Chapter 2

Dark

I already had a bad feeling about this a long time ago. But I ignored all that and focused on myself. I was too preoccupied with surviving alone that I neglected my duty as a daughter for all those times. Right, maybe it's my fault too. It's my fault that my father went down and got addicted to gambling. It's my fault that I didn't know the things he was doing when he wasn't coming home.

With the various emotions I'm feeling, I don't know what to think anymore. I knew that the happiness I felt for the past few days wouldn't last. So it's scary to be happy. Because I know it wouldn't last long.

"Almene, help me. They're going to put me in jail. That's a lot of money. I can't afford it. Where am I going to get that much money?" He sobbed as he fell to the floor.

I couldn't help myself from crying. Oh damn, why does this have to happen now?

"Please, help me. They're going to put me in jail-"

"Why?!" I screamed senselessly. I heaved a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. "Dad, why did you have such a huge debt, huh? You know we don't have money, right?"

I hit my forehead and still couldn't believe what I heard. This is a nightmare. This has to be a nightmare.

"Sorry, I'm so depressed about losing your mom-"

"Ha!" I gasped and couldn't hold back the rush of emotions. I stood up and looked at him in spite. I couldn't help but stare at him with anger.

"Dad, me too! I've had a hard time since Mom was gone. You weren't the only one who lost her. B-But I expected you to somehow be strong for both of us! But no! You abandoned me! " I looked away to keep myself from saying more.

His shoulders were shaking as he bent down. My heart clenched even more at the sight of him.

"Forget it. It's not important to talk about all that. And I have nothing else to say to you but blame," I said with difficulty. "Please spare me. I'm only now slowly getting up again. For all these years I've been so tired and struggling with, I've only now felt this comfort and joy."

I went straight to my room without looking back at him. I continued crying inside my room. I thought I was angry enough to not feel the pain when I see him. It only hurts me more because I know somehow, as his daughter, I just can't ignore him.

I fully thought that I would not be able to catch up with him the next morning. That's why I was surprised to see him busy cooking in the kitchen.

"You're awake. I'm done cooking. Let's eat."

Compared to last night, his face was more relaxed. I looked away and directed my gaze on the food instead. This is the first time he cooked a meal since my mom passed away. I looked away again before completely breaking into tears. I sat on the chair without saying a word and got some food. He did the same.

"I know I've been a neglectful father over the years. Forgive me, Almene. And I hope you let me make it up to you at least a little."

I swallowed the food hard. I didn't show that I was affected by what he said. I can feel the gap between the two of us as time passes. We are not even comfortable in front of each other.

Later I saw his smile in the corner of my eye.

"I didn't know you had a boyfriend," he smiled. "And he proposed to you."

I lifted my gaze only to see him staring at my ring finger. I slightly clenched my palm and hid it under the table for some unknown reason. It's not that I'm afraid he'd be against my decision. And even if he objected, I don't care. I love Francis and I want to marry him.

"I'll go first, I still have work to do." I emptied the glass of water and stood up. He was about to stop me when I turned around.

"Alright."

I stopped midstep but didn't turn to look at him.

"I'm happy for you," I felt his smile when he said that. "And if it's not too much, I'd like to meet your future husband."

Francis picked me up that day and we went to work together. He was telling me about the plans for the wedding but I wasn't paying attention.

"Babe, are you listening?"

I snapped back to reality when he came near me and removed my seatbelt. I smiled curtly and nodded.

"By the way, is your father home? I already told Mom about meeting your dad. They are so excited," he chuckled.

I smiled seeing how he was so passionate and thrilled about the details. But it instantly faded when he asked me that.

"I was looking forward to meeting him. Every time I visit you, he is not there. Maybe he will come home for our wedding, right? Did you tell him we're getting married? Will he be angry if you suddenly tell him? That we're going to get married when I haven't met him in person yet?"

I laughed looking at him. He looked worried and anxious. Then he smiled.

"He knows about it already. And he wants to meet you too. I'll try to ask him when he's available, okay?"

"Okay."

I was secretly thankful that Francis's family's visit to the house went well. Dad easily got along well with Francis' parents who are also good-natured. I was really worried the first time I met them. But Tito Solomon and Tita Dehlia were very welcoming so I became comfortable around them easily.

