LOGINShare
FORTY SIX
Last Updated:
2022-06-08 20:00:04Rosie’s eyes are busy wandering around as soon as our car enters the parking lot. There are around six to seven cars, meaning it’s not crowded inside considering today is weekend. I kill the engine off and Rosie hop out of the car without waiting for me.
I guess all these green trees and blooming flowers got her mesmerized. Rosie even stumbled a little on the grass and gave me a sheepish smile as she turned back and found me witnessing the little incident.
We walked to the wooden booth which provides us the necessity before going inside. An old woman, maybe around her late fifties, gives us a warm welcoming-smile.
“Hi lovebirds. What can I help you with?”
I smiled, “can I have the menu please?”
“Sure.” She bowed a little and then come back with a book menu. “I’ll give you some privacy to choose.”
Both Rosie and I nodded and thank her before going to the side to scan at the menu. After some time, I looked over Rosie who is knitting her
Related chapters
BR(ok)EN FORTY SEVEN
“Bonnie said he will crash at his friend’s house because according to the forecast, it says the rain won’t stop, at least, until tomorrow morning.”I nodded as I closed the golden curtain. It was Friday night and we just got back from Rosie’s working place. We were planning to have some ice cream at the newly opened café near her house. But the weather doesn’t seem to corporate. It was raining quite heavily. We even have a hard time going back to Rosie’s house.The ding sound from my phone caught our attention. Rosie picked it up from the coffee table and knitted my brow looking at it.“Since when did you have Bonnie’s number?”I shrugged, “not sure. What I remember is his first message was threatening me not to lay any fingers on you.”From: Bonnie‘No funny business while I’m not around!’I p
Last Updated : 2022-06-26BR(ok)EN FORTY EIGHT
I’m sitting at Rosie’s bed while she is trying to find me some clothes to wear for the night.“This is my biggest hoodie. If this doesn’t fit you, then I guess you should sleep with that suit of yours.” She handed me a navy hoodie. That looks pretty big for her, but it might turn into a crop top for me.“I’ll just go get some spare clothes at my car.”“You have spare clothes?”I nodded proudly, I know I’m a brilliant for keeping some clothes at my car. I often need it when I crash at Bryan’s house or having an impromptu work out of town.“Why do you need spare clothes?”“For emergency like this?”Rosie folded both arms then raised an eyebrow. She doesn’t say anything, but I feel like she is judging me internally.“Woah, hold on. Why are you glaring at me?”“You better explain what you mean for ‘em
Last Updated : 2022-06-30BR(ok)EN FORTY NINE
“Remember about the random bouquets I told you?”“The one from anonymous sender?”“Yeah,”Ayle nodded, “the fucking shop owner wouldn’t tell me who the sender is.”Ayle’s words piqued my interest thus making me turn my head looking at the screen. I’m still at Rosie’s house doing some work since the rain is still pouring, meanwhile Ayle is staying at dad’s house because she feels lonely in her apartment.“You’ve found the flower shop?”“My office guard said the deliveryman often delivers the flowers at ungodly hour. So, I sacrificed my sleep just to get up early and follow the deliveryman.”I set aside Rosie’s laptop to pay full attention to my sister. “You have offered the owner some money, right?”“Yeah, I can’t even believe myself offering her half of my sala
Last Updated : 2022-07-03BR(ok)EN FIFTY
‘Hello, you’ve reached Rosie here! I can’t answer the phone right now but I’ll call you back as soon as possible. Thank you.’ I sighed as I was answered by the voice mail for the nth times. I haven’t heard anything from Rosie today. She said she would attend an interview for a newly opened book store in the morning. I was eager to hear from her how it goes, but she didn’t reply any of my texts nor calls. Guess I’ll just visit her at work later. “What’s with the long face?” I looked up, only to find Bryan placing several documents then proceed to sit above my table. Ever since I got promoted, I got my own room which just a floor above Bryan. He often comes here for coffee or just chilling. “Got into a fight with your girlfriend?” He didn’t even bother to hide his teasing smile. He must have heard it from Ayle. News do travel faster than light. “Nope,” I loosen my tie and lay my back on the leather chair. I glanc
