Jensen's celebration at the resthouse

We were in the middle of the road when my mom suddenly stopped the car and ordered us to put on a blindfold.

"Mom! Why do I have to do this also? It's not even my birthday!"

I complained while Jensen was excited to put the blindfold on his eyes. Our mother often takes us out of town to celebrate our birthdays, so I have no idea where we are right now.

"Come on, sweetie, don't ruin my surprise."

My mom smiled sweetly at me; how can I say no to this sweet woman? I sigh in defeat and reluctantly put on the blindfold. I almost fell asleep during the ride.

"We're here !!"

My mother announced with enthusiasm and I felt the car stop. Finally, I feel like its been more than five hours of travel.

"Can I remove this already, mom?" I ask my mom. I heard her leave the car then she opened the door beside me.

"Nope, not yet."

I pouted in her response. Since it was Jensen's special day, my mother took me first. She helped me as we got out of the car and then left me for a while to get Jensen. While observing the surroundings, I can say that we are not in the city because it is quiet and peaceful.

"Mom, don't tell me you're giving me a house?? I'm not even married yet."

"Shut up, dude!" I hit him, and I was surprised that I hit the exact spot, which is his stomach, so he groaned in pain.

"Okay, that's enough, kids."

I felt one of mom's hands rest on my arm.

"You can now remove your blindfold."

"Finally!". Jensen exclaimed.

I took off my blindfold, and as I opened my eyes, I immediately put my hand to block the sunlight from hitting my face. As my eyes recover, I look around. There are no houses around here except for this two-story cabin house; then there is a lake near us and trees and plants around us.

Jensen and I are both in awe of the view and the house. My mom pulls us closer to her.

"This is where your dad and I used to stay, and now this is ours."

I turned to mommy when she mentioned my dad, which she barely does because we don't even talk about him at home because she doesn’t want to.

"Ours? Like legally? You bought it???", My eyes widen as I can't believe it.

"Yes, sweetie. I bought this"

I hugged her in joy. Meanwhile, Jensen was frozen in his place, looking at the house with amazement in his eyes.

"This is beautiful."

It's more special because my dad has memories here. The truth is I haven't seen my dad's face, nor I can't remember it. Based on my mom, he died when I was 2 yrs. Old because of a disease. My cousin's mother, Aunt Anna, said that after what happened to my mom, she became depressed and couldn't handle the pain, so she burned everything that reminded her of my dad, including the pictures and letters. That is why we no longer talk about him or mention him. When I was four, we left Madiville and stayed in Manila; that's when my mother adopted Jensen. My mom kept herself busy by working and taking care of us. She filled us with love, and I'm happy with our family. Even though we're not perfect, we have our flaws and imperfections, but our love for each other is all I need.

"Thank you, mom; you always make my birthday special."

I heard Jensen say, then he hugged my mom and I joined them too.

"I love you two, forever and always."

My mom said while she kissed our head.

" Forever and always"

My brother and I said in harmony.

After having a tour around and taking some pictures, we decided to go inside and settle our things, then when we entered the house; I was quite hoping that there were some pictures or anything that my father left, but I found none.

The cabin has three bedrooms upstairs, so all of us have a room. When I finished arranging my things, I went down to see what is our dinner.

"Mom, why are you letting Jensen cook? He doesn't know how to cook; he might poison us."

The last time Jensen cooked our food was so traumatic, I spend the entire day going back and forth to the toilet. I insulted Jensen's cooking too much, but mommy was very proud of him. She said that it is good for a beginner like him. Jensen was happy, but he didn't know that my mother and I kept going to the bathroom because of our stomachache. Mom doesn't want Jensen to feel guilty, so we agreed to let it pass and not tell him about it.

"Hey, watch your words, evil sister, if I'm going to poison someone, it's just you, not mom"

I almost smacked him but suddenly mom my entered, so I restrained myself.

"Let your brother learn, Celine; besides, he's doing a good job. I'm assisting him, so don't worry."

I forced a smile then marched out of the kitchen. After we ate dinner filled with teasing and laughter, we went out for a bonfire and ate marshmallows. I must admit Jensen did improve his cooking skill.

