Unknown Lady

Prologue

Acel. It's not a word, but a name that I wouldn't forget.

I used to hear her name on my mother's mouth. First, I didn't know what she was talking about, but now, I already knew what it is.

She's not the reason why I am here. But she is the reason why I need to do this.

"Winter!"

I closed my own-made-notebook and turned my gaze to Jiane. A human being who is years older than me.

"What?"

"Let's eat na! The food will get cold!"

I didn't said anything and just stand up to follow her on the dinning area. I already smell the aroma of the dishes she cooked as soon as I entered the area.

"Hmm..." I closed my eyes, devouring the smell of my favorite food. "Sinigang," I said and slowly, a soft smile plastered on my face.

I heard her giggle. "Only sinigang can make you smile, huh?" she teased me.

I sat down and watch her place the plate in front of me together with the golden utensils. "Thank you." I glance at her, she just smiled as an answer.

We started eating our meal for our lunch, quietly. And because she cooked for our lunch, I washed our dishes.

"Winter," she caught my attention.

"Hmm?"

"You need to leave me." I almost drop the glass that I am holding.

"What?" I looked at her. "I thought..." Her sad smile stopped me, tears are visible on her beautiful round eyes.

"I'm human."

"And I'm not?" She chuckled and walk towards me.

I thought she'll hug me but, I was wrong. She reached the faucet at my back to close it before facing me. "You are. But I'm not born to be with you there. I lived here, and I can't just leave my life because of you."

Sadness filled my heart as I readied my things. For the passed 22 years, this is the first time I'll be far away from Jiane.

"I'll miss you," she said emotionally.

I sighed and look away. "Can I just bring you?" I asked like she's just a thing that I can bring anywhere I go.

She laughed and slightly shook her head. "You can't, Winter. Acel is waiting for you there."

"I hate her."

"Of course, you do. But you just can't because you love her, didn't you?"

I hissed making her laugh even more.

"Take care, okay?" I said. "Babalikan pa kita."

She nodded her head several times. "I will."

"Mm, bye," I whispered. Tears started forming at the corner of my eyes.

"Bye." And for the last time, I look at her and memorize her face.

"ACEL!" I greeted her.

"Winter." She smiled and hugged me.

"Thank you for coming."

I'm just looking at her, observing her actions, and looks like she noticed it. She chuckled.

"Don't worry, once you succeed, I'll free you."

I closed my eyes tightly and heavy sighed. "Acel..." As soon as I open my eyes, my eyes are already clouded by tears.

"I'm in deep sadness... w-what if I don't succeed?"

She reached both of my cheeks and gently caress it. "You will. I trust you."

She trust me, so do I. But she didn't say that there's a consequence. And now, all I could do is to regret for not asking.