Texas Christian University is divided into two parts by University Dr., the residential side and the academic side. On one side, intellectual discussions are taking place. On the other students are worried about what will happen next on this campus while trying to focus on their papers. It should be a relatively safe environment; however, darkness lurks around the residence halls at night. Students are all locked in their rooms and all are quiet when night comes around. Yet during this week of midterms, a female student decides to go buy some coffee at the corner store around 1 in the morning due to a late night of studying.
“I’m almost back in my apartment…Almost there.” keeps telling herself
“Oh my goodness that girl looks drunk!” she says as she approaches another student.
“Excuse me, are you ok? Let me call Froggy for you!”
“I’m fine. You go on.”
“You look like you need some help. Let me help you.”
“No!” (the girls falls and busts her knee)
“You are bleeding pretty bad. I’m calling the campus police!”
“No…please don’t call them.”
“You are going to lose too much blood.” (dials the number) “Hi, this is Margot. I am currently standing in front of King Hall. A student is hurt and needs immediate help. Please send someone over --What on earth were you thinking walking alone at night and drunk? Something could’ve happened! Your leggings are all ripped and your costume is a mess. What happened?!”
“My knee….my knee. Why did his happen?!”
The police officer arrives. He comes over immediately to take a look at the wounded area.
“Miss, what is your name? Where do you live?”
“My name is C-a-r….C-a-r…”
“Miss, I know you’re in pain but I need you to spell out your name for me.”
“C-a….This hurts, I want to go home!”
“The cut is too deep. I am calling an ambulance for you. Where do you live?”
“Colby?” she said
The officer turns to Margot.
“Do you know this young lady?”
“No. I just met her.”
“Thank-you for stopping but you should be careful because it’s dark. She will be taken care of when the ambulance arrives. You can stay if you want, or head back to your place. Where do you live?”
“I will head back. I live in 343 of Maybee in Tom Brown. I know she’s in good hands so goodnight.”
Margot starts walking under the well lighted areas of King Hall. In between one set of pillars, a shadier area, a tall white figure stood. He’s a white male about 5 ft 9 wearing a black coat. He holds a notepad and a pen. He backs up as Margot comes closer. Only half his face is visible with the light where the other half is hidden in the dark.
“What is that guy doing? He looks so creepy. Should I run back to the officer? He’s been staring at that injured girl for a while now. Has he been following her? Will I make it back to the officer? He seems too focus on the girl right now, maybe I should run back to my apartment and make another phone call to TCU police. Oh God, what a night please let me make it back safely.” she said to herself
She hurries back to her apartment considering every possible scenario.
“Hi, this is Margot. I reported an injured lady in a police costume earlier. There is a guy that is wearing a black jacket that is standing between the pillars of King Hall closest to the auditorium. He’s freaky, he’s probably been staring at her the whole time and he also has notepad and a pen. I don’t know what happened but her leggings are ripped and her clothes are a mess.”
“We will take care of that right away…” (hangs up the phone)
Margot’s dormitory phone rings about half an hour later
“Hi, Margot. We apologize for this call at this time of hour, but we need to send some officers over to your place immediately for some questioning. There will be a university excused for you to miss your classes tomorrow and TCU will take full responsibility.”
“Excuse me officer but I am confused. Please explain to me what exactly is going on.”
“The individual that you identified holding the notepad was someone on the skiff, so no worries there. The problem is the officer you saw with the girl was not one of ours. Our officer that was sent was a female officer who apparently also got another report about a female student injured on the academic side of campus.”
“I am so lost. The officer was not an officer? What are you talking about?”
“He was a fraud. We have no clue where the young lady is and we need to take a police report from you.”
“I will comply.” (hangs up the phone and starts talking to herself)
“How stupid can I be? I trusted that someone in an officer’s outfit was a police. How did I not ask him for some type of identification? The girl herself was wearing a police outfit. It’s Halloween. Where is she? Who took her? I recognize that face! He was all over the library walls. I can never forgive myself for this.”
There are knocks on the door.
“TCU Police!”
