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

Chapter 48

Final

Engr. Serrano
Let me know when you're going. I'll come with you, Celeste.

Engr. Serrano
Please take care.

I smiled at the message from Rusty. I quickly replied and then headed to Ariah's room. I found her there, writing quietly at her small study table, her unicorn beside her.

"Is my baby busy?" I playfully asked as I sat down on the floor near her.

She glanced at me and gave a subtle smile. "I'm writing my diary, Mommy."

"Wow, you never told me you have a diary."

She paused in her writing and adjusted her long, curly hair.

"I'll give you this when I finish filling up this whole notebook," she said. I smiled and nodded.

I stared at her for a moment. She looks so much like me, but she inherited her eyes from Arik. They have the same eye color and shape—almond-shaped—so when she's angry, sulking, or sad, she resembles her daddy.

"Is there a problem, mommy?"

I don't know, Ariah. I don't know if there's really a problem or if it's just me. I don't know who else I can trust.

I took a deep breath and held her hand, kissing it.

"I visited your grandfather yesterday, dear," I began.

Mabilis na nagbago ang kanyang ekspresyon at nag-iwas pa ng tingin. Something painful squeezed my heart.

"Unfortunately, he passed away yesterday, mija, and he wanted you to know something," I uttered.

Her gaze dropped to the unicorn she was hugging, and she nodded but kept her lips sealed. I bit my lower lip.

"He wanted you to know how sorry he was, Ariah. Your grandfather loves you," I said and peeked at her face.

She nibbled on her lower lip while still looking down. She nodded again. Silence enveloped us for a few minutes until she leaped towards me and hugged me tightly.

I held my breath as I heard her soft sobs, her face buried in my neck.

I managed a bittersweet smile and stroked her back.

"Mija, I'm not forcing you to forgive him because forgiveness isn't something to be forced. Mommy just wanted you to know what happened to him, okay?" I reassured her.

She gave me small nods against my shoulder.

Sinamahan ko siya sa kanyang silid hanggang sa makatulog siya sa kakaiyak. Nang bumaba ako ay nadatnan ko sina mom and dad sa living room, tila may importanteng pinag-uusapan.

I had wanted to talk to them about what Dad told me at the hospital yesterday—about the Riofloridas—but I didn't know where to start. I didn't have the energy for it. I couldn't face people right now. I didn't even answer Arik's call yesterday.

Gusto niya akong makausap? Bakit? Why did he suddenly want to talk to me when he pushed me away just a few days ago?

"Hey."

I turned to the voice and saw Oliver, who had just arrived. He kissed my cheek and gave me a curious look.

"What are you doing over there?" he asked, following my gaze. "Bakit di ka lumalapit? May itatanong ka ba?"

"Armando told me something yesterday..." I admitted to him.

His forehead furrowed even more. "I heard what happened to him. The funeral is so soon? Are you going?"