Chapter Twenty Eight

" I wish so much that you wouldn't leave."Andra said. I was ready to leave. I could not respond because there was a knock on the door. She got the door immediately, Damien and Liam had come to say their goodbyes.

"Hey guys!"Andra shreikec as they walked in. She looked more excited than sad that I wondered if she really was going to miss us. Or maybe, she's just too happy to show her real feelings

"You've come to say your goodbyes huh?"I said

"If that's what you've come over here to say then you should leave right away!"Andra said. Everyone was awed. She noticed the tensed atmosphere and continued. "Sorry, I just don't wanna be pitied, okay?

"Well, we're not saying any goodbyes."Liam said, winked at Damien and I

"Whatever. Awwwwnn...I'll miss you guys."She hugged me Damien first

"Thank you. You do not know what you did to my dreams Damien."She whispered in his ears. Damien hugged her back. Then, she hugged Liam. It was a sweet sight. I guess it's their first hug and Liam looked lost, I doubt if he heard what she was saying to him. I didn't hear either. They were in a tight embrace for like forever. Damien helped with my luggage

"I'll be back Andra. Very soon."Liam said as they let go of each other. "I'll be back. Wait for me, okay?

She nodded. The guys left with my luggage and I was alone with Andra again. She had smiles all over

"You're guys would make a great couple.

"Yeah "She said. "It's strange. To me. I still wonder what he sees in me. I'm deaf. I'm sick. I'm weak. I'm an outcast in the school. He's the direct opposite. It's so strange Paige.

"Liam was a bully. He leads a tough gang in school. I can't say if he's changed completely but since you guys have been together, he's been the best of himself. "I paused. "I believe what he likes about you is what you do not expect him to. You're original and a hell of good vibe. Who wouldn't want to be with you? C'mon Andra, it's not strange. You deserve more.

"Thanks Paige.

"You're too polite too. Sweet God!"I swore. "I'd be damned without you in my life Andra. I don't want to leave.

"You have my soul with you. I'd give that to you if you want "She jeered. "Paige, protect Damien. With all you've got.

I didn't understand

"He's a good guy. I see you both are getting along well now. He might be a god but he's gonna be vulnerable some other time. So promise me, that you'll protect him.

"I will mum. I promise."I laughed. She joined in

"And you, take care of yourself. Don't let anything take this happiness from you okay?

"Sure."I said. "I have to go now. Our bus is ready to move.

She hugged me tightly. "I'll miss you so much Paige. I love you." She wore a necklace with a diamond cross penchant on my neck

"I have only two of this. Keep this. As long as you have it, I'm with you. My mother gave them to me. She says she wished to have a two girls but she didn't. You're my sister now Paige. I really do love you.

"I love you too. Stay safe 

Fortunately, Jude Kam dropped a note with his driver that he won't be home to receive me because of his business schedule. It was a blessing to me. At least I would have enough time to reflect before he comes back

I got food from the refrigerator and ate in solemn silence. Watching Damien and his family through my window would be better now that I know I'm watching a happy friend. Though Andra's request still baffled me, another part of me felt it was necessary. I should protect him from Jude Kam. Who knows whether his empty threats might turn real? Or what would he do when he gets to know I now have a friend? Change my school? Or move from the house

I really should protect him from Jude Kam

Andra, she reminds me a lot about my mum and I've made up my mind ever since to find a picture of her when I get back. Jude Kam cleared every trace of her from the house, I don't have a single picture. I guessed I'd find one by chance in his room so I went to check his study. I found a locked drawer and somehow I felt I would find whatever I was looking for in it. I had to break it, my curiosity and desperation. It had files, business files and divorce files. That's not a new story to me. But among the dusty files I found one picture, old picture of her. I could not contain my happiness. I was more awed when I saw the back of the picture. It had a letter, for me

I didn't have much time so I tucked the picture in my dress and started to arrange the drawers back. About the broken one, I doubt if he's going to ever notice

I didn't want to get to engrossed in reading that I get caught so I amde sure everything was set back in place. I remembered the necklace Andra had given to me and I found a safe place for it, my jewelry box. I rarely use that box anyways

I also had to unload the contents of my luggage, so Jude Kam wouldn't be the first to. At the little purse of my pink travel bag, I saw my bank card. Damien return it. That guy..

After all was done, I finally had the chance to read

"Paige

You will always be my baby girl. I'm so proud of you, of how you are able to keep everyone around you inspired and happy. Keep up. I may be leaving soon but I love you. I love you, Paige.

Your mum, 

Anabelle."

Anabelle!