Backstabbed
Written by: Jazzele Chia
Aliyah pov
I look up. it’s already 2pm. dad will be home soon. time to put away my phone and study, i sigh as i take out my textbooks.
The silence was interrupted with the sound of a loud bang. Oh no, it’s one of those days. The days where dad is in a bad mood. I tell myself as i brace myself for his lashings. A cry could be heared from a room not that far from mine, before a scream. and then. silence. i’m surprised my sister held out the beatings for so long before she finally fainted. Huh. a record.
Taking a deep breath, i close my eyes as i hear the sound of my room door slamming open. “ I heared that you scored a 99 for your test. WHERE DID THAT ONE MARK GO?? “ my dad screams. i’m surprised the whole neighbourhood isn’t awake. Bowing my head low, i brace myself for the impact. The sound of a harsh slap across my cheek could be heared. My cheeks are burning and i’m sure they’re red, but i continue to keep my head low. “ WHERE. DID. THAT. ONE. MARK. GO. “ my dad hollers, heavily punctuating each word as he kicks me so hard in the abdomen i felt like my organs would gush out soon. I feel blood slowly rising into my throat, but i keep it in. It’ll get so much worse if i threw up the blood onto the brand-new carpet. A quiet whimper escapes my throat. Oh shit. The last thing i remembered before passing out was the pain and agony i felt as he twisted my arm and brought me slamming to the floor.
Wh- where am i? All i could hear was a slowly fading piercing scream in my ears, and blurry shadows that slowly came into view. Oh. I’m in the hospital. I’m surprised i’m not dead yet. Nurses and doctors swarm me. As i look to my left, i see my sister on another bed , her arms and legs bruised and her head bandaged up as she lies there peacefully, her eyes closed as she seems to have fallen into a deep slumber. An overwhelming feeling surrounded me. I wish i had protected her. I wish that she was born in another household, so she could be safe and wouldn’t have needed to suffer a pathetic 8 years of torture. I wish my father was dead. If only wishes could come through. But they don’t.
The ceiling. The same ceiling i’ve been staring at for the past 2 months. A nurse comes into my room, smiling and telling me it’s time. At last. I’m getting out of my hospital room. As she wheels me out of the room, i glance back at my sister. It’s been 2 days since she woke up from her coma. She gives me an encouraging smile and a thumbs up. That’s all the hope i need to give me motivation to put in my best effort.
As the nurse wheels me into the physiotherapy room, i glance around. There’s a boy, eyes so blue i feel like i’m staring at the ocean, face so pale he looks like a ghost, eyebrows so furrowed i can feel his determination. He’s grasping onto the poles so tight, shaking and struggling to continue keeping hold of them before eventually succumbing back into the wheelchair. He turns his head, finally noticing me, as he looks me up and down, as if trying to find out why i’m here. I give him a small smile and an encouraging nod of the head. He grins back, as if finally deciding if i’ll make a good friend. I like him already. I have a feeling he and i will become good friends.
Little did i know, I was so wrong.
Ace pov
Shit. I stare at a girl with curious emerald green eyes, rosy pink cheeks and stitches over her forehead. H-how did she find me? I even made my lawyer swear to never ever tell her about me. Could it be the nurses? Suddenly, her lips curled into a small smile as her head slowly nods. I’m shocked. Does she not know who i am? What i’ve done to her family? Huh. This is too much of a coincidence. Her eyes wait for my reaction. Taking a deep breath, I grin back at her. I know what she’s thinking from her body movements . She thinks me and her can become friends. A devious plan forms into my mind. I know the best way to get rid of her.
Aliyah pov
“ Your dad has finally been arrested “ My eyes widen in surprise. Those words fill me with so much happiness and delight i feel as if i might suffocate. Tears fill my eyes. Finally. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I burst into Ace’s room. “ MY DAD HAS BEEN ARRESTED. “ I slam the door open and yell. Ace blinks. A few seconds past, before his eyes widen in surprise. His lips lift into a broad smile as his eyes twinkle so bright. “ That’s awesome. “ his words illuminate me and warmth fills me. It’s been so long since someone’s words filled me with so much warmth.
The last person who did… was Mom.
Ace pov
Aliyah bursts into my room proudly announcing that her dad has been arrested. It takes me a while to process this information. I thought…he was dead already? I silently swear. This makes things so much more difficult. I wish he was dead. He’s the last living person who knows about the incident. Giving a quiet sigh as the disappointment sinks in, I think of my next move. Realising Aliyah is still waiting for my reaction, I give her a smile. Aliyah grins back . I watch her movements. Her smile fades a little as her mind seems to have been transported to somewhere else. My mind wanders of all the possible things that could happen if Aliyah’s dad were to reveal what actually happened in the incident.
