HOME | DD

Description
SECOND CHANCE || Chapter 2

It was the weekend, and the city was lively under the bright afternoon sun. Instantly, I fell in love. This city was a good place to be – a happy place. Whether or not it is good for me is yet to be determined.

I went to a convenience store for a map, and settled in a café for a drink as I pored over the map before me. The waitress made small talks as she brought my drink. She nodded at the map and asked if I was looking for anything. I told her I was looking for a place to stay. She smiled, looked at my backpack and told me there were hostels around the outskirts of the city, and drew little dots on the map where I could look. I thanked her and left her a generous tip.

There were people everywhere, turning their heads left to right as they tried to absorb everything this big city has to offer. I too, couldn’t help but smile at the breath-taking happenings as I made my way to one of the little dots on my map. The sun smiled down on me, telling me it was a nice beginning.

It was when I got to the outskirts of the city, and when the streets ceased being numbered, that I started to get lost. In the residential area, every street was named after dead presidents and every block was filled with similar houses and gardens. With luck I stumbled upon a community house – something between a recreation center and a shelter. The lady behind the counter was nice; she told me there was a kitchen on the right, a bathroom on the left, and a game room in the back. I went to the kitchen, filled my water bottle, and stared at the bulletin board that was filled with “For Sale”, “For Rent”, and “Missing” posters. I took the flyer that said “Attic For Rent” and asked the lady at the front desk for directions.

She smiled, looked at my backpack, and told me if I was looking to stay for a few days, there were free beds upstairs for visitors. Not wanting to be rude, I smiled and politely declined.

“Where are you from?” She asked.

I hesitated at the question, but she continued to wait. Finally, I answered. I was surprised when she wore a knowing smile on her face. But then, I should’ve known. I guess by now, everyone has heard of what happened there…

“The attic is mine.” She smiled as she pointed at the poster in my hand. “I’m leaving soon – I’m just waiting until the next girl gets here. If you don’t mind waiting a little bit, I can show you then?”

I thanked her and excused myself to the bathroom. In the stall I examined my passport; it looked so real, as though it were my own except for the unfamiliar name…

“Karly Mendez.” I let the name roll off the tip of my tongue. It felt good. I wondered how many Mendez’s there were in this world.

I held the passport next to the mirror and compared the images before me. The girl in the mirror and the passport photo looked the same, but neither looked like me. I smiled when the sun shone through the bathroom window, and instantly, I looked like a Karly Mendez. I stuffed the papers back into my backpack, ran some cold water over my hands, and ran my hands through my new hair. I looked at the flyer lying beside the sink. “Ask for Annie”, it said at the bottom next to a phone number. I looked into the mirror and practiced one more smile before leaving the bathroom. Annie was waiting in the lobby when I returned.

“I’m sorry. I never got your name.” Annie said as we walked to her car.

“Karly Mendez.” I said with a smile.

“Hi Karly.” Annie smiled too. “I’m Annie Lyson. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

We made some small talks, and then Annie began to describe the attic. It was used as a storage room, but it’s very livable, she said.

“It used to be my daughter’s room.” She said. There was something in her voice that made me turn from the window to study her face. But she just kept her eyes on the road and continued: “This is a very nice neighborhood.”

And I agreed.

=====

Annie led the way to the attic. At the top of the stairs I glanced back at what looked like a model house at a showcase instead of a living room. Annie opened the door and revealed a large room with a little window facing the street, and a set of matching furniture. She continued to talk, saying how it was breezy in the summer and warm in the winter. Unsure of my silence, she told me rent included all utilities, and could be lowered from the flyer price, and that the furniture could be changed…

“It’s perfect.” I interrupted her when I looked up and saw the sun shining through the sky window.

Startled, but glad at my swift decision, Annie laughed.

“There’s no lock on the door yet, but we can install one right away if you want.” She said.

“It’s fine.” I smiled at her. “I don’t need one.”

Just like that, Annie beamed as though I made her day.

We heard the front door open and close. Annie smiled and said her husband and son are home. I put my backpack on the bare bed and followed her downstairs.

