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 18—Fur AllergyRain's point of viewAli and I went straight to my room. When I got in there, I immediately made him sit on the sofa. He didn't move and just looked at me while I was busy looking for what we needed. I took the small first aid kit that was inside the nightstand.I stood next to him and then took out the alcohol and cotton. I silently cleaned Ali's wound. While cleaning it, I noticed that Ali had a scratch on his hand as well. Even in the arm there is alsoMy concern for him rose. "Did you get into a fight?""No." His answer seems very lazy. There seems to be no intention of explaining it to me.I looked at him. I lightly pressed the cotton on his wound, causing Ali to startle. "You're really lying to me!"I held his hand again and carefully cleaned it. I also blow it to make the pain go away somehow."I never got into a fight, even if you ask Gianna.""Maybe I should ask her!" I spoke boldly to show him that I could do it."It's okay," he replied, looking at me
CHAPTER 19—Lie DetectorRain's point of viewAccording to mommy, the grandchildren will wear white while the children will wear black at my grandmother's funeral. I chose to wear a white lace dress with flat sandals.My cousins were already dressed and had peeked into my room earlier. I was in the living room and was about to go to Butterfly Haven when I saw Ali coming in from outside."Are you ready?" he asked.I nodded and smiled slightly. I have also noticed my parents, who are both wearing colored clothes. I approached them.My mommy held my hand and squeezed it a little. "Are you okay?"I nodded. "Yes, mommy.""Where is Gianna?" my dad asked while looking at Ali.I'm just talking to someone, sir," Ali said seriously. He's got eyes on me."Many people will surely join the funeral, but we will be there in my car."Ali nodded. "I'll drive.""That's good," said Daddy.My cousins came down one by one, as well as their parents. Obviously rich people because of the clothes.Azariah wave
RAIN's Point of viewTWO days passed, I didn't see Ali again since the night he hugged me in my room. He didn't even say goodbye. He didn't say anything and every time I asked my parents, they couldn't answer either.My concern for Ali was rising even if I tried to stop myself. I know I have no right to feel that way but I can't help it.Carrying the book and cell phone, I went down to the living room. I noticed the mother sitting there quietly and deep in thought. I approached it."Mommy, what are you doing here alone?"It seemed surprised by my presence. "It's you, Rain. I was just thinking about something. You, where are you going?" It looked at my hand."I'm just going to read this book in the garden. I'm bored in the room. Where are Aliona? I don't think I can see them." I turned around."Aliona went somewhere with Apollo. I haven't seen Azariah yet." He looked at me. "Are you hungry?"I shook my head. "Would you like to come with me to the garden? The air is fresh there because
CHAPTER 21 —The TruthTHIRD POVRain felt her mommy's hand tighten slightly."You say it, Ali." Her daddy even stepped back to give Ali space but she didn't step.She looked at him directly. "Atty. Reymundo is a close friend of mine. He is your grandmother's lawyer.""Your friend?""One of my best friends. He is also one of Donya Aitana's students.""Then?""I know what is written in Donya Aintana's Last Will and Testament because I was with her when she made it."Her forehead was wrinkled while listening."Almost all of your abuela's wealth is named after you," Ali spoke to her calmly but seriously.Her eyes widened. "To m-me?""Yes.""Rain, whatever your Daddy and Ali say, please, just obey. We are worried," said her mommy.She didn't answer. She couldn't believe it. Her grandmother has many children as well as grandchildren. That's why she wondered why it was only named after her."But why all mine?" she asked."As I mentioned to you, you are Donya Aitana's favorite granddaughter."