DON'T LET 'EM IN #CHAPTER 3_END

DON’T LET ‘EM IN

                I decided to walk around the mansion to the backyard. until the back page I saw something that made me very surprised. I was very surprised to see a small grave, on it was board with the same name as the doll and then there was a photo of a little boy that I saw in the lobby  of this mansion. Suddenly the head maid came. She was old and she was the only maid who asked me to talak because the other maids did not dare to talk to me.

“ you must be shocked”? she asked and it surprised me a little.

“yes this is him, the child whose picture you saw in the lobby” she contiued and made me curious.

“ this is Jack’s grave, he is the only child of this family. But unfortunately, one day there was a fire that killed Jack and made Mr and Mrs feel devastated. Therefore they make dolls that are similiar to Jack so that they feel that Jack is still beside them. That is also the reason why they hide this mansion. They don not want others people will definitely think they’re crazy. Thall gras was made to hide this mansion. Some people who pass by it will get lost, and indeed it has been planned by Mr and Mrs”

I listened to the story until I understood why this mansion was surrounded by tall grass.

“ when someone enters tall grass, Mr and Mrs order the maids and employees of this mansion to frighten tahat peson. So someone who’s lost in the tall grass will feel depressed.”

“ but why does not anyone scare me? I can even get to this mansion?”

“ maybe because Jack likes you”

The answe form her made me goosebumps and scared.

            After our conversation was over then we returned to the mansion. When I arrived at the main door suddenly a car arrived, I thought it was Mr and Mrs Pattinson but it turna out he was a man I didn’t know, but it seem like he know me because he called my name. I invited him into the mansion. We introduced ourselves to each other and it turn out he was the lawyer of Pattinson family and how surprised I hear that Mr and Mrs Pattinson had died because of traffic accident. I was very surprised and I cried. Even more shocking, this lawyer said when in critical condition, Mrs. Maria Pattinson said that Jack and all their possessions would left with me.

            After the lawyer left I didn’t know what to do I went to the kitchen to get a glass of water to calm down, the suddenly I heard someone crying behind the wall. I’m a little scared but ‘m curious who i crying. I followed the voice and I arrived in front of a big painting and it tunrs out there is a door behind the painting. I opened it and how surprised I found a room like a bedroom and I saw a man who seemed to be my age sitting on the bed srying. When he saw me, he immediately scared and hid. I approach him and I calm him down. Finally he came out. His face was full of burns and I was reminded of the story told by the head maid.

“ Jack? Are you Jack Pattinson?” he nodded

            Jack had been alive all this time, but because his face was covered with burns so Mr and Mrs Pattinson hid him. And Jack was the one who guided me so that I was not lost in tall grass. He watched me through the cctv because that in his bedroom was filled with screens. He liked me so he led me to get to mansion. I feel sorry for him, his parents have died and with his condition like this he starch difficult to meet other people. I decided I would stay in this mansion, I would accompany and care for Jack.

END

Jessyifa Fadillah
1830911002

The Lost Time #7 by Alvine Labana R. (Creative writing)

The last second

                        The times won’t stop, it won’t wait for anyone else and it won’t come back no matter what happened. Life is really short, it’s really close to the end and what awaits us at the end of life? Of course, it’s death. Life’s deadline is decided since the day a human born. Every human has a lifespan and somehow my eyes can see it. I can’t do anything about that before, but everything changes when I meet this girl. I can save the people from their death. It’s like giving them the second chance to live. I want to save more people with this power, but something really bad happens. Celica, the girl that holds the same power as me is collapsed. She’s going to face her cruel fate soon. What can I do about that?

            I’m in the waiting room with Celica’s father right now. “So, you’re my daughter’s friend? I’m really glad to hear that she has a friend.” He starts talking by himself. “She always isolates herself in her room. Buying some snacks is the only reason she goes out. I’m not really close with her. So, I didn’t know what she was thinking.” He starts blabbering again.

            “Did something happen between you?”

            “Ah no, it’s not like that. I didn’t have much time at home. Because of that, I rarely talk with her. Her mother was passed away a long time ago. She must be very lonely.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “That’s why I’m really glad she has you.” He smiled at me.

            Celica didn’t have much time left. It will be good if they go somewhere else together. I asked him to do that.

            “That’s a good idea, but I have a meeting two days from now. Maybe three days from now, we will go somewhere.”

            Three days from now, that’s her last day. I think she will be happy. Spending the last time with the family is a good idea. Celica’s father left, he’s busy with his job. He asked me to told Celica about their vacation. I can’t blame him. He didn’t know about Celica’s lifespan. It would be a bad idea if I told him about that. Is there nothing I can do for her? I’m not really sure about this power yet. Does it really transferring our lives to someone? If so, I’m going to face my end too. Whatever, I shouldn’t be bothered by that. I should find a way to save her.

            After several hours, finally, I can visit Celica’s room. She welcomed me with a warm smile when I come. She looks fine and energetic as always. She said that nothing wrong with her and she can leave the hospital tomorrow. I told her about what happened to her and her numbers.

