Best Part

PART 6

HER POV

"Emily, don't forget to drink what the doctor said... please?" I smiled at Mama because I could see the concern on her face. I nodded, kissed her forehead.

"Yes, Ma. I haven't forgotten your reminders." I just really forgot to take my medicine yesterday and the day before because I was so tired.

I didn't notice that I had fallen asleep early. I was probably exhausted from visiting the orphanage and from the fight I had with Travis at their house.

"We always fight, nothing new." Papa furrowed his brows while looking at me.

"Who are you talking to, 'nak?" I shrugged my shoulders, grabbed my bag, and kissed them both on the cheek.

Today is Saturday, and I'll be going to Travis' house. The only ones who know are Mama and Papa, who think I'm going to Gwyn's. Well, I had to lie. I want to spend my weekend with Travis.

"Why don't you and Gwyn have a sleepover here, Emily?"

"U-Uh... I can't. She already asked permission from her parents, Pa. It's fine with me at Gwyn's."

"Are you sure, 'nak? Should I take you?" I held both his arms and smiled at him.

"Dad, I'm already grown up. I can handle myself. Let me enjoy... as a teenager. Let me be free. You've been caging me for years, and I think it's time to let me go... let me do what I want. I know my limitations." He hugged me tight. I could really feel that Dad doesn't want to lose me.

"I'm sorry, we're just worried about you. We're afraid that one day, you'll just disappear, 'nak."

"That might happen... but not anytime soon."

"Don't say that, Emily Van Wyk. You will be cured. You will be fine. We're going to do everything. Your life will be long. You can't just stop here. You will survive this, honey. Trust Him." I hugged my mother and kissed her. The way she comforts me is really the best.

I don't think I could ever replace my mother. She's the best among the rest. She always reminds me that I am beautiful. She became my number one fan. I couldn't wish for more. What I wish now is that when Mama and Papa have another child, they'll have one who isn't like me.

I waved goodbye to them, rode my bicycle, and started pedaling while enjoying the cool breeze. Life is really good. I don't know why Travis hates living so much.

That guy is so cold and rude. I'm not mad at him; I understand him. I know he's been through a lot, which is why he's so tough.

That's how people are. People don't change unless they've been hurt. People change to improve themselves. To show those who hurt them what they've lost.

People only change because they want a new life, away from those who hurt them. Away from the people who made them cry every night.

Some people change for the better, but some people change and still stay bitter.

As I was parking my bike in front of Travis's house, I saw him standing by the window, eating something. I smiled while looking at him.

"Some people change because they learned something, but in Travis' case? He changed because he suffered a lot and got tired of experiencing the same thing."

I went straight to the door and entered without knocking. I saw him staring at me, blankly. He put down what he was eating and crossed his arms.

"Why are you back?"

"Why, is it bad?" He looked at the bag I put on the sofa. I went closer to him and took the plate of spaghetti.

"You cooked this?" He ignored my question and went closer to my bag.