Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

—Cleavira’s POV—

“Ma!” I called my mom with full of excitement. 

I balanced myself and watched my every step not to slide because if that’s happened, I would surely swim on the muddy rice field. I just arrived from my Junior High Moving up. Sadly, my mother did not attend on my graduation because she had a lot of things to do in the farm. We are poor that is why she need to work hard for our living and to support my education.

“Wow Avi! You have medals again. You are real genius.” Our neighbor greeted me.

“Thank you, Mang Kasyo.” I smiled and excused myself. 

“How’s the Moving up ceremony?” My Mom asked, sweats are running down on the side of her face. 

I know she's tired in planting grains especially in this hot weather. But she did not give up because she's doing it for me. She wants to give me a better future. And as my exchange to all of her sacrifices, I'm doing my best in school. 

“I got the Valedictorian title!” I screamed in happiness that makes her very proud to me. 

"Congratulations, my dear daughter. I'm so proud of you," she said in teary eyes.

We decided to go home for us to eat. My mom prepared a small celebration for me. There were pancit and biko on our table. I know that my mother worked hard to provide these foods. These efforts melted my heart in happiness. My father died when I was only three years old. I don't have any memories with him. But even though I am the only child, I'm still happy because my mom never made me feel incomplete.

"Mom, I want to continue my study in Manila." I opened the floor for this topic.

"I'm sorry hija, but you know our situation, right? We have no money for your---"

"It's okay, mom. I got a scholarship in Manila for my Senior High School."

"Really, wow! It's good for the both of us. Someone even offered me a job in Manila."

"But do we have a house where we can live when we are in the city?"

"We will look for a rent room. Don't worry my dear I will work hard for that." She gave me an assuring smile.

"Thank you, Mom." I hugged her to show my appreciation for all the efforts she made for me. 

We spent the summer vacation here in Sta. Villaduca. I helped my mom in the work in the rice field because I want to save money for my Senior High school. Life is not easy for a poor person like me. If I did not work, I would not be able to eat. I enjoyed my remaining days in this province because on the day after tomorrow, we are going to leave this place.

THE horn of different vehicles woke me up. I rubbed my eyes and looked on the window of this bus. My eyes rounded in amusement when I saw a lot of high buildings and different establishments that I have only seen on television before. Is this what they called "city"?

"Avi, let's go." My Mom goes down on the bus so I followed her. 

I cannot prevent myself from looking in every corner that my eyes can reach. This place is so big. Wow! It is an amazing place.

"Mom, look!" I pointed my finger on the big screen on the building.

"Stop doing that, Avi. People will find out that we are new in this place if you continue doing that," She reminded

"And what if they know?"  I asked clueless.

"There are snatchers here so you have to be wise and attentive." She carried our bags and leaded the way. 

We looked first for a small eatery where we can eat lunch. The long ride made me feel hungry. We stopped in a Lugawan Eatery to fulfill our aching stomach. After we ate, we headed to the apartment that my auntie Cecil recommended. We almost got lost in the road since Manila is a very big city and this is the first time that we go here. I spent my whole life in the province. Good thing that we found the place. 

My first month on the city was not easy. I made a big adjustment in living in this kind of environment. I grew up in an environment with fresh air, green surrounding and peaceful place unlike here in Manila that there are so many vehicles, noisy, and too many people living here. Our teacher gave our grades for the first semester and I got a high grades that made my day.

After our class, I decided to go home early because I am excited to tell it to my mom. I know that her sacrifices and effort to sell fruits and vegetables in the Market would be paid off. She's my inspiration and I'm doing my best in school because I have a dream for the both of us. I don't want to stay in this kind of life. I want a change. And I know education is the only key for that.

"Mom, I'm ho—" I did not finish my words when I saw my mother on our small dining table with someone. 

He is a guy whom I think has a same age with my mom. But who is he?

"Avi, come here." I walked towards her confused of what's happening right now. She look at me and the man on her side, "My dear daughter, I want you to meet Dante," She smiled, "Dante, my daughter, Avi."

"Nice to meet you hija," He extended his arms and I accepted that for having no choice.

I don't want to embarrass my mom in front of this man. And most of all I don't want him to think that I am rude because I am definitely not.

"Mom, would you mind if I asked you what does this man doing in our house?" There are lots of questions playing on my mind. But I know that I have to digest everything slowly. 

"Avi, Dante is my boyfriend. He would be your new fa---"

"Mom, wait! Can we talk first?" I pulled her to the living room, "What is this mom?" I'm trying my best not to shout or raise my voice because she's my mother.

"I know this is something hard for you. But dear, I love him. And he loves me too."

"Are you sure about him mom? What if that guy will just make you cry and leave you in the end?"

"Dante is not that kind of person. He loves me hija. And I am happy with him.  Please give him a chance, Avi. I love your tito Dante." Begging is written on her pale face.

I took a breath, "Okay fine," And besides, I have nothing to do with it. I'm just a daughter who needs to obey my parents.

Our lives changed in an instant when Tito Dante came. He invited us to live with him on his house in Antipolo, Rizal. Since we were just renting an apartment, it is a blessing for us to live in a house where in we will not force to pay rent bill every month. At the first few months, we look like a happy family. I can see and feel his love for my mother and I am happy for the both of them. My mom deserves it.

We are on the middle of the semester and I was taking a bath for my afternoon class when I felt something strange. It feels like someone is watching me. This strange feeling happened a lot of times but I ignored it. I rubbed the soap on my arms and I almost shout in fear when I saw an eye on the space between the wood of this bathroom. Those pair of eyes, I have seen that before. 

I finished my bath immediately and wrapped my body with a clean towel. My chest is pounding fast. I can feel my hands shaking not in coldness of water but in anxiety. Memories of my dark past flashed on my mind. When I walked inside the living room, I saw those pair of eyes again. Yes, the monster is here. But why from all the people, why is he? Why the person I already trusted? 

Am I going to live with a demon again?

—Azureriel