Last Updated : 2022-07-14BR(ok)EN FIFTY ONE
“Thank you for the food.”Soon as I replied her, Milly began to eat her food. She had her head hanging low, not even trying to make an eye contact as we speak. I turned to Rosie whose eyes are staring blankly at the food, not even bother to touch it.“Rosie?” I called softly, bringing her back from her own world.She blinked twice before finally looking at me. I motion her to eat by nudging my head over her untouched food. She got the message as she sighed and started to scoop a little bit of the chicken soup.We are currently at the hospital canteen to have some dinner. There are less than ten people here, including the canteen lady. It’s understandable since it’s almost midnight now. I watched these two sisters eat in silence. Well, it’s only Milly who actually eats. Rosie was just playing with her food.“He hit her, didn’t he?”Rosie’s eyes are fixed on her sister. On the o
Last Updated : 2022-07-19BR(ok)EN FIFTY TWO
“Ayle?”My sister turned towards me and gasped.“What are you doing here?” We asked in unison.I fasten my pace towards my sister who just pressed the lift button to the ground floor. She looks surprised then whispered something to the man beside her, which I assume is her assistant. The man nodded and step aside, giving us space to talk.“What are you doing here?”“Hi to you too, Alex.” She rolled her eyes before proceeding to hug me. I was the first one to let go of the hug, because I was curious to what she was up to.“I’m here just for monthly check up.”“But you never do monthly check up?” I quirked my eyebrow.“I’ve been a bit stress lately, you know, work stuff.” She shrugged. “What about you?”“I just accompanied Rosie here. Her mom got hospitalized.”“Oh I see,” she
Last Updated : 2022-08-04BR(ok)EN FIFTY THREE
“Alex, I swear! Stop looking through the albums and help me here for Pete’s sake!”I almost throw the photo album when Rosie yelled. I turned around and found a fuming Rosie while holding a big box which looks heavy.“Chill down Rosie. You are slowly giving me a heart attack.”I walked towards Rosie and take the box from her, making sure to give her a sweet smile before bringing the box to my car. We are currently in Rosie’s house, sorting things out from the shed so the room could be used for Rosie’s mom and her sister. We’ll put the unused things at my house, since I have a spare room.“I guess my car can only fit one more box. I will bring the rest tomorrow, okay?” I announced as I get back to the shed.“Nothing much left. I will continue it later. Let’s take a rest.” Rosie handed me a bottle of cold water, which I gladly accept. We both decided to sit on the cold floor after hours of packing.I reached for the photo album I left on the floor earlier. I look at Rosie, waiting for h
Last Updated : 2022-08-05BR(ok)EN FIFTY FOUR
“Good evening, Ma’am. I brought you some fruits.” I greeted as I entered the room. I just got off work and decided to pay Rosie’s mom some visit before going to bed shopping.“You don’t have to, young man. I don’t want to trouble you even more.”Rosie’s mom quickly tries to sit, but I stopped her from doing so. “No, please don’t say that. Oh, and you can call me Alex. I’m…” I stopped mid-sentence, not sure if Rosie has introduced me as her boyfriend. Wait, has she even introduced me to her family?“Rosie’s boyfriend?”I looked up to find her mom smiling softly at me. I scratch my nape and let out a sheepish smile, “yeah.”“Thank you for taking care of my daughter.”I smiled, not really knowing what to say. I glanced over Milly who is looking at me, like she wants to say something.“Hi Milly, have you eaten?”“Yes, I just finished my porridge just now.” She answered while pointing at an empty bowl on the table.“Oh I see. Here, I bought you an ice cream.”Hearing the word ‘ice cream’,
Last Updated : 2022-08-06
Latest chapter
BR(ok)EN THE FINAL, SPECIAL CHAPTER