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Footprints
As the years pass, I see myself resembling her in everyway. I loathed the idea of it, but I couldn’t help following her footprints. I was scared of following those footprints, but then again I was the outcome of those footprints. I still don’t know if it was a good or bad thing that I came into this world, a world where hatred prevails. I had learned that to survive in this world, I must be whoever society wants me to be; it all depends on where I am at or who I am with.
At this age of 25, there isn’t much to think about. I mean there’s life, there are people, and there’s me. I work at a local McDonald’s; it’s what happens when you don’t go to college nowadays I guess. I took an online quiz the other day, my results: “You will die the year you turn 50 due to high cholesterol.” I giggled at the thought of it. I figured if the quiz was true, that means I only got 25 years left to go. I mean, what is there to life anyway? We’re born, we live for a few horrible years, and finally we’re buried six feet under.
***
It is a cloudy day of mid August. The streets are full of cars honking and angry drivers. Mothers are picking up their little ones from the Dewey Elementary School across the street. I used to be the little girl, being picked up by her mother. As I leave my apartment, I feel my feet pulling themselves back. The left side of my brain is telling me “No, not today.” The problem was, it was arguing with my right side which ultimately won for the first time in fifteen years.
I am pasting by Mrs. Leon’s home. She is an eighty year old woman who lives all alone. She grows a small garden with beautiful flowers that die every Fall. I don’t understand why anyone would grow beautiful flowers and then let them die slowly on their own grave. It’s just torture to see the flowers losing its vibrant pedals.
The streets are getting busier and people keep rushing by me. What’s the hurry? I guess time just doesn’t wait for anyone. A young girl walks up to me “Ms. would you buy a chocolate from me?”
***
She used to make me do so make me do so many things at home. I washed the dishes; I cleaned the floor, and often cooked dinner. All these were expertise at the age of seven. I wanted to be like any other child. I wanted to laugh, to play with dolls and go to sleepovers. Yet none of these I did. She kept me home. Her excuse would be “When you grow up you will understand. I can’t be there for you forever.”
I feel asleep in class today because I stayed up late doing laundry. It’s funny because she makes me do so much work but she watches me complete them. I wonder why she doesn’t just leave me be and go to sleep. It’s almost as if she feels bad for making me do so many things. Who was I kidding?
***
I gave the little girl two dollars and told her to treat herself with some chocolate. It was the only two dollars I got. However, I got no more use for it. I am now walking to that place where memories may not follow.
The clouds were starting to pull in. The skies turned a dark gray color. I feel the tiny droplets of rain reaching into my skin. It almost burns. I keep walking towards the place. The streets are calming down. No more cars or people are present. I stand here all alone. I close my eyes…
“Mom wait for me!” I screamed.
“Roxy, don’t give me that face! I need you to walk back to the store and pick up some oranges. I’ll meet you at home. Be careful. Be a brave young girl. Wipe those tears!”
She let my hands go and walked off on her own. My heart felt as if hundreds of tiny needles were prickling at it. I walked home alone that night. It was scary and dark. I saw some high school guys getting into a fight at one corner. I heard sirens and saw police officers at another.
I was ten.
***
I am here. The bench sat along the lake just like it did fifteen years ago. It was the last time I understood the definition of family and happiness…
My mother laid a checkered blanket on the floor and arranged some beautiful tulips in the center. My father then brought plenty of food in this huge basket. It was my first time seeing both of them enjoying each other’s company. My father used to get angry often and took it off on my mother. Yet, seeing them together like this warms my heart.
My mother did not make me do anything today, no dishes, no cooking, nothing.
“Mom, dad, let’s eat!” I said.
All three of us dug in the food. We finished off with a mouth watering watermelon. That was the best day of my life. Even though neither of my parents remembered it, it was also the best birthday that I ever had, at least for the moment that it lasted.
“I’m going for a walk. I love you Roxy!” said my mother as she left. I don’t remember the last time she kissed me and said those three words. My heart was full of happiness.
Hours went by and then the sun was about to set.
“Dad where is mom?” I asked.
“That fallen woman must have left us here and went home. I am not going to let her get off this easily.” he replied in an angry tone.
I was terrified. I clung onto my father as we headed around the lake towards the parking lot. I saw something floating on the water and screamed. He said it was probably a log but walked closer to the lake to take a look. Seconds later, I saw an emotionless face.