"Babe, are these invitations okay?"

He smiled and handed me one of those. I gently picked them up and looked closely. When satisfied, I returned it to him and nodded. He pulled me along with the card and hugged me tight.

"You'll be my wife very soon. I can't wait to call you Mrs. Althea Menesis Herrera," he whispered against my ear and kissed my cheek.

It's embarrassing to admit but he is more hands-on in taking care of our wedding. Even in the smallest details, he wants to get involved. It wasn't too obvious that he was excited. I secretly laugh when I see him busy with the details of our wedding.

Whenever I think of those moments, I can't help but ask why is all this happening now. This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. The kind of future I look forward to the moment I fell in love with him, the moment we vowed to be together for the rest of our lives.

I closed my eyes as I tried to visualize and envision our lives together after this. I gripped tightly the hem of my white dress as I clung on to the hope of the future that we had together.

Little did I know that instead of joy, this day would bring me pain. And instead of the light of the future, the darkness of the storm will greet me.

"The groom isn't here yet!"

"Can't anyone follow up with the groom? It's nine o'clock!"

"No one is answering the other line!"

"Damn it!"

"Go, Jay!"

I closed my eyes tightly while covering my ears. My chest is pounding with all kinds of emotions. I stayed still inside the car, while I could see the staff and organizers out of the corner of my eye. Then my mind would go back to what is happening - Francis is not there yet. I've been trying to call him for a while but no one is answering. Still, I cling to his words. He can't do this to me. Surely he has an explanation for this.

Ten minutes passed, which turned into twenty – still nothing. I can't even count how many times I looked down the road hoping to see his car coming – nothing. My chest started throbbing so fast with pain and hopelessness. My throat is also hurting from holding back tears.

"He will come, let's just wait for a little, please. He will come.”

I looked away from the organizer after saying it. I can't bear seeing the pity in their eyes. I can't lose hope. He made a promise and I will cling to it.

I continued dialing his number but to no avail. I weakly put my phone on the edge of the seat. I didn't even pay attention to the looks of the people who instead of staying inside came out one by one out of curiosity. I covered my face with both my hands and cried.

Where are you, Francis?

"Almene."

I woke up from my reverie when I heard the familiar baritone of my father. My friends were with him outside, with worried stares. My tears just flowed more and I decided to go out and face them. Dad gently stroked my back and Avery, Julienne, and Nathan came to hug me at the same time.

Francis' family also caught my eye from afar. Aunt Dehlia began to cry, her face showing concern as she looked outside. Uncle Solomon and Jade, Francis' younger sister, were trying to comfort her.

Francis...

I know him. He’s not the type to do this. In any matter or way, he informs me. So why is this happening today when we’re about to get married?

I waited still. Even though there was only a meager hope left in me, I still waited. But he didn't come. Almost all the guests have already left. It was my friends who apologized to them because I couldn't talk straight. My father stayed with me the whole time.

I went inside the church, senseless. There was no one inside because the priest who was supposed to marry us had also left. The organizers along with our families are all outside. No one even noticed that I entered alone.

I smiled bitterly as I looked at the decorations. I thought again of all the preparations we both made for this day. He was more enthusiastic and excited than I am.

"You'll be my wife very soon..."

His voice resonated in my ears.

I violently threw the flower and veil attached to my hair. I feel so overwhelmed with anger, worry, pain, and love. Damn it!

So many questions ran through my head. Why didn't he come? Did he change his mind? Does he not love me anymore? Why did he do this to me?

I clenched my chest so hard. These emotions are killing me. And when I looked at the altar, I cried even more. That's where we should promise each other. A promise of commitment and life together.

I slowly got up from my knees when I heard a commotion outside. Julienne and Avery came running toward me, fear and worry on their faces.

"W-What happened? Has Francis been contacted yet?” My eyes widened as I asked them.

"Almene..."

"What? Why are you two looking at me like that?" I asked in a panic.

I was only more shocked when the two started to cry.

"Francis..."

"What about him?" I asked stubbornly, trying to calm myself down.

“H-He had an accident on his way here. And his condition is critical."

To be continued...