FAMILY

NELINA

"So, how was it?" Marie started as I hopped in her car. She stared at me under scrutiny like I was a murder case suspect. "Was he nice to you? Did you get your phone?" She added.

I release a long breath as I flip my hair, easing the tension. Having no intention of saying anything about the guy. But, knowing Marie, she will never stop until I give her all the details. "Okay, I'll tell you everything," I said, raising my hands in surrender.

"You better, dear; I ordered a fast food meal and had to eat my dinner inside my car. I've never done this before, but for you, I didn't hesitate. I can't let you be alone with a stranger without having me nearby." She crossed her arms over her chest. "So, tell me now."

"Okay, I got it. Stop the rant. And thank you so much; I know you love me," I said as I looked at her intently. "Anyway, before we had our dinner, Royce gave me back my phone. After that, we chatted; I got to know him a little, especially his grannies who passed away. And lastly, I paid for our dinner. That's all, nothing important, except I got back my phone," I ended my short story and gave her a genuine smile.

Marie held her chin up, and her facial expressions tightened. "Seriously? That's it?" She looked away and unfolded her arms, then rested them on the wheel. "I saw him; he is hot. Nelina, are you hiding something from me? Are you sure you're not dating this guy?"

I almost choke on my saliva. "Marie…, how could you say that? You know that I share everything with you. Besides, I don't plan to be with someone, not anytime soon. You know that, right?"

Marie gazed at me, her facial expression changing in a second. "You don't have to look at me like that. I'm fine; this is my choice." I saw pity in her eyes, which I don't like her to feel for me.

"Nelly, you don't have to do that. Everything is in the past; learn from it and forget about it. Give yourself a chance; you deserve to be happy, besty. My job here is to make sure you are safe," Marie reassured.

"Marie, let's not talk about this anymore. I'm fine; let's go home; I'm exhausted," I plead as I know where the conversation is heading.

"If that's what you want." Marie sighed then started to maneuver the car but halfway to it, she halted herself. "Come here, let me give you a hug," she said as he leaned over and wrapped her arms around me. And I didn't hesitate. Having Marica as my confidant, sister, and my best friend all in one is all I need. So we hugged for almost a minute.

On our way home, I kept quiet for a few minutes when I remembered my plan to start to lose weight. "Besty, can you recommend a gym and a workout instructor for me? I want to start to work out this week. It's been stuck in my head for weeks now."

"Oh, why so sudden? What's wrong?" she said, glancing sideways. "Do you want to look good for someone else? Tell me," she added, showing her evil smirk.

"Marie, I know what you're doing. NO, can't you see?" I pointed at myself. "I started to gain weight; this body-hugging dress is a bit tighter now."

Marie shifted on me, raising her eyebrows. "Well, just a little; I wouldn't notice if you hadn't told me. It's not that alarming, dear."

"Marie eyes on the road," I commanded. My breaths quicken, seeing her shift in my direction. Marie drove fast, just like my brother when I used to ride with him.

Marie chuckles, hearing me complain. I roll my eyes at her and clench my fists. "Funny"

"Relax, dear, I got this," she said, her tone with a hint of assurance.

"I know you have been driving since we were in high school, but I still get scared if you get distracted. I just can't help it," I said. I squeezed my shaking hands even more as they started sweating.

"Okay, calm down. I'll get you home, one-piece," Marie said. She threw a naughty wink at me as if it could make me feel better.

I let out an exasperated sigh. "It's my fault; I'm sorry. Let's not talk about this gym thing now."

"No worries, I'll call my fitness coach and will give you a card for us to avail of the current promo they have. How's that sound?"

"Perfect, thank you, besty. You always save the day."

"Oh dear, don't mention it. Send my regards to your mom and dad; I can't take you to your apartment; I need to be home early."

She reminded me of how close I am to home. "I will let them know. Thanks for the ride, besty," I said as the car stopped. I kissed her goodbye.

I was exhausted; a day of grind has passed. Waking up early in the morning, starting my work at 8, and ending up at 5. If I get lucky, I still have an overtime job until 10 in the evening and even midnight. It's a good thing to have extra time to work, it means another good pay. I need every excellent income to be able to help my family. I have been living a different life for almost two years now.

The moment I step into the lobby, it feels good to experience the warm ambiance of the place. However, I wasn't sure if it was the apartment's way of welcoming me. Perhaps the fact that the two significant persons in my life are in this building. 

 "Almost there," I said as I walked to the elevator and pushed the button to the 5th floor where I live. The elevator was empty; I was alone as it ascended to my destination. I closed my eyes, and past scenes flicker like it was yesterday. He's my favorite person. "I missed you, brother." I miss my old life, the way we lived before. I raised my head and focused on the ceiling to stop my tears from falling.

I closed my eyes; this time, a different man's face emerged. Why him? I shook my head out of the reverie.

The elevator beeps as it reaches the 5th floor. Then, the reality kicks in; I walk to unit 10, where I live. This is a very different house where I grew up. Facing our apartment door, the corner of my mouth lifted. "This is home because my parents are here."

"Mom, I'm home," I announced, almost yelling. As soon as I entered the living room, my sweet mom, who was in the kitchen, rushed to give me a kiss.

"How's your day? You look exhausted, sweetie," she asked, touching my forehead at the back of her palm as a sweet mom would do. Mom is one of my superpower pills; she could instantly take the stress away. 

"I had a good one today. I have new clients," I said to make her feel better about me.

"That's good news, Nelina. It proves that people are noticing your skills," Mom said as she touched my face again.

"Thanks, mom," I said as I hugged her tight. "I love you, mom." This is the time that I get emotional. We may not have the luxury we had before, but we still have each other. And to think that there are just 3 of us, we even got closer to each other. However, it doesn't fill in the lack of having a good brother.

She hugs me back tighter. "I love you, Nelly; you'll always be my baby. I'm so proud of you?" We hug for a moment until I remember something is lacking. "Mom? Where's dad?"

"Your dad wants to rest; he's in the room."

My heart skips a beat; I'm a little apprehensive hearing mom. I'm not used to not having my dad welcome me with a smile on his eyes. Another superpower pill that refills my energy after a long day of work. It's not like him; he never gets tired of waiting.

When mom heads to the kitchen to prepare our dinner, I lay my bag on the 2-seater couch and sit in my father's rocking chair in a supine position sticking my eyes at the white ceiling. I couldn't help but think more about the past. I badly need more answers. What happened back then? What should I do? I gained my balance and sat, still narrowing my eyebrows. Finally, I got my laptop and started digging into the private investigation that I planned months ago. This is the only way for me to get answers, leading to the people who did wrong to our family.

As I hover over the people, I intend to investigate. Something came to mind when I looked at one piece of information I already saved. I slap my hand to my mouth, sticking my eyes on the screen.