6 CHAPTER 5

Author's Note:

Hi! So I used a few Filipino words in this because I need it for my story. Despite that, I put translations to it.

Thank you.

***

“It’s 6:03 PM.” I heard a voice from the inside as I walked towards the front door of our house. “Yeah, I just run some errand. Why?” I looked at Ghale who is seriously looking at me.

“Why are you with him? Didn’t I remind you that no friends for you?” she said and I could feel from here that she’s really mad. “Him who?” I asked, confused. “Montessario.” She answered.

“Wait… who is Montessario?” Who the hell is she talking about?

“I saw you earlier with Drake Montessario. Why are you with him?” she looks serious as she asked me about it. “Oh! He’s a Montessario? I didn’t know.” I said and was about to continue walking upstairs when I saw Mom looking at me seriously.

“So, you’re with the Montessario?” she asked. Like what is wrong with that?! Why is everybody asking me about it!

“Yeah,” I said boringly. Is she gonna talk about our deal?

‘No friends blah blah blah.’

“That’s great! Keep up the good work.” She smirked and went inside the kitchen.

I even heard her mumble something.

What?

“You know, you should not be close to anybody. Especially that guy.” I turned around and stared at Ghale flatly. “Why? You have friends, can’t I have one too?” I walked upstairs when she suddenly said something.

“You wouldn’t like it when I get angry. Do not try me. Mom said no friends for you too. Are you that stupid to not understand that?" she hissed and walked towards her room.

“Why can’t anyone explain why I can’t have friends? Like what’s the fuss?” I whispered to myself. I went straight to my room and change my clothes to sleep.

‘Another night of misery.’ I whispered.

A lone tear escaped my eyes. I walked slowly towards my terrace. I held on to the railings and looked up to the sky.

“I’m missing you again,” I said and let myself cry the agony I’m feeling. I sat on the floor, still weeping about the sadness I'm constantly feeling. “Why does it have to be you!” I shouted while crying.

Do I need to be like this every night?

Do I have to bring this feeling every single day?

When will this stop?

I’m too tired to survive. I feel like I can’t do this anymore.

A cold wind brushed in my skin. Hugging my sorrows. Washing my agony. Slowly changing them into bravery.

I stood up and wiped the tears in my eyes. I looked up again and stared at the stars. “I’m sorry, Danny. I know I told you I won’t cry but I still did. Don’t worry, this will be the last time.” I flashed a forced smile. With it are my sorrows, guilt, sadness, madness, and everything I am feeling.

I will be brave… for you… and for myself.

Just like you ask me to.

I went back to my bed and cuddle with my teddy bear.

This is childish, I know, but this is the only thing I have as a memory of my sister, Daniella. I closed my eyes and cry myself to sleep.

***

I woke up feeling dizzy. My head is aching but I forced myself to get up and took a bath. I looked at my clock placed at my bedside table.

It’s just 5:33 AM and I’m already awake. Maybe that’s why my head hurts. I slept late and woke up early. Never mind, I don’t have time to go back to sleep. I might get late to school.

I went downstairs after getting ready for school. It was so quiet. Are they still sleeping? Even the maids?

“Oh! You’re awake.” I heard a voice from nowhere. I looked around and saw no one until Mereditha shows up from the kitchen. “You scared me!” I said and chuckled. She just laughed at me and asked me why I am so early.

Mereditha has been serving our family since God knows when. Danny told me before that she already started serving ever since I’m not born. She’s too old to work too, my Mom told her to just rest and just guide our maids but she refused to do so.

“Are you hungry?” she asked with her Filipino accent. She had been here for years but she still haven’t adopted our British accent. Despite that, we still understand her.

“Yeah, did you cook?” I said excitedly. It had been so long since she cooked for me. Mom didn’t let her do too much work, that’s why.

“Yes, I did. Come on.” She touched my arm and guided me to walk. She walked slowly so I walked with her pace too. I looked at her and a tear escaped my eyes. She had been a mother to me since then. When Danny died, she was there for me. Mourn with me, sleep in sadness with me. She was there when Mom can’t.

I suddenly hug her making her stop walking. “I love you, Nay.” Me and Danny called her Nanay ever since she told us the meaning of it.

*Flashback*

“Do you have a family in the Philippines, Mereditha?” Danny asked her. Danny likes teasing her about calling her by name. Mereditha doesn’t like it. She said that it’s disrespectful.

“I told you to call me Nanay.” She said seriously. Danny laughed and hugged her from the side.

“Why would I? I don’t even know what’s the meaning of it.” Danny said and looked at Merceditha like a child.

“We call our mothers Nanay in the Philippines. Even though they’re not our mothers, if they are elders, we call them like that. You two should do the same way to me.”

I looked at her in awe. “Nanay?” I whispered. She heard it and smiled at me.

“Nanay do you have a family in the Philippines?” I asked.

“Nanay is long, I’ll just call you Nay.” Danny smiled widely after hearing that Nanay Mereditha agreed.

“I-I don’t,” she said and smiled sadly. Instead of asking more questions, I hugged her and Danny did the same too. “I’m sorry for asking,” I whispered and she just kissed my forehead.

*Flashback*

“Mahal din kita, anak.” (I love you too, my child.) She told me. I smiled at her. I understand her Filipino words sometimes. She taught us before because Danny wanted to.

“Now, go eat your breakfast.” I let go of my embrace and take a seat at our breakfast table. I looked at the food she served me. Hotdogs, egg, and bacon. Of course, rice.

I laughed and looked at her. Every time she prepares our meal, she would serve us the Filipino breakfast. With rice, as always. I started eating and after that, I felt so full. I even burped making her chuckle.

“Oh! You’re up early.” I heard a voice from behind. Ghale.

I smiled at her and asked her to join me with my breakfast. I’m done anyway.

I don't know if I’m still mad at her but I can’t help being kind. It has been my nature. Danny always told me to be kind to everyone even if life is full of selfishness.

“Are you still mad at me?” she suddenly asked as she sat in front of me. I smiled and shook my head. “I’m not mad anymore. I’m sorry for my behavior yesterday."

She smiled and stood up. She walked towards me and hugged me tightly.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been a big sister to you. I’ll make it up to you.” She whispered making me fall a tear. I hugged her back so tight.

“Thank you, sis,” I whispered.