confusedisastrongword

[confusedisastrongword]

The Two-Coloured EYE

Since I was little, I knew I was different. 

My name is Penny. My parents are Manny and Mason Lope. I was told that I have a eye problem but I never asked for specifics and nobody told me until one day a line appeared before my eyes: You are special but unsafe. Blink once if you understand. 

If you cannot understand what that means, it is something like the google glass but projected on your retina. That line appeared when I was 16, since then I would receive messages telling me what is going to happen, and it always predicted flawlessly. Before you ask me, no I don’t know who they are and why this was happening. All I knew was I trusted them with my life so when they told me to run one day, I did. 

I went from my home to New York to a location with a specialized computer. I didn’t have a good relationship with my parents after I came out to them and who can say no to New York? Long story short, my EYE got an upgrade, it can go all Iron-man scanning and have x-ray vision to see through walls, I however still have no idea what is going on. 

They would always tell me to appear at the right place at the right time, like saving an old lady from her death by cars rolling over her, and of course that lady is rich and has a family company, who just so happens to have an internship opening. The lady, Miss Noes vouched for me and I was marketing trainee, so I just have to call people up to update their phone plans all day long and get a steady paycheck. Pretty sweet. 

Ever since I got my upgrades, my EYE has been getting no messages which used to be 5-6 a day telling me what to and not to do. One Sunday, a message finally pops up, it reads: Go to 89 Post Street, stop a girl from entering the house. 4-4:30 pm. 

I had a day off, so I was binge watching a show on Netflix and of course I forgot about the time. When I arrived at 89 Post Street, the girl has already pressed on the doorbell! I hid behind a bush to see what is going to happen but nothing actually happened. I tried scanning the department and nothing was wrong except two ladies having tea together. However, every time I tried to leave, the EYE would tell me to “Stay”. So I did, I played on my phone for a while until I saw the girl leaving the building and wanted to step forward, but the EYE just kept telling me to stay. 

A few moments later, an explosion happened. The EYE then tells me to : Go to the girl, get her glasses. When I approached her, she had passed out already and her glasses were broken. In her hand. the EYE said, so I pried open her hand and found a glass puzzle piece and took it. 

I went home afterwards pretty confused about the whole situation, did the EYE wanted me to prevent the explosion or just to get the girl. Put the puzzle in the computer. It seemed ridiculous but I tried to fit it in the USB port, it didn't work. OPEN THE COMPUTER. I screwed open the computer and there was a space weirdly in the same shape of the puzzle, so I fit it in. Coming out of the file was video clips, actually not clips, videos days long, weeks or even years long. Each was labeled as a First or as an Important pivot in life. 

FIND OUT WHO SHE IS , FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE. 

I have no idea what it means but in the file there was a name, Penelope O. and an ID card, I noted down what was important and went to the hospital to find her. 

Having a super eye has its perks, I know where to go to not needing to face securities, I basically have the internet in my EYE, I have also taught myself how to hack with my EYE and pinging on public WIFI so I am connected at all times. Anyways, when I arrived at the hospital, there was a man next to her. But when I blink only the shadow of the man remains, no the man itself. 

RUN 

So I ran. I know there is something unusual going on but I can’t pinpoint what is it. That guy is definitely fishy, unless he is a man without organs or bones, my x-ray vision should come up with something! 

GO TO THE POLICE 

SAY YOU HER NIECE MELANIE

ASK TO SEE THE HOUSE

TAKE THE PUZZLE 

What is it with puzzles? 

Well the police bought it shockingly, she really had a niece named Melanie, who she left her with everything in her will. We went to the house and I started scanning everything with my EYE, at the back of a family picture, there was a puzzle shaped glow. Needless to say, I took that puzzle back to my apartment. 

When I got back, I turned on the TV, and it was reporting another bombing. Coincidence? Maybe, this is New York but isn't that at least suspicious. 

2 DOWN 24 UNTIL YOU 

EYE CAN’T HELP YOU ANYMORE 

I HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED 

FIND JEFFORDS

FIND THE GIRL 

Well, that isn't terrifying at all ...

