Knowing What Love Is (COMPLETED ENGLISH VERSION) #RymSeries

Storm 11

Garden

I remained in the garden, quietly listening to their conversations, as I had no intention of joining them.

"Are you staying for the night?" Papa inquired of Lolo and Lola.

"Yes, and by the way, have you informed Storm about my decision?" Lola Storm directed her question at my grandfather.

"I, uh, haven't had a chance to yet," Papa replied hesitantly.

"Apo," Lola Storm addressed me.

"Starting tomorrow, would you mind staying at our mansion, Lyn Mansion? Is that alright with you?" She queried.

"Why?" I inquired.

"Your Lola misses you and your sister. Though we'd love for you two to stay at our mansion, Luna isn't too keen on the idea," Lolo Chris explained with a smile.

"I can visit," Courtney chimed in.

He was right—my mother wouldn't be pleased with the notion of my sister leaving this house

"Darling, you can go. I'll visit you there every weekend," I heard Papa say, catching my attention.

"You've spent plenty of time with me. Now it's Chris and Storm's turn," Papa chuckled, though a hint of pain was evident in his voice.

"Baby, Papa's right. You can go. After all, Lyn Mansion is just a kilometer away from here, still within this village. It's a few blocks away, but at least it's near the cemetery. You can always visit your dad," Aunt suggested.

"Pa, Ma, can't you let Storm stay?" My mother implored Lolo and Lola, causing me to look at her.

"Luna, Luna, Luna," Lola chanted in a sarcastic tone.

"She'll be in good hands. Plus, you have Courtney," my mother continued her plea.

"Ma, please,""

"Luna, I'm also begging you. Storm needs our love and attention. She's turning 25, but that doesn't change the fact that we still see her as a child. After her father, Liam, passed away, you sent her to Canada. I'm thankful Keith looked after her then. She was only 6 at the time, craving your love and attention due to her father's death. But what did you do?" Lola Storm's voice held annoyance and bitterness.

"Ma..."

"I'm grateful for Leana, who looked after her. She was just a teenager back then, yet she took care of Storm like a daughter. Past mistakes are behind us, though. Let Storm stay in our mansion," Lola Storm concluded decisively, prompting Papa Keith to escort them to their room.

I detest the way the past replays in my mind.

"Mother, don't leave me," I pleaded.

"This is for the best, Storm," she replied, walking away with my sister in tow.

She truly adores my sister.

And I'm envious of that.

I wish I had her life. I wish I were her.

"Are you truly going to abandon her like that?" I overheard Aunt asking my mother outside my room.

"I just can't stand seeing her, Leana. She reminds me too much of her father. Every time she's around, I'm reminded of-"

"You're being selfish, Luna. I know you love Courtney, but don't be unfair. Storm needs your love and attention, especially now that their father is gone. And for goodness' sake, she's only 6 years old."

"Someday, Luna, you'll regret this, mark my words."

Shaking my thoughts I looked at my aunt and smiled

"Good night," I said to my aunt, kissing her left cheek as a sign of farewell.

"Night, baby."

"S-storm," my mother's voice called out, but I just muttered, "Good night," and retreated to my room, carrying a heavy heart with me.

My Room

Upon entering my room, I swiftly locked the door and made my way to the bathroom. During my years in Canada, I had yearned for my mother's love and attention. So, whenever she'd visit me once a year, it felt like a blessing, even though deep down, I knew it made me seem like a coward.

I missed my father immensely, and the fact that I couldn't visit him pained me. However, I was grateful to have Kaden, my childhood friend who stood by me. At 14, my sister arrived, the person I secretly envied. Initially, I was happy—thinking that if she stayed in Canada, my mother would too. I was wrong, and once again, I was hurt.

Then Tyler entered my life, filling the void within me. But in the end, I was left alone once more. I despised how my life unfolded. Still, I was thankful for Papa, Aunt, Lolo Chris, Lola Storm, and Kaden.

Turning on the shower, I let the water cascade over me, providing a temporary escape from reality. Exiting the bathroom in my bathrobe, I settled into the chair in front of my mirror after wasting 30 minutes under the shower. I gazed at my reflection, using the hairdryer to dry my hair while my mind raced.

Was I truly unlovable? Did my mother love me, or did she just pity me? Was I ugly? Was I truly weak?

"Baby" Aunt's voice crackled through the intercom.

"Can you open your door? I'm coming to help you organize your things," she requested.

Reluctantly, I reached for the remote to unlock my door. A few moments later, Aunt entered, wearing a small smile, and instructed me to sit properly in the chair.

"What?" I inquired.

"Look at your reflection," she said.

"I've been staring at my own face forever Aunt"

"You can't see it, can you?" she questioned.

"See what?"

"Find out for yourself." She rolled her eyes at me. "You're loved Storm, you're just looking at the wrong places"

"Let's pack your belongings."