To Love and Avenge

Chapter 67

“Can I?” with a knitted brow, She called back again when she saw me zoning out this time.

Blinking a couple of times, I realize that she was indeed serious about what she said.

“Sorry about that, I was planning to take you back home, but since you mention this again, why not? I would love to consider that.” I replied to her.

Upon hearing my consideration, her face lit up instantly as she quickly walks to my side and hug me.

“Thank you, Monica,” she said as she hug me tightly.

I hug her back, feeling the warmth that she radiates. I smiled back knowing how pure her intentions are.

And the love…

I wonder how can she be if she have been a mother, or was she? I thought to myself.

Retracting myself from her, I said.

“After our lunch, we will head to your apartment to pack your things.” then I look at her with guilt.

“What is that look all about my child?” She asked worriedly.

I look at her hesitantly, in doubt about whether or not to tell her about me.

But, how will she take it, that after how many years, it was all along was a lie?

“Hey, you make me worried here.” She added as she tries to catch my eyes.

“Let's finish the food now and talk about it at home,” I responded.

I know that she was still into it but all she did was continue eating without a word.

Going to her apartment, Dauis's personal assistant drove us silently, but I know he reported everything to him about my whereabouts.

Just then, my phone started to buzz.

“Hello,” I greeted. I know it was him because of the assigned ringtone for him.

“So, how are you doing? Having fun?”He asked gleefully.

I smile at the thought, knowing that at the sound of his voice, he must be lazily leaning his back on his swivel chair, turning it to and fro. Or better yet he must be beaming while playing with his pen with his fingers spinning it there.

"Yeah, and oh, by the way, I am taking a friend at home. she will be living there if it is okay with you?" I said to inform him rather than to ask for his permission.

"What?" he asked.

"Hold on there, did you just say that she will be staying at our house?" He continued. I could even predict him raising his eyebrows at my idea.

"You heard me clear and loud," I answer, holding on to my laughter.

"Listen, woman, we talk this at home, meet you there," he said seriously. I bet he doesn't like my idea now.

"You're going back home now?" I asked curiously, deciding to ignore my thoughts.

"Yeah, will talk about this. He said in a very calm manner, but I know, he doesn't like the idea.

"I already told her to pack, she is with me now."

"Okay then. we'll talk at home."

"Bye..."

"bye," I said before shoving my phone back into my bag.

"So?" Maria beams into me, waiting for me to tell her of what was going on.

"So, my husband is kinda surprised at my decision,” I said nonchalantly, but when I saw the way her face fell, I reached her hand and wrap it with mine. I don't want to worry her so…

“Hey, it's okay. He was just surprised by my sudden decision, that was all. Okay?” I tried to cheer her up.

She look into our hands and with tearful eyes, she look up, smiled at me, and nodded understandingly.

It broke me seeing how eager she is now to be with me.

Maybe because she has no one to turn to? Or the fact that she was alone since then, and just wanted to be around someone she is familiar with.

And, being the pregnant me, now makes me more sensitive that even a simple feeling affected me now.

As we reached her apartment, she quickly pack all those that are I think important to her, leaving the rest behind.

I will just ask somebody to pick all her remaining things. I thought.

I sat on her bed while she was very busy.

Then, I, later on, call her attention.

“Maria?” I call out.

Hearing me call her with a little hesitation and worriedness, she quickly comes to my side. She sits beside me.

“Anything you need child?” She worriedly asks.

“No, I’m okay, It’s just that, I have something I think I need to tell you,” I said shyly.

I don't know how will she react to this, but it should be done now.

“Go ahead child, I'm listening,” she said as she takes my hands to her. Imprisoning them with her warm and soft ones.

A sense of belongingness surged in me, something that is very reassuring.

I smile at her sadly and said…

“You know me as Monica right?” She nods at me without changing her facial expression. So I continued;

“It was not my real name,” I paused, waiting for her on how will she react to this, but she refuses to show any emotions about what I have revealed. “I have to use a screen name, because…” I continued as I intentionally leave the reason hanging to get a reaction, which of course I never fail.

Her grasp tightens a little as she smiles at me understandingly.

“Aren’t you surprised?” I asked curiously.

She only answers me by shaking her head repeatedly, as she speaks no words.

“You understand me?” I continued to ask.

“My child, whatever reason you have, that you need to hide the truth in me. I will still try to understand you. Always…” she said kindly.

Her words made my heart flinch a little.

How can this woman have this very unfateful life? She is so kind that she doesn’t deserve to be left like this.

“I always knew that you are keeping something from me. I didn't ask because I know you have your own reason. So don't worry about it.”

“But…”

“No more buts, I am okay. Whatever I may learn from you in the future, I will still stand by you and understand you the best way I could.” she smiles and pull me into her embrace. She kissed me on top of my head like a mother lovingly caressing her precious daughter.

How I wish…

“Now, I need to go and continue packing okay. Don't think too much…” She said before she stand up to walk to her cabinet.

While she was busy, I started to look around. Looking for no particular reason, until my eyes fell on the photo that was carefully laid at the bedside table.

I reach into it and took the liberty of examining it.

A pregnant woman, who is beaming a smile, A boy around less in his ’20s and a pretty little cute girl in her pigtail hair was laughing. Facing the woman that is no other than Maria. She was I guess she is around 8 or 9 years old. She’s very pretty, and her eyes…

Something in her eyes that makes me flinch and wonder.

How could it be possible? I thought to myself.