New Home

Chapter 14: Search for a new home

Ate Rosa suggested that his body must be cremated. It's what my grandparents wish when they die.

"He's too depressed. Sad that it happened to him." she insisted when she sat beside me when we got to reach our house to take a rest after the last two days since his death.

I might be that mad to my Grandpa, but he's still a family. He atleast brought smile to my face way back then. I even caught a picture of him running after me when I was thirteen months old, and how he looks so happy seeing me have my first walk. I know he loved me then. Not just too big to conquer even what happened to the earlier months.

"Am I even bad?" I asked, just staring at the blank wall.

Her look to me heated. "I'm happy that he died. Am I too bad to have that feeling?" I asked once more which brings her hands over my face and lead its look to her face. She's staring at me, face to face, which we're only few inches apart.

"Don't hate your Grandpa, Riley. He might bring bad things for you but he still became a part of us. Let's just be happy that he's already with your Grandma now. Okay?" freckles on her face showed up. Her big eyes widened more.

"He's not right in heaven. Maybe he's in hell. I'm sure, he's mad at me still. He's not gone with Grandma." I turned my head against her face. 

She breathed sharply and give up talking to me. I just sat on the wooden chair. Just thinking over what has been happening to me. I am alone now. I no longer have my family and relatives. It's only Ate Rosa now. She's all that I have still. But until when?

"Jerome? Jerome!" I heard her scream all over the house.

I peeked to her movement. She went to the door and hugged a tall, dark guy on the same age as her, who's happy to see her too. They look awesome on that.

"I missed you so much."

"I missed you more than that much."

"I love you."

"I love you more."

"I love you with so much more."

They exchanges all those words. What a lovely couple!

"By the way, this is Riley." she held her hands toward me while he glances on me and even held his hand to have a shake.

"Jerome, ahmm, her handsome husband." he blurted out. I heard the slap of Ate Rosa on his back and they just giggled after that.

"Are you hungry? I'll fix your food." she insisted then.

While they were busy knowing each other again, I busied myself walking outside. I just need more fresh air.

--

As the time passes by, I decided to go back. The night's already on the way.

Before I could even enter the house, I heard them talking in whispers. I stopped at the door to eavesdrop.

"Don't tell me, you'll have her in this house?"

"She had nowhere to go. She don't have relatives to go through. And she have nothing at this point of time."

Those whispers become loud sentences and emotions are much put.

"Rose, we're not rich to become a charity. She can't stay in this house! It's much better if those old people you worked into, give you a pile of all their riches, atleast we could let her stay. But then, there's nothing! Take her away from us, Rose!"

"Jerome, don't be that person! She needs a family this time."

"Then bring her to orphanage! I don't want her in my house. You told me, she could be the reason of all the deaths of her family, then she might bring that bad luck to us. I don't wanna die for now, Rose!"

"Where are you going then? Jerome!"

"I'll just smoke for a while. Have your decision when I come back."

I moved away when he came out from the door. I put my look against his eyes and when he's gone, I stared at Ate Rosa. She didn't acknowledge me. She just sat at the chair in the dining table and put her hands on her head.

"Ate Rosa?" I inquired at her. I don't know what will be her decision.

She inhaled deeply. She walked towards me. "I'm really sorry, Riley. You know how I loved you even just for a short span of time. But I loved my husband more. I hope you understand."

Of course, that will be her answer then. I should have expected that earlier.

"It's okay. I'm all but a bad luck. I understand." I nodded at her. I tried to hide my tears so she will be able to believe that I'm really okay even though I'm really not. 

She hugs me so tight and tears take its release on my eyes. I let go of my hands and wipe my face. "Ahmm, I better fix my things now. It's a long ride to be made." I bid.

I don't want to go. I don't want to pack my things and go this evening. I don't want to cry anymore. I just don't want these. I want to be okay again. Way better than okay.

"Have this." she laid two five hundred bills in my hand. "I really am sorry, Riley." she hugged me but it's too sudden and she just pulled herself and went to her bed, after.

The money she have given me is a big help. Aside, I had my money I earned from my paintings. I guess I have enough to stay at the hotel for this evening.

I took my bags with me. I stared at the house for a while and tears were flooding again. I, then, finally released myself and went away.

What a very great things happening on me! How I wish I could still encounter more bad news?!