NELINA
"What is it?" It was on time that mom came over, so near that I was caught off guard. I immediately shut the laptop and forced a fake smile on my face.
Before I could open my mouth. "I knew it," Mom interrupted my thoughts; she seemed to read my mind.
"Yes, mom?" I look at her in confusion.
"It's about your dad, isn't it? Are you looking at your dad's diagnosis from his doctor and physical therapists?" Mom inquired as she drew closer to me.
I nod in confirmation. "But it's not dad's diagnosis that worries me," I said, diverting the topic because mom doesn't have to know what I do.
"In fact, I think he is improving. It's just that I'm not used to not having dad when I get home," I said. Convincing mom as I walk to the couch and lay there with her. I dig my head on mom's chest. For the second time tonight, we stayed in this way for a while. Then, when I felt my mom's healing power, I lifted my head a little where I could see her beautiful face. It's undeniable that she is my mother because of our uncanny resemblance. It's like I'm looking in a mirror.
"We'll get through this," Mom reassured. It's so comforting to have her hands combing my hair.
I suppress my tears; I don't want to appear weak in front of my mom. I nod, looking at her. "I'm fine, mom. How about you?"
"Don't worry about me; you know I am strong for you and your dad," she said, pinching my chin.
"Mom, it's okay to be weak sometimes," Look who's talking. I was suppressing my tears, and now I'm talking about revealing my mom's true feelings. Nelly, you're so FUNNY.
"No, sweetie, I'm fine; it's almost two years. I have accepted things the way they are now. But, please know that I am here for you."
I sigh and give her a smile of reassurance. "Mom…, you don't have to remind me," I said, digging my head on her chest again.
I grew up with my parents and brother supporting me in every journey that I do in school and even in my athletic career. So it never worries me if I get someone by my side except when I lost my brother and my dad was paralyzed because of the tragic accident. I swore I will never let the people behind it get away. To think of the progress in my investigation and the hypothesis forming in my head. I am bound to believe that there are evil people in this world.
"Okay, I'll check your dad; let's have dinner together."
I nod and watch mom head to the Master's bedroom just in time when my phone rings. As I check my phone, it appears ROYCE CALLING. "What the F**k. And he has the audacity to phonebook his number on my cell phone, huh." Should I answer? I thought as I released an exasperated breath before I swiped the screen to answer the call. "HELLO?"
It took a few seconds before he answered. "Hello, I hope you don't mind me calling."
What did he expect? I snorted. "It's okay. Is there something you want to say? I hope I didn't leave some stuff during our dinner."
"Ah..no, I just like to check if you got home by now."
What am I? Six years old who doesn't know how to get home safely? "Well, I just got home and spent time with my family. Is that what you call me for?" I know there was a trace of annoyance in my voice.
I heard a little chuckle on the other line. Bullsh*t, not again. "You were so nice when we parted ways, but now you're a little annoyed again? You seem to have bipolar disorder."
"What the..." Before I could finish what I had to say, he interrupted.
"Hey, hold up, don't get mad. I'm not serious about it."
"And do you think it will compensate for what you've said? What do you want, idiot?" I said, then I slapped my hand on my mouth. My voice might raise a few decibels, and I don't want mom to overheard that I'm on the phone with a guy.
"Hey, easy... I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I'm really....really...SORRY," he said, emphasizing the last word.
I let out a harsh breath, but I realized that he seemed really serious with his apology. I forcefully pressed my lips and decided just to let it pass. "Okay, maybe you caught me in the wrong mode. I'm also sorry for calling you an idiot. I didn't mean that either."
"No problem. I think you need a good rest. I didn't mean to disturb you. Have a good night Nelly," he said in a soft tone. Only this time that I realized that his voice is so manly, well-modulated.
"Thank you, have a good night to you too. Bye!" I cut the call and was a little guilty of calling him an idiot, though he kinda deserves it. But, I think it was too much.
I throw myself on the couch back to a supine position. When I close my eyes, a man's face emerges, and a moment of the vivid conversation appears. You…, again? Why do you have to reappear in my head? "NO," I forcefully opened my eyes and shook my thoughts away. In time mom went out of the bedroom.
"What's wrong?" Mom frowned.
"Nothing, I stopped myself from falling asleep." I lied again. "Let's eat? Where's dad?" I asked, diverting the conversation.
"He wants to stay in the room and rest, Is there something you want to tell me, Nelly?"
"No, mom, why?" Mom, are you a mind reader now?
"Your complexion, are you blushing? And you seem bothered tonight," she said, narrowing her eyebrows.
Oh, the red apples are on my cheeks now? "What's bothering me is my dad; I'm not used to him not welcoming me." And I lied for the third time tonight.
"Don't worry, sweetie, nothing serious; he's tired. I brought him to the park late this afternoon," mom said. She plastered a smile on her face, maybe thinking she could convince me.
But NO. "How about his dinner?"
"I'll feed him after we eat."
I look at her, narrowing my eyes. "I will bring dad's food then," I insisted.