"I'll try to buy the car you want Jensen"

Mom blurted out while we were all resting in front of the bonfire. Jensen coughed in surprise and I almost let go of the marshmallow I was holding.

"For real, mom ??" Jensen looked excited upon hearing what our mother said while my mom smiled sadly.

"Why do I feel like I shouldn't be celebrating about it?" Jensen became doubtful because of the facial expression of my mother.

"I didn't buy you a car before because I like taking the two of you at school; it made me feel that you guys need me. But as you grow up, we can't deny the fact that you're starting to stand up on your own. I used to teach you your homework, but now you can do it yourself. And I know it will come to a point where you won't need me anymore. "

Jensen and I were both shocked at what our mom said. I felt the weight of every word she left and I also felt a pinch in my heart.

"Mom"

Jensen said calmly, then he moved closer to her.

"Mom, that's never going to happen. We will always be needing you even if we got married."

I said while squeezing her hands and I could see that what I said uplifted her mood.

"She's right and even when that time comes where we are doing things on our own, we will still need something from you."

We stayed silent, waiting for Jensen to complete his statement

"We will be asking you for money."

I shook my head in disappointment.

"Just kidding, we will still be needing your love and guidance," this time, he said it with sincerity that made my mother smile.

After the bonfire, we went back inside to play some games and then went to sleep.

*****

I happily got out of the car, where Jensen and my mom went out first to take our belongings. When I turned around, I saw a familiar blue eye, and my smile faded away. I looked around to see if anyone was around.

"What are you doing here?" I hissed when he stopped in front of me

"I'm just checking on something," he answered like he didn't even see that I was glaring at him.

"And what is that something?"

He looked at our house for a moment, and then he turned his gaze at me.

"Your mother, I saw the hunter following her. "

I swallowed hard as I froze in my place.

"What do you mean?"

I frowned and started to get nervous.

"I feel like I didn't hear what Stefan said anymore because it struck me that I might be why he is following my mother. I suddenly felt dizzy. I drew my hair back and bit my lower lip.

"It's my fault", I exclaimed while staring at the ground.

"It's no one's fault, we're not yet even sure why he is following your mother."

I turned to Stefan with fear all over my face.

"Isn't it obvious? He came back for revenge because I attacked and when I was trying to save you!!"

My emotions are racing because ideas like, "What if he kills my family to get revenge at me?" rush through my brain.

"Still, there are many possibilities. Who knows, maybe your mother is related to the hunter?"

I looked at him with disbelief.

"First of all, why would my mother be related to that hunter? Are you saying that we are like one of you? That's impossible, I have known my mother since I was young and I can assure you we have no powers, we are not like you. Okay, let's assume my mom is related to the hunter, but why did he show up just now? We have been living here for too long. Why, when I had an encounter with the hunter, suddenly he just followed my mother. It doesn't make sense; it all goes to one point: he wants to revenge! "

I started to get hysterical and overthink.

"What will I do?" I asked Stefan.

"Help me, and I'll help you."

The expression changed at what he said.

"Wait, is this one of your schemes to help you ??"

"What ??"

He was surprised by my accusation.

"Do you think I'll help you because of what you said? No! You gave me more reason to stay away from you. I don't want my family to get hurt, Stefan. They're all I've got"

Stefan looked hurt at what I said.

"My brother is all I've got too that's why I'm doing my best to save his ass, but I am not that kind of person who would put innocent lives on the line just to save him," he said coldly and suddenly, he disappeared.

I sighed as I closed my eyes tightly in guilt. I never meant it to be like that; I was panicking with the thought that the hunter might come after my family.

"Celine, why are you still there?"

I looked at my mother, who is standing at the door.

"I'm coming," I answered, then I got the remaining things and went inside our house.

I put everything on the table then opened the box to arrange our things when my mom put another small box in front of me.

"I saw it outside the house, and your name is on it."

I don't remember ordering something, but my name is written on it, so I immediately opened the box, and I was stunned to see the video camera that I was looking for in the middle of the Madforest. I looked at the small paper beside it.

"Stay safe

- S"

I gasp upon realizing who gave this to me.

Stefan…