Ghosts of the Past Chapter 6

Sienna

The doctors gave me meds and released. "You look better today." Dulce said. "Thanks I do feel better." I said. We went to Sarah's though no one was there. So I called Sarah. "Sienna, I'm sorry.... Here is the address, come." She said when she first answered. So Dulce took me to Sarah's new address.

It was a two room loft different from the mansion or the house. When I went inside Sarah, Aseel and Kate were sitting around the dinning table silently. "Is everything alright?" I asked. "Yeah, I'm glad your alright Sienna." Sarah hugged me. For some reason she didn't seem alright... "I'm also glad that your alright." Aseel said as she held Sarah's hand and left the room. "Aren't you glad that I'm back?" I asked Kate. "Not really, it's been only one night." She replied. "I figured you would say something like that." I said. She giggled.

Later that night....

I shared the room with Kate. There was a double bed and a sofa. I took the sofa and let her have the bed. I wasn't sleepy so left the room, there was a bookshelf in the living room where I found a book called The Stand by Stephen King and decided to read it. While I was reading I overheard some chatter coming from Sarah's room. "What did he say?!" Aseel asked. Then there was silence. "Sarah talk to me...." Aseel demanded.

I tried to concentrate on the novel but I couldn't. "What the fuck is he thinking?" Aseel yelled. "Hell if I know." Sarah replied. "That women is the most selfish creature on the plant... I wouldn't believe anything she says, I wish I could let your dad see that." Aseel said. "I don't care as long as I don't see her." Sarah commented.

Now I understand why she was feeling uneasy this morning. "I need to go bake something..." Sarah said. This is my cue... "Or I could relieve your stress." Aseel replied. The walls are way too thin. I went back to the room and laid on the couch. The book slipped from my hand as it made a loud throbbing sound, Kate woke up.... "Sienna, your still awake?" She asked. "Yeah..." I replied.

"I think it was all Feras." She said. "I know..." I replied. "You know this bed is big enough for two..." She implied. "I know, I don't want to disturb you while you sleep besides... I'm not sleepy." I said. "Okay." She said. The thing about Kate is that she cares a lot about people, yet she's afraid of showing it. I still don't understand why she hides behind the mean girl's act. Even though she's the kindest and most caring person I know.

About an hour has passed... And I'm still not sleepy. I left the room again, Sarah and Aseel were in the kitchen and Sarah was baking. As I was passing through "I'm going out..." I grabbed a jacket and left. I was roaming all over the place. Until I realized that I was standing outside the hotel where Razan is. What am I doing?! I thought. I turned around and started walking away.

"Sienna... Is that you?" A man's voice called, I can't recognize the voice though. I turned around and it was Sarah's dad. "Yeah... " I replied. "Thank god. I've been trying to contact Sarah ever since last night... Though she won't return my calls nor my texts." He said. I didn't say anything. "Is she okay?" He asked. "yeah she's okay." I replied. "Did she talk about what happened last night?" He asked. "No.." I replied.

He was silent for few seconds. "Want me to tell her anything?" I asked. "No, though.... I would like to talk, if you cared to listen." He said. "Sure" I replied. I'm useless, yet listening to people's concerns seems to put them at ease. So, he told me everything that happened. "What should I do?" He asked. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you what to do." I replied. He sighed. "I also don't like to speak ill of people... But I feel like you should know this." I said.

"I'm listening." He was interested in what I was about to say. "What do you think of a woman that abandoned her child by the age of 10 and cut ties with her family to a point that she won't attend her own mother's funeral ?" I asked. "What do you mean?" I don't think he was asking, I think he was trying to deny the fact. "Do you believe a woman like that is capable of caring or loving anyone?" I asked. "I don't think so... But how is that relevant?" He said. "That's the woman your about to marry... Do you understand the girls feeling now?" I asked.

"People change..." He argued. "I don't think a heartless person could suddenly gain a heart." I stated. "She deserves a chance." He said. "Mr.AbdulAziz... You can give her a chance if you want. It's your life after all." I grinned. We were at the hotel bar when we were talking. "Thank you for listening." He said. "Sure, anytime." I replied. "I think I should go." He said as he left his seat. "See you later." I replied.

I know that I should leave too but I couldn't... I went to see Dulce instead. "Sienna!!" She was excited to see me. "Hey there..." I replied. "What brings you here ?!" She asked. I didn't replied. "Are you okay?!" She asked. "What is it exactly that you do here?" I shrugged. "Room service." She said. "Interesting... May I ask you a favor?" I asked. "Sure anything." She said. I gave her Razan's room number and asked her to send flowers there.

I really just wanted to make sure that she's alright. I was anxiously waiting in the staff room for Dulce's return. My phone rang, "hello." I answered. "Sienna, come here someone is passed out." Dulce said. I ran to the elevator though it was slow so I ran up the stairs. Razan please be alright I though. When I got there Feras was sitting on the edge of the bed crying... "I don't know what to do.... I don't know what to do."

Razan was passed out on the bed. "Move!" I yelled and ran up to her. I touched her forehead and she was burning up. "Call an ambulance now!!!" I demanded. Dulce called an ambulance. "Tell them she passed out from a fever." I was shivering... I don't know how I managed to carry her to the bathroom. I filled the tub with cool water and placed her there. She started kicking and screaming. "Let me out." She screamed. My heart ached... This was the only way to bring her fever down till an ambulance arrive.

I had to place her down though she was fighting too hard. I got in the tub with her and held her from behind. "I'm sorry, Razz." I whispered in her ear. She was still unaware of herself. The medics arrived soon after and took her to the hospital. When I left the bathroom I saw Feras sitting in the corner of the room muttering the same words over and over.

I went to the hospital with her and waited till the doctors finished their work. When I wanted to see her the nurses told me that her husband was already here and only family are allowed. I had to go back to the loft. It was morning already and the girls were waiting for me for practice. They didn't ask where I was.

Few days later I had to go to the doctor for my blood. They did some blood tests and said that I should keep on taking the medications. We also had to go back to the country and I moved out of Razan's place and got my own apartment. Kate was living in the same building.

A month has passed...

Today Razan comes back from her honey moon. I haven't seen her since that day though Dulce kept me updated with how she's doing. After work as I was going to my apartment I saw Dante. "Hey, Sienna whats up?" He said. "Hi, I just came back from work." I replied. "Wanna go grab a bit and play some pool?" He asked. "What's the catch?" I replied. "No catch." He said.

So I went to dinner with him and we played pool. It was so obvious that he was letting me win. After that we went back to our building. His apartment was in a lower floor than mine. "So, this was fun we should do this again sometime." He said. "Yeah, it was so much fun! Though you better give it your all next time." I replied. "Was I that obvious?" He wondered. "Way too obvious." I giggled. He chuckled.

"Until next time?" I said. "See you soon." He kissed my cheek and left the elevator. My face went red. I was surprised. When the elevator opened up again I saw her sitting there outside my apartment's door. I looked for my phone and realized its been dead ever since I drove back from work.

I ran up to her "My humble apologies, your majesty." I kneeled before her. She wrapped her arms around me. "Where have you been?!" She whimpered. I carried her inside. "I..." I began to say though she shushed me. "I missed you so much!!" She whispered. "I miss you more." I simpered. "May I spend the night?" She asked. "You never have to asked... Your always welcome." I answered.

We took a bath then I dried her hair. We laid in bed silently... She wrapped my arms around her. "I've dreamt about you." She said. "You did?" I replied. She turned to look at me. "You were this close... Yet I couldn't touch you." She caressed my cheek. "The more I tried, the farther you'd go until your image disappears... That's when I wake up." She said.

I held her hand. "The nightmare is over now." I assured her. She clung to me. "I wish that you're a guy sometime." She said. "Why?" I wondered. She sat up and looked into my eyes. "Cause I wouldn't need Feras then..." She held my hand. "And nothing would keep us apart." She finished. I kissed her hand. "I can change his mind if you like." I suggested.

"I don't want you to go this far, I care about him." She said. "I know." I replied. "I just... I don't want to choose between the two of you." She said. "You don't have to... I'm merely your humble knight. My loyalty is to you alone." I vowed. She kissed my cheek. "I wish I can stay in your arms forever... You'll be here when I wake up, won't you?" She asked. "I shall, if that's what you wish my lady." I replied.

Next morning...

There were throbbing on the door. "Open the god damn door." Feras yelled from outside. I went to open the door. "How may I help you?!" I asked as I opened the door. "Get away." He was about to push me, when I twisted his hand and seized him to the wall. "It's rude, to pick a fight with someone when your a guest in their house." I lectured him.

"I'm here for my wife." He whimpered. "You could've just said that now, couldn't you?" I let go of him and closed the door. I went to wake up Razan though she was already up. "Ask him to leave, I don't want to see him." She said as soon as she saw me. "Sure." I replied and went back to the living room where he was waiting. I opened the apartment door, "you should leave, her majesty doesn't wish to see you." I said.

