Fallacies and Confessions

By J. M. Gasilla Barrios

Coded messages lead a young woman to the shocking truth about her parents’ death in this interactive mystery novel.

Reign Noble was twenty-two when she found her parents dead bodies after a terrible car crash. The trauma and grief of that terrible day still haunts her, especially when she catches her own reflection in the mirror and sees her mother looking back at her. As she struggles to reach closure and move on with her life, Reign discovers her father’s journal, and a mysterious note he left for her inside.

The coded message reveals a closely guarded secret, setting Reign on a path to discover the truth about her parents’ past, and the real reason for their untimely deaths. In this interactive mystery, readers work alongside Reign to decode one cipher after another until the mystery is revealed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Aug 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781639843152

Book preview

FALLACIES AND CONFESSIONS

J. M. GASILLA BARRIOS

Fallacies and Confessions by J.M. Gasilla Barrios

Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form, without the express and prior permission in writing of Pen It! Publications.  This book may not be circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is currently published. 

   This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.  All rights are reserved.  Pen It! Publications does not grant you rights to resell or distribute this book without prior written consent of both Pen It! Publications and the copyright owner of this book.  This book must not be copied, transferred, sold or distributed in any way. 

   Disclaimer:  Neither Pen It! Publications, or our authors will be responsible for repercussions to anyone who utilizes the subject of this book for illegal, immoral or unethical use.

   This is a work of fiction. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher.

   This book or part thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means-electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise-without prior written consent of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Published by Pen It! Publications, LLC

812-371-4128   www.penitpublications.com

ISBN:  978-1-954004-86-3

Edited by Leslee Mackey

Cover Design by Donna Cook

A Synopsis

By: Janel Micah Barrios

It haunted her. Every lingering memory of her parents haunted her after their demise. Reign Noble was in the state of mourning and shock when she found her parents’ body in a charred state which caused their death after a car crash took place. She became an orphan at the age of twenty-two and it haunted her especially when she looked exactly like her mother, the mere glance of herself in the mirror would trigger her to sadness.

The only person she can rely on was her best friend, Renault. He was a shoulder to cry on, a sense of comfort in the world of distress and he was the one looking after her, the one who was worried about her especially when she was in the state of loss.

Reign was trying to find closure, to finally move on from her parents’ death and look forward, and one way of doing it is by entering their bedroom. And she did, making her cry once more but she found something odd. A note was written for her from her dad in his journal. Making it the initiation of what will change her life, a consequence of a past she never knew and the reason for their deaths. 

Cipher after cipher was found until someone known as The Arch came and introduced her to her parents’ unknown past which would not only crash her lone grasp in normalcy but overall change the life she’ll lead.

A Letter from the Author

Hello,

The book that you are currently reading is not like any other story that you have read. If you want to know the story, then you have to solve the mystery itself.

Treat it as if you’re giving a hand to help the protagonist find the truth and solve every problem coming their way.

You will be learning a code before the story starts and for the sake of the solving, it will help you a great deal to pass through the barriers.

Thank you and enjoy the adventure!

J.M. Gasilla Barrios

JM’S SECRET KEYS- ALPHABET

JM’S SECRET KEYS- NUMBERS

Table Description automatically generated

City of Naga 2018

PREFACE

There will always be a story about yourself that you would never share. Something you’re willing to protect whatever it might cost you and something that would take you a lifetime before even uttering a single word about it.

There will always be something you know in which you’re hesitant to even tell anyone about it. Something you felt you are bound to protect at all costs, even if it will cost you your own life.

There are also instances where you belong to a story you don’t even know existed. As if you left a huge impact on it without you realizing that you did, and I guess my whole life is revolving in something I cannot even fathom. But there are things which are pushing us to unveil a past, a time to give you a reason to know why you end up like this. An explanation for your suffering and maybe a medicine to heal.

CHAPTER ONE

Tossing on my bed, I woke up from a frightening dream which haunted me every night in my sleep. I was gasping for air as sweat trickled down to every inch of my body while my eyes tried to adjust in the darkness. I look around my room trying to register everything covered by the phantom of the night echoing my silent screams.

My breathing laced through the hushed evening air and it took me a while to pull myself out of my trance. I raked my fingers through my wavy raven hair which now seems to be in a tangled mess.

Sighing, I peel the blanket off of my body and manoeuvre my way towards the bathroom and switch the light on when I entered. The mirror hanging on the wall showcased my reflection in the dimly lit room, I stared at it trying to appreciate the appearance of my mom which masked every inch of my face. Black eyes, narrow nose and full thick lips with a small dimple on my right cheek which became visible when I suppressed a smile and a slightly tan skin because of my Filipino heritage.

Closing my eyes, I tried not to replay the memory which never seems to fail in making my heart ached and trouble my emotions throughout the day. It always made me a crying mess as I tried to accept the fact that the two most valuable people whom I got accustomed to being with since birth died last week. A car crash on their way home coveted me a normal life with them. I have wasted precious time while they were alive, and I don’t have any more chance to make it up to them. The investigation is still ongoing though, but I know it won’t probably change anything.

The idea of being alone succumbed to me and the feeling of being abandoned rushing in. Tears escaped the corner of my eyes until I can’t hold back my sobs trying to break free. It killed me inside to lose the people who can only provide the comfort and the sanctity I deeply craved at this moment.

Why do they have to go? Why do they need to leave me? Why do they need to make me feel this way?

It took me hours to recover, I became a crying mess just by looking at my own reflection and it’s hard putting myself back to my usual self as if nothing happened, it is another torture for me to go through. To act strong in front of the huge crowd without breaking.

