Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 37

Written in water

"Why do you need to go? I thought we were okay? Akala ko gusto ako ng mom and dad mo? May problema ba? Ayaw mo na ba rito?"

Those were the first words that came out of my mouth nang matanggap ko ang balitang aalis na sila bukas nang umaga. It was Aling Inday who informed me, so I quickly went to the vast Rioflorida garden.

His shoulders slumped. His stern eyes remained fixed on me until they eventually softened.

"Hindi ka na ba babalik, Rik?" I asked him.

"Babalik kami, Ce. Iyon ang sabi ni dad. Babalik kami."

I didn't budge from where I stood.

"Why are you leaving just after mommy passed away? Bakit pati ikaw iiwan din ako? You're my only friend here. Dad won't let me out anywhere else. You're the first person who took me out of our land."

My heart sank completely when he averted his gaze from me. It was as if he couldn't answer the questions I threw at him. Marahil ay hindi siya naging handa para doon. Hindi ko alam.

"Babalik ako sayo, Ce. I'll come back..." He approached me and took both my hands. "Babalik ako. Wait for me, okay?"

I couldn't do anything. On that day, it felt like no one gave me a choice. Mommy just died, and my only friend left me. He was the only one who could truly understand me.

The first time I saw him playing alone in the San Rafael barn, he was silently crying. It turns out he left his house and spent hours there. Mula noon ay palagi ko na siyang nakikita roon. That barn became our escape when we didn't want to be at each other's houses.

We were inseparable. He taught me how to face my fears. He healed my wounds. He comforted me when I cried. Arik saved me many times when we were still kids.

I waited for him to come back, but he didn't. Until I forgot about him for an unknown reason. It was because of what dad did to me.

And now that I'm scared, lonely, and hurting, I don't know where to run. He used to be my pillar of strength, but now he's the reason why my heart shatters into a million pieces repeatedly.

Marahas kong sinara ang pinto ng condo unit ni Arik at mabilis na tumungo sa aming bedroom. Ariah is still at the mansion. I don't have anything there anymore, so I need to gather some clothes from here for tomorrow.

"Fuck it!" I exclaimed and threw my suitcase onto the floor.

The door opened and heavy footsteps approached me.

"Celeste, please, let's talk first. Huwag naman ganito. Let me explain," Arik pleaded.

I could hear the frustration in his voice, especially when I didn't respond and continued packing.

"Baby, please—"

"D-don't you dare touch me, Arik," I threatened him, almost pushing him away when he tried to reach for my hand.

I saw the pain in his eyes, and I laughed. I kicked my suitcase and threw my handbag somewhere.

"I wish I hadn't agreed to bring my daughter here! Fuck it! Now I have to pack all my things again and take everything back to my house!" I yelled and collapsed onto the floor.

Suddenly, my intoxication vanished. The alcohol's effects disappeared, replaced by emotions I couldn't explain.

"You didn't have to do this. Just hear me out, Celeste, please. Yumi is just my—"

"I don't care. Leave me alone." I interrupted his words forcefully. "Just hearing that fucking name, Arik... God. How could you?" I trembled as I looked at him.