"Your fucking kidding me right?" He yelled. "The door is wide open, unless you want me to resort to violence." I threatened him. "I'm going to see her." He shrugged. He must be stupid. I was in front of him before he could make his second step. I shoved him to the wall. "I'm not gonna repeat myself twice." I threatened. He was panting. "How is it that you're still win?" He gasped. "Your silliness is irritating me..." I blustered then threw him out.

I don't understand why I'm this angry. The bell rang, I opened the door. It was Dante... "Is everything alright?" He asked. "Yeah everything is fine." I assured him. "There were some loud noises." He confronted me. "Yeah, I'm sorry to disturb you." I said. "Sie... Is he gone?" Razan asked from behind me. "Yeah." I closed the door. She clung to me. "Thank you." She said. I patted her head.

"Razz, I have to go to work. Will you be okay by yourself?" I asked. She nodded. I prepared her breakfast and got changed for work. "I'll be back." I said as I was leaving. "I'll be waiting." She kissed my cheek.

After work...

When I came back from work Kate was at my place with Razan. "I'm home." I said. "Welcome home." Razan came up to me and kissed my cheek. "What brings you here Katy girl?" I wondered. "Razan was bored so I kept her company." She said. "Thank you." I grinned. "Since your back, I'll get going." Kate said as she left. "You weren't somewhere?" Razan noticed the bag I was holding.

"I got you something." I announced as I opened the bag. "A cell phone? I've already got one..." She said. "It's for when Feras decides to act out again, hide it somewhere safe." I explained. "That's so thoughtful." She grinned. "It's been awhile since I've seem your smiling face. It's delightful." I simpered. Razan blushed.

"I was thinking I should go back, and speak with Feras." She said. "That's a good idea." I encouraged her. "I'll call you after I speak with him." She said. "I'll take you there." I offered. "I wanna do this on my own." She kissed my cheek and left.

She called me later that night saying that things are good between them. She said he won't take her phone again, nor stop her from seeing me. She claimed that he's trying to become a better man for her and wants to keep his promise. I'm glad that it turned out this way and I hope he's sincere.

A month have passed...

I've seen less of Razan in the past month. Though she looks very happy whenever I saw her. It seem like Feras is keeping his promise. I've been busy with work and the band, but I would go check on Razan every night. Most night I don't see her, but her mom assures me that's good.

Recently though, something seemed off with Razan. She seemed weaker than usual. She looked kinda pal, I've been trying to get her to eat. Though she feels sick whenever she feels food. That's why I've decided that I would pay her a visit as soon as the weekend comes and share my concern probably take her to the hospital as well.

It's the weekend. I just finished breakfast when heard knocking on the door. "Coming" I said as I placed the dishes in the sink. I opened the door "My queen." I bowed and kissed her hand. I guess our thoughts are synced. "I need to talk to you..." She said. "Sure, come in." I said as we went inside and sat at the table.

"What's the matter, your highness?" I asked. "I need you to stop calling me that." She said. What's going on here... I thought. "I don't understand." I replied. "We need to stop the princess/knight role play." She explained. Something is seriously wrong here... I though. "Did something happen?" I asked. "I need to learn to take care of others... Feras is trying his best to take care of me, and I want to do the same for him." She explained.

Wait I'm confused... It feels like I'm watching a movie. we're friend, aren't we? Why doesn't it feel like she's about to break up with me. "Razz, the role play can stop no problem... But that's not all is it?" I said. "Correct, I can't see you, if I want to become a better wife for him." I blurt. I didn't wanna hear that... Take it back Razz please.

"Your my best friend, Razz..." I began. "It wasn't that way for me." She interrupted. Suddenly it went pitch black, I kept running calling for her. Until I found this mirror with her reflecting. I nudge the mirror 'Razz don't leave me' I yelled. "If that's what you wish my queen." I said.

I was lost inside myself. I don't have any control over this body anymore. I can't see her in the mirror anymore, that's my bed room door. "Sienna..." She called after me. I stopped. When I stopped I realized that it was still me. Have I lost my mind? She stood behind me. "I'm sorry." She said. "I understand." I turned.

'I don't understand please explain.' I nudge that mirror again. "I wish you all the happiness in the world." I kissed her forehead. 'I can feel her, why can't I speak?!' I punched the mirror I started walking away. 'Hey turn around, please.' I was sobbing. I went to my room and closed the door.

I can hear her whimper from behind my bedroom door. She sniffed then I heard the apartment door closes. 'Stop her... Please.' I sobbed. "Sienna you need to let her spread her wings, you know you can't be there for her forever." I think that was my conscious or rational thought. I know it's true, but what will I do without her?

I feel betrayed... More than that I'm frustrated. I wanna see her. I can't get the last sound she made out of my head, her tears are too precious. I'm so frustrated. I took a pillow and screamed till I started sobbing. Please god, wake me up already. There were throbbing on my door and the bell rang, I wiped away my tears and opened the door.

"Are you okay?" Dante asked. I let him in and closed the door. "Sienna look at me." He said. I couldn't meet his gaze. "Is Razan alright?" He asked. I shook my head. "I'll take you to see her." He said. 'She wouldn't want to see me though.' I clung to him and sobbed. I think he realized that I can no longer see Razan.

He embraced me silently until I calmed down.

Ghosts of the Past Chapter 5

Sarah

"I love you so much, and I loved your mother more than anyone in this world. She was my first love, you know that right?" Dad said. "Yeah." I replied. "Her passing was/is very hard on me... I've buried myself in work and haven't been a good father to you..." He was saying. "Hold on, did something happen... You're scaring me." I interrupted. "I just wanted you to know that your my only daughter and I want to be a better father to you." He said. "I know that you are trying your best and that's enough for me." I confirmed.
Aseel held my hand tightly as if she knew what he was about to say next. "I've met someone... And I'm planing on marrying her." He blurt. "I can't accept that." I replied. "Huh?" He was confused. "That would be like cheating on mom." I said. "Sarah... Honey, she's dead." He said. "She's waiting for you on the other side." I argued. "What other side? And since when do you believe in the afterlife?" He asked. "Since I lost so many people to it." I replied.
"Aseel, say something... Talk some sense into her." He said. "Don't do that... Don't get her into this." I demanded. "Sarah do you have any idea how much I've suffered? I need to get my life back together!" He said. "And the only way is by remarrying?" I walked away. Aseel followed me to our room. I was so irritated. I looked for my cigarette though I can't recall where I placed them last. As I sat on the edge of the bed.
What the hell is he thinking? I thought. I felt her hand wrap around me and her lips brush against the back of my neck, where I was kissed. I forgot my irritation for a split second. Her hands gently caressed my body till it reached my mouth. She put a cigarette in mouth and lit it up. I kissed her hand before she left it. She lead her head against my back and just sat there till I finished the cigarette. My head is clear now.
"Sarz..." She said. "Yes love?" I replied. "My world was an empty night sky before you. All the lights came with you. When you left, night turned into a moonless sky with nothing but stars." She explained. "How does your sky look now?" She asked. "It's a perfectly beautiful night sky." She said as she kissed the back of my right shoulder. "I'm glad." I said. "I think your dad is trying to avoid the moonless night sky, by living under the sun." She got to her point. "I'm afraid that he will forget that the moon once existed." I said. "That can never happen." She surely said. "How come?" I argued. "Cause no sun nor star can ever replace the moon... And night is bound to fall." She said.
I was silent. "At least meet her... If you don't like her, we can ask your dad not to go through with it." She said. "Good point." I agreed. I went downstairs. There was a stranger there. "Dad..." I called. "Sarah, this is Helena whom I just told you about." He introduced her. I ran back upstairs to Aseel. "I hate her already!!!" I complained. "That was fast." She said. "She was holding his hand just now." I stated. "And that's bad?" She was confused. "I didn't approve of meeting her yet... Plus I couldn't stand the scene." I said. "Now you can tell him you don't like her." She said. She held my hand as we walked to the stairs. My dad was holding that slut. "That's no sun, that's his freaking new moon!" I said. Aseel was frozen next to me... I don't think she was breathing.
"Seel?" I called. She started shivering then... "Mom." She whispered.

Aseel

I've never seen this coming... My shock is beyond comprehension. "Aseel?" She was surprised when she saw me. "Mr. Abdulaziz, you can't marry this woman... For your daughter's sake." I blurt. "What?! I thought you of all people will understand, Aseel." He said. "Why is my daughter here?!" Mom asked. "Cause she's my wife!" Sarah replied. "What is the meaning of this Aziz?" Mom asked. Sarah walked to the door. "Sarah, where are you going?" He shrugged.
"I love you dad, though I don't approve of this woman." She said. "Can't we at least talk about this?" He asked. She let go of my hand and walked up to her dad. She kissed his forehead. "See you the next 16th pops." She said. She walked back to me and kissed me. Held my hand and walked out the house. "You didn't have to piss her off like that... It not like she cares." I commented. "Though I kinda do." She said.


