Chapter 34: A Daughter's Wish

Even it has been cloudy since this morning, the thick clouds seem to have disappeared when the night comes. After receiving Mr. Valdez's message asking for help, Rae immediately rushed back to the school and sensed their presence.

He found them in the equipment room where Yana was locked up. She seems so tired and her eyes have swollen. She must've cried a lot while talking to her father. Nevertheless, he's glad that they're fine. And seems like the gap between this father and daughter has slowly come closer.

Soon as they reached her house, Mrs. Valdez immediately went out to open the gate.

"What happened to her?" She asked worriedly.

But when she saw a familiar face, her expression quickly drifted to anger.

"You-! What did you do to my daughter?!" She was about to slap him when Rae blocked her way.

"Wait! Mrs. Valdez, let me explain! It's not what you think. He has nothing to do with this, I swear."

The sincerity in his eyes made her calmed down.

"Rae, could you please carry Yana to her room?"

The lad nodded and went inside.

When he left, she glared at the man in front of her.

"Gina, I-"

"Don't you dare show your face to us ever again!"

She turned around and waited for Rae to stepped out before she locked the gate.

"I'm sorry for that, Mr. Valdez." The lad sighed.

"No, I should be the one apologizing. I've caused you so much trouble."

He patted the lad's shoulder, "Thank you for giving me the courage. Talking to my daughter has lifted the burden in my chest. Though, I couldn't expect my wife to forgive me."

With that, the old man walked away with a sad smile on his face.

As much as he wanted to help, there are things that he can't do something about, even he's not human.

***

"How are you feeling?" That is what Rae asked the next day when he went to visit her.

It was Saturday, they don't have classes and her mother's on duty to work. So it's just the two of them inside the house, which she's thankful for, she won't spend the day alone.

"Better than yesterday," Yana replied as she took a sip of her hot chocolate.

"What happened? How did you end up inside the basement?"

She gulped, 'I can't possibly tell him I've been locked because of him! Who knows what he might do with those jealous girls.'

"I... I was careless, that's all." She made an awkward laugh.

"Is that so? You should be careful next time."

She nodded, "Right. I will."

'I'm sorry for lying to you, Rae! I know you're not the type who'll hurt anyone but... it's best not to tell you to avoid any conflicts.' The lass thought which has already been read by Rae, without her knowing.

Most of the time, he thanked this ability of his to read other's minds. In that way, he'll know why his friend is lying to him right now.

'Seriously, she's way too nice.' He sighed after finding out the reason behind the incident last night. Which reminds him...

"Have you manage to talk to your father?" He suddenly asked.

Yana paused from eating, "Yes." She briefly replied as she recalled what she found out last night.

"Are you alright?"

The lass heaved a sigh, "To be honest, I don't know... It feels like a heavyweight has finally lifted on my chest as I learned the answers to my questions. But still... there's something that's bothering me."

"What is it?"

"I don't know, Rae... What if he's lying? What if everything he told me was just made up?"

"Yana, listen... Why do you think he'll make that up? Why would he be so desperate to talk and apologize to you if he's just going to lie?"

The lass shook her head, "I don't know, maybe to save his own skin? To lift the shame he had caused?"

The lad sighed, "C'mon, Yana... is that how you've known him to be?"

"Maybe? Because I thought I knew him back then as someone who'll never leave me but he did."

"Was one mistake weighed heavier than those precious moments you've spent with him? Was the pain stronger than the love he showed you?"

"W-what are you saying? Whose side are you, anyway?" She said in a displeased tone.

"I'm on your side, of course. That's why I want you to think of this all over. I don't want you to do something you'll regret in the future." His soft eyes gazed at her.

"So what are you trying to say? To forgive him just like that?"

"What more does it take for you to forgive him? Do you want him to kneel before you? To slap and hurt him?"

"N-no... of course not..."

"That's good. What I'm saying is..." Rae placed his hand at the top of her head.

"I, a vampire, a being far from humans like you. But you gave me a chance to prove myself and didn't judge me despite our differences. Isn't your father deserve that chance as well? After all, you both belong to the same kind." He flashed a gentle smile.