            “Ah, I see.” She just a little bit surprised. That’s an unexpected response.

            “We didn’t steal someone’s life like Adam did. Instead, we use our own lives for transferring.”

            “Did you felt your heart skipping a beat when we do our ritual too?” Celica seems curious about it. I don’t understand what she talking about. “From that reaction, I guess it’s a no. When we do the ritual my heart always skips a beat. Sorry, I didn’t tell you earlier.”

            What is that mean? Is that mean she’s the only one who sacrifices her life? She said that she can’t do the transferring alone. I don’t think she was lying since she can’t save that man from the car accident and nothing she can do with Olivia until I arrive. I think what she said in the Hospital’s park several days ago wasn’t a lie. So, she losing her times to save others?

            “I didn’t think you transferred your life as well. You see, we can’t do our ritual alone. Maybe we’re like power bank and USB cable. I need you to connect to the other people and you need me to transfer the energy.” She explained happily. What a bizarre way to compare. “That’s why even if I’m out of battery, you should keep doing your job as a connector.” She looked at me seriously.

            “Is there a way to recharge your battery?”

            “I don’t think so.”

            There’s silence between us for several seconds. Celica is always optimistic, but this time she’s not sure. I’m really sure we’re not the only power holders in this planet, but can I make it in time? While I’m thinking about that, someone’s coming.

            “Excuse us!” it’s Tommy, he came with Olivia.

            “Hi Celica. Hi Eldrick.” Olivia wave her hand.

            They told us that it’s okay to leave the hospital tomorrow. What a coincidence, Celica can go home tomorrow too. Tommy asks us to go somewhere else together to have fun. Celica really excited about it and then everyone agreed in a second. I have to find another power holder, but Celica forced me to join them. I guess I have no choice. Shoot, I almost forgot to tell Celica about her Father’s plan. She’s really happy to hear that. We decided to go to the games center and amusement park tomorrow, then beach the day after tomorrow.

            The next day, they left the hospital in the morning and then going to the games center in the afternoon. Every one of them is energetic eh? The games center is the first place we met. Celica shows us her dance skill once again. Tommy challenge me in the duel again and lost again. Olivia seems to enjoy her day, although she said that she didn’t really like this kind of stuff. In the evening, we’re having fun at the amusement park. This time, Olivia looks like a tour guide. She’s an expert at this. We tried some rides and games. Then, eating the snacks together. It was really fun, but I can’t take my eyes off from Celica’s head. The clock is ticking and nothing we can do. We’re going home after it gets dark.

             The next day, this time we will go to the beach. Celica said that she never going to the beach, this will be a sweet memory for her. Yeah, it supposed to be a sweet memory, but something bad happens. Since we arrive, the rain won’t stop. We’re just chilling out at the nearby restaurant. Everybody is disappointed with this, but I think it’s not that bad. It’s very comfortable here, so relaxing. The rains make it better, it sounds like music to my ears. It makes me sleepy.

            “Eldrick, wake up.”

            “Come on El, open your eyes.”

            “Eldrick, good morning!

            I can hear several voices trying to wake me up. Oh shoot, I fell asleep. What time is it? I can see the orange sunlight come from outside. I think it’s almost dark. The rain is stopping. I think they won’t waste this chance. We spent all day in this restaurant.

            “We can’t just sit down here. Come on El, let’s go!” Tommy is fired up.

            “We don’t have much time though, it will be dark soon. Maybe we can just do a stroll. The sunset is beautiful too.” Olivia said.

            “I’m okay with that. Go!” Celica in a high spirit.

                        Walking in the beach with this scenery. Well, it’s not bad at all. The cool breezes blowing and the sun is shining orange. It took minutes for us to realise that Tommy and Olivia are gone. Where are they? Well, whatever it must be Tommy’s idea. I want to enjoy all of this, but I can’t. Celica is dying right now. How can I actually be happy in this situation?

            Celica stopped her step and looked at the sun. “It’s beautiful.”

            “Yeah.”

            “I really want to swim and do some beach thing here.” She sounds really angry. “Well, ranting won’t make anything better.” She sighed.

            “So, how was your first time in the beach?”

            “Not bad, not bad at all. This sunset is so beautiful. Getting to see it with you makes it more special. A great exchange for the bad day.” She stares at the sun happily. “You know, I didn’t make a lot of friends everywhere I belong. So, the vacation sounds really special to me. My mother used to take me on a vacation. My father is always busy with his job, sometimes it just two of us. Right now, she’s gone. I know exactly when she’s going to leave me.” She shows a depressing face while telling the story. “Having fun with someone and knew the time when they leave, it sucks right?”

             “Yeah, but it’s okay. After all, we changed some of them right?” I tried to make this gloomy atmosphere a little bit better. “We saved Tommy and Olivia and we having fun with them right now.”

            “Yeah, you’re right.” She smiled gently at me. “Hey look at that.” She’s pointing at an old woman who sitting right there.