A year after Razan's wedding

Kate

Flash back....

"Dulce called me the other day and said that a major Spanish band wants us to join their tour." Sienna said. "That's amazing!" Sarah replied. "I wanna join the tour... And after the tour there will be a major metal festival in Germany, and they are open for registration." Sienna continued. "What about your job?" I asked. "I quite." She replied.
"Just like that?" Aseel was surprised. "Just like that." Sienna grinned. "I'm in if the tour is paid for." I replied. "Oh! I also signed with a record label... Though they need the rest of your signatures." She said. Sarah took the record papers and started reading through them. "Sienna.... Did something happen?" Aseel asked. "Nop, I just wanna play music for a living." She answered. "What about Razan?" I wondered.
"Sarah would you sign?" She shrugged. "Of course!" Sarah signed the papers as we all did.

That was 9 months ago.

We're in Barcelona, Spain. "Sienna please put on some cloths." I complained. She was smoking in the balcony with only panties on. She ignored me. "Sienna!!" I throw a shirt her way. "Fine." She only put on the shirt. I was about to walk away. "Katy, would you please ask those people to leave?" She requested as she closed the balcony door.
There were two guys and a girl sleeping in her room. "Parties over guys... Please leave." I announced as they grabbed their cloths and left. I went to the balcony. "Sienna can we talk?" I asked. "I'm not in the mood right now... Can you grab me a beer?" She said. I handed her a beer. "I just wanna understand what your doing?" I said. "I was playing a strip game with the guys... It's fun, you should try it some time." She said.
"What are you hoping to gain out of this?" I asked. "I just told you... It's fun!" She replied. "How come you look so depressed then?" I wondered. She ignored me. "Would you at least clean your room it look disgusting." I commented as I left. As I was going to my room... "Hey Kate, listen to this." Sarah said. I was outside her bedroom door. She played a beautiful melody with Aseel. "What do you think?" Aseel asked. "It's beautiful." I replied and walked away.
I check my phone and there was a message from Dante... "How is Sienna?" The message said. "She's the same." I replied. Later that day we had a concert. She seems like her old self when ever she's hold the bass. After the concert Dante was there. "Hey, you were great!" He said. "Thanks." She replied while walking away. Outside the club where we performed there were dozens of people there. The fans were screaming and it was loud. "I love you, Sienna." A guy from the crowd shouted. "I love you too." She said and the guy fainted. Other fans asked for our autographs as we signed for them. Some fans took pictures with us. Where there was this one fan that didn't ask for anything.
I saw her approaching Sienna. So I went and stood near Sienna. "Thank you for saving my life." The girl said. Sienna nodded. The girl had a gift with her... She handed it to Sienna. "It's a small token of my gratitude." She said. Sienna took the gift and kissed her. "Thank you." Sienna said. The girls face went red. We excused ourselves and went back to our place. "What were you thinking kissing a fan out of the blue?" I asked. "She did what?!" Sarah and Aseel were shocked. They didn't see what happened. "I wasn't..." Sienna said as she went to her room.
"I don't think I can stand anymore of her irrational behavior anymore." I complained. "Did you notice her scars?" Sarah asked. "Have you had any serious conversations with her? Aseel asked. "I can't get anything out of her." I replied. Sarah took her phone and dialed someone. "Hi... Sorry to disturb you in such hour..." She said as she left the room.
Next morning, when I went to the kitchen Sarah and Aseel were there. "Morning..." I greeted them. "Morning, I have some news to tell you..." Sarah said. "What's up?" I asked. "I think I found a solution to our problem." She said.

Later that day...

"Sienna, wake up already... It's 4pm." I said. It's so annoying that I have to take care of someone... "Get out!!" She replied from under the cover. I sighed and jumped on her bed. "The label called... They said that we have to perform in our country, something about a private event booking us." I said. "So?!" She replied. "We have to be at the airport in 2 hours." I explained. "Wake me up in an hour then." She said. "SIENNA!!! Now, you must take a shower." I said. She lifted the cover off her face and stared at me. "Yeah, you stink... So please shower first." I complained. "Fine, wanna join?" She said. I walked to the door. "Oh and find something clean to wear." I shrugged.

We're out side the private event.


Razan

Today is my wedding anniversary, a lot have happened in one year. I became a mother, and I got to college. "Hey, people are waiting for you outside." He said and kissed me. "Are Mubarak and mom already out there?" I asked. "Yeah, your the only one missing." He said. He put out his hand and I held it. As we were leaving the room. "By the way.... You're mesmerizing." He whispered in my ear. I blushed.
Everyone was there at the party. Feras held Mubarak while little Sienna was around him. "Razan, Mubarak is the cutest kid ever!" Farah said. "Sienna, is the cutest." I said. "Sienna thinks Mubarak's a toy... Look how she's poking him." Waleed said. "So cute!" Mom said. The door bell rang. I went to get it.
When I opened the door I saw her standing there. She got on one knee and lowered her head. "Go in..." I said to the girls. "We're leaving her to you." Sarah said as they went in. I stepped outside and closed the door. "Sienna get up." I said. She didn't respond. I sat where I was standing so I could see her face. She was shivering and her eyes were dripping tears. Never in my life have I seen her cry.
"Sienna..." I called. She didn't respond. "Watashi no kishi." I said. She looked at me, "Your highness." She grinned. I've never seen her smile like this before. It felt as if she was the happiest girl alive. "You shall rise." I demanded. "Happy anniversary." She stood up.

Flash back...

I was outside her apartment. I knocked on the door. "Coming" she said. She opened the door "My queen." She bowed and kissed my hand. "I need to talk to you..." I said. "Sure, come in." She said as we went inside and sat at the table. "What's the matter, your highness?" She asked. "I need you to stop calling me that." I said.
"I don't understand." She replied. "We need to stop the princess/knight role play." I explained. "Did something happen?" She asked. "I need to learn to take care of others... Feras is trying his best to take care of me, and I want to do the same for him." I explained. "Razz, the role play can stop no problem... But that's not all is it?" She said. "Correct, I can't see you if I want to become a better wife for him." I blurt.
"Your my best friend, Razz..." She was saying. "It wasn't that way for me." I interrupted. She fell silent. I've never seen her make such face before. She always had a gentle smile on her face. "If that's what you wish my queen." She forced a smile and walked to her room. "Sienna..." I called after her. She stopped. I stood behind her. "I'm sorry." I said. "I understand." She turned. "I wish you all the happiness in the world." She kissed my forehead then went to her room and closed the door.
I thought she would resist or fight for me... My heart's aching. It felt as if the world suddenly lost its colors.