I looked down on Earth, seeing Elena and her partner, Avory, just exchanged vows in front of the Altar. When the pastor announced for the couple to kiss, the cheers erupted. The kiss sealed the vows. Finally, one of my daughter has found the love of her life, who would take care of her. This might sounds rude, but I can’t wait to meet Avory and thank him for taking care of my daughter. I glanced over Rosie to find her smiling. If we were still a human, I know she would cry a river seeing her first-born daughter get married. I give her a side hug and some soft pats, which resulting in her resting her head on my shoulder. Her eyes are never leaving the Earth’s view. I turned my attention back to the wedding party down there. Allen is laughing along with her aunt, Milly. Both of them are drunk enough, because if not, they won’t be screaming their lungs out to sing the ballad song from some singers I don’t recognize. They made it sound like a rock song. Allen even showed some dance moves
BR(ok)EN SPECIAL CHAPTER
“Rosie, tone it down. You wouldn’t want the kids to hear, right?” I warned her quietly.“I-it hurts! Slowly, Alex!” She whispered-yelled.It doesn’t take long until we heard rushed knocks on our bedroom door.“Mommy? Daddy? What are you doing?” That’s my sweet little angel.I am doomed.“Mommy, you promised me no more babies!” And that’s the demon.I looked at Rosie, who is now blushing hard. I’m not sure whether to laugh or scared, hearing my child angry shouts. She feels more like a mom than a daughter to me.That’s Elena, our first-born girl. The nine years old girl who clearly stated that she doesn’t want another younger sibling. She has had enough waking up in the middle of the night, because apparently, our youngest daughter, Allen, used to cry when the clock hits twelve in the middle of the night.Now that Allen is five, she has turned into the sweetest little angel I could ever wished for. Don’t blame me though. Allen is the only one who would stick by my side. Elena would alw
BR(ok)EN EPILOGUE
“The late Mrs. Beth Anderson has founded to be guilty for the death of her own daughter, Ms. Ayle Angelo. While Mark, the one who is suspected to join Mrs. Anderson in terrorizing her own daughter, is on the wanted men list.”“Despite all of the dark past, Angelo Corps has finally come back stronger and is ready to show their new face. Meet Alex Angelo, the new CEO of Angelo Corps.”Life is crazy. And scary. And full of surprises.When life goes well, we can’t never be too happy. There is a belief that life might go down bad when it has been good for some time.You can’t complain when you feel like life is unfair. Because sadly, that’s what everyone thinks too. So, it is basically a fair life.I remember reading an old article from my ex-coworkers.REFLECTION CORNER: Life Is Going Too Well?Have you ever feel anxious when life is treating you way too well? Or when things go smoothly as planned, does it terrifies you? Even after all the sweats and tears you’ve sacrificed, why do happi
BR(ok)EN SIXTY ONE
Nine months after the incident.I’m living my new life. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, but I don’t hate it either. The public starts to know me. Sure, I have had their attention starting six months ago. But now, they know me as the new CEO of Angelo Corps.These past six months, I tried to bury myself with work. Not only because dad is retiring soon, I also need some distraction to forget about Ayle and mom’s death. Sure, I have been attending some therapy recommended by Rosie. We are scheduled to meet Agatha once a month. It surely helps, but when I’m alone doing nothing, my mind will slowly drift to them.Rosie often scolds me for being a workaholic. It wasn’t a new scene for my employees seeing Rosie ‘literally’ drags me out of the office so I would stop working. But I’m not complaining.Rosie has stopped being a bartender. She quits few months ago. Together with her mom Milly, and Bonnie, they opened a café. Her mom said she would like to work because she is bored and has nothing to
BR(ok)EN SIXTY
“With all these evidence, we strongly conclude that Beth is the one who caused Ayle depressed and took her own life.”I have to keep my life low since the news broke out. Today is the sixth day I’m staying in my new apartment. Dad bought me an apartment, suggesting me to start a new life. I’m still trying to take everything slowly. From accepting the fact that Ayle and mom have gone, to the fact that I will be the one to handle dad’s company (which I’m not excited to look forward to), and starting a new life.What people said are true. You never value something or someone, until they are gone. Sometimes I would cry myself to sleep, missing my little sister and mom. Even worse, sometimes I found myself daydreaming about what I should have done back then, so all of this won’t happen.That’s when Rosie brings me back to life. Just like now. I was just intending to look at the dark skies and enjoying the strong wind on the balcony, but my thoughts are scattered everywhere.“Baby, you are
