No Filter

Chapter XXIX (29)

Break was over, and it's time for reality to set in once again. Not that I've been living in a fantasy, but things are back to normal. Except Dinah and Louis are something. And I won't have Troy at my side anymore. I feel bad for him, and although I am upset of what happened between us, I'm happy that we broke up. It's better for him. He deserves better. Not me. Not a girl who doesn't love him and likes somebody else.

It's December, and a part of my house was already decorated for the holidays. I have been slow with the decorations because of school and money. Usually, my dad would help and my mom aid him before her back began to have problems.

My mom seems to be getting better. Her posture was more straight, and I'm happy about it. Camila and Normani did a good job taking care of her. And my dad, from what Camila and Normani told me, never really came home during break. Not even on Thanksgiving. I wonder what's happening. I feel like I know what it is. I just do not want to accept it. He loves us like he said he does.

Liam and I have been spending time together just like when we were younger. Whatever happened that night, we ignored it. Simply because we couldn't recall what happened. And if what Troy said did happen, it's better if it's forgotten. He's happy with Cheryl, and no matter how much it hurts, I support him. I'm going to go off to Atlantic when high school is over, so it's better if I spent my days with him, with everyone, filled with good memories.

I turn my head over on the couch and see my mom sleeping. Her beanie covered part of her eyes, and I remove it from her head.

Someone knocked on the door, and I stand up from my seat. Passing through the kitchen, I walk to the door and open it. Liam stood before me with a smile. His hands were held behind his back, hiding something from me.

"Hi," I greet. "Come in." I step aside, and he enters, only showing me his front side as he circles his way around me. He was definitely hiding something from me. I shut the door and face him. "Why are you here? I thought you would be studying for Spanish," I said.

"I have something to give you first," Liam says with a wide smile.

I cross my arms. "What?"

He pulls out his hands, revealing a check. He waved it in front of me. At first, I was confused, wondering what it had to do with me, until I realize... "Is that it?" I ask with a small smile of hope.

Liam nods his head. "Yes. A check of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars for Ms. Allyson Brooke Hernandez."

I cover my mouth, feeling surreal right now. Tears sting my eyes.

"Your mom can now have that surgery," he says.

I wrap my arms around him instantly. I bury my head in his chest, trying to prevent myself from crying. My mom is going to be okay. She's going to be happy again. And then maybe, my family will be fixed. My dad will come home. And my brother can finally visit again. "Thank you," I muffle. "Thank you so much."

He caresses my back slowly. "You worked for it. You deserved it," he says.

I snuffle a sob. He pulls apart and lowers his head to look at me. He smiles and wipes my tears away. "Your mom is going to be okay now."

I nod my head. "Thank you again. I really owe you and your mom. You guys helped me out on this."

Liam shakes his head. "No, you don't owe us anything. You worked for it. It's your money now." I sealed my lips to prevent myself from breathing out.

He holds the check in between his hands and shows it to me. I hold a part of the check with my hands resting on top of his hands. Chills ran through me, and I feel more happy than ever. Things have to go up from here.

I would think.
—
One afternoon, after Liam and I sent my mom to the hospital for her surgery, Lauren and I came home to grab some blankets. We were outside of my house, on the curb. My dad was home, and I was happy to tell him the news. He hasn't been home, so I don't know if my mom told him or not. I enter the door and walk through the kitchen.

I hear two distinctive noises, feminine and masculine, as I approach the living room. My brows crease, curious. My heart races. I enter the living room, and Lauren follows right behind me. My heart dropped as a familiar feeling washes over me.

"Dad?" I mumble, seeing him holding a woman that wasn't my mom. They were laying on the couch together. The elder woman held a glass of wine in her hands.

He looked at us, wide-eyed. He gasps softly and pushes the woman away to the other side of him. "Ally. You're home," he says enthusiastically. It was the first emotion he has shown since forever.

"Who is she?" I ask. He glances at her and stutters. "Is she the reason why you haven't been home? And you brought her here? While mom is at the hospital."

"Ally, let me explain," he says. I shake my head.

"No," I said. "You have no right to speak. You have no right to be in this house. You've been gone too much to let it be called yours." Tears flow through his eyes. I turn around and walk pass Lauren, who looked at them in disgust.

I barge out of the house, and Lauren followed me. We got into her car, and I leaned against my seat. Lauren sets her hand on mine and says, "Ally, be strong. You'll deal with him later. Just think about the surgery. Your mom is going to be happy again." She smiles. I nod my head and let out the anger at the moment.