Moonblood

Chapter 10 - Guided But Not Tamed

Isadora’s phone rang in the middle of her work.

A familiar number flashed on the screen—the name of Lorenzo’s school.

A strange weight settled in her chest.

Isadora (careful, cautious):

“Hello… Diego Institute?”

Guidance Counselor (calm but professional):

“Good afternoon, Ma’am Isadora. There’s been an incident involving your son, Lorenzo, at school earlier today.”

Isadora froze mid-typing at her monitor.

Isadora (immediately worried):

“Did something happen to him? Is he hurt?”

Guidance Counselor:

“He’s okay for now, but we really need to speak with his guardian.”

Without hesitation.

Isadora (firmly):

“I’ll go to the school myself for my son.”

@Mansion of Alcantara

Night had fallen deep and heavy over the Alcantara Mansion. The house was quiet, save for the soft glow of the outdoor lights and the veranda lanterns.

Exhausted from work, Isadora returned home—but despite her fatigue, she went to check on her children, all of them asleep and peaceful.

She first went to Aliya’s room, then quietly made her way to Lorenzo’s.

The door was slightly ajar.

Inside, she found her son—face calm, clutching his pillow, no trace of turmoil.

She did not wake him.

Isadora (thinking, whispering to herself):

“This is the first time…”

The first time she had received a call from the school guidance. The first time Lorenzo had a problem.

She gently adjusted his blanket.

Isadora (soft, laced with worry):

“What happened to you at school, my son…”

No answer came—only the soft rhythm of his breathing filled the room. She slipped out quietly, carrying a question she could not answer herself.

The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, Isadora’s phone rang again. An urgent work meeting had been scheduled—impossible to postpone.

Isadora (with a heavy sigh):

“Okay… I’ll make sure to attend, as soon as possible.”

She returned the phone to the desk and sank into her chair. She knew she couldn’t go to the guidance office herself. After a few moments, she called for Aling Aurora in the kitchen.

Isadora (serious, but trusting):

“Aling Aurora…”

Aling Aurora (approaching promptly):

“Yes, Señora?”

Isadora:

“I have an urgent meeting today. I won’t be able to go to Lorenzo’s school.”

(She took a deep breath)

“You’ll have to go to the guidance office for him, just for now.”

Aling Aurora’s eyes widened.

Aling Aurora (concerned):

“What’s wrong with Lorenzo at school?”

Isadora (nodding):

“I don’t know yet, but I need you to handle it. You’re with him every day. You know him when he’s quiet… and when he’s carrying a problem.”

A brief silence passed before Aling Aurora nodded firmly.

Aling Aurora:

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of him, and I’ll make sure you know what happened at school.”

Isadora smiled—a tired smile, but one filled with gratitude.

Isadora:

“Thank you, Aling Aurora. I’m glad you’re there for Lorenzo…”

Aling Aurora:

“You’re welcome Señora.. Lorenzo is like my own child anyway.”

That morning, Isadora left for work early, unaware of the true root of the problem. But she trusted her son, confident he would not do anything wrong.

After dropping the children off at school, Aling Aurora said goodbye to Aliya and Carlo. The two headed toward their classrooms, while Lorenzo stayed quiet as Aling Aurora guided him toward the guidance office.

Aling Aurora held Lorenzo’s hand firmly as they approached the office door.

Aling Aurora (soft, soothing):

“Don’t worry, child. I’m right here.”

Lorenzo nodded, clearly nervous but trying to stay composed. When the door opened—Jacob was inside.

He lounged on a chair, legs stretched out, leaning back, seemingly indifferent to everything around him.

Beside him sat his nanny.

Yaya Amelia, sharp-eyed and obviously irritated,

whispered harshly:

“There you are again, Jacob. Such a disgrace. How many schools have you been transferred from?”

Jacob didn’t even look at her.

Jacob (cold, emotionless):

“It’s Wow.”

Yaya Amelia sighed, accustomed to the scene.

Jacob was used to the guidance office.

He was used to being called a “problem child.”

Used to being seen as the one always at fault.

He had been transferred multiple times—not because he was weak, but because trouble always seemed to follow him.

Behind the hard exterior was a boy starved for parental care. His father, Ignacio, had never asked how he was. All that mattered, Jacob must always be strong.

Always win.

Always compete.

No room for weakness.

No space for mistakes.

As Lorenzo and Aling Aurora entered, Jacob glanced briefly at Lorenzo before returning his gaze to the window. No hint of remorse crossed his face.

Aling Aurora (calm, with weight in her voice):

“Good morning.”

Guidance Counselor (smiling professionally):

“Good morning. Are you Lorenzo’s guardian?”

Aling Aurora:

“Yes, I am.”

They all took their seats opposite Jacob and Yaya Amelia.

Lorenzo remained silent, hands folded neatly on his lap, visibly nervous.

Jacob (whispering, teasing):

“Scared?”

Lorenzo looked up but said nothing.

Aling Aurora (immediately intervening, firm but gentle):

“Don’t speak like that, Jacob.”

Yaya Amelia frowned.

