The Devil's Cure

Chapter 3

Third Person’s POV

        John Williams was a well-known head researcher at the Neville Research Facility, the biggest and leading science and research facility in the world. His job pays well, considering how well Laura and Jenny spent his money on whims such as clothes and jewelry, she could say they lived are above average.

        He doesn’t talk much and Heleina was used to his cold attitude towards her. She grew up without feeling any warmth coming from his father but she loved him nonetheless. After all, he raised her alone for ten years. She once believed maybe he’s just like that and that she may have taken after him since she was not much of a talker herself.  

         It was not until he came home one day, drunk and almost passed out, that she learned of the truth behind his coldness towards her.

        Apparently, he blamed her for her mother’s death. She doesn’t remember much about her mother since she died after giving birth to her. She didn’t even remember her face because the only picture they have of her was in his father’s wallet, which he said she didn’t have the right to look at.

        He had grown more distant from her since then. He almost did not come home anymore and she was left to tend for herself.  

        Feeling more alone than ever, she became more isolated. Having no friends to open up to, she was left with no choice but to accept her circumstances. She focused on her studies and became popular at school because of her ranking as the top student. But knowing that no one wanted to be friends with a nerd, she kept to herself and stayed out of anyone’s way.

        A month after he last saw her father, he came home with two people with him, tons of luggage and a marriage certificate.

        “Heleina, this is Laura, your new mom.” She remembered him introducing the tall woman who had a bob cut blond hair.

         ‘What? N-new mom!’ She was lost for words while looking at them. The woman had her arms around her father’s waist her head on his shoulders as he looked at her dearly.  

         “Y-You got married? And you didn’t tell me?” Heleina asked in a low voice, which he only answered with a stern look with the “why should I” message.

         “I-I...” She swallowed her words bitterly not wanting to offend him since he just came home. There was an awkward silence in the room when Laura spoke.  

         “Oh! You must be Heleina! Your father told me so much about you!” Laura said in a rather high pitched voice. She walked closer towards her, a sweet smile never leaving her lips, while Heleina stood glued in the front door.

        “Dad, can I go to my room now? I really am beat.” A voice came from behind. It was a girl about the same age as her. She’s a bit shorter than her but she can tell by the resemblance that she is Laura’s daughter. She felt a pain in her chest with how she called her father Dad as she clung to his arm like she really is her daughter.  

         “Ah yes Jenny, feel free to choose from the rooms on the second floor.” He looked at her rather sweetly and spoke with a soft voice. Then he turned to Heleina, “Show her the rooms.” He said in his usual cold tone.  

         “Yes, dad.” She spoke in a low voice as she bowed her head to hide the tears threatening to pour down her cheeks.

        ‘How can he treat her that way and be hard on me, I am her real daughter here!’ She thought repulsively.  

        Jenny hurriedly went upstairs while she followed her with heavy feet. There are four rooms in the house. Her dad’s room in the left which is the biggest one, Heleinaʼs room adjacent to his and two more smaller rooms for guests.

        Jenny hurriedly opened the door to the room nearest to the stairs. Before Heleina can speak she already went inside. When she reached the door she found her sitting on my bed, feeling its softness.  

         “I like this bed. I’ll take this room. Please bring my luggage here Heleina.” She said excitedly.

         “I’m sorry but you can’t have this room.” She said patiently.

         “What?! Why not?” she exclaimed rather dramatically.   

        Heleina gawked at her. She can’t believe this girl. Is she dumb or is she blind?  

        “Well, as you can see, this room is taken. It’s MY room and that is MY bed.” She tried to emphasize the obvious.  

         “Oh! Well then... it’s mine now!” Jenny smiles sheepishly.