And it was when I walked down the stairs that they saw me. The two stood frozen by the door, as though they’ve seen a ghost. Even after Annie explained that I was to be the new tenant, the two continued to stand motionless, with grocery bags still in their hands. It was only when Annie asked them to bring the grocery in the kitchen that they moved.

Then, I saw it – the gun tucked in his holster as he lifted his hands to put cans into the top cabinet.

“Rick has been in the police department for almost thirty years now.” Annie explained as she smiled.

But Rick saw it – my reaction. Quickly, he pushed his son behind him with one hand and put his other hand on his holster. I raised my hands in surrender as Rick asked where I was from. I told him truthfully because I knew he would eventually find out. But Rick didn’t have his wife’s understanding smile; Rick was a suspicious cop.

“I’m not collared.” I added.

“Show me. Slowly.”

I moved my hand slowly to pull down my shirt and show him my bare neck. It was only then that Rick removed his hand from his holster.

And Rick continued to be a suspicious cop when we sat around the dining table to draw up a lease. As the son continued to stare at me as if he were seeing a ghost, Rick asked if I had any identification. I gave him my passport, and he too, stared between the photo and I. I smiled.

After everything was done, I excused myself because I couldn’t take the awkward staring anymore. It was when I left the dining room that I found the answer. On the living room wall hung a family portrait, and in the portrait was Rick, Annie, their son Aaron, and a girl that looked exactly like Karly Mendez. Annie’s daughter was a happier me. I pulled my eyes off the portrait and as I climbed up the stairs, I suddenly realized Annie was trying way too hard to lease me her daughter’s room. I froze with my hand on the stair rail, and an eerie feeling crept up my back.

Annie followed me up the stairs, telling me she’s going to fetch new sheets and towels for me, and that I should join the family for dinner. I thanked her and retreated to my new attic, well aware that Rick was watching at the bottom of the stairs.

=====

“How old are you?” Rick bombarded me with questions at dinner.

“Fifteen.” I answered.

“Why, that’s the same age as Aaron!” Annie smiled enthusiastically.

“You don’t look fifteen.” Rick said skeptically.

“Looks can be deceiving.” I shrugged.

“Yes they can be.” Rick continued. “Where are your parents?”

“Dead.” I said, emotionless.

An awkward silence hovered over us.

“Are you sure?” Rick asked.

“Rick!” Annie reproached.

“I’m sure.” I nodded and ate.

"Why did you run away?” Rick asked.

“Rick, that’s enough.” Annie said quietly.

I laughed; he knew the answer, but I told him anyway: “There’s nothing left there.”

“Are you in trouble with the law?” Rick asked.

I continued to chew the food in my mouth. Finally, I said: “Who isn’t?”

And that was when Rick stopped asking questions. The rest of the dinner was quiet, as Annie tried to stir small talks again. But I already made up my mind that I’d leave Annie a note, and leave first thing in the morning. I told myself that at least I didn’t unpack yet.

After dinner, Aaron asked if I wanted to hang out with him. He showed me around the block, and I met some of his friends. We headed back when it started to get dark; the walk was quiet.

“What happened to your sister?” I decided to ask.

“Alissa?” Aaron did not sound surprised at all; I guess he was thinking about her as well. “She was kidnapped by slavers during a school raid.” He explained with a starkly quiet voice.

“I’m sorry.” I said. I didn’t think school raids occurred in a neighborhood this nice, but I shouldn’t have presumed.

“Yeah. They uh, they found her body later… said she put up a hell of a fight.”

I didn’t know what to say. Like that man said on the train: These are the times…

“It’s funny, isn’t it?” Aaron continued. “How much you two look alike. And now you’re living in her room.”

Yes, it was rather ironic. I was sure it was the new hair, and my new smile.

=====

I stood in the living room again; the family portrait was mesmerizing. I wondered about the girl in the picture that looked like me. I wondered what she was thinking about in the seconds before she…

“Annie is convinced that you’re a God-sent.”

“Huh?” I turned around and found Rick standing behind me, with his arms crossed above his holster.

