CHAPTER 2: Cassiopeia

CHAPTER 2: Cassiopeia

            Cassiopeia Flare Constantine may be my twin but we are completely opposite. But that doesn’t mean that we aren’t in good terms. We may be raised in a not-so-friendly environment but we had been taught to trust and love each other.

            Cassi is a momma’s girl, getting most of her humble personality. I, on the other hand, am a daddy’s girl. Most of the people who knew us would often say that Cassi is the replica of Mom and me as the little female version of Dad.

            The only trait I think I got from my mother is her creativity. Cassi is an academically-inclined person, like Dad. But the bright smiles and dimples on both cheeks? The understanding and considerate characteristics? They were all Mom’s reflection on my twin.

            Everyone knows they are kind and soft-hearted. But look where it led them both? Sorrow and death.

            This is why I never displayed kindness towards people I don’t trust. I refuse any touch of kindness in my life from people I barely know. It’s a poison. When people know you have a tender heart, they take advantage on it again and again. And humans, being as selfish and greedy as they are, would never give a damn if they’re already destroying you. That’s the reality we live in – cruel.

            “Damsel!” I almost jumped in surprise when Claire knocked hard on the table. “Are you alright? You were not listening to me,” she uttered and looked at me worriedly.

            I smiled. “I am, Claire. What is it?”

            After taking one more glance at me, she looked back on the iPad she’s holding. “Well, based on our sources, the man who was shot in the head hours ago was Xenon Fuentovilla, the twin of Xyron Fuentovilla.”

            I faced her. “The XX Brothers?”

            Claire nodded. “They are responsible for hacking databases, bank robbery, and bigtime scams and fraud. They are currently climbing up on the hierarchy of organized crimes.”

            I thought it was not tied in our world. Or so I thought.

            “Who’s the possible suspect for this killing?”

            “It is yet to be known, damsel. It is rumoured that it might be the same group who are responsible for the recent killings within mafia organizations. But some also said that it might just be their rival gang.”

            The hardest part is that the murderer is still lurking around, totally unknown. I suddenly remembered the guy before. That man who bumped me looked so odd that he looks so guilty of the shooting. Who knows if it’s an instrument or a rifle inside his guitar case?

            “What about the man we encountered? I know we have the same judgements, Claire,” I uttered, resting my chin over my hands.

            “We can’t be sure about that, damsel. We still have nothing to prove. But I will do a background check,” she replied and typed something on her gadget.

            I nodded and exhaled. “None in the Elcrimo empire should be into this mess.”

            Claire looked at me. The last thing I would want to hear is the culprit coming from our pack. That would be a big problem, and a big betrayal.

            The Constanines, as well as the five gangs under our empire, serves as a support of each other. That is without interfering each other’s own businesses. If a plot of assassinating rivals arises, the whole empire should know. That is a sign of trust and loyalty, and is upon agreement. After all, they bring the whole Elcrimo empire under their names.

            Elcrimo empire, headed by the Constantines, have been sitting on top of the hierarchy of the organized crime groups. We commit to almost all illegal activities excluding civilian violence and child trafficking. Elcrimos don’t touch people who are not stained with the dirt of our world.

            “Have you told nonna and nonno about this?” I asked.

            “Yes. They already know.”

            A knock was heard on the door followed by the mahogany door slowly opening. Miranda, one of the servants, went in.

            “Damsel, Madame Felicity and Sire Aleksander are waiting for you at the living room,” she informed.

            I paused for a few seconds before replying. I could feel the rampage of ache again. The rage and throbs which I tried to bury for a month suddenly aroused after knowing she’s finally here.

            My grandparents didn’t tell me about them bringing her back home, that they’ll have it done sooner than expected. They could just have let me know even though I admitted that I was never ready to see my sister in that pitiful state.

            “I’ll be there.”

            I stood up from my swivel chair and picked up my phone from the table.

            “Claire, let’s talk about this some other time.” I told her and she just looked at me with consoles.

            Just as I was about to enter the living room and greet my grandparents, a car’s loud horn echoed from outside. Then, I heard the main gate opened.

            “It’s definitely her,” Nonna remarked and placed her cup of chamomile tea on the glass table.      

            They all immediately gathered at the front door while I was glued on the place where I was standing. My body felt so heavy to move. And my breathings were as dull as the beatings of my heart.

            Cassiopeia is here, Meda. After three years.

            An ambulance tailed with two black Mercedes Benz showed up. Now that my twin is really here, inside that ambulance, I could no more deny the rush of our kinship. I could no more hide the chaos going on in me beneath a calm façade. The lump on my throat was growing bigger; it was getting harder to swallow.

            The medics immediately set up the stretcher. And like a movie scene in slow motion, Cassiopeia was brought out from the ambulance. My knees immediately wobbled seeing her. From her covered feet, to her legs, and to her arms and her torso in which there were too many apparatus are attached. And her face – those closed lids and pale face.

