The Devil's Cure

Chapter 4

Heleinaʼs POV  

         Just like that, I lost everything. My room, my clothes, my dad, my freedom, and all in all, my life.  

        Laura and Jenny took over my home like it belonged to them. I even became their personal maid. I cleaned after their mess, cooked for them, washed their clothes. All in hope to please my father and try to make my life with them a little better. I didn’t have much choice either.  

        My dad, no matter how cold he treated me never raised a hand on me, Laura, on the other hand, is a different story. She would hit me or slap me with the smallest mistake. Like getting up late to prepare breakfast because I have gone down with colds or folding the clothes that she wanted to be hanged in her closet.  

         My dad never knew about this. I never told him. Aside from the threats I got from Laura if I ever said anything to dad, I just can’t bring myself to do it. Why? Because every time he’s home I would see him happy and contented with Laura. I have never seen him with that sparkle in his eyes before. How can I cut his happiness short with my feeble whining? As hard as I want to admit, she got him wrapped around her little fingers. They got him good.  

         Jenny was no different. He spoiled her like she was his real daughter. I sometimes doubt if it was only to please Laura or he really adores her like his own. Just a word from her and he easily gives her anything she asked for. Yes, anything. From clothes, jewelry, shoes, bags, hell, he even bought her a new car as a graduation gift. Not that I’m jealous of those things, I was never the materialistic type. I did wish for one thing from him. Just his presence on our graduation.  

        Imagine my happiness when I saw him with the crowd that day. I cried tears of joy with just that.

        After the ceremony, I came to find him. I saw him gathered with Laura and Jenny a few good feet away. I hurried my steps when I saw them about to leave.  

        “Dad!” I called. He stopped and look at me over his shoulder. Laura and Jenny went on to the car.  

        “D-Dad, I…” I cleared my throat when I saw impatience in his eye. He glanced at his wristwatch as if in a hurry.  

        “T-thank you for coming on my graduation… it means a lot to me.” I stuttered, overwhelmed by my happiness. “I appreciate…”  

        “It’s not just your graduation. It’s Jenny’s too. If you don’t have anything more to say, go back to the house once you’re done here.” He turned and started to walk away but stopped as if to remember something.  

         “And don’t wait up. We will be staying at a resort to celebrate Jenny’s graduation. Don’t forget to lock the door.” Just that and he left me there rooted to where I stand, my happiness replaced with sorrow. My heart was heavy with pain. My tears rolled down my face like rain.  

         I stood there crying until the heavy rain poured and everyone left. I shuddered from the cold but it’s nothing compared to the pain I felt in my chest. I looked up to the sky and wondered if the Gods heard my cries and cried with me.

        I shook my head. I stood up and slowly walk home. There’s no point in asking myself why I suffered like this. Maybe it was my destiny. Maybe I was meant to suffer for whatever mistake I made in my past life.   That day I decided to let go.

        My father was happy with his new family while I had no place in their lives. It would be best if I just leave. But if I did, then where will I go? I can’t make it on my own yet. I don’t have enough money to support myself and I can’t find a job because I haven’t turned 16 yet.   With that, I decided to endure a little more. I formulated my plan and did everything to not make conflict with Laura nor Jenny.  

         I watched them with envy though. I envied how much love he showered them with and deprived me of. The only consolation I tell myself is that I don’t have to worry about my father when I finally leave. He will have someone to take care of him and he will always be happy. Maybe happier when I’m not around anymore.

        “Hey! Careful!” I startled when someone grabbed my waist pulling me to the sidewalk. My eyes widened when I realized I was almost got hit by a speeding car!. Have I been spacing out too long? I took off my headphones and turned around to see who it was who saved me only to see Carl, my gorgeous soon to be ex-boss.

        “That was a close one there, pretty!" He gave me a wink then flashed that killer smile that always made me blush.

        He must have noticed my discomfort with the way he was still holding me, or better yet hugging me, he let go of my waist and scratched his head, his smile now a bit awkward, while I lowered my head to hide my burning face.

        He cleared his throat after a few seconds and said, " I've been calling you but you didn't hear me. Is your music on max?” he asked with a smirk on his face.

       Too ashamed to admit that I was actually spacing out, I just answered, “Y-yes... Thank you!” averting my eyes so he won’t see my red beat face.

        “This is your last day, right? Come on, I’ll treat you to coffee and breakfast first, there’s no rush to open the store since it’s a weekday.” He winked at me and grabbed my hands pulling me towards the nearest coffee shop before I can say no.