Yours Faithfully

Chapter 3: Saving Me From Myself

For some stupid reason, Dayen was on my mind and I felt guilty for treating him so bad. But my stubbornness didn't allow me to ask Kim to apologize for me. If I did, it would feel like I wanted him to be a part of my life. I did.

I dressed into a casual top and jeans. Thank goodness it was Saturday because I was not in the mood for school or any one in particular. The makeshift swing in our backyard was my little 'getaway'. I swung as high as I could and jumped. When I was younger, I almost broke my leg playing with this. What else could be more broken than your heart and your home?

Teresia offered to let me stay with her, Jared and their daughter but I declined. I wasn't interested in meeting my niece. It was strange how Mom wasn't home yet. This wasn't like her. After yesterday, I know she's never going to be the same again, but can't she pretend for me? Her behaviour was going to change my life forever.

Six hours later, my mother was still not at home. Where was she? I texted Kim about my problem and she offered to get Dayen to drive us around. I didn't want to see him again. He was just at the point of being forgotten! But there was no other choice. He picked me up with Kim in the backseat and we drove around to hotspots where my mom was likely to be. None of them were successful. My eyes were starting to swell with tears but I didn't want to look stupid in front of them.

"Vil, we'll find your mom. Maybe she went to visit a friend and didn't tell you." I nodded even though I knew that was a lie to make me feel better.

"Does your mom normally behave this way?" Dayen asked.

"No, she doesn't! And stop talking about her as if she was a kid, okay?"

The last comment was completely unnecessary. Kim gave me a hug and asked Dayen to drive back to my house, just in case. Nothing changed. A lot of bad thoughts came into my mind. What if she was murdered? What if she committed suicide? What if she decided to abandon me? I didn't have the heart to share my thoughts with Kim and Dayen.

"I'll wait until tomorrow. If she's still not home, I'll go report it to the police." I doubted I would have the strength to do that.

"Vil, you can't stay alone at home. You can talk as much as you want but we're not leaving you here. I'll text my parents right away. Dayen, won't you stay with us too? We need male company, if you know what I mean." He nodded and I felt glad that he decided to take on this challenge. A little part of me leapt with joy. He was going to stay over at my house, just like I did at his. Involuntarily in my case, though. I was distant from them both but it was good knowing that there were still some people who cared.

Kim entered my room unannounced and asked me straight out about Chrizelle and Jayce. I painfully recalled the memory of the text. It felt like a lifetime ago but it was only yesterday. Before everything fell apart.

"How are you handling this? I don't think I would be able to. It says something about your character, Vil. You're strong, independent and very brave."

"I don't wanna talk about it anymore." She nodded in understanding. "Wait here and I'm gonna make you the best sandwich you have tasted in your life, okay? Just don't ask the ingredients." She passed me a sad smile and went to the kitchen. I gave her a distant look in return. The night was closing in on us and my mother still wasn't home. My tummy was rumbling in fear but I ignored the feeling. If I had enough faith, maybe she would appear out of nowhere, maybe even with my dad, and they'll kiss and tell me that I have absolutely nothing to worry about. But my faith wasn't strong today. I think I didn't even have any.

I walked to the bathroom, lost in my own thoughts and then accidentally bumped into Dayen. "Sorry." He apologized and I shrugged.

"Doesn't matter."