Chapter Thirty Five

Nora took her warm bath but the scene kept repeating itself in her head. She wondered how she was going to get used to the fact that what happened wasn't a dream but a reality. How was she going to live with herself now that her virginity is gone?

This was a promise she made to her mom a long time ago.

***flashback***

"Nora, how was school?" her mom asked while opening her arms wide to receive her daughter.

"School was fine mom," Nora answered before pecking her mother's cheeks. "But they talked about keeping one's virginity."

"Really?" her mother asked.

"Did you keep your virginity before getting married?"

Her mom looked at her innocent baby face. She couldn't help but smile and stroke her hair. This was a topic she wanted to discuss with her when she was old enough but she realizes that time might be now.

"I lost my virginity when I was ten years old. I was um... young and my parents didn't really give me a proper education about sex and when I got to learn it about it in school, it was late."

"How did you lose it?"

"I was out playing my friends and one of my friend, her name is Kayla, she had his older brother of hers, Brian. He was twenty three years old at that time. So he told me to come to the house that he had something he wanted to show me. I didn't think anything would happen because I trusted him and my parents trusted him too. They leave me with him when they are going out and that was why when he invited me over, I didn't see it as anything. I got to the house and he locked the door. I asked him why and he said he didn't want anyone disturbing us. I was this simple girl who didn't think of her actions most of the times."

Nora could sense that her mother was sad so she hugged her. "What happened next?"

"He offered me my favorite orange juice. We started playing chess and other games. He was a fun person to be with so I didn't mind being alone with him. After playing the game I was tired and I slept off and when I woke up it was past seven. I tried to get up but I felt pain inside. I called his name several times but there was no response."

"Why didn't you notice when he was having fun with you?"

"It was later I figured that the drink he gave me was drugged. I wish I could turn back the hand of time, that's the one mistake I'd want to correct."

"Is that why you hardly trust people?"

Her mother nodded. "No one ever thought Brian would do such a thing because he was so innocent and nice. And that is why I want you to promise me that you won't be like me. You'd take your time to know who to trust, who to let into your life and who to let out. Promise me you will keep yourself till you are married."

***Reality***

Nora brought her knees close to her chest and placed her head on it and sobbed silently. " I am sorry I couldn't keep my promise, mom"

There was a knock at the door, followed by a soft voice asking if she was okay.

Nora wiped her tears and clears her throat before saying yes. "I'll be out soon."

She knew Diego was waiting for her just in case she needed anything. She came out and smiled at him.

"I thought something bad had happened to you in there." Nora didn't say a word but smiled instead. "Kelvin brought those clothes. I will leave you to change now." He let out a yawn.

Nora looked at him and noticed they have been up for a long time because of her. "Why don't you get some sleep? I will be fine all by myself."

Diego was tired. He needed to close his eyes to get his strength back for tomorrow's work. "Are you sure?"

Nora nodded.

Diego hugged her and bade her goodnight before leaving.

Nora was getting dressed when the door flashed opened and when she turned, she saw Kelvin.

She had only wore the trousers but her chest was bare. She quickly turned to the other side and wore the top. "For Christ sake, Kelvin! I could have been naked." Kelvin apologized. He was about to shut the door but Nora told him to come in. "You don't need to, I am dressed already."

She turned to face him and Kelvin saw that she was this girl that had that natural beauty. She didn't need make up to enhance her beauty. She was beautiful.

"I didn't mean to barge in like that. I just wanted to know if you needed anything before I go to sleep." he asked.

"No. I am fine." she sat on the bed and gestured him to sit with her. Kelvin sat down next to her and he waited to hear what she has to say before he said what was on his mind. "I am sorry if I am a burden to you."

"You are not. You have no idea how happy I am to see you right now. I... I don't know what I would have done if something were to happen to you."

She was silent for a while before calling his name, "Kelvin," she called and he looked at her. "Who is Michael to you?"

Kelvin was surprised at her question but in order not to ruin the moment, he promised her he was going to be honest with her but now wasn't the right time. "You need to rest. I will tell you all you need to know...but not now."

"Promise?"

"I promise only if you promise to get some sleep."

Nora nodded and laid on the bed while Kelvin helped her to cover her body. "I will check you up in the morning." He was going to peck her on her forehead but with her recent question, he didn't. "Good night!"

"Good night, Kelvin."

He switched off the light before leaving her room.

He was struck by her question. Why did she ask about Michael out of the blue? And if he tells her he was there when Michael took the videos of her, how would she feel about it? He wondered. Would this ruin the new friendship he is trying to create with her? Should he lie about it?

Author's Note

What do you think Kelvin should do? Should he lie about it or come clean with the truth?