Turning Tables

Dilemma

On the way back to the mansion, my mind was occupied with only one thing: the kiss.

I touched my lips lightly as I gaze outside the window.

The taste of Althea's sweet lips lingered in my memory.

Her hunger for me was dizzying and I realized I was the same.

It's strange how I never wanted it to end.

But it had to.

When Althea called my name, the truth dawned on me and it was painful.

Why did I kiss her when I know very well that I shouldn't?

I was looking for an answer.

Did I find the answer?

Yes.

For someone pragmatic, a non-believer of esoteric beliefs, I realized that Sally was right about her theories about The One.

Am I losing my mind?

Maybe I was.

But I made a choice and the decision was something I didn't regret.

During that moment when her lips touched mine, I was lost.

There was no explanation to what I felt when I connected with Althea.

I wanted to freeze that moment in my memory but it kept repeating in my head like a song I couldn't shake off or an image I couldn't erase.

With everything going on right now, with my world turned upside down, Althea was the only one I'm sure of and it terrifies me.

It's scary as hell.

As if I'm riding a rollercoaster or climbing a mountain and looking below to check how high I've climbed.

***

The elderly driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror but I ignored him.

It was nice that he didn't engage me in any conversation because I didn't feel like talking.

The radio was playing a slow song, Don't cry out loud by Melissa Manchester.

When the refrain came on, it made me melancholic.

I thought of Althea.

Despite my misgivings about her confessions, I saw the truth in her eyes.

The tears were not orchestrated.

I don't think she's a pathological liar, a psychopath, or a good actress.

She is lovelorn, that much I can say.

I was the reason for her misery and for now, I am clueless on how to help her or myself.

***

The taxi stopped in front of the address I gave the driver.

I looked at the taximeter and gave the man a thousand pesos.

"You can keep the change," I told him when he reached for change.

The driver thanked me and I smiled in return.

My mind was filled with conflicting thoughts as I got out of the taxi and entered our house.

I buzzed the doorbell and the security took a peek before letting me in.

"Ma'am Jade, they're looking all over for you." Bernard, the head security told me as soon as I was inside.

I nodded my head then proceeded to enter the mansion.

Although I am older now, it doesn't stop my family, especially my father from getting his nose on my business.