Chapter 17

(Past, year 2021)

I was crying here in my room because of what Daddy did earlier. Kuya was not there because Daddy sent him to Bataan for business, he was there for 3 days so I was alone.

Daddy hit me earlier because his laptop fell. It's not my fault that his laptop fell, it was the maid. Daddy's laptop was on the table and I was going to get juice that was next to it and I bumped into the maid so his laptop fell. I told him that it was an accident but he didn't want to believe it. I said that I would just change it but he took me to my room and physically assaulted me. I thought I was numb, I thought I was used to it, but here I am and still crying.

It's not new to me that he hurts me but I feel like it's still new to me? I'm not used to it. It's always like this.. Daddy hurts me when Kuya is not here at home because he knows that Kuya will be angry with him. But now that Kuya is gone, no one will protect me. At the end of the day, I only have myself. I don't want to call Ash because I might just disturb her or she might have a problem or something. So I decided to call Luke.

I was about to end the call when he suddenly answered and spoke.

'Oh, Nyx? Why?' he asked.

'Did I disturb you?'

'Ha! Wait a minute. Are you crying? What's the problem?'

He sensed that right away!?

I shook my head even though he couldn't see, 'Uhh... A little?' I said questioningly and laughed softly.

'Tsk. I know there's a problem, huh? I wish I could sing to you but you might be sadder. Never mind.' When he jokes and laughs, that's how I am.

He was just joking but I feel better. It's pure nonsense because he knows it, but it's also his way to make me feel better. And he really did. Our call didn't last long and I ended it. I turned off my phone and went to sleep. When I woke up, I immediately showered and got dressed. I went out to eat breakfast. I was a little surprised when I caught them eating. When Dad and I looked at each other, I bowed.

"Good morning." I greeted and sat next to Ate Amy.

I was given a plate and I took the rice. There's only bacon and hotdogs here and the bacon has gone down, so I only had the hotdog. Because my sister's favorite is bacon, she might get angry when I take that.

"I'm done." Mom said and stood up. There was more rice on her plate so I bowed down.

I know she doesn't want to have breakfast with me so I will adjust.

I stood up and looked at Mommy, "I'll eat later, I have something to do." I tried to smile and gave my plate to our maid.

I'm hungry. But I need to adjust, I'll just wait for them to finish and leave before I eat. They don't want my presence here. I don't belong here. My brother is the only one who likes it, so I'm still here today. I just read a book because I have nothing to do. My stomach hurts but I ignore it. Just be patient Nyx and you'll be able to eat it later.

(Present, Year 2022)

I called Luke to come to Ash's condo but I didn't tell him that our best friend was pregnant. Ash is pregnant and we don't know who the father is then Luke loves her, this is a mess. I did her laundry and cleaned the entire Condo, I didn't want Ash to be tired especially since she was pregnant. She wanted to help me but I told her to watch TV. I texted aunt that I'm going to sleep here first because Ash has a problem, I didn't tell her about the pregnancy though, I'm not in the right position to tell other's about other problem.

I stood up to get water from Ash's fridge and drank it. When I returned to the living room, Ash was alone eating junk foods. I immediately took it from her and she looked at me with a snort.

"It's not healthy, it's bad for the baby.." I said softly because Luke might hear us, "....Where's Luke?" I asked.

"He's in my room, he's going to borrow something from me," She stood up to get some water from the fridge.

I just watched TV here because our 'Mini Concert' was over earlier. Actually, the three of us have the same vibes. Crazy people. Luke came out of Ash's room but I couldn't understand his face. He looks like he's angry and his fists are clenched.

"Oh? What happened to you?" I asked.

He immediately looked at me so I was a little scared by the way he looked.

"Hey! Are you crazy?" Ash said immediately after coming back and sitting next to me.

Luke immediately approached us, "Who's pregnant?" He asked so our eyes widened and looked at what he was holding. He's holding Ash's Pregnancy test!

"Damn it! Which of you two is pregnant!?" We've only seen him get angry once so I'm still a little scared.

Ash grabbed my arm and looked at Luke scared, "Luke, calm down.." Ash said softly without looking into the eyes of the person she was talking to.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He took a deep breath before asking again, "Who's pregnant?"

"Luke, I'm pregnant." Ash said weakly while holding my arm.

I looked at Luke and it was as if I was hurt by the way he looked at Ashtrielle. I know he was hurt. Who doesn't, right? Well, the girl you like and love for about years will find out that she is pregnant. Of course if it were me, I would be really hurt.

"Since w-when?"

"I-I don't know."

Luke fell on his forehead so I immediately grabbed his hand to calm him down, I knew he was crying but he was holding himself back because he knew Ash would be worried about him.

"Who's the father?" Luke asked weakly while looking away.

I'm the one hurting both of you!

"I don't know,"

"Fuck! You don't know? Well, who will be the father of your child!?"

Ash looked at him as her tears continued to flow, "I can raise the child without a father, Luke. I don't need to know who the father is because I don't need to."

"I will be the father of that. Let me be the father of your child, even if that's all I can do for you." He said page by page while looking into Ash's eyes, trying to control himself and his emotions. The shock on Ash's face was obvious but there was joy in her eyes. I patted Luke's shoulder and smiled at him.