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Welcome back for another chapter!

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"Come back three days later, I want to see how you're holding up. Take the prescribed medicines on time. Dont skip the medication, it will affect the routine. We will have to run a scan to analyse the cells as soon as the Head Doctor of the Department will give it a go on the basis of your reports..."

I looked at the Doctor, trying to remain as attentive as possible. The previous night had its flaws in keeping me awake the whole time. My nightmares were coming back and the sole thought of shutting my eyes only to wake up in a dark room with that Christmas song playing in the background was something I didn't want in my life for the moment.

"... However, we can't be sure its Sarcoma, like I've told you already. The cell mass resembles the stage3 of Sarcoma... which is right. But at the same time, symptoms are hidden. No wonder you found it late..." Dr Hayes continued flipping the page of the report.

"Such cases are very rare... but if.... if it is related to Sarcoma.. then it can be genetically passed down from parents-" she paused and looked upto see me as I sucked a sharp breath at the word of parents.

I shook under her gaze and she looked away, rambling about something else. I was glad she didnt press into that topic, like the way nosy people do. I didnt want to talk about it in the first place.

"Radiation can be another cause too.. but, looking at you I don't think you go at any such places.. right?"

"Huh? Oh- yeah.. yeah. It's just... the University and then my part time jobs.. "

"Okay. You might undergo a surgery soon as we find more about your current case of Cancer."

S-surgery?

"-but, dont worry. Surgeries can be successful these days, so dont lose hope alright?" She assured looking at me and I nodded in return.

I dragged my chair and got up, taking my file. "Thankyou Dr. Hayes."

She smiled at me. Her soft brown eyes gleaming in contrast to her freckled face and flushed cheeks.

I made my way out of the room and I stepped into the hallway looking, nowhere in particular. I was lost, calculating everything in my mind. Surgery? Could I even afford that?

My case was especially worse, looking at how the doctors were frantic of not knowing about it all. The College fees, the rent, the medication... and now Surgery?

Why? Why me?

I could ask for help. I've helped people all my life.. maybe they could help me back in return... but was I going to ask them for help? No, my soul wouldnt let me to do such thing. Ive detached myself from dependency ever since I was little and along the way I learnt how not to burden others with my presence.

You'll figure it out Justice... dont lose hope. Dont give up.

I controlled my breaths and opened my eyes only to look at a very familiar place where I encountered a very horrible experience.

I remembered his soulless eyes, as he screamed curling on the very ground wher I was standing. The soul memory brought shivers in me and I shook in fear. I didnt exactly know what happened but I froze when I saw him, not being able to do anything as he put his hands on my body.

It was just too terrifying to see how easily can people get me if they wanted. It was scary, how I'd give up before the fight would even begin. My hands trembled little as I spaced out more into that thought. I was weak... a person with no values... a person with no talents... pathetic... unwanted... ugly... just...

I sighed and looked down at my feet.

Why am I like this? Why couldnt I have a normal life like others?

My childhood a complete nightmare, my present is approaching with death. Didn't I suffer enough already? What more did I do to deserve all this?

I was envious of all those brats out there who had everything they needed in their lives; Health, beauty, money, fun, happiness, family, parents, love.... and they still had the nerve to complain about it when they got it all. They had everything they ever needed in this life.. yet they failed to be a grateful towards it. Would they complain even more, of they would see the harsher side of the world?

I couldnt help but wonder about all the thoughts that run through my mind, spiralling through jealousy and hurt. It was one of those days afterall, where I would remain sulky all day.. contemplating if Life had anything good for me in the loads of surprises it threw at my face. At that point... I wasn't even surprised when something bad happened to me. I would cry to myself, wondering when it would all be over. And this moment, was on rod thise surprises. My disease.

I wandered near the exit, when I suddenly remembered the golden haired nurse with blue eyes who had helped me the previous time. I automatically made my way to the receptionist, hoping to find the nurse.

"May I help you?" The man asked looking up. He had a dark brown shade of skin tone, with a small mole below his lower lip. His eyes, jet black with a calm expression as he looked up at me in curiousness.

"Uh... yes. Can.. you help me find someone who works here?" I asked keeping my palms on the cool granite top.

"Yeah, sure. Name?" He asked, his attention fully towards me.

"Gabriela."

"Hmm... I dont know anyone of that name. Could you tell me the surname, I could check in the records if you wish.."