Today she's all messed up in front of me. I even saw her cry. I thought she didn't have any feelings. "Sienna what happened to you?" I asked. She got a cigarette from her pocket and put it in her mouth. "You don't mind do you?" She asked while she was looking for the lighter. "I do." I got it out of her moth and threw it away. She sighed.
"Don't tell me your drinking too." I said. "I am." She replied. I forgot how honest she is. "Are you sleeping around too?" I asked. "NO! How is that any of your business?" She said. "Sie, I care about you." I replied. "Right, and that's why we can't even be friends." She argued. "What are you trying to gain by any of this?" I shrugged. "I'm just having fun." She said. "Take off your jacket." I demanded. She took it off.
Her hands were filled with scars up to her shoulders. "Is cutting yourself part of the fun process too?" I got irritated. "Razz, maybe I'm just awaiting my end." She said. I slapped her... I don't know what have gotten over me. My eyes got teary. "What about me?" I whimpered. "You have Feras and your baby." She said. I never told her that I had a baby. "You knew?" I was shocked. "I knew... And your pregnant again now." She confronted me.
"How did you know?" I asked. "It doesn't matter. It's not like you need me..." She was saying. "I do need you. I needed you. I'll always need you." I interrupted and tears started falling from my eyes. "Naka nai de." She wiped away my tears.
"What are you doing here?" Feras asked. "I was told that we were booked for a private party." She replied. "We didn't book any bands." He said. "I asked them to bring her here." I confessed. "Why would you do that?" He asked. "I need to speak with her, please leave us alone Feras." I demanded. "Don't take too long." He said as he went back inside.
"Why does he have a problem with me again?" She asked. "I told him about the wedding night." I replied. "When did you tell him that?" She asked. "In Spain, during our first night together." I said. She looked away.
"What did you ask them to bring me here for?" She asked. "I want you to go back to the old you!" I said. She burst in laughter. "I'm serious." I stood my ground. "Okay, when do you think I've changed?" She asked. "After Feras asked you to leave me alone." I responded. "Why would I change after anything that jerk says?" She chuckled.
"Watch your mouth Sienna." I said. "Right, so how did I change exactly?" She asked. "You were never there and you stopped caring all together. It was even okay with you to never see me again." I blurt. "I was always there... And your the one who said that you don't want us to see each other again." She said in defense.
"I said it so you would stop me...." I trailed off. "So you would say you will always be there because you promised." I finished. "I'm sorry, I didn't know that this is what you wanted. Though please, don't cry because of me." She wiped away my tears. "I got sick in Spain and you weren't there... So don't tell me that you were always there." I said.
"Typical Feras..." She murmured. "What did you say?" I asked. "Since it's your anniversary, why don't you ask Feras what happened in Spain while you were out?" She suggested. I was totally confused. "I mean that guy is just as spoiled as you, what makes you think that he can handle such situation by himself?" She implied. "What are you saying?" I asked. "We're missing a party and I'm tired of this gloomy mood." She shrugged and went inside.
Feras came outside shortly after. "What are you doing? Come back inside." He said. I went inside with him. Sienna was teasing little Sienna. Mom was talking to Ron and Kate. Waleed, Farah, Sarah and Aseel were chatting. Tariq and Tina were playing with Mubarak. "This feels like old times." I murmured. "Did you say something?" Feras asked. "No nothing." I replied.
Later that night, I couldn't stop thinking about what Sienna said last. "Feras, promise you'll be honest with me." I demanded. "What's with you all of a sudden?" He asked. "Just promise." I said. "I promise." He said. "What happened when I was out sick in Spain? Who helped you?" I asked. "Why now?" He asked.
"Please I just want to know..." I said. "Someone from the hotel." He said. "You promised that you'll be honest with me." I was disappointed he was obviously lying. "Why would I be dishonest about it?" He asked. "Maybe because Sienna was involved?" I confronted him. "Why are you asking me, when you knew she was involved... I can't believe she was bragging about something like that." He said.
I was silent. I didn't know she was involved... I was just trying to tease him. Was she there the whole time? I wonder. Though I've never seen her when I've awoken. "You broke your promise so easily... I didn't know that she was there, and she didn't tell me anything." I confessed. "You played me." He was shocked. "I guess I did." I said as I left the room.

Ghosts of the Past Chapter 4

Aseel

First day in UK

"How much longer is she going to be?!" Sarah asked. "She said she'll be here soon." I replied. "Right, I'm going to the restroom." She said as she left. The waitress came with my Latté. "Thank you" I said. I looked towards the dinner's door and she was there.
"Aseel..." She said. "Mother..." I replied. There was awkward silent there. "Tariq, misses you." I said. "You brought me here to tell me that your brother misses me?" She asked. "Why didn't you ask..." I began to say when her mobile rang. She picked up the phone. "Yes... I'm ten minutes away... I'll be on my way." She closed the line.
"I have work to do, was that all?!" She asked. "Yeah! Oh, I'm also happily married now... I hope you're happy too." I answered. "This is just a waste of time... You could've said this over the phone, you know?" She complained and left, when Sarah came back to the table.
"That was fast... What happened?!" She asked. "Nothing happened." I replied. We had lunch at that dinner then headed out.

Razan

That mansion is indescribable. It looks a lot like a Castle from some fairy tale. There were a lot of servants there and the garden is huge! Its a perfect scenery for a perfect wedding. I'm grateful for what Sarah's done.
"Are you alright?" Sienna asked. I was sitting near the Swimming pool. "Yeah," I replied. "Can you come inside? Its 3 in the morning. Your wedding's today!" She pointed. I nodded. We got to our room and got in bed. Sienna started humming a lullaby.
"I'm scared!!" I couldn't hold it in any longer. "Why are you scared?" She asked. "I don't want it to change... My life after today." I explained. "Every princess needs a prince charming to complete the fairy tale." She said.
"But that's where it ends. I don't want it to end." I argued. "It doesn't end, they live happily ever after. You'll live happily ever after." She reasoned. We were silent for a while. I wonder if she realize that tonight is our last night like this. "Sie..." I gasped. "Yes?" She replied.
"I don't think I can do without you..." I said. "Razz, I'm not going anywhere." She assured me. "But you won't be singing me a lullaby every night." I argued. "I'll call you every night and sing you to sleep." She said.
I faced her as we were lying in bed. "Do you love me?!" I asked. I brushed her hair off her face. "I love you, Razz." She said. For a split second I lost control over my being. Next thing I know my lips were sealed with hers. She was almost paralyzed. I back away. I need to get out of here. What the hell did I do, just now?
I attempted to escape. She caught my hand by the door. I was overwhelmed with emotions. I don't want to lose her. What in the world am I doing?! She wrapped her arms around me. "Don't cry, nothing happened." She said. I realized that I was sobbing then.

Sienna

The night after the wedding...

My phone rang... "Hello" I said. *sobs... Sobs* the other end of the line. "Are you okay?" I was terrified. "No" she cried. I ran to Sarah's room. "Sarah I need to get to Razz now!!" I shouted. "Is she okay?" She asked. "Or are you finally confessing your feeling?" Aseel asked. They were still making out... "Sarah now!!!" I shouted. She finally got off Aseel. "Where is she?" She sighed. "She's in Spain, I'm not sure what the hotel is called but I know the way." I explained. "And why exactly do I have to come?!" She asked. "Because you're Spanish." I answered.
They dropped me outside the hotel door and left. I asked the reception for her room and went there. I knocked the door. "Razz, Its me." I said. She opened the door and fell in my arms crying. I went inside with her. She cried for another hour. A piece of my heart shred with every tear she dropped. "Where is your prince?" I asked after she cooled down. "He left.." She said.

"What happened?" I asked.
"I couldn't go through with it... I'm scared." She cried.
"Hey don't cry..." I whipped away her tears. "Its okay to be scared you know... You don't have to push yourself."
"He's mad at me." She said.
"Talk to him, when he gets back... And assure him that you'll be by his side." I said.

The apartment's door opened. "I'll be outside if you need anything." I said as I was about to leave. "Wait..." She caught my hand. "Thank you." She kissed my cheek as Feras walked in. "Take good care of her." I said as I grabbed the door handle. He seized me to the wall. I didn't flung. "What the hell are you doing?!" Razan shouted. "Shut up!!" He shouted back. My expression was dull. "Razan is mine now... You fuckin stay away from her" He yelled. Razz was crying behind him. "Let go of her..." Razan whimper. He punched me then threw me out of the room. I don't know if that's normal... But I couldn't feel a thing. I was numbed.
I stayed in the lobby just in case Razan needed something. As I was sitting there a guy came and sat next to me. I was so distracted I didn't noticed that I was a mess. "I think I've seen you before... But I'm sure your not her." He said. I almost turned to look at him but then decided not to. "Wow I'm totally ignored..." He commented. "You know you should take care of your cheek, its turning purple." He said. "May you please leave me alone?" I murmured. "So harsh..." He commented. "Now I'm positive you're not her." He said.
I'm not sure what happened around me afterwards. Though I got a message from Razan an hour later. Saying that things are good between them and that she apologizes for what he did. I can't even remember what have happened or was happening at the time. Its just that everything went black.

Sarah

We're in spain right now... "Can I see your house?" Aseel asked. "Of course, we'll spend the night there." I assured her. "How long do you think Sienna is gonna be?" Aseel asked. "I don't know... Why don't we go to a supermarket get some things we may stay in spain for a while." I said. Aseel nodded.
We got some groceries and went to my house. I showed Aseel around and made us diner. "Sienna's late..." Aseel commented. "You're not seriously worried, are you? I mean you know how she's like when it comes to Razan." I said. "Yeah, but still she should text or something." She argued. I sighed.
First thing in the morning I got a text from Kate... Total forgot about her. I made some calls so she can come by my place safely. I prepared breakfast and went to prepare the shower. Aseel was awake when I entered my room. "Morning." I kissed her forehead. "Is Sienna back yet?" She asked. "No, she's not. She'll be okay though don't worry." I replied. "I hope so." She said. "Come on, I made you breakfast." I said. She went to brush her teeth first.
I lit up a cigarette and waited for her down stairs. She came downstairs and started eating. "How come your so worried about Sienna but never once asked about your former roommate?" I asked. "Oh my god!! I totally forgot about Kate!!" She shouted as she stood up. I giggled. "That's no time to laugh! I should call her..." She looked around. "Where is my cell?" She asked. "What cell?" I acted dumb. I think by that time she realized I knew something. She sat back at the table. "What did Kate say?" She asked calmly "Nothing... But she's on her way here." I replied. She was relieved
As I was doing the dishes I got a call from Sienna asking for her passport..