“She never got over it.” Rick nodded at the portrait. “She tried to keep herself busy all the time – taking care of Aaron, volunteering at the center. But she never got over it.” Rick sighed. “For two years, she never touched Alissa’s room. Then she finally cleaned it. And you came to her with her poster.”

“I didn’t know.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“I know.” Rick gave me a sad little half smile. As he sat back on the couch, he said again: “I know.”

I turned to make sure Annie wasn’t around before I told Rick: “Don’t worry. I’m leaving tomorrow.” I smiled at him. “I’ll leave Annie a nice note.”

“Where are you going?” Rick asked.

I looked down at my feet and shrugged. “I’ll figure out something.” I said.

“Why don’t you stay?” Rick said, surprising me. When he saw that I was speechless, he continued. “I’m a police officer.” Rick rose from the couch; he seemed tall and bold, and he spoke with a certain righteousness that reminded me of someone I know. “But I believe in second chances.”

“Rick, what happened back in—”

“Don’t you want a second chance?” He interrupted me.

I thought hard for a minute, and Rick waited patiently. I guess that was why I left – to look for a second chance.

“Yes.” I answered confidently, to both of us.

“Then, as far as Annie and I are concerned, nothing happened.” Rick smiled a smile that reminded me of Annie.

“But—”

“It’s alright to start with a clean slate, Karly Mendez. You’re a fifteen year old kid.” He shook his head, didn’t want to hear any of it. “But you have to promise us something.” I waited, and he said. “We want you to go to school, and keep out of trouble.”

“OK.” I smiled.

“Annie hinted to me that she wants to adopt you, well, assuming you agree.” Rick laughed heartedly. “But let’s take it slow first.”

Surprised, but glad, I smiled and said: “OK.”

And the righteous and bold, but rather shy, police office jogged up the stairs with a childish grin on his face. I stood in the living room, looking at the smiling family’s portrait, feeling guilty about being glad that I found them. But I couldn’t blame myself for wanting a second chance that I’ve waited so long for. I wondered if I was being selfish, not telling them the whole story. But, I defended myself, Rick wouldn’t let me tell it.

Can I really live as Karly Mendez?

Description
SECOND CHANCE || Chapter 2

It was the weekend, and the city was lively under the bright afternoon sun. Instantly, I fell in love. This city was a good place to be – a happy place. Whether or not it is good for me is yet to be determined.

I went to a convenience store for a map, and settled in a café for a drink as I pored over the map before me. The waitress made small talks as she brought my drink. She nodded at the map and asked if I was looking for anything. I told her I was looking for a place to stay. She smiled, looked at my backpack and told me there were hostels around the outskirts of the city, and drew little dots on the map where I could look. I thanked her and left her a generous tip.

There were people everywhere, turning their heads left to right as they tried to absorb everything this big city has to offer. I too, couldn’t help but smile at the breath-taking happenings as I made my way to one of the little dots on my map. The sun smiled down on me, telling me it was a nice beginning.

It was when I got to the outskirts of the city, and when the streets ceased being numbered, that I started to get lost. In the residential area, every street was named after dead presidents and every block was filled with similar houses and gardens. With luck I stumbled upon a community house – something between a recreation center and a shelter. The lady behind the counter was nice; she told me there was a kitchen on the right, a bathroom on the left, and a game room in the back. I went to the kitchen, filled my water bottle, and stared at the bulletin board that was filled with “For Sale”, “For Rent”, and “Missing” posters. I took the flyer that said “Attic For Rent” and asked the lady at the front desk for directions.

She smiled, looked at my backpack, and told me if I was looking to stay for a few days, there were free beds upstairs for visitors. Not wanting to be rude, I smiled and politely declined.

“Where are you from?” She asked.

I hesitated at the question, but she continued to wait. Finally, I answered. I was surprised when she wore a knowing smile on her face. But then, I should’ve known. I guess by now, everyone has heard of what happened there…

“The attic is mine.” She smiled as she pointed at the poster in my hand. “I’m leaving soon – I’m just waiting until the next girl gets here. If you don’t mind waiting a little bit, I can show you then?”

