C26: Amethyst

[ Monday, October 10 ]

Vaughn stopped his car in front of our villa and I went out of his car to ring the doorbell for the guard to answer. I put my index finger on the doorbell, but for some odd reason, something inside me is stopping me from doing so. It was like I'm figuring out if this place is still my home or if I still have a place in this house or perhaps I should just take my leave and move somewhere else.

However, I'm already here, I decided to return. There's no point in running away. Not again.

My hands are cold and shaking as I pressed the doorbell. Pressing it gave me a little relief as if I managed to take a breath that I've been holding for a couple of minutes. At the same time, it sent shivers into my spine which made me feel uncomfortable.

A moment later, someone pulled the entrance side of the gate open and the guard's eyes widened as he saw me as if I'm a ghost that appears in horror movies. His eyes said it all – his unbelief that I'm still alive after all those months. I can't blame him, nobody knew that I'm coming home except for Summer.

"M-Miss Amethyst … um, welcome back. It's good to see you again," he extended his hand and gestured me to come in.

"I'd appreciate if you'll open the gate for Vaughn so that he can park inside." I watched the guard follow my order and after Vaughn parked his car, he went out of his vehicle and carried my bags for me. We walked together to our house's huge door and I pushed it open to enter.

Things are all the same since the last time that I was here. The acrylic painting of a ballerina who's in front of the mirror, another acrylic abstract painting of the city at night and the most significant painting in the house – a painting of our family – Dad, mom, Summer, Sasha and I painted in detail, as if it's a picture taken for it looks exactly like us. Looking around all throughout the place makes me feel like I entered the world where I used to be and I had to familiarize myself with its culture and surroundings. When I looked at the center stairs, I visualized myself wearing my favorite attires whenever I head out. Those expensive bags and heels that are enough to feed a family for months. But seeing how it's like to have a simple life back there at the island makes me realize that living in luxury isn't what life is about.

I was materialistic, just like everyone else in this house. All we wanted was to earn from our business, give salaries to the employees, make our guests enjoy their stay in our hotels and resorts without even thinking that behind everything that we have are the less fortunate people who need serious help for them to survive a day.

I can't imagine myself just going back to the life I used to have. Being there in Edevieth had my eyes opened to the reality of life where the rich becomes richer, and the poor become poorer. I can't afford to just sit back and relax. Instead, I want to make a change in whatever way I can. I have to for it is the right thing to do.

"Amethyst, I know that you're reminiscing, but we have to look for your mother or other members of your family to inform them that you're back," Vaughn suggested, lightly patting my shoulder.

"You're right," I replied as I turn to him. "It's only 2 in the afternoon so, dad and Summer are probably not around and so is Sasha." Hearing myself mention the name makes me remember what happened a few months ago, flashing in my mind like a movie where Sasha pulled Vaughn, confessed and kissed him. It's an ugly memory, but I need to move on from that. I already forgave Vaughn and what matters now is he's with me. Sasha, on the other hand, is a different story. I don't really know what to feel about her. I want to forgive but if I'll be too honest, I don't even know if I can face her. She made some serious damage that crushed my heart into thousands of pieces.

Either that or perhaps forgiving is easy but trusting again is what's hard, which is relatable to the old saying, 'Trust is like a glass. Once it's broken, it cannot be perfect again.' With the thought of Sasha, I wonder … did she talk to Vaughn again after what happened?

"Hey Vaughn," I said, looking up to him. "Ever since that night happened, did Sasha and you talked to each other?"

"No," he answered just a split second after I asked. "I can't face her. Besides, what should we talk about? The idea that she should stay away from me is supposed to be a common sense."

"When I was away, I thought of these things. How it'll be like if I return and how to face her. I still don't have the answers, but I want us to fix everything once and for all. After all, she's still my sister, even if she's just a half-sister."

Vaughn narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out the meaning of what I said. I can't say I'm surprised. The only ones who know about the matter are our parents, Summer and me. As far as I know, not even Sasha is aware of that fact.

"She was adopted by Sora and Mina Furukawa. Her father is Japanese and her mom's a Filipino. Her mother was a teenage mom and Sora, her biological father, can't accept the fact that he'll be a father at 18. So, instead of aborting, they just gave it to someone. The last time I've heard, the two got married anyway when they were in the right age and had a child named Sonia."

"That's some story. I had no idea. How come did a Japanese guy and a Filipino girl did the deed at that age?"

"Mina's family migrated to Japan so she grew up there. They're immigrants. That's all I know."

Vaughn broke an eye contact and focused his eyes on something behind me which made me turn, seeing mom, tears rolling down her cheeks. Her face is red and her lips were sealed, speechless with what she's seeing.

Mom ran towards me and secured me into an embrace – too tight to the point where I felt like she'll break my bones. She held the back of my head sniffed as she pulled away. "Amethyst, it really is you," her voice is as soft as a whisper, not loud enough for Vaughn to hear even if he's just behind me.

"Yes, mom, I'm home," I spoke. Saying the word home felt like someone pinched my heart, making me break down like her. Tears pooled my eyes as they rolled down my cheeks and they won't stop coming.

"You need to tell me lots of things. We've been looking everywhere for you. We had no idea if you're still alive or whatsoever. We were all worried about you and Vaughn mostly lead the search." Mom added.

I turned back to see Vaughn, giving me a sad smile. He didn't tell me about those things last night, although Summer gave me an idea. All I remember was the part where he was hospitalized a couple of times and the fact that he has some kind of cancer.

"Mom, I'd like to tell my entire story when everyone's home. During dinner, preferably."