How can I survive this?

I took the longest shower I’ve ever had as I tried to calm myself and dressed hastily into a black top and a pair of denim pants. I dried my hair and went out of my room with eyes as puffy as ever. It was already six-thirty in the morning and the early light streaming through the window provides a soft light inside the dimly lit house to which I am now residing alone.

I was accustomed to waking up with my mom’s cooking every morning and I can’t help but miss the warm smile she always wore whenever I went out for breakfast.

I guess I’m going to miss eating the Filipino dishes she prepared whenever she got the time to spend in the kitchen. Her own version of Bicol Express as well as Laing will always be my favourite.

Walking towards the kitchen counter, I took a bowl from the cupboard and a spoon, preparing a bowl of cereal for myself. I placed it at the top of the breakfast bar and ate while standing as I tried to tune myself with the silence of the early morning atmosphere.

My class will start two hours from now and it will only take me a few minutes to drive there. Dreading the fact that the population inside the campus would look at me with pity the minute I stepped out of the car and attention is the only thing I am trying not to gain. It wouldn’t help me in the process of healing emotionally.

I went out of the house after brushing my teeth and throwing my hair into a tight ponytail. I head towards my car parked in the driveway. I looked at it while anxiety suddenly overwhelmed me, I reached for the door and swung it open with a shaking hand. I tried calming myself hoping to not be in this state while driving or I might end up like them.

Stop this insanity, Reign. I mumbled to myself as I started the car and slowly pulled out of the driveway.

It took me a while to arrive at my destination and I parked my car to my usual spot before killing the engine and stepping out and grabbing my stuff. I shut the door behind me and looked around the place.

People started to glance towards my direction and a mere glimpse of my shadow initiated sympathetic gazes towards my way and an uncomfortable feeling set on my stomach. I kept going though, not caring if my name would be hanging in the cold air accompanying the news of my parents’ sudden demise.

Reign! A voice called making me spin, my best friend’s face smiling brightly at me came into view, and he was waving his hands trying to catch my attention he already took earlier.

A smile formed on my lip while he was walking towards me and he engulfed me in a tight embrace.

You should have told me you’re coming in today. He said. I should have fetched you. I know you’re still pretty traumatic with driving.

I smiled as he let me go. I’m okay, Renault. Don’t worry about it and I always survive, remember? Besides, I’m not that vulnerable.

He chuckled. Really?

Really. I responded while he let me go. I stared at him with another smile forming on my face. Renault is a charming fellow with his dark brown hair, light brown eyes, pale skin, and chiselled face. Standing at 6’1. Every girl would be falling at his feet if he wanted to.

You know, I will always protect you. He said, draping his arm on my shoulder and drawn me closer.

I nodded. I know that… I do know that.

OoO

The day passed in a blur and I’m grateful for the fact that only a few mere looks were given to me, nothing much happened after that. Renault walked me to my car by the end of the day and seems to be revolving around me all day today out of worry and concern. I haven’t missed his subtle way of resting his arms on my shoulder whenever we’re walking or even the way he shields me from anyone as he acts like barrier between me and the people around me. He also wears this overprotective stance whenever we’re together which I do appreciate since I found myself unconsciously clinging for his support as well.

Are you sure you can drive on your own? He asked, worried. I’d rather drive you home and come back tomorrow.

I shook my head. I’m in the state of mourning but I think I can function quite well.

You think? That’s not making me worry less, Reign. He sighed. If anything happens, anything at all. You call me. Understand?

I smiled and nodded. Don’t worry, I will. I need to do something later anyway. I’m going to open my parents’ room tonight. I mean, I should’ve done it much earlier, but I act cowardly. At least an act for closure or something.

He frowned and held my hand, squeezing it gently. You can always postpone it until you’re fully recovered and prepared to face anything you can find there. At least, do it when someone’s prepared to rescue you if it became somewhat hard and overwhelming.

You should stop treating me as a broken piece. I said, sadly. Depending on someone is the last thing I want to do at the moment and I’m afraid I can survive not being with the familiar comfort of my parents’ memory.

Renault nodded. Then let me drive you until I confirm your safety, at least. For my own sanity throughout the evening. It’s bothering to not be able to be there for a friend going through such a hard time without them letting you offer a helping hand.

His eyes bore into mine as the sunset reflects in his eyes, making it lighter, captivating me. His face crumpled in desperation.

I sighed, defeated. Alright, then.

I’ll fetch your car for you, or I can drive you to school tomorrow. He offered while guiding me towards his car hidden in the shadows of the campus’ building. He opened the door for me and shut it after I strap myself in. He sat on the driver’s seat and revved it to life. It was when we’re already on the main road when he continues our conversation.

How are you feeling right now? He asked. I mean, honestly. You’ve been in and out of reality throughout the day.

I fiddled with my fingers. Trying not to breakdown.

Is that why you wanted to open your parents’ room tonight? To breakdown? He murmured.

I nodded. Yes… to relish the memories I tried to tuck in the back of my head. I’m trying to act as normal as possible after crying early morning.

Nightmares… again?

I nodded again. I can’t seem to get the picture of their charred bodies out of my head during my visit to the hospital. I’m actually confused. I mean, should I be thankful for seeing them for one last time? or to curse me for looking at them in their gruesome state and not being able to forget them?

I never felt the tears already streaming on my face until I wiped it using the back of my hand as discreetly as possible for him to not notice which he did before I even did.

I’m coming with you. He murmured; voice accompanied with sympathy.

I frowned. There’s no reason for you to come.

"If you’re a mess