His words echoed inside her head throughout. With that, she remembered, how her father used to comfort her when she's afraid of the dark. How he used to tuck her in when she can't fall asleep. When he gets back to work, she used to ask him to play with her. Even he's tired, he'll join her without any complaints. He used to take them to malls and parks whenever he has a day off. Instead of resting, he spent it all for them. Just for them.

With that, tears started to fall from her eyes as she recalled what Rae told her.

'Was one mistake weighed heavier than those precious moments you've spent with him? Was the pain stronger than the love he showed you?'

"No... not at all... I've been blinded by anger and pain..." She cried as she clutched her chest.

She wiped her tears away when she heard the gate being opened. It must be her mother. She didn't notice it's already nighttime, time sure flies fast.

"Oh, what happened to you?" Her mother asked soon as she opened the door.

"Huh?"

"Your eyes are red. Are you okay?"

"I... I'm fine..."

Her mother heaved a sigh, "Yana, you're my daughter. I know for an instant if something's bothering you."

She averted her eyes, "If I tell you, will you promise to listen and not avoid this topic?"

Her mother nodded, "Alright."

They both sat on the sofa. Before she starts, Yana takes a deep breath.

"Mom, it's about dad."

Soon as she mentions it, her mother frowned.

"Please hear me out." She held her hand, "Yesterday, I managed to talk to him. He explained his side and... all my life, I've been asking a lot of questions. Now that it has been answered, it made me hard to believe, to swallow the things I learned."

"That's because you don't have to believe anything he says. That is all."

"But mom, what if he's telling the truth? Have you ever considered his side?"

"There's nothing to be considered about. He lied to me, to us. Why would you believe that man?"

"Mom, he's not the only one who lied to me. You too, right? You were both fighting back then. I was clueless because I was too young to understand. Even so... I still love you. I forgave you for lying to me."

Her mother furrowed her eyebrows and didn't deny what she said.

"He told me, that you and dad fight most of the time. There are certain issues that you wished not to tell me. But I understand, I know you're just protecting me. But now, it's time to face those issues. It's time to face dad."

"But... I don't know what to say! Whenever I see his face, I feel so mad and sad... I always remember how he hurt me!" Her mother cried.

Yana soothes her back, "It's alright, mom. It's normal to feel that way. We've been blinded by our anger, but that doesn't mean we have to run away from it forever. You're mad at him because you love him, right?"

She slowly looked at her.

"I have been wondering for a long time, and right now, I finally understand. Mom, you didn't change my last name because you still love him, right? We're still using Valdez because you still love dad." Tears welled up her eyes as her mother slowly nodded.

"Mom, you wanted me to enjoy my youth and my birthday. This is it, this is the gift I've been waiting for. I want my family... to be whole again. Am I asking too much?" She sniffed as tears fell from her eyes.

"No, you're not..." Her mother pulled her and hugged her tight.

"I'm so sorry, Yana... You've been suffering this much... I'm sorry I didn't even consider your feelings... I'm sorry for being selfish..."

They both cried in each other's arms. Nothing can be heard around but their heavy breaths and sobs.

There's a moment of silence when they've calmed down. But it was clear in their hearts that something has finally been lifted like a thorn that has finally been pulled out. And it was the best feeling ever.

***

The next day, Yana told Rae that she's planning to meet with her father.

"I could arrange a meet-up with you." He said, "I've managed to save his number when he texted me."

"Thanks." She smiled, "But how come he has your number?"

The lad flinched, "Uhm... about that..." He was about to come up with an excuse when they heard a small beep from his phone.

"Perfect timing! Your dad texted me. You should talk to him." He said and dialed the number.

Though it's unexpected, there's nothing she can do. She was about to protest when she suddenly heard the phone ringing from the other line.

The lad gave his phone to her. Even she's a bit hesitant, she took the phone and talked to him, walking few steps away to make a distance.

As Rae watched her, Damien came out from the door, seeing what he has done.

"I'm just wondering, Your highness..." He said, "You've been doing so much for this human."

