Chapter 24: 人生就说是一场梦幻，也不能没有安慰。

⟨⟨Life may only be a dream, but it still needs solace.⟩⟩

December 31, 1997. New Years’ Eve. The old whitewashed brick perimeter around the bungalow up ahead stood in the intersection of the suburban crossroads like the Great Wall of China. It was visible from four blocks away, no exaggeration. Even humongous was an understatement when it came to describing the proportions of this sweet place Jacob had inherited.

I drove past the gates that were wide open this evening, putting my motorcycle to rest in the big parking lot. The estate with its enormous yard, the kind you see in corny network TV sitcoms, looked like it had been designed by some self-assured widow who’d won the lottery in the 70s. Which, honestly, wasn’t far off from the actual trajectory of the late Mrs. Price’s life. God rest her soul.

The Christmas decorations were working overtime, illuminating the wide expanse of rooms that lined the front of the bungalow, the twinkling red and yellow lights reflecting against the pool on the side. This was the first time I had come to this sweet ass place Jacob had inherited from his sugar mommy. Normally, you wouldn’t even know what to do with a house as comically large as this. But it was the perfect location for a party.

A sign board with a crudely graffiti'd “Happy New Year 1998” hung over the door. It didn’t take the small scribbled signature in the corner for me to know it was the handiwork of none other than my good friend Lupin Datres.

It was my first night since my discharge from the hospital earlier today. The doctor had repeated his advice of “Go easy on yourself for a few days” to me over and over again.

Did I have any intention of paying heed to his advice?

Well….. I grabbed the nearest solo cup from the counter at the bar right in front of the giant open room left to the entrance. With a gulp I downed the drink, and whatever it was, it was strong.

“What the fuck do you think go easy on yourself for a few days means?” I heard Elle’s voice, as a slap landed on my back, causing me to let out a small “yeowch!”

“Mmhh, what was that even?” I said, shaking my head violently, as the strong spirit jolted my senses awake.

“That had some hard Tequila in it, dude. Easy!” Lupin said with a look of disbelief on his face.

“Oh please, you can stop babying me now,” I said, “The fuckin’ Deity couldn’t kill me, some alcohol sure as hell wouldn’t.” Turning to the guy at the counter I added, “Get me a classic R&C, Sam. The usual.”

“You know the guy?” Elle asked.

“Oh yeah, he’s staff at a bar I frequent,” I said.

“Huh, which one?”

“I’m allowed to have some privacy, thank you~!!” I took the glass from the counter.

That’s when I saw Timmy Kyd from the corner of my eye. Oh great. Just the person I needed here. Fuck. I’ll need to get more wasted before I can deal with him.

“Are you even old enough to drink?” Tim said, as he walked up to me.

“Are you?” I asked.

“Yes, actually. I’m 27,” he said.

“No fucking way. You’re not!” Lupin gasped out.

“Yeah he is,” I said, and then added, “Also yes, Captain. I’m old enough to drink. I turned 21 a few days ago. Not that I cared before that, anyway.”

“Wait, really? When was your birthday?” he asked.

“December 15th,” Elise replied with a snicker, “Can you believe it? He might actually be cursed.”

“That’s the real reason why he was pissed when the incident happened,” Lupin chimed in, “He was mad that he had to work overtime on his birthday.”

“Okay that’s bullshit. I don’t like to celebrate in the first place!” I protested.

“Keep saying that, edgelord. I remember when I got you that cigarette case for your birthday last year. You almost cried.”

“I did not!”

“Yes you did!” Elise said.

“You certainly did,” Lupin seconded her.

Kyd giggled.

“Okay fuck you, and fuck you. Hey Sam, three vodkas neat.”

“There’s four of us here,” Lupin said.

“Oh? Oh no. All of these are for me.”

“LIAHAN!” Lupin and Elise said at the same time.

“What?! Do I not get to let loose for one night. For one fucking night?”

“You most certainly don’t. Not with your current condition,” I heard a new voice emerge from behind me. I turned around to see Markus, who shook his head. He yanked me by the arm as he dragged me into a room on the other side of the hall.

He turned back to the others as he said, “I’ll keep him in check. You guys have fun.”

They thanked him, as I was pulled away and tossed into one of the gazillion bedrooms in the bungalow. “What the fuck, Mark?” I said.

“It’s for your own good.”

“Oh yeah for my own good? Hey fuck you.”

“You’ll thank me later.”