“Dad?”
“Here’s the phone. Call the cops and tell them there’s a body in the lake.” he said
I dialed the three numbers that mother always taught me to use when there’s an emergency. My heart was beating so fast, I can hardly breathe.
“It can’t be…It can’t be.” I kept repeating these words in my ears.
Three officers arrived at the lake and asked my father plenty of questions. They pulled the body from the water. I was afraid to go near the body. The officer pulled out this plastic bag from the hands of the body, there was a note inside. I never got to know what the note said, but the officers came and asked my father if he can “identify the body.”
My father approached with caution, then said in a shaky voice “t-h-hat’s my wife.”
With those words, my world ended.
I was ten.
***
She tried to prepare me for the world at such a young age because she knew that she was going to leave me. Although I was put into an orphanage, I was a self-sufficient ten year old girl. Yet, as the days go by it doesn’t seem to get any better. Every morning when I look in the mirror I saw her. After fifteen years, finally I will be able to let it all go.
I walk towards the lake. The water starts reaching my knee…
“You’re worthless woman. You can’t survive without me!” Those were the words of my first love when I was eighteen. Those were also the first words he told me after I was released from the hospital of a miscarriage that he caused.
The water is now up to my waste. Its coldness reaches into my bones…
“Roxy, why don’t you ever learn? Guys don’t love people like us. Just show some skin and you’ll make some money off of them. Money is all that matters.” Those were the words of my best friend who grew up with me at the orphanage.
The water reaches my neck. It’s rapidly reaching into my heart. Darkness surrounds me...
I see my mother walking me down the isle.
“You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.” she said
I am approaching my to-be husband, but his face is blurry. I can’t see him. People are all smiling around me. I can’t breathe. My mother kisses me on my cheek.
“Hang in there. It will be over. Be a brave young girl.”
At this age of 25, there isn’t much to think about. I mean there’s life, there are people, and there’s me. I work at a local McDonald’s; it’s what happens when you don’t go to college nowadays I guess. I took an online quiz the other day, my results: “You will die the year you turn 50 due to high cholesterol.” I giggled at the thought of it. I figured if the quiz was true, that means I only got 25 years left to go. I mean, what is there to life anyway? We’re born, we live for a few horrible years, and finally we’re buried six feet under.
***
It is a cloudy day of mid August. The streets are full of cars honking and angry drivers. Mothers are picking up their little ones from the Dewey Elementary School across the street. I used to be the little girl, being picked up by her mother. As I leave my apartment, I feel my feet pulling themselves back. The left side of my brain is telling me “No, not today.” The problem was, it was arguing with my right side which ultimately won for the first time in fifteen years.
I am pasting by Mrs. Leon’s home. She is an eighty year old woman who lives all alone. She grows a small garden with beautiful flowers that die every Fall. I don’t understand why anyone would grow beautiful flowers and then let them die slowly on their own grave. It’s just torture to see the flowers losing its vibrant pedals.
The streets are getting busier and people keep rushing by me. What’s the hurry? I guess time just doesn’t wait for anyone. A young girl walks up to me “Ms. would you buy a chocolate from me?”
***
She used to make me do so make me do so many things at home. I washed the dishes; I cleaned the floor, and often cooked dinner. All these were expertise at the age of seven. I wanted to be like any other child. I wanted to laugh, to play with dolls and go to sleepovers. Yet none of these I did. She kept me home. Her excuse would be “When you grow up you will understand. I can’t be there for you forever.”
I feel asleep in class today because I stayed up late doing laundry. It’s funny because she makes me do so much work but she watches me complete them. I wonder why she doesn’t just leave me be and go to sleep. It’s almost as if she feels bad for making me do so many things. Who was I kidding?
***
I gave the little girl two dollars and told her to treat herself with some chocolate. It was the only two dollars I got. However, I got no more use for it. I am now walking to that place where memories may not follow.
The clouds were starting to pull in. The skies turned a dark gray color. I feel the tiny droplets of rain reaching into my skin. It almost burns. I keep walking towards the place. The streets are calming down. No more cars or people are present. I stand here all alone. I close my eyes…
“Mom wait for me!” I screamed.
