❤️THE SPACE IN BETWEEN❤️
?Age is just a number?
✍️Written By Precious Pinky✍️
?Chapter Twenty-One (21)?
#NOT EDITED.
Theme: Truth (All in one night)
*We need to talk, Malby. Now.*
~Few Hours Ago~
?Tricky’s Pov?
I put off the car ignition and stared straight at the building in front of me.
It wasn’t just a building but a mansion. A huge mansion.
Guards stood at the entrance of the gate.
The house was made of gla-ss. Truth be told, the house is beautiful.
My house is nothing compared to this mansion in front of me.
How can that bi-tch life be better than mine?
Why does she have to be the damn princess while I’m…I’m.. what am I?
The more I think about it, the angry I become…why? Well, because it’s quite obvious that I’m nothing compared to her.
She will always be above me. She will always be the one to get everything while I will stand behind and watch her but…
But, that’s going to change.
Things are going to go according to my rule. My calculation. My imagination.
Xander and Malby’s love story will be over by the time I walk out of that building.
A smirk appeared on my face.
I just hope everything goes according as plan.
I grabbed my phone and got out of my car, slamming the door shut behind me.
I straightened my dress and took in a de-ep breath before making my way towards the guards standing in front of the gate.
“Hey.” I waved with a smile on my face.
Hey, don’t give me that look… i have to have that good girl’s vibe.
They both whipped their heads to my direction, their faces were scrunched up in confusion.
I get it. I’m just a high school girl and what would a high school girl be doing in the almighty Malcolm’s mansion?
They might think I’m here to fangirl for him. They should think again.
Yeah, I have a huge crush on Malcolm. Like seriously, who doesn’t??.
He is so cute and he doesn’t look like one who has given birth to a girl as big as Malby.
And I also loooove his music.
Damn, that guy is so perfect.
But I should push my crush for him aside because right now I’m here to destroy his daughter’s happiness.
“What are you doing here, young girl?” One of the guard asked, still having that same questioning look.
“Um… I’m here to see Mrs Arthur.” I replied.
They look more confuse right now.
“Why are you here to see her? Do you have any appointment with her?” The other asked. His face were as ha-rd as a stone.
He wasn’t smiling neither was her frowning. He just have those expressionless face. Honestly, he looks like a goon.
“Not exactly but you can still put it that way.” I said, calmly.
“Is she expecting you over?” The first guard, whose face wasn’t as ha-rd as the other one asked.
I shook my head ‘no.’
“Then I’m sorry you can’t see her.” He said.
No, no, no,
They are going to ruin my plans.
I have to see Mrs Arthur right now.
I have to tell her what’s going on between Malby and Xander.
And I have to do it now.
But I can’t if this people don’t let me in.
what do I do?
I need to think of something…I have to think of something.
Think, Tricky.
Think.
Wait, Tricky… Trick…Yes! I know what to do, I have to trick them into getting my way in.
I stare down at my phone and suddenly an idea pop into my head.
“Hello?” I said, bringing my phone to my ear. “Oh, yeah. I’m at your house but your guards wouldn’t let me in and I can’t seem to find your mom anywhere…Huh? I should what?” I was giving them side glances as I pretend to be on the phone with that bi-tch . “You need to…”
“Wait!” The first guard said, cutting me off. I turned to look at them, giving them an innocent look. “Is Miss Malby aware if your visit?”
“I will talk to you later, Malby.” I pretend to hang up and dropped my phone back into my pocket. I shrugged. “She was practically the one who sent me here to her mother.”
“Oh. You should have told us that earlier.” He sighed. “Follow me.”
Finally!
I walked in alongside him. The other guard with the expressionless face was giving me the look of doubt.
Well, fu-ck him and that look.
I smirked as I trailed behind the first guard that’s currently leading me into the mansion.
My plan will soon be falling into place and i owe this guard for that.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Dan.” He replied, not sparing me a glance as he continued walking down the pathway.
Dan…thank you, Dan.
We got into the house and damn, it was beautiful.
I’ve only seen this kind of houses in movies and I’ve never been into one until now.
If mom had gotten married to Malcolm then this life would have been mine.
Wait, you think I didn’t know about my mom story?
Well, think again because I know everything that happened in their past life.
How Malby’s mother stole Malcolm from mom.
Malby is just like her mother…, they were heartbreakers who gets in the way of other people relationship!
But my story won’t end up like mom’s. I’m going to change the whole story and everything will go according to how I’d imagined it.
We walked towards an elevator, Dan punched a bu-tton and waited for the door to open. The door opened and we both walked in.
He pressed the fourth floor and slowly the door closes, riding us up to our destination.
Indeed, Malby lives the life of a princess.
The elevator dinged which only meant we’ve gotten to our destination.
Dan walked out while I followed him from behind.
“Wait here.” He Instructed and I did as I was told while he walked into a room. After a while, he returned with a young girl, she wasn’t very young but she still was.
She smiled at me and I smiled back.
Not like the smile was from my heart.
“I will take it from here, Dan.” She said to him, he nodded his head before walking back into the elevator. I’m Juliana, Miss Malby a-ssistant and you are?”
“Tricky.” She scrunched up her face. I know, I know, the name is quite unusual.
I mean, who the fu-ck answers a name like that?
Well, I do! So su-ck it up, bi-tch es!
“It’s a unique name.”
“I know right.”
“Yeah.” She started walking down a hallway while I trailed her from behind.
So we haven’t gotten to Mrs Arthur? What the…? My legs are aching already!
“I didn’t know Miss Malby has so much friends. She’s either with Mona, Greta or her best friend, Xander. But I’ve never seen you around.”