            That woman has one hour to live. Don’t tell me, she still wants to do that. “Celica, I know it’s our job, but being selfish for this once is okay. You want to have fun with your father, right?”

            She shook her head “No, I can’t. There’s someone I can save in front of my eyes right now.”

            “Celi-“

            “Eldrick!” She stared at me deeply. “In the future, you will meet various kind of people. Can you save all of them?”

            Dang! Is there no other way? It’s true that we chose the hard way, but I never think it will be this hard. 49 hours left for Celica to live. It’s really short, but she still wants to give it to other people. She’s too pure for this world.

            She approach that old woman. “Hey Grandma, what are you doing here?”

            “Oh, I’m waiting for my son to come home. He’s finally go home after sailing for three years.” She respond Celica with an enthusiastic face.

            Celica asked me to come. Actually, I really want to say no, but I can’t neglect my responsibility. We do the transferring and it almost transferred all of her lives. She has one hour left. We say goodbye to the old woman and looking for someplace to talk. We found a bench with a really good scenery. Both of us sit on it. Celica leans on my shoulder. She looks really pale. We’re sitting here for some times and make some small talk. I can’t believe she will leave me this soon. She only has several minutes left.

            “You will meet with the various person in the future and part away with them.” I remembered what Adam said. “I guess this is time I have to part away with you.”

            “Well, it’s really a short time, but It’s really fun. I wish I can meet you sooner.” She’s crying.

            “I can’t explain how happy I meet you. You give me a hope to stand once again. You push my back when I hesitate. I want to know more about you.”

            “You know, people said that life is so short. I’m really glad I can use it to save people with you.”

            “You’re such an optimistic and energetic person, you’re like a sun to me.”

            “You’re a gloomy and lonely person, just like a moon.” She laugh softly. “Please reflect my sunshine to the others.”

            “…”

            “If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” She smiled.

            “Yes, Goodbye Celica. Thank you for everything.”

            I promise I won’t hesitate anymore. I will find another power holder in the future and save more people with them. No matter how long it takes, I won’t stop until I reach my deadline. Celica, please watch me from there.

Fin.

Alvine Labana R.

1830911039

7th Chapters

DON'T LET 'EM IN #2 Jessyifa Fadillah

DON’T LET ‘EM IN

            I knock on the door and someone open the door. An old woman who is beautiful and looks friendly while holding a male doll. She uses pajamas with very beautiful shabby chic motifs. The doll also uses pajamas with striped motifs, if viewed from a distance maybe I would think it was a little boy.

“hi, anything I can help?” She smiled very friendly to me.

“ emm hi, Im Maggie. Sorry I knocked on your door at this hour.”

“ I went in and walked down the tall grass then I got here, sorry for disturbing you.”

“ Im Marisa and this is my son Jack. We rarely have guests, especially guests who come through the tall grass, you are destined to get here”

wait what? What did she say? her son? So it's a little scary after I hear it.

“please come in and take a rest, you can come back when the sun rises” invite the woman with a smile.

I entered the magnificent mansion, very luxurious with an elegant design, I passed the place that might be the lobby, there hung a very beautiful crystal chandelier, and there was a photograph that was printed very large in the photo there was Marisa and then a man who might be her husband and a little boy who looks a lot like Jack the doll. I feel very curious about this family and the mansion. This mansion seems to have a lot of secrets, and this mansion is surrounded by the tall grass, maybe this is the reason why many people are lost including my brother. Tall Grass is hiding this mansion, is it possible for this family to be responsible for what happened to my brother? but why did I get here? why am I not lost like the others? I kept thinking until I found myself in front of a door.

“ please come in and rest in this room” said marisa with a smile then left me.

This room is very spacious with a king size mattress that is very soft and comfortable, inside there is also a bathroom with a bath tub. I was very fascinated with this mansion, but I was also very curious and a little afraid, why marisa was so kind to me when this was the first time we met and was she not afraid if I was actually a bad person? I do not know I decided to close my eyes because I was very tired after walk around through the tall grass.

I didn't sleep well I felt someone was watching me. The atmosphere was a bit tense. I saw the shadow of a man on the edge of the bed and looked at me, I didn't know it was only my dream or it was real.

Knock... knock...

            I woke up when someone knocked on my door. I opened the door and saw a middle-aged woman, she asked me to immediately go to the dining room to have breakfast together. I cleaned myself and rushed to the dining room.

“ good morning” I say hello to everyone who is there

“ good morning Maggie, this is my husband, Tony” say Marisa

“ hi Tony Im Maggie nice to meet you”

“ nice to meet you to, please take a sit down, my wife has told me everything”

            I also saw Jack the doll sitting between you with a bowl of cereal and a glass of milk in front of him. then came a few maids poured drinks into my glass and served food. all the maids don't talk much and are even reluctant to look me in the eye this is getting suspicious actually what's wrong with this mansion and why is the doll jack treated like humans.

            after breakfast I go back to my room to tidy up my things, the plan is I want to go home I don't want to linger here anymore especially after the incident seeing the shadow. when I get ready someone knocked on my door, it turns out it was Marisa.