At least he’ll stay quiet in jail. I hope.
Aliyah pov
“ Hey dad. “ I say as i settle into the hard and uncomfortable chair. He refuses to reply. I start talking about how Sis has been and how i visit Mom’s grave everyday while he sits there stubbornly, refusing to meet my eye. At last, I tell him about Ace. His eyes lay in shock. I go on to describe to him how Ace looks. His expression changes. His eyes burn with fury and anger. The sound of a table crashing onto the floor echos around the room. The police quickly move into action as they handcuff him and prepare to bring him back to his cell. The last words he said before he left the room was, “ Stay away from him. You’ll regret it if you don’t. “ Goosebumps appear on my arm as I wonder why my dad had warn me about a person he never met before… Shrugging it off, i head back to the hospital.
Never did i think that would be my greatest mistake yet.
Ace pov
Aliyah opens my room’s door and peeps her head inside. Her eyes full of concern, she asks “ Hi are you feeling better? How are you? “ She reminds me so much of her mom. This thought makes me smile as i recall her mom’s lifeless body lying on my bedroom floor. How happy i felt to see the person i hated so much finally dead. I shake off the thought. Patience. Soon i’ll feel that same joy again. Patience. Aliyah waits for my answer. “ Yup. I feel great. “ I answer. She gives me a warm comforting smile as she settles into the plush warm chair for visitors, folding her legs and smoothing out her skirt. It’s as if i’m seeing a mirror image of her mother.
It’s such a pity that she has to die just because she’s her mother’s daughter. I sigh. Oh well.
Aliyah pov- Then
My father never used to vent his anger on us. He used to be so kind and caring, and would never hurt a soul. But after mom’s death, he started drinking excessively and just stopped being the dad we used to know. Me and my sis had to start learning to be independent, and put up with all his beatings.
I remember clearly, it was the 17 of January . I came back home from school, clearly oblivious to incident that happened that day. The house was empty, not a soul in sight. Collapsing on my bed, i wondered where my parents were, as i fell into a deep slumber. I jolted awake as i heard the sound of glass crashing on the floor. Worried it may have been my sister, i ran out of my room, only to find my sister staring at my father in shock, as his anger unfolds. The smell of alcohol fills the room. My dad has never been like this. Not even once. Curious but scared, i ask my dad “ where’s mom? “
As my dad refuse to meet my eye, he mutters under his breath, “ your mother is dead. “
Silence fills the room as me and my sister tries to process this information. M-mother? D-dead? No…. I fell to my knees , gut-wrenching sobs tearing through my chest. No… It’s not possible… Not possible…. A great sob escaped my sister, as she covers her face with her shaking hands. Meanwhile, my father, whose knuckles were filled with blood running down his arm, continues to bash stuff as he wipes his cheeks every few seconds. He swears quietly, “ that bastard.“ I chose to ignore the tinge of hatred in his eyes, but now, i really wish i hadn’t.
I found out later that she died from cardiac arrest, but if only i had found out earlier that that wasn’t the truth…
Ace pov- Now
I grab the food heavily coated with thick slick poison from the table. It’s time.
Aliyah, take a look at this world one last time, because after all, it will be your last day.
Aliyah pov
I look around anxiously, waiting for the door to open. It finally does. Out walks Dad, eyes as always full of hatred and anger. He sits down, arms folded, slumping in his chair. I start telling him about how my day went and asked him how was his. Silence fills the room. Beaming happily, i tell him “ Oh yes, btw, Ace has finally asked me out on a date. “ His posture stiffens as his eyes widen. He mutters to himself a quiet “ shit. “ Eyes full of concern, i ask him what’s wrong. He turns his head, as small tears fall from his eyes. At last, he faces me.
