Aixela's Pov:
After the dinner, we went home. I was combing my hair when Denise entered my room.
"You still awake?", She asked after sitting in my bed.
"Oum.." I replied, showing my comb.
She smiled and nodded. "Uhmm, Xela... I would like to say sorry for my attitude earlier. You are my only sister, so I want the best for you. I can't see you being hurt."
"I won't get hurt."
"Xela.."
"You know how much I love Louis. We've been together for three years. I know you don't trust him. But please trust me. I won't get hurt. I'll dump him before he even hurt me."
Denise held my hand. "It is not about how long you were together. It is about how much you love each other."
I was about to talk but she speaks again. "Don't worry, I'm not going to say bad things about him again. But if he makes you cry, I will not just curse him. I'll break his bones and feed those to the dogs."
The both of us laugh.
"You're really crazy," I smiled. "Thanks Denise."
She hugged me. "I'm going to sleep early because I'm afraid Mama will scold me again tomorrow. You should go to bed early too, hmm?"
"Oum.." I nodded. "Congratulations again on your new job."
She just flipped her hair. She was about to exit my room but I cut her.
"Denise.." She turned. "Thanks.."
She nodded and exited my room.
I laid on my bed and get my phone. I stared at my wallpaper. It was a photo of Louis and I taken three years ago at the shop where we first met. I can't forget that day.
-------------------FLASHBACK---------------------
I was 23 years old and was guarding our book shop that day when he entered. He was looking for a book about hotel management and I offered him help. We are in the middle of searching when an earthquake occurred. I started getting paled and unable to move.
"Hey, Miss. Are you ok? Miss?" He asks me continously until I cried.
"Help me.." I sobbed.
He hugged me and caressed my back.
"It'll be ok. The ground is just swaying us like a baby. You have nothing to worry about. I'm with you. I'll protect you," He speaks gently to make me calm.
Suddenly, the earthquake stopped and I fainted. When I woke up, I saw my mother talking to him. I approached them. They are worried about how I feel.
"You shouldn't get up. You still look weak. You must still take a rest," He said.
"I'm fine. Don't worry," I said.
"Louis took care of you while you were asleep. He said he will not leave until you wake up."
"It's good to hear that you are fine now."
"Thanks to you," I looked at him.
"Would you mind if I take a picture of the both of you?" Mama asked.
I was shocked, but Louis said yes. He even put his arm around me.
--------------END OF FLASHBACK----------------
After that day, he regularly visits our shop. We talked every day until we started dating. We are very happy and comfortable with each other. We can't let the day go by without meeting each other.
But that was before.
I don't want to believe that Louis is slowly changing. I do not want to give up our relationship. I love him. I can't afford to lose him. So as long as I hold on to something, I will never let go.
*beep*
I was in the middle of thinking when my phone vibrated.
I received the message from the airlines that I already booked the tickets for my flight this weekend.
See you soon, Mimi.
¬¬¬
The next morning, Denise, mother and I are having a breakfast when Louis came.
"Xela," He greeted me, giving me flowers with chocolates. "I'm sorry because I'm not able to date you yesterday. But promise, I'll make it up to you next time."
I shook my head and smiled at him. "I understand you. You don't have to say sorry, hmm?"
He smiled and held my hand. "Happy anniversary, Xela."
"Oh, since you are here, Louis. Why don't you join us?" Mama asked.
"Ok, Ma," He responded.
I saw Denise smirked and rolled her eyes to Louis. She was even about to leave the table, but Mama pressed her hand.
I don't really get why she is very mad at him. I know she only wants to protect me, but she is overacting, isn't she?
"Uhm, by the way, I already booked a flight this weekend," I announced to alter the ambiance.
"How long are you going to stay there?" Mama asked.
"It's been two decades, so I think it's good to stay longer. Mmm, three weeks perhaps."
"Oh, it means we'll celebrate your birthday next month?" Mama said.
"If that is fine with you."
Louis held my hand. "We know you want to spend some time with your Mimi. If you want to come back next month, it is ok with us as long as you are happy."
"Hh! I'm sure you're very happy." Denise grinned in a whisper.
"Uhm, have you packed your things?" Mama asked again.
I shook my head. "Maybe later. Just after we close the shop."
"Ok, I'll help you."
After we had our breakfast, Denise went to her work. Louis offered to bring her to work but of course, she refused.
I went to the shop to take care of it. I sat down and read one of my works.
My Rescuer.
A smile etched on my lips as I sighed.
¬¬¬
Just at the speed of time and now I am with Mama to arrange the things I will bring. Denise will be home soon, so it's just the two of us for now.
"I wish I could go with you," Mama sighed.
"I'm fine, Ma. Denise and the shop needs you here. Don't worry about me. I'll take care of myself. Next time, the three of us will visit Mimi. I know how much you miss her too."
"Yeah, I really miss her."
I hugged her. "I know she's always with us and she is definitely watching over us." Mama nodded and I heard her sniffing.
"Mother, you truly are a crybaby. Denise and I definitely acquired it from you." We both just snickered.
"Oh, by the way," She suddenly said. "About that friend of mine I talked to, do you remember?"
"The one you said will look at my works?"
"Yes, that's right," She confirmed.
"When she read your work, she was really happy and she said, you're great. It looks like she already has something to offer you, until her daughter came and they talked. Suddenly her mind changed.. But why?" She continued.
"Mmm, I don't know. But don't worry, Mama. It's alright. Maybe it's not yet my time to shine," I giggled.
She touched my cheek. "I'm sure one day, you will be a great author... Just like your mother."