CHAPTER 10Azariah’s Point of ViewAn hour had passed, the rain had eased a bit and we could walk home. I said goodbye to Felix first and my cousin and I did not hesitate as we made our way back to the mansion. It’s five o’clock in the afternoon. It was getting a bit dark, so we sped up our walk. When we got to the mansion, they passed behind.“Azariah?” Aga called me.I turned there. “Hi!” I said.My cousins also stopped and faced our gardener.“I was just going to ask if you have seen Ember. Her mommy has been looking for her for a while now.”The three of us looked at each other. “I-isn’t he here yet?”“Not yet. You are the ones I saw with her earlier in the living room. I thought she was with you,” he said.Anxiety rose in my chest. I looked at Apollo and Aliona, who I knew were nervous too.“Azariah, where is my son?” asked Auntie Cathy, who was next to Aga.“Ah... B-because...” I looked at Apollo. Asking for help.Until my mommy also entered the kitchen. There is a trace of anno
CHAPTER 11Rain's Point of ViewI was still a little surprised when Ali stared at me. He was serious and I could clearly see how his face darkened. His jaw also clenched. We both looked at each other but he avoided looking at me."I saw her on the way to San Simon.""The short cut? Isn't the road there paved?""Yes. There is a big rock that is the boundary of San Simon. That's where I saw her."My daddy turned to me. "Rain, how did you get there?"Mommy put her hand over her mouth."You said you were going to Butterfly Haven next but w-why did you go there?"I couldn't answer. My eyes searched for my cousins but they were not there."Maybe it's better that Azariah tell you about that later, Sir. Right now it's better for Rain to see a doctor," Ali said seriously.I felt my mommy's tight grip on my hands. "Rain, can you walk?"I shook my head because I really couldn't. My leg hurts a lot as well as the hip that hit the rocks earlier."I will take her to her room upstairs," said Ali.I
CHAPTER 12—ApologyRain's point of viewThe sun was high when I woke up. I didn't get up because I felt myself first. My head doesn't hurt anymore; I just have a bodyache. My foot is still in pain.I slowly sat on the bed. No one else was in the room I was in. I carefully removed the blanket from my body until I could see the foot that was really swollen.I sighed. I leaned back on the pillows and closed my eyes again. I still wanted to go to the bathroom.It looks like I really have to get up on my own. Even though my mommy is here, she can't support me either.That's when I suddenly remembered Ali. I remembered again how good he was to me from yesterday until his vigil this morning."What time did he leave?" I asked, dumbfounded.I smiled involuntarily, but it immediately disappeared when someone knocked on the door. "Come in!" I answered immediately.I smiled widely, thinking it might be Ali, but I was wrong. It turned out that it was Aliona with Azariah. Aliona was carrying a tray
Rain's point of viewAli was always with me while I was healing my leg. Aliona and Azariah were busy because Abuela's funeral was coming up, and they were the ones dealing with the sympathizers.I really wanted to go to Abuela's wake at Butterfly Haven, but Ali wouldn't let me. He said it was bad because I was sick. That's why I feel so sad because I'm here at the villa but I can't see Abuela."Can't I really take a peek? Let's just wait a moment," I said as I put down the book I was reading.I'm about to finish reading that book, but I don't understand anything. Because my mind is occupied. One reason for that is Ali's presence, because he never leaves my room.He only comes out when he gets my food, when I take a bath, or when he takes a shower.But all the time, he was inside the room and sitting on the sofa. Ali was facing the laptop and was reading something on it that I didn't know what it was."You can't. Your feet are still a little sore," he said without even looking at me.I
CHAPTER 14—Who is she?Rain's point of viewMy parents went to my room after Aliona left. But they were not with Ali. My dad helped mommy, and that's why I'm a little sad."Is your leg okay? How are you feeling?" Daddy asked me, sitting on the edge of the bed."I'm feeling okay, Daddy, but my foot is still a little sore, although I can walk," I said."Good to hear that. Do you want to peek later at your grandmother's wake?"I nodded immediately. "Maybe it's okay, daddy, since I don't have a fever anymore. I'm feeling okay."Daddy and Mommy looked at each other. Mommy smiled at me and then held my hand."Yes, Rain. Let's go."I immediately smiled at her. "I would also like to stay there until tomorrow? Aliona said tomorrow is Abuela's last night." Sadness was on my face as I spoke."Rain, you're not feeling that well yet. Even on the last night, you probably stayed up."I snort and ask mommy to look at me. "Mommy, I've only been here in the room for a few days. My abuela might sulk wit
CHAPTER 15—Authority and AudacityRain's point of viewI do not remember how long I was in front of my grandmother's casket. When I first saw it, I felt nothing but sadness. It's only now that I'm slowly realizing that my beloved abuela is gone.I felt the hand that held me. When I looked back to see who it was, I smiled slightly. That's my mommy with a worried face."Sit first, Rain," she said, then squeezed my hand.I just nodded and wiped the tears from my cheeks. I also turned to Aliona, who was on the other side of me. She rubbed my back."Are you okay?"I nodded slightly. "Yes.""Let's go. Let's sit down first." She still led me.Almost all eyes were on me. There was something about that, and I wasn't sure if it was pity or sadness. I breathed deeply.I was about to sit in a chair when I saw someone in the entrance. Ali was there, and Gianna was with him. They were wearing different clothes now, so I frowned."Rain," called mommy, who must have noticed my facial expression. "Are
