Riri Mateo's POV.
They were running in the garden as the rain continued pouring non-stop. Siford was running after Alice to bring her here inside the house because if not, she will get sick. Are they really my friends or what? They look stupid with what they're doing.
"This is fun! Riri, come! Join me and Si!" My twin sister, Alice, shouted. I rolled my eyes heavenwards before ignoring her. I focused again my attention to the book that I'm reading.
"Seriously? You're the kid, not me." I heard Siford's annoyed voice. I glanced at their direction and saw him leaving Alice. Now, I can't fully focus. Damn Alice! I grabbed my books and went upstairs and got into my room. Unlucky me, it was just 5 minutes when someone disturbed me. The knocks is making me more irritated.
"What do you want—" My voice became smaller upon seeing the emotionless face of my father in front of the door.
"Astrid." He uttered my name firmly which made me feel a bit nervous. I secretly gasped for air so that I can breathe properly.
"Yes, Pa?" I still managed to answer. His serious expression while looking at me didn't help at all.
"Your school dean called me earlier." I held onto my shirt tightly. Don't tell me, it's about my grades? "He told me about your failing grades." I halted in my thoughts.
"What about it, Pa?" He take a step forward, I step-back. Another step forward, and another step-back. I closed my eyes when he slowly closed the door of my room.
A tear fell when I felt his hand landed on my face.
One. I counted in my head.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Just like before. He would slap me nor beat me up just because I failed one subject. Countless times.
My body couldn't hide it's trembling anymore.
I felt—nothing.
"You really proved me that you don't deserve to be part of this family!" He angrily grabbed my hair. I flinched in pain.
"DIREC!"
"Ri!"
"E-Enough, Sir!"!
I looked up to see the people surrounding us but my vision got blurred. I'm close to faint when somebody held me using his arms.
"ASTRID SECH, GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE AND DON'T EVER COME BACK!"
"Direc, that's our daughter you are talking to! Why are you treating her like this?! And God, you're physically abusing her! I can't believe this!"
"Ma, dalhin na namin si Riri sa ospital!" Alice started to cry.
"Go, use my car! Si, please take care of them!"
"Yes, Tita Katch. We'll go now."
- - - - - - - -
"Gusto mo pa ng orange? Babalatan pa kita," I shook my head and smiled a little to Alice. She pouted, I chuckled.
"Will you sue him?" Siford made me glanced at him by his sudden question. I only stared at him.
"I... don't know,"
Alice cleared her throat. "It's his birthday tomorrow. Sigurado akong may party sa bahay. Pupunta ka ba?" I bit my lower lip to stifle a smile.
Papa thinks I'm bobo? Maybe he's that person. In fact, I planned everything, from the very beginning.
