CHAPTER 13

Elaidia

The front door creaked as I pulled it open, the sound echoing through the empty hallway. I hesitated for a moment, my hand lingering on the doorknob. I breathed in deeply and closed my eyes, feeling the cool breeze brush against my skin. I opened my eyes and turned to look back at the house. With a deep sigh, I turned and began walking down the path, my footsteps echoing on the pavement. I didn't look back again, determined to keep moving forward, away from the life I had known and towards a new beginning.

"Elaidia!" I heard mom shout my name. I smiled. "Mag-iingat ka ro'n ha? Tawagan mo kami."

"Mom, sa ngayon hindi ko po muna kayo tatawagan or itetext. Mom, may asawa na po ako. We need time to each other."

"Edalyn, Elaidia is right. Kailangan nila ng oras mag-asawa." I saw Mom change her expression.

"Mom? Nag-usap na po tayo 'di ba?"

"Y-Yeah. Basta mag-iingat ka," she said without looking at me.

"Hello, Edalyn!" Napalingon kaming lahat nang biglang dumating si tita Vanessa.