Me: Dad, when are you going to show me Mom Faith's grave? I'd like to bring her some flowers.
My father looks caught off guard, his face twisting into an expression of pain and surprise.
Dad: What do you mean? he asks, his voice trembling.
My mom, Sorayah, stands up from the table, a tear sliding down her cheek. She walks upstairs without a word, leaving me alone with my father.
Me: I mean… Mom Faith died when I was born, and I want to see where she's buried. And…
I explain, trying to understand why he's reacting this way.
Dad: Stop it, Hiyas! Don't you see what you just did? You made your mother sad. And where did you even get that idea?
Me: Well, I…
Dad: Enough! I don't want you talking about this anymore! Go study!
Me: But Dad…
Dad: I said go to your room!
I don't understand my father. Why is he so angry? Why does no one want to tell me the truth about my biological mother? He's always been strange about this subject. I love Mom Sorayah, but I also have the right to know where my real mom is buried, don't I?
I go to my room. I try to study, but I just can't. I want to call my new friend Tami, but I don't have her number, and Grandma Rosa isn't answering either. So I decide to sleep.
---
The next day, I get dressed and check myself in the mirror: perfume, hair, jewelry… everything's perfect. Today, I'll try to push the dark thoughts away.
I walk out of my room, and my parents are already at the table.
Me: Good morning!
Them: Good morning!
Mom: Did you sleep well, honey?
Me: Yes.
Dad: Ready for your second day?
Me: Yeah, I'm ready.
Mom: Great. And didn't you notice something, honey?
Me: Uh…
Mom: Your dad didn't say…
Me: "Did you take your medicine?"
Mom: Exactly!
Dad: Stop teasing me, you two.
We all laugh. Family atmosphere. But even though I'm smiling, what happened yesterday is still in my head. It's always like this: when I bring up my biological mother, Dad gets upset, Mom cries, and the next day, they act like nothing happened. It hurts, but what can I do?
Me: Okay, shall we go? Dad, I think it's time.
It's my father who's driving me today.
Dad: Alright, let's go!
Ezekiel brings the car around, and we head to school. On the way, I don't bring up yesterday. He either acts weird or changes the subject anyway. He doesn't mention it either.
We arrive at school—perfect timing. Tami has just arrived too. I introduce her to my dad.
Dad: Nice to meet you, Tamara.
Tamara: Same here, Mr. Corazon.
Dad: Mmmh. And please, take care of her. Make sure she takes her medicine because she—
Me: Okay, that's enough, Dad! Go already, you'll be late.
Dad: Alright, alright. Bye, girls!
Us: Bye!
Then he leaves.
Tamara: You take medicine?
Me: Uh… uh… vitamins, yeah, vitamins.
Tamara: Oh, okay. Let's go then!
Phew, thank God. One more second and Dad would've ruined everything.
---
In class, we have Mr. Ruiz. After, we head to the cafeteria.
Tamara: You didn't bring lunch, Hiyas? Yesterday's was so good.
Me: No, it was almost time to leave so…
Tamara: Okay, but next time make the effort.
Me: Alright.
We move forward with our trays.
Tamara: We're finishing early today. We could go to karaoke after class.
Me: Oh cool! Even if I sing like a dying kettle, it'll be fun. Besides, I've never gone before. Well… except at home.
Tamara: Really?
Me: Yeah.
We laugh, but suddenly someone bumps into me and my food crashes to the floor. I stare in shock. I look up—and it's Jace Bryan Ramos.
That jerk!!! And he doesn't even apologize? He just walks away and sits down, like nothing happened. Oh no, I won't let that slide.
Me: Hey! You just knocked over my food and you don't even say anything?
The whole cafeteria is staring at us, stunned.
Tamara: Hiyas…
Me: No, Tami, stay out of this! He has to apologize.
This guy is so strange. He acts like I'm not even talking to him. Seriously? He's so infuriating!
Me: Hey, Mr. Anti-Girls, I'll—
I don't even finish my sentence. He suddenly stands, furious, and strides toward me. I back up, but he keeps coming closer until his face is just inches from mine.
My heart pounds like crazy. Mom, Dad, help me!
His face is about four centimeters from mine.
Him: What? he asks in a low, threatening voice.
Me: …
Him: What do you want?
Me: …
Huhuhu.