LOOKING TROUGH YOUR EYES

CHAPTER 5

Meanwhile, Paul was having fun with his little princess, they did everything that day, they went to the pool, the park, the movies, the theater…. At the end of the day, Paul told her:

-          Sheryl, my beautiful girl, there’s something I have to tell you ...

-          Tell me daddy - the girl said while chewing her cotton candy - what's wrong?

-          I won't be able to come for a while ... I'll go on a trip, I don't know how long it will take, but I promise I'll be back.

-          But ... I haven't seen you for a long time, we were only together one day. it's not fair! - She demanded while her eyes filled with tears - where are you going? Will you be alone? Can I go with you?

-          I would love to, my girl ... but I don't know where I'll go, I just know that I need to get out of town for a while

Sheryl started crying, so they went to sit on a park bench. An icy breeze was felt, the girl began to shiver with cold, her father hugged her and continued speaking:

-          Do you think I can take your necklace as a souvenir? - He said with a voice from beyond the grave

The girl got scared, let go of her father and jumped off the bench terrified. Sheryl saw the silhouette of a woman on his father’s eyes, a woman with very long hair, wearing a blood-red dress, she seemed to be behind her, she was getting closer and closer; she could feel her breathe on her neck. Sheryl was petrified, the poor girl couldn't even scream. Suddenly, her necklace began to shine, it shone with the intensity of the sun itself ... a heavenly voice came out of the sunflower that she carried on her neck, it was a beautiful song, it seemed like the voice of an angel. The woman seemed to despair with the music, she began to move away, put her hands to her ears, began to tear her face in despair; until, at last, she was lost in the dark. Paul seemed to have come out of a trance:

-          What's up, Sheryl? - He asked confused - why are you crying?

-          But daddy ... didn’t you see her? Didn't you hear the music? - the little girl said somewhat desperate

Paul pondered for a moment, but then said smiling:

-          It's your imagination princess ... nothing has happened - he said with a very calm tone

Sheryl was too scared by what had just happened to reply or argue with anyone. Either way, she remembered her mother's advice and said:

-          You can't take my necklace, it's my gift and mommy said she will punish me if I take it off

-          I understand ... well, anyway, I'll try to come back soon so we can go out again, okay?

-          Okay - said the girl a little more cheerful - but take care of yourself daddy, I have a bad feeling - said the girl with the most serious tone she had - and now ... can we go home?

-          Sure!

Paul left her with her mother and left. He didn’t even know what he was looking for, but he felt the need to travel. He boarded the last ship of the night, without carrying clothes or suitcases. They wouldn’t hear from him for a long time.

Sheryl missed her dad so much and Lindsey regretted more every day of the decision she made. She saw how her girl suffered, she felt a sword in her heart; not only had she made it more complicated for herself, but she was also making her little girl suffer for the decision she made.

Days kept passing, as if nothing strange had happened.

When Sheryl was 5 years old, her dad came back; he appeared at her birthday party, without notifying anyone, it was the best surprise the girl had that day ... well, almost. Sheryl was very happy because she hadn’t seen him in a long time, she ran to hug him.

-          Daughter, I have brought you a very special gift ... it is a little house for your dolls, do you want to see it?

-          yeah!

The girl was very excited; she couldn't wait to see her gift. Suddenly, Melany appeared with the dollhouse. She was wearing a crimson dress, her hair down to her waist, black heels, and a strong red lipstick. Her hair was blowing in the wind as she approached. When she smiled, Sheryl remembered the incident at the park. That was the woman who wanted to harm her that night! Sheryl ran to hide behind her mother.

-          what's the problem, my love? - Asked Paul

-          She's bad - Sheryl replied crying - I don't want her to be here!

-          Paul! - Lindsey said very annoyed - how do you dare to bring this woman to your daughter’s birthday? Please, Melany, leave immediately!

-          I told you I shouldn’t come - Melany said to Paul, feigning innocence

-          Nonsense! If she leaves, I'll go with her

-          Well… I can't force you to stay, but get that woman out of here!

-          Well Sheryl - said Paul looking at his daughter, who was still crying hidden behind her mother's dress - this is your gift, I hope you like it ... I'll come for you on the weekend

Paul and Melany walked away without saying more, leaving the little house in the garden. Linsey reached down to hug her daughter.