Sienna

I opened my eyes to find myself in a locker room. Some women was standing next to a locker half naked. I'm sure she's in her late 20's. "Are you feeling okay?" She asked. I was laying on a bench in the locker room. I nodded as a sat up. I looked around trying to remember how I got here. "We carried you here because you didn't have any ID on you, and your phone died..." She said. "Is there anyone we can call?" She asked. I tried to stand but I was still too dizzy and weak. I was about to fall, when she grabbed me. "Take it easy." She sighed. "My sincere apologies." I said.
What the hell have gotten into me... Since when was I this weak? I wondered. "Drink some juice." She said as she handed me the juice. As I drank the juice I realized that I hadn't eaten anything since we got to london... My stomach couldn't handle the juice. I threw up what I drank. "I'm sorry." I apologized. She was shocked. "Are you a vampire or something?" She asked as she stepped back. I like her already, she's so funny. I don't know what I thinking at that point. "What if I was?" I blurted.
She froze in her place terrified. I feared for her life. So I laughed. "Y-you were joking?" She was trying to confirm. I nodded. "You're so mean..." She said. "Did you stay with me all night?" I don't know why I asked but I felt like I needed to know. "Yea, you should clean up your vomit you know?" She said trying to change the subject. "Thank you, for helping without knowing who I was." I said. She shied away. "May I ask your name?" I asked. "It's Dulce." She answered.
"Pleasure to meet you, Dulce. My name is Sienna." I said. "Sienna, do you play music?" She asked. "Umm... Yeah." I answered. "Bass guitar to be specific." She said. I nodded. She sat where she was standing. "You're the lead singer and bassist of Unspoken Words." She was breathing heavily. "True... señora, may I please use the phone?" I asked. She handed me her phone. I called Sarah. "Hey Sarah, do you happen to have any of my ID's with you? Its me Sienna." I asked. "I can recognize your voice. Yeah, your passport." She said. "Would please deliver it to the hotel?" I requested. "You stayed the night?" She was teasing.
"Sort of..." I said. "Your no fun..." She sighed. "Thank you." I replied. As I ended the call I noticed Dulce's cleaning the mess I made. "Dulce, you don't have to do that..." I said. "Its okay really." She said. Dulce's shift was over she was in her casual wear. "You don't have to stay you know." I commented. "I want to make sure you're alright, I'm the one that found you." She said. "You make it sound as if I was a lost child." I giggled. "You were just like a lost child." She giggled.
I tried to stand again but I was too weak to. "You really shouldn't act all tough in such state." She commented as she helped me up. I received a message on Dulce's phone from Sarah saying that she's outside. "What the hell happened?" Sarah panicked when she saw me. "Nothing I'm just a little weak." I said. Dulce helped me get in the car. I gave her, her phone back. As she was closing my door Sarah asked her to join us. "Sienna, I'm sorry Aseel is at my place by herself... Is it okay if...." Sarah trailed of. "It's Dulce." Dulce said. "Dulce is it okay to stay with Sienna?" Sarah said.
"Sarah, I can take care of myself..." I argued. "You can't speak spanish though, can you?" Sarah said. "Realmente, puedo cuidar de mí mismo" I confirmed. Sarah got irritated. "I'm really free today, I can stay with Sienna." Dulce said. "You don't have to." I argued. "Sienna... If you won't let Dulce stay with you, I'll call Razan." Sarah threatened. "NO!! Don't you dare call her." I yelled. "Fine, I won't... But hey what happened to your face?" She asked. "Its nothing..." I said. "Damn it, Sienna... You have to learn how to trust people you know?" Sarah complained.
"She'll talk when she's ready..." Dulce said. "She never talks..." Sarah said as she handed me my passport. "Call me when your done." She said. Dulce got me in the hospital and took care of all the papers. As we sat there waiting. "I thought you guys had a great relationship." She said. "We do." I confirmed. "Your delusional." She said. "How come?" I asked. My name was called and they had to put me under an IV. Then they said that I have to stay at the hospital over night. "How come I'm delusional?" I asked as I was resting in the hospital bed.
"Your so called friend... Or is it band mate... Didn't ask where you were last night nor did they look for you." She paused waiting for me to respond. "And... ?" I wondered. "She asked a complete stranger to take care of you, threatened you and ditched you at the hospital." She said. I sighed. "I mean what if I was a bad person?" She added. "She knows your not a bad person because you work in her dad's hotel. They don't just hire anyone." I said. "What about the ditching, the threats and last night." She wondered.
"She didn't ditch me, she had a matter to attend to, the threats I deserved... I'm kind of stubborn if you have noticed... As for last night I was in her dad's hotel why would she worry?" I assured her. She sighed. I fell asleep. When I opened my eyes Aseel and Sarah were there along with Dulce. "Are you feeling better now?" Sarah asked. "Yeah." I answered. "Did you know that Dulce's a fan of Unspoken Words?" Aseel asked. "Well I concluded, this much since she knew the band's name." I said. "Sienna, you know that your band is one of the most popular bands in spain right?" Dulce said. "For real?" I wondered. "Yeah." Aseel conformed.
"Now then, would you please tell us what happened last night?" Sarah asked. "I can't..." I replied. "Sienna for heaven's sake... Just tell us what happened." Aseel insisted. "No, I'm sorry..." I said. Sarah was looking at her phone then she turned the screen for me to see. It was Razan's number. She had her thumb on the green button. "Just don't tell her that I'm in the hospital..." I said. "Sienna... You're unbelievable!!" Aseel complained. Sarah called and turned the call to speaker.
"Hello." Feras answered. "Hey Feras, I wanna speak with Razan." Sarah said. "Why?!" He asked. "Its just that Sienna didn't come back from the hotel last night and I wanna know her where abouts." She said. "Don't you know what a honeymoon means? No wait... Your kind doesn't need one." He said. "I have nothing to say to you... May I speak with Razan." She said. "As far as we're concerned Sienna's dead... Don't ever mention that name to me or my wife.. Got it?" He said. He ended the call. "Now talk, will you..." Aseel insisted. "Feras did this." I pointed at my face.
"That asshole!!" Sarah cursed. "Its no big deal, as long as he's good towards Razan." I said. The curtain around my bed opened Kate and some old guy were there. "Sienna, how is it that you keep getting yourself in such mess?" Kate commented. "Sarah, can you come with Aseel so we can finish our conversation?" He said. "Sure dad... Excuse us." She said. "Her dad is very sweet." Kate commented after they left.
"Can I come see you tomorrow?". Dulce asked. "Sure." I replied. "I have to go to work... My shift starts in an hour." She said. "muchas gracias, mi señora. For taking care of me." I held her hand and kissed it. She blushed. "May I kiss you before I leave?" She asked. Kate's face turned red. "As you please." I replied. She kissed my cheek and left.
"Why are you all red?" I asked Kate. "There is a kiss mark on your cheek." She said. "Good." I commented. "Aren't you gonna clean it off?" She asked. "No, I like it this way." I replied. Kate's face kept turning brighter red.

Ghosts of the Past Chapter 3

Aseel

I don’t want her to leave me again. Don’t break her heart for it's too much for me to bare. “Tariq get the hell out!” I yelled and broke into tears. I heard a slap. “This is for breaking my sister’s heart, bitch.” Tariq said.

I think he left the room. I heard footsteps walking towards me. “I’m sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you.” she fell to her knees as she broke into tears. I sat on my knees in front of her. She was crying so hard it hurts.

I wiped away her tears. “Don’t cry.” I gasped. “You were supposed to hate me… you weren’t supposed to hurt.” She said. I wrapped my arms around her. “I’m madly in love with you too. I can never hate you.” I assured her.

“I’m sorry, I’m terribly sorry.” She said. I kissed her neck. “No apologize, you’re forgiven love. Please don’t leave me again. I can’t do without you.” I said. “I won’t leave you.” She assured me. “Promise?” I asked.

“I promise! You can sleep at night and you’ll find me here in the morning. I’m not going anywhere without you!” She said. I kissed her. “I need to speak with Tariq.” She said. She went downstairs at I sat at the top of the staircase.

“Tariq.” She called after him. She held her hand as if she was going to slap him. She petted him instead. “You’ve grown into a fine man.” She kissed his forehead. “What in ‘I despise you’ didn’t you understand?” He pushed her.

“Can’t you at least respect me since you’re in my house and all?” She said. He started walking away. “Wait, I’m not done talking.” She grabbed his hand. “Don’t freaking touch me!!” he let go of her grip.

“She was supposed to hate me. She wasn’t supposed to hurt. If I had known, I wouldn’t have left. Do you honestly think that I would hurt her on purpose?” She said. “Cut the crap already!!” he yelled.

“Why can’t you believe me?”  She asked. “Because you didn’t fight for her, you should’ve fought for her in the spot! Yet you drove away as if she didn’t matter. You broke your vow the next day!” He was pissed.