My eyebrows scrunched in confusion. "I.. I just know her first name..."

"Oh. I will run a check on the computer to see if there is anyone with that name..." he paused to type at his keyboard, while staring intently at his computer screen. "... just... wait a sec.."

I pulled my hands together to myself as I looked around, waiting patiently.

After a few seconds the man spoke up. "Um.. I'm sorry mam, there is no one with the name Gabriela working here at this hospital. Are you sure she said she worked here.. because her name is not there on the files..."

"Oh... uh yes.. she was even in the nurse outfit and she claimed that she worked here.." I said looking at the said man.

He frowned a little, creases forming on his forehead. "I'm sorry mam... there must be some mistake. The computer has got no data over anyone named Gabriela."

This was weird.

Was I seeing things again?

I put up a plain smile and looked at the receptionist "oh.. nevermind it's okay... thankyou."

He smiled back and I turned away to head out of the huge hospital doors.

She was there.. wasnt she? She helped me... brought me coffee... talked to me... was I going crazy seeing things everywhere?

First, that creepy stalker dude in white and golden hair who had me terrified the other day... and now this?

I sighed as I walked away, hoping for something to numb my thoughts.

******

Surprised, wasnt even in my context anymore. I wasnt surprised at all when I received the call. To be honest, I was expecting it a little early or more so... which allowed me to procrastinate that I would prepare my mental speech, when I would finally recieve the call....

My heart was hurting with the fact that I was burdening people with my issues, even when I wasnt living with them anymore. I would always be a burden to others. A whole package of bad lucks and traumas that people didnt need in their life.

I sighed as I pressed the phone closer to my ear with my trembling fingers. It's not like everyday, I heard Sister Margaret sob... not that I ever wanted her to. But, right now.. I felt weak.. worse.

"H-How... could you not tell us?" She sobbed over the line.

"I... dont know Sister Margaret." I sighed again for the millionth time, my own voice faltering ".. I just didnt want to trouble you"

"Trouble? Trouble? Justice... you were everything to us, but not trouble.. never..."

"I'm sorry.."

"Justice... you could have told us... at least me. Do you have any idea what I went through when Ellie called up.. to say... y-you.."

"They said I will be okay... I will be okay..."

I heard her sob silently and I felt my heart wrench.

"I.. I need to see you.. You have to come to Esther's Birthday party.. that's the least you can do to make up. She would want you to be there Justice. You know her.... please.. I want to see you too..."

I sighed again as I ran my fingers over my throbbing forehead. "I cant promise, but I will try... okay? I'm not making excuses... but I will try. I want to see Esther too..."

I felt a little cringe while saying that for some reason, considering that were two Esthers who I knew. One a little girl... and the other.. a grown man.

"Alright then.. I'm hoping to see you soon. If you ever need help... you always have us. We will never take you as a burden.. you're like one of our own.. alright?"

I hummed for response, involuntarily nodding my head to it.

"Alright... I have to go now.. Let the Lord be with you and bless you Justice. You are a wonderful person."

I smiled at that and bid my goodbyes to her, hanging up on the call.

I closed my eyes and sat still for some time, taking in the blissful sounds of the surrounding in the park. The giggles of the kids that ran around, the chirping of the birds, countless happy chatters of the people who came to the park. I could even hear the woods of dogs and I smiled to it. It was blissful enough to make me forget of myself for a second.

I opened my eyes when I heard some shuffling noise next to me. I turned my head to see a familiar framed hoodied man sitting next to me.

I smiled, "Hi..."

The figure turned to see me and his sea-green eyes blazed at me.

"Someone's happy..." he replied with a smile.

I looked down, my smile faltering a little.. but I was able to keep the facade up.

Only if you knew.

"I guess..." I replied looking ahead. "You really do come here often..."

I heard him scoff "you said that last time..." a hint of amusement in his voice. "You still sat here on this bench..."

I looked at him and he had a funny smile on his face. He looked happier than usual... and for some reason that made me smile.

"Am I... supposed to be afraid like them?" I asked unsure, still smiling.

"Personally... I'm not really a people's person, so I wouldnt mind with them not talking to me... but sometimes, it would be nice to have someone to talk to. You know... someone who is not afraid of me..." he said shrugging and I thought about how his words mirrored my own self.

"That makes sense..."

"So... what do you do apart from visiting the park?" He asked me simply as he had his gaze pinned on a some boys that were playing in the park .

