Visit

"What? You are from Colmilos? Why did I just find out about that now!"

Alessandro and I were walking back home together because he proposed.

Proposal of a new job because he said he will return to their province.

I didn't know he was from El Colmillos! And he will stay there first so he gave me his position at work.

"Well, you never really ask about it, Addy."

Here he is again with that nickname.

I don't know but I don't really like his nickname for me because my name Adrasteia seems to have lost its meaning.

"Can we visit your house?" I asked him.

His brows raised. "Hmm, this is the first time you asked about it, Adra. I didn't know you like to see our house."

"Well, I wanted to go back to our hometown. But you know Mom. I won't be allowed to if you're not with me. Also, we're going to your place so that's okay, especially since you're the one who said goodbye for both of us. "

He sighed.

I moved closer to him and used my puppy eye cuteness so he would let me come with him back to El Colmillos.

He is the only way I can get back there. To return to Kila Alta.

I don't know why but I felt like I left something in El Colmillos. And there's only one way to find out what that is. It's to go back.

To our home.

You see, I was really lucky.

Alessandro is from there but I never really noticed him. Maybe he only visits during vacations and our place has never crossed paths.

I blinked multiple times at him. I can't deny the fact that Alessandro is really handsome, he has almond eyes, long lashes and a pointed nose. Straight out carved greek god from the books.

It's just that his eye color is not different.

If it was blue or green. Or maybe not gunmetal.

"Ouch!" I screamed.

A slight pang caused my head to hurt.

I held Alessandro tightly.

"Hey, what happened to you?" He asked. He immediately supported me.

"My head just suddenly hurt. I'm fine."

What is wrong with me, every time I mention words, my head suddenly hurts like I don't know!

Fuck shit.

"Are you faking it, Adra?"

I looked up at him. "Does Alessandro's illness look fake? No!"

He laughed. "Alright. Don't be mad. I'm just asking. Who knows if you are only faking it to make me do your favor."

"Hmm. Really? I should have just faked it. Why didn't you tell me right away?"

"Tsk, tsk. Alright. But it's not up to me if Tita doesn't agree okay?"

"Really? You are going to ask Mom?"

He nodded.

"Oh my gosh! Thank you so much Alessandro! You don't know how happy I am!" I said as I jumped and hugged him.

"Alright, Addy." He laughed as he hugged me back.

*******

"Why?" I asked her.

"I said no, Adra. You can't go back there."

I took a deep breath before answering her. I don't want to raise my voice or anything but I don't understand why Mom doesn't want me to go back there.

"I'm with Alessandro, I'm not alone Mom. He is with me, he will take care of me for sure. Isn't that what you wanted?"

She looked at Alessandro and sighed.

"How did she talk you into this?"

"I can't say no to your gorgeous daughter Aunt." He smiled.

After we returned home, Alessandro immediately asked if it was possible. This is a case where Mom really doesn't want to. We have been begging for almost two hours.

I'm twenty four already but she doesn't want me to go to places. How will I learn anything?

How will I experience a lot of things that people my age are experiencing?

Thank you I haven't even been to the jungle yet. Or was able to swim in the falls because Mom really didn't want to let me.

I don't know what's her reason.

"Mom, please? Just this time, let me go with him? I'm not going to be naughty." I feel like a kindergarten student trying to prove to my mom that I'll be a nice kid.

She sighed.

"Can I talk to you Alessandro?"

I frowned at him.

Huh? Why is she going to talk to him, instead of me?

Because Mom and Alessandro were still talking, I went to the rooftop first.

I'm sure Mom won't let me go. I don't know why she wants me to stay here, away from our home. Where I grew up. Away from the people that I love. I'm not sure what she's protecting me from. I don't know what it is.

I immediately went to Alessandro when he went up to the rooftop.

"What did Mom say?" I asked.

"She said no, Addy."

I groaned.

"Ah! Why doesn't he want to send me home to us? What's going on there and he's sending me away? It's just a forest there!"

"Maybe that's the reason why she's protecting you, Addy. Away from the forest. You know how dangerous it is out there." He said.

"I don't know how to live my life anymore, Alessandro. I'm caged here. It's not like I'm ungrateful but I feel like Mom is hiding something from me."

I'm sure Mom is hiding something from me. I don't even know what because he really doesn't want to leave me alone.

A few days ago after Mom and I talked, I also forced her several times to allow me to go with Alessandro but she didn't agree. Mom really doesn't like it.

"Adra! Oh my! We are so beautiful!" Alta said in the video call.

It's my lunch break today and since Sheina isn't there, I thought of calling Alta and asking for help because she might force Mom to let me see them.

"Gosh! You're the nesfruta girl!" I teased her.

"I don't know about you! How are you?" She laughed.

"This, will come back to us."

"Huh?" His smile disappeared. His eyes also widened, obviously surprised by what I said.

But why would he be surprised?

"Why don't you seem happy Alta?" I asked her.

"N-no but did Tita agree?"

"That's the thing! She won't let me!"

"Wouldn't it be better for you to follow Auntie?"

What?

Did I hear correctly? Alta wants me to follow Mom?

I mean there's nothing wrong with that but I'm kind of hoping she will be glad to see me come home to our hometown. I was hoping she would be happy and help me.

I was wrong.

"But I want to come home."

"You left here so you'd be safe, Adra. I don't think coming back here will help you after all that—" she cut herself off.

"What? What are you saying Alta?"

Before I could ask her more questions she ended the call.

Fuck shit. What is wrong with them?

The people around me are weird.

Ever since we left El Colmillos, I've been searching for answers to questions like I don't know.

And what did she say that I left El Colmillos for my safety?

Now that she mentioned it. I don't remember packing my bags and leaving the town.

Because when I woke up, Mom and I were already in Manila. I was so dizzy that time, I don't remember anything. But I never questioned Mom about it.

Because he will definitely be angry.

When I got home, I found Alessandro in the kitchen, cooking.

"Where is Mom? And aren't you supposed to pack your things? Aren't you leaving?" I asked him.

"Hello, Addy." He laughed.

"You never even greet me at all."

"I-I'm sorry. But why are you here? Where's Mom?"

"She's with her friend. She's in the other town. She's sick, there's no one else to help and take care of her, that's why she's gone."

"Hmm.." I nodded.

Why was Alessandro reprimanded instead of me?

As far as I remember I'm her daughter. I'm supposed to know it first.

"She told me first so I could stay here with you, to keep you safe." He smiled. It's like he read my mind, he already knew my question.

"I'm safe." I mumbled.

"You are not sure."

"Huh?" I asked with a frown.

"You are not sure if you're safe in El Comillos alone."

"Of course I'm safe! I can go alone without anyone with me."

"Well that's sad because you are coming with me."

"Huh? Wait… Did you just tell me—"

"Yes, so pack your things."

I screamed in joy.

"Is that true? How did you get Mom to agree?" I asked him.

"I didn't. We're running away."

My eyes widened at what he said.

The strength of my heart beats because of the joy I feel.

I'm finally going home!

I was so happy that I hugged Alessandro tightly.

"Geez, calm down Adra. Your hands are touching me everywhere." He teased.

I loosened up and hit his hard chest.

"Hey no no! That's fucky disgusting."

"Tsk. I'm just fooling you, can't I take you with me?"

Before he could say anything, I hugged him again.

I know it's wrong to run away but we will be back soon. I'm sure Mom wouldn't know about it. And if she did, nothing will happen. I will go back to El Colmillos and I'll be back in Manila. That's it.

I'm coming home…