“Yeah whatever,” I said, as I sat down in a corner of the room. I was pissed. And a little drunk. But mostly pissed.

“Keep sulking in there then. See if I care,” Markus shrugged, and he closed the door behind.

I sighed out loud, after sitting there quietly for a few minutes. I got up and made my way out of the room, into the winding corridor that led to the large open space out back, adjacent to the pool.

Music thumped in the open space, as I observed a lot of familiar faces from work, now lost in dance to the beats of some crappy remix of popular tracks, probably made by this guy in Jacob’s squad.

I saw the host of the party in the big ball-room (that’s what it looked like) that overlooked the pool through a thick glass window which curved around the back end of the house, as the flooring cut right off at a sharp angle. Truly masterful architecture.

I walked into the room, which seemed cramped despite its area, due to the huge crowd gathered today. I waved at Jacob who was over at the corner, and he ran over here when he saw me.

“Nice place” I said.

“And the party?” he asked.

“I’ve seen better,” I replied with a snarky chuckle.

“Okay asshole,” he said, with a laugh.

We turned back to the room, as the party began to really get going. “Let’s get the hell out of here,” I whispered to Jacob, as we slipped out of the room.

—

Elise sat on the side of an old couch in the corner of the room, her legs hanging off the side. She was wearing boot cut trousers, the sides of her leather jacket hung loose, revealing her glittering black tank top underneath. Her wolf-cut hair reeled back with her, as the high from the joint began to hit. She giggled with Lupin, who was already baked, beside her.

Markus stood against the wall, arms crossed, and disapproving of his coworkers’ use of substances. Kyd was standing a few feet away from them, a little awkwardly. It was clear that he wanted a hit as well, but was embarrassed to ask his subordinates.

“Ugh, is it just me or has Tim been tryin’ too hard to be chummy with us?” Elise groaned out.

“Yeah, say it out louder Elle. He almost can’t hear you,” Lupin said, almost yelling, over the music that thumped in the near distance.

“Hey, he’s my boss. A little more respect, please” Markus said, with a cough.

“Yeah right Mark…” Elise said, her voice throaty, “Our fuckin’ senior. He could certainly act the part!”

“Can’t even ask us to pass the blunt, what a puhh–” Lupin exhaled a poof of smoke.

“Oh, looks like he’s getting himself a drink,” Elise said with a giggle, pointing over at him with the joint that she snatched back from Lupin’s hand.

“Damn, that shit looks strong. Can he even hold allat?” Lupin shook his head.

“Okay. Keep disrespecting him. I’ll excuse myself. Lemme go see where Liahan and Jacob at.” Markus said, as he walked out through the exit beside them.

“Fuck, is he coming here?” Elise, asked with a squint, as she saw Kyd making his way over to the couch, through her slightly hazy vision.

“Shiiit, I think he is…” Lupin said, yanking the joint back to his hand.

“...Got room for one more?” Kyd asked, as he stood clumsily with the red solo cup in his hand.

“Sure, Cap. Knock yourself out,” Elise said, shaking her head.

“Where is Liahan?” Lupin asked.

“Oh, I saw him walk out of the room with Islodo, not too long ago,” Kyd said, taking a sip of his drink.

“Heh… Wonder what those two are up to," Elise said, with a giggle. She then stopped for a moment, and then added, “Aww poor Jamie. She has no idea her man is… Ugh, give me the fucking joint—!”

“It’s out,” Lupin clicked his tongue as he tossed the butt aside.

“Oh speaking of, why isn’t she here?” Kyd asked.

“Who, Jamie?” Elise replied, “Hah, Liahan’s one possessive assbag. He refuses to bring her to work events.”

“Thinking about it…” Lupin said, as he fixed another joint, “The last time I saw her was at the hospital.”

“Likewise,” Kyd said.

Elise nodded, as she grabbed the joint from Lupin, twisting the end and lighting it, before she hastily took a drag.

“Hey! I wasn’t done yet!” Lupin exclaimed.

“Oh shut the fuck up pleaseee…” Elise rolled her eyes, her blurred gaze now lingering on the door frame for a good moment. That’s when she saw the figures of Liahan and Jacob following Markus into the room. “Ayee, there they are! What the fuck were you doing?”

“Catching up, I didn’t get to see him at the hospital, after all,” Jacob said with a soft smile, as he stretched his palm out before Elise, “Can I get that?”

Elise sighed as she passed the blunt to him. Jacob took a drag, as he threw himself down on the couch, Liahan sat beside him.

