Broken Strings novel Chapter 13

MELISSA QUIZON

I was just looking outside his car’s window until Eugene and I got to our house. Eugene opened the passenger seat door and helped me get out of the car. I could still feel the weakness in my knee when I got up.

I don’t know when Wright will give up. Why would he want to take my son? I can't understand him! I hate myself! Why can't I forget him? Why does my body still seem to miss his caresses?! Annoying!

I can’t believe, all of this happened in just a day! I'm thankful that Eugene arrived on time. Because I didn’t know what would happen if Wright caught up with me.

"Take a break. You need that." I could only nod in response to him. I am still weak.

I knocked and Minerva peeked out the window before letting us in. I'm glad, I can really trust this woman. I sat down on the sofa and grabbed five hundred pesos from my wallet and handed it to Minerva. After that she said goodbye and went home. I took off my shoes and raised my knees. I laid my head on top of it.

I don't know what to do, Grandma. What is really right? Why did God take my Grandmother right away when I needed someone I could lean on?

I could no longer hold back my tears. I felt someone sit next to me and rub my back. Eugene is so kind to me. I don’t want to lose him. I turned to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. I squeezed my head on his chest. My sobs got louder.

"Eugene..." I said weakly.

"Hmm?"

"Can you... sleep here? I want you here. Don’t go home." I moved away from him a little. He wiped away the tears that kept running down my cheeks.

“Melissa, are you sure about this?”

I don’t know but when I Eugene’s presence is here, I feel safe and assured. I know that he would not hurt me or harm me. He’s our protector. I was so lucky and I met someone like him.

He smiled. But there was still concern in his eyes. "Where will I sleep?"

I don't want him to sleep on the sofa because he doesn't fit in it. He will not be comfortable. "Uhm, in my room. I’ll sleep in Reid’s room."

He chuckled and my forehead furrowed. "Woman! You're going to torture me."

I swallowed. Of course. It is difficult for men to hold back when they smell the woman and especially when in that bed. "I’m sorry. I know what I suggest is a bad idea, but I still proposed it."

"I'm okay here on the sofa."

He doesn't fit in here. Even with an electric fan, he still wouldn’t be comfortable. "You don't fit in here.”

"In Reid's room, then. We used to sleep together, so I guess he won’t throw a fit."

Yeah! Reid's bed turned out to be big.

"Okay." I hugged him again. My gratitude to Eugene is growing. "Thank you, Eugene. Thank you for always being around."

Eugene went out first to get his extra clothes in the car. I went to my room and changed into my pajamas. I wore the Lightning McQueen brand that matched Reid’s. I grabbed two pillows and pulled out a blanket for Eugene. When I came out, I found him opening the door of Reid's room. He was also dressed in a white t-shirt and boxer shorts.

I averted my eyes because this is the first time, I’ve seen Eugene look like this. I heard his faint laugh before entering Reid's room. I was embarrassed to look down to hide the redness on my cheek. I look like a teenager who blushed with just seeing a man’s thigh.

I entered the room. There was a small light coming from Reid's lampshade. "Extra pillows."

He approached me and took the blankets and pillows. "Thank you."

He put it on Reid’s side. His bed is big because he is restless when sleeping. I just woke up one night to find him kissing the floor of his room. I sat on Reid’s side and kissed him on the forehead. I watched his sleeping form, he really looked like his father. I noticed that he was hugging the relatively large teddy bear that Eugene had given me back then. I feel relieved when I see my son next to me.

I felt someone hold my shoulder. Eugene pushed me to lie down beside Reid. I moved so that he also had space by my side. I lay on his arm and we both stared at the ceiling. His hand played with my hair.

I feel so safe. So damn safe.

He took a deep breath. "But oh, can't you see. That no matter what happens. Life goes on and on. So baby, just smile. Coz I'm always around you. And I'll make you see how beautiful. Life is for you and me. "

I smiled as he started to sing. He doesn't have any singing talent, but I appreciate that he doesn’t care. I bit my lower lip. Although, I knew he was just doing that to make me feel better. I turned to him and then hugged him to the side.

He continued to sing even though he knew he had no talent there. "Take a little time baby. See the butterflies' colors. Listen to the birds that were sent. To sing for me and you. Can you feel me. This is such a wonderful place to be. Even if there is pain now. Everything will be all right. For as long as the world still turns. There will be night and day. Can you hear me. There's a rainbow always after the rain. "

I laughed as he crouched at the end of the bed. He looked down at me and caught me smiling. His free hand caressed my chin. "You're smiling now. Finally."

"I've been thinking about it. Your problem is even bigger than mine."

"That's too much. I only sing when I’m with you."

Eugene and I both laughed. I didn't notice that we had another person next to us.

"Noisy. Stop!" Reid complained while his eyes are closed. He rotated.