“ are you ready to go home?” she asked

“ yes I have to go home, I don't want to make my family worry.”

“I was going to ask for your help, but it looks like you want to go home soon”

            After hearing that I felt uneasy, he was kind enough to give me a place to rest and also food, then I asked what I could help. Apparently she had to go with her husband because there was an urgent matter and I was asked to look after Jack the doll while they were gone, because I felt indebted I also wanted to help her.

            He took me to Jack's room, and he explained what I had to do while looking after Jack. first at 10 o'clock is Jack's time to eat fruit I have to bring Jack to the dining room and provide fruit for him, then after eating fruit Jack plays the piano for an hour, then Jack has lunch, then Jack has to take a nap, then take Jack to walk afternoon walk around the mansion's yard, then Jack showered and prepared for dinner, after that Jack had to wash up and change clothes in pajamas, before going to bed Jack had to read a fairytale before going to sleep. must not say rude in front of Jack and may not be rude to Jack. it's a list of Jack's activities and the rules Marisa gave me. Marisa and her husband might come back tomorrow morning, so I called my mother and said that I would stay at my best friend Cassie's house.

            I carried Jack and drove Marisa and Tony to the door. Marisa and Tony say goodbye to Jack and tell Jack not to be naughty. I feel so crazy about all this why they treat Jack like a human and where is the boy in the photo. they both left and now I live with Jack and some maids at home.

            I brought Jack to the dining room and prepared fruit for him, assisted by a few maids, but they never spoke a single word to me. It seemed like they were hiding something. actually very strange I have to feed the dolls but this is an order from Marisa. I put a piece of fruit in front of Jck, after a few moments when I brought Jack to the piano room, I played a few songs with Jack sitting beside me. as long as I'm with Jack I feel someone is watching me. I even heard voices from behind the wall but I tried not to care. after playing the piano I took Jack to his room and laid him on the bed to take a nap. I came out of Jack's room, I decided to walk around the mansion to the backyard. until the back page I saw something that made me very surprised.

TO BE CONTINUE...





Jessyifa Fadillah
183911002

The Lost Time #6 by Alvine Labana R. (Creative writing)

Redemption

 We entered the building and go to the floor where the explosion occurred. The electricity is off and we have to run through the emergency stairs. There must be a lot of wounded people, but we decided to prioritize the people who directly affected by the explosion. We entered the floor where the explosion occurred. This is really bad, some of them are dead and some of them are heavily wounded. We saved some of the survivors, but the problem happened. We encountered a woman with a really heavy wound. She lost her arm and wounded heavily in her stomach but she’s still alive. Do I have to save her? Expanding someone’s life can also mean expanding their pain and suffering.

            “Hey!!! Why are you spacing out? There’s no time to self-destruct!” Celica shouted at me.

            “But-“

            “Listen, their life afterwards is on their hands. Just believe them and do what we can do.”

            She’s right, There’s no time to hesitate. All we have to do is trust them and stop this serial killer. I still don’t know what we can do to stop him, but maybe I do know how to answer his question. He just a lonely guy who loves his mother too much after all. We continued our rituals while climbing the stairs. We finally arrived at the rooftop and Adam Clinton is waiting for us right there.

            “Yo! Took you guys so long eh.”

            Celica walk up ahead with an angry face “Do you think your mother will be happy with this, Adam Clinton?”

            “You met my mother eh, I see.” He responded calmly even after explode this building. “So, did you find the answer to my question?”

            “Shut up, you should stop this. Your mom won’t be happy with you killing innocent people for her sake.” Celica shouted angrily.

            “So what? How do you stop me?” Adam’s answer make Celica angrier than before.

            I tried to calm her down. A careless action will lead us into the end. This guy can kill us in a second. So, we should ride with him. I’m not sure my answer will make him satisfied, but I have to give it a shot.

            “Giving someone another chance maybe mean giving them another pain or another happiness, their fate is in their own hands. I believe that people will find their own way to live. We will save them as many as we can.”

            “Well then, you need a partner to use your power right?” He walked toward us casually and suddenly make a fast move. He’s holding Celica and pointing a gun on her head right now. “What if your partner disappear?”

            “Stop it!!! If you pull that trigger I won’t forgive you and I will chase you in your entire life even to deepest hell, I will chase you.” I lost my temper.

            “Eldrick, promise me you won’t stop even if I have gone. There are 7 billion humans in this world. There’s no way we’re the only one.” She asked me to do the hard thing.

            “Ow, that’s really scary.” He’s mocking me, but he let her go.

            Is he satisfied with that? I don’t think so. We have to convince him to stop this once and for all. Wait, why did he suddenly blow up this building? It’s not like his usual.

            “Tell me, why did you suddenly kill a lot of people?” I asked him

            “Well, okay then. I guess it’s my turn. You saw my mother’s time right? In two days, she will have a surgery. No matter how much I use my power, her life doesn’t expand anymore.”