I thanked her and excused myself to the bathroom. In the stall I examined my passport; it looked so real, as though it were my own except for the unfamiliar name…

“Karly Mendez.” I let the name roll off the tip of my tongue. It felt good. I wondered how many Mendez’s there were in this world.

I held the passport next to the mirror and compared the images before me. The girl in the mirror and the passport photo looked the same, but neither looked like me. I smiled when the sun shone through the bathroom window, and instantly, I looked like a Karly Mendez. I stuffed the papers back into my backpack, ran some cold water over my hands, and ran my hands through my new hair. I looked at the flyer lying beside the sink. “Ask for Annie”, it said at the bottom next to a phone number. I looked into the mirror and practiced one more smile before leaving the bathroom. Annie was waiting in the lobby when I returned.

“I’m sorry. I never got your name.” Annie said as we walked to her car.

“Karly Mendez.” I said with a smile.

“Hi Karly.” Annie smiled too. “I’m Annie Lyson. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

We made some small talks, and then Annie began to describe the attic. It was used as a storage room, but it’s very livable, she said.

“It used to be my daughter’s room.” She said. There was something in her voice that made me turn from the window to study her face. But she just kept her eyes on the road and continued: “This is a very nice neighborhood.”

And I agreed.

=====

Annie led the way to the attic. At the top of the stairs I glanced back at what looked like a model house at a showcase instead of a living room. Annie opened the door and revealed a large room with a little window facing the street, and a set of matching furniture. She continued to talk, saying how it was breezy in the summer and warm in the winter. Unsure of my silence, she told me rent included all utilities, and could be lowered from the flyer price, and that the furniture could be changed…

“It’s perfect.” I interrupted her when I looked up and saw the sun shining through the sky window.

Startled, but glad at my swift decision, Annie laughed.

“There’s no lock on the door yet, but we can install one right away if you want.” She said.

“It’s fine.” I smiled at her. “I don’t need one.”

Just like that, Annie beamed as though I made her day.

We heard the front door open and close. Annie smiled and said her husband and son are home. I put my backpack on the bare bed and followed her downstairs.

And it was when I walked down the stairs that they saw me. The two stood frozen by the door, as though they’ve seen a ghost. Even after Annie explained that I was to be the new tenant, the two continued to stand motionless, with grocery bags still in their hands. It was only when Annie asked them to bring the grocery in the kitchen that they moved.

Then, I saw it – the gun tucked in his holster as he lifted his hands to put cans into the top cabinet.

“Rick has been in the police department for almost thirty years now.” Annie explained as she smiled.

But Rick saw it – my reaction. Quickly, he pushed his son behind him with one hand and put his other hand on his holster. I raised my hands in surrender as Rick asked where I was from. I told him truthfully because I knew he would eventually find out. But Rick didn’t have his wife’s understanding smile; Rick was a suspicious cop.

“I’m not collared.” I added.

“Show me. Slowly.”

I moved my hand slowly to pull down my shirt and show him my bare neck. It was only then that Rick removed his hand from his holster.

And Rick continued to be a suspicious cop when we sat around the dining table to draw up a lease. As the son continued to stare at me as if he were seeing a ghost, Rick asked if I had any identification. I gave him my passport, and he too, stared between the photo and I. I smiled.

After everything was done, I excused myself because I couldn’t take the awkward staring anymore. It was when I left the dining room that I found the answer. On the living room wall hung a family portrait, and in the portrait was Rick, Annie, their son Aaron, and a girl that looked exactly like Karly Mendez. Annie’s daughter was a happier me. I pulled my eyes off the portrait and as I climbed up the stairs, I suddenly realized Annie was trying way too hard to lease me her daughter’s room. I froze with my hand on the stair rail, and an eerie feeling crept up my back.

Annie followed me up the stairs, telling me she’s going to fetch new sheets and towels for me, and that I should join the family for dinner. I thanked her and retreated to my new attic, well aware that Rick was watching at the bottom of the stairs.

=====

“How old are you?” Rick bombarded me with questions at dinner.

“Fifteen.” I answered.

“Why, that’s the same age as Aaron!” Annie smiled enthusiastically.

“You don’t look fifteen.” Rick said skeptically.

