Chapter 32

**HELENA'S POV**

“Wipe my memories?” I stuttered, my eyes growing large.

He nodded grimly in the dark.

“They cannot do that,that's basically assault. It's a crime punishable by the law,all over the world as a matter of fact.”

He chuckled dryly. “Actually, when they're done with you,you won't even remember, not to talk of suing them or anything related to assault.”

I was lost for words. I would forget everything? My head bulged and I felt a slight headache, coupled with memories. I would forget even the little memories I had of my mother when she was alive? I would forget I had a mother? I would forget my older brother who died for my sake?
….
“Run…baby, that's the only way you'll be safe.”

I sobbed,snot and tears creating a messy mixture on my face as I stared at my brother who was only hanging onto life by a thin thread. I glanced towards my mother who lay on the floor,cold and dead. I didn't want to believe it,no,I didn't believe it.
Her limbs splayed everywhere and blood flowed from her sides. Her white hair, which I had always considered beautiful, was tainted with sticky blood.

“I'm not going anywhere! I'm staying right here with you. If I die,we'll all die as a family.” I sniffled, “Besides, you only got shot in the back,I'll carry you and mother to the nearest hospital..it's not too far away. I'll save all of you.”

He stared at me,his sea green eyes boring deep into my soul. I could see it, acceptance and pain,regret and dejection. He had given up,or rather, he was giving up because of me. He wanted me to live. I didn't want to live without them.

He chuckled,his cute dimples that had all the girls in the neighborhood going crazy,revealing themselves. “You cannot carry both of us. You're not as strong as that.”

“Don't underestimate me,big brother. I'm not so little anymore.” I protested,tears still falling down my cheeks. “I promise,I'll get the both of you to the hospital and get you treated. I'll treat you myself if I need to.”

He placed his hands on my cheek,cupping it gently, like it was a delicate specimen. I held his hands on my cheeks. He fell and I instantly followed him,not removing his hands from my cheeks.

He used his thumb to dry the tears that stained my cheeks and chuckled.

“You really are ugly when you cry,that must be why that guy rejected your prom invite.”

“That's not a problem, you promised to come with me,remember? You said you would make all the gus regret and all the girls who bullied me jealous. Mummy promised to do my makeup so I would look extremely beautiful and earn the prom queen title.”

He smiled gently, a sad smile,a fake smile.

“Dont fucking smile! This isn't the time to smile!”

“Language,Lena..language..”

“But,you promised,you and mum promised. You both promised. I've been trying to wake her up so she can wash off the paint on her hair so it doesn't become damaged. Plus, how is she comfortable sleeping like that? Well, I guess she really wasn't lying when she said she was a gymnast back in the days.”

“Lena” he called but I refused to answer.

“Lena! Helena!” He called finally and coughed out some blood.

I answered him,holding back my tears. It didn't work. “Why did you call me,bro? You know I hate distractions when I'm rambling.”

“Our mother is dead.”

“Stop that sick joke, it's not funny at all.”

“I also wish I was,but she's dead…and….I'll be dead soon as well..”

“No,you wont,dont be such a pessimist. It's rude.”

“Pessimist!? You think that's what all this is about? I'm a medical student at the top of my class. I know the human body.” He breathed out. “I've been shot and the bullet's depth has gotten to my heart. My body will run cold very soon when I die and I'll become a spirit. I'll die,Helena. I won't get to watch you date your first boyfriend and I won't be able to comfort you on your first heartbreak. You'll be alone and I won't be able to perform my brotherly duties. I will not be there,because I will die. You will have to endure a lot of things yourself. Mother will not be able to scold you when you stay out late…I won't be able to lie and cover up for you so you can escape her complaints…you will not be able to complain about her to me. She will not get to plan your wedding or see my wedding. She won't get the chance to stay in a retirement home and have her grandkids visit her. I wont be able to hold your children…” he coughed again. “You will face everything yourself because we will both die here,in this very place,today on your birthday. It breaks my heart to say this,but I won't make it. You're alone from here on out. But,you won't always be alone. You will meet people who will take care of you and love and cherish you. People who will put you on the right path. And you will meet the person. The one person who will become your entire world. Your universe and life itself. Live..Lena. Live for my sake,live for the sake of mum,live for the sake of our family. Live for the memories we have,live for the memories we will never get to create. Live for the life we will never get to experience,live for yourself. And finally,learn. Learn to forgive,learn to let go. In the end,learn to love. Love,lena. Learn to love. That is the essence of life.”

My heart beat faster as I listened to his words,his breathing going labored by the second.

“Don't forget…..lena….Helena,do not for….” He kept quiet..his eyes dimmed and his breath ceased. His hands fell from my cheeks. His body was still warm.
……
No,I would not forget. I wouldn't agree to that. I could forget everything. I could even forget my existence, but not them.