Chapter One

I look around.

Everyone seems close. There's a group of people everywhere. Some are in a hurry while some are just calmly chatting with their friends and headed towards their own destinations.

"Thank you" I heard my moms' voice. I guess she's done handling my papers. The cashier's personnel smiled at my mom and me before closing her window.

"Let's go" I stared at her smiling face before reaching at her offered-hand and got up.

"Is it done?" I asked.

"Hmm. On your first day, someone will guide you around. Apparently, the principal's secretary told me that parents aren't allowed to enter this campus without a personal-customized ID. Therefor child, I requested someone to show you around here in campus so you won't get lost." all of her blabbering as we head towards the parking lot of this school are nonstop, and all I can do is a nod and agree.

2 years had passed after the incident and I remember nothing. The only thing I know is the moment I open my eyes was, there was a woman who introduced herself my biological mother. The police explained everything. All the whys and what's.

This woman here is my mother...is she really? Although Im feeling a bit comfortable around her, she gave me the benefit of the doubt. She's a formal lady, a perfectionist -- according to my observation through our interactions after I got discharged from the hospital -- and a very strict one. She's weird-- no not that weird, strange rather. She's strange sometimes, especially when she's alone. My guard is always up whenever Im with her. There's no way I'll trust her that easily. I mean, she may be my real mother but I dont have my memories with me and I have to protect myself from everything on this day on wards.

"Now child..." I tuned her off as I stare at someone.

She's at a children's swing. Rocking it lightly while staring at nowhere. She seems down.

"Hey mom?" It seems like I accidentally cut her off because of the surprised expressions on her face.

"Yes dear?" she stopped inserting the key on the car's keyhole and stand straightly.

"Can I approach that young lady?.." I pointed at the young lady with my whole-hand open "I'll just do something. I'll be quick."

She spare a glance at where I pointed before turning her gaze back to me.

"Be quick then." she continued.

I quickly made my way at her location. As I neared her location her attention faced mine.

"Here.." I gave her my white handkerchief "..this may be a little weird but use this when you need to. It seems like you're a little down." her reaction is a bit surprised and confused.

Well who wouldn't? Its not normal, approaching a random stranger then suddenly offering a handkerchief, right? When she accepted it, a small smile automatically formed in my lips.

"Thank you.." her voice is quiet and small.

I was about to introduce myself when a hand suddenly placed on my left shoulder causing me to flinched.

"She said her thank you, no need to be too friendly. I dont like the thought that you to approached a stranger who's looking like an E-Class, dear." I can hear the hint of displease and arrogance but her voice seems formal.

"Mom.." my smile faded and I felt my stomach twisted at how rude and mean she is. She looked at me and smiled.

"Your grandparents are waiting Dessy. You still need to get ready before we go." she slightly pulled me to come with her.

I sigh and nod at the young lady who's until now, looking so offended and are having that confused look and hazy eyes.

Will she be ok? mom is really rude.

I got in the car and she did as well. She then started the engine before facing me.

"I dont need you to be friendly with strangers Desiree. You shouldn't be trusting being kind to everyone just because they look pathetic. Guard your trust, do you understand?" again with the lessons.

"But what you did right there was rude mom."

"Yeah, do you think I care?" she then maneuvers the car.

I snickered and just out my mind on what she said.

Yeah, a proud woman like my mother wont care at all. Is her trust issues are that bad? or was it because that girl was looking like an E-class? Nevertheless, whatever her status is, what mother did was rude and unnecessary. What if that girl is a heiress of whatever business? the daughter of a politician or someone who's big in the business society?

I glance at her.

She's too focus on the road.

Now that I think about it, I dont know anything about aside from you're my biological mother.

You didnt gave me the chance to know you more for the past 2 years that you're taking care of me. It's like you have this invisible barrier that draws a line between us. You sometimes distance yourself and is wary of me as well. There are times that you avoid my gazes and questions too. Why is that mother?

And where were you all those times that Im being abused? Why did you ran away? Did father abused you too? If so, why did you left me with him? Where did you go? Are there times that you think about my situation or how is my life going when you're away? Did you ever think of me?

There's a bit of pain in my chest the moment I thought of that question. I feel betrayed for some reason.

I stared at her serious face.

What do you think of me mother? What am I to you? Am I just a responsible to you? Your child. I want us to be closer so please, let me have a peek inside of your heart. Show me a little genuine emotion, because I feel like you're just worried of the responsibilities that I'll cause you once there's something that'll happen to me.

"What am I to you?" I unconsciously blurted out.

She heard it and she seems taken aback but it didnt affected her driving. Her eyes became a bit dilated and that's where I know where I stand in her life.

Her reaction gives me anxiety and reassurance. Although I dont trust her whole heartedly, my decisions, perspective and opinion is based on what she's showing me. She introduced herself as my mother after all.

"Never mind." I disregarded the small pain in my chest and just watched the people moved on with their lives outside of the house.

I heard her sigh.

I feel unwanted.