Chapter 23

Sometimes we don't expect the changes that come. We are often surprised that the road we are walking is not for us. We thought it was right, but it turned out to be wrong. We think it's fun, but it hurts.

When Mama was buried we were just outside the cemetery. She was buried in a private cemetery. What I know is that my mother's husband owns that land. We stayed outside because they didn't want to let us in. The funeral is said to be exclusive for their family.

The only pain is that in mom's last moments I was not by her side.

"I didn't even get to look at her for the last time."

My eyes stayed far away where the funeral was being held. I just looked down at my hand when I felt Zoren's hand holding it.

"It's okay, Mel. At least you have a happy memory with her."

Is that valid? During the three days that I was away from Mama's hill, it sometimes crossed my mind that I might not be her daughter. That I might be Papa's daughter outside. It is very impossible that I have a twin but we have different fathers.

Zoren smiled at me so I gave him a small smile in return.

"Look who's here..."

I lost sight of Zoren and immediately turned behind me when I heard someone speak there.

"Why are you here?" asked Lani.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm here to attend mama's funeral."

"M-mom?" He laughed sarcastically. "You call her mama? You're not her real daughter!"

I gasped and my eyes immediately widened. I am not a real child? Is she kidding?

"Lani!" shouted Mama's husband, He slowly walked out of the gate of their vast land where Mama was buried.

"Call your sister. Ask why she didn't come to your Mommy's funeral! She's so stubborn!"

"Dad, Ate is still in Cebu for their new movie. It's not about what happened years ago!" Lani replied to her daddy.

Mama's husband's eyes shifted to me so I seemed to freeze in place.

"Are you the daughter of King Loyola?"

I bit my lip before nodding at him. I force myself to look brave in front of him even though my heart is breaking and my whole body is weak because of what Lani said earlier.

"The funeral is over," he said.

"What do you know about my personality? What is Lani saying that I'm not Mama's real daughter?"

Mama's husband looked at his daughter for a moment before he looked back at me.

"I was there when you and Lani were born, I was beside your mom. I was the first one who held you..." He smiled sadly. "But later on, I found out that you're not my daughter."

"Hey, why is Lani saying..."

"Oh! I just wished! I get a headache every time I think about having a twin!"

"Lani, let's go. I still have a meeting."

I frowned. Mama's funeral just finished and she has a meeting to attend to right away? Will he not even mourn? Why do I feel like Mama is worthless to them? Why does everything seem to be missing from them? Then Lani and I have a sister who didn't even attend and prioritized shooting her movie! Why? Why does Mama seem to be worthless for them?

"Melissa, come on. Let's go home."

I drifted to Zoren. I was silent while his car carried me. With so many thoughts I seem to be losing my sanity. I'm just stunned and it's like I've lost my appetite for life.

"Are we going straight home to your house?" asked Zoren. I heard him ask but I was too lazy to answer him. I don't feel like talking and wasting saliva.

"Mel?" he called me.

My eyes still remained outside. From here, I saw their windmill farm here in Bangui.

The car stopped so I turned to Zoren. He kept his eyes on me for a few moments before he came closer. I even pulled back a little when he put his thumb under my eye. He gently caressed my cheek.

"Another tear fell, Your handkerchief thinks he failed his duties. I couldn't remove it properly so your cheek is still wet."

I didn't know I was crying again. I didn't realize that. The only thing I know is that my chest hurts.

"Sorry..." I whispered softly.

"Sorry where?" he asked. He adjusted his seat.

"I'm sorry you shouldn't be here. You were stuck here in Bangui for three days because of me. I know you're busy. You left some work in Manila. Then you just came from Boracay and haven't been able to rest. I'm sure you're very tired. Sorry."

"I'm not tired yet. I can still accompany you."

"But-"

He got out of the car. Because I was wondering, I just watched him turn to my side.

What is he doing?

He opened the door and immediately held my hand.

"Let's go get some fresh air, Mel."

I peered at the windmills behind him. I smiled. He is trying too hard to make me feel better.

I followed Zoren as he walked, along the sea and the windmills.

"I think this is the last time we'll see-"

"I didn't think I could come back here," he said, stopping me from speaking.

He continued walking so I thought maybe he didn't hear what I said.

"Have you been here?" I will ask.

He didn't speak. I couldn't see the expression on his face because I was following him. All I could see was his broad back.

"We used to run here when we were kids. I guess you've forgotten. Or just like my mom… you didn't recognize me."

He stopped walking and looked at me. A sad smile appeared on his lips.

"I thought the first time you saw me you remembered my eyes because those were your favorite of all. We're childhood buddies, Mel. I'm your Key and you're my Melai."

My eyes widen.

"K-keyden? A-aunt Matilda's son?"