Chapter 1

"Our inner demons are what we call the devil."

"Pray for us, Abril," our family said in unison while dancing in the middle.

I can't help but roll my eyes. Today is my mother's death anniversary but because my mother doesn't like us to be sad. So every March 20 our family holds a party on her behalf. As of the moment, these monkeys are eating, singing, dancing, and laughing as if there is something to be happy about.

And of course, my twin brother Louelle is here too, and he's been the center of attention ever since he came.

I took the last sip from my drink then left the sala. I feel like they don't want me there, because I am the black sheep. Nobody likes a black sheep. I lazily walk around to find something interesting in my parent's old house.

It is actually a creepy house full of antique things, it is not dusty here, but sure you will be disgusted by these old things that might carry mites or even dark history.

I don't like the house, sure. But these kinds of things interest me, I really like things with creepy histories. This house was sold to my parents after their marriage, but someone told my mom that it will be unlucky for her babies to be born and to live here. Here in the Philippines, they have a lot of superstitions, they said twins bring luck which is why my parents were so happy when we were born.

But when they saw that we are twins with different genders another superstition was said. One of us will bring bad luck to the family.

And yes, fortunately, that's me.

My brother, Louelle, is just so beautiful, he is smart and very much lucky. I always envy how he looks like the fruit of my parents, he looks exactly like both of them. He has brown hair, brown eyes, and flawless skin which he both inherited with our parents.

Me? I look odd like what our family always said. I have this pitch-black iris, I am a redhead, and I have this creepy-looking birthmark on my nape which I usually cover with my hair. The doctors said it may be because of what they call recessive genes, but for this Christian family, I just bring bad luck.

What made them think that? On our 8th Birthday, Papa Luigi died, then Mama Abril on our 16th Birthday. All of my pet animals would just die after 2 years which is clearly not a coincidence. I am just unlucky, and that sucks.

I gently touch each and everything I can reach and it is wildly satisfying. I continued roaming until I stumbled upon a big old chest box. Today is my mom's 3rd year death anniversary, and I have never seen this box before.

"That's weird," I whispered. I pull the heavy box towards the chair so I can sit. I easily opened the box because it has no lock. Maybe they are cleaning the house and left this precious box here. Inside there are black candles, several scrolls, and a thick pitch-black book.

Of course, it is the book that gets my attention. I took it and inspected it if there are dents, torn pages, or mites. Fortunately, although the book looks old, it also looks new, feels new, and smells new. It has gold writings on it, Death of God.

"Death of God?! How did this get to here? I am sure if Mama saw you, she's gonna burn you," I said laughing at my own jokes. See, I am not just unlucky, I am also corny and crazy.

"Oh you are here, Louelle has been looking for you, come on, he's going to say something," I am about to open it when Tita Angelie spoke. I immediately hide the book behind me and smile. "Does he really need me there, 'ta?" I asked, she rolled her eyes before answering. "Don't be stupid, hija, he's not gonna ask for you if he doesn't need you," she said before going.

I raised my middle finger out of annoyance. This b*tch's name doesn't really suit her. Before she could even get back and kill me, I just put the book inside my bag covering it with my makeup bag, making sure no one's gonna see it. I lightly tap my bag, "I will read you at home, make sure your story is interesting."

When I reached the sala, everybody is already there, and I saw how some of them roll their eyes upon seeing me. Wow. Did I make them wait? I don't even ask to be here.

I saw my brother smile at me which made me feel better. My brother here may be an asshole for me, but he cares for me big time. He stood up and stand in the center as if he is going to make a big announcement.

He showed us an envelope, a royal blue envelope which is still sealed, meaning this will be the first time he will open it.

"I applied as an exchange student to Australia as Mama wants." He said, looking at Mama's picture. He suddenly becomes sad, like he is about to tear up. Our family becomes silent. "Hmm, our Dean also said that I am a qualified candidate since I've been on the Dean's List for 2 years now, so..." Oh no. I don't want to hear this.

I am not ready to hear whatever it is.

"I am now going to open this letter, so we can all see what is written. Are you guys ready?" he said, our family cheered for him. and as I can see, they are all excited for my brother, Louelle. Don't get me wrong, I am excited for him too, but I don't want him to go.

We always fight but he is all I have. I can't lose him too, not Louelle.

Louelle opened the letter then read it as loud as he can.

"Dear Mr. and Mrs.,

On behalf of Edith Cowan University, I am pleased to congratulate you on our acceptance of Mr. Louelle Evangelista into our program. As you know, Edith Cowan University is the most exclusive program in the area and we have accepted only the finest applicants since our founding in 1991. We were very impressed with Mr. Evangelista's skills and abilities and gladly chose him from our pool of applicants to enroll in our college program..." before he can even read everything the house was filled with lovely words for him.

"We knew you can do it!"

"We always have faith in you, Louelle!"

"You always have been this smart, Lou!"

"Congrats, bro, you deserved it!"

As our family jumps and dances out of happiness my tears start to fall. There, I heard it, he is finally leaving. He is going to leave me, just like mom and dad. I can see the happiness in his eyes.

Finally, he is earning the fruit of his success. When he looked at me I just smile at him. I can't go against my brother, I knew he worked his butt off for this.

I silently left the house, they won't look for me though.

When I told them I want to study archeology, they laughed as if I am joking.  Saying that things like that only suit intelligent people, and I am not one of them.

"Don't fool yourself, hija, you are not as smart as your brother, remember?"

Louelle didn't bother saying anything to them. He did not defend me. Since then, I started distancing myself from them, from him. They are not worth it.

The only persons who know me are Mama and Papa, they may like my brother, but I can say I am their favorite. They are the ones who would tell me that I have a bigger future ahead of me, only if I believe in myself.

I believed them, but that disappeared when they left me. When they left me alone with the family I was not loved.

I am still walking to catch the bus because surely they won't keep me company, when my phone rings, Michelle calling. When I saw her name, I immediately answered.

I am always excited for calls like this.

She rarely calls me, only when her boyfriend Charles and her fight. Their break-up season is one of my favorite times of the month.

"What's up, babe?" I seductively greet her, I heard her chuckle, but it doesn't sound happy. It sounded like she's been crying.

"Hey what seems to be the problem?" I asked, I am worried when she cries, this girl rarely cries.

"Aricka, can you come over?"  When she answered, something inside me fueled up. Those words are like a log, burning in the fire in me.

"I will come to find you," 

Before I can ride the bus, I heard someone say something. But there is no one in my back. I look around hoping that there is someone else, but I failed. I shrugged before hopping on the bus.