            While Nonna could not stop her tears as Nonno embraces her, I tried my best to bit back mine.

            She’s back. Cassiopeia, my dearest twin is home again. But no tears of joy shed. How when she’s painfully lying on that stretcher, with a bandage around her head and a tube attached in her mouth just so she could breathe? I couldn’t even paint a smile on my lips as she passed through me. Goddamn, I can’t even watch her being sent in her room with all these machines.

            I was already struggling in holding back my tears. My throat is gripping too hard, it began to hurt. But you don’t cry, Meda. Don’t cry for her. She would never want to see you drowning in tears.

            “Grazie. We owe you Cassi’s safety in her travel.”

            “She’s our niece, Father. She’s our responsibility, too.”

            I heard Nonno thanked Uncle Condrad and Auntie Tria before I turned around towards the stairs. I was relieved Claire understood and didn’t even bother to stop or talk to me.     

            Truth is I don’t think I could still face anyone right now. With all the emotions suddenly getting in me in one moment, I am finding it harder to breathe every second that passes by. And I know I needed to be alone. I don’t want them to see me bursting out in tears. Nobody sees me weak.

            The second the door closed, I immediately sank down the floor.

            God, I’m scared. Cassi might die if she chooses to stop fighting for her life. And I can’t even do something for the person that’s only left of me after that incident. It would be very dark without my twin. That’s why I can’t lose her. I just can’t.

            The day we were informed about Cassi’s incident, the world around me collapsed. And rage and rues filled in. It made me get through a month. The thirst for justice and vengeance made me fine, somehow. But now that I see her in that state, it was far different and far rawer. I went totally blank.           

            I ended up blaming myself.

            I didn’t know how long I locked up myself in my room. An hour or two, maybe? And all I did inside was cry a single tear and stare at the wall the whole time.

            I need to see Cassi.

            After taking a bath and fixing myself, I decided to go down. The house is now quiet. It seems like the people who brought Cassi here have already left.

            “Damsel, Madame Felicity commanded me to prepare dinner for you,” Miranda informed. I just shook my head and turned to walk towards my sister’s room.

            My twin is not even eating, how could I eat a delicious meal?

            Grandpa and Grandma were sitting on the sofa beside Cassi’s bed when I opened the door. They checked me out as I smiled at them.

            “How are you, child? Did you eat?” Grandma asked as I sat down on the other side of Cassi’s bed.

            “I suddenly don’t have the appetite, Nonna,” I replied.

            “But Meda–”

            “Really, I’m fine.” I looked at them and assured. I don’t want my grandparents to think that I am now vulnerable, unable to handle myself.

            I looked at Cassi and held her hand. I weakly smiled at her. I miss you, Cassiopeia. Why do we have to pay this price just to have you home again, huh? Wake up very soon, twin. Don’t leave me alone. I held her hand tighter when that tiny part of me grows bigger and bigger, blaming me. It keeps on telling me that I am at fault, to begin with; that I, too need to suffer. I let her in that country by herself. I chose not to protect her. Forgive me, Cassi. Please forgive me for not taking care of you the best that I can.

            “Is she going to be fine?” I inquired, sounding hopeful.

            “The doctor says Cassi is fighting to live. Nothing is still sure when she will wake up,” Grandma answered.

            Cassiopeia was shot on the chest. She had massive loss of blood since it took too long before someone found her. This caused her a brain trauma resulting in a comatose state. She also had a mild head injury; said she was battered with a hard material. She was in a critical condition, even dying upon arrival at the hospital. But Cassiopeia is indeed a strong girl – very brave.

            “What happened, Nonna? How did my twin ended up in this condition?”

            “It might not be related with the mafia organizations, Meda. It was reported that Cassi is a victim of bullying at school.”

            I looked at them, surprised. “What? A victim of bullying?”

            Grandmother nodded.

            No, that can’t be. She knows how to fight and protect herself. She can’t let anyone mistreat her. Is this what her overflowing kindness and pureness had brought her? Near death?

            “How aren’t we aware of this, Nonna?”

            “Cassi didn’t want to be followed, Meda. That was her condition in exchange that we will still be in touch. We only knew of her financial needs as she keeps her personal life from us,” Grandma sighed, feeling so hopeless as she grips the arm rest.

            “Is this what they only got until now?”

            I crave for more information but no words come out next.

            Both my grandparents fell silent. I snorted as my head started to boil in irritation.

            So, up until now the case is still pending with only a bit of progress? That’s pure bullcrap. What kind of people did we hire to investigate? Not even any single evidence is found after almost a month?!

            Grandpa, like he can see through my previous thoughts, explained. “Our investigators are the best in their field, Meda. But it seems that the people responsible for this are wise and knowledgeable enough. They have cleaned it all before we could start tracking where it all started.”    

            If that is, then this is not just a simple bullying resulting to murder. What Grandpa said is impossible. No crime is perfect. There is always a hole the culprit forgets to cover. There is always a mess the criminal forgets to clean. There is always evidence.

