Rain’s Point of View
WHILE we were on our way, I couldn’t sleep. We had been on the road to Villa Floris in Phoenix, Arizona for over five hours. My father, Elmer, was driving the car we brought while mommy was next to daddy.
The light on the road is bright, so I can see the scenery somehow. As entertaining as they were to look at, I couldn’t help but enjoy what I was seeing. Because my chest is heavy and my heart is sad. I’m still shocked because of what happened to my Granny Aitana. She is only sixty-eight years old and, based on what my father tells me, she is still strong and will not succumb to a serious illness.
“Rain, I’m sorry if I startled you.” Dad’s voice broke a little.
To be honest, I was really surprised. I never expected my granny’s life to end up like that. What I know is that she is still strong. We even talked last week because I told her about my new achievement at work. It was very painful because besides mommy, Granny was my only ally. Especially during the times when mommy and I had a hard time getting along with dad’s siblings.
“Elmer, don’t worry. Your son will also understand what is happening,” said mommy, who still held daddy’s arm.
I’m just maddened by what I hear and see. I once again focused my attention on the outside of the window so that, somehow, it distracted my mind from what was happening. I put the earplug that was resting on my thigh back into my ears. I just closed my eyes when I heard soft music on the cellphone. I didn’t realize that sleep was slowly engulfing me.
My spirit woke up when I heard screams. My eye was still watering, so I rubbed it a little. The car had stopped at a familiar place. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
I removed the earplugs and put the cellphone in the sling bag I was carrying. Before going down, I fixed the jeans, pants and pink t-shirts I was wearing. I even combed my naturally long black hair with just my fingers.
Someone knocked on the car window, causing me to look back. It turned out to be my daddy, and he was smiling. He motioned for me to get down, but I didn’t budge. I don’t know if I can set foot in this place after what happened to us before. Daddy went around to the other side of the car and opened the door. He carried my mommy and sat her in the wheelchair that we also brought.
A few moments passed before I decided to get out of the car. Fresh air immediately greeted my skin when I got out of the car. It feels fresh and even though I’m in the sun, it’s not that hot on the skin. My hair strands are blown away.
My eyes automatically fell on a pathway where I knew where it was going. I used to stay there every time my mom and I were here—the Floris garden, which was really my favorite area with Granny.
I frowned when I noticed a man walking in the garden. He was wearing jeans that were full of dirt; he was wearing a shirt that was also obviously dirty. He is wearing gloves and holding some flowers. It’s sweaty but still handsome and there’s no denying that.
Our eyes met, so I immediately looked away because I suddenly felt nervous and I didn’t know why.
“Is this Rain Ember? What a beautiful lady, right?” asked a woman who looked like my father. Because I can’t remember what my daddy’s relatives look like here. It’s been a few years, so I’ve forgotten their faces.
“Yes, Merceditas,” dad said, smiling at his older sister.
“How old is she now?”
“She’s twenty-five.”
She smiled at me, but I remained emotionless and just exchanged glances with them. I noticed a group of young women and young men staring at where we were now. They are on the veranda of a large mansion and seem to be laughing.
I looked at them without emotion, but they still waved at me. I was simply surprised, but I didn’t make it obvious that I was curious about them. I didn’t pay attention to them. I took a deep breath before turning to my mother. I held her shoulder and softly whispered, “Mom, I’m tired.”
“Ah okay. Wait, let me introduce you first. She is your Auntie Merceditas. Your Daddy’s oldest sister. Their other siblings are not here.” Catherine turned to her sister-in-law. “Mercy, where are Eliseo and Ericka?”
Sadness appeared on her face. “They’re at the f-funerary and fixing m-mom,” her voice broke when she mentioned my granny.
My mom and I looked at each other as the siblings hugged each other and cried silently to each other. The sight was so heavy on my chest that I turned slightly so that I could not witness them. I let out my breath.
