To Love Him Once More (USFIL Book 2) - REVAMPED

Chapter 3

JEARRI

"How was meeting Mr. Del Valle?" Mom's first question came as soon as I arrived home. She looked closely at me, almost expectant of something I didn't want to think about. "Was he nice to you? Did he ask anything other than business?"

"Mom, I just arrived," I said, hinting at how tired I was from our flight.

"Where should I put these?" I heard Kyron's voice from behind. He picked me up at the airport.

"It's fine here. Thank you, Kyron. I know you have other things to do. Let's call each other when you're not busy?" I appreciated that he had made an effort to ensure I landed safely back in the U.S., but I didn't want him to hear what Mom and I were talking about. He was aware of my business in the Philippines, but I didn't want him to overthink things.

"Yes, I'll go ahead now. I'll call you," he said, then turned to my mom. "I'll go ahead now, Auntie Amanda." My mom nodded at him, clearly displaying her discontent at seeing him today.

I didn't know what had happened between them. Suddenly, they were no longer on good terms. Just as Leigh saw Kyron, my parents started seeing him that way too. It was hard, especially since I was caught in the middle.

I don't understand why they think he's controlling me. He never controlled me. Everything I did was of my own accord. I chose to focus on what mattered and let go of unnecessary things in my life. He just made sure I followed through on my intentions. I didn't back out because of him—I became stronger because of him.

"Mom, he picked me up at the airport despite his busy schedule. He didn't deserve that cold treatment from you," I pointed out. I didn't want to fight with my mom again, but I couldn't help it. Kyron had always been nice to me. I knew he was really tired, but he still made sure to set aside time to check on me.

"When will you see that it's no longer love? He's being possessive of you."

"Mom!"

"See, we're fighting over him again."

"That's because you won't believe me! He saved me from the dark. I survived because he was there."

"We were also there, Jearri."

"No, Mom. You don't get to call me that just because you're mad at me for siding with Kyron."

"I'm not mad at you. If he truly saved you, then why can't you remember? The doctor said you're healed. It's been five years, and there's still no progress. So how come you can't remember the past?"

"Why do I have to be reminded of the past? Why do I feel obligated to? I chose this."

"You chose what? To not remember? I would have agreed to that if he wasn't trying to control you. If he wasn't being possessive of you."

I massaged my forehead. I didn't want to argue about this anymore. It was starting to trigger thoughts I didn't want to confront.

"Kyron isn't being possessive of me. If he was, I would have married him right away. He wasn't even my boyfriend yet. Please, Mom, stop accusing him. It hurts me too." I reached for her hands, and gently squeezed them. "I'm sorry. Let's stop arguing over him."

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure you're safe. I cared for you like my own daughter, Zanya."

"I know, Mom. He makes me happy, and I hope you'll be happy for me too." She sighed, didn't say anything, but hugged me tightly and caressed my back.

***

LAXER

She's back home now, to where she obviously belongs.