7. I don't want to be here...

Layla touches her temple, feeling headache. These two guys are her friends, but they've matured throughout the years. Adults like Allen and Fred is not something she could accept as nothing happened.

The term of losing her memory was so foreign to her as there is no memory she lost! Her memory was intact, and complete without any blank space.

But, what is to be suspicious when her two good friends standing healthily in front of her? The only changes that clear was their bone ages, matured faces, physical states, and their voices. Urghh...too scary!

" It looks like you couldn't accept the fact that you are not that young, huh?" the ever quite Fred tsked. The two always bickering even the tiniest and unreasonable things every time they met or gather together.

Layla's face twitched as she smiles, annoyed at his cynical comment, " Do I asked you, big baby Freddy? Hmm? Don't forget that you are OLDER than me by THREE years~" she automatically snapped with her usual remark. Allen at the side, sweating hard. The two friends started words of war.

" So, call me 'big brother'. Don't go 'big baby Freddy' me. What? Am I wrong? Don't stare at me with that ugly and scary looks. Isn't that pleasing to my eyes, though..." Fred sat at the footbed, looking as annoying as ever.

Layla rolled her eyes, " Uncle Fred, I thank you for your visit. Oh, by the way, I hate roses. So, bring carnations or lilies the next time you come over again." Layla kindly reminds him, smugly looking at his dark expression. Fred slapped his head internally as he forgot this woman allergic to rose.

He grits his teeth, " Shut up, woman. How long you want to stay sick and weak, acting like a damsel in distress? You're not a damsel, but a wolf!" He no longer had snarky remarks to fight with her. This woman always has holes to pokes and irritate him.

" then, go and discharge me. I want to go home. I miss Mark and Jenny. and is boring here," Layla pouted, acting spoiled. Well, not that boring anyway. That drop-dead gorgeous god always accompanies her. Is a feast for her eyes!

Allen stiffened. Fred straight up his lazy style of sitting, waiting for the moment she mentioned her adopted parent. He looked at Allen, as his face turns grave. The heavy atmosphere catches Layla's attention.

" What's wrong with you guys?" Layla asked, but she immediately found that when she mentioned about her parent, the two men look sad and afraid.

" Hey...Al? Fred? What's up?" A bad premonition strikes her heart. " Mark and Jenny...they are good, right?"

Allen takes a deep breath to calm down. He went closer to Layla's side, taking her hand and grip it tightly. He stared up to her eyes and said,

" They're gone...two years ago in a plane crash."

Thump!

Thump! Thump!

Layla blank out, " Wha...what? What do you mean they've gone? Hey, Al. Don't joke about this kind of thing. I don't find it funny at all." Layla pulls out her hand from his.

" Fred, says something! Don't let him joking with this thing. I don't like it!" Layla shoots a disgusting look at the silent man. Fred closed his eyes as that pained look stabbed her eyes.

" They're gone, Layla! Two years ago in a plane crash. They are dead!" Fred snapped. His eyes reddened. Allen sat up and pulls her into his embrace. Her body shook at his sudden action.

Dead...

Mark and Jenny...

A rush of memories flooding her mind. Mark's and Jenny's face overlapping each other, as her sitting between them, laughing at Mark's lame jokes. Jenny pulls her into her warm arms, appeasing her sulks.

" Baby girl, if Mark and I are gone first. What would you do?" One day, Jenny asked.

At that time, the 15 years old Layla find it funny at her sudden question.

" Gone to where? Jupiter? Then, I'll follow you two, of course!" The young Layla laughed at her own lame joke. Jenny followed as Mark went closer and kiss Layla's hair. He pinches her nose, gaining her fake 'ouch'.

" Naughty girl. We are serious!" Mark rolled his eyes.

" Tsk! I don't want to talk about that thing. I'm hungry~" Layla hugs Mark's hand, pouting cutely. Jenny laughed as Mark finally defeated at her cute acts.

Drip drop of tears staining her face in present time. Allen felt his arm wet with warm liquid, knowing that she's crying.

" Sorry...I'm sorry..." Allen holds her head, patting her back saying sorry to her.

Why...

" What...happened?" She asked. Her voice is hoarse, plus silent sobbing. Allen sighed.

" They heard about your accident, then rushed here. On their way, the plane explodes in the air. No survivor, all dead."

Layla's cries more, feeling guilty about their death. She blames her accident that caused the tragic death of her adopted parent. If only...

" Layla, don't blame yourself. This happens beyond our control."

" But..."

" Layla...No but, no ifs. Trust me, you will be okay. You still had us. Your husband also there for you. You are not alone."

" I...I want to visit them. Book my flight as soon as possible." Layla pulls her out from Allen's arms.

Allen shook his head, " No need. We decided to bury them here. Let them be close to you as much as possible."

" Un, thank you."

**********