The sight of Angelo and mom holding hands is beautiful to see, especially since I am their daughter. They can be called a perfect couple of the year. Despite that, I know they can't be together in this lifetime, and it's a hard truth to swallow.
I walked Angelo out of the room with a heavy heart after Angelo had things settled with mom.
"Once again, thank you so much for doing all of this for mom and me."
"Angel, you've said that a thousand times. I only hope you don't abandon your studies while taking care of your mom. I'll make sure to send a private nurse tomorrow to help you."
"Yes, I'll keep that in mind. I'm doing my best to fulfill my academic activities while in module class and online class when we transfer to Singapore."
Angelo nods in response.
"I'll have to go then. Take care of your mom."
Before he could walk a few more steps away, I remember Maddox's confession.
"By the way, Maddox told me about the island vacation you arranged for us."
Angelo shifts on me; his eyes widen a bit.
"I'm sorry if I had to do it the way I did. It's the best way possible to have it done. I don't want you to get mad about me while I try my best to do my duty as a father."
"Thank you."
My words of gratitude appear to be a surprise to Angelo. His mouth falls open, he freezes to what he is about to say. He looks at me for a while, purses his lips into a thin smile, and then he expands the smile showing his pair of teeth.
"I should be thanking you, Angel, for letting me do this. You have no idea how happy I am to hear this from you."
I shrug my shoulders and purses my lips.
"It was fun; we had a great time together. We made unforgettable memories on the island."
"I think my job was done as I only want to make you happy. Maddox and her friends were a great help as well. Angel, you are surrounded by so much love; you are not alone."
Angelo was sweet but what he said reminds me of those days in grade school when I felt left out and alone for not having a father figure on my side. Kids my age used to bully me for not having a father. I curse myself for growing up without a father to care for me.
"Angel? Is there something wrong?"
I glance up to Angelo, a few inches close to me. I haven't noticed him walk back close to me while daydreaming of the past.
"No."
I step back, open the room's door, and refuse to turn back to Angelo. He must be confused, but it happens so fast that I don't know how to react instead of avoiding him. If I force myself to have a conversation with him, I might get angry again. Those bad memories would trigger more bad experiences while Angelo was not with us. And I don't want it to happen anymore.
I sit on the couch thinking about Angelo's puzzles face before leaving him in the hallway. It pains me to think he might be sad about how I reacted before leaving him. I rest my back on the cushion, eyes closed, thinking deeply about what is happening to me. Last week, I was the girl who loathed her biological father, and now I feel disappointed about myself for treating him poorly.
I'm not a bad daughter, am I? I ask myself in silence, keeping my eyes closed. Unable to answer my question, I open my eyes, and my sight lands on mom, sleeping on her bed.
"Thank God, she's sleeping," I muttered.
It's pretty unusual since she found it hard to get back to sleep the other nights. I let her sleep and dialed Maddox's number before going outside again.
The phone rings several times until it ends. I remember Maddox told me this afternoon that he won't be visiting as he had to write our assignment, a poem. Maddox mentioned that he's not good at it and that he wanted a private space to focus and finish what he had in mind.
I can only think of Maddox to talk about what happened today and forgot I can't disturb him tonight. He might have put his phone on silent mode. According to Samantha, Maddox has taken our lessons seriously, unlike what he has been doing for the past 2 years. I'm so proud of Maddox.
I dial Lea's number to have someone to talk to, and she's quick to answer like she always does.
"Good evening, Angel. How's my best friend?"
Lea's voice can make my mood better instantly; she's a blessing as my best friend.
I smile as she can see me.
"Striving Lea. Good evening to you too. What are you up to?"
"Nothing serious for now. Done my assignments for tonight; I'm chatting with Glenn. How about you?"
"Oh, I'm sorry to disturb you guys. I only wanted someone to talk to, so I called you since Maddox is also busy with our assignment. He told me he needs to focus on it first."
"No, girl, you know you are not disturbing us. Glenn knows the best friend comes first, so don't worry about him." Lea giggles on the other line like a child.
Oh, my best friend Lea, she's one of my favorite people next to mom and Maddox.
"Thank you, Lea. By the way, I have something important to tell you. It's about mom."
"Yes, how's aunt Athena? Is she getting well?"
"Well, she's not getting any better here. But Angelo arranged a trip to Singapore where mom will have her treatment with a team of doctors in Mount Elizabeth Hospital."
"Well, transferring your mom to Singapore is a great idea. I am praying for your mom's speedy recovery, Angel. And when are you guys leaving?"
"I have the same prayer Lea, and I am hoping for the best, especially on Singapore's treatment for mom's cancer. We will be leaving three days from now."
"Oh, that's fast. Have you told your rich friends about this? How about Maddox?"
"No, I haven't. Angelo confirmed this just now. I'll give them a call later."
"I see. By the way, it's good that you're able to handle your father's presence in the hospital."
I heave a sigh deciding whether to tell Lea about the things between Angelo and me as father and daughter.
"I hate to admit it, but he is the only person who can help us, especially with mom's condition. I swallowed my pride for mom's sake."
"Angel, everything is going to be alright, you'll see. You know I only want to see you happy," Lea said in concern.
"Thank you, Lea."
"And Angel, I'm sorry I haven't visited you since our island holiday. I'm too full of school projects, but I'll make sure to stop by to see you and aunt Athena before leaving for Singapore. I promise."
"Don't be. It's enough for me that I get to talk to you. Just be good in school."
Lea giggles on the other line.
"Oh, Angel, I'm trying. Anyway, let's not talk about me. Besty, what's the update with the bitches who've been bombarding you? Did they make something nasty again?"
"No, none yet. But Lea, I can't trust them. After all, they've done to me, trusting them wouldn't be easy. And besides, these people don't change instantly, just like what they did. I know they're planning something; I just can't tell when those bitches start implementing dirty tricks."
"Good, it's good to know you've learned your lessons. My blood boils seeing their faces as well. I can see devils dressing like an angel every time they approach us. And Angel, just to remind you. Keep your communication with Maddox strong, especially when you transfer to Singapore. We never know those bitches use it as their chance to start ruining your relationship with Maddox."
Lea has a point. My heart starts hammering in my chest, afraid of what might happen when I am not around. Cassandra began flirting with Maddox when she asked for a ride once.
I trust Maddox but not Cassandra and her minions.