My days went by quite peacefully at that. In a sense, there's no task added by the system?
Why?
I don't know myself. But I'm living my life in this parallel world like I belong here.
Sometimes I asked myself, are my parents okay?
Are they unaware that I'm not there with them?
Or perhaps... The Anthony from this world and I have been switched.
But those can wait. Right now, I'm in the middle of a heated argument.
"No! That's not right!" Alicia screamed.
"It is right. You can never touch that one, because you're a ghost." Millien responded calmly.
"No! No! Mama! Millien said I'm a ghost!" She went to our mother and jumped towards her.
But....
Alicia just passes through her. She started panicking, screaming, crying, and in distress.
"Millien! Why do you have to be so blunt about it?" I snarled angrily.
"Because she should know. Delaying it will make her even more caged. Is that what you want?" Millien countered, now meeting my gaze.
Let's rewind it a bit for context.
Earlier, in this peaceful Sunday morning, were I finally am able to rest. After a week of university life.
Millien was woken up by Alicia while he was sleeping. And then brought to the garden, with my sister giggling.
It was fine.
But when Alicia was spinning him around happily, just playing with him...he got mad.
He hated getting spinner around.
So he blurted out...
"Alicia... Stop you nasty soul!"
I tried mimicking the way he did it, but that's the best I can do.
Anyways, Alicia didn't get it and continued. And Millien, somehow gave up for now. I bribed him with the cookie.
Alicia asked for one too. But Millien glared at her. Telling her, all cookies from me were his.
My sister didn't back down and argued back that I'm her brother, and she gets priority cookies.
To make it short.
Their argument ended up badly because of a cookie, to the point Millien told her she's already dead.
That she's a ghost haunting the house, and that I'm only able to see her because I'm gifted.
Well, that's what they believe that it's just a simple third eye opening.
Alright, let's get back to the present.
Alicia was curled up in a corner, sobbing. I walked towards her and crouched. Sitting beside her, behind the sofa.
"Brother....I can't touch mama. Is that why, when you're at school, she's ignoring me?" She managed to asked between sniffles.
"Ahmmm...Yeah. Listen to me Ali. I'm able to see you because, I can see ghosts. Much more. Mama and papa couldn't. Something happened to you, and I promise you, I'm gonna figure it out. And help you. Okay?"
I cupped her pale cold cheeks, and pulled her close for a hug of comfort.
"But I don't remember. I was just sleeping. And I woke up, mama, papa, and you started ignoring me one day." She leaned her little head on my chest.
Her sobbing died down, as she looked at me.
"Listen. Nothing will change. You're still my sister. But you need to cross over. And I'll help you. Mama and Papa would be heartbroken if they'll learn you're trapped in this house."
I tried my best to make her understand. Little by little.
She nodded, whether she understood ot not, I'm not gonna let her turn into a vengeful spirit.
By afternoon, we went to church like always. Still the same patterns from my real world.
Millien didn't come with us, but Alicia, wanted to.
"Brother, I wanna go with you. But I can't go out of the gate. I tried many times but I couldn't."
Hmmm. I was thinking deeply. Maybe because her soul was bound in the house. That's why she couldn't go out within the range of her restrictions.
But that doesn't matter now.
"Alright, you can come with us if you promise to behave. And we're going to church. I don't know how that affects you."
Alicia gleamed, she looked brighter when I said she can come with us.
She even twirled around and giggling. But wouldn't miss getting back at Millien.
I held her hand, and walked towards the gate. Her hand tightened around mine, when we stepped out of it.
Alicia even closed her eyes, bracing herself for that barrier that's stopping her from going outside.
But this time...there isn't.
"Open your eyes Ali. We're out." I said, looking down at her, smiling.
She opened her eyes slowly, and looked around. When she looked behind and saw the gate, she beamed in such happiness of how simple it was.
"I'm out. I'm out!" She exclaimed happily.
"Yes you are. And you should behave, or I'll never take you out again." I said playfully.
"I will. I promise." She even made a swear sign.
I ruffled her hair, and opened the backseat. Our parents were looking at me, hearing me talk to her, but still heartbroken on how they aren't able to see or hear her.
Alicia sat beside me, still giggling.
And seeing her like this, made me clench my fists.
Who on earth killed my sister?
How cruel, how brutal, how inhumane it was.
But the system already hinted at something. Whoever...
No...
Whatever did it to her was strong. That the system even wanted me to hurry up and gain more points.
But for now.
I'll let her be the child she always was. She was even humming on our way to church.
There's something that's bothering me a bit. Will she be able to step inside the church?
We were about to find out. I held her hand, as we walked towards the church's entrance.
I was holding my breath.
One step closer, another one....
Then when my foot stepped inside, my parents beside us....
Alicia made it in too.
The church was fully packed. And the seats were mostly taken.
Mother found a few spots available, and we sat there.
I just made Alicia sat on my lap, to avoid any eyes from us.
And true to her promise.
Alicia behave all the way during the mass. Which made me proud.