Story from Payal

As I looked at the scene portrayed in front of me, my head started to spin. All I could see  was a blur of earthly tones with a little flash of red. I was a bit confused at first because the last thing I remember is being at Amrita’s house with Sayeed and Lucas . . . but wait, where are they now? I am definitely not in Amrita’s house anymore. How did I get to the cemetery? And who was that steadily strolling  my way?

         After my mother died about three years ago, my father sent me to live with my aunt in this little town known as Garbana. My father told my aunt that he could no longer cope with me and that maybe she could take better care of me than he could. I already knew that. Anyone could take care of me than my father. I still don’t understand why God gave him the right to be a father in the first place. Forget my father.  He’ll pay his dues sooner or later, whether he likes it or not.

Garbana wasn’t your average all American town, nor was it one of those creepy, eerie ones either. Garbana was simply just . . . there. I can’t say that nothing ever happens here and I can’t say that it is always full of excitement either. I can’t even say that it’s an average town. Garbana is simply, like I said before, there. Garbana, however, is nothing like Necropolis, which is where I lived before, with my father.

Staying with my aunt in this quaint little town wasn’t exactly the greatest experience of my life, until I met Dmitri that is. Dmitri was my best friend. He was everything, yet nothing at all. I still  wonder how we got to be such close friends. He didn’t even go to the same school as I did, yet the minute I saw him, we immediately hit it off. Dmitri was the only person I actually knew in this town at first. Although I have made quite a few close friends in the nine months that I ‘ve been here, I can still only trust Dmitri completely.

Dmitri and I shared something very special. We shared love that only best friends could have for each other. We loved one another as we love a person, a wonderful person. We loved one another as you would love a friend, a best friend. We were also inseparable. If you saw Jasmine, you knew Dmitri wasn’t far behind. If you saw Dmitri, you knew I, Jasmine, was there too. 

I had always thought Dmitri and I were just good friends and that we had a brother-sister relationship. I thought that all we shared was mutual love. I didn’t  realize that this love had turned into more than mutual. And it was killing me.

When all that was on my mind was Dmitri, when I thought of love all I thought of was Dmitri, when I thought of whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, and Dmitri was there, I realized he wasn’t just my best friend anymore. I wish this had not happened. This is not the way the story goes! I love him and it’s great, but I am not supposed to love him like this. I can’t have him so I don’t want to want him! But I still want him. I am the type of person who doesn’t like to lose anyone or anything, so I, Jasmine, will do anything and everything in my power to get my one true love, Dmitri. He is the whisky of my heart, and an alcoholic like myself cannot go to long without my whiskey . . .

Lucas was Dmitri’s other best friend, so I invariably ended up spending a lot of time with him because of Dmitri. Veronica was Lucas’s girlfriend. Even though I despised her, it was hard for me to stay away from her because of Lucas. Amrita was my best friend, next to Dmitri of course. Sayeed is my neighbor, so he’s the one who introduced me to everyone and me around town when I had first come. We became friends instantaneously. Last, but not least, there is Eshika. She is quite a nice person and we have a lot in common with each other so we get along well. Yet there is a thin layer of distaste that I have for her only because of the fact that she is Dmitri’s girlfriend.

The seven of us, Dmitri, Eshika, Lucas, Veronica, Sayeed, Amrita and myself went just about everywhere together. We were all very close and everyone was cool with everyone else. No one had any grudges or anything of that sort toward anyone in our little “clique.” Everything was going smooth until that day that we had a bonfire party at the beach. Since that day, all seven of our lives took a dramatic twist.

It was just another Friday night I thought to myself as I got dressed to a little bonfire party, which Lucas had organized, at Daimon Bay. It was only going to be the seven of us there. Everyone came dressed in shorts and T-shirts; it was all quite laid back. All of us weren’t sitting together around the fire, as you normally would during such an occasion. Sayeed and Dmitri were grilling the food. Amrita and Eshika were taking a walk on the beach. Veronica was flirting with Dmitri and Sayeed, which was really bugging me. Lucas and I were the only ones who were actually anywhere near the fire. We were just talking about nothing in particular. Then suddenly he started to talk about Dmitri and me. “Jasmine, lately I’ve been noticing the way you act around Dmitri, and I was just wondering . . . do you like him?”

