The Truth Between Our Lies

Growing up, my life was never sunshine and rainbows. It was quiet, heavy—like a sky that never fully cleared after a storm. Still, somewhere deep inside me, I chose to believe that life could be better. Even if everything around me said otherwise.

I came from a broken family. My parents separated when I was just a baby—too young to understand, but somehow old enough to feel the absence. That emptiness followed me as I grew.

But I wasn’t completely alone.

My grandparents became my entire world. They were the ones who held me when I cried, who made sure I was fed, safe, and loved. They gave me a home—not just a place to stay, but a place where I mattered. In their arms, I felt whole. In their presence, I felt like I belonged.

To me, they weren’t just grandparents.

They were everything.

I laughed more when I was with them. I felt like a normal child—free, playful, alive.

But happiness, I learned early, never stays for long.

Everything changed the day my mother came to take me away.

I didn’t fully understand what was happening back then. All I knew was that I was being pulled away from the only people I had ever called home. My grandmother—my safe place—was suddenly out of reach.

That day was my first heartbreak.

It wasn’t loud. It didn’t scream.

It was silent… but it shattered me completely.

Before that, there were already signs that something wasn’t right. My father had a new partner, and whenever I stayed with them, I came back different—quieter, hurt. Sometimes, I had wounds. Not just the kind you see, but the kind that stays hidden beneath the skin.

He never protected me.

And she… she treated me like I didn’t matter. Like I was someone meant to serve, not to be cared for. I was just a child, yet I was expected to take care of another child, to do chores, to act older than I was.

I only felt like a child when I was with my grandparents.

But that life was taken from me.

When my mother finally got me, I thought maybe things would get better. Maybe this time, I would finally have a real home.

But I was wrong.

She wasn’t ready to be my mother.

Instead of keeping me, she left me with her relatives. I became someone passed from one house to another, like I didn’t belong anywhere. Every year, a new place. Every year, a new adjustment. New faces, new rules—but the same feeling.

Loneliness.

I didn’t have a permanent home.

I didn’t have stability.

I didn’t even have certainty.

There were days I felt so tired of everything… days I wished I didn’t exist at all.

Still, life didn’t stop.

I continued going to school, but I was just… there. I used to be an Achiever, but at that time, my dreams felt empty. I felt uninspired.

After being separated from my grandparents, my life felt like a mess. My only goal was that someday, when the time was right, I would return to them and finally feel whole again.

Time passed, and I reached the age of 18. I entered college, and during that time, I met my ex-boyfriend, Jacob. Our relationship didn’t last because he only used me—he actually liked my best friend, Annie. It didn’t hurt much because I knew I didn’t truly love him. I just wanted to experience being in a relationship like everyone else. Instead of feeling bitter, I even helped them end up together.

Months later, I met Franthier. He told me he liked me, and unexpectedly, I liked him too. My feelings for him were different—deeper. He was my first in everything, and our connection felt strong. We started dating, and after a few weeks, we became official. It may have been fast, but I was already in love.

He made me feel like I was enough. He became my world, especially because he was the only person who was always there for me. I entrusted him with my heart and my whole being.

At first, everything was smooth. We went on dates, spent time together, and grew closer. I eventually gave myself to him, even though I was hesitant at first. He made me feel beautiful and desired. We were very open with each other and spent almost every day together.

As time passed, our relationship grew stronger, but it wasn’t always easy. We faced many challenges—family problems, financial struggles, and more. Then, at 21, during my third year in college, I became pregnant.

It was difficult for both of our families, especially his, since he is the eldest. I was scared and uncertain about my future—my studies, my career, and what my life would become. I felt like everything was falling apart.

At first, his parents were kind to me. But when I became pregnant at a young age, their attitude started to change. His mother, in particular, began to resent me. That was the beginning of my struggles—not just as a mother, but also as a partner to Franthier.

That was when everything started to change.