“Looks can be deceiving.” I shrugged.

“Yes they can be.” Rick continued. “Where are your parents?”

“Dead.” I said, emotionless.

An awkward silence hovered over us.

“Are you sure?” Rick asked.

“Rick!” Annie reproached.

“I’m sure.” I nodded and ate.

"Why did you run away?” Rick asked.

“Rick, that’s enough.” Annie said quietly.

I laughed; he knew the answer, but I told him anyway: “There’s nothing left there.”

“Are you in trouble with the law?” Rick asked.

I continued to chew the food in my mouth. Finally, I said: “Who isn’t?”

And that was when Rick stopped asking questions. The rest of the dinner was quiet, as Annie tried to stir small talks again. But I already made up my mind that I’d leave Annie a note, and leave first thing in the morning. I told myself that at least I didn’t unpack yet.

After dinner, Aaron asked if I wanted to hang out with him. He showed me around the block, and I met some of his friends. We headed back when it started to get dark; the walk was quiet.

“What happened to your sister?” I decided to ask.

“Alissa?” Aaron did not sound surprised at all; I guess he was thinking about her as well. “She was kidnapped by slavers during a school raid.” He explained with a starkly quiet voice.

“I’m sorry.” I said. I didn’t think school raids occurred in a neighborhood this nice, but I shouldn’t have presumed.

“Yeah. They uh, they found her body later… said she put up a hell of a fight.”

I didn’t know what to say. Like that man said on the train: These are the times…

“It’s funny, isn’t it?” Aaron continued. “How much you two look alike. And now you’re living in her room.”

Yes, it was rather ironic. I was sure it was the new hair, and my new smile.

=====

I stood in the living room again; the family portrait was mesmerizing. I wondered about the girl in the picture that looked like me. I wondered what she was thinking about in the seconds before she…

“Annie is convinced that you’re a God-sent.”

“Huh?” I turned around and found Rick standing behind me, with his arms crossed above his holster.

“She never got over it.” Rick nodded at the portrait. “She tried to keep herself busy all the time – taking care of Aaron, volunteering at the center. But she never got over it.” Rick sighed. “For two years, she never touched Alissa’s room. Then she finally cleaned it. And you came to her with her poster.”

“I didn’t know.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“I know.” Rick gave me a sad little half smile. As he sat back on the couch, he said again: “I know.”

I turned to make sure Annie wasn’t around before I told Rick: “Don’t worry. I’m leaving tomorrow.” I smiled at him. “I’ll leave Annie a nice note.”

“Where are you going?” Rick asked.

I looked down at my feet and shrugged. “I’ll figure out something.” I said.

“Why don’t you stay?” Rick said, surprising me. When he saw that I was speechless, he continued. “I’m a police officer.” Rick rose from the couch; he seemed tall and bold, and he spoke with a certain righteousness that reminded me of someone I know. “But I believe in second chances.”

“Rick, what happened back in—”

“Don’t you want a second chance?” He interrupted me.

I thought hard for a minute, and Rick waited patiently. I guess that was why I left – to look for a second chance.

“Yes.” I answered confidently, to both of us.

“Then, as far as Annie and I are concerned, nothing happened.” Rick smiled a smile that reminded me of Annie.

“But—”

“It’s alright to start with a clean slate, Karly Mendez. You’re a fifteen year old kid.” He shook his head, didn’t want to hear any of it. “But you have to promise us something.” I waited, and he said. “We want you to go to school, and keep out of trouble.”

“OK.” I smiled.

“Annie hinted to me that she wants to adopt you, well, assuming you agree.” Rick laughed heartedly. “But let’s take it slow first.”

Surprised, but glad, I smiled and said: “OK.”

And the righteous and bold, but rather shy, police office jogged up the stairs with a childish grin on his face. I stood in the living room, looking at the smiling family’s portrait, feeling guilty about being glad that I found them. But I couldn’t blame myself for wanting a second chance that I’ve waited so long for. I wondered if I was being selfish, not telling them the whole story. But, I defended myself, Rick wouldn’t let me tell it.

Can I really live as Karly Mendez?