"You didn't mean your threat, did you, baby girl?"I didn't respond to Axe's question the whole way. Even from the time Oracle kept babbling until he was now sound asleep, I didn't respond to him. Earlier, after Rose and Oracle's hug was over. I immediately said goodbye to Rose and left Axe alone. Stepping quickly into the car with Oracle. He followed later with a face that seemed to be in deep thought, perhaps he was thinking about how to persuade me. Let it go. Let him know what kind of position I was in when I apologized to him. Being ignored doesn't feel good. Now let Axe get a taste."Bridgette," he called again.There's no answer for a moment, so I choose to close my eyes to join the Oracle on my lap. I'd rather sleep."Let me ask you, what's your friend got to do with that silly bastard? I saw him hiding in Rose's room and watching all of us."My eyes flew wide open. What did Axe mean and who could get inside Rose's apartment besides us?"Who
I gazed at the ring that was placed back on my hand with a smile of emotion and happiness. The sacred promise in Axe's name had been made. There was one more to go, but Axe never did. He just looked at me with his eyes sparkling with happiness, like an idiot who suddenly became a millionaire. What was he waiting for? Until I started first? Seriously! "You're making everyone wait too long for you," I said softly and almost in a whisper. "Sure?" asked Axe in confirmation. He raised one eyebrow at me suspiciously. "Are they or are you actually getting impatient?" he continued with a teasing smile. "Suit yourself, Axe." I turned to look at the faces there. The important people in my life were gathered in one frame. There was Oracle, mom, dad, my father and mother-in-law, and Rose who was so beautiful in a black dress. Next to her was Theo who always stalked Rose wherever she went. I think Axe's question at that time was very appropriate. What is the relationship between them,
Several months later... I was staring at Axe with an infected hand, next to him was Oracle, walking towards me. He had a baby in his arms. His head kept lowering to watch our daughter's face endlessly. A perfect smile completed Axe's happiness. His efforts to serve me when I was craving for something had paid off, as he was finally reunited with his child in person. I remember forcing Axe to make me roti canai, an Asian specialty, with his own hands. Axe could cook, but had no idea about that kind of food, but at the crack of dawn, I kept pushing him to get up to be an impromptu chef for his daugther's wish. It was a struggle to wake Axe up when he was exhausted after touching me relentlessly. It's his own fault for never being satisfied. Little did I know that his son would suddenly want something. Even though he had to, Axe did his duty. That time, with his eyes half open. He reached for the cell phone on the nightstand, digging into
"Do you remember I was the first for you, baby girl?"I tried to make sense of what was happening after hearing a stern whisper in my ear. I had never considered what it would feel like to wake up with someone's hands around my hips. I try to hold my breath as the deep, raspy voice brings to memory a particular name. A name I didn't wish to keep in mind."I miss you."I abruptly stood up and freed myself from his grasp. Why can I see his face here after whatever I did yesterday? I was at a place that I had only been a few hours in.I stood up and climbed out of the hotel room's king-size bed. took a step back when I saw him coming."How did you get here?" I inquired almost in a whisper. "Go away!" He snatched both of my hands as I screamed. I made a vain attempt to shake him off. I lacked the strength to resist him because of his enormous size.Observing how I constantly attempting to escape. Passion flashed in his eyes. I have seen that before, yes. The five-year-old incident gave
Five years ago"Bridgette, Honey. There's someone mom wants to introduce you to, so come downstairs."In the end, I decided to shut the laptop because I was so busy studying for the final exam. I hurried down the steps.I could see Mom with someone from a distance. Mom's eyes sparkled with joy as she regarded the young man in front of her. He was so unknown to me that I had no idea who he was. The man appeared to be hiding his face as he cast a long glance downward. And from what I can tell, mom just lately got to know him."Hi, Mom. What's up?""You took so long, Honey.""Sorry, Mom. I was a bit preoccupied," I apologized a bit as I said.Mom grasped my hand and grinned sympathetically. I also grinned. Sincerity be told, my parents smiles usually contagious. I'm not sure why it makes me feel so good to see them pleased.She announced, "Mom has a surprise." Her eyes were beaming with joy."Surprise? And what is that?" I had a question.Mom's eyes moved. Mom grinned broadly as she cont
Day after day.Week after week.Month after month.There were many changes after Axe's arrival. My family life felt complete. I still can't get over the fact that I have a brother.I tried to ask mom how it all made sense. At our current age, why were we just brought together. We should have been together all along, sharing our love. Understanding each other's character and protecting each other.In fact, neither Axe nor I are like that. He's so closed off, even though he doesn't isolate himself in his room anymore. I'm quite grateful for that, at least I can get to know him even though he's like a thick book. I have to read it sheet by sheet, so that I know what's on the next page. But mom never wanted to tell me the real reason for Axe not being with us since he was little.Unfortunately mom forgot how I was. If there was no satisfactory answer, I would find out on my own."Hi, Axe. Want to accompany me shopping? There are some books I want to bring home, and yes... my friend has a
Oh My. It's real?I can't believe it!After receiving my graduation two months ago. Mom and dad finally agreed that I would continue my studies at Harvard University. Luckily I was accepted into one of the faculties there, Harvard Graduate School of Design. Oh, I can't wait to be a new student."Bridgette, what's going on? What are you screaming about?" asked mom at my door.I quickly grabbed my laptop, revealing the monitor screen with the writing on it.Without me asking, mom read it carefully. Soon mom smiled and gave me a gentle peck on the forehead."I'm so proud of you, Honey.""Thanks mom. I love you.""Me too. So, wanna help me? We'll make a celebration for you."No need, Mom. It'll be too much trouble.""You're doubting mom, ehm?""It's not that, I mean—“ My words were cut off and stuck in the air. Mom pulled my hand towards the kitchen. It didn't take long for the once clean kitchen to turn into quite a mess.
Today is Saturday.It's been six days since that night. The night Axe kicked me out, I never again set foot there, in his room. I didn't even see him for six whole days.In the mornings Axe would always leave first, leaving breakfast behind, and at night he'd come home so late. Axe seemed to avoid me, as if seeing me wasn't part of his activities anymore.I myself tried to look unconcerned. What did I do wrong to him anyway? Why did his attitude change so much. For all I know, he's never said that he has any objections to my going to New York tomorrow. I hope my guess isn't right that he's a bit disapproving about me and mom and dad's decision.Unfortunately, mom and dad won't be able to accompany me tomorrow. Yesterday morning they said goodbye to Uncle Luke's hotel, who is in Bristol celebrating his wedding day with his girlfriend, Denisa. Uncle Luke is dad's close relative and business partner. He's so kind and caring. I'm sure his girlfriend will be very lucky to have Uncle Luke a