Chapter 14

Hearth thumping,

Clock ticking.

Those were the only sounds I can hear. I

We were both out of words and all that was left for me to do is cry. I clutched so hard on my phone, not putting it down even though I know my parents have already left the line moments ago. I was sniffling, and shaking so hard with my shoulders lumped.

It was the first time I cried this much in years. I didn't even cry as a child.

Should I congratulate myself? Should I call this achievement?

It's as if suddenly all the walls I've tried to build up throughout the years crashed, and you can finally see how vulnerable I really am.

It dawned on me that those walls aren't as solid as I thought it was. I didn't even know there was actually a means to escape this suffocating act. I just never had the will to move.

Nevertheless, I still have to continue acting after this. My courage doesn't last long and it looks like I've used it all up today.

When my father eventually ended the call, I know he was unsure of what to say after my confession. I don't really have high hopes but

atleast for now, I'm assured they won't come and cause havoc here.

That's what matters more.

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After I cried my heart out, it suddenly became too quiet that I evidently heard footsteps coming toward me.

"Addie,

I'm sorry" Aiden said as he reached his arms to hug me.

I just let him be,

I never expected there would come a time when I would need someone's comfort. It felt good anyway.

Right now, I don't even have the energy to act strong in front of him.

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We stayed in that position for at least an hour when I decided to ask him reluctantly, "Aiden, since when were you there?

Have you

heard everything?"

Aiden nodded. I looked at him intently and felt bad again.

Our parents don't care about him at all and were only concerned about this incident because they think I was dragged into it by my brother. In their eyes, I was always the obedient daughter and my brother was the rebellious one. Even now, when it was clearly me who caused this mess. I would never understand how he actually feels knowing that his parents have abandoned him. I know even if he won't tell me, deep inside he's really lonely.

"Why didn't you consult me first?

Why did you do that? I'm fine, I don't wanna drag you into this. I

.

.

I shouldn't have asked you to come in the first place.

I'm really sorry, Addie."

I don't get him, after everything he heard, he was still concerned about me. Why? I don't understand. Our parents clearly favored me over him, I can't even face him without being guilty about how my parents easily disowned him, it breaks my heart everytime. He doesn't deserve this kind of treatment, he's still their eldest after all.

"It's okay,

Why are you even saying sorry?

Isn't all your issues caused by me?

Why can't I even do something for you?

I owe you alot.

.

.

Aiden, you know I'm not the vocal type so I never really told you, but I actually admired your courage, and last night I realized that I don't wanna be the reason for the path you fought for to just go down the drain. Stop feeling sorry, okay? I should be the one saying sorry instead"

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I cleared my throat and asked, "So, tell me,

how is the situation now?" trying to divert the topic while smiling at him to assure him it was fine. I wiped my tears away while waiting for his response.

"Tide's on my side now and

.

.

Some are actually asking if you wanted to pursue this career as well" he stated like it was nothing and no evident emotion on his face.

I raised my eyebrows at him then laughed at his statement as if he was joking.

He looked at me and shrugged. "While we're on this topic, I actually thought that you really should've just left with me then. I think you would even be more popular than me."

"Drop it.

Look, I can't live like that. It would be tiring to please all those people.

I already had enough pleasing our parents." I told him and he finally started laughing. I felt relieved seeing him like that.

"You've gotten bold there huh?" he said teasingly and I shrugged. "Just let me be, it's just for today," I said, and just like that,

his looked changed instantly and he seems concerned again. He knew I'm not doing what makes me happy and he also knows I can't do anything about it.

"Take a rest, I'll go cook dinner," he said and walked out of the room. He knows we both need time to be alone right now.