            “What? Did you mean that is her limit?” Celica seems worried.

            “I don’t know. I collected this much hoping it will work once again. I want to see her on her prime again and be happy.” He shows us a depressing face.

            “She won’t be happy if you keep doing this, because her happiness is you. I can see it clearly on your face. You suffered from this.” I said.

            “She wants you to live happily like a normal person loving someone, married, and having a family.” Celica continued.

            “Of course I know about that. But, she won’t be happy to see his child in prison.” Adam said.

            “Don’t worry. Even if the world turns against you, a mother won’t abandon his child.” Celica said.

            “We will try to expand her time.”

            “You don’t have to worry about the hospital cost, I’ll handle it.” Celica gave him a great offer.

            “I’m tired of this too. It’s not like I didn’t want to stop, I just can’t.” He draws his gun again and point it at me. “Get down!”

            He shoots a bullet, but he didn’t shoot at me. He shot the person behind me. That uniform, I guess he’s a cop. They came in the bad timing. We can’t continue our talk like this.  Several cops show themselves in front of us. I guess a big force of cops will seriously catch him right now. There’s even helicopter joining them. What should we do now?

            “Don’t shoot! There are civilians with him.” One cop shouted at the force. I think I know this guy, we met him before.

            “Well, well, well. They’re serious this time.” Adam runs to the edge of the building.

            “Don’t let him get away.” The force chasing him.

            Adam jump from the building. He used a grapple gun to swing to the lower floor. He managed to escape for now. The force moves really fast to chase him, but of them didn’t go his force. Just as I thought he’s the one we met at the hospital. He is approaching us with an angry face. I don’t like where this is going. We can’t just run right now.

            “What are you guys doing here? I told you to be careful Celica.” He shouted at us.

            “Ahaha, well you know Mr. Harrison. We’re just the victims here.” She laughed nervously and that was a bad excuse.

            “We take our leave from here sir. We leave the rest to you.” I tried to convince this old man.

            “That’s what I want to hear.” Mr. Harrison nodded.

            Celica didn’t like my decision. Of course, I wouldn’t stop here. It just to trick this old man. So, we can continue our talk. He led us to the rescue team, but they seem very busy with these numbers of people. Somehow, we managed to escape from them. I didn’t see Adam anywhere. We have no choice but to follow the police.

            After several minutes, we can see Adam Clinton running from the police. There’s gunfire everywhere, the citizens are running to save their life. The city becomes chaotic. We should chase him before the police get him. It became a long pursuit of the killer. I can say he’s a terrorist now. The situation is a bit calm right now, but they still looking for him. He managed to escape from them. This is our chance, we should find him. We’re going to the area without police around. Somehow we manage to find him in the alleyway. Wait, this is the place where we met for the first time.

            “Yo, you guys looking for me too huh?” He casually appear from the shadow.

            “Come on stop this already! You should give up and pay for your sin. Your mother won’t be happy with this.” Celica shouted at him.

            “My mother happiness eh? If she wants to be happy, she should find another reason to be happy.” He showed a depressing face again.

            “What do you mean?”

            “She won’t see me happy anymore. I can’t find happiness in myself. No matter what I do, everything feels empty. I failed at everything, but when I win something it doesn’t feel satisfying. All I feel is emptiness.” Adam told us what he felt.

            “You can’t use your power on your mom anymore. Let us do your job. We promise we do our best to make her well. You don’t have to suffer anymore” I tried to convince him once again. “You don’t have a reason to do this anymore. I’m sure you and your mother will find happiness in the future.”

            “Helping your mother is a good thing, but you still need to pay for your sin. You should turn yourself in to the police.” Celica said.

            “Sometimes, death will be the answer to your suffering. It will be good if my mother don’t need it. She’s suffering from her disease every single day. I can’t take it anymore.” Adam said. “Well, I let you to handle my mother.”

            He seems agreed to turn himself to the police. We can help him with his mother, but I think we can’t really save him from his suffering. He lost direction and do whatever it takes for his mother. But, what if he didn’t manage to save her mother in the end? What he will do after that? I hope he can get a second chance in his life.

            “Remember kids, you chose a hard way. In the future, you will meet various kind of people. Can you save all of them? Great power comes great responsibility.” he turned his back and walk away. He tried to lecture us in the end.

            Well, at least we ended the serial murder cases. I wish I didn’t meet that kind of person anymore. He walked to the police force with his hand on the back. He turned himself to the police peacefully, but then something bad happens. One of the cops shoot him in the chest, right to the heart. Just why? It shouldn’t end like this.

            “Oy Adam!” I ran toward him.

            “Hey kids, a crime is a crime after all. I deserve this.” he smiled.

            I just realised that I can see his numbers right now. I didn’t know what’s happening, but I have to save him. “Celica!!!” I called Celica for the help.