"What do you mean? We're friends, it's only natural for me to help her."

Damien scoffed, "Really? The way I see it, you're doing way too much for a friend. Could it be-"

Rae chuckled, "You're just imagining it."

With that being said, Damien just shrugged the matter off.

After the call, Yana turned to him with a smile.

"He said he'll come. Thank you so much, Rae!" She said and returned his phone.

"No worries. I'm glad you're fine now." He returned the smile.

It makes him happy just by seeing it in a while. It has been painful for him to see her in tears a few days ago. That's why he has decided to make the first step and her happy. To see her smile again.

***

The night has come, the awaited time is finally here!

All their close relatives, friends, and neighbors have gathered wearing their formal attires. It was indeed something special for a female turning 18.

In the human world, when a girl turns 18, it serves as her debut, a day when she'll turn and be treated like a proper lady. The age of growth and maturity.

And the highlight of this celebration, the 18 roses, where the debutante will dance with 18 men connected to her life.

"And now may I present, the star of the night, Rhiana Jane Surio Valdez!"

From the aisle, she walked on the marbled floor with her floral pink dress matched with white and gold pearls.

All gazes are upon her as she walked into the center. From the other side, her father waits for her. They bowed at each other before he took her hand for a dance.

They began to sway as the music started to play.

"You look gorgeous, my princess has grown so much." He smiled as tears welled up his eyes.

"Oh c'mon, Dad! Don't cry, it's kinda embarrassing!" She whispered.

"I'm sorry, I'm just too happy!" He said and turned her around, "Thank you for accepting me once again, for giving me a second chance. I can't make any more promises, but I'll do my best to make up for all the times I've missed with you as your father."

The lass smiled at his words, "Let's take our time, Dad. No need to rush."

"Right, and I hope my daughter will find a man who'll treasure her more than anything. And I think I found some." He teased.

She flushed, "W-what are you talking about?"

"There are two gentlemen who are close to you, right?" He smirked, referring to Rae and Orpheus.

"Daaaad!" She flushed while being teased. And he just laughed at her.

Before their dance ends, he handed her an orange rose*.

Then, Calcifer stepped forward and took her for a dance.

"Mr. Cal! I'm so glad you guys came!" She beamed.

The gentleman cleared his throat, "Well, I just came because the Young master told me so." He denied which she knew he came in his own will for sure.

And with that, she giggled.

"Is there something funny?"

She shook her head, "Nothing. I'm just so happy. Thank you for accepting our invitation."

Calcifer blushed a bit, he wasn't used to being thanked by a girl.

"I-it's nothing... I should be the one thanking you."

"Huh?"

"You never gave up to be Young master's friend. You proved to us you're not like any other humans. You didn't judge us either, instead, you befriended us no matter how much we differ from your kind. I thanked you, from the bottom of my heart, Miss Yana."

She was surprised to see his smile it was a rare sight to witness. And she can't help but return the favor.

Before he pulled back, he handed a peach rose*.

Next, Primo came forward, wearing a suit with his adorable stature.

"I don't dance so make this quick, human girl." He said with a tone of embarrassment.

The lass giggled as she pulled him to sway on the dance floor.

"You need to lose a bit sometimes." She chuckled.

"Yeah right. As if I'm a human before. I only came here for the food."

"Alright, whatever you say." She smiled.

As their dance ends, Primo handed a pink rose*.

After that, came to Ren wearing a suit just like any other man around.

"Ren?"

"Since there are few guys in your life, I volunteered as a substitute. I hate wearing dress anyway." She said and took her hand for a dance.

"Thank you, I'm so touched!"

"Don't be, it's your special day after all. And since you're one of my nice human friends, it's just normal for me to give you joy on this day." She said and grinned.

"That's so sweet, Ren."

Before they parted, she handed her a yellow rose*.

Damien came afterward. From her hand, he handed ivory rose* as he swayed her on the dance floor.

"It's unlikely to see you at parties, Mr. Damien." She said.

"You're right. But I make exceptions." He smirked and winked at her, "You never fail to surprise me, Miss Yana."