“Well lately I’ve been watching how you act around Dmitri too, and both of you seem very close. Does that mean you like him?”

He let out a small laugh. “That’s different though.”

“In what way?”

“Ok, ok well you got me Jasmine! I just wanted to know because . . . well you see . . . I’m . . . uumm . . . dumping Veronica and -----

“You are dumping Veronica? Why? I don’t mean to be inquisitive or anything but is it because she likes to flirt with other guys a lot or is it because you’ve fallen for someone else?”

“I’ve fallen for someone else.”

“Who?”

“I’ve fallen for . . . you.”

I was in complete disbelief. Here was this cute and intelligent guy with a great personality telling me he liked me and all I could think about was Dmitri, his best friend." What?” I screamed. “Lucas are you sure you like me? How? When? Where? Why me? Of all the girls ------ “ I hadn’t realized how loud I was screaming until Veronica came over and interrupted me.

“Jasmine! How could you? I know that we are not the best of friends but you don’t have to take my Lucas away from me!  I love him! I love Lucas! You always want all the guys don’t you? The worst part is that you always get them too! I hate you! Let me tell you something though, you’re not going to get Lucas. No way! Don’t even go near him. Oh, and one more thing, you aren’t going to get Dmitri either. He doesn’t love you like you love him Jasmine. Get over it! You may be popular and beautiful now, but we all know your past. We all know the truth. You were a reject, a freak, a nerd, and ugly duckling! Let’s not forget your 52, 38, 52 inch hourglass figure! And if you do happen to get Dmitri, it’s ok, I’ve already had him. I’ve had more of him that you will ever get. It’s only your loss. You lose Jasmine, you finally lose!”

        She cackled like the evil witch of the west. Her words stirred up a flame inside me. She made me angry, very angry. I rarely get “angry”, but when I do you better watch out. I should have warned Veronica before, oh well. I didn’t retaliate by saying anything to her because I know that actions speak louder than words. The fire inside me made me push Veronica. I may have pushed her too hard because she stumbled  backwards. Next thing I know, Veronica is burning, and I am grinning. We were too close to the fire.

It had been two weeks since the funeral. None of completely forgot Veronica but we had resumed our normal lives. We never had another bonfire party again nor did we ever go back to Daimon Bay. Lucas was in bad shape however. He always seemed to lost in his own world. His grades were drastically dropping and his looks seemed to be deteriorating. The good part was that he realized he did not like me that much. He also realized that he had loved Veronica. This realization had come to him a little late though, unfortunately.

Excluding Lucas, the rest of us were pretty much the same. Eshika had dumped Dmitri about a week ago. She said that they were growing apart. Eshika also suspected that Dmitri was cheating on her, with me! Dmitri did not cheat on her and if he had, it would not have been with me! The only person who “cheated” on anyone was Eshika because she had started dating Sayeed two days after she dumped Dmitri. She broke Dmitri’s heart. I felt so bad for him. Nevertheless, life goes on. At least now Eshika was out of my way, or so I thought. After dating Sayeed for about two weeks, she started coming back to Dmitri. Dmitri, like a fool, was willing to take her back. They had previously dated for three months before the breakup, so I guess that Dmitri could not let go so quickly. They got back together and my chances of getting Dmitri were ruined once again. I had had it! I wanted Dmitri, and not Eshika, not anyone, was going to stand in my way this time. I put my scheming skills to work. My plans ,however, did not go according to how they should have gone. But everything does happen for the best.

Two weeks later a headline in the daily newspaper, “Garbana Garbage”, read: “Body of Dead Girl Found on Shore of Daimon Bay.” This dead girl was Eshika. The police had questioned all of Eshika’s close friends and family, including Lucas, Dmitri, Sayeed and me. They had no substantial evidence to make any of us suspects, but it was clearly a murder. What bothered us the most was how she had wound up at Daimon Bay. Maybe the murderer had left her there, yet they had found quite a bit of blood on the beach, verifying the fact that she was killed there. But why would Eshika go to Daimon Bay after what had happened? And who could have killed her? Why would they?