[confusedisastrongword]

Uncle Oli

When I woke up again, I was dizzy, but awake nonetheless. Oli, Uncle Oli I assumed, wasn’t there. His stuff however was, just a spare jacket and a briefcase, he probably just walked away.

Looking out the clear window, there was a young man, similar age-looking as me, staring at me like I was the most fascinating person ever. Our eyes crossed and something snapped, he looked away, whispering to the girl next to him. I couldn’t make out the words but their body language and expressions told me nothing but fear and suspicions.

Looking around me, it was eight, in the morning I deducted from the sunlight shinning through the window. Then back to the boy, they were gone without a trace. My brain snapped again, without another thought, I fell back into darkness.

“Wake up Penelope, wake up” I heard a voice.

“They want to talk to you about the explosion, the one that killed Mags”

Snap, I was woke. 

The light was warm and yellow, I slowly pried open my eyelids and found the source of the voice calling out to me. “There you go sunshine, the police just want to ask you a few questions, then they will be out of your hair” Uncle Oli said with a smooth voice, as if coiling a baby to stop crying.

I tried to speak but my throat was too dry for anything to come out. “Throat….dry” I whispered, and he brought me some ice chips from the bedside table. I took a few in and was ready to give simple answers, hopefully so I can sleep again, my body aches all over.

“Do you know Margret Lorene?” No, but my mother did.

“Have you met her before?” No, never.

“Why did you visit her?” My mom told me to.

“Why so? Are they close?” I don’t know, she told me to give her a gift.

“What was the gift?” I don’t know, I didn’t look.

“Where did your mother and Ms Lorene met?” In my hometown, Pansuade.

“Pansuade, where is it?” It’s near Ohio and Pennsylvania.

“I have never heard of such a place -” “It’s a small quaint town, not much people know it unfortunately.” Uncle Oli interrupted. “I am from there as well, that’s why I am here, her mother, Mags and me, we are all childhood friends. Some left the town for the city, some stayed behind. Didn’t change the fond memories we had. We would never do any harm to her.” He continued defensively but with a hint of reminisce of the past, promptly ending the conversation.

“Thank you for your help, we will approach you again if needed.” With that, they walked away. “Do they think I kill Aunt Mags with that gift? What is in it anyways?” I asked. “Nothing to worry about, just focus on getting better.” He assured me, smoothing out my hair like mom used to do when I was little and scared of the thunder.

Looking out, he was there again, the boy in the morning. He looked at me and Uncle Oli, his eyes were brown, dark brown, but when he blinked again, it was grey, grey like the skies when it is about to rain.

Blink, again it’s back to brown. His piercing eyes stared intensely straight into mine, it’s like laser vision. His view shifted to Uncle Oli.

“What are you looking at?” Uncle Oli asked. I look back to the window, he was gone, without a trace, again, like a ghost in the wind. “Nothing” I blinked a few times. Was he never there, am I seeing things or what is it. “Whatever is going on, I promised your mother I will take care of you, so sleep, you will feel better tomorrow.” He said patting me head.

“Wait, what about mom’s gift, she has the dates planned and everything.” I asked him. “I will get those for you. Gimme your keys.” I took my keys from my locked compartment next to my bed. “Sweet dreams, sleep tight” he said as he left.

Now looking through my locked compartment, most of my belongings that were on me at the time of the explosion was there, except my glasses. Where are they, and what does the puzzle mean. Why aren’t my parents here? Wondering, I slept again. 

Soon enough, there was a second explosion in the city, as reported on the news showing in the patient room. Another was killed. Looking at the bandages on my arms and legs, I am glad I got off with a few minor injuries. The doctor said I can be released already this morning but Uncle Oli insisted that I should stay for a few more days, because I had nobody to care for me at my one-person apartment. So adamant he was, I agreed.

