NELINA
"What is it?" It was on time that mom came over, so near that I was caught off guard. I immediately shut the laptop and forced a fake smile on my face.

Before I could open my mouth. "I knew it," Mom interrupted my thoughts; she seemed to read my mind.

"Yes, mom?" I look at her in confusion.

"It's about your dad, isn't it? Are you looking at your dad's diagnosis from his doctor and physical therapists?" Mom inquired as she drew closer to me.

I nod in confirmation. "But it's not dad's diagnosis that worries me," I said, diverting the topic because mom doesn't have to know what I do.

"In fact, I think he is improving. It's just that I'm not used to not having dad when I get home," I said. Convincing mom as I walk to the couch and lay there with her. I dig my head into mom's chest. For the second time tonight, we stayed in this way for a while. Then, when I felt my mom's healing power, I lifted my head a little so I could see her beautiful face. It's undeniable that she is my mother because of our uncanny resemblance. It's like I'm looking in a mirror.

"We'll get through this," Mom reassured. It's so comforting to have her hands combing my hair.

I suppress my tears; I don't want to appear weak in front of my mom. I nod, looking at her. "I'm fine, mom. How about you?"

"Don't worry about me; you know I am strong for you and your dad," she said, pinching my chin.

"Mom, it's okay to be weak sometimes," Look who's talking. I was suppressing my tears, and now I'm talking about revealing my mom's true feelings. Nelly, you're so FUNNY.

"No, sweetie, I'm fine; it's almost two years. I have accepted things the way they are now. But, please know that I am here for you."

I sigh and give her a smile of reassurance. "Mom…, you don't have to remind me," I said, digging my head into her chest again.

I grew up with my parents and brother supporting me in every journey that I do in school and even in my athletic career. So it never worries me if I get someone by my side except when I lost my brother and my dad was paralyzed because of a tragic accident. I swore I will never let the people behind it get away. To think of the progress in my investigation and the hypothesis forming in my head. I am bound to believe that there are evil people in this world.

"Okay, I'll check your dad; let's have dinner together."

I nod and watch mom head to the Master's bedroom just in time when my phone rings. As I check my phone, it appears ROYCE CALLING. "What the F**k. And he has the audacity to phonebook his number on my cell phone, huh." Should I answer? I thought as I released an exasperated breath before I swiped the screen to answer the call. "HELLO?"

It took a few seconds before he answered. "Hello, I hope you don't mind me calling."

What did he expect? I snorted. "It's okay. Is there something you want to say? I hope I didn't leave some stuff during our dinner."

"Ah..no, I just like to check if you got home by now."

What am I? Six years old who doesn't know how to get home safely? "Well, I just got home and spent time with my family. Is that what you call me for?" I know there was a trace of annoyance in my voice.

I heard a little chuckle on the other line. Bullsh*t, not again. "You were so nice when we parted ways, but now you're a little annoyed again? You seem to have bipolar disorder."

"What the..." Before I could finish what I had to say, he interrupted.

"Hey, hold up, don't get mad. I'm not serious about it."

"And do you think it will compensate for what you've said? What do you want, idiot?" I said, then I slapped my hand on my mouth. My voice might raise a few decibels, and I don't want mom to overhear that I'm on the phone with a guy.

"Hey, easy... I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I'm really....really...SORRY," he said, emphasizing the last word.

I let out a harsh breath, but I realized that he seemed really serious with his apology. I forcefully pressed my lips and decided just to let it pass. "Okay, maybe you caught me in the wrong mode. I'm also sorry for calling you an idiot. I didn't mean that either."

"No problem. I think you need a good rest. I didn't mean to disturb you. Have a good night Nelly," he said in a soft tone. Only this time that I realized that his voice is so manly, well-modulated.

"Thank you, have a good night you too. Bye!" I cut the call and was a little guilty of calling him an idiot, though he kinda deserves it. But, I think it was too much.

I throw myself on the couch back to a supine position. When I close my eyes, a man's face emerges, and a moment of the vivid conversation appears. You…, again? Why do you have to reappear in my head? "NO," I forcefully opened my eyes and shook my thoughts away. In time mom went out of the bedroom.

"What's wrong?" Mom frowned.

"Nothing, I stopped myself from falling asleep." I lied again. "Let's eat? Where's dad?" I asked, diverting the conversation.

"He wants to stay in the room and rest, Is there something you want to tell me, Nelly?"

"No, mom, why?" Mom, are you a mind reader now?

"Your complexion, are you blushing? And you seem bothered tonight," she said, narrowing her eyebrows.

Oh, the red apples are on my cheeks now? "What's bothering me is my dad; I'm not used to him not welcoming me." And I lied for the third time tonight.

"Don't worry, sweetie, nothing serious; he's tired. I brought him to the park late this afternoon," mom said. She plastered a smile on her face, maybe thinking she could convince me.

But NO. "How about his dinner?"

"I'll feed him after we eat."

I look at her, narrowing my eyes. "I will bring dad's food then," I insisted.

"If that's what you want. Come, let's eat first," Mom said, inviting me to the table.

As I sat in front of mom, I shook off my thoughts again as the man's face reappeared. I roll my eyes. Why do you have to reappear in my thoughts again? Idiot.