Prism of Equilibrium

Chapter 3: Thuds On The Roof

"Dad!" I shouted when I knew the glass was falling. By the end of my voice, it hit the floor and shattered. "What's wrong, Dad?"

"N-nothing." He said in shock.

"Really?" I asked him once more, unsure of when should I start to ask him about that conversation of his on the phone.

"Yes." He answered surely. "Why?" He managed to give me a smile.

"You've never been surprised when I came home." I shrugged.

"Well, you haven't known much." He chuckled as he grabbed the broom and started to swept the broken glass.

There's something about the way he said those words. Was he really hiding things from me or what? This has to be the right time to ask him.

"Sooo.. what were you talking about just now on the phone?" I questioned him.

"An old friend of mine. He called me so we chatted for a while." Dad has successfully removed all the broken pieces into the dustbin when he answered that. "By the way, what do you want for lunch?"

"I know you're lying."

"We got spaghetti here,..and there's enough ingredients to make salad.. oh, mac and cheese too."

"Spaghetti." I answered so he would answer my question. "Dad. You haven't answered me yet."

"Mm-hmm. Please pass me the salt, Selena." He said, changing the subject. I passed him the salt, though.

"Taste this for me and tell me what you think." He handled me a bowl filled with sauce he'd made when we talked just now. Why did he keep changing the subject?! "Dad! Would you tell me now? What are you talking about on the phone? Don't lie to me. I heard my name! I know it's about me."

"Selena. Really. It's nothing." said Dad, trying to convince me. But believe me, I'm the type of person who doesn't believe in the phrase 'curiosity killed the cat' or whatever that is and I know that he knows that very well.

"What truth that I haven't already known about myself?"

"Selena.." Dad threaten.

"What powers? I have no powers!" I forced myself to laugh. "That's all non-sense! And please, tell me. How am I not safe? I am perfectly fine, Dad! If you don't like me here, you could've just ask me to leave or--"

"Enough, Selena! Enough!" Dad shouted. "You don't know!" He shouted once again.

"So tell me, Dad! I need to know!" I shouted as tears welled up in my eyes and blurring my view. Deep inside, a part of me broke.

"Why, Selena!?" Dad shouted back. "I did all this to protect you!"

"From what?" This conversation might end up with me knowing nothing.

"I can't tell you. It's not the time yet!"

"Okay. Fine, Dad." I said. "But you should know that it really hurts, when that one and only person you cared about hid things from you!"

"I don't want you to get hurt. You have to understand!"

I was about to talk back but suddenly a stabbing pain shot through me, spreading from my scarred arm to all parts of my body. I felt dizzy in that moment, and almost collapsed the next second.

"Selena! Are you okay?" Dad panicked, carrying me in his arms and put me on the sofa. The pain was too much. I started to lose my sight and breath. My lungs hurt like hell. I kicked and shouted eventhough it came out like a moan. Please, Dad. Please. Do something. I sobbed in my mind.