Rain’s Point of View
WHILE 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 don’t understand why the terrible things that happened before seem to be gone? Have they moved on? That fast?
“Thanks, Auntie Cathy. I’ll just call you Auntie Cathy to make you look younger,” Azariah said kindly.
They kissed my parents. I was just watching and I couldn’t help but feel bad for them.
“Oh, it’s okay whatever you call me,” mommy said, laughing.
“It’s good that you were wi…” Apollo couldn’t finish what he had to say when our eyes met. “Hi!” he greets me. Just like before, my emotionless look at them remained.
“She’s my daughter. She’s Rain Ember,” said mommy while holding my hand.
I don’t understand why it’s so easy to give mommy’s smile to others when they have a dark past and it’s a big sin to us, especially to her. They did something bad to my mom!
I looked at them one by one. Apollo is also a brunette like Azariah, but Aliona is not. It is white even though it is quite small. Not like Azariah. The twins are also not identical, so it is not obvious that they are siblings.
“Hello, cousin. Welcome here to our Villa Floris! I hope you enjoy it,” said Azariah, who moved to my side and pulled out a chair. She sat down while facing me. Even though I was starting to feel irritated, I tried to calm myself down. “By the way, I’m Azariah. You are Rain, right?” She extended her right hand to shake my hand, but I just looked at it then turned my attention back to the plate.
“Ember,” I managed to introduce myself. I know that even if I didn’t look, she might have raised an eyebrow at me because I was a snob.
Apollo whistled from the side, and Aliona laughed. Azariah was shocked at my behavior. I heard that my daddy spoke and apologized to his nephew and nieces because of my behavior.
“Ember, please. Be nice to your cousins. They’re kind, aren’t they?” my mommy whispered.
I just took one bite and quickly reached for the glass of water. I gulped it down and wiped my mouth afterwards. “Thank you for this food. May I know where my room is? I need to take some rest.” My eyes were on the plate while talking.
“Ember…“
“Elmer, let your daughter go. Maybe she’s just tired from the flight and that’s why she’s in that mood.” Auntie Merceditas interrupted my daddy’s speech.
I just stood up and quickly put the earplugs in both ears. But since there was no sound on my cell phone, I could hear my cousins talking behind me.
“I’m embarrassed, Aliona!” Azariah spoke weakly.
I glanced at her and caught her crying while reporting to the cousin. Apollo was rubbing its back for comfort. Something poked at my conscience, but it also disappeared quickly.
“Just let it slide. Stop crying. You’re a big girl, but you’re going to cry!”
“I guess she doesn’t like us, huh?” Azariah’s voice was tinged with sullenness as she snorted.
“Let’s let her rest first. They came from far away.”
“Come on, Ember. I’ll take you to your room,” said Auntie Merceditas to me.
The evil look that my daddy directed in my direction did not escape, but I just remained calm outside. My anger for him was bubbling up inside me.
It was around noon when I woke up. When I glanced at the screen of my cellphone, it was half-past five. I lost sleep because I was so tired. I got up after a few moments and was slightly surprised to find that I was not in my own room right then.
The room is spacious and the walls are pink and the furnishings look antique, as the furniture is bronze, lilac and gold. The bed is enormous. There is a pole at each corner of it and it looks like there is a big curtain that hangs and hangs down. They painted the walls and ceiling pink. The air conditioner was blowing hard, so I lay down again and felt good about myself.
‘Where is Mommy? Could Granny be there?’
My chest ached again when I remembered my grandmother. Because the two of us are very close and this is the only person who did not mistreat us when we lived here. I breathed deeply. I quickly got up and went to the bathroom. When I remembered that I didn’t have any clothes on, I immediately went out. I was just as surprised to see my bag and suitcase on the side of the bed. I didn’t notice that before.
“It’s good that my stuff is all here,” I just said and started to get something to wear. I want to take a bath to refresh myself. I would also like to take a walk around when I finish taking a shower.
I decided to take a shower and while I was in the bathroom, I couldn’t help but think of the man who came from the park earlier. I didn’t want to think about him, but suddenly his handsome face entered my mind.
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
CHAPTER 10Azariah’s Point of ViewAn hour had passed, the rain had eased a bit and we could walk home. I said goodbye to Felix first and my cousin and I did not hesitate as we made our way back to the mansion. It’s five o’clock in the afternoon. It was getting a bit dark, so we sped up our walk. When we got to the mansion, they passed behind.“Azariah?” Aga called me.I turned there. “Hi!” I said.My cousins also stopped and faced our gardener.“I was just going to ask if you have seen Ember. Her mommy has been looking for her for a while now.”The three of us looked at each other. “I-isn’t he here yet?”“Not yet. You are the ones I saw with her earlier in the living room. I thought she was with you,” he said.Anxiety rose in my chest. I looked at Apollo and Aliona, who I knew were nervous too.“Azariah, where is my son?” asked Auntie Cathy, who was next to Aga.“Ah... B-because...” I looked at Apollo. Asking for help.Until my mommy also entered the kitchen. There is a trace of anno