Hey girl, does it look like I want to have this stupid conversation with you?
Why can’t you just shut up and lead me to Mrs Arthur in peace and stop this stupid rant of yours!
“I’m always busy with school activity.” I chuckled.
How long do I have to pretend to be interested in this boring conversation with a fu-cking maid?
“Oh. Why are you here to see Mrs Arthur.. I mean, why did Miss Malby send you to her because she just left nit quite long.”
Arrrrgh! i feel like shredding this thing to pieces.
What’s her problem? Can’t she mind her own damn business?
what I’m here for, what does it have to do with her?
Or do I have to remind her of her place and ask her to mind her fu-cking business and lead me to Mrs Arthur in peace?
I clenched my fist as I took in some few breaths.
I need to be calm.
“Maybe she forgot to tell her. I was even busy when I saw her call but I couldn’t refuse a friend request, you know? And please when are we going to get to Mrs Arthur?”
“Soon. Ah, here we are.” A pushed a double glas-sdoor open and we both walked in.
Holy fu-cking shit!
Who said heaven wasn’t real?
Because it felt like I was in one right now.
The cushion, sofa and chairs were white and gold in color. The center table was made of gold, I’m sure of it.
The walls were painted in white color. The plasma TV is damn large and it was in a cartoon channel. Sofia the first.
The chandelier looks fu-cking expensive, it was nothing compared to mine.
The staircase that must lead to the rooms was in gold color.
I would have go on and on if Mrs Arthur didn’t walk in.
I’ve never seen her in person before until now.
She looks so much like Malby especially with the brown hair.
Mrs Arthur smiled at me while she politely dismissed the maid, Juliana and offered me a seat.
She looks very nice but damn that niceness.
She stole this life from my mother!
She stole the life that was meant for me.
I smiled.
“You are…?”
“Tricky, Mrs Arthur.” I said, still smiling.
She nods her head, “Tricky… that’s a rare name just like Malby. Anyway, I’m Ruby not Mrs Arthur… I’m not that old.” Just then, another maid walked in and placed a cup of te a in front of Mrs Arthur before handing me mine.
I thanked her as I collected it.
“You said Malby sent you to me, right?” I nod my head ‘yes.’ “What for?”
I sipped at my tea then dropped the cup on the table. “Actually. I lied.”
“What?”
“It was the only way I could get in. I’m sorry.”
“So, why are you here then? Yo get my husband’s autograph?”
“Of course not.” But that wouldn’t be a bad idea either. “I’m here to tell you about your daughter’s secret.”
Ruby raised a questioning brow at me. “My daughter’s secret? What secret are you talking about exactly?” She folds her arms over her ch-est.
“It’s about her and Xander.” That must have gotten her attention because she unfolded her arms and leaned further towards me, giving me the, go-ahead look. so I did just that. “Did Malby tell you about dating Xander?”
~FLASHBACK~
“Xander, we need to talk.”
“We have nothing to talking about, Tricky, don’t you get it?” He started walking away again.
“Well, you don’t but I do. And will you stop walking out on me?”
He stopped walking and slowly turned to me, I stood still watching his next move. “Stay the fu-ck away from me. Don’t make me repeat myself again.” He was shooting daggers at me.
“Is all this because of Malby? Do you hate me that much because of her?”
“What make you think that I hate you?” He asked. I didn’t say anything. “Or is your conscience pricking on you?” He tilted his head to the side.
“And why will my conscience prick on me?”
“You don’t know?” He questioned, a hint of amusement was in his voice. “What goes on in that mind of yours is never up to good… it’s enough for your conscience to always pick on you.” He said before storming out of the gym room.
I clenched my fist as I boiled in anger. How dare him say those things to me?
Why does everyone always support Malby?
Why does everyone see me as the bad person?
Why do i have to always been seen as the mean one?
It’s all because of Malby. She’s the cause of all this!
I walked out of the gym room and went to the bathroom, entering one of the cubicle to urinate and just when I was about to come out, i heard voices.
The voices I heard wasn’t what caught my attention but the conversation they were having was what caught my attention.
“Are you really leaving after this term?”
“I have to. I can’t remain here. Malby and Xander are both happy which means there is absolutely no chance for me again,” There was a long pause. “I’m happy for them.”
“Are you? Are you really happy for them, Mona?”
I could hear sobbing from one of the girls. “Honestly…” sobs “… I’m…” Sobs. “I’m hurt. I love Xander so much. I wanted to be his girlfriend,” sobs. “That way I would have been more happy but what can I do when the person he loves happens to be my best friend…” sobs. “I can’t be happy if I’m still here, around them. I want to be happy, Greta. I want to let go…” Sobs. “but it’s so difficult.”
“Come here,” There was a shuffling sound which shows that the Mona of a girl have moved closer to the Greta of a girl. “It’s fine. You can get transferred, it’s fine with me but always know that you will forever be my friend.”
“How about Malby? Will she be okay?”
“I’m sure she will be. I guess she feels guilty. You both just need to talk and clear things out.”
There was a moment of silence that I even thought maybe they’ve gone but the Mona of a girl spoke up again.
“But I’m worried about them.”
“Why?”
“Malby’s mom might not be in support of their relationship…what if she gets to find out and things become messy for them. Don’t you think I need to be here for her during that time?”
“Even with your heart broken, you are still worried about Malby.”
“She’s my best friend, Greta.”
“I know. But don’t worry if you aren’t here when things gets tough for them…i will make sure I stand by Malby and i will also give you a phone call. Okay?”
“Thanks.”
