Crazy Inlove To My Godfather (English Version)

Elaine POV

The warm morning light slipped through the thin curtains of my bedroom and landed directly on my face. It was bright enough to disturb my sleep, forcing my eyes to slowly flutter open.

I groaned softly.

Still half-asleep, I reached for the nearest pillow and dragged it over my face, burying myself deeper into the bed to block the annoying sunlight. My blanket was still warm, and the softness of the mattress made it almost impossible to leave.

Then I heard someone calling my name twice. The voice was familiar, gentle but persistent and I knew exactly who it was.

“Elaine! Elaine!”

I groaned louder and buried my face deeper into the pillow.

“Why? I’m still sleeping, Yaya!” I complained loudly.

Suddenly, the room filled with bright light. I squinted as my bedroom lights were switched on.

“Elaine, get up,” Yaya said firmly. “You still have school. What time did you sleep last night?”

I turned over and laid on my stomach, my hair spreading messily across the pillow. My body felt heavy, like every muscle was refusing to cooperate with my brain.

“I’m so sleepy,” I murmured.

I wanted to get up earlier today. I really did. But the warmth of my bed and the heaviness of my body made it feel like an impossible mission.

Then Yaya suddenly gasped.

“Oh no, Elaine, you have blood.”

My eyes instantly snapped open.

“What?” I immediately sat up and looked at her in confusion. “What? Blood? Where?” I asked nervously while quickly checking my arms, legs, and hands. But I couldn’t see anything.

Yaya walked closer to me with a calm expression, gently turning me around. She carefully lifted the hem of my sleeping dress.

“You’re a young lady now, Elaine,” she said softly. “You’ve already started your menstruation.”

I froze.

“It took a long time before it happened,” she continued. “Your mom said the same thing happened to her before. Looks like you got it from her.”

My eyes widened slowly as I looked down at the edge of my dress. There it was. A small stain of red. My heart started racing and without thinking, I jumped out of bed and hurried toward the bathroom.

“Wait! Elaine!” Yaya called.

But I had already locked the door behind me. I leaned against it for a moment, my breathing uneven as panic mixed with confusion. I slowly looked down. There was really blood. For a few seconds, I just stared. Then something strange happened. A small smile slowly formed on my lips.

So, this is it!

My first menstruation. I had heard about it many times before from school lessons and from my friends but experiencing it myself felt completely different. It was strange and uncomfortable, yet somehow exciting in its own way.

It meant something important.

My body was changing and I knew I would remember this day forever.

I experienced my first menstruation at the age of seventeen.

My Yaya brought me a sanitary napkin and carefully explained how to use it. It felt strange and a little uncomfortable at first, like something unfamiliar against my skin. But she assured me that I would get used to it soon.

Right now, it was just me and Yaya living in this big house, along with several helpers and the security guard stationed at the gate. The house was always quiet most of the time.

My cousin also lived here. She was already in college, though we rarely crossed paths because our schedules were different. My parents were the ones paying for her education.

Speaking of my parents.

They weren’t home again. They were on another business trip. It was always like that.

At first, it used to bother me. I used to wait for them, hoping they would come home early or attend my school events. But over time, I slowly got used to it. Still, I loved them. Even if they were always busy.

“Yaya, are they coming home later?” I asked while eating breakfast at the dining table before going to school.

The smell of toasted bread and freshly brewed coffee filled the room. Yaya placed a glass of juice in front of me.

“I’m not sure,” she replied. “But I think they’ll come home today. Your dad is expecting a visitor.”

I paused mid-sip.

“A visitor?” I repeated. “Who?”

Yaya shook her head slightly.

“I’m not sure. Your mom only said it’s their friend from high school. He just came back from the States after living there for many years.”

I nodded slowly, but my curiosity immediately began to grow.

A friend from high school? Someone important enough for my parents to come home early? Meanwhile, whenever I needed them at school, they were always absent.

I suddenly lost my appetite.

“Okay,” I said quietly as I stood up.

“Oh? You didn’t eat much,” Yaya noticed.

“I lost my appetite.”