-          are you okay? - she asked

-          Yes, mommy - said the girl wiping her tears - it's just ... I don't know why but I can't be near that woman, I'm scared ... also, once when we went out with dad, before he went on a trip ... something happened very strange: we were on a park bench and… suddenly, dad asked me to give him the necklace, but… he said it in a voice that scared me a lot. I walked away, but I felt that there was something behind me, I was too scared to turn around. However, she was reflected in Dad's eyes, it was a woman in a red dress, her hair was messy and her face wasn’t very noticeable, but she had a smile that scared me ... she started to get closer and, when she was very close to me, the necklace began to glow. I know you’ll think I'm crazy or, like Dad, that it was my imagination, but… someone started singing, it seemed like an angel or something like that, it had a very sweet and calming voice, it helped me calm down a bit. However, it seemed to annoy that woman a lot, she started scratching her face, she walked away and covered her ears, she even gave a terrifying scream ... but she left, after that, Dad had his normal voice again and ... he told me that it was my imagination, that he had not heard anything

-          No, little girl, I don't think it's your imagination ... but are you sure that this woman was Melany?

-          No ... but she was too similar, she was like her twin, only more terrifying

-          I see ... well, it was very good that you didn’t remove your necklace. And stay calm, I’ll make sure that woman doesn’t approach to you again - she concluded, while she hugged her

They put the house next to the rest of the gifts and continued with the party. At the end of the day, they decided to put the house in the attic, it was very beautiful, but it made Sheryl uneasy when she saw it.

The next day, Lindsey called Paul:

-          We need to talk ...

-          what do you want? Can't it wait till the weekend? Remember that this Sunday I'm going to pick up Sheryl for a walk ...

-          We have to talk about that, you cannot take her if you continue with that woman

-          You don’t have the right to decide whom I can or cannot date, you and I are no longer married. It was you who kicked me out of the house

-          I know, and I'm not asking you not to date someone else. But Sheryl isn’t comfortable around Melany

-          What things have you told her so that he doesn’t like her? - Said in a sarcastic tone

-          Don't worry - said Melany, who was next to Paul - I have no problem staying home on Sundays ... you can go out with your daughter

-          Is that woman by your side?! Can't you even leave her for a while to talk about your daughter? - Lindsey yelled very annoyed

-          take it easy! She already said that Sheryl won't see her, what else do you want?

-          Nothing else. That was it, have a nice day

When she hung up the phone, she couldn't help but shed a few tears. It still hurt her that her husband, friend and partner, the one who had promised her eternal love, the one who had always been by her side, that elementary-school boy who always took care of her ... he forgot his love so soon, she couldn't believe it, neither did she didn't want to accept it. But it was time to turn the page. She wiped away her tears and got ready for work. Sheryl was already awake, she said goodbye to her and made it very clear to Daniela not to let anyone into the house.

Days passed and life continued normally, Paul kept his promise not to be with Melany when he went out with his daughter, therefore, Sheryl enjoyed all the weekends she spent with her father, they hardly ever mentioned Melany and everything was fine, they had a lot of fun; but when Melany came to their conversation, they ended up arguing and sometimes Paul would stop going for 2 or 3 weeks, Lindsey didn’t agree, she had already complained more than once, but it didn’t change the situation. Apart from that, everything was going normally.

The years passed, Lindsey stopped mourning Paul, got used to seeing him next to Melany, it no longer hurt her. Sheryl, for her part, was still uncomfortable with the presence of her father's new partner, but, as she grew older, she matured and learned to be quiet, she no longer complained, she was polite in front of her, but she always tried to get away.

Over the years, they stopped needing Daniela's help, said goodbye to her and never heard from her again.

Sweet Sheryl kept growing, every day she was even more beautiful than the day before. It didn’t take long for the children to notice it, many of them approached and tried to conquer her. She wasn’t a conceited little girl, on the contrary, she was helpful and cheerful, smiling and charming; that’s to say, irresistible for all boys. However, she didn’t want to know anything about boys, she remembered how much her mother had suffered when she separated from her father. Adults may not realize it, but when parents suffer, children feel it and suffer even more, because they feel it’s their fault, their world falls apart, their dreams are destroyed, they feel that they’re the worst thing that could have happened to their parents. Those and other similar thoughts ran through her head, she had promised herself not to fall in love with anyone, she didn’t want to suffer, she didn’t want anyone to suffer because of her. One day her mother spoke to her:

-          Daughter, I am somewhat worried about you. I see that many boys court you, I know you are only 12, but what worries me is that ... it seems that you are afraid of them. Every year on Valentine's Day you lock yourself in your room, I didn't tell you anything at the beginning, but I think it's time to talk about it… did something bad happen? Why are you so scared of boys?

-          No mommy, I'm not scared of them, I just don't want to fall in love ... - She was going to continue, but she didn't want her mother to worry - I mean ... I'm still very young - she said trying to fix the silence she left for a moment with a giggle

-          You don't fool me little one, why do you say you don't want to fall in love?

-          I don't want to tell you - said the little girl putting her hands on her mouth

-          Come on honey, tell me what's the matter ...

