Trapped

Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve:

This must be how love feels like, part two.

»»—♡—««

utter love

and it will grow,

it will flow

through you

and

around you.

― harpreet m. dayal

»»—♡—««

Family is constant.

There is a saying that blood is always thicker than water. In which, I do believed. No matter how hard you try to turn the world upside down, it will never change. You can't chose who your family would be. It doesn't go that way.

I have always cherished my family. They are everything to me and I'm grateful for having a family like them.

My family had always supported me. In everything I do, they would always be cheering for me. No matter what hobby that I deemed to be interested in, they were always behind my back rooting for me. There were things that I wanted ot pursue in my life and they would always be there to support me in my passion. As long as they knew that it won't hurt me or I won't hurt any other people in the process, they were willing to cheer for me. My family knew that the decisions I make were heavily influenced by them. They knew that I know how to make the right decisions in my life.

Even though that there were hardships, they were always there to lend a helping hand.

Despite my failures and mistakes, they never showed that I was a burden in the family. My family knew that all those failure and mistakes are lessons that were going to bring out a better version of myself. According to them, I would never continue to grow and learn if there aren't any failures in life.

It is true.

Moreover, they never once told me that my failures are my own fault. That sometimes there just things that aren't supposed to go my way no matter how badly I wanted it to. Instead, they help me to stand back up whenever I fall.

They had always ensured that I was on the right path. My family guided me with full comprehension of what is right and wrong or what is good and bad. And I had kept that all in my mind whenever I am to make a decision in life.

We were never a perfect family but we had lifted each other whenever someone needed it. I cherished my family so much. They were all I had when I was nothing.

I wouldn't trade my family for another family in the whole world.

They are my family and they are mine alone.

»»—♡—««

[Three years earlier]

Maxwell’s mouth fell agape.

She tried speaking but there were no words coming out of her mouth. She looked like a gaping fish looking for water in the dry land. Obviously, she was indeed shocked by my plan. Of course, I thought it was just some plain ‘not of a big deal’ plan however, her reaction tells otherwise.

I can't quite tell just judging of her inability to form words for what seemed like five minutes. 

I didn’t bother helping her out, I was just sitting their, eyes beaming with anticipation and excitement while she open and closes her mouth in a dumb manner. I almost snickered but I was keeping my excitement as I didn’t want another occurrence to ruin my emotions.

When she had gathered herself and recollected her thoughts, she uttered. “Wow, you’re really taking this seriously, huh?” Her voice was laced with both amusement and fear. “You’ve never brought home your past lovers in our house. Never you have invited them to come over. You’re really taking this to the next level, Chandy?” He hand landed to my shoulder, lightly tapping it. As if she was comforting and congratulated me. “You’ve become mature...” She added and snickered, “...in what? Just six months of being with this Warren guy? He must be really a good man.” Maxwell’s eyes glimmered as her lips formed a smile then gently and delicately embraced me into a hug; so soft as if she was scared that she would break me.

I am her little sister after all. Her fragile Chandy, the crier kiddo.

My hands automatically engulfed her back with a hug, savoring the moment. This is something that I had truly treasured. Of all people, Maxwell's validation is what mattered to me. Her judgement had always helped me as she knew more than I was. Now, all of the worries on the back of my head eventually vanished. Knowing that she supported me, is a big deal for me. 

“I am so happy for you.” She declared, then broke the hug as she stared at my eyes. “I truly am.” A drop of tear had fallen from her left eye and even though it may appear invisible to the naked eye for a moment; I was quick enough to have caught that.

And just like always, I had felt her most genuine and honest feeling.

She was happy and there is no lie behind it.

…

I could feel my heart slamming inside my ribcage so hard that I could hear the beat so loudly.

I kept my eyes on the marbled tiles, not wanting to raise them up nor avert my gaze  on the very thing that's currently keeping me sane. If only I could remain to flutter my eyes closed this whole event, I would have done  it the moment that I had called for them. However, that thought can't possibly be done as I'm currently the center of attention and it would really be disrespectful to talk to them while my eyes are closed.