“Now stop crying and let’s go eat sandwich.”
The Mona of a girl chuckles, “Aren’t you scared that Matt_” The door to the bathroom was shut close after them. They’ve left the bathroom.
I got out of the cubicle with a smirk on my face.
This was the weakness Manuel was talking about.
Malby’s mom is the miracle we need to out an end to that stupid relationship.
Good thing I was here when they spoke about their problems.
Now I have to make good use of this information.
~END OF FLASHBACK~
“What?” Ruby choked out.
“Oh. I guess not. But why will a daughter keep such a wonderful news from her own mother?”
“No. You must be getting it all wrong. Malby and Xander are just best friends and there is absolutely nothing going on between them. What even make you think they are dating?”
“Well, because they are.” I smiled. “Everyone at school knows about their relationship. I thought you knew but seems I was wrong.”
Ruby face turned red in anger. She must really hate the idea of her daughter and Xander dating.
This is what I’ve been waiting for.
My plans were falling into place.
Malby will be so shattered when she gets to know that her mom have already found out about her relationship with Xander.
“Do you have any proof on what you are saying?”
I shrugged. “I don’t need to have any proof. Just ask your daughter when she gets back.” I stood up to my feet. “I should getting going now.”
Just when I turned to leave she asked something that put a stop to my movement.
“Why did you come in here just to tell me this? I thought Malby is your friend.”
“She is. But isn’t this what a concern friend will do, Mrs…I mean, Ruby?”
She didn’t say anything but only nodded her head in agreement.
“Thanks for telling me this, anyway.” She said under her breath still trying to process what I had just said in her head.
“Ah, and also, Did Malby tell you about how much she hates going to cla-ss. She’s always sleeping in cla-ss. I guess she doesn’t want to be a lawyer but rather a musician.” I said, pretending to be thinking aloud and stare at Ruby and damn, I could see the smoke radiating from her head and ear because of how angry she was. “Shit, did I say that out loud? please forget what I’d just said.” I smiled. “I should getting going now.” With that, I walked out.
Good luck with your mother, Malby.
I finally got out of the mansion after missing my way for like three times.
Damn this huge mansion.
I smiled at Dan then scowled at the other annoying guard before hopping into my car. I was going to press the drive bu-tton when a car drove past mine and parked right in front of the building.
I decked my head behind the steering wheel so I wouldn’t be seen.
Malby git out of the car, then opened the backseat, a hairy white dog that look like a wolf came out of the car.
She was looking so tired and stressed out.
Manuel got out of the car as well, he turned around to meet up with Malby.
They both waved before Malby and the white dog walked into the compound, leaving Manuel who stood still and watched after them.
I tightened my grip around the steering wheel as I watched Manuel.
Why was he still staring at her?
What is so damn special about that bi-tch ?
First it was Xander and now it’s Manuel, why is she the lucky one when it comes to love?
Wait, love?
I don’t have any kinda feelings for Xander. Although I’ve always wanted to hang out with him because of his popularity and his bad boy vibe.
And as for Manuel….
I don’t know.
But I really don’t feel good right now.
Ping!
The sound of my notification brou-ght me out of my trance, I stared down at it, it was a text from Manuel.
Partner: Let’s meet:-(
Me: Where?:-(
Partner: The cafe we met last time:-(
I dropped my phone on the empty seat beside me and look back up at Manuel, he was already in his car.
Suddenly he drove off.
I let out a de-ep sigh before starting my car and drove off as well.
??????????
~Present Time~
?Malby’s Pov?
“I’m home!” I said as i walked into the living room alongside Darla.
Darla yawned tiredly as she left my side and went to sit down on her favorite spot.
I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a glas-sof cold water then gulped it down in one sip. Just when I was about to step out of the kitchen, mom came to stand in front of me, glaring.
“Hey mom.” I said smiling.
“We need to talk, Malby.” She said in her motherly tone and oh boy, do I hate that tone because it only means one thing… trouble. “Now.” I added, more sternly.
Something was wrong.
I could feel it.
“Is everything okay, mom?” I asked, concern, written all over my face.
“Do you have anything to talk to me about?” She asked, ignoring my question.
“What?”
“Better don’t try to pretend like you have nothing to hide, Malby. I will ask you again, do you have anything to tell me?”
What’s going on?
What is mom talking about?
She’s really scaring the shit out of me right now.
Did something happen?
Did she hear any mean thing concerning me?
What the fu-ck is going on!?
“Mom, I still don’t get. Can you at least give me a clue?”
She nods. “Fine. I will give you a clue… Relationship and studies!” she literally yelled.
Silence.
Silence.
Silence.
Relationship….and Studies….Is that clue suppose to help me understand because i still don’t understand what’s going on.
“Mom…”
“WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH XANDER!?” She yelled in anger now.
My relationship with Xander…Holy fu-cking shit!
Mom knows about Xander and I…mom knows about our relationship but how… how the hell is that possible?
Who might have told her?
Hell, what’s going on now?
“He… he’s just my best friend.” I lied. Well, I didn’t practically lied because Xander was still my best friend even though he’s my boyfriend now.
“Oh don’t tell me that shit, Malby. Do you think it will remain a secret forever? Huh? And why the hell do you sleep in cla-ss?”
How did mom know about this?
Who told her all this things?
No one knows the fact that mom wouldn’t be in support of Xander and I aside from Me, Xander and Mona…and Manuel who I technically told earlier today.
So who else knows about it?
Who?
“Wait a minute, do you still intend to go into music?”
“I love music.” I mumbled under my breath.
“Didn’t I tell you that I will never accept any musician in this home.”