A few moments later, my father nodded and Auntie Merceditas spoke, “c-come in first and eat breakfast. Later, the service will come with mom.”
I held on to the back of mommy’s wheelchair while going up the enormous hall of the mansion. I accidentally let go of mommy, that’s why I stopped walking. I looked around with all my eyes. The area covered by Villa Floris is large and wide. From where I stand, I can see the coconut trees and mangoes, but even though Villa Floris has many beautiful spots, there is only one favorite, and that is the vast garden full of flowers. They are different types. For me, nothing compares to the garden because that’s where Granny and I always went when I was young.
“Ember, come on,” said my mother. Only then did I realize that they had left me. I immediately walked quickly and approached mommy. I held her hand for a moment and pushed her wheelchair myself even though daddy was there.
Rain’s Point of ViewWHILE we were eating, I was silent. My parents constantly talk to Auntie Merceditas. They were busy talking about business and the Villa. I suddenly stopped eating when I heard laughter and footsteps approaching the dining area. I was stunned and turned towards the newcomers.“Hi, Mommy! Hello, Uncle Elmer!” said a brunet woman. She is tall and looks like a model. Her face shows that she is really happy because her eyes are also smiling.“Azariah, come and I will introduce you to your auntie and uncle,” said Auntie Merceditas to her daughter and Azariah’s companions. “Catherine, this is my daughter, Azariah Ara Gustaves. These are our nephew and niece, Apollo Kayson and Aliona Krysleigh. They are Eliseo’s children. They’re twins.”“Great, you are so beautiful. It seems like a long time ago when I last saw you,” exclaimed my father. I simply raised my eyebrows because daddy was referring to the last time they saw each other when we were kicked out of this Villa. I
Rain’s Point of ViewThere was no one in the living room when I came down from the room I slept in. I peeked at the veranda but was disappointed that there might be someone there. I felt thirsty, so I walked inside the enormous mansion. I passed many doors but never tried to open them.If it wasn’t because I felt hungry, I really had no intention of leaving the room. Also, I’m still going to find my mother because I have something else to ask her.I didn’t memorize the hallway I was walking in because it had been a while since I was last there. This hallway is one place I have the worst memories. And as far as I can remember, this long hallway has several pictures of relatives of the entire Floris clan.I just swallowed and shook my head when something came back to my mind… I poured it, and there was almost lightning that night. The thunder was so deafening that I covered both of my ears with my palms. It seemed to be in front of me and I can now see the scene where Auntie Merceditas
Rain’s Point of ViewI could barely step inside the Butterfly Haven. The garden, according to my daddy, is my Granny Aitana’s favorite place. Everything is in order. It covered the floor with a red carpet, even though the ground was coated with grass. There are chairs that are decorated with flowers and other plants. The place is clean. They shield the said area. Only the sky blue net is the barrier on the side and roof to prevent the butterflies from flying and escaping.If I hadn’t known that it was a hill, I would have thought that a wedding would take place there. Well-wishers and people wore white and had roses. No one wears black.“Mommy, why is Granny’s wake like this? It looks like a wedding venue. It’s beautiful!” I said while smiling and looking at the flying butterflies. I cannot believe that the place looks like this.“Because this is your granny’s favorite insect and place—well, except for the floral garden that you and grandma often hang out in. She has been very strict
Rain’s Point of ViewWhen my mommy was laid on the bed, that’s when I stared at the man whose name was Ali. Unlike before, the man was wearing clothes. But his muscles and biceps are still scarred. I shook my head at the thought. I want to hit my head. I looked at the door when it opened. It was Daddy, who obviously ran.“Oh, why? Is there a problem?” Mommy asked.My dad seemed surprised because Ali was in the room. He seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief. Later, he shook his head. “Nothing. I’m sorry. I forgot that our room is on the second floor.” He approached the bed and kissed Mommy’s forehead.I, on the other hand, just sighed as I was simply stunned. After a while, I went to the window and adjusted the closing.“Thank you very much for helping my wife, Ali,” was my daddy’s voice. I can feel the sincerity.“That’s okay, sir. I’ll go out first. Excuse me,” Ali said goodbye to my parents.I didn’t move to look back at Ali, but I only looked at my parents.“I’ll go first, Miss E
