IRIS

Chapter Ten

Recap....

I jumped on my bed face first and let everything out...

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IRIS' POV

Have you ever cried so much that you couldn't cry anymore but you just sit there all numb and broken in your silence going through every shattered piece of memories of the ones you loved and still love. That unbearable pain when you realize you can never ever be in their warm embrace, that pain you feel when you're alone in the world with nothing but the harsh slaps of reality. That is exactly how I feel.

Dad. Mum. Clyde.

"I miss you. Zayn was right, I am a disgrace to the Rodriguez family and I don't deserve to have that name."

I touched the locket on my neck and opened it to reveal a picture of my family: my parents on the left; Clyde on the right.

Please come back to me I need you all, I feel so alone. I need your love and support, I need your direction and protection!

"This is all my fault!" I screamed as memories of that dreadful day came rushing back.

Flashback.....

"Make a wish my love" Mama told me.

I closed my eyes and made a wish. I reopened my eyes to be met with my mother's brown ones and my father's green ones.

"What did you wish for Iris?" Dad asked me.

"It won't come true if I tell anyone now, would it?" I smartly asked back.

"I know I know but I'm curious" he whined.

"Nothing can change my mind Dad" I proudly said.

"I'll buy you some chocolates and ice cream" he bribed. My fave....

"James!" mum smacked his arm playfully while laughing.

"My wish is a prayer to God, that the strong love and bond in this family should never break and that we should always continue to support one another like we've always done" I said as I held each of their hands. By the time I had finished, Mum already had tears rolling down her cheeks and Dad was smiling.

"Oh my dear, we would be together my love, nothing can take us away from you" Mum assured while tucking a strand of my white hair behind my ear.

"My baby is girl is growing up" Dad exclaimed. "I don't want you to grow up, I want you to be my little girl forever. You're already 15 and very soon and you'll fall in love, get married and have children" Dad cried.

"Papi chill" I laughed.

"James that's still a very long time from now" Mum said while shaking her head at him.

"I disagree" he protested which earned a playful eye roll from me.

"Mum, is Clyde going to be home soon?"

Clyde cannot miss my birthday again. He promised he would be here to make up for the past birthdays he's missed. I feel like we've been drifting away lately since he left for University two years ago, and he missed my 13th and 14th birthday. He has to come for this one.

"Don't worry Mi a, he'll be here soon. I'll call later to check up on him." she assured.

I pouted.

"In the mean time, shall we open your presents?" I really don't want to do it without Clyde but oh well.

"Okay"

The first gift I got was from my mother. It was a very small leather box, with a white bow on it, my full name 'Irisalynn Rodriguez Marisol' written in cursive and designed with silver glitter was printed on the box. I looked at my mum for permission.

"Go on, open it" she said.

I removed the bow and opened the box to reveal a heart-shaped silver locket with three diamonds encrusted on the front.

"Wow! It's so pretty mum, thank you"

I looked inside the box and saw a very tiny silver key. "What is this for?"

"Put it in the keyhole and turn it three times" she instructed.

I did as I was told. The locket opened slowly to reveal my parents and Clyde's pictures on each side of the locket. The piano version of "never forget you" by Zara Larson and MNEK started playing from the locket. How? I have no idea.

I hugged my mum for the amazing present and kissed her on her cheek.

"Can I wear it?"

"Of course my love" she helped me wear the locket as I raised my hair up.

"Is it my turn now?" Dad asked.

"Yes sir" I giggled. "Come along then Missy, and oh tie on the blindfold Helen"

"Why do I need to be blindfolded?" I whined. I really hate things covering my eyes, it affects them because they're really sensitive.

"Beccccccccccaaaaauuuuseee!!!"

"Uh uh?"

"That's all. Tie it fast dear"

Ugh!

"Okay take my hand" Dad said.

He held me and led me outside because I started feeling the cool breeze blowing my hair around. We suddenly stopped walking....

"Honey I'm going to take the blindfold off, but I still want you to close your eyes" Dad said.

"Okay" He started taking it off and I closed my eyes tight.

"Okay, you can open your eyes in three, two, one!"

I gasped.

"Oh my chocolate!!!!" I screamed