CHAPTER 1: Misery

ARIADNE'S P.O.V

They said love is the most magical thing you will experience in life. That everyone has a soul mate that will stay by your side forever. The one who will fight for you and will love you until their last breath. 

But why am I hurting like this? It's so heavy to carry.

I took some tissue to wipe the tears in my eyes as I put down the book I am holding. I have been crying for almost 2 hours since I ended this tragic story I was reading. I didn't know that it had a sad ending, my friend suggested it so I gave it a shot but she never told me this will hurt me like hell. Very cruel world, there is no happy ending for the both of them. That genre was not for me, it's painful. I would like to read a fairytale that has a happy ending next.

"Ariadne!" I quickly got up on my bed when I heard my father's shout and ran out of my room to see him.

Or I might say, it was because I have been living in that kind of genre for years.

I smiled sweetly and reached for his hand to help him with his things but I received a slap, a hard one that causes my sight to blur a bit but I tried my best to fight it and smile at him once again. I am used to this kind of treatment since my mother died, but I don't blame my beloved mother. I love her as much as I love my dad, though understand why he is acting like this, he was just hurt, like me. 

But the tears earlier didn't cooperate with me, they immediately fell down along with my aching heart, crushing and seems like it can't be saved anymore. I thought I already understood this kind of situation but it still hurts me everytime I am thinking about our situation. I wiped it and smiled again, this is just what I can do to ease the pain. I just missed my old father, how he treated me back then, like a princess. I miss my mom.

Those are just memories now, but he is still my father and no one can change it.

"Papa." I tried to call my father in a happy tone, and looked him in the eyes. However, his raging and glaring stare on me made me avert my gaze, looking down like a child, biting my lips to suppress the emotions.

"You are not my daughter, don't call me that way!" He shouted and pushed me hard, making me sit on the floor. I almost bumped into the sharp part of the table in the living room, fortunately I was able to raise my hand so that my head would not hit there. I bit my lower lip as I closed my eyes because of the pain in my butt. It felt like burning down there, my knees were trembling but I didn't let him notice every pain I was experiencing. I don't want him to worry about me, if he does.

"S-sorry," I said, stuttering. He blew the air he was holding back and sat on the couch. I could smell the alcohol in his breath, his face was now red. I am worrying about his alcohol addiction since it's bad for his health, that was the thing he did since she died, since my mother died. He never listen.

"What are you still doing there you piece of shit?! Give me some food to eat!" I flinched because of his voice and quickly stood up, nodding my head before running to the kitchen. I wanted to prepare something delicious for him but I found nothing except for the remaining stuck noodles. When I went back to the living room, he was already asleep so I just let him and decided to go to my room to take a shower.

As I was looking for a shirt in my cabinet, I saw my old school uniforms. I smiled sadly since I missed wearing those. I didn't manage to continue studying since my mother died because dad told me that he won't support me at all and I need to work for the both of us to live. I don't want to force him to support me in my studies so I looked for a job to provide for my father's needs and so that I can save money to go back to school since I also want to finish.

I sighed and closed the cabinet, trying to forget those thoughts first. I need to go to work now. 

Before I left the house, I wrote a note for my father, reminding him to eat the food I cooked. I went straight to the corner of the street to wait for a jeepney to take me to the convenience store where I am currently working. It will take me 30 minutes before I can reach the place so I need to prepare myself early every day. 

"Stop!" I raised my both hands and waited for the driver to park the jeep in front of me. 

After reaching the convenience store, I just waited for customers. It's been a hour but no one is coming so I took my mirror to check if the wounds in my face were still visible and put some foundation when I noticed my swallowing cheeks. I was putting lipstick on when suddenly a man with a cap entered the store so I stood up and greeted him. "Good morning, Sir!" I happily exclaimed. He is my first customer today.

"Here." I stared at him when I heard his voice, it was so frigid and gave me goosebumps but he remained looking down. I gulped and packed the things he will buy. 

"Here, Sir. Thank you for buying, have a nice day!" I said and waved at him as he walked out of the store. I think I need to suggest to the store manager to give me a partner here. Those kind of customers creep me out. "I hope he won't be back again today." I uttered in a bored tone.

I was about to greet my next customer when I saw that it's the store manager. I smiled and bowed my head at him. "Hello, Sir! I thought you would just come here by next week?" I asked him. He smiled, but I think he is not really happy with that one. 

"I want to tell you something, Ariadne."

"Me too, Sir. But go on, you first." I smiled, maybe this is the time to tell him that it's better if I have a partner here. My boss is kind and understanding, for sure he will let me.

"I am sorry." He started, my smile faded as I heard him say that. He sighed and looked at me straight in the eyes. Why is he apologizing? I am getting nervous because of the way he stares at me. 

"Why are you saying sorry, Sir?" I asked, composing myself not to show him my nervousness.

"I need to fire you now. I will migrate to Australia next week and I can't manage this business anymore. I know you have been the most hardworking staff I have, and I know you need money so take this," he said and handed me an envelope. But I still can't process what he just said so I didn't move on my feet. "Ariadne?" He asked, calling my attention when I remained silent. I tried my best to smile and nodded at him. 

"Y-yes, Sir. I understand," I tried to say it even though I don't want to accept it. It's been two years since I worked here and this is the only job I have to provide our needs.

"I am really sorry. I know you are disappointed, I hope you find a new and better job. Here, take this. This is for your month's salary together with a bonus so you can use it while finding a job. I am really sorry, Ariadne. You can go now as I need to close this store." 

I can't believe I just lost my job today. Where will I go now? I need to find a job as soon as possible. 

I decided to go home after. I can't see dad here, where is he? 

I thought he went somewhere else but when I decided to go inside my room. I saw him there. My knees lost their strength when I saw what he was doing. 

Why dad?