Wait, that’s me! I should switch back to first person. One second…!

—

Jacob had been fidgety all evening, jumping around from room to room, ensuring everything was right, and everyone was okay. Hosting a party this big was no walk in the park. He had exhausted himself completely by now. He rested his head against my shoulder. I patted his head lightly.

Elise looked over at us from the other side of the couch and snickered, “Gay ass,” she mouthed to me.

I flipped her off, as I took a drag from the blunt I’d taken from Jacob’s weary hand. I let out a soft exhale. This was nice. I sunk back into the couch, as I finally felt peace — after so long.

“This last month felt like it lasted ten years!”

“Amen to that,” Lupin chuckled.

“Wait, did I say that out loud?” I said, surprised.

“Hahah, are you high already?” Elise cackled, like a goose, “Gee bro, you’re such a babyyy~”

“Better than being a habitual stoner,” I shot back at her.

“Oi, you trynna pick a fight huh?” she grumbled back at me.

“I dunno, maybe I am!” I replied.

“Kids, please stop fighting,” Lupin said tiredly.

Both Elle and I let out a hmph, as we shut up. The group fell silent. The sounds of merrymaking from the others at the party floated over to us. I looked over to see all the familiar and unfamiliar faces dancing around the pool.

“I lost like twenty years of my life after the shit I had to deal with this last month,“ Kyd said with a sudden obligation to continue conversation, now that the silence had stretched on for too long.

“Hey, welcome to our world,” Elise said, “you desk jobbers have it easy most of the time.”

“I’d honestly transfer if I could,” Lupin said, “Lucky you, Liahan…”

I shook my head with a smile, “Well, I mean…”

“Oh yeah, man!” Mark said, as he sat up straight and turned to me, “Congratulations on the promotion, bro!” He patted on my back, but it felt like hard slaps, given how big and thick his hands were.

“Ow, yeah thanks dude,” I replied.

“We should toast to that,” Elise said, as she stumbled in her attempt to stand up. “Hey, cutie~” she called over to the girl at the bar counter close to us. “Bring us a beer each.”

“A beer? Seriously?” Jacob said, “There’s way better liquor in stock, y’know?”

“Shut up… rich boy…” Elise slurred, as she slumped back on the couchside. “The beers please, girlie~!”

The girl smiled at her, as she brought the drinks over to us on a tray. As she turned to leave, Elise got up as she followed her back to the counter.

We shook our heads as we saw her in the distance, flirting with the bar girl.

Tim squinted over at me, as he said, ”You’re sure not pushing yourself, right Beiker?”

“No sir,” I replied, with a laugh, as I shook my head.

The conversation fell silent again, as our attentions turned to the DJ music dying all of a sudden. A duo of musicians took center stage — a bassist and drummer. Faces super familiar to me. Kim and Jon from our three man band JKL (pronounced Jackal).

“You like the surprise?” Jacob asked me, with a grin, his head now resting against my chest.

“Oh.. you did not!” I said, very surprised. The boys looked at me from the distance, Kim gave me a light nod of recognition, and Jon waved hello. I raised my hand back at them.

They began playing our song Another Winter Heartbreak.

“Mgh, our songs are so heavy on vocals. Something feels missing…” I said.

“Absolutely no singing for you, Hannifish,” Elise said as she stood in front of us. “”

“D’you score a date with her?” I asked.

“Nah, she’s got a boyfriend,” she shrugged.

“Bummer!” Lupin said, as he got up. He reached out for her hand, “Since you’re missing a partner. Can I have a dance instead?” He winked playfully. This guy was beyond dorky, but he did have an odd charisma to him.

Elise scoffed, as she took his hand in hers, “Sure, why not. Only a dance though. Make a move on me, and you’re dead.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Lupin said with a smirk, as he took her to the dance floor.

We all laughed. My attention turned back to the duo playing.

No…

“Fuck it,” I said, jumping out of the couch.

“Liahan—!” Jacob and Mark spoke out together.

“Y’all ain’t stopping me,” I said, as I skedaddled off towards my boys.

Jacob and Mark tried to get up from the couch, in their attempt to stop me, but were unable to.

“Did that fucker put up a barrier?!” Jacob said in disbelief.

“Whatever. No use helping him. Fine! Go hurt yourself more, see if I care!” Mark yelled, before he plopped his butt back on the couch.