With a shaky voice, he says “ It’s time i tell you the truth about your mom’s death. “
Aliyah’s mom pov- The accident
It’s 10th of December, 2am in the morning. Looking around, i desperately try to find my best friend, the mother of Ace. The distinct smell of beer and puke surrounds the room as i try to hold my breath as much as i can. At last, i spot Nasha. She’s dancing with a random man, his hands lingering around her thighs. I grab her hands, shouting across the loud music “ Let’s go Nasha! “ Her body limp and weak, she grunts. I pull her out of the bar and into the front seat of my car, struggling to help her put on the seatbelt. She whines. The smell of beer immediately stinks the car as i get into the driver’s seat. The car engine rumbles to life. After a few minutes, i stop at a T/-junction, my feet still on the pedal. Swearing under my breath, i yawn. I have work tomorrow. Maybe a few minutes of sleep while waiting for the traffic light to change won’t hurt. Slowly falling into a slumber, my foot slips. The car moves forward as my eyes slowly close.
That was the last time i saw my best friend. I didn’t even get to see her lifeless body for the last time before it was cremated to ashes.
Aliyah’s mom- 38 days after the accident
My legs run faster than my breathing can keep up. Even when my lungs feel like they’re suffocating, I don’t stop. I run deep into the forest, passing seemingly endless trees, guided solely by the moonlight. I take out my phone, sending a quick “ help. “ text to my husband and my location as my legs push on. I wince in pain as a sharp branch scratches my paper-thin skin, but even then i don’t stop. I run and i run until i trip over a fallen branch, face-planting into a dirty rusty drain. My clothes get soaked by the splashing water rushing through the drain, as i pick myself up. The trees seem to whisper to me, “ Go… go…. quick…. run… “ as they rustle about in the gentle wind. I hear oncoming footsteps, getting closer with every second. I don’t wait another second. With every last bit of my strength, i push myself forward. My arms swinging by my side as my legs ache with every step, i glance back. I see the shadow of a boy, eyes piercing in the soft moonlight, grinning menacingly as he swings an ax dripping with blood. Suddenly, my legs, unable to find any footing, trip as i stumble down the steep hill. Taking a small glance, i realise there was a cliff ahead. Gasping, i try to slow myself down. Alas, luck was not on my side. My fingers desperately try to grip onto the edge of the cliff, my legs dangling uselessly as overwhelming thoughts surround my mind. Is this the end? I wont even get to say goodbye to my children? No.. nono. I wont let my children suffer. Putting my back into it, i try pulling myself back up. Thank god i have experience rock-climbing.
Suddenly, my eyes widen with fear. The silhouette of the boy appears, the moonlight reflecting onto his smooth skin. I take a quick glance at his face. The same ocean blue eyes i stared into as i dragged Nasha out of the bar. “I’m sorry Ace! I’m sorry i killed your mother! I’m sorry I wasn’t there with you to grief about her!!” I scream desperately. His eyes fill with pity. “And i’m sorry for killing you.” He says as he steps onto my fragile fingers, crushing each and every bone. I scream in agony, my fingers slowly loosening its grip as each bone slowly turns to dust.
And i fall….
fall…
and fall.
Aliyah’s dad pov
My shoes scraping into the damp soil, i break into a run. Following the dimly-lit location on my phone, i gasp with every breath. At last, i reach the location. I see the back of a boy, looking down into the endless cliff, whispering words into it, as if telling his secrets to the cliff. Slowly, i step forward to take a closer look. I realise there was a hand clawing onto the loose soil, fingernails filled with the dirty dirty soil. As i was about to shout something to the boy, he steps onto the gentle fingers. The sound of bones shattering fill the silence of the forest. The fingers let go of the edge of the cliff, as a scream pierced the midnight silence. That voice… my eyes widen in recognition.
I was too late.
Ace pov
I hear a loud wail from behind me. Turning around, i see a man collapsing to his knees, seemingly never-ending tears dripping down his rough shaved skin. I see. It’s HER husband. Pity suddenly engulfs me. His beloved wife. Dead. Sighing, i shake my head. It’s her fault she had to kill my mother and in return leave her husband to suffer by himself. After much consideration, i walk away, leaving him crying into the endless night.
He should be grateful he isn’t dead too.
Aliyah dad pov
With my eyes filled with my salty tears, I look up. A young teen is staring at me, his hoodie covering most of his face. I squint. Gasping in realisation, i freeze. My beloved wife. Dead. Killed by Ace. He walks away, footsteps shuffling as he disappears into the deep endless forest. Hatred and anger fill my eyes. With whatever strength i have left, i push myself to stand up. Pain shoots through my heart almost immediately.
Taking a deep breath, determination overcomes me. Revenge will be mine.
Aliyah pov- now
It takes a few seconds for my brain to register the whole story. My brain hurts with so much information. My heart trembles with pain. My hands tremble with shock. My fingers itching for something to grasp onto to prevent myself from fainting. My eyes wants to cry out from pain and hurt but no tears fall. My lips wanting to wail in agony but not a squeak comes out. With shaking legs, I muster all my energy to stand up.
