Chapter 19

It's midnight and I'm ready. After I had prepared everything, I went to Madam's office. I knew she was no longer there so I walked straight ahead carrying my belongings.

I laid on Madam's study table the letter containing my farewell and gratitude for the good shown by this family.

I knew it was only half a year and I am going to graduate but then, I would think about it. I have been able to save money over the years of my service. I will still finish school. But far from Taiden.

The whole house is quiet. It is late at night, but here I am, leaving.

I also went to the kitchen to put on the table my letter for Mother Helen. I knew they wouldn't agree to what I'm going to do because they do not understand what I was having. And I don't want to see Madam get angry because I love her son.

Before, even before I entered this house. If I ever leave, I'm sure the reason is because of my employer's bad behavior or maybe they are not satisfied with my service. I was wrong, I was so hurt and insulted by his contempt for me.

Tears welled up in my eyes again. I remember the first time Taiden and I met. The first time he sent me to school. The first time he kissed 'me. The first time he promised the stars that I would not be hurt. The first letter I received from him. It was the first time in my whole life that I was happy, that someone made me feel that I was important, and ... I was loved.

All those 'firsts' I didn't think that would also the last ones.

My tears are really treacherous, I don't want to stop calming myself down, but nothing, I'm hurt. How come, my loved for the first time, so according to that stupid. I believed immediately in superstitions. Believe immediately in the promises.

I was walking by myself when someone hold my hand so turned to my back.

"Where are you going Zella? Why are you carrying your things?" it's Anjo.

I didn't realize that I had already passed Sofiya's mansion. I didn't even realize that Anjo was close to me.

"I'm leaving, Anjo." the only thing I can say. Anjo's face showed concerned for me. But I have no intention of detailing everything that had happened.

"Wait for me, Zella. I'll be right back." he said and was running inside the mansion even though I still even answered him yet. What will he do?

It didn't take long and I was surprised when Anjo returned. He is already carrying a bag. Will he come with me?

"W-What are you doing, Anjo?" I wondered when he got closer to me.

"Zella, I like you but I'm also your friend. I've wanted to leave that house for a long time because I'm already hurt by their insult to my appearance. So I'll come with you, Zella." he said sadly.

I understand how Anjo feels. I was also insulted. We didn't have the same reason, but it was both painful. So, I never stopped him.

Insults are the last resort of insecure people with a crumbling position, trying to appear confident.

I can already see Cebu City, Anjo's province. I have no relatives in Manila. It was better in the province Anjo and I went to. It is farther to Taiden than Manila.

We went down from the ship immediately. Anjo called a taxi and we boarded immediately. I also didn't ask where in Cebu Anjo's family lives.

Even though my tears occasionally dripped on the ship. Anjo didn't try to ask what the reason was and I was grateful for that.

It's as if I don't want to voice and recount how much I belittled by Taiden.

I didn't know that I fell asleep on the taxi. I just woke up when Anjo shook me. I was taken aback and immediately looked around.

"Let's go, Zella. We're here..." he said and I nodded.

I saw the adjacent households and realized it was a subdivision. I don't think Anjo's house is in this place. I saw the house that Anjo approached. It has many plants, and the house is two storey high. There was a lady doing laundry outside and she immediately hugged Anjo when she saw him. I guess it's his Mom.

"This is Zella, mom." Anjo introduces me to the lady. The lady smiled big and kissed me.

"Oh, is she going to be your wife Anjo? Oh, you're a beautiful lady." Her mom said that I could not understand the last thing she said.

Anjo shook his head and walked over to her mother. "Mom, Zella is just my friend. Can she come inside first?" Anjo asked the lady.

"Of course! There's no other woman in this house besides me."

Anjo's family welcomed me warmly and I met his brothers who were all boys. While I was busy arranging my belongings I thought of buying a cellphone.

Only the sim can be used from my broken cellphone. I plan to go to the mall with Anjo tomorrow to buy a new cellphone.

At these times. I am sure Madam and Mother Helen have read my letter. Hopefully, they will forgive me for the sudden departure I made.

I'm also sure Sofiya will enjoy what I did. She is no longer competing with Taiden. Is there even any competition? Or maybe I'm the only one who thinks that way. And Suzie will definitely worry about me.

"Are you still studying, hija? How's that?" Anjo's dad asked as we ate lunch.

"I will try to ask the teachers to accept me even if it is only 6 months, even if it is impossible." sadly, I said.

I really I needed to call Suzie to ask for help getting my papers at my old school. My grade was high, so I hope that was enough to give me the favor from the teacher. And they would still consider me.

Anjo told me that there are many schools for flight attendants here in Lapu-Lapu. I have to graduate, so that Mom and I can fulfill my dreams.

I was busy fixing other things when someone knocked. That's Anjo.

"My co -worker at Sofiya's house texted me. They're looking for me. Didn't I say goodbye too?" scratching his head he said and smiled. "But that's not the problem. The one in your mansion got into trouble. Taiden allegedly went astray in the mansion and they were beaten by his friend. But Lea didn't tell me who it was. Mang Jojo is your driver so he caught the gossip. "

My heart immediately pounded at what I found out. Taiden lost his shit? For what else? And Taiden's alleged beating friend, I'm sure it was Keion.

I suddenly felt pity and shame for Keion. He didn't do anything wrong but he was the one who got hurt. And that Taiden, there's more to lose. He thought I wasn't happy about running away from their house? He no longer see the woman he had told to be itchy and cheater.

They were together with Sofiya who loved to belittle others. Even if the two of them go to hell together...I don't care.