Hidden Mirror

Somebody said that if you hate a person, you hate something about them that is part of yourself. And I hated myself for what I've decided. Reality is something I cannot escape from, and something I can never forget. I took my blower and threw it in the mirror, creating a loud noise when its glass pieces shattered and fell on the ground. My ears caught the hand maiden’s sigh as she entered the bathroom. "Clean it up," I coldly commanded and watched her sweep the floor clean. In my life, I learned one lesson that I failed to keep in mind: never make decisions when you're desperate and frustrated. People are capable of doing beyond what you can imagine, especially if that person is desperate to get someone or something. And one of those people is me. If my real mother is still alive, she will only brand me as a thief. Maybe someday, she would understand that I’m doing all of these things for her, and where I am today is the root of justice that I never had. But I’m not weak. I’m not someone who surrenders to injustice after doing nothing. As long as I’m alive, I will not give up seeking for the truth. How would I make things right if my own decisions are unacceptable? If I can’t even fix myself? "You broke the mirror again," Daven stated. We were on the way to the school I’m working at. He glanced at me from the rear mirror before returning his gaze from his tablet that he’s always with, as if it’s his twin. "I was annoyed," I replied and stared outside the window. "Did something happen? You shouldn’t be annoyed when you look so pretty…" His voice faded. I ignored him and watched the buildings as we pass by. It only took a few minutes before we finally reached SIS. It’s the Sports Fest Week. The driver opened the car for me, and he immediately handed me my set of bow and arrows. It’s my role to teach Archery to the students who will compete and represent the school. My brows raised after seeing Daven following me. He kept his eyes at the colorful decorations, obviously ignoring my look. He finally gave up and took the bow and arrows from my hand. "Don’t you have work?" He slightly shook his head. Tsk. I don’t really care about what he wants to do. I just know Astrid’s father asked him to work on something last week. I flinched when someone suddenly grabbed my hands. Thalia's annoying smile greeted me, and the first thing I noticed is the similar bow and arrows clinging on her back. "What a nice day to begin with!" she cheered, linking our arms together. Thalia suddenly stopped from her tracks, almost causing me to trip. She held my shoulders and stared at me with her serious face. How can I even escape from this woman? “Astrid! Even if Gwen lost to your student, it doesn’t mean that we—no, you should already be confident in winning! You have to make sure to win, and make a name for yourself. This school will be yours in the future, right?” I removed her hands off my shoulders. I can’t believe the day got even worse. I don’t want Thalia to know that I’m not in good terms with that guy. “Well, you actually look good together.” She whispered and giggled from my back. Tsk. We will never be nice to each other anymore! I admit I got carried away from temptation last time, but that’s enough. I already drew a line. Seeing each other only annoyed the hell out of us, and the hatred is mutual. I immediately sneered when I saw him in the long corridor. He was walking so f*****g coolly while his hands stayed on his pocket. Students greet him anywhere he went. I just can't deny the fact that he still managed to look hot in a simple white V-neck shirt. Damn! He smirked when our eyes suddenly met. "Good morning, Sir Besabella!" Thalia waved. Sage and Daven nodded to each other. The three of them waited for my response, but I only rolled my eyes. That’s it. I’ll get out of here. After taking another step, my eyes suddenly met a familiar face. I want to walk ahead but my feet wouldn’t budge, as if it was stuck on the ground. Why is she here? My eyes followed her when I saw her head to the other building. I can almost hear my heart beating so loud that I felt really sick. "I have to go somewhere.” I spoke. "What? Where are you going? The class is—" I didn’t waste any time. I immediately ran to the other building and crossed the field where I think we played yesterday. There was a bunch of students playing soccer. "Damn," I softly whispered and went to the third floor of the Business Administration building. I was about to give up, but someone suddenly grabbed me from behind! I was right… A familiar eyes met mine, but why does it have to be today?! Why does it have to be in this place? Damn it! "W-who are you?" I lied. "That won’t work on me, Alexa." She emphasized my name, but I couldn’t answer. "You look like her!" Her voice roared, and my eyes averted her gaze in fear. How did she get here…? My eyes widened when she pinned me on the wall. When she lifted the hem of my uniform, I already knew exactly what she wanted to see. "Stop!" I shouted, trying to remove her rough hands from my waist. Right now, I have no idea why I'm chickening out! I used all of my strength, but her hands wouldn’t even budge. "You… It’s you!” she said after successfully seeing my tattoo and scar. Fuck! This freaking scar will be the death of me! I saw how ripped my uniform was, and I raised my hands up to her cheeks, furiously—enraged and wanting to slap her, but before my hands even get touch her face, I witnessed her body create a loud thud and fell on the ground. “Ariella!” I screamed in horror. I was about to check her condition, but someone stopped me. His tight clasp on my arm caused me to wince. How can he hit Ariella? She's a woman for Pete’s sake! "What the—" My words were stuck on my throat. The guy took off his clothes and wrapped it around my waist, right where my tattoo sits in. I thought everything was fine, but when he saw that Ariella was about to stand up, the great Sage