Chapter 5

When I reached our home, mom and dad came rushing and hugged me tight. I hugged them back and cried on their shoulders.

"I'm sorry," I muttered between the sobs.

Mom gently caressed my hair and dad kissed the top of my head.

"Shh, it's normal, darling. We're sorry too. We shouldn't have kept you away from the world, from your family," She cried with me. She cupped my face and looked straight into my eyes. "Listen, it's okay if you're leaving us. It is okay if you're going back to your family. We've talked about this already. We're setting you free."

I pulled her into a tight hug like I never want to let go.

"Don't throw me out. Forget what I've said yesterday. Mom, keep me with you," I'm not sure if she can understand me. "Don't give me back."

I felt her caressed my back. She tried to push me gently when I loosen up my tight embrace but I just hugged her tighter. I looked at daddy behind her. He looked away and simply wiped his cheeks with the back of his hand.

"Did I hurt you with my words? Did I offend you? Did I say something below the belt? Is that why you're throwing me out, you're giving me back? You don't want me anymore?" I cried harder.

"No, no, darling. Stop crying already?" She touched my forehead. "You're sick. You need to rest."

It's as if it was a reminder of my reality right now, I suddenly felt so week and everything around me looks blurry and tiring. I closed my eyes and let my mom carry my weight. I felt her panicked a little before I was lifted off the ground. Later on, I felt a warm towel placed on my forehead.

I opened my eyes a little and grabbed my mom's wrist when she was about to leave.

"Mom, can you," I bit my lips. "Can you sing me to sleep?" I heard her soft chuckles after I closed my eyes.

She laid beside me and caressed my hair. I faced her and hugged her. She started humming as I drift to sleep.

"Quel, the moon is beautiful, isn't it?" I cheerfully asked as I leaned over his shoulder.

"Yes, it is." I secretly smiled when I felt a thrilling sensation because of his answer.

I hummed. "Look at the way it shines, it's as if it's telling us that no matter how dark the path we're walking through, there's still someone or maybe something with us that lights up our world and guide us through our hardships." I mumbled.

"You're being silly again, Athijha. Are you sick?" He tried to touch my forehead but I pulled myself away and walked backwards.

Yes, I am sick. I wanted to tell him that but I know he won't answer me if ever he finds out that have a fever.

I smiled. "Quel, we grew up together, didn't we?" I asked, still walking backwards.

He stood up and walked in a slow pace. "Yes, we did. What is it again, Athijha?"

I looked away and gulped. "I just, I just noticed that whenever my elder sister, Cleandra, is around, your behavior changes and act as if everything is normal when it's crystal clear that you're being weird." I looked at my feet. "Tell me, Ashton Exiquel, do you like my sister?" I lifted my head to see his reaction.

"You really are my best friend," He looked at me with so much happiness. "I love your sister, Jha. You really know me well to notice everything about me unlike the other people or even my family."

"I knew it!" I exclaimed and laughed like a madman as a facade to cover my tearful expression which projects an excruciating pain. "S-so? Are you going to court her?"

"Well, I am planning to. Do you think she'll agree?" He nervously uttered that made me laugh.

"Of course. Damn, Exiquel, you're dead gorgeous and you are an ideal man. Go for it, I'm rooting for you." The atmosphere turned awkward after I said the dumbest thing to utter in this kind of situation. "Uhmm, anyway, I have to go home. It's already past ten, I don't want to get deafening rants from my parents again. So, see you!"

I ran as fast as I could to prevent him from offering me a ride. Tears streamed onto my cheeks. I am so brokenhearted upon hearing his answers.

Days have passed and I kept myself busy so I'll have a reason not to talk to him.

When I arrived at our home, I heard them talking inside my sister's room. I don't mean to eavesdrop but their topic astounded me.

"You have to marry him, Clea, please. It's the only way to secure your future. Marry Ashton Ashton Exiquel Saavedra."

It feels like my world crumbled into pieces.

I saw her glanced at my way and smirked. He mouthed "Watch me" in a way where our parents won't notice.

"I don't want him! My future is still secured with or without somebody else's help!" Clea snapped. "Why don't you ask Athijha about this matter, huh?"

I was taken aback.

"The Saavedra heir wants you and only you to be his bride..." I gulped for several times and locked myself in my room.

At the meeting of Saavedras and Alonzo's family meeting, Cleandra declined Quel to be her husband.

"... Why don't you marry Athijha instead?" My heart jumped. Clea's smile is evil.

"Clea, your sister is fine, sure she is but look at her, you look far more better than her." My mouth agape open when I heard what Auntie Ely uttered.

"I know that," She retorted with a sweet smile. "But I'm sorry, Auntie Ely, I decline your offer." She stood up and walked out with elegance.

I apologetically glanced at Quel who looked disappointed and hurt.

"Well, son, what can we do?" Uncle Arnold spoke.

"Dad, no." Quel uttered in a baritone voice.

"Marry, Athijha," My lips trembled when they fought and threw painful words at each other.

My saliva almost tastes bitter on my mouth. Quel, why are you so against it?

"Jha, decline our marriage," Damn it, Quel, you're shattering my heart. "Please, you promised me you are going to help me with you sister."

"Quel, Quel," I shook my head as my eyes turned into a mini waterfall. "Are you so against it? Is my sister worth a billion while I worth a single penny to you?"

"I love Cleandra, Jha. She worth the world to me."