Ch. 2 - Living a “Second” Time

Tears start to swell in my eyes as I keep looking at the photo.

[....why..?]

“I see you’ve spotted one of the few items I could bring to you here.”

I turn my head around, looking over my shoulders, spotting Niel sitting at the open entrance of the hallway and living room.

“Niel,” trying to speak in a calm-and-collected voice, “You could have just left all those things behind you know.”

There was photos of my mother and I when I was a child hanging on the wall. Then I noticed one of my mother and step-father with all of his kids and me. He had 2 kids from his previous marriage. One boy and girl. The girl was almost the 2 years younger than me and the boy, he was 5 years older than me.

The only thing was, my step-father’s two kids were never fond of my mother and I. Especially me. When they got married, I moved out 2 months after telling my mother it was easier and safer to live closer to work. My step-father insisted that I should stay but I cannot say that his kids despise me for thinking that my mother and I were gold-diggers trying to live off their money. They weren’t bad people but I can say that they were shallow.

[Now that I’m gone, I wonder if my mom is okay…]

Feeling the pain and sadness from leaving my mom, tears keeping pouring out as I mope.

“Are you okay, Rina?”

Nodding while wiping my tears away, I sniffle up my runny nose and listen as all the snot are being sucked in.

“THAT’S JUST DIGUSTING!!”

I burst into a laughter as Niel keeps talking.

“Why don’t you just blow your nose or something? That’s just disgusting and not sanitary at all… UGH!!!”

“Niel,” rubbing my eyes of any excess tears, “Thank you for everything.”

I look over and spot Niel staring at me as if he just seen a ghost.

“What?”

I walks over and suddenly, a flash of light appears making me shut my eyes. I freak out and the suddenly, I open my eyes and spot a handsome man facing me, making eye contact. We keeping staring at each other and I start to feel the heat rise to my face as I notice that this man is very handsome.

“Rina…”

“Yes, ” responding naturally.

[Wait..! Don’t tell me that this is…!]

I grab a hold of the shirt that he is wearing to ensure that this man doesn’t escape.

“NIEL,’ shouting into his face questioning the appearance I see.

Placing his hands on top of mines which are grasping his shirt, “You don’t have to hold on to my shirt so tight” chuckling, “I’m not going anywhere yet.”

“Key word is ‘YET’ so,” I tighten my grip, “I plan to keep holding.”

We stare at each other with smiles on our faces…

[I can tell that he did not expect me to act this way but… I have this odd feeling that, If I let go, he was going to do something.]

“Rina,” Niel says mumbling under his breath, “Do you mind,” pointing at my hands as I don’t loosen my grip.

I smile with a slight chuckle, “I do mind Niel.”

We keep staring but now, I can tell that he is officially annoyed since I won’t let him go.

“Let me go Rina,” he aggressively suggest with a grin on his face.

I respond with he same tone, “Why is that Niel?”

Irritated with each other, he finally sighs.

Closing his eyes in distress, “I was just going to bless you in this life before leaving,”

“Oh,” realizing this, I let go of my grip and he places his hand on top of my head gently.

“It’s okay to not be okay,” He says gently with a soft tone, “But try to live a life you can be happy with.”

My emotions start to swell up inside from those words Niel just spoke. Suddenly, From the top of my head where his hand is placed, it feels like the sun is pouring inside me a drop of it’s light.

[Is this magic?]

“This is my blessing for you,” Niel states, “I hope that you take chances with your life this time and don’t sell yourself short.”

I close my eyes and focus on the warm sensation this blessing gives me.

After a few minutes have passed, I slowly open my eyes to notice that Niel was gone.

“…Niel…?”

I walk back into the living room making my way to the door of the bedroom. Turning the knob to instantly push the door open and see nothing but the bed and a night stand. I rush away to the kitchen and notice something on the dining table.

[What’s this?]

Walking over to the table, I see a bank book, a pair of keys, and a shoe box with a note on top, folded. Opening it up, I read what is written on it. I burst into laughter as I tighten my hold on the sheet of paper.

“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she’ll conquer the world.”

-****Marylin Monro

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