Dmitri was a wreck after this, just as Lucas was after Veronica’s death. I can not understand these people. The girl is dead, and she is not coming back, so stop mourning over her! You can’t make her come back alive, so why waste your tears?

One day as I was comforting Dmitri he said, “Jas, I can’t believe that Eshika’s dead. Oh God. How did this happen Jas? Huh? Jas, Jas tell me why? “ He buried his head in his arms.

“Dmitri chill out ok? I don’t know how or why this happened.” I suddenly began to laugh.

“Jas why are you laughing? Do you think it’s funny that Eshika is dead? Do you?”

“No, I was just ------“

”I can’t believe you Jas. How could you? You are sick you know that? And so much for comforting your best friend, especially when he needs it the most!”

Did Dmitri actually say that to me? Didn’t he know how much I loved him? Didn’t he know that he was not there when I needed his comfort? Didn’t he know that everything I did was just for him? So then how could he be so inconsiderate and ignorant? It’s all because of Eshika! She couldn’t even leave me alone when she was dead! Dmitri was mad at me because of her. The laugh had just come out. What could I do if I felt no sympathy towards her death?

So many obstacles stood in my way. All I wanted was Dmitri. Was that too much to ask? Perhaps we weren’t meant to be together, but I did not give up. Jasmine does not give up---ever.

        I had not heard from Amrita in a while so I was surprised when she had called me to come over to her house the next day. Amrita was my good friend, yet I was skeptical about going over to her house. It seemed as if she was up to something. But what? I would just have to find out, wouldn’t I?

When I got to Amrita’s house, Lucas and Sayeed were already there. I though I was early. I hadn’t expected them to be there, but since they were, where was Dmitri? Amrita started blabbing on. “Jasmine, I know that we were good friends and everything but after Veronica I got kind of suspicions of you. I began to do some research on you, your past and also your medical history. What I found out was less than appealing, it was appalling! I just explained everything to Lucas and Sayeed. They understand. Why didn’t you tell us, Jasmine? Maybe we could have helped you. Some “people” are on their way to see you so just stay calm. You can talk about your problem if you want to.”

“What? Talk to you about my PROBLEM? What PROBLEM are you talking about?”

“You know what I mean, don’t play with me Jas.”

“Ok, that’s it.” My instinct had forced me to bring a knife along with me, which I had just revealed to them. “I’m not playing anymore Amrita, and that goes for Lucas and Sayeed too. Amrita you had no right to snooping around in my business. Didn’t you trust me enough? Was I not a good friend to you? Besides, how did you find out about everything? You wouldn’t be allowed to go into my medical records nor could you find out about my past unless you were a relative of mine. Nonetheless, what is done is done.

“ So maybe pushing Veronica was not exactly an ‘accident.’ She deserved it. She took my Dmitri. She was playing around with Lucas’s heart. I could not take that either because Lucas is like a brother to me. I know I’ve never told you this before Lucas, but that’s the way I feel. Did you see the way she completely insulted me in front of everyone too? She deserved it bad. If I had the chance I would kill her again. Eshika was a different story however. She was a good person but I did not like to see her with Dmitri. Besides she had threatened me once before too. She told me to get her hands off her boyfriend because she had seen are hugging Dmitri. Can’t I even hug my best friend? After she broke up with Dmitri, though, I had had it with her. She broke his heart. I could not bear to see him like that. I made plans to kill her right then. But then she started going out with Sayeed and he had really like her. Sayeed told me not to kill her. I obeyed him because he was a good friend after all. After Eshika dumped him, however, he immediately changed his mind and we made plans to kill her. We blindfolded her and took her to Daimon Bay. She was so happy and  so excited, little did she know what was coming. You should have seen the look on her eyes when both Sayeed and I pulled out a machete.” I laughed gleefully for a moment while reminiscing the thought. Lucas and Amrita stared at poor Sayeed with awe.

“ The only two obstacles in my way were finally gone now......forever. But Amrita, did you have to come and spoil it? It’s your turn now my friend. Lucas, my dear brother, a sister has got to do what a sister has got to do. And Sayeed, my short-term partner, we work well together but I’m sorry, you know too much so you have to go too. Before these “ people” come to see me, I must take care of some unfinished business.”

