Chapter 11

Chantria

“Chantria…”

I heard dad's soft and tired voice from behind me. But even so, I still didn't take my eyes off Chanel.

Why isn't she waking up? Did something happen to her that I don't know about? Did she gain something deep because of what happened and dad just doesn't tell?

"You need to eat or drink something. You'll drain yourself.”

Instead of confronting and answering him, I said, "Why isn't Chanel waking up, Dad? She needs to wake up. I will only eat when I see her eating too. I won't be able to swallow the food, thinking that Chanel hasn't eaten anything yet. I won't forgive myself if anything happens to her too because of me."

I heard him sigh before placing the tray containing the food on the side table of my bed. I can't even look at what's inside. He pulled out another chair and placed it next to me.

Before speaking, he made me face him so I couldn't do anything but take my eyes off Chanel. "You need to stop this, Chantria. Do not punish yourself for what happened. It's not your fault. If you have anyone to blame, it's me. I failed to protect you. I know your life is in danger but I let you go without adequate security. I am relieved that the people of Messina do not know you yet.”

"Messina?" I frowned. "That one of the Big Three in business? They did it?”

He nodded. “I know they're to blame for this and for the death of…” He couldn't bring himself to mention Leigh's name. He just swallowed and looked away.

"Then, let's sue them!" I exclaimed and almost stood up from my seat. "Why are we still here? Whoever did this to Leigh needs to go to jail. She needs justice!”

He shook his head slowly. “The Messinas are strong, Chantria. And we don't have enough evidence that they did it no matter what accusations we make. But trust me when I say this, I will do my best to punish them. I will not stop until justice is served to all of you. I will avenge your sister's death.”

"What do you mean by that?"

Dad and I turned around when Chanel spoke next to us. I almost jumped out of my seat when I saw that she was awake.

"You're awake!" I exclaimed.

"I'll call the doctor," dad volunteered. "Take care of your sister for a while."

I immediately approached Chanel before he could tell me what to do. "Are you okay, Chanel? How long have you been sleeping? I thought you wanted to play sleeping beauty. I was about to kiss you." I was looking at Chanel's whole body until dad came out. My eyes dripped again, which I immediately wiped and I couldn't help but smile.

Seeing her in good condition is fine with me. But my smile faded again because of her question.

"What does dad mean by that? What happened? Where's Carleigh?”

I looked away and approached the food that dad brought for me. "Oh! I need to eat. I haven't eaten anything yet since I woke up. I heard the food here is awful. I want to give it a try.” I tried to lighten the tone of my voice. I don't know if I succeeded but I'm sure I didn't succeed in diverting her attention away from the topic.

"Answer me! What did dad mean by that? What revenge? Avenge whose death? Why does he have to do that?”

My hand holding the spoon stopped in the air. It was shaking so I couldn't do anything but put it down on top of the tray. The tears that I had been trying to hold back came to my eyes. I want to speak but I'm afraid if I speak I'll just cry my heart out.

I need to answer her question at least. But how can I answer something that I still can't accept?

“Chantria!” she exclaimed hopelessly.

I was startled by her sudden shout but then just closed my eyes. I slowly opened my eyes before looking at her. I focused my attention on her quivering lips since I can't look her in the eyes. At the same time as I looked, my tears kept falling. This time, I don't have the strength to wipe it.

“I–I'm sorry, Chanel. I'm sorry.” My voice trembled. “Carleigh didn't make it. The enemies got to her, and it was too late when dad came. S–She's gone, Chanel. Carleigh's go–”

“No!” I was shocked again. “She's not. Y–You're lying! Why are you lying to me? She was shot, yes. I saw it. But that's not enough to kill her. She's strong. She's stronger than any of us. That can't possibly kill her."

She looked around and chuckled. "Is this a prank? Are there cameras here? Tell me. Because this is not a good prank. I just f-cking woke up!”

I didn't pay attention to what she said. She needs to know the truth. "The enemies burned her, Chanel. That's what dad said. They burned her with Joaquin. They are both gone.”

"Shut up!" She picked up her pillow before throwing it at me. I didn't try to move away and just accepted whatever she threw at me. I deserve this. I deserve her wrath.

"Call dad," she ordered sternly. "Call dad! He won't lie to me. I need to hear from him the truth. Carleigh can't possibly be dead. Call dad. Now!”

"Chanel!" Dad immediately ran to her before taking the vase that Chanel was now holding.

My mouth fell open.

I see. She hates me now. She will even throw me a vase because of what I did. I knew it. I know that she will hate me after what happened. I just don't want to think about it and accept it. But even though I know that I deserve all this pain, it was still difficult to accept especially with her next words.

"You killed her, Chantria! It's because of you. It's your fault. They killed Carleigh thinking it was you. I heard Carleigh. She doesn't deserve it!” Dad tried to calm her down but her anger did not decrease. She continued glaring at me.

"It's all on you." She shook his head. I tried to approach her and apologize but I was just stunned by her sharp looks and words. “You should have died back there, not Carleigh. I wish it was you who died.”

And just like that, my world shattered into millions of pieces.