To The Moon And Back

Chapter 47

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, jerk," I rolled my eyes then finished the water he gave me. "I'll go change back into my clothes. Wait for me, okay?"
I closed the door of the dressing room then I found myself clenching my chest while tears are streaming down my face. I covered my mouth and proceed on my real agenda why I locked myself in here.
I fanned my face and looked up to prevent the tears from streaming on my face more.
I took my purse then checked myself in front of the mirror to make sure that he won't see something questionable such as a tear-stained face or gloomy eyes.
I put on a smile to hide the storm of emotions deep inside of me.
"Let's go shop for something to wear tomorrow night," I said with a smile plastered on my face.
"For?" He asked, oblivious of something that is about to happen.
I giggled. "For Clea's welcome party. We're invited, you know," Just when I was about to pull him with me, my phone vibrated. "Wait, I'll just check this."
I felt excited when the text message came from my mom.
Mom:
Don't bother to buy yourself something to wear. I've bought you one as Clea requested.
I bit my lower lip and giggled.
"Who's that?" Quel asked while trying to peak on my phone.
I pushed him a little bit and chuckled. "Nothing, Quel."
He raised his eyebrow and squinted his eyes. "Is that Brandon?" He asked which made my mouth parted then chuckled.
"No, it's not him," I answered while suppressing my laughter because of how he looks.
"Who is it then?"
"I told you, it's nothing."
"Then why are you giggling like butterflies are tickling your stomach?"
I burst into laughter when he fired that question while his face crumpled even more.
"Oh my God! You're funny, Quel."
"What? Was it River? Is that why you're giggling?"
"No, it's not him."
"Then let me see it, you're messing with my brain, Athijha. Come on, let me see," I stepped away when he attempted to get a hold of my phone.
"Nope, not a chance, Exiquel," I said while shaking my head.
"Just one look?"
"No," I said then ran away from him.
"Hey! So it's really one of those two dumbasses, huh?" He muttered then started running before me.
"I swear, Quel. If you ever tickle me to death when you catch me, I'll burn down your company!" I yelled when I started to slow down.
"Yeah? Then I also swear to punish you on the bed if you won't let me see it."
I turned around and greeted him with a hug. "Silly, guy. It's just my mom telling me not to bother buying a dress because she already bought me one," I said then showed him my phone. "Can you buy me a coffee crumble flavored ice cream, love? Damn, I'm tired."
"You know what, your name should be Cassia. Do you know why? Because you love coffee so much."
My forehead creased. "What's the connection, Quel?" I replied with overflowing sarcasm.
"Cinnamon tastes better with coffee," He said then winked.
He walked away while I am still standing here, trying to analyze his joke but... argh! Nevermind. I followed him. He opened the passenger seat of his car.
I smiled a little. "I'd love to ride with you, love, but I brought my car with me too. See you at home, okay?"
He sighed then nodded. "See you home then. I love you," He planted a feathery kiss on my forehead and on my lips.
I waved at him and went into my car. I sighed and threw my back on the backrest. I covered my face with my palm and swallowed the lump in my throat that has been there since earlier.
"Oh my God," I mumbled as a lone tear fell from my eyes. However, I chuckled upon brushing that tear away.
Maybe, maybe if I ever join an acting contest, I'll win Oscar's award. I have been putting on a facade my whole life. I have been acting my whole life to the point that I mastered the art of pretending.
My mom once told me how pretentious I am. She slapped me those words of my reality. She was right, of course. She was right that's why it hurts a lot. And somehow, her first-ever text message for me made me feel a little better after this long day.
I heaved a deep breath and fixed myself.
On my way home, I was already picturing possible scenarios in my head.
Quel was waiting for me in the garage. As soon as I arrived, he leaned on the wall and waved his hand. I returned his smile and kissed him on the cheeks.
"The sun is still up, do you want to go somewhere?" He asked.
I slowly shook my head and gently shoved his hands off my shoulders.
"No, love. I'm sorry but I'm kind of tired and not feeling well," I uttered in a faint voice. Trying to control it so that it won't shake or crack.
He placed his forehead against mine. "You're kinda hot," He hid a few strands of hair behind my ear. "You should take a rest. I'll just wake you up for dinner."
I nodded. "Okay, and I'm sorry," I said in a whispering manner.
"Don't mind it. But do drink water before you rest, okay?"
Comfort engulfed my body as soon as lay down on my bed. It feels warmer and more safe than the outside world.
This is why I like to be alone better than going out, being alone gives you the comfort while the crowd gives you insecurities and pain you never wanted for yourself.
Quel and I went to the mansion after lunch to help them with the preparations for the party later. It will start at exactly seven PM according to a maid who was tasked to make sure that the venue is dust-free.
I looked around the mansion, nothing has changed. Everything is still in the place where I remembered before I was kicked out of the mansion.
My eyes looked for my sister in a secretive manner, afraid that dad would mistake it as something that he won't like.
But then, instead of my sister, it's him who I found, leaning on the railings while looking down at me with a smirk and his eyes filled with an emotion he had at the night of my misery.
I averted my gaze and followed a maid to the kitchen where the chef is preparing the foods they'll serve later.
I bit my bottom lip and slowly looked back to where I saw him. I sighed in relief when I didn't found him there anymore.
I ran upstairs and turned to the west wing of the mansion where our rooms are located.
I was walking at a fast pace and my heart is competing with the way I walk. It's beating faster and faster as I get closer to her bedroom.
But then, I found myself slowing down and took few steps backward until I am standing by the door of my old room.
The door is slightly opened like someone was there. Slowly, I reached for the doorknob and pushed the door in a gentle manner. It still created a sound though.
I peaked into the space, afraid that there might be someone who wants to lure me in here.
I sighed and finally stopped in when I saw no one in here. It's just my bed and some of the things I've left in here such as some of my old books, my school projects, my puzzle boxes, and scattered puzzle pieces on my old study table.
I sat on the chair and opened the compartment under the table. I was surprised to see the stories I've written when I was in high school as well as my sketchpads where I attempted to nurture my drawing skills even if I really suck in that field.
I opened it and chuckled when I saw how gross Pikachu have become in my drawings. There's also a portrait of someone I guess I saw on Facebook who is as gorgeous as barbies but in my drawing, she looked like a dying zombie who hasn't devour any human since she has turned into one.
I thought it was the last drawing but when I dropped it and turned to the last page, I saw a realistic painting of a baby wrapped in purple cloth with silver linings on the edges.
The baby has green eyes, plump lips, and chubby cheeks.
I traced the lines until I noticed something written on the cloth. It's not very visible, the reason why it took me a little while to understand it.
Then suddenly, the letters started dancing in my eyes until I understand what was written on them.
Assia Emeraude Vista.
My eyes fell on the familiar signature at the lowest right of the page. My hand flew into my mouth the moment I realized that it was Clea's signature.
"Assia Emeraude Vista," I mumbled.
I was suddenly astounded when a pair of strong hands appeared, caging me in between from the back.
"I knew you'll be here, my dear little girl," My breathing went rugged the moment I recognized whose voice is that.
I immediately stood up, the reason why the top of my head hit his jaw. I took the scissors from my organizer and pointed them at him.
"Stay where you are," I said in a cold voice filled with authority.
"What are you going to do if I won't, Athijha? Stab me with that stupid scissors?" He laughed in a sarcastic manner.
"Yes, Anton. I will definitely stab you with these fcking stupid scissors. Don't you dare get even closer," He roared in laughter while I was just staring at him with a blank expression.
"What happened with dad, Athijha? Is that what that Saavedra is teaching you? Disrespecting your father?"