The second explosion was Mason Lopez, another middle-aged person. The police said it is possible that it is a planned attack from the same person that killed Aunt Mags, or if it is a serial killer after people with the initials M.L.. Nothing is confirmed but they haven’t arrested anyone yet.

Uncle Oli continued to help me deliver gifts from my mother, he wouldn’t tell me much of the details, say he won’t bored me with them. We talked a little, I found out he and my mom were neighbors, same school throughout kindergarten to high school, pretty common as Pansaude is so small, it only has one school of each kind, he moved here while he was 18 and he is now a private detective that occasionally works with authorities. He wouldn’t tell me the specifics but he said he is pretty good at his job and will definitely go a full background check if I have a boyfriend.

Speaking of boys, the weird eye-colour changing boy is here, constantly. Weird. He feels familiar, like someone I knew but forgotten. 

Still, no signs of mom or dad, coming to see their daughter in the hospital. I tried calling them a few times, but given the town’s outdated signal tower, it never went through.

Another day goes by and there is another explosion, this time, it is Mathew Lo. I guess I am not longer a suspect as they consider these as a series of attack and I was bedbound for the other two. Still, I can’t help but feel fishy about the whole thing. Uncle Oli, however, reassured me it is all well, that New York wasn’t ever the safest place but still it is safe enough for most people, some are just unfortunate.

Soon enough, by the fourth day, I went home.

“The ML attack continues today with the fourth victim found dead, but not an explosion this time, by poison. Authorities have yet to announce any details of the investigation nor confirm any arrest of suspects. The city is in fear, especial for those with the same initials.” The TV news continued on as I pack my belongings.

“The hospital said they couldn’t find your glasses, they were there when they pick you up but was mixed up in the processing of saving you or something. So I picked you up a new pair.” Uncle Oli told me while handing me an identical pair of glasses. “Your mother called, I told her you are fine and not to worry. She said she wants to come but is tied up at work, I assured her you are okay but I guess parents are parents. They said they will come to check on you when they get the chance.”

Looking at my new glasses, there was a scratch at the metal handle, exactly like my old ones. Why is he lying to me or am I just seeing things. I honestly don’t know anymore. We took a cab to my apartment, Uncle Oli has already stocked my fridge with one-week worth of food and took my mom’s gifts. “You should focus on resting, I will take care of the gifts. You should be lying down, not walking around!”

Exhausted but not sleepy, I turned on the TV and let noise fill up the room. Looking out the windows, I never got the chance to enjoy the view before being admitted into a hospital room. There were cars parked on the side of the road, with trees filling up the sidewalk giving pedestrian a light shade, a light breeze to blow away the heat, everything seemed balance and carefully planned. It is New York after all, places are as small as it is, you have to plan every inch I guess.

Yarning, ready to succumb to the drossiness hitting me slowly, I look out the window once again, the find the weird boy staring at me with intent across the street. I waved, trying to be friendly, I mean weirdness aside, he is cute. He looked at me puzzled, his lips have a light tug upwards, nodding gently but with hesitance.

Is he stalking me? Did I just wave to my stalked? How did he know I live here? Can this be a coincidence or am I just too naïve to recognize the red flashing lights? Questions begin to flash before my head as I fell into turmoil of fear. Looking out again, his lights were turned off. Alarmed but scared, I closed my blinds, double-checking the locks on my front door, going back to my bed, there was a paper airplane quietly sat on my bed.

It wasn’t there a minute ago, how did that paper airplane flew passed the blinds? I shakingly opened the neating folded plane, only to reveal two lines: 20:37, 73 2nd Street. Don’t tell Oliver.

[confusedisastrongword]

Leaving home

Bang, a roaring sound erupted just as I left the porch. 

Run, a voice is telling me at the back of my head. 

Pang, I fell down, breaking my glasses as it touches the ground. 

Crawl, when my legs fail me but feeling the heat coming from my back. 

Glance, my broke glasses reveal a puzzle piece. 

