Chapter 75
Old
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After those simple talks with Tamika, Leila didn’t know how to react. She didn’t even know how to face her the next day.
She didn’t even know how to interact with her.
***
“Sometimes it is better to share things with stranger. That way the lesser the person knows who you are, the better. There would be lesser judgment. Don’t you think, Leila?”
***
Those were the words from Tamika before she finally left her in the kitchen.
Leila felt like everything that she heard from Tamika were all meant for her. It was as if even though she didn’t share anything to her, she already knew. And as if she was telling her that she was not there to judge her but to understand her.
It was one thing that she was hoping for.
Someone that would hear her pain.
Besides, she couldn’t tell all of those to her mother. She had no one beside her. She had no one whom she could lean on nor be her crying buddy. No one could even listen to her stories… her pains… her side.
Not until she found herself talking to Tamika while she was baking an apple tart.
After that, little by little she had started warming up with her. She had started talking to her about baking, cooking, food, and stuffs. Just simple conversations not the deeper ones.
She would help her in the kitchen without even sharing much of her background and past. She would help with her cleaning especially when her hand was not yet fully healed.
Her wound was recovering well and it was almost fully healed. She might say that Tamika’s medicines were doing wonders for her. She could also see that as her wound was also having the same effect on her.
Maybe it was the reason why she had thought that Tamika or Tammy as she calls her now is her newly found friend.
After a short while, she discovered that it was enough for her to have someone that she could talk to. And that she could start anew like what Tammy told her.
“Why are you staying here? This place is… dangerous.” She commented all of a sudden.
For the second time, she witnessed a lot of rogues lurking in the shadows near her house. But apparently, they just wouldn’t come near it.
The first time she saw it she was truly in the middle of panic. While Tammy was just eating her dinner as if it was nothing.
Tammy let out a deep sigh as she sat on the black single couch just across where she was sitting. From the window she was looking at her gaze moved towards Tammy, who was now sipping her chamomile tea and continued reading a huge book. It was as if it wasn’t a big deal to her.
“Maybe for some. But this place is the most secure and safe place for me.” She answered seriously causing her forehead to crease.
She couldn’t understand what she was trying to say.
“Uh, w-what do you mean?” Leila asked curiously making Tammy to let out a deep sigh and looked at her seriously.
Then, she put down her book and gave her a small smile that couldn’t even reach her eyes. Well, Leila was a bit getting used to it already.
“If that is what you are curious about, then would you want to share about yourself, too?” She suddenly retorted back causing Leila to stay speechless.
She didn’t know.
There was a part of her that is wanting to say yes.
However, on the other hand, there was also a part of her that is wanting to say no as if she wasn’t fully trusting her yet.
Tammy smiled at her.
“It’s fine, Leila. You don’t have to rush yourself. But remember, sharing shouldn’t be one sided. In order for us to get a link and get connected we should also do it together.”
Those were Tammy’s words before they decided to retire in their rooms.
Leila couldn’t stop thinking about Tammy’s words. She knew that sooner or later; she would want to share it to her. Besides, she also wanted someone who could give her some of their piece of advice.
And Tammy she knew that she is the best person that she could share her burdens to.
“What do you think, Silver?” Leila inquired while she was already lying in her bed.
She could hear Silver growl inside her.
“I think it is best to tell her your story. Tell her and observe. Tell her and see what she would tell you, too. She is right, Leila. This situation is a give and take one. Besides, she already told you about where you are. She already told you a lot of things about this place. You can always go back… go anywhere… anytime you want.” Silver replied seriously causing her to take a deep breath.
***
“My father died when I was young… And I have witnessed it.”
The next day, those were the words that escaped from her mouth while they were taking their teas.
Tammy stared at her without any trace of emotions in her face.
Leila let out a deep sigh as she looked at the slightly blurred window.
“And I have learned that the one who killed my father is my… boyfriend’s parents.” She simply explained.
Her eyes moved towards Tammy who seemed to be listening intently at her.
Then, she nodded her head as if she understood.
“That’s hard… And painful…” She commented as if she was trying to make her feelings valid.
However, there was a part of her that was wanting her to say more.
“Is that the reason why you are here?” Tammy inquired seriously.
And all that Leila could do was to nod her head.
“Well, I am not in the position to judge… Or to even tell you what is right and wrong. It is your own decision that will lead you to the truth and that would make you free in the end.” Tammy stated mysteriously.
She looked at her full of curiosity. And Tammy already knew what it means. However, she just smiled at her.
“Oh, you will soon know, Leila. Everything will be unfolded… Soon.” She said then her face suddenly turned serious this time as she was looking at her.
“There is just one thing that I am hoping for… So, you can surpass all of this challenges and pain inside your heart.” Tammy continued this time, her voice was a bit cold and distant.
“Don’t be driven by your emotions. Don’t be driven by your animalistic side. Always be rational and kind. Always believe in love… Like the old Leila who was residing inside your heart.” Tammy finally said and gave her a meaningful smile.