BR(ok)EN FIFTY NINE
My fingers slowly flip over the report, moving forward to the next pages.~Ms. Ayle Angelo – Mrs. Beth AndersonReferences: Secret code numbers9870 – It’s been a while, Love6124 – You are so annoying0383 – You are the reason why I have this freaking depression of mine!2789 – I’m tired of life7492 – I wish I could have a better life6339 – Is it still worth it to live?4202 – Let’s end this9488 – I wish I could sleep a little longer and never wake up~“We can confirm that Ms. Ayle Angelo takes her own life because of depression. Those are some codes from the mysterious bouquets our team has solved. There are still several codes in progress to be solved.” Mr. Brown, the head department of Ayle and mom’s death investigation, said.The big guy walked over his laptop and pressed on some button, causing the projector to show the next slide. There are cctv pictures showing someone entering a florist. It was a guy. It has the date written on the lower part of every pictures.“Who is t
BR(ok)EN FIFTY EIGHT
I’m awake.But I don’t want to interact with anyone.I choose to keep my eyes close, with ears wide open listening to all the murmurs.This place smells like shit. And drugs. Also, omnipresent smell of antiseptic. It doesn’t require an Einstein to know I’m at a hospital.“He suffered from severe dehydration. But you don’t have to worry. We have given him some medical treatment and he should be waking up anytime soon.”That’s the one who treat me.“Thank you, Doctor.”That’s my dad.Several footsteps are walking further and I could hear the faint sound of door closing.“You should get some proper rest, Rosie. You have been watching over him since last night.”“I’m okay, Uncle. Besides, the doctor said Alex will wake up soon. I want to be here when he wakes up.”That’s the sweet voice coming from my girlfriend.Dad sighed, knowing he can’t do anything. “I will get some food for you, okay? You can text me if you need anything in the meantime.”Rosie hummed in response. She also said than
BR(ok)EN FIFTY SEVEN
The next day after the burial of Ayle and mom.‘Ms. Angelo sent me a farewell text. I called the emergency responders right away while rushing to her apartment. But the moment we arrived, she has been founded unconscious on the floor. She was declared dead.’‘Mrs. Beth Anderson is the best work mate I have ever had. She never showed any signs of depression, problems, or stress. That’s why we never had a clue on what’s going on in her life. We are really sorry for the lost.’‘Based on our investigation, we found bunch of flower bouquets on Ms. Angelo’s apartment. It has some notes written on it. Turns out, it was some secret code numbers. Like 6124 means ‘you are so annoying’. 0383 means ‘you are the reason I have this depression of mine’. 4202 means ‘let’s end this’ which we assumed is the last bouquets she received before taking her own life.On top of that, we found a hand-written note on her working table which only contain four numbers on it.9488.Meaning ‘I wish I could sleep a
BR(ok)EN FIFTY SIX
Everyone is busy with their own tasks. There are several nurses walk in and out from that room where Ayle and mom are being kept. Also a few policemen keep running here and there. Dad and his wife, also some other people I might or might not know, tried to talk to me. But everything felt like some muffled mess voices.Everything happened too fast. One second I was at home, then in a blink of an eye, I’m here. At the morgue. Waiting for my turn to see my sister and mom for the last time. Honestly, I feel numb. No more tears coming out from my eyes. I’m exhausted. And confused. And… numb.What exactly has happened? Is it even possible to loss two family members at the same night? Or maybe, at the same time?Why? I know life has gone wrong at some points, but do they really need to do it? What has gone really worst to the point they committed suicide? Is it easier to leave this world behind, than to strive together?The worst part is, why didn’t I notice it before? They might have given