I grabbed my bag and walked outside.

My driver was already waiting beside the car when I stepped out of the house. This was my usual daily routine.

School. Home. Repeat.

While sitting in the back seat of the car, I opened my sling bag and took out my phone. It was the only thing I always carried since my books were already stored in my locker at school.

A new message notification appeared.

From Mom.

Elaine, go home right after school. Bye. See you. I love you.

I stared at the message for a few seconds. Then I locked my phone without replying and slipped it back into my bag.

My mind was still stuck on one question.

Who is this visitor? And why does he seem so important?

I sighed quietly and leaned my head against the window.

The city outside slowly passed by.

Not long after, we arrived at school.

***

“It feels so tiring when you have your period,” I said, and Cheska and Hannah smiled knowingly. I told them about it, and they immediately launched into a stream of advice, tips, and warnings that made me feel both relieved and slightly overwhelmed.

“For me, it lasted about four days,” Cheska said, rolling her eyes.

“Mine? Ten days. So annoying. And anyway, did you see Jerson today? He already has a new girl again,” Hannah added, shaking her head in disbelief.

I quietly sipped my iced tea, letting their chatter wash over me. We were in the school cafeteria, the hum of students around us blending with the clatter of trays and chairs.

“Yeah, just this morning,” Hannah continued. “And take note, he acts like nothing happened after making Claire cry.” She glanced at me, eyebrows raised, clearly expecting outrage.

“Poor Claire,” Cheska said, shaking her head. “I hope someone teaches Jerson a lesson.”

I frowned slightly. “Seriously, what do girls even see in Jerson? He’s handsome, sure, but he has no appeal to me. Even if he tried to flirt with me, I wouldn’t like him.”

“You serious?” Cheska laughed.

“Nope,” I replied, shrugging. “I just don’t like his attitude. It feels so wrong. I feel bad for the girls he fools.”

“And the worst part,” Hannah said, leaning closer, lowering her voice, “is when something happens between them. What if someone gets pregnant?”

I shook my head firmly. “Let’s stop that. Whatever happens, we can’t do anything. It’s their choice.”

Cheska nodded. “You’re right. Anyway, are you coming later?”

I hesitated, remembering her invitation to her brother’s birthday party. But my parents were coming home early today and they had a visitor.

“I’m sorry, I can’t come,” I said softly.

“Huh? Why? My brother knows you’re coming,” Cheska said, disappointed.

“My parents are coming home early. I need to be there because they have a visitor. But if I get the chance, I’ll come. I just can’t promise,” I explained.

“Who’s your visitor?” Hannah asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Mom said it’s a friend from the States.”

“Okay,” Hannah said. “I’ll tell him. I hope you can still come, even if you’re late.”

“I’ll try,” I replied, forcing a small smile.

***

After class, I rode home in the car. The familiar scent of leather and faint traces of my mom’s perfume filled the vehicle. When we reached the gate, I noticed my dad’s car parked outside and another car I didn’t recognize.

The visitor must already be here.

As I stepped inside the house, soft laughter floated through the air. It came from near the swimming pool. People were gathered there, enjoying the sunny afternoon, their voices mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the garden.

I was about to go upstairs when Yaya Esme spotted me.

“You’re here, Elaine. Go over there. Your mom and dad have been waiting for you,” she said gently.

“Huh? I’ll just change first—” I started.

“Elaine, come here.”

My dad’s eyes met mine, and I realized I had no choice. I walked toward him, feeling my heart race. He draped an arm around my shoulders and led me outside.

“My one and only beautiful daughter, Elaine,” my dad said proudly. “Meet your Ninong Ryke.”

I froze.

He was taller than my dad, broad-shouldered, and impeccably dressed in a silver suit that gleamed subtly in the sunlight. His black hair was neatly styled, and his eyes were sharp, almost piercing, as if they could read right through me. His nose was perfectly shaped, his lips soft and unassuming, yet commanding attention.

There was a woman beside him, but I barely noticed her. All I could see was him.

And he’s my godfather?

“Elaine, are you okay?” my mom asked softly.