"Umm... I go to Collge... and then part time jobs?" He hummed in response. "You?"

He turned to look at me and I waited patiently for him to answer.

"Nothing basically... I wake up.. eat... try to do something productive for the day... drink till I pass out in the evenings... and then the whole cycle repeats."

"Really?!" I blurted out suddenly and I saw his eyebrows creep up through his dense oak brown hair that fell on his forehead.

"What's with the gesture?" He asked in return.

My face reddened and I looked away. "Uh.. nothing actually. I'm just surprised..."

He chuckled as he faced me "why?"

"Um... uh.. your friend... Ian, he dresses up in suits.. has an expensive car... and he calls you Boss... so, I thought you were some CEO or something..."

His laughter reached the air and I was even more surprised seeing him laugh like that. Not just me... but there were othe people who were looking wide eyed at the man as they passed by. I felt embarrassed for saying something that sounded so stupid, for the second time.

"You got me..." he chuckled "no.. I dont work in any companies anymore, nor am I a CEO of any sort..."

"So... how do you go through your day then, if... you dont work?" I asked looking at him.

"I used to before... and then I decided I needed a break...so I stopped and came down here to this town. Far away from the city.. the noise.. it's just..  peaceful here."

I hummed in agreement. I couldnt ever imagine going to a city, where the nights wouldnt sleep.

"The nature's peaceful here..." I mumbled slowly.

"Do you believe in fates.. destiny... " he paused to look at me not responding to his words "I believe you are a Catholic then?"

I nodded my head. "Yes... I am... but like every other person, I have my doubts.." I paused and looked back at him "I do not really believe in fates.. destinies... promises... it just.. messes up with your mind when it does not turn the way that makes it look fair."

"Fates are twisted... Destinies even more cruel... " he said with a sigh.

"Although...I don't really believe in them... I can say, it's not the fates or destinies..."

"Why is that?" He simply asked and I shrugged while responding to it.

"Because... it's people. People make promises, people bend fates, people write destinies..... People make them." I looked down at my feet "I wouldnt say it's the fault of Fates or Destinies to have my life a complete mess. However, I may question as to why... I am facing them when I dont deserve it."

I picked on my cuticles around my fingernails as I continued "... Fates or Destinies dont hurt you. It's always either you or the people. It doesnt matter where you are or who you are... there is always another person, who drags you down to the worst side of yourself..."

The scar on my abdomen began hurting just at the thought of it. I could still remember the raw burning sensation as my skin tore open infront of my own eyes, while I cried in terror and paranoia... refusing to look into the eyes of the Monster that danced in flames, prying my skin open with a flaming hot red iron rod at the same time.

I whimpered at the thought and I opened my eyes, escaping from the locked memory.

Esther stayed silent for a while, thinking over what I said. The calmness drifted forth as it slowly took its take on us.

"You're right..." he mumbled, lost.

"Are you okay?" I asked a little later, as Iwatched him space out into his thoughts. He turned to face me witha confused expression but then it disappeared to me replaced by a neutral one. "You seemed to space out.."

"Oh? Uh.. I guess?" He said simply ruffling his hair.

I didnt know what to say so I sat silently eyeing certain woman who was walking towards us with a smile. She had black curly locks that matched her black eyes. Faint pink lips with a flashy smile. She was wearing a white shirt and black pants, while a little boy followed her trail.

"Hi! My name's Lilly... can you help me for a second?" she spoke quickly. Her voice was a little thin in contrast, which showed that she was probably in her mid twenties or early thirties.

"Uh.. Hi.." I chirped "I'm Justice."

She hummed with a smile and looked next to my shoulder with expectant eyes. "Uhhh... I'm Esther."

"Oh! What lovely names!" She exclaimed laughing a little. She gazed at us a little more and she snapped out of her trance when I called out her name awkwardly. The little boy behind her shying away in the process.

"Oh! Right! Sorry.." she chuckled guiltily "um.. can you help me with taking this picture. I got only blurred pictures and I wanted something clearer but nobody seemed to make it up to the mark. "

"Um sure." I replied taking her phone in my hands.

Esther tagged along, seeing that he had nothing else to do. We walked a little ahead where the sun light beamed on the grass reflecting the light back. The park glistened from the water droplets on the grass, which was put earlier by the sprinklers.