"If that's what you want. Come, let's eat first," Mom said, inviting me to the table.
As I sat in front of mom, I shook off my thoughts again as the man's face reappeared. I roll my eyes. Why do you have to reappear in my thoughts again? Idiot.NELINA Carrying the duffel bag with the things that I prepared last night, I spotted mom in the kitchen, cleaning. "I have to go to the gym, mom," I said as I drew nearer. Mom knows I'll be having a workout session first thing in the morning before I go to work. So I shared my frustration with getting in shape again and asked for her thoughts about it. And as expected, she agreed and was very supportive of the gym workout. "Take care," mom said as she patted my face. "No worries. Hmmm...mom, this is what happens when you watch too many movie series on Netflix. Neglecting to clean the kitchen after dinner." This is how I tease mom, as I turn to leave. "I can do this. Enjoy getting fitter," she said, shaking her head.
NELINA "Hi, Nelly, we meet again," he said, bending over to get my wallet from the floor. I dropped it when he bumped into me. I didn't say a word, except I tried my best to calm down. Did this man mean to bump at me? I know he looks on his way. "Are you okay?" he asked, still wearing the evil smirk. "I'm sorry for bumping at you." His grin almost confirmed that he meant what he did. His beautiful pair of white teeth flashed. I don't know why, but this is my favorite amongst the smiles he showed me. But still, he bumps at me. The audacity. Is he admitting that he means to bump at me? The red apples are on my cheeks now, for sure. "It's okay," I said
NELINA "Not again." I turned back to look at the man behind the voice to confirm it was correct. It's him, again. How could I say NO? I can't be late. "Hey," I said as I drew nearer to the car. Royce raised a hand in greeting, opening the door for me. I didn't hesitate because I only have 15 minutes before my breakfast meeting with Marica. "I'll put your bag in the back compartment." I suppressed the guilt inside for not saying yes to his offer. Maybe tomorrow. "Thanks, I thought I was gonna be late for my meeting," I said as I made myself comfortable while fastening
NELINA I noticed he immediately lowered down the speed. He looked straight ahead, and I did the same. "I'm sorry about that, but you shouldn't worry. I'm a professional, I told you." "I know, it's just me. I had a traumatic experience almost two years ago," I said as I bowed my head and clasped my hands together, easing the tension. "Care to share that?" In my peripheral vision, Royce was glancing at me back and forth. I let out a long breath when I lifted my head. "My brother and my dad were in a car accident almost 2 years ago." I paused and pressed my lips together. Royce seemed to be attentive as he drove the car at the right speed.
ROYCE I genuinely think I made a great decision to have my breakfast in the potion cafe. I've been to many city cafes, but the potion cafe instantly became my most favorite. The place had a lovely ambiance and was not crowded like the fast-food restaurant where I first met Nelly. Not complaining. If not for that little curiosity, I wouldn't meet the beautiful woman I get to stare at while having my morning meal. It's not that I haven't been to a fast-food restaurant before. Only it was on our high school campus several years ago. To my surprise, my appetite was good. Probably because I came from a morning workout or probably not. I had french toast and egg salad for breakfast. When I was full enough and finished my coffee like the usual breakfast at my condo, I constantly sneaked a look at Nelly a few tables away from me. Perhaps the beautiful view has contributed t
ROYCE "Okay, I give up," I murmured as I took my phone from my pocket and then dialed Nelina's number. While the other line was ringing, I was still hesitant and making choices whether to turn it off or not. But before I could decide to cut it off, a fruity voice from the other line was heard. "Hello?" I could clearly hear her voice as I put it in speaker mode. "Hey, you there?" "Oh, hello, yes, I'm here." It took me a few seconds before I was able to respond. "I hope I'm not disturbing you. Are you out of work?" I inquired before I started talking about the reason why I called. "Well, in my line of work, time is not the ba
NELINA Nothing feels better than sweating out all the extra calories in my body. I was soaked wet after almost an hour of heavy workouts. "You're doing a great job, Nelly. Your determination and discipline are remarkable. I commend you for that." My instructor Jessie was nothing but very supportive. No wonder Marica recommended her. "Don't mention it, Jessie. I'll never drop you for another instructor. You're the best for sure," I said, patting the towel on my moist face. Jessie cracked, hearing my praise. "Thank you for that. You know, I noticed, if I may say. You are pretty much different from your best friend, Marica. She is so bubbly, and you are a little quieter than her. Marica and I, we're like we could talk all day." &nbs
NELINA We were sitting on the table set for 2, facing each other. I didn't bother to sneak a glance at Royce's evil face. I just glued my eyes on my food. However, my conscience bombarded me. Royce was so nice to me, but I was the opposite for no reason. I don't even know why. "Can I talk to you? Royce asked as he rested his elbow on the table. To be honest, it was a surprise that it took him minutes before he uttered some words. "About?" "About the invitation last week. You didn't forget, right?" I forcefully shut my eyes as if I was surprised by his question. "Oh...about that. I'm sorry, I was too busy to remember. And I haven't even made a de