Chapter 22

There was nothing I could do but let Zoren do what he wanted. I ignored him. He didn't disturb me even though I had been crying there for hours. Even though the sun was setting, he just let me do what I wanted.

I stood up and removed the dust or grass that could cling to my pants. I let out a breath and then turned to Zoren. He immediately stood up but remained in his place.

I felt so heavy earlier that I had to leave and stay away. I didn't expect Papa to say that. I didn't think the truth was that serious. But now that I cried everything out without fear of being alone, I feel better.

Zoren's presence even from a distance helped make me feel better.

"Done?" he asked first. I nodded.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"Do you still need a hug? My service is still available," he joked, which made me immediately rolled my eyes even though I am still smiling.

"I don't need it, thank you."

"I... I need a hug right now. Won't you give me a hug?"

My eyebrows furrowed. Sometimes he is out of place to joke.

"I'm not in the mood for your jokes right now, Zoren."

He was stunned. After a few seconds, he immediately recovered and smiled sadly at me.

I ignored it and started walking back to our house. He immediately followed me and tried to hug me.

After arriving at the house, I immediately saw many cars parked outside. Zoren and I quickly entered the house.

"This is where he wants to be buried, King!" Aunt Matilda's voice immediately greeted Zoren and me.

"Matilda, let's let them make their decision," replied Papa.

I stopped at the door. There was a man about Papa's age standing in front of him. He is in a good posture and you can tell from his stance and the clothes he is wearing that he is a powerful person. I was even more convinced that he was indeed rich when I saw six armed men standing on both sides of Mama's coffin.

Is it possible that he is Mama's first husband? So are we really a second family?

"It's not possible! He asked for that before he lost his life. Renzo, maybe you can-"

"My decisions were final, Matilda. You know I can't be asked," the man's voice was ice cold when he spoke.

"Dad, was that mommy's illegitimate daughter?"

I looked at the woman who spoke, She was beside the man. She was wearing a white dress and her long and curly hair was loose, Now she was staring at me.

Everyone looked at me. I almost recoiled at the intimidating stare he gave me when he looked back at me.

"Yes. She's your twin sister."

Twin sister?

"What twin sister? We don't even look alike." I couldn't stop it anymore that I interrupted.

The woman raised an eyebrow at me then looked at me from head to foot while still parting her pink lips.

"Not really. You're too..." She shook her head, "Plain."

"Lani!" Her dad immediately scolded her.

Wait. If we are twin sisters. How is it that we have different fathers?

Lani rolled her eyes then shook her head and folded arms.

"You took after your father. Such a loser," bulong bulong pa ni Lani.

Her daddy looked at her so she immediately frowned and bowed.

"We will take Precila and bury her at home. Her parents are also waiting for her there. We'll hold the burial for two days and she'll be buried this Sunday."

"Wait! Didn't you hear Aunt Matilda? Mom wants to bury her here and we will decide when to bury her," I interjected.

The man looked at me in wonder. "You have no say on what I am going to do with your mom, hija. She's my wife. You're just her illegitimate daughter."

I gasped. I didn't think things would be this messy when we got home.

"Who sent you here?" I dare to ask.

How did they find out about Mama's disappearance? Why did the news reach them so quickly?

Mama's husband just smiled at me sarcastically.

"Let's go," he said.

"NO!" I immediately stopped the armed men when they tried to take the coffin.

"Melissa!" Papa held me by the hand.

I turned to him and saw him there. I immediately waived his hands away from me.

"Mama considered us as her family, so we have the right to decide where to bury her."

"Not with the law, Ms. Loyola, Give her to us and don't make this trouble bigger," Mama's husband said.

"Trouble? Aren't you the one who's troublemakers?"

"Mel, that's enough," Zoren interjected so I immediately turned my gaze to him.

"Don't interfere with this, Zoren,"

I heard the man's resounding grin. But instead of looking back at him, I kept my eyes on Zoren, who now had his jaw tensed while staring at me. I think he is angry. I can see it in his eyes. I just don't know where he is angry and for what reason.

"Come on," said the man.

I thought they were the only ones leaving but they took Mama with them, I tried to stop them but Zoren hugged me tightly.

All I could do was cry as I looked at them. Now I regret why we even went home.

Hopefully not. I wish we had just stayed there in Manila, I wish I hadn't told Papa and Grandma. If only I knew.

"How did they know?"

"Mel, that's their right. Let's just accept that your mom isn't really ours."

"Why didn't you tell me the truth, Pa? Why did you keep this from me? Why did you make me look like a fool for so many years?"

"Mel, we just don't want to hurt you."

I shook my head. "You're hurting me right now. Can't you see, Pa? It's like I'm being crushed by the pain I'm feeling!"

"I'm sorry, Mel."

I shook my head. I don't know if I can forgive now. I'm in too much pain. Why now that Mama is gone, they show up and take her? Why not when we were both suffering? Why not when we needed their help? Why now where I can bury her alone?