Broken Strings novel Chapter 10

MELISSA QUIZON

"Reid..." I continued to caress my son's back as he cried on my shoulder.

He could not accept that he had lost. Until we got here to the house he was still crying. As his mother, I can feel my son’s grief. We sat on the sofa and because I was carrying him, he landed on my lap.

I also don't know why Reid lost, but I can't tell him that the winner is really good, because I know he'll be more upset.

"I'm a loser!" He said between sobs.

"Look at me, baby." I said softly.

I wiped the tears from his eyes and cheeks. Then I gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "It's okay to lose, at least you made someone happy because she won. And She should even be sad, because you cried a lot."

He sniffed. "R-Really?"

I pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes, baby. Come on. Mommy loves your music."

He hugged me again and buried his face on my neck. "I love you, mommy. I'll be better next time. I promise."

I nodded. I start humming to get Reid to sleep. I knew he did not sleep well last night and tired, he needed to rest so he wouldn't get sick. As I was doing that, I couldn’t get my mind off what had happened earlier.

The first thing I noticed was his stature. His body became more magnificent, power evident in his corded muscles. He has on dark jeans that fit his lean frame perfectly - slouching a bit on his hips but held in place by a worn leather belt. His sleeve polo is black and plain. His hair was unruly and rumpled like he’d been in a fight with his comb. I have the urge to brush the strands out of his face.

When I noticed that he is peeking at the backstage door, to where I’m standing, I hid so he couldn’t see. I don’t want to show myself to him. I'm also very grateful that Reid didn't win because if he won, all my plans would be ruined. I don’t want to deprive Reid of his father. When he is the right age, I will explain everything to him.

I leaned my back on the couch and then looked up the ceiling, then I closed my eyes. I don't want to remember the pain Wright caused. I don't want to see him again. I do not want to be hurt anymore.

The next day, Reid looks fine and energetic once again. He can smile again as if nothing had happened. I took him to his school before I went to work.

"You will take care of my son, Miss Quizon." Mister Cruz said, his smile is flirtatious.

He is the father of one of my students, Cynthia. He kneel and placed both hands on Cynthia's shoulders. "Be a good girl, Cynthia."

He kissed the child on the forehead before leaving.

"Come on, Cynthia. The class is about to start." I tried to hold her hand but she immediately withdrew.

"I don't like you." She said loudly before entering the classroom. I followed her with my gaze until he sat next to her cousin.

I took a deep breath before closing the door and walked towards the front of the blackboard. I really only need patience in my job. Since, this is an exclusive school, bratinellas like Cynthia is very common.

"Good morning, Miss Quizon." My students greeted me warmly.

"Hi, kids! Did you do your assignment?" I tenderly question them.

What we teach is five to twelve years old, so it requires a lot of patience.

"Of course. It's easy." I looked at Cynthia's behavior. She stared at me and then made a face.

Be patient. She’s just a child, Melissa. Yeah, and so does Chuckie.

"Okay. Cynthia, can you recite your poem?"

"Why don't you just read it, don't be lazy. You're not at our level, so don't order us around. Hmp!" She said rudely.

Mister Cruz is very kind, how did this child grew horns? I think Cynthia’s family is facing some problems, so I should be understanding.

Her cousin Terence stood up. "Hey, Cynthia, you're overreacting! Don’t be rude."

Cynthia also stood up and pointed at me. "Really! I don't like her! Don't you notice? He's attracted to my Dad! Gold digger!"

Something pierced my heart when she said that. It was like I saw Wright when she said. Why do they think everyone who belong to a bottom society are gold digger? They have not touched mud, they have not sniffed dust, why are they like this? They have money but they don’t have kind heart.

"You're too imaginative, Cynthia." Terence shouted at Cynthia.

"Kids, calm down. Please. Don't fight.” Terence sat down in obedience to my command but not Cynthia. Courage remains on her face. I softened my expression and looked sadly at her. "Cynthia, I'm not attracted to your Dad."

"Liar."I saw the escape of tears in her eyes, then she immediately wiped it off.

I approached her and then kneel to make our faces line up. I caressed her soft and slippery hair tied with a red ribbon. "I'm telling the truth. Your Dad loves you and he loves your Mom too. Cynthia, your Dad wants you to have a lot of friends here at school, so he told me to keep an eye on you. Me, I'm ready to be your friend, if you want to."

"Really?"

I nodded. I wiped away the tears on her cheeks. I was surprised when she hugged me tightly. "I'm sorry, Miss Quizon. I'm sorry for what I’ve said."

"I forgive you." I caressed her back. "Stay and we'll continue our class."