Chapter 13

The week dragged on.

Ace forcing himself upon me had become a nightly routine. I had tried to fight him off every single time. But three nights ago, Ace had beaten me to the point that I had fallen unconscious. I stopped struggling after that. Closing my eyes and blocking out the pain was much better than anticipating the force of each lash of his belt on my back.

After much debate, I had decided to tell mom about Ace beating me with his belt. But the moment mom had answered my call, she had started gushing about how sweet Ace was to make homemade chocolates for me. Of course, I had no idea what she was talking about. But her speed of a thousand words per minute made me quickly catch on.

Apparently, Ace had let it 'slip' to my mother, during one of his many phone calls to her, that he was busy making chocolates. When asked why, he had told her that they were for me. A little something to cheer up the homesick me. This was two days ago. I had not received those chocolates.

Ace was a pro at spinning tales, and he did it with confidence. He kept everyone tied around his little finger. Even I did not call my parents as regularly as he did. What he spoke to them about, I had no idea.

Naturally, Mom did not tire singing his praises. If I told her about the beating, then I would appear a fool. She would never believe me. From her perspective, Ace was an angel. My accusation did not hold the power to taint his image.

The silence I assumed that day held good even today. Every day, he did something to win my family's heart. I got no chance to cry to my mother.

It does not matter now anyway. It is not like she will believe me. I don't want to bare my wounds and get mocked at.

Ace came down the stairs, adjusting his blazer. Our eyes met but I looked away.

Without sparing another look at me, he took the keys from the cabinet and walked out of the front door.

"Breakfast…" Irene muttered, coming up behind me.

"Let him starve," I said, gritting my teeth.

Since the day Irene had bought the pills, I had been taking them religiously every day. Ace was well aware of it.

"I'm going out for a walk," I said, standing up. "I feel suffocated here."

Irene said nothing and retreated back into the kitchen. She knew everything that was going on but did not scratch my wounds by bringing it up.

***

The fresh morning breeze hit my face, making me smile. The fragrance of wildflowers danced in the air. The sight of the green treetops, the cloudy sky, and the road decorated with delicate fallen leaves of varying sizes and shapes imparted coolness to my eyes and calmed my heart.

I broke into a run. Sweat trickled down my forehead and my heartbeat quickened. A rush of adrenaline made me run faster. Exhilaration took over my body and I laughed. The painful stretch in my calves and the aching muscles felt good. I was alive again.

I stopped in my track when Christina's house came into view.

I wonder how she is now.

Just as I was about to turn around, I spotted the car parked outside her house.

Wait.

That is Ace's car.

What is he doing here this early in the morning? Hadn't he left for work?

Maybe he was checking up on her. From what I had heard, she lived alone with her maid.

I turned around and resumed my run. With all professional relations aside, there was something else going on between Christina and Ace. But what?

A vibration in my pocket made me slow down and gradually stop. Dad was calling.

"Hello," he said, his warm voice filling my heart.

"Hi." I smiled. "How are you, Dad? Is your cold better now?"

"Yes, it's almost gone now. But why are you breathing so heavily?" he asked, concern clear in his tone.

"Oh, I was running," I said, "the weather seemed too good to waste."

"I see." He coughed. "And what happened about the university? Yesterday, you and Ace visited the ones you had shortlisted, right? Did you like any particular one?"

My knuckles grew white at the tight grip I had on my phone. Ace was portraying a completely different story before my parents.

"Ace told me how confused you are," he continued, "but do not worry, my child, choose the one where your heart is comforted. I know you will do your best no matter which institution it is."

Tears blurred my vision.

I should tell him. I should tell him that this is a lie.

"Dad," I said, "yesterday—”

"Oh yes, I know, Ace also took you to buy a car. Apparently, you were confused again. If you want, I can send your car there. You don't have to buy a new one," he said.

"No." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "We did not—”

"Listen, Dalia, your mom is calling me. I have to go. Take care, okay?" he said. "Bye. Love you."

"Bye." The line went dead. I covered my mouth with my hand. My feet gave way and I slumped down onto the road.

Why is he doing this to me?

I bit my hand, trying to stop the screams that threatened to escape.

Why did I hesitate to tell Dad? I'm hammering my own leg. Why did I behave like a coward? What is holding me back?

I will tell them everything. I don't care if they don't believe me, but I will tell them. They have to know.