Live A Little

Ch 31: Her truth

Alora's p.o.v

A few months later

Time, in its relentless march, often seems to play tricks on us. When life is fraught with hardships, it appears to crawl at a snails pace. Yet, when filled with love, laughter, and joy, it seems to race by in the blink of an eye. It feels unjust that most of my memories are tinged with bitterness, but the moments of happiness Ive shared with my family and my endearing boyfriend make those years of pain seem worthwhile. But was it truly worth it?

A gasp escapes my lips as I feel someones arms encircle my waist. I relax when a rose comes into view. A chuckle bubbles up from within me as I recall how Elias has been showering me with roses and gifts ever since we started dating. Despite my protests, he insisted, saying, If I dont spoil my girl, who will?

Hows my girl doing? He rests his head on my shoulder, planting a soft kiss on my cheek.

Good, I whisper, leaning back into his embrace.

Youre so beautiful, he murmurs, his smile making my heart flutter. I cover my face with my hands, bashfully protesting.

Stop!

No, you are so pretty, and it hurts me knowing you dont think so, he whispers.

I- Im cut off by my father calling me.

I hate everyone, he sighs, letting me go.

Even me? I ask innocently.

Especially you. I freeze, staring at him.

I was joking, I say, glaring at him a little.

So was I, he laughs, raising his hands in surrender.

I walk into my fathers office after giving Elias a goodbye kiss.

You were calling, Papa? I question, sitting down.

Yeah, uh I think its best that we have this conversation, but if you dont want to continue it, then I understand, he says, sitting beside me.

I nod my head, confused about what hes talking about.

Did you, um were you hit when you were with your mother? I freeze for the second time, confused about what hes saying I feel as if my heart has stopped.

What?

If you dont want to talk about it, I understand, sweetheart, he says, holding my hand to provide some comfort.

No I think its best that I do today, or else I wont be able to ever, I take a deep breath, steadying myself so I dont start sobbing.

Do you want the guys here or just me? Dad questions.

I Ill just say it in front of you, then you can tell them, I close my eyes to stop them from tearing up.

Sweetheart, you dont have to force yourself. If you dont want to tell, I can understand, Dad says, kissing my head and getting up.

I grab his hand, indicating he should stop because I have to talk about it someday, and if I gather my courage today, it would be easier to carry this heavy burden that seems to be on my heart.

Yeah, I was abused when I was with Mom. Dad slumps down in the chair as if someone just snatched his heart out.

Im sorry, I cant tell everything. I just dont have the strength to even think about it, and to actually say it means reliving every little bit of those memories that I have buried up, and Im not ready for itbut what I can say is that Mom was such a sweet person and an even better mother until she met him, I pause, taking a deep breath.