“Well, dad’s a musician.”
I can’t believe I just said that.
“What did you just say, young lady?”
I’ve had enough of all this. I’m tired of mom always interfering in my life and business! I’m tired of her always telling me what and what not to do. I’m tired of trying to be the perfect daughter even at the expense of my own happiness. I’m just tired and it’s better I let her know now or I will forever be sad.
“Dad is a musician so why do you hate the idea of me becoming one also?” I asked.
“Because I don’t want any musician in this house. We can’t seem to do anything without the press getting involve. Our life is like an open page to the whole world. When last did your father and i went in a date? Huh?” I didn’t say anything. “And besides, I won’t let you experience what I experienced while dating your father. I won’t _”
“I knew this is what all this is about. Mom, what happened between you, dad and his fans is all in the past. My life is different from yours. You don’t expect me_”
“SHUT UP!” She yelled, calling the attention of some maids. They all stood behind as they watched us.
Mom and i have never fought like this so it was quite a surprise to them…and to me.
“You are my daughter and whatever i ask you do, you do it!”
“Yes, you are my mother and I’m your daughter…but that doesn’t give you the damn right to detect what goes on in my life!” I yelled as well.
Darla appeared and stood beside me. We must have woken her up from sleep.
Mom was taken aback by my outburst. She was so surprise…hell, I was surprise as well. I’ve never stood up against mother before. I’ve always done everything according to how she wants it.
But it has to stop. It needs to stop.
“Did you just speak back at me?” I didn’t say anything. *It’s quite obvious, woman.* I was going to say that but refrain from doing so. “Listen, end whatever relationship you have with Xander and concentrate on your studies.”
“I’m not going to break up with Xander.” I said.
“What did you just say?”
“I’m not going to break up with Xander. I love him, mother.” I said. I was almost at the verge of crying.
This was what I’ve been afraid of. This have been my biggest fear.
“Love? What do you know about love?”
“Love hurts. Love heals. Love breaks. Love repairs. Love makes one sad. Love makes one happy. Love is just a complicated feelings. And it’s meant for everyone. Including me.” I replied.
Damn, how did i know all of that?
Mom didn’t say anything for a while. She just kept clenching and unclenching her fist as she glared at me.
If looks could kill then I would have been six feet below right now.
“Xander is four years older than you, do you realize the huge space between you both?”
“Age is just a number.” I muttered.
Yeah, he’s four years older than me and it was one of the reason why I tried keeping my feelings away but to hell with that.
I can’t keep denying myself love. I can’t keep denying myself that happiness.
“Well, not to my belief. I won’t let you and Xander be together. I’m not in support of this relationship!”
“Isn’t dad two years older than you, mom?”
“Two years is a minor gap, Malby. Why can’t you just_”
“What’s going on here?” That was dad’s voice.
He appeared in the doorway, beside mom. He stared in between mom and I then turned around to look at the maids that were staring at us.
He motioned for them to leave and they did just that and then his gaze returned to Mom and I.
“What’s going on here?” He asked again.
“Ask your daughter.” Mom said. “Help me tell her that there is no chemistry between her and Xander.”
“Dad, help me tell mom that I’m in love with Xander and there’s nothing anyone will do to keep us apart.”
“Help me tell her that Xander is four years older than her and there is no way I will let her be with him.”
“Help me tell mom that age is just a number and doesn’t matter.”
“Help me tell your daughter that lawyer is one of the best career and I won’t let her ruin her chances by going into music.”
“Help me tell your wife that I don’t want to be a lawyer but a musician.”
“Help me_”
“Enough you two!” Dad cuts in. “I don’t understand what you guys are even saying. Wait, you are dating Xander?” I nod my head ‘yes.’ “How come? For how long? And why are you just telling me now?”
I turned to look at him. “Are you also not in support?” I questioned.
“Malby, you are my daughter and your happiness is my happiness. If Xander is who your heart beats for then I’m absolutely fine with it.”
“Wait. what?” Mom glares at dad now. “Never. I won’t let it happen. Malby is going to study law and she’s also going to break up with Xander and that’s final.” With that, she stormed out of the kitchen.
The tears I’ve been holding, sli-p out and ran down to my cheek.
My heart aches.
My ch-est felt heavy.
I couldn’t breath.
This has been my fear all this time.
I collapsed on the cold tiles, crying. Dad quickly to my side and pulled me into his arms, patting my back gently.
But that did nothing to ease my pain.
“I will talk to her.” He said.
“Why? Why is mom always against my decision? Why does mom hates to see me happy?” I asked.
“She doesn’t hate it. She just want the best for you. She loves you.”
I shook my head in disagreement. “If she does then she will be in support of my decision. She would have been happy for me. That’s what a mother who loves her child will do.” I pulled out of the embrace. “I hate her.” With that, I got up to my feet and ran upstairs, disappearing into my room.
??????????
?Tricky’s Pov?
I walked into the cafe in search of a dark haired guy, wearing black and yeah, I found him at last.
I walked down to him and sat down opposite from him with a smirk on my face.
Manuel will be so happy if he gets to hear the news.
He will be damn happy.
At last our plans are falling throu-gh. I can’t even stop smiling.
Malby is going to be so shattered. She will lose the love of her life. I might not get to be with Xander, (not like I care) but i still won.
Seeing Malby hurt makes me a winner.
“Don’t do it.” Manuel suddenly said, bringing me out of my trance. I stared at him, confused. “Don’t do anything that will hurt Malby.” He warns.
“What?” I was confused. what’s going on? I thought he was in this with me. I thought he wanted to separate Malby from Xander. So why the sudden change?