“Maybe she just needs some rest,” someone added, and I blinked, realizing I had been staring.

I quickly lowered my head, my cheeks burning hot.

Sh*t! What are you doing, Elaine? Calm down. It’s like this is your first time seeing a man.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured, closing my eyes tightly.

They laughed softly.

“My goddaughter is all grown up,” Ninong Ryke said, smiling. “It feels like just yesterday when I was carrying you.”

Heat crept up my neck.

“She doesn’t remember you anymore,” my mom said. “She was only five when you left for the States.”

“Yeah, I remember,” Ninong Ryke said. “She even cried when I said goodbye.”

“Huh? Me?” I whispered, averting my gaze, feeling more awkward than ever.

“Yes,” my mom said with a chuckle. “Because no one would give her chocolates and toys anymore.”

I really didn’t remember any of it. I was only five. My parents had never mentioned him before.

“Ryke, can we sit?” my dad asked.

I glanced at the woman beside him, wondering who she was.

“Sure. I’m sorry,” he replied with a polite smile.

They laughed again as Ninong Ryke helped the woman sit.

“Elaine, go change. We’ll eat together,” my mom said.

“Mom, why don’t I know him?” I asked, curious and cautious.

My mom looked surprised, then smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

“He left right away and stayed in the States for a long time. I forgot to tell you about him. But now you know him. He’s a good person. Our friend.”

“Okay, and who’s that girl?” I asked, pointing subtly to the woman beside him.

“Oh, that’s Veronica,” my mom said. “She’s just your Ninong’s friend.”

For some reason, I felt a small wave of relief.

“I’ll go upstairs and change,” I said quickly.

***

I hurried to my room, flipping through my dresses. My eyes landed on a black dress I had bought but never worn. Soft and flowing, it reached just above my knees, with a slit on the side that revealed a hint of my fair thigh.

I washed my face, dabbed on a little foundation, and lightly tinted my lips.

“Wow,” Yaya said behind me. “You’re really a young lady now. Good thing you wore black, just in case you stain.”

I didn’t reply, only staring at my reflection. I wasn’t too thin, but my body had curves now. My chest was just right, not too big, not too small. I tied my hair up neatly.

“My girl is so beautiful,” Yaya added warmly, her eyes shining with admiration as she looked at me from head to toe. “You and your Ninong Ryke would actually look good together.”

I turned my head toward her slowly. For a moment, Yaya seemed to realize what she had just said. Her eyes widened and she immediately covered her mouth with both hands.

“Oh! Sorry! Sorry!” she exclaimed quickly, almost panicking. “That was just a joke!”

I couldn’t help but laugh softly. The reaction on her face made it even funnier. I walked closer to her, tilting my head slightly as a playful smile formed on my lips.

“Do you really think we look good together?” I asked in a soft teasing voice.

Yaya looked even more flustered.

“Oh, my goodness!” she said, shaking her head quickly. “No, no, no! Don’t take it seriously. I was just joking.” She waved her hands as if trying to erase what she had just said. “He’s too old for you,” she continued, lowering her voice slightly. “I think he’s already thirty-nine. The age gap between you two is far too big.”

I didn’t answer her. Instead, I simply smiled. But deep inside, her words lingered in my mind longer than I expected.

Thirty-nine.

The number echoed quietly in my thoughts.

Without saying anything else, I turned and walked out of the room. The soft sound of my heels clicked against the floor as I made my way toward the staircase. I felt strangely confident in my outfit tonight.

As I descended the stairs, the chandelier above illuminated the living room below with warm golden light. And then, I froze.

At the bottom of the stairs, standing near the sofa, was Ninong Ryke. He was looking at me. Not just looking but staring. His eyes were fixed on me as if he had been waiting for me to appear.

For a second, the world around me seemed to slow down. My heart skipped a beat. A strange flutter rose in my chest, soft but powerful, like the sudden beating of wings trapped inside my ribs.

This was the first time I had ever felt this way. This unfamiliar pull whenever his eyes met mine. And for some reason, I couldn’t look away.