Just Listen

Chapter 25 {3rd year}

KP's POV

I've never really celebrated my birthday. Daddy usually just got me cake and that was fine with me.

Today felt different somehow. I was turning eighteen, but this day felt like it was gonna be a bomb. My aunt told me to get ready so we could go on a spa date, to celebrate my 18th birthday.

I found myself in all black. A black blazer, top and tight fitting shorts with a mix of lace. It was my birthday after all. I had the right to dress up anyhow I wished to.

On the other hand, my aunt loved being a show stopper.

I admired her sense of fashion. It described her personality. She was Classy yet sexy.

"Are you ready?" She asked as we got in her car. I nodded in acknowledgement. "Good. Now, let's gooooo!" She sung. Aunt Veronica was fun to be around, she knew how to set a mood. "The last year was quite frustrating, but this year, I pray it's all about good fortune. Plus in a few weeks time, you'll be an official senior."

"Wow! Can't believe that last month marked the last days of my worst year." I replied to her.

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On our way, we encountered a roadblock. "Auntie, is there traffic?" I asked. There was no movement or any sign of it on the high way. Most of the drivers were even hooting. Some even rushing out of their cars.

 "Someone wants to jump off the bridge!" We heard one of the driver's yelling.

We gave each other a look before we rushed out too. We ran towards the commotion. The moment I saw what was before me, I forgot how to breathe.

"Look it's Uncanny Valley!"

"She's trying to commit suicide!"

"Someone call for help!"

Different voices rang in my ears. But one particular one, made my heart sank. I wasn't sure whether I should be happy or sad or even angry. I felt tears run down my cheeks.

"Why did you want to do that?"

He told her. I shook my head a few times, thinking perhaps I was hallucinating. I saw the way he held her, like he wasn't ready to lose her. He held her in a way that spoke loudly. And I understood. It was loud and clear.

"Daddy?" I called out, walking closer to them. They both tilted their heads to look at me. Uncanny's eyes held an emotion I couldn't quite decipher and I could care less about her, but my father? He stared at me with dread and embarrassment written all over his face.

I didn't run to him. Neither did he. He still held Uncanny in his arms. Like she was all that mattered. "You lied..." I begun.

"Kamilah, I can explain." He tried.

"Explain!? What is there to explain dad? That you lied to me so that you can secretly hook up with my mother? Or the fact that you had me believe you're dead! I grieved you!" I shouted, pointing at him. I felt betrayed, then again family hurts you more than a friend does. "You have hurt me in ways you will never understand. Why dad? Why?" I cried.

"I had to princess, for her..." he whispered looking down at Uncanny in his arms. I felt disgusted.

"Oh, so she's more important than I am? Whom did she abandon dad? Didn't she leave you for another guy? Didn't she leave us for some whack guy who probably wasn't better than you?"

"You will not talk about your mom like that. You don't know what she has been through," he raised his voice.

My eyes shot open. My mouth agape. The tears never stopped doing what they did best. "Really?"

"Kamilah, your mother did leave us, yes. But she had reasons-"

"WHAT REASONS WERE THOSE!?" I yelled.

Dad sighed, "I know you're angry-"

"No! I'm fucking furious!" I gave him jazz hands.

"The accident did happen. But everything after that was staged. I figured, for you two to get along, I had to leave the picture so you could have something to relate to. So you could get closer." He stated, wiping off a stray tear.

"Look where that got us to. It only made things worse dad. I hate her now more than I ever did. She's probably faked it all so she could take you away from me. And it worked..."

"Kami, I-" Uncanny started.

"Shut up! I hate you! Both of you!"

"Kamilah please, I had to protect you. You and your dad. I did it all for you. I didn't know any other way..." she coughed.

Dad gently soothed her back. "Kamilah, you weren't alone. Onica was there with you. But your mom had no one..."

"Hold up, are you saying that Aunt Veronica knew you were alive the whole freaking time?" I stepped back in shock.

"You're all a bunch of liars," I whispered to myself.

"Sweetie no. I did what my brother asked of me." Auntie's voice betrayed her. She reached out to me and I stepped back. Indeed, the closest people to you, you can't trust.

I scoffed. Yeah right. "Do you know what day it is?" I asked my parents. They were mute. My hands balled into fists. "Great! Just great! You had to choose today of all days. Death knows no bounds huh, dad." My voice was weak. I roughly wiped my tears off. "But I guess it gave an exception for you. And what do I get? I'm gifted with a-a suicide attempt and a resurrection! Great! You both deserve a standing ovation. Thank you for the memorable birthday gift!" I spat, before running off. I didn't know where I was going but I knew I just had to leave.

At some point I left my heels at the bridge and ran barefoot. I ended up next to a river, surrounded by a forest. I didn't pay much attention to my surroundings until now. Worst part? The sun was setting. "Aahhhh!" I wailed for the world to hear. I felt the worst betrayal of my life. I sat down by the river, watching the day turn to night.

I wanted to call for a ride home when I remembered my phone was in auntie's car. Peachy. All of a sudden I heard feint footsteps behind me. Afraid? Oh hell no, I just had the worst day. They could murder me if they so wished to.

"Kami?"

"Angelo?" I replied getting up. "What are you doing here all alone?" He asked. He took a few steps forward and I took a couple back. 

"Can I borrow your phone?" He agreed and handed it to me.

"Okay, will be right there." Cece replied before hanging up. 

"If you want to help you can keep me company until my ride gets here." I shyly told him, rubbing my left arm. I didn't expect him to stay but instead, he put his jacket on me. 

"You're probably cold." He replied with a smile. I learned that he was by the bay, with his brother on a camping trip. Well atleast some people's families are still in tact. "Happy birthday by the way," he mumbled. I smiled.

"About what happened..."

"It's fine. I forgot about it and I want you back." He cut me off. I was awestruck.

 "Really?" I asked, unsure. 

"Yes, mistakes happen and I'd be stupid to let what happened ruin us."

It has been months since we last spoke but I was glad he finally did. I guess this day wasn't bad after all. "So, next week you're starting with your senior year huh."

Right. It's funny how time flew by. One moment my father left me for his woman. Then my finals. I can't believe the year is already over, and starting from next week, I'll be a senior.