You Are Not A Good Liar

Chapter 13

“What’s the problem, Emi?” Jason’s question brough Emerald back to her senses.

“Nothing.” She denied.

“I know you, don’t lie to me. You look like something is bothering you. Mind telling me?” Jason said.

“Fine, I know you will pester me all day if I won’t tell you.” Emerald clicks her tongue.  

“Good thing, you know.” Jason said with a smug face.

“It’s about my dad. There is a person that might lead me to him, to know his identity.”

“Really, what makes you say that? Are you sure that this person is legit? How did you find him?” Jason asked her.

"The person is a she. Mom and I bumped into her when we went to eat at a restaurant yesterday. Mom was so scared seeing her and that makes sense because she never wants me to know who my father is. So, I was concluding that this woman knows everything about my mom’s past including my father base on her looks yesterday.”

“You have a point there but it’s still dangerous, Emi. This person is a stranger and we don’t personally know her. If you have plans to meet her, take me with you.” Jason became serious all of a sudden.

“Well, to be honest I am hesitating whether I will see her or not.” Emerald lied.

“But why?” Jason asked, he did not notice that Emerald was lying.

“Mom, doesn’t want me to ask about my dad. She doesn’t want me to know him. If she finds out that I am finding a way to meet my dad, she will be mad.” Emerald replied.

She feels uncomfortable telling lies to Jason. Emerald was never used to lying, since childhood she was taught by her mother to be honest and always tell the truth. Now, that she is lying which she rarely does, it was as if she was a different person.

“I understand. But Aunty will never fid out unless there is some itchy tongue who will spill it out to her. You trust me, don’t you?” Jason asked as he looks at Emerald who is avoiding his gaze.

Emerald gulped before she replied. “Of course, I do. Even if you look like you can’t be trusted.”

“And just what do you mean by that Emerald Moore?” Jason asked with threatening tone.

“What are you trying to do? Stay away from me.” Emerald knows what Jason was up to.

And she was right, he attacks her with tickles. He was hitting the spot which is sensitive for her. Emerald laughed while avoiding every attack from Jason. At the same time, she was whacking his hand away.

“How dare you lie to me, Emerald Moore. Remember you are not a good liar because you never do that.” Jason said while continuously tickling Emerald.

“Stop it, Jason. Stop, I can’t take it anymore.” Emerald said as she was laughing and now tears are in the corner of her eyes due to so much laughter.

This is how Jason punish her. It is his painless torture and she was really in great torment every time he does this. “No way, you lied to me. Promise you will never lie again.”

“Fine, fine, I will not lie again.” she was gasping for air when Jason finally stopped.

‘I’m sorry Jason, but this is my battle. I have to do this alone.’ Emerald said to her mind as she looked at Jason who is now checking his phone. They are currently waiting for their next subject. Emerald turned her phone on silent mode and she keeps on sneaking to see if Aunty Linda is calling her. She makes sure that Jason will not notice her suspicious moves.

To her dismay, the day ends without Aunty Linda calling, or even a text from the lady. Emerald tried to send her a message still no reply. She sighed as she reached home and her mother instantly notices her dispirited look.

“What’s wrong, honey? Are you okay?” she asked worriedly.

“I’m fine, mom. Just tired. How are you?” Emerald kissed her mother and hugged her.

She was consumed by guilt as she looks at Emilia who has no slightest idea what she was up to. Especially when she smiled at Emerald and caress her hear. Emilia tucked a loose hair of her daughter’s hair behind her ears.

“I am okay, my child. Don’t worry about me. Come let’s eat dinner so you cold rest already.” She then pulled her to the kitchen.

Emerald change on her pajamas after she cleaned the kitchen and washed the dishes. Her mother volunteered to be in charge since she is already tired, but Emerald refuse. She knows her mother’s situation and how tiring her life is every day.

She laid on the bed feeling exhausted. Despite her body feeling tired, Emerald can’t sleep. She tried to dial the number again. It just keep on ringing, she was about to give up when the other party picked up the call.

“Hello?” a man’s voice answered.

Emerald was dismayed again. Did the manager give her the wrong number? However, she still tried to ask politely. Maybe the man is Aunty Linda’s husband and answered the phone for her. She should not give up easily by assuming.

“Hi, good evening. I’m looking for Aunty Linda.”

“Oh, that’s my mom. This is her son, Jake. May I know who’s calling?” he asked.

“I left her a voice message. My name is Emerald I am her daughter’s friend.”

“I see, who’s your mom?” he asked again.

“Her name is Emilia. Emilia Moore.” Emerald answered.

“All right.” He said then Emerald heard him from the other line that he was calling his mother.

After a while, Emerald heard steps and then she heard Aunty Linda’s voice. “Hello.”

“Ma’am, I am Emilia’s daughter. I want to talk to you. Can we please meet somewhere? Or in your house is fine. I can go there. Just set a time, I prefer on weekends please as I have no class.” Emerald said.

“I can’t go outside because of my rheumatism. It’s difficult for me, so let’s just meet in my house. I will text you the address.” She said to Emerald.

She was elated. The excitement aroused within her. Finally, all her questions will be answered. If she can’t locate his father at least she could get a name. She silently prayed that Aunty Linda has the answers to all her questions.

=Sarsi=