CHAPTER 16—Rain's point of viewIt seemed like cold water was poured on me when Ali pushed me. My eyes widened when he stood up and turned his back on me. I could clearly see how Ali clenched his fists."Get some rest," he said, then took a step, but I immediately called him."Ali, just a moment!"He stopped but didn't look at me and kept his back to me.I breathed deeply. I bit my lower lip. I'm not sure where I'm getting the courage from now, but here goes."I'm sorry if I kissed you. Just forget about it." I arranged a place on top of the bed.Ali looked up and shook his head slightly. It seems that something pinched in my heart, and now I am filled with shame. I regret kissing him.When Ali still didn't leave the stand, I looked at him. I have his eyes. He's not angry anymore, but his eyes are wide when he's with me. Our eyes met."I'm fine here. Leave me alone. I'm going to rest," I just said.He nodded, then turned back. When Ali got out, tears started to form in my eyes. It sh
CHAPTER 17— He's Lying Rain's POVI was choosing something to wear when I noticed that my two cousins, who were both sitting on the edge of the bed, were staring at me. I was standing in front of them and holding the two hangers where the two dresses that I chose to wear tonight were hanging."Why are you staring like that? I said. Which of these two should I wear later?" I asked as I raised the hangers again."Dark blue is okay with me," said Aliona, who was lying on the bed."The black one is better, Rain." Azariah pointed to the hanger on my right.I frowned. "Can't you both choose?"Azariah made me suffer. "I bet the black one is better.""You can wear the black one tomorrow because it's a funeral," Aliona said.I suddenly felt sad when Aliona mentioned the word 'funeral'. I dropped the hanger on top of the bed and stood next to my two cousins."May I ask?" I asked them, and they nodded."Shoot!" Azariah said.I breathed deeply. "How was Abuela when she was alive?"Aliona sat dow
CHAPTER 108—Who's Behind It?Rain's Point of ViewWhile Von and Azariah were grilling and Ali was playing guitar. We both sing and I can truly say that Ali's voice is beautiful. I was embarrassed because my voice wasn't that good, but he tried to make me sing."You have a beautiful voice, Rain. Who said you don't have a good voice?" asked Azariah. It seems that he has been hearing me say that my voice is not good.I didn't answer right away. I honestly don't remember who told me when I was young that my voice was not beautiful. They said it's better if I just dance because my body is a bit soft."I don't remember who Uncle Eliseo told me or who he was talking to at that time. I was still young when they told me that. Then those who heard laughed." I don't want to say these things anymore because it's been a long time. I'm still young."Ah, so it's Uncle. Maybe he didn't want you anymore that's why he said that.""Maybe he's just joking," I said.Azariah stopped turning the squids that
CHAPTER 107—Ali's Way of FightingRain's Point of ViewI was almost surprised when I felt Ali's arm wrap around my waist and I turned to him. There was a tinge of concern on his face as he looked at me. I frowned. "What's the problem?" I will ask."You are the one I asked. What's the problem? Why do you look like that?” Ali even held my cheek and squeezed it a little. "You look like you just got back from crying. Did you cry?" he asked me.I smiled at him, still seeing the white teeth. "Yes, I am really fine. Don't worry about me." I took his hand from his grip on me."Why is that red and it looks like you just got back from crying?""Nothing. Believe me. Azariah and I just talked and my heart was touched by him. That's because my cousin is so smart. I have nothing more to say to him.”Ali nodded slowly. "You're right there. What Aliona and Apollo's attitude was bad, Azariah was kind. And another thing is that I can see how much he loves Von.""They're both sweet too, aren't they?" I
CHAPTER 106—Thankful and GratefulRain's Point of ViewWe were very happy with the sea water while we were on the boat. There was a steward who maneuvered the boat so that we could sail smoothly in the ocean.Ali was next to me as I leaned on him slightly. He holds my hands. It should be so peaceful. Fortunately, the boat we were on had a roof so we were not directly exposed to the sun."Are you okay?" Ali asked me.I didn't answer right away. I've been bothered by things for a while now but I don't want to ask Ali. Do I feel that he will get annoyed with me if I keep asking him questions? All the things that happen to us make me question why it happens.I sighed before trying to smile at him. "I'm fine. Nothing will happen if I'm not going to be okay, right?”Ali squeezed my hand. "That's right. Whatever you're thinking, put your worries away because I won't leave you. You and your family."I looked him in the eyes. "I know that. I also know that you will do everything just to make s