            “No kids, save it for the one who deserves it. Ah, this is really hurt, but strange. Somehow I got a peaceful, easy feeling. It’s like every burden on my shoulder is disappear. Don’t forget kid, you will meet with various person in the future and part away with them.” He took his final breath.

            I didn’t think he will end up like that. Even though he’s a cruel murderer, I prefer the legal way or maybe a second chance. I won’t forget his final message.

            After that, the police take us for some interrogation. It took long enough, but I’m glad it finished. We decided to visit the hospital and tell Mrs. Clinton about her son. We promised to help her. We told her the bad news first, she was shocked to hear that. She crying really loud. We choose to do our ritual while calming her down. We did it, we expanded her time. Something really unexpected happen.

            “Celica?” I’m really confused right now. She suddenly collapse in Mrs. Clinton’s bed. One hundred, I can see the numbers above Celica’s head. What is happening here?

To be continued...

Alvine Labana R.

1830911039

6th Chapters

The Lost Time #5 by Alvine Labana R. (Creative writing)

Blast

            The day after tomorrow, I decided to check on Tommy and visit Olivia once again. Tommy said that he knew something about the guy in the black coat, but I have to do something first. Celica asked me to accompany her buying some stuff before going to the hospital. I think visiting someone in the hospital with empty-handed is a bad idea. I went to the nearby store with her.

            “She’s going to love this, this, and that.” Celica took every snack that attracted her.

            “Hey, isn’t it too much for a sick person?”

            “It’s okay, snacks will make you better in no time.” She smiled happily.

            “How? Anyway, I’ll grab some fruit for them.”

            When I’m going to look for some fruit there’s a little girl tripped in front of me. Celica quickly approach and help her to stand. That was a really quick reaction. I realised that she had a short lifespan. A cruel fate for someone really young or maybe it’s good for her. When you died young, you don’t have to face this cruel world. I’m really sure Celica had a different perspective though.

            “What’s your name, little girl?” Celica patted her head.

            “I’m Sherry.” She smiled cheerfully.

            “Hi Sherry, I’m Celica. Quick question, what do you want to do when you grow up?”

            “I want to be a doctor!”

            “Eh why?”

            “They’re so cool, they can save so many people.” That little girl answered with a big smile on her face. The doctor must be her hero.

            Celica smiled at her gently and called me to approach them. We hold her hands and do our ritual. It works perfectly, although it didn’t expand her numbers too much. I didn’t think it’s enough for someone to be a doctor, but we’ve done what we could. I’m start to thinking, is this a right thing? The question from that guy in black coat haunted me. There are two possibilities after someone got a chance to live longer. First, they live happily and make us happy as well. Second, face a cruel reality and it will make us feel guilty. I told Celica what I was thinking and she responded it positively just like usual.

            Celica sighed and looked at me “Is it right eh? I do think god send us to the right person who deserves a second chance. So, our meeting with someone like Sherry must be a fate too.” She said it with a really gentle smile and tone. “You don’t have to listen to that guy. Let’s do our job, no matter what happens.” She continued.

            “Thanks, please push my back again in the future.” I doubt myself too often recently. Right now, I have someone who will push my back when I hesitate.  That’s a big relief.

            After we grabbed some snacks and fruit we left the store and going to the hospital. The hospital come back to their normal state after the murder case. We arrived at the front of Tommy’s and Olivia’s room. Their room are next to each other. Maybe it’s a cop’s request, so they can keep an eye of Tommy and Olivia easily since they involved in the same cases. I saw them together in a bench just outside of their room. Olivia is laughing normally, maybe that’s because Tommy. He’s really good at joke. I’m really glad they’re fine.

            There’s nobody around, talking here is fine. Tommy told us what he knew about that guy in the black coat. A normal businessman who hasn’t married. He lived near Tommy’s house with his mother. Tommy said that his mother was often hospitalized and never get well. So, he’s not stealing just for himself. Come to think of it, a few days ago I saw a man with an old woman. If memory serves right, she’s on this hospital with a guy in the black coat. I can’t see his time, it’s not only my imagination. That must be him.

            Maybe I can find them in this hospital. I decided to ask the hospital receptionist with Celica. After we get the room number, we immediately go to her room. I didn’t think this guy would stay in her room, but maybe we can ask about him to her mother. He never get caught by the cops, perhaps the only way to stop him is talking with him first. Adam Clinton, you have to this.

            “Excuse us, Mrs. Clinton.” Celica entered the room casually.

            “Good afternoon, Mrs. Clinton. We’re Mr. Adam’s acquaintance.” I followed Celica to her room.

            “Oh, come sit here.” She kindly offered us to sit beside her bed.

            Celica do a small talk with her. It would be awkward this time if we get to the point so suddenly. Mrs. Clinton lifespan, only 2 days left for her. Adam Clinton keep stealing other people’s lives for her mother. Helping your mother is a good reason for your action, but killing innocent people isn’t a good excuse.

            “Speaking of which, where’s Mr. Adam?” Celica asked her.

            “I don’t know. He didn’t come too often, perhaps he’s busy doing something.”