“I was trying to protect her! I was only 16 what could I have done?” Sarah defended her actions. “She didn’t need protection! She needed you!” He yelled. I was fed up with their argument.  I went downstairs and stood between them.

“I forgave her… she’s here now. I need her more than ever. You should try to forgive her too.” I whispered in his ear. “How could you?! After all the pain she caused.” he said. “I was never mad at her. She promised to never leave me again.” I said.

Tariq sighed. “Hey, how about we throw Sarah a welcome home party? It is like the start of a new chapter of your lives.” Sienna suggested. “Whatever.” Tariq commented. Sarah made Tariq some waffles as we partied.

Kate

I’m sick of this place already I want to go back home. I received a text message from Dante.

‘Hey beautiful,

I’m done with the recording session

Where do you want to meet?

Your place?

-Dante’

That message was like a gift from heaven. I held my urge to laugh. I mean seriously ‘Beautiful’ that guy sure is in a good mood today. So I replied.

‘Hey man,

Yeah sure my place

And well done with the recording ;)

-Kate’

“I’m leaving.” I said. “Where to?” Sienna asked. “My place.” I answered. “Take care.” She said. “Come by again sometime.” Sarah said. “No thank you, you guys are too dramatic.” I replied. “As rude as ever.” Aseel replied.

I pointed the finger to her direction as I left the house. I got on my motorcycle and went home. A while after I got home the doorbell rang. I opened the door and suddenly I was off the ground.

“I missed you beautiful.” He said. “Did you meet a hot chick?” I laughed. “A very sexy one.” He replied. “Figures, don’t ever call me that again.” I said. “Beautiful?” he asked. “Yes, pervert.” I replied. “So mean.” He commented.

He sat me on the dining table and sat on the chair. “So I actually wanted to talk to you about something important. Like the future of this apartment.” I started. “Sounds serious.” He commented. “It is, would you move in with me?” I offered. “You’re bold.” He laughed.

“And you’re my best friend. So you have to save this apartment and your best friend.” I explained. “I’m more interested in saving my best friend.” He assured me. “Then move in with me.” I said. “How is that saving you?” He asked.

“You know Aseel was living here. Her girlfriend is back. So she’s living with her girlfriend/wife or whatever gay shit they’re doing.” I said. “Wait she’s a lesbian?” He interrupted.

“Yeah, and Sienna offered to move in with me. Though honestly, I don’t want any band members around and I need someone to pay the rent, so it better be you.” I explained. “Sienna is Tariq’s sister, right?” he asked. “Right.” I replied.

“She’s a good girl, Kate.” He said. I have no idea what he was trying to do. “No, she’s more like an angel. That’s not the point though. When it’s a girl there is always some drama with the package.” I explained.

“I have some drama of my own, you know?” He said as he looked away. “That’s not Drama. You’re a caring brother, and I like Gavin.” I said. “Gavin is gay… can you handle that?” he asked. “Would he be living here too?” I asked.

“Of course, if I move here he’ll come with.” He answered. “Dante, can you like check the room and see if it’s possible to move in? and I don’t  need to get involved in this drama. So it’s okay.” I said. He went to check the room.

The place looks pretty awesome!” He said. “So, you’re in?” I asked. “Would your boyfriend be okay with it?” he suddenly asked. “What boyfriend?” I wondered. “The guy you were talking about like two weeks ago.” he said.

“He’s not my boyfriend, and he has nothing to do with this.” I explained. “Okay then, I’ll talk to Gavin about it and get back to you.” He said.

Sienna

I went out of their place not knowing where to go. I ended up at the hospital where Farah is. I thought I might as well do what she asked of me. So I went to see her. Waleed was sitting outside her room.

“Hey you,” I said. “Hey Sie.” He replied. “Why aren’t you with her?” I asked. “Her mom and sisters are there with her.” He said. “Oh, so that gives me some time to speak with you!” I said. “What did Farah want from you? Earlier today.” He asked.

“She wants the old you back.” I said. “What do you mean?” He asked. I sat next to him. “Back when we were teens, your dream was to become a singer in a band.” I explained. “And?” he questioned. “You’ve quite the band.” I answered.

He was silent. “She wants you to go after your dreams again.” I said. “She told me that before…” He said. “Since you didn’t listen to her, she thought I could convince you somehow.” I replied.

“I’m a promoter now, and I like how my business is going.” He argued. “Pete, it’s about passion. You’re not doing what you’re most passionate about.” I argued. “You know back when I was a teen, the thing I wanted more than music was a child and I have Sienna now.” He said.

“You can’t give up on your dream still, and you have her dreams to hold on to now too.” I explained. “Haven’t you thought that maybe, just maybe… I’ve already achieved my dreams. That what I told Farah and that’s what I am telling you.” he said.

“Are you satisfied with where you are today? Just between the two of us. No one else will know.” I said. “No, I want to sing again. I don’t want that to effect on my family negatively that’s why I quite the band to begin with.” He said.

“We want you to sing again. She thinks that she’s holding you back and that you would’ve gone to better places if you didn’t get married. I’m sure that you don’t want her to feel such burden do you?” I said. “Of course not.” He answered.

“And little Sienna needs to look up to her parent who never gave up on their dreams.” I said. “What are you going to do?” He asked. “I’ll support you!!” I assured him. “That’s not what I meant.” He said.

“She’s freaking out... I have no idea how to help her through this.” I explained. “She’s having cold feet?” He asked. “No, she’s afraid of change. She thinks I might leave her, when she’s the one leaving me.” I said.

“Tell her that you’ll be there for her. Assure her that things won’t change.” He said. “I’m trying my best.” I said. “You know, I only understood how you felt about Razan when Sienna was born.” He explained.

“I should go now. You should chase your dream, and keep that little talk between us.” I said. “Take care.” He said. My phone rang, it was Feras. “Hello.” I answered. “Sienna, can you please come back. Razan’s…” He said. “I’m on my way.” I interrupted.

Razan

“Razani, can you please come inside? I swear she’s on her way.” Feras said. “I’m not going anywhere until she’s back.” I argued. He came and sat next to me. “Aren’t you cold?” He asked. I was shivering.

I slowly nodded. He wrapped his arms around me. “You’re not alone if she’s not around.” He whispered. “I don’t want her to not be around.” I yelled. I know he’s trying to be romantic, but the thought of not having her around kills me.

“Don’t you want me to be around?” He asked. “I do want you to be around.” I assured him. “I really don’t know how to win against her.” He sighed. “It’s not a competition you know.” I commented.

“Sure, in less than a month it won’t be anymore.” He said. “Whatever.” I shrugged. Her car is here. Feras clung to me. “Let go…” I demanded. “She’s coming this way anyways.” He argued. “Feras let go.” I yelled as I was trying to let go of his grip.

He let go as I lost my balance Sienna held me. “You can leave now.” Sienna told Feras. “I’ll be the one saying that in less than a month.” He complained. “Go…” I said. I couldn’t see his facial expression.

I only heard the sound of his car engine. “You’re shivering, let’s go inside.” She whispered. “You’re late.” I shrugged. “I’m sorry.” She apologized. We went to my room. “Did you have dinner yet?” She asked.

“Yeah, I ate with Feras.” I replied. “What happened out there?” She asked. “Nothing, he wanted me to get inside or something.” I answered. “You were cold. Why didn’t you go inside?” She said. “I was waiting for you.” I replied.

She kissed my cheek. “It’s supposed to be the other way around. You’re the princess after all.” She whispered. I went red. She sat on one knee. “My humble apologies, Princess.” She kissed my hand.

I went to bed while Sienna was gazing out the window. I’ve never seen her like that. “Sie aren’t you coming to bed?” I asked. “I am.” She said as she got to bed. Sienna sang me a lullaby. “You know thing will only get better, nothing’s going to change.” She whispered.

I wish for it to be true!

Ghosts of the Past: Portfolio 1

Kate

Katie

Name: Kate
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Sexual Orientation: Straight
Date of Birth:  Feb 14
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Green
Height: 166 cm
Weight: 45 kg
Blood: Type B-
Known Relatives: -
Language speaks: English.
Pastimes and talents: Guitarist, artist.
Favorite foods: Tacos, Maxican food
Favorite Music: Megadeth
Favorite manga genres: Fantasy
Favorite type of guy: Mystrious

Ghosts of the Past Chapter 2

Kate

The only thing I wanted more than anything else was to become a very skilled guitarist just like Dave Mustaine who was a great inspiration. I want to play lead guitar that’s why I challenged Sarah for a dual.

“I’ll call Tariq to be a judge with us.” Sienna said. “Alright, btw Aseel, how come Tariq didn’t come see you?” Sarah asked. “He is busy with his new family and girlfriend…” She said. Sarah looked like she regretted asking.