“Roxy, don’t give me that face! I need you to walk back to the store and pick up some oranges. I’ll meet you at home. Be careful. Be a brave young girl. Wipe those tears!”
She let my hands go and walked off on her own. My heart felt as if hundreds of tiny needles were prickling at it. I walked home alone that night. It was scary and dark. I saw some high school guys getting into a fight at one corner. I heard sirens and saw police officers at another.
I was ten.
***
I am here. The bench sat along the lake just like it did fifteen years ago. It was the last time I understood the definition of family and happiness…
My mother laid a checkered blanket on the floor and arranged some beautiful tulips in the center. My father then brought plenty of food in this huge basket. It was my first time seeing both of them enjoying each other’s company. My father used to get angry often and took it off on my mother. Yet, seeing them together like this warms my heart.
My mother did not make me do anything today, no dishes, no cooking, nothing.
“Mom, dad, let’s eat!” I said.
All three of us dug in the food. We finished off with a mouth watering watermelon. That was the best day of my life. Even though neither of my parents remembered it, it was also the best birthday that I ever had, at least for the moment that it lasted.
“I’m going for a walk. I love you Roxy!” said my mother as she left. I don’t remember the last time she kissed me and said those three words. My heart was full of happiness.
Hours went by and then the sun was about to set.
“Dad where is mom?” I asked.
“That fallen woman must have left us here and went home. I am not going to let her get off this easily.” he replied in an angry tone.
I was terrified. I clung onto my father as we headed around the lake towards the parking lot. I saw something floating on the water and screamed. He said it was probably a log but walked closer to the lake to take a look. Seconds later, I saw an emotionless face.
“Dad?”
“Here’s the phone. Call the cops and tell them there’s a body in the lake.” he said
I dialed the three numbers that mother always taught me to use when there’s an emergency. My heart was beating so fast, I can hardly breathe.
“It can’t be…It can’t be.” I kept repeating these words in my ears.
Three officers arrived at the lake and asked my father plenty of questions. They pulled the body from the water. I was afraid to go near the body. The officer pulled out this plastic bag from the hands of the body, there was a note inside. I never got to know what the note said, but the officers came and asked my father if he can “identify the body.”
My father approached with caution, then said in a shaky voice “t-h-hat’s my wife.”
With those words, my world ended.
I was ten.
***
She tried to prepare me for the world at such a young age because she knew that she was going to leave me. Although I was put into an orphanage, I was a self-sufficient ten year old girl. Yet, as the days go by it doesn’t seem to get any better. Every morning when I look in the mirror I saw her. After fifteen years, finally I will be able to let it all go.
I walk towards the lake. The water starts reaching my knee…
“You’re worthless woman. You can’t survive without me!” Those were the words of my first love when I was eighteen. Those were also the first words he told me after I was released from the hospital of a miscarriage that he caused.
The water is now up to my waste. Its coldness reaches into my bones…
“Roxy, why don’t you ever learn? Guys don’t love people like us. Just show some skin and you’ll make some money off of them. Money is all that matters.” Those were the words of my best friend who grew up with me at the orphanage.
The water reaches my neck. It’s rapidly reaching into my heart. Darkness surrounds me...
I see my mother walking me down the isle.
“You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.” she said
I am approaching my to-be husband, but his face is blurry. I can’t see him. People are all smiling around me. I can’t breathe. My mother kisses me on my cheek.
“Hang in there. It will be over. Be a brave young girl.”
Monday, September 7, 2009
Stars
The sparkling stars
Stare at one another
I wonder what they’re saying
To each other
Are they boasting off their beauty?
Are they staring back at us?
Are they questioning our presence?
Or are they just floating in the sky?
The starts we see,
Are a once upon a time
Time has taken away its actual life
Yet their light still shines
I wonder if they know
Their presence still lingers on
Like those
Who leaves behind the lasting footprints
That will live on.
Stare at one another
I wonder what they’re saying
To each other
Are they boasting off their beauty?
Are they staring back at us?
Are they questioning our presence?
Or are they just floating in the sky?
The starts we see,
Are a once upon a time
Time has taken away its actual life
Yet their light still shines
I wonder if they know
Their presence still lingers on
Like those
Who leaves behind the lasting footprints
That will live on.
