Chapter 4

Chapter 4

My knees are wobbling and I really don't know what to do. We’re here inside the elevator and they are talking to someone without knowing that the person they’re talking to is just beside them. Every information they shared I heard it all and I wish that I am a deaf just for these minutes. I wish I didn’t hear anything.

I am now doubting everything around me. Should I believe them? Should I believe that conversation I've just heard? What if they are right? What if they are telling the truth? What if my father really lied to me and what if my brother’s know something that I don’t.

There’s a lot of questions and what if in my mind and they keep messing with me. I let their words mess with my head, did I really doubt my father? My brother? Why?

‘I shouldn’t believe them’ I keep telling myself that but I can’t help but to overthink and doubt them. Why am I doubting my own family? Damn!

I decided to go to the rooftop and unwind to release all my thoughts. The girls went out of the elevator when we reached the lobby and I was about to go out but they might have seen me so I decided to go here. There’s no one here and I consider myself lucky. No one can see me how I freak out.

I wandered my eyes and I could see all the buildings from here and when I looked down I saw the cars moving from different ways. This view makes me forget those things. Right? The cold morning air blew and I closed my eyes and felt the cold air touch my skin. I don't want to confuse myself. Please stop. Stop thinking all of that Lys

I stayed here a few more minutes and when I think I am now okay I decided to go back to Kristens' condo and wished that those girls would never cross paths again. Never. And God is good all the time. He granted my wish not to see those girls.

I open the door and go to the kitchen to get some water because there is no food to find and Kristen is not here yet.

“Are you fcking insane? You fcking did that to her? What are you two thinking? I told you to fucking slow down! She’s clueless and innocent. Don’t do that again to her because anytime I can tell your plan to tito.” I heard Kiram shouting into his phone, he’s fuming mad.

“I don't accept your reasons. Don’t you dare to do that again. You two are not stupid so stop acting like that. Again, slow fucking it down!” he shouted at the phone and hung up. He is indeed mad. His face is all red and I can see his veins on his neck and temple. He is kinda hot with that look. What am I thinking? Damn it!

I don't know if I should go inside the kitchen or if I should leave him because I am scared of him. I am afraid that he might also shout at me, I don't want to argue with someone now. I might cry.

I ignored him and went to get some drinks. I am thirsty for what happened. Like damn! I just woke up and haven't eaten and want to unwind but I didn't expect that there are two women talking about me being a I don't know what it is. I should forget those words, I should forget the name they uttered. I am Lyssa and not anything else.

“Morning, have you eaten?” I was shocked because he asked me in a polite tone, I don't know if it's polite or soft. Dang! He's angry, mad, furious and then now he asks me like he is not. What's with his sudden change of mood? Is he bipolar?

“I haven't. There is no food in the fridge.” I drink and then fix it. He is looking at me like he is observing me and keenly looking at my face.

“What? Is there something on my face? What’s wrong?” I asked him.

“Are you okay?” I was caught off guard. I don’t know what is up with him because of his question.

“Y—Yeah. I. Am. Okay. I really am” I smile convincing him that I am really okay.

“Okay. Let's eat. My treat.”

“No. I don't want to go— I mean I'll just wait for Kristen. I think she’ll be here in a few minutes.”

“Ahh. Okay. Gonna take a bath. Bye.”

“Ye—ah.....bye.”

He straightens their room and closes it. I don't know what to do. Should I call dad? Kuya? Or ask my friends if my mother is not my real mother. Dang! I SHOULDN'T! I SHOULDN'T BELIEVE THEM! I should not. Why would I ask them? There’s a possibility that they might lie or tell me the truth. I can't take it. My knees are weak and I can't stand properly and it causes me to fall down.

“Lys! My gosh! Why are you crying? For heaven sake!” Ahrie went out to our room and asked me. She was shocked because of what she saw.

“Am I crying?” I touch my eyes and it is wet because of my tears.

“Ahrie.” I can't help! My tears burst. I don't know! This is what would happen if I didn't stop overthinking.

“Ahrie” I kept saying her name as tears fell from my eyes.

“What the fck happened? Why are you crying? Why? Damn! Why?” She’s confused and she keeps on asking me while she’s shaking my shoulder.