"Is he your son?" I asked to break the silence. Not that it was uncomfortable... it was just that I loved kids and I wanted to talk to him.

"Oh! Where are my manners?" She playfully slapped her forehead. "Yes, my one and only... Tony.. say hi." The boy looked at us with suspicion. "C'mon.... Tony?" Lilly cooed at her son and he slowly came onto full display from his mother's protection. His grip remained on Lilly's wrist as he looked at me and then over at Esther.

"Hi.." he mumbled and then leaped back into his mother's shadow.

I grinned at his cuteness.

"He's not like this at home.... you should see him other times. A complete misfit.." Lilly chuckled ruffling her son's hair.

"He's cute... how old is he?" I asked her.

"He's turning 4 in 2 months..." she replied smiling down at her child.

The two stood there while I walked a little away to capture the picture. Esther stood far away but close to me. Lilly kneeled down to reach her Tony's height. She wrapped her arm around his smaller frame and smiled widely. Tony, doing the same in the process.

"Say cheese!" Is said loud enough to make them hear. The said little boy grinned wider that his eyes almost disappeared in the picture, but looked cute nonetheless.

I took three or more, if she didnt like any pictures I took. The photo session got over and I handed over the phone to the mother. She smiled at me as she took it from my hands. She looked through the pictures with a smile.

"These are lovely. Thank you so much Justice..." he paused to look behind my shoulder "and Esther."

I smiled at her in response.

"You two are lovely couples..."

And my smile got stuck in the process of figuring out what she said. I froze as I heard the word couples.... could a lovely couple mean anything else than the thought running through my head?

"Uh... uh.. we're not couples.." Esther said slowly, but loud enough for us to hear. "Just... just.. friends. Yeah.. friends."

Lilly looked at me funnily, scrunching her eyebrows. "Really not?"

I nodded, indicating that we truly weren't couples.

"Oh! Im sorry.. I get carried away by my thoughts easily to think things. But I must say, you two look adorable together. .." she grinned and gave me a small wink. Blood rushed to my face and I wanted to hide myself in embarrassment.

Was I going to face Esther after this?

Probably not.

The said woman left along with her son, humming quietly as excited as ever, while I stood there with my head facing the ground. Neither of us made a sound and it got awakward. With a final breath and my last slot of courage left, I turned around to look at the taller man.

He looked down at me, with an unreadable expression and momentarily I had to look away to escape from his watchful gaze.

"Shall we leave?" I asked.. no squeaked.

"Sure.." he said turning away first.

We walked on the pavement and after what seemed like an eternity, Esther spoke up.

"Your cheeks are redder than the usual.." he commented and my hands went straight upto my cheeks cupping it. There was no tone of malice in his voice... just a little hint of amusement. The whole idea of walking next to him seemed like a very bad idea for the moment, of he would be teasing me all along the way.

I mentally cursed for my pale skin as I looked at him.

He had a small grin on his face, that softened his masculine features. He didnt really have to work a death glare, if he had to. All he would have to do is look up at the person and they would feel uncomfortable. But.. at the moment, he looked nothing like someone who is to give an intimidating impression. His soft hair almost of unequal lengths splayed on his forehead made him look like a soft person.

His ears were little tint red in contrast and I smiled at him.

"You are one to speak when your ears are burning a shade of red." My statement seemed to have taken him surprisingly, judging from his expressions. I felt unnaturally comfortable around him for some reason that made me say things like that.

"Its the cold..." he mumbled looking away.

"The exceptionally bright sunny morning says otherwise..." I replied, grinning even more as the brown haired man seemed to fumble for words for a reply. He showcased a side of his, that I didnt expect to see. He was flustered and for some reason that seemed a little funny to me.

I dropped the topic, for saving him from the same embarrassment I was suffering from. "So... are we friends?" I asked him.

The thoughts of being friends with him, seemed a little jittery in my stomach. I was excited with the thought of having someone more than Ellie and Ted, to talk about stuff.. was exciting for me.

He looked at me, while stopping in place.  "I... guess?"

"I guess..." I mumbled away, with a smile on lips, looking at an Icecream truck that was parked close by. Numerous children and their parents lined up to get something refreshing for an exchange.

"Do you like ice cream?" I asked him and he furrowed his brows while shrugging his shoulders.

"Dont tell me you do not know what icecream means..." I taunted a little and he shook his head.

