Chapter 4 Chapter Four
That damn bastard... He intentionally said that in the hearing of my sister. How was I to explain, since Charlie wouldn't let go no matter how many excuses I may give her?
But I couldn't tell her what happened. Like hell, I will say... “Charlie, Chad kissed me, or hey, big sis, your boyfriend kissed me.” That would be the dumbest thing I would ever do on Earth.
If I did, I might be misunderstood or worse, she would ask what led to that, bringing a whole new unnecessary drama.
So I just used some crazy story to cover it up. I'm sure that Devil did the same since Charlie didn't confront me after that anymore.
Well, enough of the college time story.
CURRENTLY!!!
Now Charlie's ghost keeps bothering me in my dreams.
How I wish she had listened to me when I warned her. Not only her but all of them. I wish I could turn back time and stop her from marrying Chad with more determination.
Now she is gone and even our parents are not aware of that. They lost their precious Charlie, the innocent and sweet daughter but they had no idea about her death.
I lost my sister, the only person I love in this world. The only person who tolerates all my misgivings. I don't dare tell our parents what happened to Charlie. How can I? I am finding it hard to accept her demise. How could our parents cope with it?
When I look back to that faithful day the marriage proposal came, I should have insisted she reject it.
No matter how envious they said I was, I should have tried even harder. But what could I have possibly done? She looked so happy on that day. She looked glamorous in the silver dress she wore.
I still remember her smile on that very day. The laughter all around the house. But I was still in my room. I was so annoyed that the devil of a boy dared send a proposal. Well, he was a man.
Let's Go Back For More Details...
FLASHBACKS \[ 5 years after college \]
I had woken up late that morning. Charlie was the one who woke me up all the time. However, on that day, she didn't. One of our servants told me she had gone to the saloon to get herself fixed.
"fix herself? why"
I asked confused.
Don't get me wrong, my sister was the most beautiful pearl I had ever seen. Especially when she smiles. Her smile can melt everyone's heart. I think she just wanted to look different on her special day
“What was so special about today for Charlie?”
I had to ask because I had no idea about it.
Well, except for me, everyone in the family knew about what a special day it was.
I was so engrossed in my work that I distanced myself from the family for a week. But Charlie didn't say anything to me, which was strange because we always texted each other.
'Maybe it was not all that important.' I thought.
“Mr. Baristana is going to propose.”
The apple I was munching fell from my hand when Miss Susan, the head servant, happily informed me.
What?!!!! No way! How? Why the hell wasn't I informed? Ah! Sure... because I will oppose?
Was I really a member of the family? And Charlie, she had never hidden anything from me before, so why then?
I felt annoyed, betrayed, outcast, and anything that goes hand in hand with those emotions.
I ran to the study to confront my parents. Why didn't they heed my advice and reject that devil's proposal? Do they even know how cruel and scary that family is? Why won't they just listen to my advice for once?
“Dad, why did you agree to give your daughter's hand to that devil man? How many times do I have to tell you that he doesn't deserve Charlie? Dad, you will get your daughter killed if you allow this fucking marriage!” I spat angrily the moment I entered the study room. My emotions were all over the place.
I was so furious that I didn't notice Chad was already sitting there with my parents.
My mother tried to draw my attention to his presence using signs, but I didn't rush there to learn about sign language.
My father gave me a wolf stare. I knew what that stare meant. That I should compose myself.
It was then that I realized the devil was sitting comfortably on our couch.
Ha!…. He dared to sit that way. Did he think he owned our mansion or what? Yes, his family is filthy rich. But our family is wealthy too. We, the Anderson family, don't need his bloody money.
Furthermore, we call all the shots in our house. We have everything we require. So we didn't need him in our lives.
Well, my old man thought I was too rude to his guest.
“He will never marry Charlie. My sister would never marry into a family that reeks of blood!” Oh hell yeah... I felt so good giving him the piece of shit he deserved. At least, I said what I've been wanting to say all these years.
But here goes my old man again. He didn't agree with my actions. So he has to ring the bells on my cheek.
For the first time in my life, my own father slapped me. To say I was shocked and hurt would be an understatement.
l hated Chad even more at that moment. I hated him so much with passion. Not just him, EVERYBODY. I turned and looked at Chad who was now standing at my left side.
Well, for the first time, he acted like a gentleman. But he was too late. He couldn't stop the slap. Even if he did, I wouldn't hate him less.
I smiled at him and gathered the strength within me to tell him,” I HATE YOU CHAD BARISTANAS!!!”
I know no one saw that coming. They all stood there in awe. I'm sure they were wondering why I insisted on not letting Charlie marry Chad.
For the first time since I met Chad, I saw a different emotion in his eyes other than his jovial nature. What was that? "HURT".
I saw hurt in his eyes. But why would he be hurt by my hateful words? Not that I care though.
I heard Charlie crying her eyes out at my back. But I didn't care anymore. She can cry blood, sand, or vapor I didn't care anymore.
Besides, I didn't even notice she was already back from the saloon. I wouldn't know anyway because I was hurting more than her.
I wanted the best for her as a sister. But no one listened to my advice.
I ran to my room and locked myself away from them. I couldn't care less what they do with their life. They should let their most precious Charlie marry whoever they see fit. I won't intervene anymore.
She could marry a beggar, a murderer, or whatever, I care less. I would be here and just wait for the bad news.
“ I will wait for the day you come back to tell me you are sorry. That you should have listened to me, Charlie.” I was so confident thinking about that, but then tears started falling down my cheeks.
I had stayed in the room from morning until evening. I had not eaten anything. I was still thinking about my sister Charlie. I prayed earnestly that God would listen to my prayers and change my sister's mind.
But I wasn't the only one crying. My big sister was also worried about me as usual.
“Marlie, please I beg of you, open the door and eat something.” She sobbed behind my door.
Food? Did she think food was important at this time? Here, I was thinking about her future and she was thinking about food.
“But Charlie might look pitiful outside.” I thought to myself in annoyance. So I swore to myself I would not let her manipulate me with her cries this time around. I steeled my heart and didn't pay much attention to her pleas.
She will leave when she gets tired. I wasn't going out no matter what. If I go out, she will move me with her tears. So I fell on my bed to sleep.
I didn't know whether it was a dream, at first, but I heard the voice of Chad chanting Charlie's name and then my name. Why was he banging on my door like a crazy person?
“Marlie, Charlie fainted!” He shouted. Concern laced in his voice.
What? No, no, no... not my sister! I leaped from the bed and rushed out in fear. Indeed, she was unconscious when I reached outside. She wasn't responding, no matter how they tried.
It was my fault. I caused it! Charlie wouldn't have ended up like that if I had come out earlier. If I had accepted Chad, my sister wouldn't have ended up like that.
I held my sister in my arms. I couldn't stop crying. I tried promising to let her have her way if she woke up.
Everything was happening so fast. Was I wrong to want the best for her?
“Charlie, please wake up, and open your eyes.
You are just pranking me, right? I don't care, but if you wake up, I promise you I will accept Chad as your husband. I won't force you to leave him. Just please open your eyes, Charlie, please,” I begged her as I started sobbing.
Why was everything going the wrong way?