Falling Red

12

♤ Some old wounds never truly heal, and bleed again at the slightest word ♤

*unedited*

♦ V E R O N I C A ♦

The breakfast with my boss was silent and not to forget his table etiquette. I feel myself choke. I have never shared a table with someone who follow a calm persona, even the dishes in front of him, waters his mouth. Nah. You cannot find any desired expression from Alex. His every movement and action was well refined.

I close my eyes and rest my head against the window. Slowly my mind wanders in the past.

I was washing the dishes in the kitchen to help my mother while a sweet and romantic song played in my phone on the loop. I move my lips, copying the lyrics while my mother laughed at me.

"How long you are going to hear the same song, Veronica? Even I started to sing the same unknowingly." She shook her head but did not say anything.

This is the best time for me when I spend with her. She was beautiful and full of enthusiasm but with time, her eyes turn dull. Her eyes covered with dark patches while her face was full of wrinkles that made her look much older than her age. However, she still looked beautiful to me.

"I cannot help myself."I giggled at her.

Suddenly, a crashing noise came from the other room. I rolled my eyes. My father was drunk again.

"Your Dad is here, I will go and see. After finishing the dishes, go to your room."

"Can you not go tonight? He appears to be upset." I held my mother's hand. I know she loved that man but I could not let her walk into the lion's den.

She patted my hand and smiled at me. "He will not do anything. Don't worry."

"That's what you said the last time, Mom. Why don't you leave that man?" I yelled at her.

She stared at me with her dull eyes. "I love him, Veronica."

"But he doesn't!" I urged her. "That man never loved you nor will he ever be. He is a heartless man, Mom. He only returns home when he needed to exert his anger. How long will you live a life like this?"

"You will not understand it now but when you will find someone you love, you will know, you will know why I never able to leave him." She removed my hold on her and walked away from me. When she reached at the threshold, she turned to face me. "I cannot leave him and this place, does not mean you too can't. Go out, Veronica and see the world."

I wanted to tell her that I got a man whom I loved but he had crushed my heart under his feet. I wanted to tell her that I often cry in the dark when I see him with other girls. I wanted to tell her that I feel sad that she never muster the courage to say no to my father. However, I never got a chance to say anything more.

That was the last conversation between my mother and me. There was never a next day to persuade her to leave with me. That man beat her to death and she never called me for help. I felt so pathetic to see her lifeless body in front of me that I was not able to cry at the loss. She was so broken and hurt that it was hard to recognize her by her face.

However, she never knew I was standing outside her door in hope that she will say something or call for me. I hated her for not giving up on that man. I hated her for not saying anything to me. I hated her for not even trying.

Suddenly, my phone rings, bringing me back from my thoughts. With the base of my palm, I wipe the corner of my eyes and straighten my back. I pick my clutch, slid the phone out and glance at the screen. It is Mia. Oh, the little miss still remember me!

"Hey, Mia," I voice slowly as I look out of the car window. Alex has not let me leave alone. When I insisted to go alone, he arranged a car for me. I could not say no.

"One of your father's people is found dead near our apartment!" She cries from the other side.

"What?" I shout and my voice comes a little loud. I glance at the driver before palming my mouth and whisper in the mouthpiece, "How did you know?"

"What you mean how did I know? It is all over the news, Veronica," she replies in a hurried manner. "I think it will be better if you do not come here now. I cannot tell if his people are around here or not."

I close my eyes. Why cannot he leave me alone? "I got it, Mia. Thank you and take care. I will call you later."

"Where will you go? I have a friend if you want, you can stay at his house. I am sure he will not mind."

"And who is he?"

"Oh, you do not know him but trust me girl, he is a good person. You will like him." I roll my eyes. Mia, oh, Mia, why you are trying to hook me up. "Actually, he was here when the news breaks out and he suggested moving to his house for some days. So, of course, if you come with me, he will not mind."

"You had already asked him, hadn't you?" I fume from inside. "For God's sake, Mia, you had met that guy only once and you actually trusted him. What if he turns out to be a murderer or some psycho?"

"We had not met once. We are seeing each other for some time and you do not worry, I had not told him any detail about you," she replied but her voice comes from a distance. She must have put the phone on speaker mode while roaming around the apartment.

"I do not have my bags packed. I still have to come back."

"Oh, no worry. I had already packed everything for you." I fall into the seat. "He is here to pick me up. I will text you the address. Be safe."

"No, Mia listen—" Before I can say anything she cuts the call. Very good. f**k me! f**k my life! f**k my father! That bastard cannot let me live in peace. Now I have to stay in someone else's house. "Pull the car in front of that mall, please." I glance at the driver. I do not want to go anyone's house at this time. I have to cool my mind and have some peaceful air.

*~*~*

I never wanted to a luxurious life, just hoped that my father would not be like he is. I just hoped that we could live like a happy family—mom, dad and me. How perfect it could be? However, some dreams are better to be dreams. The reality is more painful and heart-rending.

"Excuse me, can you leave this place and sit there?"

I look up. A girl is standing in front me with an expression as if I own my life to her. My brows rise in amusement. Isn't there is a saying: Speak of the devil and the devil appears. Strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes and a pointed nose—isn't the girl is her long lost half sister—Bella Cooper. She wore a maroon off-shoulder top with ruffles and flutter sleeves paired with a uniformly plated white skirt. Her eyes has perfect amount of eye shadow—no less, no more, her lips are painted in bold lipstick that makes her more alluring and charming. Her ears hold a pair of dazzling earring matching with her elegant locket around her neck. It seems her so-called father had found her long lost bas*rd daughter. It's ironical that his one daughter is hiding and running away from him while he is busy in showering his love to others.

Bella is raised by her mother who used to be working in a strip club. However, looking at her now, no one can point a finger at her. She has groomed herself perfectly like a daughter of dignified person to please Romeo. She is quite enjoying her days with her father however it will not take long when all the love disappears in the thin air. That man can never love anyone other than himself.

"Did you hear me?" Bella snaps at me with her impatient expression. I turn my head around the food court.

"There are still other tables. Choose any of them," I plainly reply and focus my attention at the plastic spoon as I rotate it through my ice-cream that has melted to become a liquid.

"But I want to sit here," she stomps her foot and glares at me. "You choose any other place."

"Of course," I slowly take a scoop in front of my mouth and stare at her through my lashes, "when I finish my cup of ice-cream, you can have this place for yourself. Till then stand there." I curve my lips and place the spoon in my mouth.

"You!" She grits her teeth. "You dare to talk to me like that! I can kill you without a blink." So impulsive. Tsk! I feel my mood get back to normal by watching her fume red.

I tilt my head and blink at her. "Do you take this place as your bedroom? Miss, let me tell you, people should open their mouth after thinking twice otherwise . . ." I shrug my shoulders.

"Bella, what happened?" A voice comes from her behind and my smile instantly drops. I can identify this voice even in the crowd of millions.

It is him.

Jake. My ex-boyfriend.

"Jake, it's good that you are here." When Bella turns towards him, I quietly pick my things and turn to walk away. I do not want him to see me here. However, what surprises me more is his relation with Bella. Are they dating? It is not something impossible. I drop the ice-cream cup in a dustbin and I shake my head to clear the thoughts. Whatever he does has nothing to do with me. It does not effect me. Wrong. It hurts like bi*ch.