Rain’s Point of ViewAFTER ENTERING THE ROOM, I sat on the bed. Annoyed, I opened the tumbler and drank. When I calmed down, I lay down again. I wanted to sleep, but it seems that my sleepiness has disappeared.I just went into the bathroom after a while and changed into my exercise clothes. I wore black leggings, a white T-shirt, and rubber shoes. I also brought my earphones and the phone itself. There is one room in the mansion that is fully equipped with exercise equipment. That room was big and spacious.I went in there to see that there was no one inside. I warmed up for a while before hitting the treadmill. I put on the earphones and then started playing. My full attention is outside. It made the walls of that room of glass. I can see the swimming pool from here.I had only been running for twenty minutes when I stopped because I felt thirsty. I smiled when I saw the mini fridge there, so I got something to drink from there. Carrying the towel, I wiped my neck for a moment when
Rain’s Point of ViewI still remember when I was young. My granny Aitana and I often go here. I help her every time she waters the plants or otherwise; we get flowers and arrange them to be placed on the altar or in flower vases throughout the mansion. I sat on the steel chair near my mommy’s place. I smiled when she pulled out a book hidden on the side of the wheelchair.This is where I inherited my passion for reading books. We are also both introverts and Mommy’s personality is quiet. A lot of people say that I copy the likeness of her face.I took out the cell phone and started taking pictures of the garden. I stood up and slightly approached a pot with a rose flower planted in it. I smiled when I saw that I had taken a pleasant picture. I stepped closer to the other plants there. I was having fun taking pictures of them but it stopped me when suddenly someone spoke to me.“Do you also like flowers?” Aga asked. He wasn’t looking at me, but his eyes were on the plants.In a quick w
Rain’s Point of View“I’m sure you’ve talked before. He’s smart, isn’t he? Besides, his body is beautiful. He’s hot!” said Azariah who seemed to be still thrilled.I frowned. “Is he your crush?”She suddenly slapped my shoulder. It’s like a worm, salted with thrill. “You’re terrible! Is it obvious?” her language is weak.I looked away. Now, I can say that Azariah is indeed kind. It seems that she does not see Aga’s state for us. I took a deep breath and smiled when my cousin said goodbye to me.Azariah left me in the room alone. I lay there on the bed for a while before deciding to go downstairs to go to Butterfly Haven.I was in the living room and was about to go out the big door when I spotted Aga outside. This guy is talking to someone I don’t know. They seemed to be talking seriously.I don’t know how long I stood there and just kept looking at the two. I can’t be sure what they are talking about. I almost jumped in shock when my cousin Aliona suddenly appeared behind me. She smi
CHAPTER 9Rain’s Point of ViewThe two of them didn’t move, and I was suddenly troubled by what was happening. I don’t want to be scolded. I don’t want to be involved in things that have nothing to do with me.“Are you really like that?” Apollo suddenly asked me. I must admit that I was surprised, but I did not show that I was affected.I looked at Apollo. There was a trace of annoyance on his face. His eyebrows are also raised, and he is obviously holding back. “Because I don’t tolerate the things you do, okay?”“What did you say?”“Apollo, that’s enough. Let’s just follow Azariah,” said Aliona.“That’s very good,” Apollo said before looking at me again. “And you, go home! We don’t need you! Let’s go.” He said and already walked. Aliona gave me a hesitant look. I ignored that and started walking back. I just sighed. Fortunately, it was a little overcast, and the sun wasn’t that hot.I turned back to where Aliona was earlier, but they were gone now. I just shook my head. I am disguste