struck her again! "Stop it!” I tried to stop him, but I writhed in pain when his elbows accidentally hit my stomach. Sage stopped when he saw my reaction, but he tightened his grip on Ariella’s arms even more. The girl on the floor moaned in pain, but Sage didn’t show any reaction other than use his left forefinger to wipe blood from his lips. "Alexa!" I turned my head from the direction of the new voice. It was Daven, and his attention immediately diverted to Ariella. Daven noticed my ragged uniform, as I was still holding my stomach and feeling the pain. I saw how Daven's jaw clenched after looking back and forth from me to Ariella, and how his hand turned into a tight fist. As if it was a sign, my body instantly moved to hug Daven’s back. "Please don’t…" Ariella already suffered much, and I don’t want him to hurt her again. I faced Sage and couldn’t help but stare at him who was clutching Ariella’s wrist tightly. His eyes were full of anger and… sadness. But the sadness I saw suddenly disappeared. Anger replaced his orbs in a split second. Maybe, I was just hallucinating? I know, Sage! Your eyes are telling me that my karma is now attacking me! I know! I just didn’t expect that this is how cruel it is gonna be. *** I'm about to kiss the guy I met at the dance floor when someone faked a cough, interrupting me. I clung tightly to the man's shoulder before standing up and following him. Oh my, God. He is so annoying! "What?" I raised a brow. He really had the guts to ruin my cloud nine! Damn, that was Bryan, South Korea's hottest bachelor! "Your presence is important, and tomorrow, you have to go home." LOL, I thought my presence in that house is like an ant? What’s up with him? I nodded to Daven nonchalantly, feeling really bored. On days that I wanted to go home, they didn't allow me, but now that I don't want to go home anymore, they are pressing me to come back. How ironic is that? I was still tipsy when I reached the condo. I didn’t drink any hard liquor because I’m aware my alcohol tolerance isn’t that high. I don't want anybody get into my heart, so I have nothing else to lose. I didn’t even answer Mommy’s calls and messages since last week. I was ten years old when they adopted me. I wasn’t always the child with the spotlight because they found their daughter not long after I joined the family. At first, I was jealous of Ariella, their real daughter, but I realized later on: instead of being jealous, I should be thankful and appreciate them for giving me a something I can call a home, and that they dressed, fed, and educated me as well. Even if it was very short, I got to experience all of those things because of her. I tried asking my mother where my real parents are, but she only shook her head and stood up. I don't actually want them back into my life, I just wanted to know where they are. I can still feel her warm love for me after she found her real daughter, and I am very thankful for that. As for Dad, we're not that close ever since. He’s always out of town, but I still care and love him too. I was eighteen years old when mother sent me to South Korea. I never wanted to be away from them, so I didn’t agree at first. They said that they wanted me to study here to build my future, but when I got to finish my studies, they still didn't want me to go home. "You can do it. Call them," he smiled, encouraging me. I nodded before happily dialing my mother's phone. After so many years, finally, I’m about to graduate! I can't wait till that day! Daven went out to buy a corndog. He said he wanted to give me some privacy too. After five rings, she picked up. "Hello, Sweetie..." she welcomed me with her sweet voice. "Mom, I can finally go home!" My shoulders dropped, and the tone in my voice faded when she only replied through silence. Instead of answering me, she gave me a heavy sigh. "W-Why?" "Sweetie, that's the thing. I want you to run the real-state business my sister left for me —" "You promised., right? You're not about to break that promise, are you?" She laughed softly. "Sweetie, calm down." Damn, I didn't know my voice raised against her! That's why I hate it when I'm disappointed! My heart was torn into pieces after seeing Daven. I even broke into a sob when he asked me about my mother. Now that I'm 28 years old, I’m old enough to raise myself alone. I just couldn’t ignore the feeling of indebtedness to my parents. I couldn’t leave the small company they wanted me to handle. I found myself sleeping in the bathtub the next day. I only planned to wash myself, but I dozed off. I slept a little too long and didn’t get to meet Daven in the time we discussed to meet. I feel bad that he's now sulking while he's on the phone. It’s my fault that we just missed a flight… "Look at what you did, Alexandra!" he scolded, after hanging up his phone call. I don’t know what to do but kept my gaze on the floor. I just let him rant at me because I know his anger wouldn’t last long. He can’t get angry at me for too long. Daven is my cousin and my secretary as well. He’s assigned to take care of me. We weren’t comfortable with each other at first but now, we're friends. Not just friends but best of friends. I wore a light pink coat on top of my bandeu dress that hugged my curves perfectly. I matched it with a color matte black stiletto. "Why do I have to go home?" I asked after getting on the plane. I heard him sigh. "Cause, they miss you— "We both know that’s not true." "Well, I don't know either..." His voice cracked, and I only tried to plaster a wide smile. OUR flight was smooth. When we arrived at the airport, we were immediately escorted by a driver. The whole trip was full of him and his praises for me. "It’s been so long, Alexandra!" the familiar driver said cheerfully. I smiled when I met his eyes from the rear-view mirror. I couldn’t help but take a glance at Daven who was still busy on his tablet, completely ignoring all the compliments. "I still remember