Michelle's Point of View
The bright morning sun greeted me as I slowly opened my eyes. I couldn't help but search for him in my thoughts. Where could he be? Why did he suddenly disappear? It was sad finally having someone to share my dreams with, only for him to vanish without warning.
I reached under my pillow to grab my phone, and just as I touched it, it lit up and buzzed with a message. Message! I blinked, squinting at the brightness as I unlocked the screen. Who could be texting me this early?
From: Stacy
"So, the owner's child finally woke up? Have you heard?"
I rolled my eyes. What business was it of mine about the owner's child of the school? Bessy could be so annoying sometimes, always stirring trouble.
To: Stacy
"Go away, don't start your drama. I'm not interested in your stories."
Me and Stacy were my best friends, though we weren't always together because she was busy with projects.
From: Staxy
"Are you serious, Michelle? There's going to be a welcome party for him. You better get to school early!" she is used to me being late all the time, but now I have to wake up early? What a drag! But hey, too bad I can't meet that guy though. Oh well, not like I care.
I rolled my eyes again and tapped a quick reply.
To: Stacy
"I'm not going today. We have a speech contest and I'm busy. You can welcome him for me. Bye."
I put my phone down and started getting ready for the contest. I really wasn't interested in parties. Everyone was crazy about him, calling him handsome but dumb. I wasn't so sure.
I stood in front of the mirror, examining my outfit. "Is this dress okay?" I muttered to myself. I frowned maybe something more formal would look better.
I went to my closet and rummaged through my clothes. I knew I had a formal outfit somewhere a gift from Dad. But where was it?
"There!" I exclaimed as I found it, hugging the dress like it was a treasure. I quickly changed into it. "This looks good on me. This is what I'll wear," I said, smiling.
I put on a little bit of lipstick to look fresh, sprayed some perfume, and I was done.
After getting dressed, I stepped out of my room and called out to Mom. "Mom, I'm leaving now!"
From the kitchen, I heard her voice. "Have you eaten yet?"
I shook my head with a small smile. "Do you have time to feed me, Mom?"
Mom looked worried again.
"I'm running late. The contest is today."
She reached behind her and smiled, handing me something.
"Of course, I wouldn't forget you. I know you won't eat," she said, well aware of my habits. She had even prepared a packed meal for me.
"Thank you, Mom! Wish me luck! Bye!" I said and hurried to the event.
When I arrived, my nervousness returned, but I reminded myself I could do this. When my name was called, I took a deep breath and walked onto the stage.
---
After the Contest
"Mom! I got first place!" I shouted, running into the kitchen. I looked for Carl and Mom, because I promised him we'd visit Dad wait, why is Dad here?
"D-Dad, why are you here?" I couldn't stop the tears from falling as I saw him sitting with Mom. Were they really getting along? Could this be real? Or was it another tease?
"Child? Come sit. Your father cooked for us," Mom said gently, wiping her tears, like she wanted to say something but couldn't.
I didn't say a word. I sat down and looked at Carl, who was nervous and holding back tears. I thought he wanted to see Dad, and now he was here.
"Eat, Michelle. This is your favorite," Dad said softly but there was something different about his voice and the way he moved. It wasn't normal for him to cook us sinigang, my favorite dish, but something felt off.
"Why haven't you eaten yet, Michelle? Isn't this your favorite?" His tone suddenly changed, sharper.
"W-Why are you here?" I asked.
Had they made up? But what if Dad hurt Mom again? It would be better if he was gone for good so we could finally move on. But why was he back now?
Dad looked tired, worn out even like someone who'd been carrying too much weight for too long. His eyes met mine, but there was something guarded in his expression, as if he didn't want to be seen, or worse, didn't know how to face us.
"I came to see you," he said quietly, voice barely above a whisper. "To see all of you."
"Sorry, child, please eat," his voice softened again.
I started eating, and silence filled the room.
"What's this medal?" Dad asked, holding up the medal I won. Oh, right, the contest!
"Yes, Dad, I won a speech contest," I said.
Mom and Carl looked uneasy. They didn't notice the medal I was holding. Maybe they were just tired, so I didn't want to disturb them.
I left for my room. Mom sat frozen, lost in thought. What really was going on?
But I couldn't stop thinking about my win. I was so happy. All my practice from my dreams had paid off!
I flopped on my bed to rest. Christian came to my mind. Where was he? Why hadn't he returned yet? I opened my eyes and found myself back in the mansion. Ugh, I hadn't even showered yet! How annoying. But I didn't want to wake up just yet. Whatever, I'd do it tomorrow.
I went to the living room when suddenly I heard a child sobbing. It startled me—was that Christian?
I ran towards the sound coming from near a tree. I was excited but nervous. Suddenly, I dropped the glass I was holding.
Christian was there, sitting beneath the sprawling branches of the tree. His face looked tired, but his eyes lit up the moment he saw me. I took a breath and stepped closer and that's when I noticed someone else.
Carl.
He was there too.
My brother, sitting quietly beside Christian, as if they were both part of the same strange, fragile dream. My mind struggled to understand how was Carl here? How was he in my world, or rather, Our dream?