The Unseen Trial [Ace Lucifer's Series Three] ON GOING

Eighteenth Trial

AFTER an hour, Candace was already full clothed, and ready to go to school. Nang maka-baba siya ay nakita niyang winawalis ng katulong ang nabasag na kung ano mang bagay, na siyang paniguro niyang iyon ang naka-gising sa kaniya kanina.

"Good morning ma'am Candace, nakahanda na po—"

"No, thanks." Umiling siya at walang emosyong dinaanan ang katulong.

She heaved a breath before stepping out of their house. Napatingin siya sa orasan niya. She's actually an hour early from her usual routine. The sun on the horizon just almost risen, and she can feel the healthy sun on her skin. Mahamog pa halos ang labas habang nakatayo siya sa labas ng nakasaradong gate ng bahay nila. It's nearing ber-months so she understands the reason of the cold wind, and the thin fogs around.

Then her eyes settled on the house, proportionate to their house.

For a moment, she can feel at peace inside of her when she saw Bryson's house. Hindi niya alam kung bakit, pero pakiramdam niya, kapag nakikita niya ang bahay nila Bryson, at kapag nasa loob siya, ay pakiramdam niya may emosyon siya. She felt like she belongs there. She felt like she has a family she has always been hoping for.

With her cold feet, because of the cold weather, she slowly crossed the street, and carefully stood up in front of Bryson's house. Alam niyang kailangan niyang pindutin ang doorbell para makapasok siya sa loob, but with no thoughts in her, she just stared at Bryson's house.

Ilang minuto siyang nanatili sa ganoong posisyon, bago pinindot ang doorbell. Candace didn't wait that long. The gate opened right away, and the guard let her inside.

"Good Morning po." Bati niya sa guwardiya.

The guard greeted her back before motioning her to go inside. She crossed the path walk, and as she nears the main entrance of the house, she can already hear baby Bella's squeal ang laughter.

"Bellaaaa, kumain kaaaaa!" Bryson's strict yet soft voice invaded her ears next. Panigurong ito ang nagpapakain kay Bella. He's being a responsible first born, giving her mom and dad a time to rest.

She can also hear the clinks of the utensils against the plate. Walang tao sa living room pero rinig na rinig niya ang boses ni Bryson at ni Bella. She silently put her bag, and the coat of her uniform in the couch before heading to the kitchen.

Si Bryson ang unang nakapansin sa kaniya, at tama ang hinala niya. Bella is in his lap, and he's feeding her even Bella was trying to escape from Bryson's firm grip. Hawak ni Bryson ang maliit na kutsarita na kulay pink, habang suot nito ang isang jersy sando, at karga nito ang kapatid na kaunti na lang ay iiyak na.

"Uy, robottt!" Bryson beamed. Mula na nakabusangot na mukha ay umaliwalas ang mukha nito nang makita siya.

Bryson's parents looked at her, and even Bella's eyes settled on her, making baby Bella struggle more against Bryson's grip. Wala itong pakialam sa pagkain na pilit ibinibigay sa kaniya ng kapatid bilang almusal.

"Teeee! Teeeee!" Baby Bella reached for her, still trying to get away from Bryson.

"Good morning po." Bati niya sa magulang ni Bryson.

"Candace! Mabuti at nandito ka, halika. Sumabay ka na sa almusal." Alok sa kaniya ni Tita Becca.

She tried her hardest to smile, even it felt like she's forbidden to do it. Tumabi siya ng upo kay Bryson, at hindi na nagtakha ang mga magulang ni Bryson kung bakit siya nandito. Hindi na ang mga ito nagtanong ng kung ano pa man dahil sanay naman na sila na makasalo siya sa almusal ng walang pasabi, kahit hindi kasama si Macey at Arrow.