from before. I got this job because of you and Delia—" The driver smiled awkwardly and didn’t finish his sentence. I actually prefer that instead of listening to his stories. It’s been a few years after I left the Philippines, but I can still remember where our house is located. That’s why I got quite confused when we took a different path, but I decided not to bother asking Daven. "We’re here,” the driver announced. "There’s something wrong," I whispered in the air while looking at the old-fashioned house in front of me. Where are the Tolentino's mansion that always makes you look in an awe? I know Daven was also confused, but he also chose to kept silent. The driver guided us inside while holding our luggage. I roamed my eyes, carefully studying the area. This house is kinda… "Alexa..." a gentle, familiar voice that made me look back. "Mom," I can see her tiny white hairs now, and her eyes are so deep. Is she stressed? I didn’t hesitate to embrace her. When I heard her little sob, I instantly unclasped our hug. I also saw Daven let out a deep sigh from afar while talking to Ariella’s hand maiden. She was crying and helping us carry our luggage. Why… what’s wrong? I held Mom’s shoulders together. "What happened? Tell me the truth, Mom!" "Your sister, A-Ariella…" EVERYTHING didn’t sink in at once. I dazed off with so much thoughts rambling on my mind. There were so many things I didn’t get to know and I just found out—everything that happened in this place while I was away. Our company is now in the edge of a cliff. The only business that provided hope the Tolentino family is the company I’m handling. But that is not what’s important here. Ariella killed someone… and now she's in another country, fleeing. Father sent her there. So many things happened, and Mom went all through that burden alone. She's crying in my arms, and dark bags are really visible under her eyes. I'm so f*****g bad! If I only knew, then I should’ve answered all of her calls! "I'm sorry if I wasn't here, Mom…" I whispered tearfully "Ariella takes care of you when I was away, right?" She shook her head and cried even harder. "Ariella changed, Alexa. She's involved with drugs. She's a drug user." "What…?" My mouth was left agape. How did that gentle girl turn into a... I couldn’t even say the word. I just can't believe it! Ariella and I may not have been that close, but I know she can't put herself in that position! "What happened to her, Mom? Why… why did she kill someone?" I tried to stay calm as much as possible. "I-I don’t know. Rudolfu just informed me that Ariella k-killed someone. I just don’t understand why and how! And your father just sent her abroad immediately..." she had a hard time saying that. The only thing I thought of doing is to grab my phone. I just hope she haven’t deleted her accounts yet. "I'll try to contact her.” "Oh! She answered!" Mom’s eyes glinted as soon as she heard Ariella pick up my call. It was as if she had another hope. "Ariella… it's me." I heard her laughter. "I know." There were also sounds of glass bottles from the ground. Is she drunk? I turned it in loud speaker, "Mom is worried—" "S-So, now you're home? My little impostor is with my family now at home..." From her voice, I sensed that she’s already drunk. "Is there a party? A welcome party?" Mommy and I exchanged a few glances, before she sighed and carefully took my phone. "Ariella…" "I didn’t know you were there, M-Mommy!” My sister sounded surprised upon hearing mom’s voice. “Are you happy now? Because your oh-so-called daughter is finally in your arms again?" She’s being absurd! Why is she acting like she was jealous of me? "Hey, Alexa! Have you heard the news that I killed someone?" Shattered glass bottles were heard, making Mommy and I almost jump in surprise. "Are you happy now—" "What the hell are you saying—" "Shut the f**k up, Alexa! You don’t have to pretend to be the good person here. I know you enjoy seeing me like this!" Fuck, I’m so pissed! I had to grab the phone from Mommy’s hands. It hurts to see her not able to do anything but cry. "Can you give me one freaking reason why I would be happy?!" "Mom’s attention is all yours! Well, all the time that you haven't been here, Mom is always concerned if you're sick! You got all her attention that she almost forgot I am her real daughter! You’re not even related to us! But you got all of her care that she forgot to give me mine." her voice broke. "T-that’s not true, Ariella…" "You don’t have to lie, Mommy! Do you want to know why I end up being like this? It’s because of you! You never looked at me the way you stare at Alexa! God knows how hard I tried to get your attention, but in so many ways, I just fail! I'm sick of her! I’m sick of Alexa!" Tears clouded my vision and started running from my cheeks. She's jealous of me? It’s the other way around. Does she even have a hint that I am the one who is jealous of her? That I’ve been feeling so envious and… sad. "That’s not true! I love both of you equally…" "Then stop loving us equally! I want to be the only one, Mom! Aren’t I your real daughter? It’s not Alexa. It’s me!" she shouted like a lion before crying like a child. I can’t help but feel speechless. Those words were too harsh! It made my mother broke down. She sobbed so hard, mumbling a thousand words but only one thing that I clearly understand. "I'm sorry. I was unfair." I wanted to express my miseries to her too, but I don't want her to feel any more pain. I know she already spent so much just to send me to study in Korea. I know she just wanted me to have a bright future. It’s just… unfair to me too. She should have asked me first if I really wanted that, which I do not because being on their side is more than enough. I consoled her, and as we were crying, I saw my dad entered the living room. Behind him was Daven, crimson blood noticeably smearing from his wounded lip. "My daughter, Alexa!" Then he welcomed me with wide arms.