Affection Series 1: Serene Night

KABANATA 30

Serene Is Back

"Mom, they are already bashing you because of this article. What should we do now to take down this false accusation? Mom, I know you didn't kill Serene. Mabait ka namang tao, mommy, 'di ba? I know you wouldn't do this," Angelica said, her eyes sparkling as she asked.

"Yeah, right, sweetie. I must find a way to get out of this issue. Masaya na ang buhay natin dahil wala na ang malas sa buhay natin. Masagana na tayo sa pera, hindi na natin sila kailangan pa," Hilary said confidently, raising her head.

A smile appeared on her lips, as if she was proud of what she was doing.

"Mom, they said you killed Serene. Dahil binuhosan mo ng gas nong nabangga siya sa sasakyan. How? I mean, nandoon ka ba during the accident?" Angelica asked

Her forehead furrowing and her expression quickly changing. "I thought you didn't believe in those fake news, anak. Pati ba naman ikaw? Alam mo namang hindi ko magagawa 'yan kay Serene. May mabuti akong kaluoban," Hilary said, frustrated.

Her eyebrow raised, as if she couldn't believe what her daughter just said.

"Are you mad at me? I was just asking a question," Angelica asked, starting to doubt her mother. There was something fishy about her.

Angelica's brows furrowed, and she took a step back her eyes searching her mother's face. “I notice how different you've become.” she said, her voice trembling with uncertainty
“You used to be loving, but now. I don't know who you are anymore.”

"What kind of question is that? You doubted me? You doubted your own mother? Wow!" Hilary raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, I'm doubting you all this month. You look different. Sometimes I don't know you anymore. You scold me every day kahit wala naman akong ginawang masama. Eh hindi ka naman ganyan dati. And besides, wala kang time for me. Iniwan mo lang ako," Angelica yelled. "Mom, please admit your crime!" she shouted.

Hilary slapped Angelica's face.
After realizing what she had done, she immediately felt sorry and approached her.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie. Hindi ko sinasadya," she said tearfully, holding Angelica's arm.

"You're gonna pay for this, Mom. I hate you!" Angelica shouted and ran up the stairs into her room.

Hilary didn't know what to do. Parang naging komplikado na siyang nag-iisip.

"Don't wait for your daughter to hate you. Please admit your crime, Hilary," a voice from behind said.

As Serene stepped into the room, Hilary's head turned. Her presence commanded attention, her white dress flowing elegantly and her red lipstick contrasting against her black hair.

Hilary's eyes widended.
"S-serene? Buhay ka?" she asked in shock, stepping back and struggling to catch her breath.

"Yes, dear. Alam ko na ang ginagawa mo, at malalaman din 'yan ng anak mo soon," she said fiercely.

Serene slowly approached Hilary and suddenly choked her.

"Para ito sa mommy ko. You are the reason why my mom died, and you were also the cause of my father's death," gigil na saad niya habang sinasakal niya si Hilary.

"'Di ba ikaw ang humabol din sa'kin no'ng mga gabing 'yon? Nagpaputok ka ng baril at binuhosan mo ng gas ang sasakyan ko? Di ba!? Gusto mo talaga akong mamatay no?" she continued.