“What about Blue vows and Waleed?” Sarah was trying to change the subject. “Waleed left Blue vows. He got married, and they’re expecting a baby…” Sienna said. “Farah?” Sarah interrupted.

“Yeah, as for blue vows, they are out of the country on a tour.” Sienna completed. “So it’s only Tariq?” Sarah asked. “Yeah.” Sienna said. “Kate, you set the rules of the Dual.” Sarah requested.

“Only two rules, each of us choose only one effect and one tuning set through all 6 solos.” I said. “Alright.” Sarah agreed. I was using an American Vintage '62 Stratocaster® Reissue while Sarah had a whole guitar collection to choose from.

Sarah chose an American Vintage '62 Stratocaster® Reissue as well. I think she was trying to be fair. She picked one effect and was tuning her guitar. Tariq showed up a little while after. “Shall we begin?” Sienna asked. “Sure!” Both Sarah and I answered.

When Sarah started playing I thought it was some kind of joke. She kept missing notes in the first solo. I mean what’s so great about someone who keeps missing notes? I thought she was very skilled, or so they said.

Her second solo was so average. I think a 10 year old can play better than that. I forgot to mention the closing was a mess. I was about to begin my third solo when Aseel stopped us. “Sarah what are you doing?!” Aseel asked. “I’m having a duel against Kate…” Sarah answered.

Aseel sighed. “First, you played better in your first day at the music club than your playing today. Second, if you’re trying to lose on purpose you shouldn’t have agreed to this. Third, even as a drummer I can tell that you’re having trouble holding this guitar… So what the hell are you doing?” Aseel said.

I’ve never seen Aseel so worked up. “I’m sorry Seel. Can I change my guitar Kate?” Sarah asked. “Sure! Just make sure to tune the other guitar with the same tuning.” I answered. She went upstairs. I sighed. “All these guitars are not enough for her?!” I complained.

She came back with an ESP LTD SC-208 8 string guitar. I played my solo. Now it’s Sarah’s turn. I was amazed by her solo. “Now that’s even better than what I’ve known you to be.” Aseel commented.

For such talent where did she hide the last four years? Even though her talent surpassed mine, I kept my cool. Her finishing solo was insane. She earned a spot in my favorite guitarist list! “Now for the results.” Sienna said.

“I don’t believe that will be necessary.” I told Sienna. “You earned my respect Mrs. Sarah.” I admitted. “Well, I’m glad.” She grinned as we shake hands. “It’s good to have you back Sarah.” Tariq said.

Sarah hugged him. “It’s good to be back!” She said. “Sarah he’s a married man.” Sienna pointed. “Oh, Sorry!” She said, as she backed away. “How is Dante doing?” I asked. “He’s doing pretty well, recording bass tracks at the studio.” He said.

“Would you ask him to contact me after recording?” I asked. “Sure.” he replied. “How is it that you know their bassist?” Sarah asked. “We go way back, before he joined Burning Corps.” I explained. “Dante brought us Kate!” Aseel added. “Awesome!” Sarah commented.

“Now that we’ve solved the misunderstanding what is the plan for Razan’s Wedding?” Sienna asked.

Sarah

“We’re going to hold it in a mansion in UK. It’s going to be an outdoors royal wedding.” I explained. “For college students, how in the world are we going to afford this exactly?” Kate asked. “It’s for free.” I replied.

“Free?” Sienna was confused. “I happen to own a mansion in the United Kingdom.” I tried to explain. Aseel’s expression wasn’t what I expected. “You ‘HAPPEN’ to own a mansion in the United Kingdom.” Aseel repeated after me.

“Yeah, you know how my dad is a businessman? We own a house or an apartment in every country in Europe.” I tried to explain. “What about the flight expenses?” Kate asked. I was trying my best to sound as if things were normal.

“A private jet does the trick.” I winked. “I appreciate you doing all of this for Razan!” Sienna said. “She deserves a princess like wedding.” I grinned. Aseel didn’t seem like she was in the mood for anything.

“It’s getting late can we go to bed already?” Aseel whispered in my ear. I nodded. “Make yourself at home.” I said as we went upstairs.

Sienna

“I should leave. Take care lil’ sis.” Tariq said. I walked him to the door and hugged him. As he got out of the house I saw Feras’s car in the parking lot. What is he doing here in such hour? I thought.

Razan came out of his car and ran up to me. “What’s wrong princess?” I asked. “I was worried about you.” she said as she hugged me. “I’m fine.” I said. “Where is your phone?” She asked. I looked in my pocket and it wasn’t there.

“Never mind, let’s go home.” she said. “I’m staying the night. We have early practice tomorrow.” I explained. She had this hurt expression on her face. I can’t stand seeing her like this. “You can stay with me.” I suggested.

Her face lit up. She called Feras and asked him to leave. When we got inside Kate was still in the living room holding her guitar. “If it isn’t the princess!” She commented. “So Kate, what did you guys plan for my wedding?” Razan asked.

“Strip club.” Kate grinned. Razan looked at me with tears in her eyes. “Lies!!” I said. “What did you plan then?” She asked. “Let’s just say it’s going to be held out of the country.” I said. “Where?” she asked.

“United Kingdom.” I replied. Kate was practicing guitar still. “Aren’t you going to bed?” I asked Kate. “Not now. You go ahead.” She said as we went upstairs.  “So where are you going to spend your honeymoon?” I asked. “He said it’s a surprise.” She said.

Aseel

When we got to the room I went to the bathroom and locked the door. Then I prepared the bathtub. Sarah knocked the door but I didn’t answer. “Seel open the door.” She requested. “No!” I replied. “Seel, I just want to talk.” She said.

Just what does she want to talk about exactly? I thought. “Talk.” I said. “Seel, just unlock the door first… please.” She said. I hesitantly went to the door and unlocked it. “Thank you!” she said from behind the door.

The bathtub was ready so I got into the tub. “What’s the matter Seel?” She asked. “Nothing.” I replied. She sighed as she came inside. “Talk to me.” She said. “What’s there to talk about?” I asked. “Why are you mad at me?” she asked.

“I’m not mad.” I replied. “Then you don’t mind if I joined?” She noted. “Suit yourself.” I said. She started undressing. It was so seductive even though I was trying my best not look. I couldn’t help it. Damn she’s hot. I only looked away when I met her gaze.

“You don’t have to look away.” She giggled. I didn’t reply nor look at her. “Or maybe you’re too mad at me that you have to look away.” She sighed. “It’s not like that…” I said. “Come here.” she said as she held and sat me in her lap.

She kissed the back of my left shoulder. “Since when do we keep things from each other?” She whispered. Her proximity is captivating. It’s igniting my desires. I can’t remember why or what we were arguing about.

Oh, I don’t really know anything about her. “I don’t know anything about you.”  I gasped. “What do you want to know?” She asked. “I want to know everything… things no one even knows about.” I replied.

“I’m madly in love with you.” She whispered. I was already red and having butterflies in my stomach. She kissed my lips, I kissed her back. “Now you know what no one else does, my beloved.” She whispered. I was too dazed to stand.

She got me out of the tub. She put me in bed. With a cold towel she was trying to cool me off. I was back to normal in a few. “You feeling better?” she asked. I nodded. “Well my beloved, it seems like you can’t handle the truth.” She smirked.

“You were seducing me.” I throw the pillow at her. “Was I really?” She laughed. I got out of bed to put some clothes on. As I was wearing my underwear “Now for real, tell me something no one else know.” I said.

“I can sing.” She said. “Sing me something.” I requested. “You have to promise that you would never tell anyone I can sing.” She demanded. “Promise” I replied. She sang Closer by Nine Inch Nails.

I raised my eyebrow. “Seriously?” I questioned. She laughed. “That’s the only song that tells exactly how I feel right now.” She said. I went all red. My god this girl is too forward. “Sing me something else.” I demanded.

She sang me Lips like Morphine by Kill Hannah. “Sarah, sing something less sexual and has more feeling.” I commented. She took an acoustic guitar and started playing Speechless by The Veronicas. So she said she can sing…

I didn’t imagine that her voice was this mesmerizing. “I can’t help but surrender my everything to you.” That was the last of the lyrics. “Amazing.” I said. “Yeah, that’s one hell of a song.” She said. “No, I’m amazed by you.” I explained.

“That’s a good song too.” She replied. I laughed. She lit up a cigarette. “When did you start smoking?” I asked. “Back when I was 14.” She said. “Japan?” I asked. She nodded. “Did he smoke?” I asked. “Nope, he never smoked nor had alcohol.” She said.

“Who got you into smoking then?” I wondered. “I guess the band’s leader.” She said. “How did it happen exactly?” I asked. “We were playing truth or dare that day. the band’s leader dared me to smoke.” She said.

