20

JUNE 18, 2017 / NASVERSIX

The fight between Jeremy and the three delinquents were settled just like that after Arul was discharged from the hospital with no problem (Though, the place Jeremy kicked would probably still feel sore). His bleeding became a mystery to the doctors as none knew the reason it happened – what they knew was that after the blood transfusion was completed, Arul became fine. Arul’s father who was a new politician was in the process of signing a large land so he doesn’t want the matter to get big – as long as his son was healthy, that’s good enough.

Jeremy too felt relieved as the case ended at that point, not to mention that Arul no longer had the courage to bully him anymore. With this, Jeremy could now focus more on his first staging that’d occur not long from now. With the presence of his idol, Khalil Abdullah who now was often seen in CGTSS making Jeremy even more spirited to do his best.

“Do you think that brother Khalil has a scandal with our counsellor?” asked Lina that evening in Jeremy’s room.

“Maybe they’re just old friends?”

“Don’t you feel that… she brought him here… to meet you?”

“It’s possible. Maybe he’s looking for an apprentice. That’s why I have to give my best for this show.”

“I don’t think that’s why though.”

“Then?”

Lina shrugged. “Maybe it’s related to the thing that’s been disturbing you.”

“How could they even know about it?”

“Dunno. But I got the vibe from the counsellor that she’s really interested in this supernatural stuff.”

“Eh, you didn’t move in with her?”

“I’m too lazy to do it. Why? You don’t want me to sleep here anymore?” Lina asked back. Ever since Jeremy returned from the hospital, she would stay in Jeremy’s room every night.

The prankster ghost in her room had started becoming worse.

“Nah. I didn’t say that,” said Jeremy.

“You’re scared I’ll sneak attack you or something?”

“No way!”

Lina smiled. “Don’t worry. After I told my family problem to you, I felt a bit better. I don’t feel like doing those promiscuous things.”

“Can it be gone just like that?” Jeremy was doubtful. After Lina told him about her sexual addiction, Jeremy did read a few things. It sounded really serious.

“It’s not like it disappeared just like that. There are times that I feel like attacking you,” Lina honestly said.

“But…?”

“But I held it in.”

“Why?”

“Eh, do you want it?”

“Hell no!”

“If you do, then just say it.”

“I said no!”

“Or is it that you want your brother Khalil?” teased Lina.

Jeremy threw a pillow and Lina just laughed at him.

And suddenly, Jeremy’s cupboard made loud banging noises!

“Is the thing at the auditorium still there?”

“Yes. For a gang rape victim, it’s a bit hard for it to move on. Too much pain,”

“How about suicide victim?” asked Khalil.

She’s quiet. “Somehow, she’s no longer there.”

“Hmpppphhh… I guess she’s calm after committing suicide. It’s other people that are miserable.”

“She didn’t know that her brother would act like that. You can’t blame her, Khalil…”

“The problem is that she’s the one that killed herself! Why id it become our fault?! Why must we bear it until now?”

“Khalil, calm down…”

“No! It’s bullshit. To those who suicide, they only have themselves to blame. Not other people!”

“So if she did so because people abused her, is it still her fault?”

“Yes! Because she lets herself be abused!”

“Oh, so bullies and rapists can get away clean?”

“We were not rapists! You know that!”

“Raping dignity would end things badly – these are your words, right?”

Khalil was silent. How many times had this woman used his own words back at him, to the point he can’t even bother retorting. She’s smart. Even since back then. That’s why that person was head over heels for her.

“Let’s go. To the auditorium,” Khalil suggested, killing their conversation.

Just as they were about to get up and exit the room, the door suddenly opened.

Jeremy and Lina entered with panicked looks.