“I don’t want to see her get hurt. She loves Xander and the least I can do for her is to support her decision and happiness.”
“Even at the expense of your happiness?”
“My happiness doesn’t matter. Malby is happy and that’s enough and if you truly love Xander then you will also want him to be happy.”
Well, that’s the thing. I don’t love Xander and I don’t care if he’s happy or not!
“…unless you don’t love Xander.” He added.
I shrugged. “Well, you guessed right because I don’t have any kind of feelings for Xander. Yeah, I’ve always wanted to date him but that’s because of his popularity and nothing else. What? Love? That word su-ck because if love really does exist then mom and dad wouldn’t have gotten divorce. If love was real then mom would have been happy!”
I’ve come to realize something…I didn’t hate Malby, I was rather jealous of her and her family.
I was jealous of Malby.
I clenched my fist that was on my lap.
“There is no different between us then.” Manuel said.
“what?”
He sighed. “Mom left when i was just Eight years. Dad always beat her up. She couldn’t take it anymore so she left. She left me with that monster. I hated her for doing that but yet. I still want to see her and listen to her excuse. I want to forgive her even though she hasn’t ask for my forgiveness.
Dad hates me. He always treat me like I was some kind of curse to him. I had no friends. No one loved me. No one cared for me. I grew up that way until I met… Malby.
She’s the first friend I’ve ever had. She treated me so differently. She did new things with me. She was different from the rest of them. She made me happy after all this years. She gave me a purpose to live.” He shut his eyes close and took in a de-ep breath.
Wait. Recap.
*Dad hates…* No, not that part but the last sentence he made. *She gave me a purpose to live.*
What does that even mean?
How did she give him a purpose to live?
“How…how did she give you a purpose to live?” I voiced out my thought and confusion.
“It’s personal.” That was his reply. I was so curious but i didn’t push it. “The least I can do for her is to make her happy and if Xander is her happiness then it’s fine by me.” He paused. “You might not have feelings for Xander but I have feelings for Malby and i don’t want her to get hurt. Especially not because of me.”
***
?Manuel’s Pov?
I don’t know why I told Tricky about my life but it felt like the right thing to do at that moment.
I know how it feels like not to receive love from those people you love.
It was a pity she has to live her life without a father and it was also a pity that I have to live my life without a mother.
We were both riding the same boat with two different captains.
Tricky ran her we-t tongue on over her dried li-ps, letting out a de-ep sigh.
“It’s too late,” She began. “I’ve told Malby’s mom about their relationship.”
Wait, what?
No, no, no.
That can’t be. Malby’s mom won’t be in support of their relationship.
But how did Tricky knows that Malby’s mom won’t be in support? I can’t remember telling her that.
As if reading my mind, she said. “I overheard Mona and Greta talking about it. And I don’t regret telling Ruby about her child’s boyfriend.”
“How could you?”
“How could I not?” She retorted, feeling no remorse or whatsoever. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for a time like this to come? Do you know how much I hate to see Malby happy? She can’t always be the one with the happy life. She can’t always_”
“You never loved Xander. You’ve only just been jealous of Malby. You wanted to have her kind of life.” That wasn’t a question but a statement.
Oh God.
What have I gotten myself into? Why did I choose to work with this bi-tch ?
“Now you know. And you better don’t try to act like a saint here because you and I were in this together. Besides you were the one who gave me this wonderful idea and I should also be thankful to you for giving me the idea.” She smirked.
She was right.
I brou-ght out that idea.
I gave her the plan.
I hurt Malby.
I’ve betrayed her.
She’s going to hate me now. She’s going to hate me. Forever.
I hate myself as well.
Why did I choose to work with this bi-tch ?
Why did I get myself into this mess?
Oh no.
What have I done?
“Why…? I hate you.” Something flashed in Tricky’s eyes as soon as I said that but it was quickly replaced with anger. “I hate you so much. I never want to see you anywhere around me ever again.”
“Why do everyone see me as the bad person? Why do everyone always choose Malby over me?”
“Because she’s far more better than you! You want happiness? You want a happy home? Then be happy for other people. What? Why does everyone choose her over you? Who would want to choose a devil over an angel? Definitely not you. Malby will always be the one with the golden heart and happy life.” I stood up to my feet. “Stay away from me.”
She stood up to her feet as well, obstructing my way. People were giving is weird look but neither of s cared. “Is this how you want everything to end? Is this how you want it to end between us?”
“There was nothing between us in the first place.” I pushed her out of my way and stormed out of the cafe.
Suddenly my phone started ringing. I answered the call without even staring at the caller ID.
“Manuel,” Wait, that voice. I pulled the phone down to check the number, it was an unknown number. I pulled the phone over my ear once again.
“Who is this?”
“It’s me, Mani.”
There was only one person who calls me that. Only one person…
“Mother?”
??????????
?Narrator’s Pov?
Manuel walked into his house and he couldn’t believe what he was seeing now.
His mom, Mrs Ca-ssie and his dad were sitting down, talking.
Tessa was seated beside his father.
Manuel balled his fist as he took some slow step over to them.
Mrs Ca-ssie looks up to her house and let out an inaudible gasp, standing up to her feet.
She had called her son as soon as she came here. After all this years she’s finally ready to face her son.
She knows he would be mad at her or even worse, hate her. But she doesn’t blame him.
She hates herself as well.
She shouldn’t have left him. She should have been strong for him. She should have stood by his side. That’s what a good and responsible mother would have done.
She’s even ashamed of herself.
“What are you doing here?” Manuel asked, looking in between the three adults, in front of him.