CHAPTER 105—ExcitementRain's Point of View"So, Daddy said we can't leave the rest house for now. It's like we're locked down, right?" I asked as I held Ali's arm. We walk on the beach watching the sunrise.Azariah and Von were with us earlier but they said goodbye to go to the gym so Ali and I continued walking. From a distance we could see the guards watching over us."Yes. That's how it is. Such an idea is boring and annoying, but we need it to ensure that you and your entire family are safe."I leaned my head on Ali's shoulder. "I understand. Thank you, Ali?”"For what?""For taking care of me and my family.""You are always welcome. I will do everything to ensure your safety." I felt him kiss my forehead so I closed my eyes.It feels so good to be cared for and protected by the person I love. I can't ask for anything else because I feel his love for me.“Would you like us to have breakfast? The cook at the rest house must have cooked." Earlier, before we left, I talked to our co
CHAPTER 104—He's Back!Rain's Point of View"Have you talked to Ali again?" I asked while we were in the middle of dinner. To be honest, we all had almost no appetite to eat. The food on the plates doesn't move because they seem to be touching each other."Not yet. Von said the last time we talked earlier that their phones were low on battery. They will go out to buy a charger,” answered Azariah."Do you think, Dad, can they come here to the rest house?" I asked while my attention was on daddy. Even my companions are also looking here.Before dad bowed and he bowed and took a deep breath. He looked at me. "It is possible, Rain, but they themselves said that they will not come here. Because they need to be sure that no one can follow them. Ali and Von just want us to be on the list, especially you and Azariah.” Dad exchanged glances with my cousin and me.I felt Azariah grab me with a free hand that wasn't holding the cutlery."Your daddy is right, Rain," said mom. He gave me a smile t
CHAPTER 103—FearRain's Point of ViewI was so nervous to do what Elise and I had planned. Azarian also helped us and Von knew the plan. Von was our helper to somehow keep Ali away and not notice what we were planning to do. I took a deep breath. I took a shower and put on light makeup. I dried my hair with a hair blower and just put a gold hair clip on it.I was in front of the mirror trying to study the smile. No matter what I do, I smile and the nervous feeling is still on my face. A part of my heart is also afraid that the plans might come to nothing. Maybe Ali is mad at me and won't accept my apology.When I found out about Elise's true personality, I felt very guilty. I feel like I have a very bad girlfriend. The type that I don't trust the most loved one who did nothing but ensure my safety. My heart sank again because I felt sorry for Ali. I even asked myself if it was worth it for Ali to love me even though I hurt him because I was jealous.Elise says that my feelings are val
CHAPTER 102—Elise's PlanRain's Point of ViewAs dad said, we will tie up at the rest house first. Our other relatives didn't know that, even Aunty Merceditas. Azariah just got why I can say that that house is really secret. As far as I can remember, I have only been there twice.That rest house is nice. It's on the side of the beach and it's quiet. There aren't many houses around us so it's like that. Also far from civilization. When we got out of the car, I was so amazed.I rode in dad and mom's car while Von, Azariah and Elise rode in Ali's car. Earlier Dad forced me to ride there but I refused. I really don't want to see or be with Ali. We didn't break up but I think that's the way it is.Am I hurt? Of course. Just last night I cried and cried and fell asleep doing that. When I woke up earlier, my eyes were very swollen. I wanted to laugh because we didn't break up but I cried. It's my fault because I'm stubborn. I don't listen to Ali's reasons but it's not because I can invalida
CHAPTER 101—SpaceRain's Point of ViewBecause my ankle was swollen due to a pinched nerve, I really had to be given first aid. I just cried when the doctor tried to move my leg. Maybe it took pity on me, it just let me rest and calm down. Fortunately, Azariah doesn't let go of me and I cry to him. My leg was bandaged and then I was helped to position myself on top of the bed.Dad got a private room and there was a security guard assigned outside the door. The security is very tight to prevent what happened earlier in our house.Because the doctor gave me medicine, I fell asleep. It's a good thing because somehow I didn't feel the pain in my foot. It is elevated so that it cannot be moved. When I woke up I had a faint voice that was heard in the room where I was. When I opened my eyes, I immediately saw Ali talking to Von and Azariah. Elise was also there and sitting. Ali and Elise are not next to each other but I'm annoyed. I got annoyed.I moved and tried to get up but my leg hurt c
CHAPTER 100—Loud Gunshots Rain's Point of ViewSince I wasn't in the mood earlier after working out, I didn't feel like eating breakfast either. I didn't go with my parents because Ali, Elise, Von and Azariah were with them. Mom just sent food to my room but I didn't touch it. It's just on the table and I have no intention of eating. I only drank the milk and I'm fine with that.I just left my room bored. First, I will air in the garden where it is windy at this time. I brought my phone as well as the book I was reading so I could do something there.I have made up my mind that if Ali ever approaches me to talk to me, I will still not talk to him and ignore him. To be honest, I miss my boyfriend a lot but every time I think about Elise being with him now, I feel like I'm wondering if he still loves me.Maybe I'm being dramatic but that's what I wanted to ask him. Even though Ali says that he hasn't changed and I'm still his priority, I don't see that.When I got to the garden I sat d