            “I’m sorry, I heard that you often hospitalized. Is everything all right?” I asked her by myself.

            “I have a heart disease, I feel like dying every day because of this. I still alive to this day is because of my son. Even though he’s not good at everything since he was a child, study, sport, everything. He always loses at the contest he participated. Even at work, he’s not doing better. But he always tried his best.” She smiled, a proud smile from a mother.

            “He must be happy to hear that.” Celica said.

            “I want to see him live his life, grasping his dream, married, live a happy life. He’s focusing too much at me.”

            Suddenly, my phone is ringing. My phone shows me a private numbers. Who is this? I’m going outside to answer the call.

            “Hey Eldrick, are you ready?” I heard a man voice.

            I didn’t understand what he meant, I respond to him “for what?”

            He hung up the call. I can assume that must be him, Adam Clinton. How did he know my numbers? What he’s going to do this time? Ready?

            BOOM!!! An explosive sound come from the outside, I can hear it clearly. The explosion must be close from here. I go back to the room and approach the window. I can see a destroyed building from here. Adam, is this what you meant? I run as fast as I can to that building with Celica. How many people did he kill from this? How many people can survive?

            We’ve arrived in the front of the building, the building is still standing strong. The building is damaged so badly. I hope the people are okay too. My phone is ringing once again. It must be that guy again. What he wants to do with all of this?

            “Eldrick, is it?” Celica asked me.

            “Yes, it is.” I answered the call. “What? Are you not satisfied yet, huh?” I can’t control myself from anger.

            “Hahaha, don’t be like that. I’m in the rooftop right now, let’s have some talk again. You have to hurry or the people in this building will meet the god soon.” He hung up the call.

            I don’t know what kind of nightmare is happening inside the building right now. I don’t know what he’s going to do next. I never thought this guy will go this far. It’s different from what he usually does. I have to do something. I have to stop this once and for all.

To be continued...

Alvine Labana R.
1830911039
5th Chapters

The Lost Time #4 by Alvine Labana R. (Creative writing)

Time Stealer

            We came to Olivia’s room and found that she’s awake. She looks pale but the numbers on her head make me relief. There’s an old man with her, I think he is Olivia’s father. He left us alone in the room. I didn’t see her friends, it looks like they’re going home. I don’t think this is a good time to ask Olivia some questions but Celica insisted to do it. I didn’t think I can stop her though.

            “Sorry to ask you out of the blue, but can you tell me the reason behind your action?” Without further ado, she Celica asked her.

            “Hi Olivia I’m Eldrick your classmate, remember? This is my acquaintance Cel-"

            “Hey! We’re friends already, right?” Celica looking at me, she looks a little bit angry.

            “Uh, okay then.”

            “What do you mean uh?”

            “Hahaha, you guys are funny” Olivia trying her best to laugh. “It’s okay, I don’t mind.”

            Olivia explained her situation. The last few days she was threatened by someone, spammed with horrifying messages and calls to her phone every single day. She said that every time she blocked the numbers, it keeps coming back with other numbers. She was ordered to kill herself or her family will be killed. Unfortunately, she lost her phone, so we can’t give a concrete proof to the police. The reason why Olivia is decided to commit suicide is because of the murder cases that happen lately. Celica knew about these cases, and she told me that the murder cases can’t be solved by the police yet. So, Olivia tried to kill herself to save his family. I didn’t think I can do it if it was me who is threatened. I remembered about the old man who left from this room. I asked Olivia about him. Just as I thought he is her father, and he left to the toilet. I sensed something bad, so I left them alone and going to the closest toilet. On the corridor, I saw a man with an old woman. They turned left and disappear. Was it my imagination? I can’t see the numbers of that man or it just a mistake? I decided to think about it later and go to where Olivia’s father is.

            There are crowd surrounding the toilet, it can’t be. I slipped through the crowd and didn’t believe what I see. There is a man lying on the ground covered by the blood. It looks like he got stabbed on his back. He is not a stranger, I just met him several minutes ago. So, that murder cases and Olivia’s story are true? I have to go back to Olivia’s room and tell Celica about this.

            I don’t think telling Olivia right now would be a good idea, so I took Celica to the outside of the room. I told her what just happened. She really shocked to hear that. The murderer was busy doing their action while we were talking about it. That happened really fast as if it is going out of style. The fact is the murderer is in this hospital, what are they going to do after this? Go after Olivia again? Is that a good move? The police officers should be here for a minute. I think Olivia is safe for now, but still, how should we tell her about his father?

            “Should we tell her about this?” Celica asked me.

            “We should wait for better timing.”

            “She will notice that her father wasn’t go back for a while.”

            “Yeah, sooner or later she will know about the truth, but everything going to worse if we are doing something reckless.”

