tightens to the reality in front of my eyes that I refused to acknowledge. I took a small step to cross the road to rescue them, but Jason held my arm. I have to save them.

"NO, ma'am, it's unsafe for you to go there."

"Jason, let me go, let me go," I repeated, giving him a stern look. Poor Jason, he's done nothing terrible, but it seems he is the bad guy here. He just gave me a blank face, adamant not to let me go. I pulled my arms away from him, but it wasn't working. My strength is no match for Jason. Still, I didn't retreat. I pull my arm even harder now, as hard as I can.

"Ouch," I cried in pain as my hand hit a hard surface, which seemed strange. My vision landed on a white ceiling and white walls as I opened my eyes. I was lying on a fiery red bed sheet. Cushion felt soft beneath my body, obviously, in a different scenario.

I realized that the hard surface was above my headboard when I lifted my head.

No, I had a nightmare again? One hand clutched my chest, and the other rubbed my eyes to recover from a horrible scene. I rubbed down my face, where I felt my cheek was moist.

"I missed you, brother." I shed a tear at the nightmare that kept haunting me for almost 2 years.

When it all sank in, I helped myself adjust and lean my head on the headboard.

Why does it keep haunting me? I released a deep breath as I checked the time on the wall clock. "Oh God, I need to call Marie." I hurriedly grabbed my phone on the side table and dialed Marica's number. I put it on speaker mode on the third ring, right before Marie answered.

"Good morning, dear. Why so early?"

"Good morning, Marie. We need to talk. I'll be meeting our new client early in the morning after breakfast. Let me know if there's anything you want me to add to the proposal," I started. I placed the phone on the side table as I grabbed myself out of bed and started fixing my pillows.

"Oh... that," she answered in her lazy voice. "O-okay, let me get up first," she paused. "I remember, besty, I have to send it to you through email. There are things I need you to consider for your package proposal."

"That would be better. Send that to me now," I said and sat on my bed as I finished fixing it.

"Sure, dear. Is there anything else?"

Should I tell her? I exhaled and raked my nails on the bedsheet. I could never forget that man's back, but the problem remains: I have had no clear sight of his face. Who are you? I gritted my teeth to the question no one could answer.

"Nelly?" My best friend called out my name.

"There is something I want to share with you."