I stuck a tongue out at them, as I grabbed the guitar Jon had brought along for me.

While I waited for them to finish playing the current song, I opened up the bottle of beer in my hand. From the corner of my eye I could see him.

William. He stood in the corner silently, with a smile. He smiled at me, flashing me a thumbs up. I smiled back at him, raising my bottle in toast, before I chugged it all down in continuous gulps.

“Uwahh!” a sound escaped my lips, with a burp.

The DJ threw a mic over at me. I plugged the jack of the amp into the system.

One look at my boys and they knew exactly which song we were going to play.

I flipped the mic’s on switch, as I said, “Alright folks! Here’s the last performance of ‘97, from yours truly JKL!”

The raving crowd cheered wildly, as Jacob silently shook his head and gestured at the guy in charge of the lights to go absolutely crazy. He understood the assignment, as the lights did indeed go crazy, and on beat with Kim’s drumming Jon began to finger the bass, and right on cue I began as well.

“Survivor’s Game!” I screamed.

Our most popular single. The only one we’d released on vinyl, and it had… well, sold okay enough for an experimental indie band like ours. Which is to say, we still had at least a hundred unsold records lying in the studio’s backroom. But thanks to our regular performances at the Division 3 bar, a lot of the PRECIPICE agents knew and loved the song. I guess this is what you’d call a cult following.

The room erupted, people from the pool side ran back into the room, laughing, cheering, dancing. It was a frenzied daze I entered, the adrenaline from performing in front of this wild audience could only be rivalled by what I’d felt during that encounter with Death’s Gate.

I was grinning ear to ear as I scream-sang right from my chest. I saw Jacob nodding along and mouthing the lyrics. Mark tapped his foot, and Kyd drunkenly cheered us on, as we got to the super popular hook.

Right until the day explodes and envelopes us all with its love,

We won’t stop burning up with the passion of a thousand suns!

This moment is ours, we’re the survivors and this is our life

That we wiiiiilll liiiiveee — OH YEAHHHH!!!

Elise and Lupin spun each other around, haphazard like unwound clockwork.

For a moment there, the world seemed… perfect. Jacob’s eyes were on me, and only me. I was happy.

“Don’t feel guilty, Liahan…” I heard William’s voice in my head again during the instrumental break.

You’re still in there?

“Hah, like I said you’ll never lose me… You’re free to be happy. You should be.”

Well, if you say so… I chuckled out loud.

Midnight inched closer.

Even if it was for just this moment, life was good. And that’s all that mattered. It's enough to keep me going for… however many more years’ worth life I have in me.

The crowd began to count down to the New Year, as I sung the bridge.

Perhaps one day,

“Ten”

I shall see you by the sea,

“Nine”

And that day, I hope I can

“Eight”

drown in the waves with you.

“Seven”

Maybe then our dreams

“Six”

will be fulfilled.

“Five!”

On that anxious night,

“Four!”

I shall be by your side,

“Three!”

And I want to live

“Two!”

for more nights like thiiissss!!

“One!”

I strummed my guitar on the riff, the drums rolled faster and faster—

“HAPPY NEW YEARRRRR!!!” Everybody screamed, and clapped, and jumped, and… insert every verb in the English Dictionary, they probably did them all.

I could hear the fireworks outside, neon lights that spelled out ‘1998’ lit up on the wall behind us.

And this is the day that has exploded, and we’re graced

With love like never beforeeee

Bathed in its goodness, embalmed and venerated,

You and I step into our paradiseeee

This moment’s always ours, we’ll always be survivors,

This our life that we liiiveee— OHHH YESSSS!!!

“COME ON EVERYBODY!!!” I yelled into the mic, “HAPPY NEW YEAR 1998!!! ONE MORE TIME, LET’S SING IT TOGETHER. YOU KNOW THE WORDS!!”

“...This moment’s ours, we’ll always be survivors

This our life that we liiiveee— THIS OUR LIFE THAT WE’LL LIVE!!!”

> To be continued

Author's Note:
And that's it. The final chapter. I wish everybody a Happy New Year 2026. I'll try to write more this coming year. No promises though lol. 

Here's some trivia for those interested. Liahan is a music major in college, and that's where he befriended Jon and Kim. They don't know much about PRECIPICE. They don't really care either, because they get to play in front of an audience, and also make some money off it. 

The last name Jamie uses is Odolsi. She wears contacts, and is an Art major. Elise dropped out, and Lupin never applied for college. That's it for now!