Someone I'm Not

2. Unpredictability of next

On the other hand, Soroya is fast approaching her destination. And in just a little push, the train stops, as it announces the goal. She smiles when she hears the exact location where she's going. The kid beside her is already awake as the kid's mother wakes him up. They move out of the train together, followed by her. When she's out of the train, she follows the others until they were already out of the tunnel. Soroya quickly pulls her hooded padded jacket closer to her skin as she hits the cold city. Her eyes glow when she sees the colorful lights scattered around. Tall buildings, giant screens that show ads and promotions, billboards, street lights, cars, busy streets, restaurants filled with many people, and ao much more. Her eyes see so much that made her feel a bit scared and, at the same time, in love with the city. But before her thoughts become entirely lost in the beautiful view, her phone vibrates, implying a message. She takes it out as a smile forms on her lips. She clicks his contact details and connects to a video call. A few rings later, and he picks up, his face popping out of the screen.

"Ray!"

[Nix! The city is lovely!] She turns around for Phoenix to see what she's pertaining. [This city is so wonderful! Gosh, I already fell in love with the colors! It feels so alive!]

'And I'm falling more for you,' Phoenix thought to himself, mesmerized by the smile the woman on the screen is currently wearing.

"Yup, the city certainly feels alive, now that you're here." The words suddenly flow comfortably out of his mouth. Luckily, Soroya is admiring the view around her, not paying attention to what he just said. He sighs in relief, almost got himself there.

[It indeed is. Okay so, I'm a step closer to you, so wait for me there! Be sure to have bought me sprite because I'm thirsty!]

"Of course! Just come here already so we could hang out!"

[I will. See you later! Mwah!] Soroya air kisses the screen, making him froze to what she did. His heart starts thumping the fastest, too irregular for him to contain his feeling. With nothing else much of choice, he quickly presses the red button, sighing after. He sits on the empty bench with his hands crossed in his chest as he waited patiently for her. The bread two cans of sprite sit beside him as he enjoys the silence.

Soroya quickly hails a cab, excited to meet him. It only took her a couple of minutes before she arrives at the amusement park where they should meet. Then again, her eyes fell in love with the colorful place. All she could do is to mumble complimentary words for the satisfactory of her eyes. Before she finally decides to look for Phoenix, she remembers someone she needed to call at the moment.

'Dad.'

She searches for her father's name on her contacts. When she did, she excitedly presses the call button. But it only took her five seconds before the call went straight to voicemail.

"That's odd. Dad always picks up my call." She says to herself, but then, she thought that he is practically busy and his phone is not with him at the moment.

[Hey dad, I just want to say that I honestly miss you. This might not be a new thing to hear cause I always give you a call only to tell you how much I am missing you with my big sis, but I hope you could come home for Christmas? It's only twelve days before Christmas, and we just hope for your presence? Don't worry, dad, we are not asking for anything like material things for gifts if that's what you're worried about. All we could wish for is your presence. Maybe we could cook something together for Christmas Eve? I really miss you, dad. Love you! Take care, okay?]

She ends the call button as the message is recorded wholly, sending it straight to his voicemail. She sighs as she remembers how your life is for them. They're on the brink of poverty, and their father would do anything to sustain their financial needs. Luckily, Soroya and her sister Vianne manage to avail the scholarship. Her sister only has a year more before completing college. And while they study, they also have part-time jobs; her sister would tutor three five-year-old youngsters while she babysits kids and walks their dogs. They made sure to survive every day, as their father would send them money every sixth day of the month.

She is about to call Phoenix already when she noticed a strange guy in a hoodie, lingering suspiciously around. Her brows furrow her brows as she eyes the person skeptically.

'Why does that person look so creepy?'

Just when she's about to take a step forward, her phone vibrates. She stares at her screen, only to see a message from him.

On the other hand, Phoenix messages Soroya.

To: RayRay

Fr: Nix

Hey Ray? If you see an empty bench with a white plastic bag seated on it, go there and take a look at our food, okay? I'll be just going to use the bathroom. If you feel scared, call me.

He couldn't take it any longer. He could feel his bladder about to explode anytime soon if he waits for Soroya's response. Or if he will, he might end up peeing himself. Standing up in a rush, he runs through the public bathroom. When he reaches the bathroom, he moans in relief to see that he Is the only one who will use the bathroom. When he is already done, he is about to go out when he hears someone outside. He wanted to go out and not to eavesdrop anymore, but he got frightened when he clearly understood what the argument is about.

"Please, I don't have any money left—"

"Don't lie to me, you piece of sh*t! I know you still have something in those pockets! Give it to me or else; this face will be the last thing you will ever remember because the next thing you know, there will be a hole in that f*cking forehead of yours!"

"Please... Please don't kill me! My family only relies on me! If, if I give you everything, my pregnant wife won't even last a day—"

"I don't care about your f*cking wife! I also have kids to feed! They also rely on me!"

"Then get a job—"

There's a rattle from the outside, causing him to flinch. He clenches his fist, wanting to get out and defend the victimized man, but at some point, he could envision the man with a gun.

"Please —"

"This is your last call. Either you give me your remaining money or—"

Phoenix is surprised to have hit something. His eyes are wide open, feeling his thumping heart. He freezes there before he could touch any more of the stuff surrounding him. The bathroom has low light, almost staring at the darkness.

Just then, he quivers in fear when the door swings open, revealing a man in a hoodie with a gun in his hand.

"Get out."

Phoenix didn't move. Not because he doesn't want to obey, but because his feet are frozen.

"I said, get out!" The man shouted as the gun didn't leave his eye level. His eyes are too focused on the weapon, not bothering to look at the man's face. He gulps as he raises his hand as a surrender. He slowly walks out of the bathroom as the man in his hoodie takes a step backward, retaining a reasonable distance at each other.

"Sir, I can give you my money. Just please let us both go." He submits to what the man wants. The man pulls his cap lower, only showing his lips. A grin forms on his lips, still aiming at the gun in front of him and the man beside him. He then nodded.

"How much have you got there?"

"Five hundred bucks." He admitted.

"Five hundred bucks? Wow, you're a rich b*tch!" He states. "Show me."

Phoenix obeys as he takes out his money, revealing to him that he had nothing left. The man grabs it, laughing victorious as he claims the money in his hand. His attention then lies on the man beside him.

"You're lucky cause someone is here to save you. He even had more money to give than you!" He paused as he tucks the money in his pocket. The gun still aims at them.

"But yeah, as promised, I will free the two of you... But before that—"

He pulls the trigger in a concise notice, causing them both to close their eyes. Phoenix breathing fastens, still standing there with so much fright. A split second later, he hears a thud, causing him to open his eyes.

'No!' He screams inside him as he doesn't know what to do next.

"I'm sorry, but I didn't say I won't kill him. Now run along, kid, or you'll end up like him." The man declares as he walks away from him like he didn't have any guilt to carry for the action he had just made.

He just killed someone! It may be a stranger to Phoenix, but it is unjust. He clenches his fist as he gritted his teeth, not wanting any of him to run along from his crime.

"No!!!" He screams as he rushes through the man, tackling him into the ground.