Yaya Amelia:

“Let it be. That’s how he is. He won’t change.”

Jacob smirked:

“Yeah I’m used to it.”

The guidance counselor closed the office door, the air growing heavier.

Guidance Counselor (calm, professional):

“Yaya Amelia, Aling Aurora, since the parents of both children are unavailable, you will handle this as guardians for now.”

Aling Aurora nodded, while Yaya Amelia let out an annoyed sigh.

Yaya Amelia (frowning):

“Fine! just tell us what’s needed. I have other things to do.”

The guidance counselor turned to Jacob.

Guidance Counselor:

“Jacob, do you know why you’re here?”

Jacob (leaning back, unconcerned):

“Because I pushed someone.”

Guidance Counselor:

“And how do you feel about that?”

Jacob (shrugging):

“Normal. It’s fine.”

The guidance counselor paused, momentarily speechless.

Normal.

A word often spoken by a boy who had grown up hurting others and being hurt himself, ignoring right from wrong.

Guidance Counselor (turning to Lorenzo):

“And you, Lorenzo? What happened from your perspective?”

Lorenzo looked to Aling Aurora before answering.

Lorenzo (soft, voice trembling):

“He took my food… and then he pushed me.”

Aling Aurora clenched her fists.

Aling Aurora (restraining her emotions):

“Ma’am…that child isn’t used to fighting. He’s quiet at home and at school.”

Yaya Amelia (interrupting, irritated):

“Well,.. that’s how kids are these days. Your boy wasn’t seriously hurt anyway.”

Jacob suddenly looked at the guidance counselor.

Jacob (coldly):

“Isn’t that how it should be? Fight back?”

The room fell silent.

At a young age, Jacob had already been taught: the world is a battle, and the weak are crushed.

Guidance Counselor (serious):

“Jacob, not every fight has to be settled with violence.”

Jacob’s lips curved in a bitter smile:

“Then why do the ones who hurt others always win?”

No immediate response from the counselor.

Aling Aurora (softly but firmly):

“Child, listen. You don’t need to hurt anyone to be strong. What matters is knowing right from wrong.”

Jacob glanced at Aling Aurora, a flicker of doubt passing through his eyes—but it vanished quickly.

He didn’t answer, only scowled.

Guidance Counselor:

“For now, both of you will receive warnings. No suspensions. But your actions will be closely monitored—especially you, Jacob.”

Jacob immediately stood:

“Okay.. Done? I want to leave.”

Yaya Amelia tugged his arm:

“Come on! You’re not learning, just wasting my time.”

As they left, Jacob glanced back at Lorenzo.

Jacob (softly, challenging):

“Next time… no backing down.”

Lorenzo’s eyes widened—but in his chest, a strange heat began to stir.

As Aling Aurora and Lorenzo walked side by side out of the guidance office, Lorenzo didn’t speak.

His gaze stayed fixed on his shoes, each step careful and quiet. Aling Aurora stopped under a large tree near the school gate.

Aling Aurora (softly):

“Lorenzo, my child…”

The boy looked up.

Aling Aurora (bending to his height):

“Does your head hurt?”

Lorenzo shook his head.

Lorenzo (softly):

“I’m fine, Mama Aurora…”

Each time Lorenzo called her Mama Aurora, Aling Aurora felt the weight of responsibility—not just as a nanny, but as someone who loved him like a real mother.

Aling Aurora (holding Lorenzo’s cheeks gently):

“Listen to me, okay?”

Lorenzo nodded.

Aling Aurora:

“It’s not wrong to defend yourself. But it’s also not right to fight anger with anger.”

Lorenzo (bowing his head):

“I didn’t mean to, Mama… I just… I just lost control.”

Aling Aurora’s gaze softened.

Aling Aurora (gently):

“There are things about yourself you don’t understand yet. And that’s okay. You’re still a child. One day, you will.”

A brief silence.

Aling Aurora (softly but firmly):

“But we have to tell it to your Mama and Papa.”

Lorenzo’s eyes widened with worry.

Lorenzo:

“Will they be mad at me?”

Aling Aurora shook her head.

Aling Aurora:

“No my child…They’ll worry. And as your parents, it’s their right to know what’s happening with you.”

She held his hand.

Aling Aurora:

“Don’t worry I won’t leave your side…I’ll talk to them if you’re nervous, It’s Okay?”

Lorenzo gave a small, hesitant smile.

Lorenzo:

“Yes…”

Unbeknownst to him, behind Aling Aurora’s calm face, she too hid a flicker of worry.

The warmth rising in the boy wasn’t just anger.

As they walked away from the school, Aling Aurora suddenly stopped. She noticed a faint flush beneath Lorenzo’s uniform.

Just a glimpse.

A moment.

Aling Aurora (thinking, anxious):

“No… not yet…”

She touched his shoulder and forced a smile.

Aling Aurora:

“Come on, child. Let’s go home.”

Narrator’s Note:

That night, as Lorenzo slept deeply, a secret began to stir within him—something awakening, a familiar pulse of blood, a first heat rising. And it would never be hidden again…

To be continued…