A wide grin had spread across my face, it didn’t stay for long though because I suddenly collapsed to the floor. Amrita had hit the back of my head with a metal candle holder.

“Lucas, Sayeed get her out of her quick. This is even scarier than I imagined. We have to get rid of her.”

          “But where shall we take her?”

“I know. Just get her in the car and I’ll drive.”

          I regained my consciousness after three long hours. (I had looked at my watch.) My head was throbbing and I was lying on the floor, yet I clearly remember what had happened. As I looked around, I was shocked when it dawned on me that this was no ordinary cemetery that I was in. It was Necropolis Central Cemetery. This is where all the psychos, lunatics, and murderers from all across the country are buried. Amrita was pretty smart, I thought to myself. She still won’t get away. None of them will. I suddenly came out of my wistful thoughts when I saw a man approaching me. He looked familiar. I stood up quickly, trying to make my head stop spinning just in case there would be any need to defend myself. He approached me and I smiled. This man was none other than my dear father. He looked at my present condition and he let out a little giggle. Then it struck me that it was him, my own father, who had told Amrita everything. Only he knew because only he had experienced it first hand and he was my father after all. We both looked in to each other’s eyes. It was as if we were finally even, the winner of this battle was the winner of all battles.

“ It was you father.”

He chuckled. “ Of course it was.”

“ Do you know, father, that there is no death worse than being buried alive? Did you know that? There is nothing worse than knowing that you are alive and knowing that the world thinks you’re dead. There is nothing worse than being trapped in a coffin beneath six feet of dirt, trying your best to get out of there before the worms got to you. There is nothing worse than suffocating beneath those six feet of dirt. There is no worse death father. There is no worse death.”

“Why are you telling me this Jasmine?”

“Don’t you remember father? Do you not remember one fine day some ten years ago?  A day when a little seven year old girl watched her mother be buried alive by none other than her own father, her sick-minded father. The poor little girl never forgot that day nor did she ever forgive her father. She loved her mother. People thought her mother was crazy, she was not, they were. People don’t let other people be happy. This girl’s so-called “aunt” hated her mother because she loved her father. That girl hated that “aunt” too. Her mother stopped at nothing to get the father of her child back from this other woman, this “aunt.” Her father got annoyed wit this. He did not want the girl’s mother. He did not love her so he decided to kill her to get her out of his way. Who in their right mind does that father? You tell me.”

He looked worried for a second.

“As the girl grew up she slowly began to resemble her mother. She too had begin to love someone who did not love her back. She too did anything to get him.

           She too did not succeed......but she will. She, unlike her mother, will not be out to death by her own love. She will not be buried alive. Does the story sound familiar now father?”

“Jasmine, what has happened to you? Are you sure that you are fine?”

“Better than I’ll ever be. Oh, one more thing, did you that the poor girl’s mother was buried in this very cemetery? And what a coincidence, her father will be buried here too.”

I could see the look of terror on his face.

“Any last words? I guess not. Goodbye father. Sweet dream. Say “hi” to mom for me please.” It took me a while to finish piling on the dirt.

         Amrita was lying in her pool, but she was not swimming. I laughed internally. She had come out take the porch chairs in to the house because it had started to drizzle outside. By the time she came out to take in the last chair it was pouring. With a quick blow to the head, she was in the pool, half-conscious, soaking wet and confused.. Poor girl. What a way to go. My eyes stifled a tear. I gave her a hug goodbye. She was gone soon after. It was all too easy.

         One down, two more to go. Lucas was next. It had been a while since the incident at Amrita’s house. Lucas and Sayeed thought that I was getting better. As I had told my father before, I was better than ever. One chilly Friday night, Lucas and I decided to go for a drive. We were going to have a “midnight picnic” on Tormentum Point. It was the highest point in Garbana. The view was spectacular from up here. The stars were shining brightly above our heads. We got out of the car and found a spot to have our little picnic. Then Lucas started taking. “Jas, was that really you? You have changed – a lot.”

“Have I? For the better or the worse?

“ I don’t quite know. It’s-----“

”For the worse Lucas, for the worse. It’s hereditary I assume. Or it may have just been the circumstances in which I grew up. Either way, I am who I am and I can’t change.”