-          It's just ... I remember that when I was little, before you and dad broke up, you had too many problems. Everything happened so fast, I remember that Dad was always very happy and affectionate with you and me and with everyone, but one day, he just started behaving strange ... and then - she wanted to continue, but tears began to come out of her little blue eyes - everything collapsed, I remember that you’d cry every night, dad had a blank look every time we went out on weekends and I feel like he’s been absent since then, I try to ignore it, but it hurts a lot, too much ... I can't keep smiling anymore - she said crying out loud

-          Easy, my beautiful girl - Lindsey said while hugging her - you must forget about that. It’s not necessary for you to fake a smile, if you feel like crying, it's okay to vent, you can always tell me anything you want

-          But mom, I don't want you to worry about me. Dad is with… well, he got back together with someone. But you, you haven’t fallen in love again. You don't cry as much as you used to when dad left, but you haven't fallen in love again, you care a lot about me, and I really appreciate it, but I don't like the fact that you forget your own happiness because of me, that's why I don't like worrying you more than you already worry about me ... - she said trying to calm down

Lindsey didn't know how to respond, her daughter was right, she cared so much about her that she had completely forgotten about herself. Her life had become so monotonous, although it was true that she no longer cried every night, she didn’t smile much during the day, she no longer laughed as before, the shine in her eyes had disappeared, her desire to continue, her goals ... everything had vanished without her noticing

-          My love, don’t worry about me ... I am fine - she said while her voice broke - you must live your life, you’re young and beautiful ... you haven’t even left school, you have a whole life ahead of you, don’t leave the mistakes of your dad and mine spoil your happiness. We must promise ourselves something - she said wiping her tears - you and I will smile again as before, we must stop doing the usual things that make our days monotonous, we’ll begin to do new things, to leave the comfort zone ... do you agree?

-          Yes, mommy - Sheryl replied, outlining a shy little smile on her lips.

-          Okay. So ... since your dad won't be here until next week, how about we go out to the water park this weekend?

-          Yeah. I love the water park - she said while hugging her mother

It was Thursday, so there was little left for the weekend, they were both looking forward to it, it was a long time since they did something so fun together.

Sunday finally arrived, they got up at 5 in the morning. Sheryl already had her clothes ready, she would wear striped shorts with butterfly details, a white T-shirt with 2 butterflies on the upper left, her favorite cream balerinas and her hair tied with the white tiara that a friend had given her in her last birthday; it was the perfect outfit. She would also take her doll, Lucy, and a little purple box that she found the day before in the dining room, to store her necklace in case it was necessary. Lastly, she would also bring a pink backpack to store her bathing suits and a few extra things.

-          I'm ready, mommy - she said enthusiastically, standing at the door of her mother's room

Lindsey had just gotten up a few minutes ago, came out of the bathroom combing her hair:

-          wow! You look fantastic little princess

-          Thank you, mommy, you also look pretty

-          Haha oh my girl, I still need to change ... go put your things in the car. Today we’ll only have a juice for breakfast, I’ll buy you something in the park if you are hungry

-          Yes, mommy - said the girl and ran to put everything in the car

They drank some juice and left immediately. When they arrived at the park, it was still early and it wasn’t open, there were some people who were also waiting at the gates, among them Jair, a 13-year-old boy. He had little sky blue eyes, a snow-white complexion, his cheeks always flushed like rose petals, he was tall and always smiling; He was also an only child, he was playing with his hands, distracted in his own world. Sheryl looked at him and ... something happened, she couldn't explain why, but she couldn't stop looking at him, he looked so cute, she had never seen such a cute boy, he had a tender look, a sweet little face like a doll, he looked so innocent playing with his hands. Suddenly, the boy turned around, he realized that she was looking at him. Sheryl looked away immediately, her little face turned tomato red, she began to heat up, she wanted to hide, to disappear. She saw that the boy spoke with his parents, got out of his car and went towards her:

-          Mom, I think I'm in trouble - she murmured very softly

-          why? What's happened dear? - Lindsey asked

-          Good morning ma’am, may I talk to your beautiful daughter? - said the boy with a sweet and somewhat shy voice

-          Ahhh, I understand now - Lindsey said laughing - good morning, of course. Sheryl, if you want you can get out of the car so you can talk

The girl was still very ashamed, she felt that her heart would jump out of her chest at any moment. She got out of the car, hugging her doll very tightly.

-          He-hello - she said with a very soft voice

-          Hi, my name is Jair. You are Sheryl, right?

-          Yes - she said, still blushing

-          I realized that you were looking at me ... - he was going to continue, but saw that her face reddened even more – calm down, your face is already too red – he laughed

-          I'm sorry - she said in her softest voice

-          You don't have to apologize ... in fact, it's not the first time we've seen each other. We go to the same school; don't you remember me?

Sheryl tried, but she couldn't remember ever seeing that cute little boy before.

-          Not really, sorry

-          Hahaha really, stop apologizing, it's not a sin. I never dared to talk to you because I saw that you were always running away from boys and I was afraid that you would run away from me too. You’re a very pretty girl, you know ... and I was wondering if ... - he said nervously - would you like to be my friend?