“My child…” She tried reaching out to him but he pulled away, creating a huge space between them. Ca-ssie wasn’t surprise and won’t stop until she gets her son to forgive her.
“what are you doing here?” He asked again.
“I’m here to apolo..”
“I don’t need your apology!” Manuel yelled, cutting her off from whatever she was going to say which of course have the word ‘apology’ and he wasn’t ready to heat that word yet. He only just want to listen to her excuse for leaving him behind.
Ca-ssie flinched a little but got hold of herself again. “I shouldn’t have left…”
“But you did.” Tessa cuts in. Manuel’s dad gave her the don’t-interfere look.
“I was only scared. I was afraid of dying in the hands of your father.” Tessa scrunched up her face in confusion as she turns to look at Mr Smith who didn’t say anything and neither did he spare her a glance. “I was scared of turning him over to the police. I was scared.” She sobbed.
Manuel had suspected it. He knew his mother left for his father sake but he doesn’t want to believe his suspicion. He doesn’t want to believe his thought so he locked it up but those thoughts….those suspicion were right after all.
She left for his monster of a father sake!
How could she?
“You were scared of turning your husband over to the police…” Manuel repeated. His voice cracked at the end of the sentence. “… so you were mostly worried about him, weren’t you?”
She shakes her head ‘no.’ “I was worried about you. I didn’t want you to suffer. I didn’t want you to live your life without a father. I…”
“But you made me live my life without a fu-cking mother!” Manuel said. He was losing it.
He was losing his cool.
Yes, he had waited all this years for his mother’s explanation but right now, he wish he never waited.
He wish he forgot about her.
He wish he hates her.
Hw wish he doesn’t still love even with what she’s saying now.
And most importantly, he wish she was never his mother.
He thought he would forgive her if she ask for his forgiveness but he was so wrong.
In fact it would have been much more better if she never asked at all.
Manuel tightened his fist in anger. He needs her.
He needs her so badly.
He wish she was here to hold his hand and tell him that everything would be okay and that she will always be with him.
But she has her own problems already and that’s because of him!
He don’t deserve to be happy because what he’s best good at is, hurting people and causing them pain.
If his mother didn’t get pregnant then she wouldn’t have gotten married to his father and she would have lived her life well. And happy.
He was a mistake right from the start.
He should never have been born.
”Do you know how sad I was without you by my side? Did you know how I wished to just die and disappear from this damn world! Do you know how many times I attempted to end my miserable life!” He pushed up his sleeve and showed Ca-ssie the scars he had gotten from his constant self harm.
Ca-ssie gasped again, she couldn’t believe her eyes. She thought leaving would have been the best option for her son but she was so wrong. She hurt him instead.
She…
Ca-ssie sobbed har-der , as she kept staring at her son’s wrist.
She could feel the pain he felt while slitting his wrist.
She reached out to him and started trailing her fingertip over his injured wrist. The tears rolling down did not stop.
Manuel did not pull back. He did not push her away. He just stood there and watch her suffer for leaving him like that.
Hell, he wants her to suffer.
He wants her to feel his pain.
#10. i want to see mother one last time.
*Well, fu-ck that number.*
“Oh my God.” Ca-ssie mumbles in tears. “I’m so sorry, Mani. I’m so sorry. O shouldn’t have left. I caused all this. I caused you so much pain. I…”
“I told you to take him with you, didn’t i?” Mr Smith questioned, getting up to his feet as he joined the family drama.
“Is that what you are going to say? Your son is hurt and this is all you have to say?” Ca-ssie turned to look at her husband, ex. husband.
“My son.” He raises a questioning brow at her. “Is he really my son, Ca-ssie?” He asked.
“And what is that suppose to mean?”
“You think I didn’t know? You think i didn’t know that all those times i travel for my business trip, you are always busy fu-cking the driver!”
Ca-ssie eyes wide-ned and no, not in anger that her husband was accusing her but he surprise that he knew.
Manuel was damn surprise. He turns to look at his mother but she had her gaze on the ground instead.
“You aren’t even denying it.” Mr Smith said, shaking his head. “You see, that’s the very reason why I hate you.” He was talking to Manuel now. “We were happy without you until she decided to cheat with my driver and then give birth to a bastard!”
A tear sli-pped out of Manuel’s eyes as he looks at his mother, expecting her to defend herself and tell him that everything his father was saying were all lies but she wasn’t saying anything. She was rather feeling so ashamed. Of herself.
“He is lying, right?” Manuel decided to ask now. Ca-ssie didn’t say anything. “MOM!” He yelled this time around.
“STOP SAYING SORRY AND TELL ME THAT EVERYTHING HE JUST SAID ARE ALL LIES!”
She kept shaking her head. “I’m sorry.” She breaths out.
Manuel took some step back, away from his so called mother.
So he has been living with a man that wasn’t his father?
So he has hated a mam that wasn’t even his father?
“I’m sorry, Manuel but I never loved your father…”
“My father? You never loved my father? Are you not even confuse with what you’ve just said? No, are you not ashamed of yourself? How can you cheat on your own husband!?”
“I had no choice! He was never there for me. He was always busy with work and trips. He never had time for me!”
“So the best way to kill the boredom is by cheating on me?” Mr Smith questioned.
“Oh, please. Stop acting like a fu-cking saint. You think i don’t know that all of those your trips was to visit your mistresses.”
“Mistresses? I thought I was the only one.” Tessa says.
“Was that what he told you? Tsk, think again. This man is nothing but a man wh-ore!” Ca-ssie said at the top of her voice.
“You bi-tch !” Mr Smith tries to hit Ca-ssie but Manuel caught his hand, midway. “Let go!”
