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FOURTEEN
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2021-12-21 20:00:01We are currently waiting for our orders. I look at Rosie who is bobbing her head to the lyrics of Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa being played in the café. Her taste of song is just different from mine. Judging from her previous playlist in the car, Rosie is more into pop songs. I prefer jazz to pop songs, such as Fly Me to the Moon. That’s considered as jazz, right?
“Have you ever been here before?”
I blinked twice as Rosie turned to me in a sudden. She rolled her eyes playfully, but didn’t say anything as she caught me staring.
“Nope. I did some research this morning and this café pops out the most.”
Rosie nodded and her eyes go back wandering around. So, do I. I spent the last three hours of work racking my brain for this date. I can’t just simply take Rosie to common places I’ve always been to. It just felt inappropriate. After hours of googling, I decided to try this café. The rev
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BR(ok)EN FIFTEEN
“Be careful, it’s slippery.”Our guide has been saying the same line for the last ten minutes. We have to walk for another five minutes to reach the top. The road is a bit slippery because it rained this afternoon. But Rosie and I have come this far. We wouldn’t want to miss the chance for stargazing. And I’m not complaining because I got to hold Rosie’s hand for the walk. She even teased me by saying she could hear my heartbeat. If only she knew, the butterflies inside my belly is wilding.“It’s pretty packed for weekday.” Rosie whispered as we almost reached the top.“I don’t think we can stargaze clearly since it’s still cloudy.”I let out my hand for Rosie to take, which gladly she did without any further tease. I pulled her up and we are now on the top of the hill. There are around ten or so couples here.“You guys can find any spots to sit, but make sure not t
Last Updated : 2021-12-23BR(ok)EN SIXTEEN
“Good morning everyone, my name is John Pierce, and I’ll be working on the editorial assistant division. I’m looking forward to working with everyone here in the future. Thank you.”I almost believe nothing could change my mood for today, until I saw that motherfucker inside our meeting room. It takes everything in me not to burst and kill him right away. This bastard even dare to make an eye contact with me during throughout the meeting. I gritted my teeth, so hard that caused my jaw ached.“Alright, Mr. Pierce, I hope we can work together in the future.” Maggy said, in her fake excitement tone we’ve got used to. “Oh, and Ms. Hutton?” Maggy called out, making Olive stopped packing her things up.“Since both of you are in the same division, can you tour Mr. Pierce around after this meeting?” The head editor continues which is followed by a nodded from Olive.“Alright, that’s it
Last Updated : 2021-12-25BR(ok)EN SEVENTEEN
“But I want to be an accountant, mom?”“No, you should take journalism, Alex. My boss has promised to give you a position in our company after you graduated.”“But mom-”“Alex, listen.” That’s where I know she wouldn’t let me win in this argument. “I have been working hard for you and Ayle to have a good life. The only thing you have to do for repaying me IS by taking the journalism degree and work on my boss’ company after you graduate.”I let her go on and on about why I should take journalism. After around ten minutes or so, she hung up, telling me she has loads of job to do. We ended the call and I throw my phone to the bed.My final exams are coming in a few weeks, but I can’t focus. I turned off my laptop because I am not in the mood to study. Mom ruined it all. I have been convincing her that I want to take an
Last Updated : 2021-12-28BR(ok)EN EIGHTEEN
“How is the new guy?”“He is on complete bed rest.”“I wonder who beat him. He seems like a good guy.”“Maybe some punks. You know how they can randomly beat people around there.”THUMP!I purposely slam the thick-ass documents to my table. It got Bryan and my other coworker startled. Both of them have been talking about John since this morning.“Don’t mind him. He has been grumpy since he arrived.”I mentally scoffed at Bryan’s remark. Both of them continue conversing, but now in a lower tone. I grabbed my headphone and connects it to my phone. I clicked on the music application and play random song. I have to submit this edit before lunch, and I’m not even half way done. I can already picture Maggy nagging all over me.With one last sigh, I turn my focus to the laptop’s screen in front of me. There is just
Last Updated : 2021-12-31BR(ok)EN NINETEEN
“I saw you at the stargazing café last week.”I nodded and take a sip of the orange juice Olivia bought for me. “I think I saw you wherever I go.”Olivia took a bite of the dumpling, “you didn’t think I follow you, right?”I just laughed it off. I continue slurping on the spicy noodles I ordered. It’s been awhile since I ate at the cafeteria. Their menus have improved a lot and I think I’ll be eating here often. Moreover, I didn’t see any tasteless chicken soup on the counter. That’s what matters.“Your girlfriend is pretty. She isn’t from this company, is she?”“We aren’t dating,” I sighed, “she is a hard catch.”“Oh, so you are still courting her?”I hummed in agreement. We haven’t talked for days. I was thinking about visiting Rosie after work, but I’m not sure if she wants to see me. But,
Last Updated : 2022-01-01BR(ok)EN TWENTY
From: Ayle ‘I’m going to have a sleepover at friend’s house.’ “The number you are calling is busy. Please try again later.” I sighed and put down my phone. This kid acts like she has no house. She has been sleeping over her friend’s house quite often lately. I pray to all Gods she won’t be doing anything stupid. She’ll be dead if mom finds out. No pun intended. I checked my phone once again to see if there’s a text from Ayle nor Rosie. But none. Instead, I got a text from Olivia, which I’ll probably read later. That intern girl insists on getting my number because she said we have matching vibes. Don’t ask me where does it come from. “Here’s your coffee, Sir. Enjoy and have a good day.” “Thank you, you too.” After the waitress left, I blew on the hot cappuccino before taking a sip of it. I held back my moan as the creamy and bittersweet drink touches my tongue. It’s been awhile si
Last Updated : 2022-01-04BR(ok)EN TWENTY ONE
“ANSWER ME YOU SLUT! Since when?!”“Sorry mom! I’m sorry!”“Fucking slut! When will you stop being useless?!”As I pushed the main door open, I saw mom throw her handbag across the room and stomps angrily towards my sister. On the other hand, Ayle tries to prop herself up on her elbow, but collapsed in an instant.“Mom, stop!”Mom ignores me and continue grabbing my sister’s hair, forcing her to look at mom. “Tell me, since when you started seeing him again?”“I- not-”“Speak properly!”With that, mom forcefully bangs Ayle’s head, causing it to bump on the wall. She then proceeds to grab Ayle by her throat, once again, keeping her eyes at mom. I run towards them and try to separate Ayle from mom.“Mom, stop it! You might kill her!”Mom shot me a furious look after loosen her hand around Ayle’s ne
Last Updated : 2022-01-06BR(ok)EN NOT AN UPDATE, SORRY!
Hi guys!! I'm sorry for being inactive these past 2 weeks :( I have so much on my plate right now. Work has been hectic, and it will continue until the end of April. But I'll try to update as often as I could :D Aaaand, if it's not too much to ask, could you guys leave some comments for this story? At the 'what do you think' section on the bottom of front page. It would be great to have feedbacks, and also some critics if the story is getting boring or something. Thank you and much love! Cheerio! See u on the next update!!
Last Updated : 2022-01-20
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