-          yes! - Sheryl answered more determined than ever.

The biggest smile was drawn on Jair's face, the happiness he felt could be seen on his little blue eyes. He was going to hug her, but, suddenly, he saw that her necklace instantly changed color, it was no longer gold, it took on a silver color and ... a little bee came out of it. Sheryl noticed her new friend's scared face.

-          What's wrong? - She asked - why are you looking at me like that?

-          It’s ... your necklace changed color and ... this little bee came out of there - he said trying to scare it away

Sheryl looked at her necklace

-          How strange, it’s always been golden ... I'd better take it off, I'll ask my mom to help me with the buckle - she said as she went to her mother

Jair kept trying to get rid of that bee that kept circling around him. At that, the park gates opened, the boy's parents called him.

-          Well, see you later - Jair said turning to her new friend - take good care of yourself, thanks for accepting to be my friend - Have a good day ma'am - said goodbye to Lindsey

-          So do you. Sheryl, get in the car, we must find a place in the parking lot before entering the park

They all entered and each one went their own way.

-          Mommy, the necklace has something strange, it’s no longer gold

-          Did you drop any paint on it?

-          No mommy, everything was fine, but when I was talking to Jair, it changed color and ... well, he says a little bee came out of the necklace

-          Hahaha sure he was very nervous ... but, let's see, show me the necklace - she said as he approached her girl - mmm ... you're right, but it doesn't look like rust or something like that ... we'll go to a jewelry store to have it checked later, I think it’s better that you take it off before entering, it may be damaged more with the water

-          Okay mommy, I'll keep it in this little box that I found in the living room - she said as she took a purple box out of her backpack.

It was a box lined with bright purple, it had a beautiful orange ribbon, it had little silver dots that resembled stars.

-          What a nice box! where did you get it?

-          I thought you’d bought it, I found it in the living room ... but, you know, it's strange, I feel like I’ve seen it before

-          really? - Lindsey asked as she took the box - I doubt it… it looks new, are you sure someone didn't give it to you recently?

-          Yes, mom, I'm sure, I found it yesterday in the dining room, it was next to the vase ...

-          How strange ... but hey, it's not important now, we have to take advantage of as much time as possible. Put the necklace away and leave the box in the car, I don't think anything bad will happen ... just hide it under that blanket.

Sheryl obeyed immediately, but she felt strange, she was already used to wearing the necklace around her neck. It wasn't simply the fact that she no longer felt something on her chest, something else was happening. Normally she felt protected and cheerful, but without the necklace, she was afraid, everything scared her. Lindsey, for her part, was also somewhat concerned, she recalled that Alice told her that it was very important that she always wear the necklace close to her heart. However, since nothing out of the ordinary had happened in the last few years, she thought that maybe it was time to forget everything that happened with Alice, Paul, Melany and Ethan.

Mother and daughter had a blast on all the slides and pools. When it was time for lunch, they decided to eat inside one of the restaurants in the park, Lindsey sent her daughter to the bathroom to wash her hands as she asked for the order.

When Sheryl was washing her hands, she felt the presence of someone behind her, she felt her breathing, she heard something agitated and… "wait", she thought "I know this breath." She immediately remembered that night she went out with her dad, the terrifying images of the woman in the red dress came to her mind. She didn't even bother to look up in the mirror, she ran out of the bathroom screaming in terror. She collided with someone and they both fell to the ground. It was Jair, who stood up immediately.

-          Excuse me, I didn't see you coming - he said as he took her hand to help her stand up

-          No no, it was my fault, please forgive me it’s just ... - She stopped because he didn’t know how to explain what happened, she liked Jair a lot and he would think she was crazy if she told him what had just happened

-          What's up? - He asked when he saw that her face paled - are you okay? do you need something? - He said as he put his arm around her, because it seemed that she would faint at any moment

Sheryl forgot her fears, her face flushed again, she felt her cheeks getting hot, she knew she looked like a tomato, and that made her blush even more

-          Do you want me to call your mom? - said the worried boy

-          Don’t, I’m ok. Thank you very much - she said as she arranged her hair. Despite how embarrassed she was, she was still afraid.

Jair realized, her little eyes seemed to scream "help!"

-          Can I hug you? – he asked

Sheryl was left speechless, what she needed most at that moment was a hug, he was the boy she liked, she began to feel cold; he needed that hug. She wanted to say yes, that it would make her very happy to receive a hug from him, but words simply refused to leave her lips. She just nodded her head. Jair smiled, hugged her, and kissed her forehead.

-          The next time you need something, don’t hesitate to call me, I’ll always be close to you - he whispered in her ear

-          thanks! - She said with tears in her eyes, as she clung to Jair's torso.