“I might hate her right now but don’t you dare touch her.” He warned, shooting daggers at his way.
#9. I want to defend myself against my father.
That should be crossed out but it seems awkward because this man standing in front of him wasn’t his father after all.
“I need to be alone.” Manuel let go of his father’s hand and walked out of the house, ignoring his mother who kept calling him back.
??????????
?Tricky’s Pov?
Why does it hurt to hear him say those words?
*We were nothing to begin with. Stay away from me.*
I let out a loud scream as those words echoed in my fu-cking head.
I should have been happy.
I should be happy.
Malby was going to get hurt.
Malby was going to lose her chances of being with Xander.
I won.
Because it was clearly what I wanted from the beginning.
But it felt like I’ve lost.
It feels like I was the one who lost to Malby. Again.
“Baby, are you okay?” Mom asked, barging into my room.
I was sitting on the floor with my back leaning against the wall.
I was hugging my knees, my legs were in between.
“Baby.” Mom called out again, sitting down beside me. “Oh my God. You are crying. What happened to you, sweetie?”
i didn’t say anything but just kept on crying.
It felt like I’ve been dumped. Dumped by Manuel. And he wasn’t even my boyfriend to begin with.
Wait, does this mean….?
Shoot! I think I like Manuel.
But how is that even possible?
I never took notice of him in school. Okay, maybe I did but i never saw him as someone cute or someone I will like to date…Xander I’ve been the only one I noticed.
Mom wrapped her arms around my slender shoulder and pulled me up against her body. We were hugging sideways now.
I rested my head on her shoulder and kept on crying.
“Calm down, sweetie. mom is here with you.” She breath into my hair.
I couldn’t hold it any longer. I need to let the pain out and by doing so, I need to talk to someone.
So with that in mind, I told mom everything.
Yeah, everything….
From hating Malby….
To trying to ruin her…
To wanting Xander….
To proposing a deal with Manuel on breaking Malby and Xander off…
To coming up with a plan….
To telling Ruby about Malby’s relationship…
To Manuel cutting things off with me….
And most importantly, to me having feelings for Manuel…
It’s official, my life is all about dramas.
“You met Ruby?” Mom asked in disbelief. Wait, was that the only thing she got from All I’ve just said? I nodded my head ‘yes.’ “Did she recognize you as my daughter?”
“I guess not. But mom that isn’t the problem now. I like Manuel and it seems like he doesn’t like me back.” I pulled away from mom, breaking the embrace.
“And what do you intend to do now, sweetie?”
“I don’t know.”
She stood up to her feet and walked over to sit at the edge of my bed. “Seems like history repeated itself after all.” I wasn’t suppose to hear that but still did. “I was once like you, Tricky. I wanted something that wasn’t mine to begin with…” I know where this is heading. It have something to do with her, Ruby and Malcolm. Her past. Her failed love. “But do you know what differentiate us?” She looks over to me. I didn’t say anything. “There are two guys involve in your case but mine, it was just one guy. Malcolm.”
I processed what she had just said and damn, she was right.
“But you were ignorant of the other guy involve and wanted the one that isn’t meant for you…” She paused as if thinking about something. “…I was so stupid to not have realized that love isn’t forced but earned. We can’t force our heart to love someone, our heart chooses the true one.” She smiled. “Your great grandma once asked me…‘why do you love Malcolm? Why did you do those mean things to that girl just because of a man?’ And do you know my reply…” I slowly shook my head. “ ‘He is rich and popular, grams. What’s there not to love?’ I only loved Malcolm because of what he possesses. Because of his popularity.” She motioned me to come over to her and I did just that. I was sitting by her side now. “Now I’m asking you,” She reach out to my hand and held it in between hers. “Why do you want Xander?”
I remained silent. The answer was at the tip of my tongue but I’m so embarra-ssed to let it out. “Because of his popularity at school and his cute face…” My voice trailed off.
“Now why does it feel like you like Manuel? Or is he popular at school as well?”
I shook my head. “He Isn’t.”
“So why do you like him?”
“Because… because… I don’t know.” And that was the truth. I don’t.
She sque-ezed my hand softly. “Now that’s the right answer. Your body wants Xander but your heart wants Manuel. You might see nothing in him but your heart does. And making your heart happy is the most important it when it comes to love.” She didn’t say anything for a while. Neither of us did. It was silent until mom spoke up again. “If you like Manuel then why else did you break Xander and Malby off?”
“I was jealous of her.” I mumbled under my breath.
“Were you? Or you just wanted the guy that she loves, be with you so she can be shattered. You never hated Malby but the person you hated was Ruby, her mother. You want her to watch her daughter be in pain like I was, wasn’t that your plan?” She was right. I didn’t even realize it but Mom figured it out.
If mom had ended up with Malcolm then she wouldn’t have met a jerk like dad who left us behind after cheating on her! That di-ck!
I hate him.
He hurt mom. He hurt me. And he cares less!
“After breaking them up, what was your gain? Because to me, you gained nothing but rather lost something.” I clenched my fist as another fresh tears dropped down. “Give up on trying to hurt Malby and apologize to her, who knows, maybe that’s the only way you will gain happiness again.” She sighed. “And most importantly, I don’t regret meeting your father,” I stare at her in surprise. She doesn’t? She smiled, twirling my hair between her fingers. “because if I hadn’t met him then I wouldn’t have given birth to a princess like you. You are my greatest happiness and achievement ever. And I love you so much, my darling.”
I couldn’t stop myself as I began crying again. “Mom!” I called out in between sobs.