“So you’ve been smoking this type of tobacco ever since?” I asked. “No, he didn’t give me tobacco that day. He gave me weed.” She explained. “One hell of a start.” I commented. “Tell me about it, I picked up this type of tobacco a week after.” She said.

“Weren’t you an adolescent?” I asked. ”It didn’t matter there. They have tobacco vending machines.” She replied. “Interesting, how did you learn Japanese?” I asked. “The band leader taught me. He was the only one I knew who spoke English well.” She answered.

I kept questioning her till morning…

Kate

I lost track of time and fell asleep on the couch hugging my guitar. I woke up from the noise that was coming from the kitchen. I can see that there was someone there. It wasn’t any of the girls. I ran upstairs.

“Sarah!!!” I yelled. As I was closer to her room Sienna and Razan were there. “Kate…” Sienna was about to say something when Razan covered her mouth. I opened Sarah’s room. I can’t describe what I’ve seen. I closed the door. “My innocence” I gasped.

Razan laughed. “You were innocent?” she asked. Sarah came out of her room. “Can’t you at least lock the door?” I shrugged. “Why?” Sarah asked. “What she saw made her lose her ‘innocence’.” Razan laughed. “She was innocent?” Sarah questioned.

“Exactly” Razan replied. “Katie, what you walked in on was a morning kiss.” Sarah explained. “I so didn’t need to know what that was, and there is someone in your kitchen.” I said. I was trying to delete the image from my memory.

We went downstairs. Sarah was ahead of us when she entered the kitchen she wasn’t surprised. “Long time no see Mile.” Sarah said. Mile was dressed in a maid uniform. She looked surprised when she saw Sarah.

“Pardon my disturbance, Master.” Mile bowed before Sarah. When she arose Sarah kissed her cheek. “It’s good to see you too Mile.” She said. That was weird. Sarah walked toward Aseel who was standing behind me.

“Mile, you don’t have to hide. I knew you would come since dad was here. So there is no need to hide around.” Sarah said. She put her hand around Aseel’s waist as they walked away. Don’t they… like get sick of each other. Sigh.

“So Sienna when is practice again?!” I asked. “Supposedly now!” She said. “Sienna, what’s going on? Who’s that English lady?” Razan asked. “It’s Sarah’s maid.” Sienna replied. “Sienna, come on… ‘She is’ not ‘it is’.” Sarah said from the living room.

Later on we went to the studio for practice. It was a long practice session. Razan went home in like the beginning of practice.

Razan

“How was your night?” Feras asked. “It was pleasant.” I replied as he opened the car door for me. I stretched up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you!” I said. He was surprised. “For what?” he asked. “Everything…” I replied.

Seeing how simple Sarah was today made me hold so much respect for her. It also made me realize that I should show more appreciation to the people in my life. “So where to?” he asked. “Let’s go to my place.” I replied. “Alright.” He drove.

“So, what happened on the wedding preparations?” he asked. “Unspoken word’s are taking care of that.” I replied then went on. “It’s going to be in the United Kingdom.” I completed. “What?” he was shocked.

“That’s what Sienna said.” I said. “How are we going to tell the guests that it’s in UK? I mean who’s going to give them plane tickets and a place to stay?” He asked. “I don’t know… I’m sure they will take care of it.” I replied.

“How College/University students are going to afford that anyways?” He asked again. “I have no idea baby.” I said. My phone rang. It was Farah’s number. “Hello!” I said. “Razan, Farah is having the baby now.” He said.

“We’re coming!” I said as I hang up. ”Feras, let’s go to the hospital Farah is having a baby.” I explained. I IMed Sienna and told her that Farah’s having a baby. Feras and I got to the hospital first. Waleed’s face was so lit up.

I’ve never seen him this happy. “It’s a baby girl.” He said. “Congratulations! How is Farah?” I asked. “She’s good she’s resting for a while now.” He said. “What are you naming her?” Feras asked. “We’re naming her Sienna.” Waleed said.

We went to see the baby. Little Sienna is so adorable!! The girls from Unspoken Words got here as well. We Congratulated Farah and sat by her side, soon after the nurse came to the room with the baby.

We left the room so Farah and little Sienna can spend some time together. “So whose idea was it to make the wedding in the United Kingdom?” Feras asked. “It was my idea.” Sarah replied. “Who’s going to pay for all the guests.” He asked.

“We will, it’s a gift from the band.” She said. “Technically, she will.” Kate commented. “When is your wedding Ms. Razan?” Waleed asked. “It’s on the 14^th of next month.” I replied. “Oh! Well congratulation Ms. Razan and Mr. Feras.” He grinned.

“Thanks man.” Feras answered. “What are you naming your baby Waleed?” Sarah asked. “We’re naming her Sienna.” He replied. “Sound convenient.” Sarah giggled. Aseel whispered in Sarah’s ear, and then Waleed asked Sienna to go inside and speak with Farah.

“Are you okay with the wedding idea now?” I asked Feras. “if that’s what you wish for princess.” He kissed my forehead.

Sarah

After we got home from the hospital, I asked Aseel again about Tariq. “What happened between you and Tariq exactly?” I asked. “He got accepted in the family I guess.” She replied. “Can you invite him over? I kind of miss him.” I said.

“He never returned any of my calls since I moved out.” She said. “Is Sienna still keeping in touch with him?” I asked. “I don’t really know.” She said. I went downstairs Kate, and Sienna were watching a concert on TV.

“Sie, are you still keeping in touch with little Tariq?” I asked. “I talked to him occasionally via IM.” She replied. “Can I use your phone?” I requested. She handed me her mobile. I looked for his number Tariq Saqer.

‘Hey Tariq, how is it going?! I’m hanging out with my friends at the following address [Address] Come join us.’ I sent after few seconds. ‘I’m on my way.’ He sent. I handed the phone back to Sienna. “Thanks a lot/” I said.

“What did you do?” Sienna asked. “I invited Tariq over.” I replied. “Again?” Kate raised her eyebrow. “He’s Aseel’s brother.” I explained. “Oh!” Kate replied. “He’s on his way.” Sienna giggled. “That boy still has a crush on you.” I teased.

“Tariq’s coming?” Aseel asked from the staircase. “Yes, sweetie.” I replied. “Did you talk to him?” she asked. I seriously don’t understand why she was standing so far. “No, I spoke through Sienna’s IM.” I explained.

She sat on the staircase as if something was horribly wrong. “What’s wrong?” I asked as I went and sat next to her. “He’s going to hate me even more now.” She said. “He wouldn’t.” I tried to comfort her.

“Sarz, you don’t understand… remember how you said Alex is the same as me to Tariq?” She was trying so hard to explain. “Yeah, what about it?” I said. “Imagine if someone have hurt Alex, and have changed him, how would you feel about that person?” She asked.

I was thinking about it for a second. He won’t be thrilled to see me. The doorbell rang. Mile went to get the door. “Don’t worry. I just want to correct things. You’re his older sister after all.” I said and hugged her.

“Hey Sienna, Kate is here too.” He said when he first entered. “Hey T.” Kate said. “There is someone who wants to see you.” Sienna said. “Someone?” he questioned. She pointed to our direction. He was in too much shock.

“Hey T.” I said. Aseel didn’t look at him still. “Sarah…” He rolled his eyes. he looked back at Sienna. “You invited me here to see this bitch?” He said. She was sitting next to me. Next thing I know She slapped him.

I have no idea how she got there this fast. She was shivering. Tariq hugged her. I was completely lost what just happened. He whispered something in her ears. I went close to them. She was crying silent tears.

“Tariq what happened to you?” I asked. He ignored me. She held his hand and they went upstairs. “What was that all about?” Kate asked. We both looked at Sienna. “Beats me.” She said. I sighed.

I think they spent like 2 hours upstairs. I was getting worried. So I went upstairs. They were in my room, the bedroom door was opened. There wasn’t any sound though. Aseel was sitting on the bed and Tariq was standing against the wall.

“What’s the matter?” I asked. “I despise you, Sarah.” Tariq said. “What did I do to you?” I asked. “How could you do this to my sister? It’s been four fucking years, do you have any idea what kind of hell you’ve put her thought?” He yelled.

“Seel…” I gasped. She didn’t look at me. “Of course you don’t, where the hell were you? How cruel can you be to abandon her like that? She’s been having nightmares screaming for you every night. She was lifeless at day.” He yelled.

“Tariq shut up.” Aseel yelled. “Did she come here for you? Did she even apologize?” Tariq said. “Shut up.” She yelled again. I can’t believe I caused her so much pain. “How long do you think she will be staying this time around?” he said.

“Tariq get the hell out!!” she yelled as she broke into tears. I froze in my place. Tariq slapped me. “This is for breaking my sister’s heart, bitch.” He said as he left the room. I walked towards Aseel then fell to my knee.

“I’m sorry for all pain I’ve caused you.” I said as my tears fell to my cheeks.