Where is Mom?

As we walked away from the shoreline, it was beginning to become dark. She did not disturb me in the midst of my solitude while I was silent. It's possible that she anticipated that I would accept her conditions because I don't have a choice for the moment but to agree with her.

"Do you feel better now?" she asked without looking at me. "Do you still feel a weight in your chest, or is it lighter than earlier?"

I slowly nodded while shaking the dirt up in my ass. I am able to state that she was extremely helpful to me in accomplishing my goal of feeling better.

"You know, Amelia. Sometimes in life, all we need to do to solve a situation like this is break down and cry over it until it's gone. Many people believe that when your heart is heavy, you simply cry to lighten up. You are going to feel awful, but you are not going to give up the fight. That's how you play life's ordeals."

I spent a few seconds thinking before I spoke. I understood what she meant to me. I'm thankful that someone like her stayed by my side when I needed someone to talk to. I can't imagine myself now without her; maybe I was still mad and crying until now.

"Nikita, can I stay in your place for a few days?" I barraged her with questions rather than paying attention to what she had to say.

I wanted to move on now. We are now walking slowly towards my home. My movement was slow and deliberate, as if I didn't want to come back home. It's just that I don't have a choice, and it's already dark and nighttime is approaching. 

"Do you want to leave your house because of that?" Nikita asked me with a tone of disbelief; I know she is thinking the opposite, and I can't blame her. "Don't tell me that you want to run away, Amelia. It's not the answer to your problem."

"No, I just want to leave our home, at least for the next few days. Can I? Can you help me again this time, Nikita?"

"It's not impossible, but I have to tell you this, Amelia, I won't be able to sleep in my apartment tonight. I'm heading to my cousin's house, like I said earlier with you. Would you still come and sleep with me?"

"Yes, I guess we'll have to go to your cousin's house together rather than choosing to sleep in my room knowing that my mom and that strange man were inside the same house. You know that I can't sleep at our place right now because of that. It's possible that I'll experience a nightmare if I force myself to sleep with them." My last statement sounded like a joke to her ears and made her chuckle.

I attempted to catch her attention by squeezing both of my eyes together. I am well aware of the fact that she finds it impossible to say no to me. That's how Nikita's personality is. She is indeed a good friend.

Okay, fine, but what about your clothes and the rest of your personal belongings?"

I gave her a thoughtful look before beaming at her. I guess she would understand now what I mean to say to her.

"I can borrow your—"

"No, Amelia!" She instantly responded to cut my sentence.

I am confident that this is the response I will receive from her, but I have still tried my luck. Maybe she agreed to lend me clothes and other things, right? There is nothing wrong with trying. But as expected, Nikita won't allow me to borrow things from her. She is quite meticulous about things that relate to her personal hygiene.

"You're welcome and allowed to live in my apartment, as you've requested all you want, but you'll need to provide your own clothes and other items. You are not permitted to use mine. Do you understand, Amelia?"

"But we are friends—"

"I'll accompany you as you head back home. Simply grab some of the clothing you have. I'll be waiting for you in the front yard of your house. I'm not going anywhere to abandon you if that's what you are thinking."

I had no choice but to go through with Nikita's scheme, despite the fact that it went against my will. Of course, if I don't want her to change her mind, I do need to consider her decision. I am required to fulfill the requirement that she has set for my peace of mind in her place.

"Fine, I'm going to get my things. Borrowing things from you is not a big deal; why don't you lend me something?" I stopped talking when I sensed that she had stopped striding, and as I looked at her, I saw how serious Nikita's face was at that moment. I tried and pushed myself to laugh, "I am just kidding, Nikita. Don't take it seriously." I grabbed her arms and pulled her to walk again, saying, "Let's go to my house to get all the stuff I needed."

She tugged at me, but the intimidating look in her eyes did not change at all. I decided to ignore it because there was a possibility that she may rethink her decision to let me stay at her apartment for a while.

As soon as I got home, there was complete silence around. Also, the lights outside and all those surrounding it have been turned on. Since the door was open, I was unable to see where mom and her visitor were at the moment. I don't even care about them.

"Hurry up! We are going to be late for dinner at my cousin's house." Nikita commanded as I released my grip on her arm and walked into our backyard.

As she promised, she will wait outside while I get my stuff. I didn't waste any time and went straight to my room. I didn't even bother paying attention to the surroundings and looking for them. The inside of a home maintains the same level of tranquility as the front of the house. It was clearly obvious that no one was here.

Where is Mom?

Did she try to find me?

Impossible.