“I heard the two girls on the elevator....” I am sobbing like a child.

“What? Did they hit you? Did they hurt you? What?” I cried again. I am hurting and I can’t breathe because of that. She started crying too. Damn!

“Lyssa, someone is calli–. What happened?” She looked at us and asked why we were crying.

“I don't know! She was crying when I saw her! I am asking why but she only cries.”

"Why are you crying?" She looked at me in my eyes and asked.

“Riesse.....” I said. The thought of doubting my father is hurting me and instead of confronting him to stop myself from overthinking, I asked my friend.

“What the?! Lys, answer us. How can we help you if you didn’t answer us?”

I just want to cry and cry. What if they know something that I don’t know, how would I react? What if they know something and tell me everything they know? I don't want them to know what I heard or what my problem is because they might also lie to me. It’s hurting me that I'm doubting everyone.

“My mom, who died years ago, takes care of me. Is she really my mother?” It’s killing me to ask them that. Asking if my mother, who was always by my side when I was young is really my mother. What if she’s not my real mother and those girls on the elevator are also my relatives. What if they’re right?

“What? Where did you get that?”

“I-I heard the two women talking about me. They even have my picture and they know my name and my father's name. And they also say my " real" name. Am I mommy's daughter?”

“You are not adopted and tita is your only mom, Lys. Don't overthink okay? Stop crying. Come here. I'll give you a hug.” I do what she says. I feel her warmth and it is full of care, it is soothing and I feel tender. But that’s not enough to believe them. I should ask my father.

“Thank you.” I said, nodding my head. I am my mother’s daughter.

“Those girls. Yeah let's admit. Maybe they know you and maybe they are just having fun of you. So stop hmm? Tita is your real mom. She is the only one. Stop crying.” I nod again. I should believe them.

Kristen entered her house and she stopped when she saw us looking awful. Wet and red eyes and my hair is a mess too.

“What happened?” She asked us.

“Someone told her that her mom is not her real mom.” Terriesse answered her question directly.

It looks like a small problem or more of a joke to someone but for me hearing all the details to those girls makes me wanna believe them instead of my friend. Those girls gave a background story and it can be used as evidence while my friends only gave me assurance. They can’t even support their claim. I need to calm down and stop bursting into tears, I need to control myself.

“Calm Lys. You are not adopted. Your parents are your real parents okay? They are the one who raise you so no need to doubt them. And don't trust anyone that you don't know.” Kristen is now joining us and Ced took all the groceries and fixed it in the kitchen.

“Yeah. Thank you.” I smiled and wiped my tears.

“Hey, Lyssa! Did you cry?” I was shocked because Covy asked me but thanks for his concern because I appreciate it. And to answer his question I just shrug. They sat on the couch while the couple fixed the groceries and Ahrie and Terriesse were beside me.

“You cried?” Kiram asked and he’s looking at me intently.

“Ahm..... Don't mind me, it's nothing. No need to worry” I smiled. Why am I always smiling if I see him? Is it because I am afraid that he might tell my kuya and dad. Maybe.......

“Ah... Okay.” Then he leaves us going out of the condo. Where is he going?

“By the way, someone is calling you. Your phone is inside our room” I nod and get my phone.

There are 15 missed calls from my dad. Argh! Maybe he is worried or he wants to check up on me. I decided to call him. He’ll definitely scold me.

“Lyssa, why are you not answering my calls? I told you to answer it whenever I call.” He is not shouting but I know hearing his voice he is worried.

“I am sorry dad. I didn’t see my phone a while ago. I forgot to bring it with me. Sorry”

“Okay. Are you okay?” he asked me with his tender voice.

“Yeah dad. How 'bout you? Don't stress yourself dad. If you need help you can ask kuya. Don’t forget to rest.”

“No. I am okay , no need to bother your kuya because he is on an out of town trip. There’s an urgent meeting and he needs to be there. By the way Zach will fetch you there. I can't let you ride in a taxi, It would be dangerous.”

My father is a famous businessman and his company is rampant in every country, not only here. I know that our family and business is famous and there’s also a possibility that those girls are pranking me but they gave their surname and I am sure that I've heard that before. That surname is famous but I forgot if they’re into business too.

