Traces of Her

CHAPTER 9 Past

I DON'T think you need to spend your summer vacation in Bukidnon," Katrina said when the two left the room.

The excitement on Stephen's face turned into shock. "H-how about Mishka-"

"She's okay now Phen. Didn't she told you at the phone she is already speaking with them and she gets along with other children too," says Katrina while sitting in his bed.

Stephen was in the ground with his things.

"But Mom you said we will be back this year-"

"Tell me Stephen," Katrina bend down to see Stephen's reaction,"Why are you so eager to go back there? It seems you really prepared yourself this past months. You've even looked for a tutoring job just to save money for this?"

Stephen blushed."I-I--"

Gotcha! Katrina straightened."Is there something you wanted to tell me, Stephen?" she asked while folding her hand on her chest.

Stephen bowed down. Actually he doesn't know.
Right from the start when he met Mishka, he was really happy and this the first time he felt like this.

When his mother brought him back with her four years ago, he felt uneasy on the new family where he will stay. At first, he thought he will never be a part of this family since they are all close to each other. But they always let him in. They let him feel he was also part of their family.

And to please them, he became responsible and always obey what their father told him. He never told them of his troubles, never asked for something and always give way for his siblings.

But when he met Mishka, he felt the missing wholes in his heart was patched up.

This is the first time he felt that his presence was needed and he wants to give all his best to do so.

He would never forget how those little hands would hold his trousers and follow him around. Those round little eyes that would always look at him. Because he would always miss her, he would also cuddle on his bed their picture together.

Suddenly a realization struck on him. His heartbeat went faster. Looking at our picture? Before going to bed? Does it means I look at her in a different way? He never felt this way before not even with Samantha his ex girlfriend.

"I know you Stephen, you're my flesh and blood."his mother started to speak when she notice his realization. "And I know you from head to toe. Though you have stayed with me later, I have watched you grow from a boy to manhood. I've never seen you this inspired, not even when you're still with Samantha. Now tell me, honestly, did you...did you even imagined her with you-"

"No!" Stephen replied cutting her off shaking his head. " what do you think of me Mom? Besides, I love her that I couldn't-" wait, I love her?!

"See, that came out from your own mouth," Katrina said. She gave a deep breath.

"You are a good and responsible son, Stephen. I don't want you to be so much attached to her to the point you will let your feelings get through you. If only she's not that young I would never interfere. But the problem is, she is just a child, and Mishka is still very young."

"Please understand, son. She is just attached to you because of what she went through specially you look like the boy she was attached too. I don't want you to get hurt when she became adult and could not return your feelings,"

She gave a deep breath. "And before you get deep on what you feel you must end it."

Stephen was already covering his face between his folded knees." Yes..."

Katrina patted his shoulder.

" I will leave you now. Put your clothes and things back on your closet."

She stood up and started to walk towards the door.

She suddenly turned back to face him,
" This is the best solution for both of you,"

She then closed the door behind.

Stephen leaned his head on his bed. Clutching his chest with so much pain. He felt he couldn't breath thinking he would never see Mishka. He covered his eyes with his arm and realized a tear went off his eyes. He suddenly laughed. His mother already knows what he feels before he could even realize it.