            My hands turned into a fist as I swallowed hard. “I’ll work on it. I’ll find evidences on my own,” I declared.

            “We already talked about this, Meda. You are not going to get involved in this case,” Grandpa immediately opposed.

            “I can’t just wait for this slow movement, Nonno! That person has to pay for this! We do not even know who he is while that jackass is now celebrating his victory!” I almost cried out in rage and desperation. I know they will both disagree but I decided to take action on my own. This might be way deeper than the professionals could investigate. I could not just sit in here while my sister is dying without any piece of justice.

            “Meda, we will not risk you. Heaven knows what I would be if–” Grandma pleaded, unable to continue her pessimistic thoughts.

            My heart crumpled at the brokenness of her voice. I understand them but I won’t be wavered. My anger and hunger for revenge and justice stood me firm.

            Now, I realized I was wrong for blaming myself. I kept on asking for endless apologies in my mind when it wasn’t my hands that murdered my twin. I kept on condemning myself when the person who is responsible for this does not even feel guilty at all. I punished myself for the crime of others. I agreed on an unfavourable suffering. Instead of torturing myself, why don’t I torture the one who deserves a rain of hell?

            “You will not pursue this dangerous thing, Andromeda.” Grandpa looked at me sternly as he marked his finality.

            “You know me, Nonno. I will do what I want to do,” I firmly replied.

            “Do not let me use my authority, Meda.”

            I halted in fear. Grandpa’s weighty tone and gritted teeth never failed to send shivers down my spine. This is how his unfaltering rigidness greatly affects his people.

            But even if I have to totally go against him, I will. Because I know one thing that’s for sure – my grandfather will never hurt me.

            “I know you are just scared. But I am not Cassiopeia. I will never show up stone-cold in front of you.” I breathe in deeply, gathering all my courage. “All my life, I have been depending on your security. Trust me once and this time, Nonno and Nonna. Please let me do this for my twin,” I pleaded, desperate for them to let me work on it with all my strength.

            I have been hiding under the cover of our family. When things go wrong around, it’s always them who will fix everything. All I did was wait for my grandparents to take action. All I did was depend on my surname. Now, I think it’s time to go beyond petty fights and fashion competitions. This might be the right time for me to use what my parents have taught me to survive a real battle.

            It was already past midnight but I’m still sitting beside my twin, watching her breathe every second and listening to the timed beeping of the machine. My grandparents left the room after our talk. The day was so long so they must be exhausted.

            Looking at every corner of Cassi’s face, I found myself unconsciously smiling as I turned back to the memories we have shared before.

            With all the blissful years we spent together as a family, I didn’t expect for the heavens to take both of our parents so early. And just like a lightning that flashes in a second, everything seemed to gradually change for Cassiopeia. My twin suddenly hated the fact that she was born in a mafia family. She was happy with it before and we would even train and learn together. But with an unknown reason, she denied herself of her title. She totally changed – from being a cheerful kid with a bright beam to an aloof and silent lady. I felt like it was more than our parent’s death but whenever I asked her about it, she would madly kick me out of her sight.

            And then one day, Cassiopeia ran away from home. She went to Canada and decided to start a new life there. We tried to convince her to go home but ultimately failed. She was actually planning to cut all her ties from the family but Grandma talked to her and agreed on the family just supporting her needs. And now, while studying college, she has been found shot. Cassi is in coma and worse is we didn’t even know how she ended up in this critical situation.

            I was brought out from my own pool of thoughts when someone knocked on the door.

            “Come in,” I said and Claire appeared before the door. She was holding a tray of food, looking at me as if weighing my current emotions. She smiled a bit in which I also returned to her.

            “I prepared your comfort food, damsel.” She informed and placed the tray on a small table near the corner.

            The smell of buttercookies, as well as the sight of strawberry milk, made me beam widely. I could never refuse sweets and I’ll die for anything in strawberry.

            “You’re the best, Claire.” I smiled at her and took a bite of the cookies.

            Because of hunger, I finished my plate clean and very satisfied. Claire, on the other side, was just quietly looking at me, seemingly waiting for anything I would like to say.

            There is no point of hiding my plans from her for so long. She’s going to know, anyway.

            “We’ll be going to Montreal, Canada next week, Claire.”

            Her forehead immediately creased in confusion. I know this is just so sudden for her. Besides, she’s still finishing college here in Italy.

            “We will investigate Cassi’s case on our own,” I added, answering her possible questions. But she looked more bewildered with what I replied. She even shifted on her stance, trying to have a grasp on my words.

            “What do you mean damsel? There’s no way your grandparents would let you–”

            I cut her off. “They already know and they agreed.”

            I victoriously smiled, so proud of myself for winning the discussion with my grandparents.

            “Yeah. But how would you even do that?”

            I smirked at her question and crossed my arms. Looking at her eyes, I replied, “I will be my twin. I will be Cassiopeia.”