Baby Brother
He wakes me up in the mid of night
He pulls my hair with all his might
For such a little thing
He sure can sing.
He cries,
He screams,
He pinches,
He kicks,
He’s mine.
His smile light up my life
His giggle turns my frown,
The other way around.
He’s mine!
It’s hard to be so far away
As the days and nights go by
I wonder when I’ll get to see him
I didn’t see him during his first days,
Only see him few times a year,
But every time
He makes my heart skip a beat.
He’s mine.
He pulls my hair with all his might
For such a little thing
He sure can sing.
He cries,
He screams,
He pinches,
He kicks,
He’s mine.
His smile light up my life
His giggle turns my frown,
The other way around.
He’s mine!
It’s hard to be so far away
As the days and nights go by
I wonder when I’ll get to see him
I didn’t see him during his first days,
Only see him few times a year,
But every time
He makes my heart skip a beat.
He’s mine.
Cycle of Life
When the moon comes then the sun would hide,
This is the cycle of day and night.
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer and all
This the cycle of life.
I remember when I used to be
The little cherry blossom on that tree
But then the tree little by little lost its leaves
And there I faced the life
My turn came when winter came around
I feel and hit the ground
As Spring came and went
I became a part of the river bank
I saw the saw the other cherry blossoms on the trees
With their vibrant pink coats and all the bees
Yet little do they realize
The cycle of life
This is the cycle of day and night.
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer and all
This the cycle of life.
I remember when I used to be
The little cherry blossom on that tree
But then the tree little by little lost its leaves
And there I faced the life
My turn came when winter came around
I feel and hit the ground
As Spring came and went
I became a part of the river bank
I saw the saw the other cherry blossoms on the trees
With their vibrant pink coats and all the bees
Yet little do they realize
The cycle of life
Who is She?
I looked in the mirror,
And there she was.
Long hair,
Brown eyes,
Wide smile,
Pale skin,
Smiling back at me.
She stood there smiling;
I stood there staring.
She was smiling,
But her heart was crying.
I wanted to help,
But I was no nurse.
I turned my back,
Ready to leave,
But then I notice,
She smiled once more
Turned her back and left me
I was smiling,
My heart was bleeding.
And there she was.
Long hair,
Brown eyes,
Wide smile,
Pale skin,
Smiling back at me.
She stood there smiling;
I stood there staring.
She was smiling,
But her heart was crying.
I wanted to help,
But I was no nurse.
I turned my back,
Ready to leave,
But then I notice,
She smiled once more
Turned her back and left me
I was smiling,
My heart was bleeding.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Spring Break
Well, the week before Spring Break...Lucy said she had to go home for some family matters so we didn't meet. I was suppose to meet her yesturday, but she didn't show up. Hopefully, everything is ok and she will be meeting with me tomorrow.
I guess I just wanted to share a brief expereince with everyone. This past week, I was on a Mission Trip in Nicaragua. This wasn't my first time there, but it's always an expereince to remember. I recommend everyone to travel to a third world country and see how other are living. The community that I volunteer at was very poor, but always so happy and cheerful. I heard that a family of ten can survive on two dollars a day! It makes me think of all the things that I take for granted here in the states. These people were very self-sufficient and super friendly. I love being there away from materialistic world. The first time I went to Nicaragua on a Mission Trip was last Spring Break and ever since, it has been a life-changing experience. I love the little children who are so welcoming and full of patience with my basic Spanish. Also, if anybody is ever interested in donating to this community, let me know!!!
I guess I just wanted to share a brief expereince with everyone. This past week, I was on a Mission Trip in Nicaragua. This wasn't my first time there, but it's always an expereince to remember. I recommend everyone to travel to a third world country and see how other are living. The community that I volunteer at was very poor, but always so happy and cheerful. I heard that a family of ten can survive on two dollars a day! It makes me think of all the things that I take for granted here in the states. These people were very self-sufficient and super friendly. I love being there away from materialistic world. The first time I went to Nicaragua on a Mission Trip was last Spring Break and ever since, it has been a life-changing experience. I love the little children who are so welcoming and full of patience with my basic Spanish. Also, if anybody is ever interested in donating to this community, let me know!!!
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