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The maids prepared our dining table by putting placemats on it, plates, cups, and utensils. They placed the food one by one – Adobo, Sizzling chicken, rice, Lasagna, Carbonara, Vegetable and Fruit salad, a basket of fruits and lemon iced tea – these are way too much for six people. Six, because dad told Vaughn to stay and eat dinner with us. Dad occupied the chair where mom's on his left side, while Sasha sits on mom's left side.

Summer sat next to me, while Vaughn sat on my right side, Sasha on his opposite side. I can feel the tension between Vaughn, Sasha and me, now that we faced each other few months after the incident. Nobody had an idea how to start making this dinner as fine as it should be, for everyone didn't bother to break the ice in this deafening silence.

I can be wrong but seeing this kind of atmosphere makes me wonder if they still ate together like this when I was gone. Because if so, I guess things won't be this awkward. It's like we're eating with strangers from a foreign country where nobody has at least an idea on what language they speak.

My stomach is softly grumbling and I'm mentally drooling with the pleasing aroma of these wonderful dishes. I hate the fact that nobody can even break the ice so that we can start eating. But then anyway, if there's no one who will, then I must.

I cleared my throat as my way of breaking the ice. "I believe someone should pray for the food."

Dad shrugged and sighed. "Right, of course," he looked at Vaughn and their eyes met and dad nodded a bit. "Vaughn, you'll be the new part of the family so, do the honors. Pray for the food."

"Wait," Sasha intervened, cutting dad off. "Vaughn and Amethyst will be married?"

Summer scoffed and rolled her eyes. "What's with that question, bonehead? They're engaged. Isn't that supposed to be obvious?"

"Summer," Mom said, warning Summer for her to stop. "Stop it. We shouldn't be fighting in front of the food. This is supposed to be a celebration."

Summer leaned back to her seat, hiding the hint of annoyance from the frown flashed on her face. I appreciate Summer's support to me that she gets mad for me but what she did was inappropriate.

Besides, she never liked Sasha. For all these years she only sees Sasha as a girl who gives herself to everyone which is, as bad as it sounds, true.

Vaughn started praying for the food. When he ended it, everyone took a part of all the food, except Summer who only took some vegetable salad. As far as I know, Lasagna is one of Summer's favorite foods. Therefore, it surprises me that she didn't bother to get even a bit of it.

I moved closer to her and whispered, "Hey, you do like Lasagna, right? Why aren't you taking some?"

"I'm conscious about my weight." She whispered back.

"What? You don't look fat, you're totally fit. Is this because you want to look your best for Shawn?" Summer shushed me, which I'll take as a yes. She can't be serious. It's not like eating some would make her turn into a balloon.

"So, about my story," I began as I ate up some Carbonara and put it in my mouth. "It's kind of a long one. I was crying while driving when I ran away and to sum things up, I ended up in an accident because I couldn't think straight."

Sasha scoffed to mock me. "Well, that makes you an idiot."

This girl never changed. How can she even say those words on my face with everyone with us? She really got some nerve. I can't help but conclude that she's giving me the reason for me to hate her even more – not just me, but Summer. Especially Summer.

"Wow, of course. Of course, I am. Thanks for saying that. I'm touched." I shot back sarcastically. She doesn't know how tempted I am to pierced this fork on her. I hate this feeling because it makes me feel bad, but she's making me hate her.

"Sasha, Amethyst, you both need to calm down, especially you, Sasha. You're not in the position to talk that way." Dad warned.

"Then someone rescued me. When we were in the hospital, I begged him to let me come with him, knowing that he's on his way back to Edevieth. I know that coming with them would help me run away from everything that happened to me in this place. There, I lived in some kind of orphanage handled by Shawn and Elizabeth Barron. Homeless kids who happen to be the typhoon survivors are there for their parents and other family members died. It was a dump wasteland, however, it's a beautiful place filled with nice but unfortunate people. I found peace there. Now I'm back here because I know that I can't run away forever."

I decided not to share the fact that Summer went there to convince me to return for that was only between us and Shawn. They might be mad at her if I'll tell them about what Summer knows.

"Shawn Barron?" dad narrowed his eyes upon hearing the name. "Is he the son of James Barron?"

"Yes, he is," Summer answered without looking at dad. This makes me think why – I could've answered that myself but it felt like Summer wants to drop hints about their secret relationship.

Dad showed a hint of suspicion to her, trying to read Summer's reaction. "Summer," he called. "I need to talk to you after dinner. I'll see you in the study later."

"Huh? Why?" Summer responded as she drinks some water.

"You'll see."

Sasha ate her food fast as if in a hurry. I can't say I'm surprised, she's likely to run away after to avoid the pressure. Seeing her still makes me feel uncomfortable, it feels like someone I don't see chokes me with her in my view. I'd love to see her leave because there's no way I'm leaving. I missed these foods and I have lots to tell these people that Sasha doesn't need to know.

"I see. Then at least you're all good," mom commented and I nodded.

"I enjoyed my stay there, I had fun with the kids but I feel bad for them. They need help."

"So, what about you and Vaughn? What are your plans? Will the wedding happen before the year ends?"

Sasha put her spoon and work together on the corner of her plate. She stood up and pushed her chair back into the table. "I'm done eating, please, excuse me."

Everyone just looked at her as she leaves the dining room without saying any word. Why, was it because it's a taboo? And hearing us announce things will kill her from the inside?

"No," I answered, setting my thoughts about Sasha aside. "Vaughn and I were talking and we decided that we'll focus on his medications first. We're planning to go to the US next month to have him treated and move the wedding day on February."

"What's with the delay?" dad asked. "It's better to follow the same day as planned."

"We need a little space, that's why," I replied, which makes me feel bad at some point since many people are looking forward to it. However, I just want Vaughn to be in his best self during our wedding because I don't want him to have an episode while it's going on. I can't take risks.

Dad nodded and shrugged. "If that's your choice, then we'll make those things happen."