Untying the Rope (Mujer Fuerte Series #1)

Chapter 2 : PAIN

The salty liquid that's been pouring from my eyes were relentless. The fact that I am crying already sucks, added to that was that I can't seem to speak a single word.

I've been trying so hard to scream and ask for help but I can't speak. It's frustrating.

I can't understand why I'm locked in this room. At hindi ko alam kung sino ang kumuha sa akin.

I just have that feeling that it's someone who I know. Someone close to me.

I directed my attention to the door when it suddenly opened. There's someone coming near me.

Papunta siya sa akin.

I just know it was a tall man. But I can't look at his face because my eyes were blinded by the light that's coming from the outside.

"Honey, wake up!"

I froze by the time I managed to open my eyes.

That was... a dream.

Or should I say... a nightmare?

Mommy's worried face was immediately caught by my sight.

"Oh, Mom. You're here." I still managed to curve my lips.

Who was that man in my dream? He's... scary. I don't want to dream about him ever again.

"Yes, hija. I came here to say goodbye. I'm off to work." She caressed my face.

"Okay, Mom. Take care sa work," I said weakly.

I don't know. I felt weak by the time I opened my eyes. I can't put into words how I feel because my dream felt so real. It was like... it really happened.

I sighed. I should just shrug this off. Hindi naman iyon mangyayari dahil imposible.

I mean... I came from a very powerful and influential family. I am too sheltered so who would dare inflict me such pain?

Umalis na si Mommy para sa business namin. I'm used to being alone in our huge mansion and used to being left with just our house helpers. It's not really a big deal to me if my parents aren't always here. I understand what they're doing.

Yes, I sometimes crave for their attention since I am only a normal kid who seeks for her parents' affection and concern.

However, since I got uncomfortable with my own father when he's around, I'm secretly thankful that their duties requires them to be away from me.

It was all normal to me before. He's a father. Kissing and hugging her daughter was all fine and normal.

Not until I turned ten years old. Things just got way more odd than it was already before.

It was a normal morning and my father and I were having our breakfast in our veranda. He said he won't come to work with Mommy today when I asked him why he's here. I just nodded my head at that.

In a large breakfast table, my father and I were having our continental breakfast. That's what he prefers to eat and I am not a picky eater so it was all okay for me.

Sa kabisera siya naupo at ako naman ay nasa gilid niya.

We were silent the whole time. I'm focusing on eating my meal when I suddenly felt his gaze.

I glanced back at him.

"Why, Daddy?" I asked normally.

He just smirked and shook his head. Pagkatapos ay pinasadahan ng tingin ang kabu-o-an ko. Pagkatapos no'n ay dinilaan ang pang-ibabang labi niya.

"Habang lumalaki ay talagang mas gumaganda ka, Nina."

There it goes again. The uneasiness I am feeling whenever he compliments me. I just don't understand why he has to compliment me that way. Like he has other meaning to whatever he's saying.

"T-Thanks, Daddy." I resumed to eating my food even though my appetite has already left me.

"Medyo nagsisisi ako na hindi ka namin masyadong nabibigyan pansin ng Mommy mo," aniya.

Don't worry about it, Dad. I am actually enjoying my alone time in here.

I like it more whenever I am alone. I feel more carefree and comfortable. I feel more okay. Unlike whenever he's around.

"It's okay, Daddy. I-I understand." I smiled.

My hand that's resting on the table was suddenly held by him.

I stiffened at that. But I don't let him realize how much he affects me. I would rather let him think that this is all normal to me.

"I feel guilty for not spending time with you." He held my hand tighter.

I stopped eating because I was suddenly sweating bullets.

I chuckled nervously.

"I-It's really okay, Dad. I-I mean... the house helpers a-are taking good care of me. I-I'm fine."

He smirked again and glanced at my whole body once again.

"Surely. I can see that. They're taking good care of you, sweetheart." He smiled.

I don't know what he meant by that. But I am silently hoping that it's not what I am thinking about.