Chapter 33: Sorry, Mom...

Noah's POV:

I left her at her home. I told her to behave normally and nicely when her mom returns, hug her when she comes and some of the things I knew of. I didn't know much; I didn't have a parental love ever.

Then I returned back home. I called her after I came back.

"Hello, Astrid! Listen. Message me as soon as your mom comes, okay?"

"Okay" she said, and I ended the call. Then I started to do some work. Some work of college! There was a lot of homework and if I didn't want to become homeless then I had to work hard and top so that I can get scholarships.

After I did it, I sent the work to Astrid. Her mom still hasn't arrived I guess.

"Do this work, Astrid" I messaged her after sending the work.

"Okay" she said again.

Then I started preparing something for her. What should I do to make her happy?? What does she like??

Then I remembered the list Liam sent me.

"Amusement park... Movie..." I read it. I will take her to a movie tomorrow. And she likes... Ice cream? Okay, fine.

I looked at my card. My debit card.

Looking at my monthly expenses, I didn't have much money left. So, I will sell my mom's necklace... Should I?

My mom's necklace. The last souvenir of her. She.. She gave it to me when she was on the verge of death.

Yeah, they didn't die in any accident.

(Flashback)

My dad was murdered. Murdered by someone.. Who was so.. So much powerful that he wasn't even punished for that. My mom.. She had a heart disease from that moment. Doctors told me earlier that she will leave me soon. When she was lying on the bed, I went near her.

"Son.. Listen. You're the best son anyone could ever get. You have always made us proud!"

"But mom! I'm just 6 years! What do you mean by proud! I have to do so much! Don't leave me now!" I started crying..

"No son. Mom has to go. But remember, we will always be there for you. Always will protect you!"

"Mom.."

"Take this necklace, Noah. It’s expensive, so if you ever feel shortage of money, use it!"

"But mom, it's your wedding necklace—"

"I know Noah. Just listen to what mom is saying, will you?"

"Yes mom.."

"OKAY bye Noah.."

"Mom! No!" and she was gone forever.

I didn't know what to do and what not. On that moment, I was lost. I had nowhere to go. No shoulder to cry on. No hand to hold.

(Flashback over)

I never thought I will sell it for real. Mom. Listen. I hope you understand.. After so many years.. I've found someone I want to take care of. Someone whom I find happiness. Someone.. I possibly love. So, mom, now I'm going to sell it.. And use it for the best I can. Thank you for everything mom. Love you.

And dad. I love you too. I'll give justice to you no matter what. I was not powerful at that time.. What can a 6 year old do? But don't worry about it dad. That person has to be killed. Don't worry.

I took the necklace from my bag. It was in a secret pocket. I've always kept it close to me.

I went out and sold it. It was really very expensive. I got so much right now. But I lost a lot more.

Then I went back to my hotel.

Then I received a message.

"Mom's here" Astrid said.

"Okay, fine," I replied. She didn't see, maybe she was busy greeting her mom.

It was time, I had to go to her house.

But.. Should I!?

Yes, I have to. At most, her mom will think of me as a boy who goes behind girls. That's all.

I went to her house with some books. I rang the doorbell, and her mom opened the door.

"Oh.. Hello Aunty.. Sorry for coming like this.. Actually, I and Astrid have to do some work.. College work"

"Okay beta! It's fine. She's inside in her room"

"Oh, thank you Aunt!"

Then I went inside and to her room. I knocked and she opened it. She took me inside by my hand.

When she touched my hand... It felt so good. A different feeling passed through my whole body. I was in haze for a moment.

Then I sat on the bed and showed her the work.

"I know I already sent you.. But its better if you do it like this.. Because doing from your phone may strain your eyes"

"Hm" she said.

To be honest, it's killing me. How she's only saying 'hm' to everything. And it's all because of him!! And me too.. Yes me too. I'm equally responsible. I couldn't save her before when I knew what he could do. The one who sees someone do bad, is equally responsible, isn't he?

Don't worry, Astrid, once you come back, I'll punish myself too. I don't deserve anything. That's the reason...God even took my parents and gave me two people who hate me to take care of me. But God, I deserve more punishment. For everything. For not being able to save my sister. For not being able to save Astrid. For hurting everyone that's around me.

I don't deserve any love.. That's why I will make sure to get lost as soon as you recover. It's just so tragic.... That there's no one who will mourn on my death. I'm just a burden on this Earth. But anyway, I right now have a purpose of life.. Let’s just bring you back fast so that Earth can get rid of this big burden.

I don't deserve to live on this Earth. Moreover, I don't deserve to live anywhere. I'm just such a disgrace. Sorry mom. Sorry dad. I let you down. But.. But I tried my best. Even for your daughter.. My dear sister.. I tried my best. And I was the worst person, when I didn't even have enough strength to save someone so dear.

I still doesn't have that strength. The live example is here.

So, it's better to die other than just live & see others people's life ruin.

Somewhere, I feel.. This all happened to Astrid.. Because she was my partner in class. Because she was near me. Because... Because that rascal wanted to take revenge on me.

If it's true, then Astrid, sorry but I will also leave you. I'll not stay here to give pain to you. I'm not so cruel to stay just for my happiness' sake when it can hurt you.

You may take some days to realize why I left you.. But you'll understand that I was just a burden. Nothing more. Hope you understand.. Astrid.