            We decided to hold the bad news for a while. Just as I thought, the police officers arrived very soon. They are investigating the crime scene and found out that the victim is the patient’s relatives on this hospital. In the end, the police officers are the one who told Olivia about his father and I guess they are also asking about the murder cases. Olivia’s safety is guaranteed by the officers, I think it’s okay to leave her for now. Time flies so fast, it’s already evening. So many things happened in a single day. What else can make it worse? We’re going home after that, but someone seems to approach us when we’re going to leave the hospital. A tall man with a well-ironed silk suit, a bow tie and a hat. He had a trimmed beard. I think he is some kind of detective.

            “Celica? Hey Celica!” that man waving his hand.

            “Oh, Mr. Harrison good evening.” She politely answer.

            “It’s been a while right? You look fine. I heard that you involved in a suicidal attempt of that girl. She’s threatened by a murdered, what a poor girl. Just be careful, I can’t face your father is something happened to you, tell me if you know something.”

            “Yes sir!” she saluted the officer.

            “See you later.” The officer left us.

            Celica told me that he is the friends of her father. It seems we can ask for help. There is something bothering me. Although Olivia’s father has a lot of numbers, he was killed. That’s why I didn’t expect something bad will happen to him. I never saw something like this, everyone suppose to reach zero before they die. I decided to think about it later and escort Celica to her house. Luckily, our house are close enough, so I don’t mind to go. We’re walking through the alleyway and something appear from the shadow.

            “Do you really think it’s a good idea to go this way? I mean, a murder case just happened a second ago.” A tall man with a black coat and hat is standing before us menacingly.

            Something odd about this guy. His presence makes me shivering and the most important thing is I can’t see his numbers. What are his intentions? Why did he stop us in a place like this?

            “Who are you? Do you need something from us?” Without hesitation, Celica asked him.

            “Nothing, I just want to say hi to my friends who interrupted my plan.” He smiling at us. “Say, you kids can’t see my numbers right?” He pointed his finger to his head.

            “A plan? Do you mean your murder plan? And you said that you’re a power holder just like us?” I asked him.

            “You know, my mission is to kill that girl. Actually, threatening her is enough but you kids stopped me. So, I have to found a replacement to steal and that man came in a right time.”

            Mission? Perhaps this is an assassination task from someone, and I think he is an assassin who kills for money. I have no idea about that stealing thing. He did threat Olivia and killed her father. I’m not really sure about his true intention yet. He knew about this power, what is he going to do with his power?

            “It looks like you kids confused. Let me tell you this, our real power is to steal someone’s life and transfer it. I bet you kids never kill someone, so you didn’t know about this.” He told us a shocking thing.

            “Steal? So you killed innocent people for your own sake? Such a disgraceful!” Celica said, her voice implying that she was angry.

            “Hahaha, you really called them innocent? I don’t need to explain my intentions but I really want to see how you kids use your power.”

            Stealing and transfer. I can’t believe this but if it’s true, I can see what he was after. He stealing someone’s life to live longer. I hope it was that simple, but did he really show up right now just to say hi? We just interrupted his plan. Even though he got a replacement, I don’t think he will let us go that easy.

            “Yo, Eldrick! What a coincidence, actually I’m going to your house righ-“

            Someone just came out of the blue. That voice, that’s Tommy’s voice. Talking about bad timing, he just came at the worst timing ever.

            “Oy, what is this situation?” Tommy just like a deer in the headlights.

            “What a perfect timing, should I demonstrate it?” that murderer pulls a gun from his clothes.

            Bang! He pulled the trigger. A bullet just hit Tommy in the chest. Tommy fell to the ground with a bleeding chest. He just got shot. Tommy’s numbers decrease a lot. He has about 50 years to life before and now he has no more than 24 hours.

            “Tommy!!!” I ran to his fallen body. “Hang on there man!” Tommy passed out.

            “Your friend got a lot of numbers there, but what I got from it just a random numbers. I can’t stop my mission kids.” That murderer just casually explain thing after what he has done.

            “Celica!!!” I called Celica for help and she nods her head.

            We’re trying to use our power once again to save Tommy. If we don’t do anything, he’s going to die for sure in a day. We grabbed Tommy’s hands and trying to do the same to Olivia before. Fortunately, it works. Tommy’s lifespan just expanding, we can do the transfer together. It’s not as much as before but at least he saved for now. The problem is that guy, he still standing right there.

                        “Well done kids!” he gave us an applause. “So that’s how your power works, you kids really expanding his life. That’s a lot of numbers if you compare it to mine. Now, what should I do? I think killing you kids right now isn’t a good idea, it wouldn’t be interesting. For now, I let you guys go.” He turned away. “Last question, do you think your action is the right thing? Expanding someone’s life can also mean expanding their pain and suffering.”

            “What?”

            “Well, save your answer until we meet again.” He disappeared in the shadow, withdrawing.

            We called an ambulance as soon as possible. I leave Tommy to the ambulance staff and decided to check on him later. After that, I walked Celica home. I’m still worried about Tommy, so I came back to the hospital. I just realised that our enemy is not only time but also a time ‘stealer’. Our action, is this the right thing?

To be continued...

Alvine Labana R.

1830911039

4th Chapters