Erina's Curse (ENGLISH VERSION)

Chapter 33.1

“Achi, let’s go outside?”

Angelo urged me just as I finished brushing my hair. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not camping inside my room. I really plan to go out, my little brother is just too excited that he can’t help himself but call me.

“Come on achi!” he was even pulling my hand as I tease him and put weight on my seat, so he’ll have a harder time.

“Achi!” he complained while pouting which made me laughed.

“Can you come her for a second baby?” I can’t help but act cute too as I pull him and made him seat in my lap.

“Happy birthday my Angelo!” I excitedly exclaimed as I kissed him all over his face. “Achi!” he complained but kept on laughing as I tickle him this time.

“Let’s go!” I finally stood up which made him smile. I took his hand and we walked side by side towards the garden where his birthday party is being held.

It’s been months since the news of Silas Kim’s comeback shook us all. I tried to distance myself from any information bearing bis name but because he’s extremely popular even in states, news of his new movies and drama is always all over the news.

Whenever that happens, my mother sees to it that the channel is immediately switched, even if it means we have to watch a zebra being eaten by a mad lion in discovery channel or a lady trying to sell a magic strap that can help people lose weight. To my mother, everything is okay as long as it’s not Silas Kim or the people that reminds us of the past.

It helps I guess that my mom tries her best for me to not get hurt again. but its just my stubborn heart that keeps on remembering our moments together. Moments that I still cherished despite the pain the I felt. Because those memories are what keeps me going, those are my fuel, those are my last string of hope. And I feel bad whenever I think like this. Because I have a f*****g family! I have my mom who loves me so much that she’s willing to be bad just so I won’t be hurt again. I have my baby brother Angelo who despite his age has learned how to take care of his fragile big sister who cries every now and then with the mention of some guy’s name. I have Uncle Loui who despite us not being blood related, has treated me like his own daughter, who he protects and take care of.

I have them. I have the three of them. And I still feel and think like this. I’m the problem. Not mom, not Angelo and not Uncle Loui. I’m the one at fault. And despite smiling ear to ear towards my little brother’s visitors, deep in my heart, I long for things, for people, for the past.

If my family can hear my thought right now, they would be hurt. And I never want that to happen. And so, I pretend. And I’m becoming good at it now.

“Leila! Angelo! Come here!”

I heard my mother call us towards the front. It’s time for cutting the cake and wishing Angelo a happy 5th birthday. I can’t believe he’s already five years old. My brother is tall for his age, but he still has that baby innocent face. Although with the way he talks, most people think he’s older than his real age.

“Happy Birthday to you…... happy birthday to you…... happy birthday, happy birthday……...happy birthday Angelo…...”

Together with all the guest who’s mostly kids with their parents, we sang Angelo the birthday song. After he wish in silence and blow all the five candles in his iron man cake, we kissed him in his cheeks.

“Happy birthday our golden boy!” mom and Uncle Loui said as the pick Angelo up for a picture.

After several post for the family picture, we let Angelo play with his friends. Mom handled the guests while Uncle Loui was in charge of the games and the clowns too.

I decided to sit at the back where most parents are. I’m not close with any of them so I just sat in an empty table. I was having fun looking at the kids playing different games. It’s refreshing how innocent and energetic they all looked. The feeling is sort of the same as what I felt in the orphanage we visited on my birthday.

Speaking of, I support that orphanage through sending them financial support and I also visit them when I have time. Just like I promised. We will actually go there tomorrow to celebrate Angelo’s birthday again because he also promised the kids that we will go back and have another party and gift giving.

This birthday party is actually not planned. Angelo’s aunts and cousins in Uncle Loui’s side insist that we held a party for him and so, we did. I thought I will be able to lay low and be able to finish the party without much talking to the guests, but I guess I was wrong.

“You’re Lalaine’s daughter, right?”

A lady dressed in a bright red bishop dress suddenly appeared in front of me with her very curious eyes and unreadable smirk plastered in her face.

“Uhm…… yes?” I answered unsure of what to call her.

“Oh! I’m Leticia, Loui’s sister? Angelo’s aunt,” she answered not missing the beat and stressed as she mentioned that she’s Angelo’s aunt. Like she’s telling me that she only considers Angelo as his nephew, as family. Which clearly, I don’t mind at all. I’ve been so used of people not accepting who I am that her being a little bit of a b***h right now is not affecting at all anymore.

“Good to see you Leticia,” I smiled briefly as I stood up from my seat to walked away because the last thing, I want to do in the middle of my little brother’s birthday party is to make a scene.

“Where are you going?” she asked as she raised her brows and grabbed my arm. “Don’t you want to chat with me for a little bit?” she questioned me again and I did my best to stop myself from saying yes, I don’t want to talk to her. Because I’m sure that she’ll ask questions I never want to answer. She’s still family even though from the looks of it, she doesn’t treat me as one. But still, I want to respect her because I respect Uncle Loui so much.

“I’ll just go to the bathroom really quick,” I smiled again to show her that I’m not about to walk away and not come back.

“Oh! Let’s go together then,” I was startled when she smiled wickedly at me then dragged me with her towards the house. Because the first floor is also packed with people, she led me towards the stairs and into the second floor.

We both know that she won’t take me to the bathroom so when we stop in the family area, she suddenly let go of my arm and pushed my shoulders which made me almost fall to the floor if I hadn’t watched my balance.

“I don’t why my brother even accepted you in his home! You are such a problem and what pissed me even more is you don’t even know about it!” I was startled when she started shouting at me.

What the f**k is her problem?

“You said it yourself, it’s his home! Why do you even care?” I can’t help but to answer he r with the same intensity. I’m so tired of people accusing me things that I didn’t do. I’m so tired of them taking it all out on me when all is to mind my own business. I’m so tired of everything! I’m so done!

“Oh wow! You are such a b***h! How dare you talk to me like that when my brother literally took you out of dirt?”

“You started it! I was sitting! I was just sitting minding my own business and you come to me just to what? What’s your deal?”

“Because you’re causing us problems! Because of your issues our restaurants get backlash! And not even because the food is bad or the service. It’s because the owner is Erina Lee’s stepfather! What’s that bullshit?”