"Hm?"

"You're just a plain girl at first glance. You looked like a scaredy-cat and won't last on something so dangerous."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" She raised an eyebrow.

Damien laughed, "It is. Let me finish first. You're more than what meets the eye. You're like Cinderella, who can transform into something more wonderful. And every Cinderella has her Prince Charming..." He gently pulled her towards the lad standing behind her.

Damien gave her hand to Rae as it was his turn. He handed her a red rose* this time.

"You look exquisite." He smiled sweetly as they turned and swayed in the music.

This is the second time they have danced that she has gotten used to him.

"Thank you." She smiled as well and looked at him in the eyes.

"Rae, I wanted to apologize..."

"For what?"

"I'm sorry for yelling at you back then. I didn't fully understand your point at that time so I got mad at you." She looked down.

"Don't mention it. I understand why you feel that way. Also, I'm sorry for overstepping the boundaries."

"Yeah you did, but I know how much you care for me." She leaned forward and whispered to his ear, "Thank you for being my good friend."

With that, she planted a soft kiss on his cheek which is much to his surprise.

It was just a brief moment, but his heart won't stop racing. It was one of those moments that he wished, time would stop.

After the dance, Yana felt a pang of pain from her feet. It must be because of the heels she's wearing right now.

'I need to find a place to rest.' She thought.

But her surrounding seems crowded and so she stepped outside.

"I never thought there's a garden here." She mumbled as she went on the soft grass.

The cold breeze of wind made her heart calm and her mind at ease as it brushed her skin. In the meantime, she forgot the pain from her feet.

Then, she saw a fountain in the middle of the garden. The light from the moon reflects from the water splashing as it shines like crystals. And behind that fountain, she saw a familiar figure. A handsome lad wearing a gray suit with his jet black hair and golden amber eyes.

"Oz? What are you doing here?" She blinked fast.

"Hmph. You looked like you don't want to see me."

"I-it's nothing like that-"

"I received an invitation." He blurted.

"Oh..."

There's a moment of silence between them as the wind came passing by.

"As I thought..." Orpheus began, "You're the only one who thinks you're not beautiful." He scoffed as he smirked.

Yana flushed, "I-I'm..."

"Here." He handed her a blue rose*, "Is it too late for a dance?"

She took the rose, "Ah, no... it's just that, I never thought you could dance."

Orpheus raised an eyebrow, "I'm a prince, something as trivial as dancing is nothing to me. I'll show you." He took her hand and suddenly pulled her close to him.

At that moment, she felt her heart skipped a beat.

'Get a grip, Yana! Why are you feeling like this?' She said to herself as they started to sway gently.

Just then, the pain from her feet came back and she suddenly tripped and fell out of balance. Good thing, Orpheus caught her in his arms as their bodies pressed on each other. Her heart started to beat so fast as she felt the heat on her cheeks.

"I-I'm sorry! I--" She was about to pull away when he tightened his embrace on her. It was as if he doesn't want to let her go.

"O-Oz?" She called.

Then, she felt his warm breath near her ear.

"You... smell so nice..." He softly whispered.

With those words, she heard nothing but the loud beat of her heart like a drum. As much as she wanted to stay with his warmth, she doesn't know how to respond to what he just said.

Oh, how can she ever get away from this?

***

Meanwhile, back inside the hall, Mrs. Valdez came to Rae and asked him,

"Have you seen Yana? She's been gone in a while."

"Maybe she took a break. I'll help you find her."

"Thank you, Rae."

With that, the lad started moving as he walked around to look for his friend. Then, he saw the garden outside and decided to search in there.

"Where could she have been?" He mumbled.

As he turned left, he saw the fountain at the center. Two figures are standing close to each other.

Even the night was dark, the light from the moon is enough for him to be certain that it was Yana standing there.

What made him stopped in his tracks is that seeing her in someone else's arms. What's worse, it was Orpheus, his enemy.

The fact that she doesn't struggle means he's not hurting her. And the way she's not moving away means she doesn't hate it. All those things alone left a shattering sound inside his chest together with its unbearable pain.