No, Father. Revenge will be ours.
Ace pov
I tap my foot impatiently, constantly glancing at my slow unmoving watch. Giving a grunt of annoyance, i wonder what could be taking her so long. My eyes dart through the crowd. At last, I spot her. Instead of the pretty floral sunflower dress i had anticipated for her to wear, she’s wearing a tank top and some leggings, with her hair tied up into a neat ponytail, 2 helmets slung on both sides of her arms. Confusion fills me. Why is she dressed like this, didnt i tell her i’m bringing her on a picnic? Before i could say a word, she responds first, “ I was thinking instead of a picnic we could go bungee jumping “ She holds up 2 steady ropes, blushing instantaneously. I nod my head, entranced by her. Realisation occurs to me when i realised what i had just agreed to. Wait. I’m afraid of heights.
Oh shit.
Aliyah pov
A tiny smug smile forms on my face. Thank god he agreed to going bungee jumping. I glance at Ace. Suddenly, his eyes widen. His jaw drops. A tiny laugh forms in my mind. He looks like a deer in headlights.
Ace pov
After a tiring 20min, we finally get out of the car, staring down at a cliff. Of all the many mountains and cliffs, Aliyah have to bring us to same one where Aliyah’s mom had died at. I stare down at the deep drop. The water below looks terrifyingly threatening, and the height between the cliff and the bottom makes me certain that whoever trips and falls off the cliff is sure to die. I stand at the edge of the cliff, reminiscing that night. The night where she died, while Aliyah unties the rope and hands it to me. She gives me a tight smile, and ties the other end of the rope to a secure rock. Hands trembling with fear, i tie the rope into a dead knot around my waist. I mean, this is her final request before she dies right? I owe it to her to fulfil it. I mean, whats the worst that could happen?
The worst happened.
Aliyah pov
I watch him, standing at the edge of the cliff looking down. I see all of him. The fear in his eyes, the sweat that is slowly trickling down his forehead, the many times he had swallowed his own saliva in a minute. The way he holds himself, the uncertainty as he wraps his hand with his other one. The way his feet seems firmly planted onto the ground, trembling slightly as if he’s trying to hold on for dear life.
I bite back a laugh. He has no idea what’s coming.
Aliyah’s pov
I give him an encouraging nod as he looks at me with uncertainty. I whisper into his ear, “you can do it..” Taking a deep breath, i can see his eyes fill with determination. He takes a big leap and he falls into the canyon, fingers grasping tightly onto the rope tied around his waist. Stifling a laugh, i launch into action. Using the butter knife i found inside the picnic basket Ace was holding, i swipe the knife deep into the rope tied onto the boulder. The strands on the rope breaks apart bit by bit. My heart races, as i feel my hair slowly sticking to my already sticky skin. I glance away for just a moment, and the knife smoothly glides through my skin, blood pouring out at a steadily pace. Ignoring the amount of pain and the huge amount of blood gushing out of me, i continue cutting the thick piece of rope, cursing myself on why i had chose to bring such a thick rope.
The sweet sound of the rope snapping into two rings out into the peaceful clear sky. Approximately 2 seconds later, a piercing scream rings out, causing birds to scatter about into the glorious blue sky. I give off a satisfied and proud sigh. I hv avenged mom.
Ace pov
I waited patiently for Aliyah to pull me up, fingers sore from gripping the rope so tight. Wild thoughts linger in my head while i wait “how should i dispose of Aliyah’s body when i kill her later?” “Actually, bungee jumping isnt as bad as i thought” “I wonder how did aliyah’s
mom feel at the last moment before her death? “ Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted as i descended at a rapid speed. Panic and dread was filling my body, as i tried desperately to grasp onto something to prevent my fall. With a loud splash, i tumbled into the cold menacing body of water. Barely conscious, i slowly open my eyes as the water current pulled me under and roughly rocked me side to side.
So this is how Aliyah’s mom felt when she was dying. She felt…peace. I smile and take my last breath before i let the river swallow me whole.
Aliyah pov
I glance down once more before confirming my doubts. He’s dead. At last. I heave a sigh of relief and satisfaction, as i walk away and never look back.
Are you proud of me mother? I have finally avenged you, and gave you the happy ending you deserve. Thank you mother, and may your soul rest in peace.
The end