Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

I headed to my room and wear my clothes. My body is trembling in fear as I am doing my things. I don't know why Tito Dante was watching me while I was taking a bath. But I know there is something wrong. I have to be careful all the time especially when he is around. I ran out of the house and jumped on a jeepney that would bring me to school. 

I want to confront him but there is something that hinders me, a fear maybe. I will tell this to my mom later. She needs to know this. I have to warn her. After my class I go home hoping that my mom is already in the house. The time I have been waiting for came. It's near twilight and Tito Dante is not around. I think this is a good opportunity to tell this to my mother. 

"Ma, can we talk?" I asked my mom who is busy putting out from the eco-bag some vegetables from the Market.

"Sure, about what?" She held the knife and started cutting the onions.

I took a deep breath and tried to hide my fear. I have to tell this to her clearly, "About Tito Dante Mom," I started.

"What about your, Tito?" she asked while she's busy on the vegetables. 

"This past few days mom, I felt something strange in this house. It seems like someone is watching my actions. And then this morning, when I was taking a bath I saw Tito Dante watching me mom," I played with my finger’s tips.

"What?" Her brow frowned and looked at me in disbelief, "Where did you get that thought, Avi? I didn't raise a liar daughter." 

"Mom, I'm telling the truth. Please believe me." It hurts that she thinks I am lying on her.

"Maybe it's true that someone was watching you but it's not your Tito Dante. I think maybe someone living near here. Have you seen his face?" 

"N-No, Mom," I admit I never see the face, only the pair of eyes.

"See? You're not sure about the person you saw. Then do not accuse your Tito Dante. He gave us a comfortable life, a shelter, and he even supports your education. Then you will say those things. Please, just show some respect, Avi." There is a hint of anger in her voice.

I know she would not believe me like what she did before when I told her that Uncle Jonathan molested me ten years ago. When I was a kid I don't know that it was wrong but I knew it wasn't good, so I told it to her but she said that I was only dreaming and stop creating stories. She thought that it was only part of my imagination as a kid. Years had passed and as I grew up I understand more about the world and realized that what he did was a sin and punishable by law.

Good thing that after that year my uncle Jonathan left us because he needs to work in the other Province far from us. He molested and took my innocence not just once but twice. When he left I thought that it was the end of my nightmares. But I was wrong. I did not convince my mom to believe me because I know she would not. Her eyes and senses are blinded by her love for Tito Dante.

IT was Saturday night and there was a heavy rainfall. The national television broadcast that there is a typhoon. I was alone in my room at the second floor watching the rain from my window. It's already passed nine in the evening and my mom is not yet here. My phone buzz and I received a text message from my mother. She told me not to wait her because she cannot go home because of the bad weather. I disappointedly closed the curtain and walked to my bed. 

I covered my body with the blanket to lessen the coldness of the weather. The light is off and what you can only hear is the anger of the nature that almost destroyed the roof. I closed my eyes to sleep and tried to forget the typhoon. I was on the middle of my sleep when I felt something that touching my leg up to my thigh. 

I thought I was just dreaming but when I smelled an alcohol I knew I was not dreaming at all. I almost jump on my bed when I saw Tito Dante in my room. His eyes are full of lust and he's grinning like a devil. I tried to fight my fear and confront him.

"What are you doing in my room?" I asked in a loud tone.

"Sshh!" He got closer and caressed my face, "Try to shout or I will kill you." My mouth zipped when he showed me his gun. 

"Please, let me go." My body is trembling in fear and my tears burst out.

"Just be an obedient girl and I will not kill you," he hold my chin and pressed it hard. My tears ran down on my face. It hurts. "Try to disobey me and I will kill your mother! Do you want me to kill her?" 

"Please don't do this to me. I'm beg—ack!" he punched my stomach that made me weak.

I want to defend myself but I am weak to fight for my dignity. I shouted for help but no one heard my aching voice. The rain is too heavy and loud that makes me voiceless. He feasted on my body like a monster and took my purity. What I can only do is cry and begged. I am helpless and hopeless. After he got what he want he grabbed my face and looked at me devilishly.

"If you tell this to anyone I will not hesitate to kill you and your mother. Understand?" he asked and I cannot do anything but to cry. 

He slammed the door and left. I shouted in anger and grief but my voice was just muffled by the sounds of the heavy rain and storm. I cried all night embracing myself. I feel so dirty now, worthless and lifeless. My body is shaking in horrific scene on my mind of what he did. I want to put him on jail but I don't want my mom to die. I was left no choice but to keep this as a secret... a dark secret that would surely torture my mind. 

—Azureriel