Who to trust

Chapter 22 Venom

It was a Thursday and Mia decided to get off work early. It's been days since she has been thinking about talking to her parents, and this morning, she decided that it's going to be today. She thought of buying something for them, so she went to a bakery near their house first.

She was trying to pick a cake when she felt someone looking at her. She turned her head, surprised to see someone familiar.

"Oh, hi. It's nice to meet you again, ma'am." She politely greeted the lady in front of her. It was the same lady who helped her in the grocery before.

"Hello, dear. How have you been?" The lady asked with a beaming smile.

"Great," Mia answered awkwardly. "Are picking some cake too? You can go ahead first." Mia offered.

"Oh no dear, it's okay. You go ahead. For whom are you buying for?"

"For my uh, parents," Mia answered quite uncomfortable, "Are you sure you don't want to go first? I might take longer. I don't really know which one to buy." She insisted, scratching the back of her head in distress.

"Let me help you," the lady offered. Mia immediately looked at her like she was her savior.

"That would be great, thank you."

The lady picked a cake for her and while they waited for their orders, they chatted for a while. Mia was very comfortable with her. For a short time, she had grown fond of her.

"Thank you for helping me again. I promise to return the favor someday," Mia spoke as they exit the bakery.

"There's no need for that, dear. I only helped out a little."

Mia waved goodbye after, going to the direction of her family's house.

It was a fifteen-minute walk to their place, but Mia was already tired as every step felt heavy on her feet. Now that she has decided to face her parents she was suddenly not sure if she can do it.

"No. There's no turning back now. You're already here anyway." Mia talked to herself.

She could already see the house. She stopped to take a breath, and with a determined look, she went straight for it.

She rang the doorbell before she could think otherwise. It only took a few seconds before the door opened.

"Mia," Her dad greeted her with wide eyes, not expecting her visit.

Mia didn't know what to do at first, seeing him for the first time after all the revelations. She looked down and cleared her throat, trying to avoid the tension, "Uhm, hi. Can I come in?" She asked hesitantly.

"Of course. It's still your home." Her dad spoke, moving aside to let her come in.

"Where's mom and Maven?" Her voice was cold, but inside Mia was desperate to get out of this moment. She felt her muscles weak, but she still tried to remain calm on the outside.

"Your mom's in the store, and Maven's out with his friends. They're going to be home in an hour maybe."

"Oh," was all Mia could reply with. "I brought you guys some cake." She handed the box to her dad, not meeting his eyes and sat at the sofa.

"Let me get you some of this in a plate."

"That won't be necessary. I won't be staying long anyway." She bluntly said. She could sense the hurt in her father's actions, and she suddenly felt guilty for it.

Mia heaved a sigh, gathering all her will to control her emotions before she spoke, "I just really wanted to talk to you." She started. "Maven spoke to me the other day. I thought he was finally making a decision to move out of this house, but I was surprised when he told me he actually wants to stay. And it surprised me, even more, to know that the reason is that he said he can see you finally changing.

"To the tell you the truth, I don't believe that you're still capable of changing." Mia words pierced her father's heart, but she continued, now staring at her father, "We've given you so many chances before, what's the difference this time? Oh, maybe it's because this time, someone really got hurt. Maybe this time, we actually lost someone," Mia emphasized her last sentences, letting go of the wrath she's been keeping inside of her. "Why did it have to reach that point before you had the heart to change?" Mia's words are full of venom, she even sees her a tear slip from her dad's eye, but he didn't say anything. He knew he deserved everything Mia was throwing at him.

"I don't know if this is some show you're putting on right now, but you got Maven swayed that you're trying to change. And for him to say those things is something, considering how he hates you. You can't blame us. I don't even know why mom puts up with you.

"Nevertheless, I'm going to give you a chance. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt." She saw how his father held his head up to look at her, surprised. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. " But let's be clear that I'm only giving you a chance for the sake of Mom and Maven. And this doesn't mean that I forgive you. I can't just forgive you in a span of weeks. You don't know half of the pain you've caused me. This is your last chance, don't waste it.

"Now, I think it's only fair for the both of us." Mia stood up from her seat, "I'll be leaving now."

Mia walked out of the house, into the streets, and hailed a cab. She exhaled the breath she didn't know she was holding. Despite letting out her pain, her heart still hurts.