“By any chance dad, Is there a surname Larzidabal in the business world?”

“Ahmm. . . I only know L-Lardizabal but they are not into business. They are famous l-lawyers here.”

“Hmm. Okay dad. Bye. I love you.”

“Why did you ask?”

“I am just curious. I heard them a while ago.”

“Where?”

“Dad, that’s not important. I have to go, we are going to eat. Bye. I love you again.” I said and I hung up.

He’s curious but not enough to answer my doubt. I intend to mispronounce their surname so dad will correct me and I got him. He knows the Lardizabal not only because Lardizabal is targeting our company but it might also be that I am one of the Lardizabal and dad wants to keep me away from them.

I straight to the bathroom to take a bath and check my clothes if it's already dry. When I am finished I go out and look for them. They are now in the kitchen and already seated but they are not starting yet. They are waiting for me. Kiram is talking to Covy and Ced is helping Kristen while Ahrie and Terriesse are busy with their phone. Maybe chatting with their family. It is already 9 am.

“Did you all wait so long? Sorry” I said and sat on the vacant chair. Kiram's gaze turned on me and now he is looking at my eyes and so am I. What is wrong with him? I gave him a smile and he changed the direction of his eyes. What is actually wrong with him?

“No we didn't and it is fine, Lys. By the way, are you good now? Did Tito call you?” Kristen asks and starts serving the food.

“Yeah. He did.”

“Did you tell him what happened to you?”

“I don’t want him to worry and I am also good so need to tell him”

We ate and they changed the topic so I could stop thinking about that. While we were eating they told a lot of funny stories. Our breakfast is filled with laughter and it calms me. Thanks to them

“Lys, look at Kiram, he is looking at you.” Riesse whisper

"Kira-" I stopped because Terriesse covered my mouth with her hand. What the?

“Why are you calling him?” Terriesse whispered and looked at me with her huge eyes. I smiled. I want to tease her but Kiram is really looking at me. He’s not glaring but those eyes give me chills.

After we ate we fixed the dishes and the boys were inside Ced’s room. I think they are cleaning the room because they put out a lot of snacks last night. I saw Covy snatching some snacks, he’s like a thief and I can’t help but to smile.

Kristen gave her present to us and I forgot to bring mine. I left it because I was so excited and in a hurry yesterday. They said it’s okay, I can give it to them when I have time or I just tell them and they will set a date. We are so busy studying, so we need to schedule our meet up if we want.

My brother called me and I picked it up.

“Kuya?”

“We are here in the lobby. By the way, you're with Kiram? Please tell him to join us, her sister is also here..”

“Okay kuya, I’ll tell him.” I hung up the call.

“Kiram, ate Kira with my brother and she wants you to come with us.”

“Okay.” He replied

“Guys, we're going.” I said and I smiled.

“Let's do it again. Hmm??” Kristen hugged me and I nodded.

“Yeah, we’ll do it again.” Ahrie joined us.

“We will.” Terriessse declared.

“Thank you for making me happy. We'll see each other soon. I’ll Invite you to my brother's wedding in Kuya. I'll give the invitation soon” I said and still hugged them.

"Bye guys.I love you. Thank you for everything." And I hugged them and gave them a kiss.

"I love you too. Bye."

Kiram and I went out and went to the elevator and when we arrived the elevator opened up and we were about to get in but he stopped.

"what?" I ask.

“I forgot something. You should go first. I promise, I’ll be there.”

"okay." I shrugged and then went inside. I saw him running before the elevator closed.

I am busy scrolling to my phone and looking at our pictures. I already miss them. The hugs, the kiss, the i love you’s weren’t enough. I always needed their presence and that would be enough for me.

"Sorry." I suddenly uttered because I didn't see the women coming.

She looked at me and gave a wide smile on her face. I look at her with my eyes widened, looking shocked. Yes! I am indeed shocked. Damn it.

"Oh hey miss Lyssa Angel Shermis. I am Herriette Lardizabal. Would you mind joining our modeling agency because you look like my aunt. My cousin......... ."

She is the girl on the elevator. She is Herriette Lardizabal.