Dark, was all I see when I grasp the piece in my palm and drift to a place of unknown and mystery

It was a breezy summer day, with light wind coursing through streets and the sun rising high. It was the say I finally leave home to New York for college. 

“This is a small town, nobody will know its name. But I know my boy, you are meant for things greater than this town, go explore the world and don’t look back. Just keep walking.” she looked at me with her clear green eyes and put my glasses on for me one last time with her wrinkly fingers. 

My dad just looked at me with longing eyes, as if I am going to fade away. This is all too weird. “I am going to call you guys everyday. I’m going to be back home for Christmas, why are you guys acting like we are never going to see each other again?” They just smiled knowingly and hugged me one last time before I was whisked onto my car with gifts to relatives in the city. 

“Remember to find Uncle Oli, he will keep you safe“ with that, I drove hours until I settled in my dorm. My new home away from home, looking out the window, the stars are telling me it’s time for sleep. 

My room isn’t that roomy, especially when my mom asked me to give 27 gifts to her friends and family in the city, but there is enough. A closet filled with clothes, a comfortable bed and a desk, now filled with childhood pictures. My childhood was bleak, I think, there was nothing special that pops out, just one blob of memories that made me who I am today. 

Waking up at 8, washing up, going out at 9. A simple routine for years. Today was a different day. When the sunlight finally woke me up from my dreams, it was already 10. Probably because I drove 12 hours yesterday. Going out for my first New York breakfast was easy, it is a busy city with food trucks and restaurants at every turn. 

Settling for a fish taco, I took my first bite. Interesting, I don’t remember fish tasting like this. I guess fish here is different from what I’m used to. With my first gift to Aunt Mags, I don’t even know who that is. All I know is the address attached to it with the specific date written. That is nothing weird at all, but again, this is Mom, she is meticulous to a detail. 

Deciding to walk, overwhelmed by the sound and buzz coming from everywhere, I went into a quaint part of New York. Auntie Mag’s house is a typical brownstone, dark wood doors with a white frame, five steps up to reach the door. I double-checked the address and gently tap on the doorbell. 

“Hi, I am Penelope, Nelly's daughter, I am here with a gift from her, aunt Mags.” “Come in” the door opened, revealing a brown hair woman, with Asian looking eyes but a pointy nose and a soft smile. 

Her house was exactly like the front, white walls with wooden floors, brick essence and bright lightning. “Would you like a drink?" "Sure, coffee would be nice." Coming back, she lay down a plate of cookies and two cups of coffee served with floral drawings all over. “So, aunt Mags, how long have you known my mom?” “Since we were in kindergarten, but I left for New York at 6 years old. I can’t believe you mother remembers me.” “Why don’t you visit then, Pansuade now must be so different from you knew it though.”

“Oh it’s called Pansuade now?” she said with a trace of hesitance and fear. “Let’s talk about something else, did you say you came bearing gifts from Nelly?” she asked with a stiff smile. “Yes, there is this big box, I have no idea what it is inside” I started to ramble to fill the awkwardness, handing her the pink packaged box. “Heavy” she said while bouncing he box on her hands “I will save this bad boy for later then.” 

After some small chat about life and helpful traffic tips in New York, it was time to go back. Aunt Mags offered that we go out for dinner with her family but I didn't want to intrude, so I left her place with a wave. 

Just as I stepped down from the last step from the door. Bang, something exploded. 

When I opened my eyes again, the walls were freaky white with doctors pacing along the hall. i looked down at my palm, no puzzle. A brown hair man, about my parent’s age sat at a chair next to me. “Who are you” it came out raspy. “Don't worry, you are fine at a hospital. I am Oliver but your parents called me Oli”

“Where is my glass puzzle?” He looked confused at my question, I can sense he mind going miles a hour, turning and trying to figure out what I was saying. “My glasses broke and there was an odd glass puzzle piece in it, I held it at my palm before I went dark“ “I will ask the staff here about it. Just rest now, I will find it for you.“ he promised, with such certainty and warmth that I trusted him and fell back to sleep.

Little did I know how wrong that was.