In a blink of an eye, a week has already passed. Leysie had gotten close to them. She spends most of her time with them and she would even sleep over. Like tonight.
“Aren’t you afraid of monsters?” Briana asked Leysie, trying to scare her because she doesn’t want to behave.
“I am not. Tita Vicky said that monsters aren’t real.” the child replied. Taylor looked at them before going up and was about to walk out of the room when she suddenly turned her head.
“Monsters are real, Leysie. And they look like real people.” she told her then walked out. Leysie looked at Briana.
“Is it real?” Leysie asked, finally scared. Briana nodded.
“How about the devil?”Leysie asked, who is now hugging Briana’s arms.
“It is also real. But it’s not like the usual one with horns and tails. It can be a woman, a beautiful woman because she’s a fallen angel, and is also used to be God’s favorite.” Briana explained. Leysie nodded, as if she really understood what Briana explained.
“Like Ate Taylor?” she asked, that shocked Briana.
“How did you say so?” Briana asked in amusement.
“It’s just that she looks so cold and her eyes. They’re blank.” the child answered.
“It is because Ate Taylor suffered too much in life. Society had turned her the way she was now. When you grow up, you’ll eventually understand what I’m saying.” Briana answered her.
“No. I kinda understand it now. Tita Vicky also tells me how cruel the society is. She always reminds me not to judge others by how they act towards me because I don't know what hardships that person has experienced.” Leysie answered and Briana couldn't help but smile. This child will surely be someone in the future, having this mindset at the age of seven.
“Your Tita Vicky will be so happy to hear that you are keeping her teachings in mind. Now , let’s sleep shall we? It’s getting pretty late.” Briana said and tucked Leysie inside the blanket and laid beside her.
The next morning, they all woke up to see Taylor preparing breakfast.
“Good morning Ate Taylor.” Leysie greeted her and hugged her from behind. The child is only up to her waist tall and she has to tiptoe to have a good hug on her so Taylor adjusted and lowered her knees a little.
“Good morning.” Taylor greeted back. “Sit there and I will serve the food soon.” she added and Leysie ran towards the seat she usually occupies.
“Good morning Ate Briana. Good morning, Ate Nathanya.” Leysie greeted the other two the moment they entered the kitchen.
“Good morning to you as well.” they both answered at the same time and Leysie chuckled. The two took their seats since the table had been set and they’re just waiting for the food.
“Is Nana Ester not around? Why are you the one who cooked?” Briana asked when Taylor finished serving the food and had taken her seat.
“She said Tita Vicky needs her green thumb for her garden. She dropped by this morning to cook quickly but I am already awake so I told her that I can handle it and she can proceed to her agenda for today.” Taylor answered.
“Did my aunt tell you if she’ll pick me up later?” Leysie asked. Taylor shook her head. Leysie let out an “aww” response and continued eating.
“You cook well too, Ate Taylor. Thank you for the food.” Leysie praised when she finished eating four bowls of rice.
“And you eat well for your age too. You are very welcome.” Taylor answered her, and for the first time, they saw her smile, a genuine one.
“Woah. You are more beautiful when you smile. Smile often from now on, Ate Taylor.” Leysie praised her that made her earlobes red. This kid surely knows how to flatter everyone. She acted like she didn't heard her and proceeded to clean the dishes they used.
“Ate Taylor, can I play with Ate Nathanya outside? I won’t let her get hurt. Promise.” Leysie asked Taylor after they cleaned the kitchen.
“It’s reversed my dear. She must not let you get hurt.” Briana told her and chuckled.
“No it’s right. She is more clumsy than I am. Yesterday, when she accompanied me for a walk, she tripped off and scratched her knees. I was not supposed to tell you this since I promised to keep it a secret but I guess you need to know since you’re here friends right?” Leysie told them. The two can’t believe what they just heard. Nathanya just came out of her room and Leysie immediately tugged her.
“Watch over your Ate Nathanya. Don’t let her trip off again.” Taylor called out that made Nathanya extremely shy.
“Did you tell them what happened yesterday?” Nathanya asked Leysie when they got out of the house.
“I have no choice. I’m sorry.” Leysie answered and made a cute gesture on her hands. Nathanya can’t argue anymore because of that gesture.
“It’s okay. No need to be sorry. Where shall we play today?” Nathanya asked, holding Leysie's hands. They were on their way to the nearby public garden when they saw Nana Ester running.
"Why are you running like that, Nana Ester?" Nathanya asked.
"Go back! Quick! They're looking for you! Come follow me!" Nana Ester exclaimed and tugged Nathanya, completely forgetting about Leysie. The child was left behind and decided to run to her aunt's house.
"Taylor! Briana! Get out. They have found you! Come and hide! Quick!" Nana Ester shouts while running to reach the house of Nathanya. The two heard the screams and immediately opened the door.
"Your enemies have found you here. Come after me. I'll hide you." Nana Ester said and led the way.
"Where are they?" Taylor asked.
"They're at Vicky's house. She told me to run here and hide the three.of you immediately. She had his Jade so you don't have to worry about her." Nana Ester informed them.
"Where's Leysie?" Briana asked after not seeing the child.
"Don't mind after her for now. That child knows where to go." Nana Ester replied, stopping
Briana who wants to go back and look for Leysie.
"Long time no see. Vicky." Demethry greeted Vicky. The latter didn't answered so a slap landed on her face.
"Don't hurt my aunt!" A child shouted out of nowhere.
"Oh. Look what we have here." Demethry said and looked at Leysie.
"What's your name sweetie?" He asked the child.
"And why shall I tell you?" Leysie answered back. Demethry was about to slap her when Vicky stopped him.
"Don't hurt your daughter!" Vicky shouted, stopping the slap that almost hit Leysie.
"My daughter? Is this…" Demethry asked.
"Yes! She is the child of my sister Victoria. She's your daughter, idiot!" Vicky shouted. Demethry looked at the child in front of him.
"So… she didn't aborted you?" He asked the child, as if it knew how to respond. He stood up and faced Vicky.
"Where is she?" He asked. Vicky smirked.
"She was killed. By your beloved Ashton Assuncion. She was looking for you that time! She wants you to know that she kept your child. But Ashton assaulted her! And killed her afterwards." Vicky answered him, tears rolling down her cheeks as she recalled the demise of her sister.
"That's not true!" Demethry exclaimed.
"Then don't believe me!" Vicky shouted back.
"I am taking my daughter with me." Demethry said and picked up Leysie.
"No you can't!" Vicky protested but she lost consciousness when a sudden surge of electricity flowed inside her.
"Let me go! I don't have a father like you! I hate you!" Leysie struggles to break free from him.
"Shhh. We're going to kill the person who killed your mom." He said and put her inside the van, driving back to the academy.