Chapter 8: First Encounter

ALEIA (Aged 10)

The inevitable did happen. A few days after dad came, mom passed away peacefully. She spent the last

day of her life reminiscing how much she loved dad. Dad took care of her and brought her to the beach.

They spent hours talking and being with each other. Only then did I know that it was mom who asked

for a divorce when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Dad did not agree at first, but mom was persistent. She wanted him to move on and get away from the

pain while she was still alive.

At first, I didn't get it. But who am I to question their decision. I was so broken after losing mom. Few

days after her funeral, Dad brought me home. To our old home. The home where everything started. It was still the old house that we had. Though,

some parts were renovated.

But to my dismay, a woman who I thought was younger than mom for a few years welcomed us. Beside

her is a little girl, maybe five or six years old. She was petite and tall, and she looked so cute and pretty

in her pink dress.

We were standing in the doorway when daddy said, "Ale, this is your Tita Noraine."He paused, and later

on, he crouched. "And this is Nathalie, your little sister." Then he kissed Nathalie's cheek that made her

giggle a bit. I felt something inside me. My heart ached. It was supposed to be me.

I paid respect to her.” Good afternoon, Tita. "She smiled at me. But it was not a smile of a happy

welcome. I guessed she was not glad that I was here. She gestured us to come in, so we did.

When we reached the living room, a woman in uniform came in, carrying another baby girl. I looked at

dad, who was looking at me already.

During those years, when mom was there alone, suffering from cancer, dad managed to be happy and

married someone else. I felt sad for mom. Yet, it was her purpose that was why she let him go.

The nanny passed the baby to dad, and he carried her with so much love. "Ale, this is Moraine, the

youngest,"he added. I smiled at the baby, and my heart melted when she smiled back at me. She is so

lovely.

Tita Noraine ordered the nanny to guide me upstairs. I was expecting that I'd use my old room but the

nanny brought me to the other one.

Well, it was still nice and big enough. When I entered the room, loneliness struck me. I will be living

alone here, without my mother, with people who are strangers to me.

A few days later, my dad went out of the country for a business trip. I was left alone with Tita Noraine

and my sisters. But Nathalie and Tita Noraine kept on ignoring me, even during mealtime. I was silently eating my food when Tita Noraine called me." Aleia." I stared blankly at her waiting for

what she was, about to say. " You clean the table after eating and wash the dishes as well," she added.

I nodded. "Yes, Tita." Then I continued eating. They left immediately after eating and I was left

dumbfounded.

It was the beginning of my not-so-happy life with them. Every time dad was not at home; I was treated

like a maid. No one ever dares to tell dad about it. Their lips were all sealed.

A few days later, I noticed that they were busy preparing for something. I figured it was for a party

Nathalie's sixth birthday. Visitors kept on coming. Children were so happy playing in the garden while

their parents were busy chitchatting. They were all dressed like princes and princesses because it was

the theme of the party. While me, I Iooked like Rapunzel, who was hidden in the tower.

Later on, a maid came in and brought some food. Am I not even allowed to eat in the kitchen? That they

needed to get me food in my room?

I was a bit hungry and ate the food. Then I decided to look for decent clothes. I sneaked in and joined

the crowd. There were too many visitors. But still, my eyes kept on roaming, making sure Tita Noraine

wouldn't see me or else I'm dead.

But a little girl who was running from someone bumped on me. I was about to fall on the ground. But

then my back bounced to something hard enough for me to recover my posture.

I thought I was looking up to the stars when I looked up to a pair of eyes right in front of me. His eyes

are glowing, but his expressions are serious. He was staring at me blankly with his pursed lips that were

shaped like a heart. I was about to say sorry when it was him who broke the silence

"Be careful next time,"he said coldly.

"Thank you!" "Tss!" he hissed and smiled. I thought it was the best smile. It came from someone who is not used to

smiling often. I was watching him while his eyes kept on roaming, maybe looking for someone. He

messed up my hair and said, "I'll go ahead now, kiddo. Watch your steps, always."

I watched him leave as he joined his friends, I supposed. But I was surprised when he glanced at me and

smiled sweetly. He even waved his hand. He was not as cold as I thought. It was just a cover-up.

I tried to hide from the others but I made sure that I could still see him. I made sure he was still in view.

And every time I looked at him, I felt something I couldn't even name that a smile would always escape

from my lips.

"Watching your crush?" I turned my back to see if who was talking. I felt at home the moment I

recognized who it was.

"Uncle Jonas?” I automatically hugged him. I pointed to the man whom I bumped a while ago. He was so

engrossed talking to some of his friends." Who is he, Uncle?" I asked.

"Ohm, the one in a mustard shirt?" I nodded. "He is Zach Matthew Kline," he answered and added more

details about him. But I did not get it. I understood that he is a son of a wealthy businessman who

happens to be dad's friend.

I've memorized his name and even how he looked like. His smile, his eyes, and everything about him.

Until he became a part of my system that is difficult to remove.

I've always done the same thing every time an event is held at home- to see him from afar.

Then it made me realize that I had a crush on him since our first encounter.