Why Don't You STAY

A SILENT PROTECTOR

I woke up to the warm glow of sunlight peeking through the curtains. I turned around, expecting to see Victoria beside me, but she was nowhere to be found. I quickly got dressed and headed downstairs, my stomach growling with hunger.

As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. The boys and girls were chatting and laughing over breakfast, while Victoria sat next to Olivia, sipping coffee.

"Hey, Catherine! You're finally awake!" Olivia exclaimed, noticing my arrival. "We were worried about you. We wanted to check on you, but Mom said not to disturb you."

I smiled, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I'm fine, don't worry. Just a bit tired."

Victoria looked up from her coffee, our eyes meeting for a brief moment. I felt a flutter in my chest, but quickly pushed the feeling aside.

"Come have some breakfast, Catherine!" Olivia said, pulling out a chair for me. "Mom made your favorite – pancakes!"

I hesitated, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I should probably get going. Ace must be on his way," I said, glancing at my phone.

But before I could make a move, Everyone chimed in, "No, you can't leave! Stay for breakfast!"

I laughed, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I really should get going, guys. Ace will be here any minute."

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Olivia jumped up to answer it. "I'll get it!" she exclaimed.

As she walked back into the kitchen with Ace, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe it was time for me to get back home.

Ace gave me a warm hug and whispered in my ear, "Mr. Hernandez said to bring you home immediately."

As I pulled back, my eyes met Victoria's, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something – maybe jealousy? – in her eyes. But I quickly pushed the thought aside. No way. She's married. I must be overthinking things.

Ace's words cut through the chatter in the kitchen. "I think Catherine and I should leave now. Mr. Hernandez is waiting for her."

My heart sank, and I felt a wave of worry wash over me. I could almost picture my dad, his face red with anger, his eyes blazing with a drunken fury. I knew that look all too well, and it filled me with dread.

I glanced up, feeling a pair of eyes on me. Victoria's worried gaze met mine, and I sensed a flicker of concern in her expression. She seemed to sense the unease that had settled over me at the mention of my dad's name.

"Is everything okay, Catherine?" Victoria asked, her voice soft and gentle.

I forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just... need to get going."

Victoria's eyes lingered on mine, as if searching for something. But I quickly looked away, not wanting to reveal the fear that was growing inside me.

Ace stood up, his expression serious. "Let's get going, Catherine. We don't want to keep your dad waiting."

I nodded, feeling a sense of resignation wash over me. I knew what was waiting for me at home, and I wasn't looking forward to it.

"Hey, Catherine! I'll be waiting for you in the car. You can bid everyone farewell," Ace called out.

I nodded and turned to my friends, who were still chatting in the kitchen. "I'll meet you guys in university, okay? Carry on, I'll walk out."

As I made my way to the door, I felt a gentle tug on my arm. I was pulled into the office, and my eyes fluttered closed instinctively.

When I opened them, I found myself face-to-face with Victoria. Her eyes sparkled with concern, and her face was inches from mine. I felt my heart skip a beat.

"Are you okay? You seem worried after Ace mentioned you going home. Is there something wrong?" Victoria asked, her voice low and soothing.

As she spoke, she gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. Her touch sent shivers down my spine.

"N-no, I'm fine," I stuttered, trying to play it cool.

Victoria's eyes searched mine, as if looking for any sign of distress. "If there's anything wrong, please let me know. I'm always here for you," she whispered, her breath tickling my ear.

Before I could respond, she leaned in and planted a soft peck on my cheek. Her lips lingered for a moment, sending my heart racing.

"I'll miss you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll miss you next to me, in my arms."

As she pulled back, I felt a pang of disappointment. I didn't want the moment to end. But before I could process my emotions, Victoria smiled and nudged me toward the door.

"You should get going. Ace is waiting for you."

I nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. As I walked out of the office, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something had shifted between Victoria and me.

As I stepped into the house, the warm glow of the living room lights seemed to mock me, a stark contrast to the chill that ran down my spine. Ace had barely uttered a goodbye before speeding off, leaving me to face the music alone.

No sooner had I closed the door behind me than it slammed shut, and a fist connected with my nose. Pain exploded through my face, and I felt a warm gush of blood spill down my lips and chin. My dad's angry roar filled my ears, his words a familiar, hateful refrain.

"You're the reason your mom died! You're the reason for all my problems!" he bellowed, his spittle-flecked face twisted in a snarl.

I tried to defend myself, but my arms felt like lead, and my vision began to blur. The room spun around me, and I stumbled, my knees buckling beneath me. The last thing I remembered was the feeling of my head hitting the cold, hard floor, and then... nothing.

When I came to, I was lying on my bed, my head throbbing with a dull ache. My nose felt swollen and tender, and my mouth was dry and sticky. I struggled to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to lie back down.

As I lay there, I couldn't help but wonder what I had done to deserve this kind of treatment. Was it really my fault that Mom had died? The question swirled in my mind like a malignant storm, refusing to let me find any peace.