“Shhh.” She pulled me into her arms again and stroke my back gently.
I’ve been fighting in vain all this time. Mom is right, I need to correct things.
“I’m so stupid.” I pushed Manuel away all because of my selfishness.
“You are not, darling. You are just ignorant and being ignorant Isn’t a crime.” She rea-ssured me.
****
?Narrator’s Pov?
“Dad…” Mr Dantes walked into the room with a smile on his face, before sitting down on the bed in between his daughter and granddaughter.
He wrapped them in his arms, still smiling.
It’s quite obvious he heard all of their conversations.
“I’m so proud of you, dear.” He whispered into Kara’s hair.
Kara li-ps broke into a smile, she wrapped her arms around her father’s wai-st, sniffing his cologne.
It felt like they’ve gone back to the past when; The spoilt brat who wanted everything in the world and her dad, the man willing to give his daughter the world.
Yeah, she hated Ruby but maybe it wasn’t a feeling of hate after all. Maybe it’s because she felt guilty for all she has done to them.
She doesn’t want her daughter to continue from where she stopped. She want her daughter to start her life afresh and be happy.
She meant what she said about not regretting meeting Tricky’s father because if she hadn’t, she won’t have a beautiful daughter like Tricky.
She doesn’t and will never regret giving birth to her.
Tricky smiled as she rested her head on her grandfather’s shoulder.
She shouldn’t be jealous of Malby’s life or family.
Because clearly, her family were one of the best in the whole universe.
Someone out there must also feel jealous about her family. Who knows?.
“I’ve learnt my lessons.” Kara mumbled under her breath.
“And so have I.” Says Tricky.
??????????
?Malby’s Pov?
I heard footsteps from behind me..I quickly turned around and came face to face with Manuel.
What was he doing here?
We were currently at the cliff where Manuel had brou-ght us to. It’s been a while since we last came here.
I can never forget the promise I made to Manuel right here.
“Hey.” He smiled, sitting down beside me. “what are you doing here?”
“To drown in my misery.” I replied, picking up the bottle of whiskey I had brou-ght for this trip. I took another gulp. I’ve been drinking since I’ve got here. This was my second bottle.
I brou-ght three for this trip.
“Mind if you share?” He questioned. I raised a brow at him. He laughs. “Or doesn’t friends share drinks.”
“Still haven’t forgotten that word?” I handed the whiskey where I was drinking from to him. He smiled before chugging down some liquid. He shivered at the sensation.
“I never will. It’s stuck in my head. Forever.” He smiled.
I collected the bottle from him and took another gulp. “Ahh. It burns.”
He laughs. “It sure does.”
It was silent as we both took turns in drinking the whiskey.
I was already feeling tipsy. Or rather drunk. Or sleepy? Or…okay, whatever.
My face were flushed as I hug-ged my knees and look up at the sky.
“Mom found out about Xander and I today.” Hey, don’t give me that look. I’m not the talkative type so blame the whiskey. Manuel didn’t say anything. He wasn’t even surprise.
Weird.
“She also found out about my lack of interest in studying law.” I sighed. “She asked me to break things off with Xander and concentrate on becoming a lawyer so I lost it and poured out my feelings to her. We got into a big fight and…truth be told, it feels like I’ve lost the battle.” Instead of crying, I started laughing.
Now this is one of the reasons why I like alcohol.
I kept laughing. I was in pain.
I was shattered.
I was broken.
I was angry.
And I felt like…
“Hashtag ten is ticked out.” I heard Manuel say.
Wait, hashtag ten?
#10. I want to meet mom one last time.
Oh.
He met his mom.
“But honestly, I don’t think I forgive her. I hate her for leaving. I hate her for everything. I was the problem from the very beginning, Malby. If mom didn’t cheat then I wouldn’t have been born and both of them would have been happy now.”
Wait! Cheat!?
His mother cheated on his father?
“Dad also cheated on her. They’ve both been playing each other. He isn’t even my dad, Malby. I’ve hated the wrong person. Dad…Mr Smith hated me because of my arrival. Seeing me only reminds him of his wife’s betrayal.”
He took the last sip of the whiskey and I quickly handed him the last bottle.
Hw smiled, collecting it and popped it open.
I watch him as he chug-ged down the liquid. He was in pain. We were both in pain.
“I’m sorry.” I said to him in a whisper.
“No, I should be the one saying the sorry. I hurt you. I caused you pain. I should have stopped her.”
I don’t even understand what he’s trying to say but I guess the alcohol was at work.
I snatched the bottle from him and chug-ged down some liquid. “You are drunk.” I reasoned out.
He smirked. “We both are.”
Suddenly, we both started laughing.
We laughed for a pretty long time until it slowly subsided.
“I can’t break up with Xander. I love him so much to let go.”
Manuel and I stare at each other for a while, before I knew it Manuel brou-ght out pen and scribbled something on a paper which I guess is the list.
“What did you write?”
“It’s a secret.” He winked.
I made a face at him but decided not to push for an answer.
I got up to my feet, taking off my shoes.
“What are you doing?”
“I want to get drown in my misery, Manuel.”
Wait, you think I was kidding when I said that earlier? Well, I wasn’t!
With that, I fell into the water. I stayed in the water for a longer while with my eyes shut.
I started seeing images of Xander in my head.
He was smiling.
I was smiling.
We were both happy.
We both don’t need anyone but each other.
I opened my eyes and slowly swum my way to the surface of the water, taking in as much oxygen as I needed.
I wasn’t going to kill myself. i was rather in search of an answer.
And I think I know exactly what to do.
I’ve got a plan.
*
*
*
#To Be Continued…