Answers

If I have a memory about my mother, I vaguely remember. I was so young when my mother and father had their own strokes of life. All I can remember is her face, and that’s because of the single photo she has with me.

I was shaking when I held the tiny photo beside the magazine that Angelo had given me. The woman at the magazine looks a bit different than my mother. She’s well dressed and her hair is up to her shoulders. She’s a bit slim as well compared to mom. But seeing her laugh lines and how her eyes spark as she looks at Aciel who’s the center of attention, my senses just came strongly to me saying that this is my mother.

“She’s still alive?” I asked myself, alone in my room. “But why would Angelo give this to me?”

He said I’m lacking research. For sure he won’t give this to me if this has nothing to do with Aciel. He wants to pursue me to help him have our revenge against Aciel. So what is the purpose of this?

My guts are so strong. I really do have this feeling that this is my mother. But how? How come she’s here, and when was this photo taken anyway? And most  importantly, what is her connection with Aciel?

Without fully organizing my thoughts, I got my phone and dialed Angelo’s number. Two rings and he answered right away.

”You took a while longer than what I expected.” his own way of greeting.

I gulped and was still looking at the photos.

”What is this?”

He chuckled. “You mean, ‘who’ right?”

I sighed heavily. “I’m not playing with you, Angelo. I need answers.”

”The answers are not with me, dear. It’s for you to find out.”

I hate that I have to listen to his mocking and cocky voice. I badly want to squeeze him with answers but based on his tone, I know he’s got a lot of cards to be this confident and annoy me.

”I’ll be one call away once you change your mind.”

That’s all he said and ended the call. I was so damn devastated after that call. All I did was stare at the two different women in the different photos. Until I heard Aciel’s voice.

”Alia?”

My adrenaline immediately acted upon it. I slid the photos under the duvet and stood up nervously, together with Aciel opening the door of my room after knocking.

I saw his weary eyes. I blinked nervously.

”Oh shit. I’m sorry to barge in. I was wondering where you were. You’re not answering my calls and messages.”

I chuckled raw.”Oh, j-just… I’m reading a book.”

He nodded and walked near me. He looked down on me and stared at me like I’m his most prized possession. Just like what he used to do always.

”I’m going out tonight, with some of my friends.”

I held his hands on my nape. “Alright.”

”Do you want to… perhaps come with me?”

I was a bit stunned. Wasn’t expecting him to say that.

”It’s fine. I’ll be fine here. Don’t worry about me.”

”But I want you to come with me.” he uttered under his breath.

I didn’t know what to say to that. From the first month that we’ve been in this boyfriend and girlfriend thing, so far I feel like nothing much has changed. Just this kind of moment when I realize that it’s not the same as us anymore.

I smiled and nodded at him and he kissed me in the forehead. I just appreciate it when he tries to include me in his life. Even just the tiny single things.

For a while I tried to forget the photo that’s messing with my mind. When the sun came down, I prepared for our errand. After our dinner, I saw him put a box on the table. Again.

I narrowed my eyes on him. “Seriously, what’s with the boxes? Enough with the surprises,Ace.” I chuckled after. He smirked and shrugged his shoulders.

I opened the box and saw a pale pink satin cloth in there.  I immediately knew that it was clothing. I look at him confused.

”What is this?”

”Dress?” he answered, not sure.

”Yeah. But for what?”

”Nothing. I just want to see you wear that.”

I pouted and looked at the dress. It’s just a simple and delicate pale pink satin dress that I think will reach just above my knee.

”I saw it in the mall. And I thought it’ll probably suit you.”

A crack of a smile appeared in my lips. I raised a brow to him. This man who doesn’t have a sweet tooth yet has a sweet tongue.

And so after that, when I was all alone in my room preparing, I looked at myself in the mirror while wearing that. I can’t believe that it suits my body perfectly, as if someone had gotten my body proportions.

The spaghetti straps are not noticeable anymore because of my collar bone that’s showing. I didn’t know what to do anymore. I just brushed my hair and let it flow freely on my shoulders. My face looks empty as well, so I just got the gloss that Zoey had given me. And that was it. My brow is naturally bushy and compliments my almond shaped eyes. For me this is fine already. I’m just nervous about Aciel’s reaction.

After wearing the three inch ankle strap heels that one of his secretary had bought me way back. This is the only chance I have to use this since I prefer wearing sneakers.

I nervously went out of my door after. I can’t believe how long it took me because I was practicing walking wearing these heels.

At the end of the corridor, I saw Aciel leaning on the wall with one side of his body. I can’t read the emotion in his eyes. He’s not smiling yet his eyes are filled with amusement and aspiration.

I shyly bowed my head while slowly getting close to him. I stand in front of him, can’t meet his eyes while he’s silently looking at me.

”Y-you look good.” I uttered.

He’s wearing jeans and a polo with the first two buttons opened. I couldn’t say more because he’s always been handsome as usual.

After seconds he still didn’t respond to me. I looked up to his eyes and saw the current expression on his face. Lips parted, eyes focused.

”Ace?”

I tried to steal his attention. That seems effective because his eyes met mine and he seemed to be awoken by that. His face turned serious, like he’s almost mad. I wondered because of that, I didn’t even realize that he’s gotten my hand already and was trying to pin me to himself.

”W-why? Is this wrong? Should I just change again?” I asked nervously.

”No.” he uttered.

He circled my arms to his neck. And his hands slip down to my waist. His forehead pressed on mine and he shut his eyes calmly. I watched him with that face, I was too focused waiting for answers that I didn’t even realize what we’re trying to do.

Slowly, his hands that’s guiding me moved me into a delicate rhythm that he knew. Without any harmony, I felt us dancing into the music that’s not audible in this world.

”Did I say you’re the most gorgeous woman I met?”

My heart thumped looking at him uttering those words.

”If only I could give you the world.”

I touched his nape and brushed my lips to his. He opened his blood shot eyes. I don’t know why I seem to feel a hint of sadness in him. My heart aches seeing him like this.

”You’re giving me you, Aciel. And that’s enough for me.” I whispered.