"I know what an icecream means... I'm just not sure if I like it or not." He said scrunching his nose, while looking at the queue.

"Its worth the wait.. c'mon!" I said walking towards the line and I saw Esther walking slowly towards me. I rolled my eyes at his lack of enthusiasm.

"Do you like it that much?" He asked standing next to me, but with some distance in between so as to make sure our bodies didn't collide together.

I hummed in response. "It feels nice to have something good in life for once. We dont live forever, now do we?"

His lips tugged down in distaste but he quickly covered it by licking his lips. I felt a little odd to his reaction. It seemed like he despised the idea of living.

"Yeah... we dont live for eternity.." he said slowly and I wondered what was going in his head. However I didnt drag further with the topic and let it die down. Well maybe.. some other day, I could ask him.. I thought.

When we reached our turn I picked a simple vanilla cone and fruit jellies within it, while Esther picked a Black currant flavour. Esther paid for our ice creams, despite my pleas of paying my share. However, in the end I gave up to the stubborn man and simply sighed in defeat. We walked out slowly, taking our own time. We spoke about general things and nothing like of those deep conversations we had earlier.

No sooner than later, when our icecream disappeared.. I spotted my apartment in the distance but I didnt rush forth like the last time.

"I wish to fly... " he said gazing up the fluffy white clouds.

I chuckled a little and asked "fly?"

" yes.... I miss the skies. It looks beautiful from up there. The clouds... the sun... the night- it looks more majestic than ever.."

"Seems like you have travelled a lot around the world, before you took a break from your life." I said in return.

He looked at me with a sad smile. "Yes... I did...." he let out a sigh and he pursed his lips together. "What about you?"

I stopped walking and looked ahead. We were right near the entrance door of my apartment. I thought for a while as I turned to face him.

" there are many things I wish for..." I replied.

"Tell me few..." he said leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.

I sighed and wet my lips "happiness... health... an escape..."

"Escape from what?" He asked standing straight and looking dead into my eyes. I barely knew him... I couldnt tell him any of my secrets... but I couldnt think of anything other than the reality that whirled in my mind. I could think of an excuse to divert the topic. His sea-green eyes has enchanted me into submission that I forgot my rules of play.

"My life."

There was some glint in his eyes, that remained calm and desolated. It wasnt one that seemed curious or one that looked like sympathy.... he was just looking at me, as if he knew the pain. His lips pursed together as he breathed through his nose slowly. There were so many thoughts running through my head but all came to a halt when I heard an heart wrenching shriek erupt in the air.

My eyes widened in horror at the familiar tone and I scurried away from Esther, fumbling with my keys to open the door.

Esther seemed struck but I paid no attention to him as I heard rows of thrashes and screams from inside. I silently prayed as my fingers shook in fear. The last thing I wanted was anything happening to that boy.

I swung the door open and I watched the horror with my wobbling legs, feeling the strikingly familiar scene unfold before my eyes. Except for this time.. it wasnt me, but a younger boy in my place.

No...
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Juanito.

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Authors Note:

I'm sorry for leaving it at a cliffhanger, but this chapter crossed my usual word limit and I wanted to be a little evil.. ;)

I know the ships going too slow for anyone's liking... but trust me, it will only get better as both learn more about each other. Give them some time to unfold themselves. Both have equal dark mysteries... and c'mon, Esther cant just go upto Justice and say that he is a Devil. Neither Justice can go and spill her secrets that she has hidden all her life from other people(except for Ellie). So.... there must be some drama before all that happens.

It's totally worth the wait ;)

I promise you, there will be romance, fun and comedy (saved for later)... but, there will also be all sorts of ups and downs which might trigger you. So please, like everytime, I'm saying this again.... do not fantasize trauma or depression or any sort of abuse as a natural thing.

The whole plot of this story is dark themed to a level that I want to call myself crazy..

*sighs*

Anyways.. I do not know when I will be updating next, because I've got my finals approaching. So... I've to concentrate more and not rely on winging the Examinations like I had been doing all this time.

I will upload The Hybrid next... but again, I'm not sure if there will be any more updates from that book either after updating one chapter.

I'm aiming to ace my card this time... so I need all the concentration in this world.

Wish me luck :')

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Also... lemme know your thoughts in the comments. I want to see what you think of it.. and it makes me happy seeing them.

Anyway.

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Have a great day ahead!

Jaye.