This isn’t something that happens most of the time nor everyday in my life. This is the only time that I will be doing this. Despite mustering my courage and gathering much confidence, the moment they had asked why I had called for them, I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the floor and was rendered speechless for about five minutes now.

All of them must've noticed that I was having a hard time because one of them decided to speak and talk me out of my trance.

“What is the matter, cupcake?” My mom asked, despite not seeing her facial expressions, I knew her well enough to know that at this very moment; she was worried. My mom is concerned about my well-being, I can feel it and I can hear it in her voice. It wasn't actually that hard not to notice since my mother was always concerned and worried about me ever since I was young.

When she didn’t get an answer from her youngest daughter, she decided to speak again. “What happened, sugar?” She queried, this time asking my sister.

I also knew my sister well enough to know that she won’t be spilling any teas not unless it comes from my mouth. Despite her knowing why I had gathered them after me and Maxwell got home from school, she wouldn’t dare to speak knowing that it is my story to tell.

And now, I’m starting to have a love and hate relationship with that trait of hers. At this point in time, I had hoped that she'd save me from my fret. However, Maxwell wouldn’t because she also wanted the words to come out of my mouth. It would be more meaningful and more genuine if I told them.

I totally understand her right now.

“You’re making us worry, munchkin.” My granddad stated,  his very words had made me lift up my eyes and met his. Even though confusion was plastered on his face, there was a hint of smile on his lips, offering me courage that I needed.

My grandfather had always been supportive of me. Ever since I was a baby and up until now that I am living for twenty years already. There was never a time that he had questioned me for my doings. He had believed that I needed to learn things in order for me to grow and mature. Granddad had allowed me to experience things even if it would make me sad or would cause me pain. In that way, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

He had molded me and raised me into someone that I could say, I am proud of. Never did I have regretted any decision in my life. For my family made me realize that life's too short to regret anything. I should live my life however I want it to be, but keeping in mind to never step on someone in order to do so.

I cleared my throat as I mustered up my courage once again. I can see my whole family seated on our sofa, waiting for my words. My mother, looking at me worriedly. My father gawked at me with undetermined expression. My sister raised a small thumbs up at me. My grandmother, despite her terrible eyesight, was glancing at me with much anticipation. And my grandfather, offering a smile in my direction.

I took in a deep breath.

“So, there is someone I wanted you all to meet tomorrow.” I announced shyly.

Everyone had a confused look on their faces, except for my sister of course.

“Who? A friend?” My mother asked.

I shook my head as a sign of no. “No, mom. He’s more than a friend.” I confessed, not wanting to prolong the conversation and wanting to be more precise and straightforward. But before I could utter another word, my granddad had spoken.

"More than a friend? How long have you even knew this guy?" He questioned, sternly.

I help my chin up with much confidence. I won't let them intimidate me. "For about half a year, granddad. He asked me if he can formally meet all of you tomorrow and tell you all that he's serious with me." I announced and all were shocked with the announcement that I had blatantly spread inside our living room.

Well, except for my dad. I had been stealing glances to see his reactions, if he was angry or if he was worried. However, there were no changes in his facial expression. He had kept a straight face throughout the whole confession that I had just made. And truthfully, it had bothered me quite a bit. He's my father, he should be angered by now knowing that I will bring my boyfriend tomorrow.

"So you're serious about this, cupcake?" My mom asked.

I nodded at her in response.

"I figured. You never introduced any guy to us and invited him over." She smiled at me, and that's when I knew that I was holding in my breath for who knows how long already.

I flashed a smile at my mom, I could feel an overwhelming emotion inside of me. She's such an amazing mother. I could never ask for more. I wanted to hug her tightly right at this moment but my thoughts faded when someone spoke.

"What time will he be here for tomorrow." Harshly, my granddad asked.

"A-around dinner time, g-granddad." My voice was shaking and my hands began to shake.

The manner in my grandfather's voice suddenly made me feel like a bucket of cold water had been splashed on me. I shivered at that thought. Despite my granddad being supportive, he can also be strict and overprotective of me.

He shook his head sideways, "No, invite him as early as possible. Maybe around lunch. I want to get to know him better. Make him spend a day here."