New Home

Chapter 25: New Apartment...

It had been few hours of finding a good place for me, but there's still no mark of a perfect home.

We decided to have our lunch on a fast food restaurant. Before I could stop her, she already made her way to the counter. I had no choice but to sit on the vacant table just nearby the window.

"I exactly didn't know what you like, so I ordered each one on the menu." she explained when I wildly stare on the food she showed me that were placed on the tray. These are too much!

She sat on the chair in front of me, waiting for me to answer or atleast say a thing. "Thanks!" I glanced at her. She gave me a smile after.

I, slowly attack the food and she did, as well. Silence occupied our whole surrounding as it's just the food we're hearing as we chew on them.

"If we can't still find a good place for you before the day ends, you can still have our home. Like I said, I'll be happy if you just stay instead." she released a hopeful smile.

I sighed for the moment and sip a few drink. "Mrs. Madelline..."

"Call me, Tita." she demanded.

I looked at her, unbelievably, but I'll rather just wipe away what she wants. "I appreciated about your good deeds. And really, I'd like to thank you for all of these. If I were to choose, I'd just want to stay at your house, but..."

I stared at her for the moment. She waits patiently as I tried to reach at the peak of my statement.

But I'm not Trisha. I cannot replace your daughter, and I don't want to be on her shadow just to be at your home. Just for me to find a comfortable space on my living.

"But... ahmm... these... are just... too much. And I don't want to go over my limits. I'm just a visitor and I can't be able to stay longer." I faced her with all full smile despite of the throb I'm feeling.

I felt her smile twitched into a frown. I felt her hand afterwards. "Just please try, Riley. It's much devastated to see you living alone than giving you much better home. We're not asking for a rent or what, we... just want you to stay. Be part of our family. Be..." she stopped as a tear came from her left eye. "Just try, let us be your new family, Riley."

I awed for her direct speech. But still, I can't help not to doubt. I'd considered how many times, agreeing for what they like.

Honestly speaking, I can see Dad, Mom and Josh on them. I want to have a new family again. But I can't be able to do it if I just see my dead family towards them. Like, they must not see Trisha on me, so I could just complete their lost family, too.

I took back my hand from her touch. I felt her saddened mood. "Thanks, Mrs. Madelline. But if ever I'd find a good place today, I would like to say my gratitude to your family, just to be in advance." I forced a smile.

She, then, showed a smile, maybe that she learns, there's a chance I would be good with that deal she wants.

--

The day almost ended and we're up to our last stop of finding an apartment where I might bring myself up. The building is good. Much better than those we'd discovered earlier. I can say, it's very much accessible, as well.

"The monthly rental is good for Php2,000.00" the landlady mentioned while giving us a tour on a room that I will be using in case I'd like to consider the rent.

I peeked at my pocket. I only saw a Php500.00 bill.

"She'll take it." I glanced at her face which reflects a good smile but still hiding a few tears aback. She switched her look on me and still wearing a smile. "I can lend you money, for the meantime. If you're okay in here, then you'll have to take it."

I breathed sharply before I could give her a smile.

She handed her the two thousand bills and let me keep the money that I have for my food or any other resources I needed. We say goodbye for a while on the owner, and will be back again after maybe an hour. I just need to garner all my things from their house.

All throughout the way back to their home, I feel the awkward silence between us. I know she's sad, even if she don't like the idea of me renting on that apartment, she still let me go.

"Thank you. I know I've been getting too much. But I promise I'll pay back. I'll find a work or anything just to give back what I owe to your family." I grinned at her. 

She handed me my bag as we came back on the apartment. "Take your time, Riley. Just remember, we're just here to help you. I'll just talk to Magno and Justin that you have finally found your place. We'll visit you tomorrow, if you like."

"I'll be happy with that. I want to say my gratitude to him, personally." I answered her.

She just nodded and left me with a smile.

The landlady finally offered me the space she have shown me earlier. She gave me the key and I smiled at her as she left me in front of the door.

Before I could even enter the room, I saw a man passed by and he looked at me badly. I just shook my head for overthinking. Maybe I'm just too tired. I better take a shower and finally give my head a good rest.

I have found my place, by now. This is already the start!