Chapter 38
Tessy’s POV
Eddy’s grip relaxed, his eyes scanning my face. He must have seen the shock on my features because he finally stopped.
But as he stepped back, I searched his eyes for a glimmer of remorse. Instead, I found a spark of amusement.
“Sorry,” he said, his voice casual. “I got carried away. You’re just too hot to handle.”
His words made my skin crawl. Was that supposed to be an apology?
I forced a smile, trying to play it cool. “No problem.”
Eddy’s grin returned as if he thought everything was okay.
“I should go,” he said, glancing at his watch.
I nodded, relieved. “Yeah, I’ll walk you out.”
As we descended the stairs, the silence between us felt awkward. I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease.
We reached the front door, and Eddy turned to me. “Thanks for tonight, Tessy.”
I smiled politely. “Goodnight, Eddy.”
He leaned in, his lips brushing against my cheek.
“Goodnight,” he whispered.
I watched him leave, feeling a mix of relief and unease.
As I closed the door, I noticed his mom’s car was already gone. She must have left while we were… occupied.
I took a deep breath, trying to process what had just happened. Why did Eddy think he could treat me like that?
I needed to talk to someone and boom I overheard my dad and mom arguing. What could be the reason for their argument anyway? Only one way to find out, I need to get closer and I need to eavesdrop on their conversations.
I walked quietly towards Dad’s room, my heart racing. I needed to know what was going on.
As I reached the entrance, I pressed myself against the wall, ears straining to listen.
“… What do you mean by that during dinner, hum?” Mom’s voice was laced with irritation.
“Nothing,” Dad replied, his tone defensive. “I said some ladies have trouble showing gratitude and I wasn’t referring to you, why make a big deal out of this?”
Mom’s laughter was sharp. “Oh, I knew you were talking about me.”
Dad’s voice rose. “You started this when you said Eddy was a man with no blame. You were talking to me directly, my past is buried in my past.”
“Am I lying?” Mom shot back. “Are you a saint?”
I winced, shocked by the venom in their words.
Dad’s anger boiled over. “I did everything to make you happy, yet you still refer to my past! What exactly do you want from me? I gave up that life!!”
Mom’s retort stung. “So are you blaming me? Why didn’t you give up that identity at the early stage huh??”
Their argument escalated, voices clashing like thunder.
I felt like I was witnessing a train wreck. My parents were always so composed, even if they were divorced, this happening right now has never taken place, they were tearing each other apart.
My mind reeled. What past were they talking about? What identity?
I watched as Dad stormed out of his room, his face twisted in frustration. His eyes were red-rimmed, and his shoulders sagged under the weight of his emotions.
I wanted to follow him, to comfort him, but something held me back. He looked like he wanted to be alone.
I retreated to my room, feeling helpless and frustrated.
My mind raced with questions and worries. Things are not really getting better at all
What did Dad mean by “Giving up his identity “?
I needed someone to talk to like right now because the state I was in is really frustrating me, I might end up collapsing.
I thought about Elizabeth, I am yet to forgive her so she is out of bounds tonight, I need someone else to talk to.
Anthony… Anthony was my only hope.
I grabbed my phone and dialed his number, despite everything that had happened, I knew we were not talking, he cheated and refused to give an excuse, and he also left the apartment without telling me, and this is me being so foolish to call him. Dialing his number, my call went straight to voicemail. My heart sank.
He’d blocked my number. I felt a pang of desperation.
Who could I turn to now? Eddy? No way.
He was the last person I wanted to talk to.
I tossed my phone aside, feeling trapped and alone.
“Why is this happening?” I shouted into my pillow.
Tears streamed down my face as I buried my face in the fabric. The one person I needed to talk to had shut me out.
I punched my pillow, frustration boiling over.
“Why, Anthony? Why now?”
The silence was deafening.
I lay there, feeling lost and alone, with no one to turn to.
I suddenly thought of someone. I grabbed my sweater jacket and left the house, taking a taxi.
“Where to?” the driver asked.
I gave him an address, and he nodded. I entered the back seat, this was the only way I could escape reality.
The drive was long, giving me time to reflect. My thoughts swirled with tension at home, Eddy’s advances, and Anthony’s rejection despite him being the guilty one.
As I stepped out of the taxi, the cool night air enveloped me. I breathed deeply, feeling a sense of escape.
I walked toward a faint light in the distance. I stood at a spot trying to calm myself when the sound of a camera shutter clicked.
I turned to see Jackson with a beautiful smile taking pictures, I gave a lot of postures and then said to him, “Seems you love pictures a lot,” I said, smiling.
He nodded, his eyes locked on mine. “Yes I do and you are also beautiful, it’s tempting to use my camera.” He walked closer to me and said in a cool tone but I could sense he was also worried about me, “It’s late. Are you okay? Do you need someone to talk to?”
His words struck a chord. It was like he could read my heart.
Tears welled up, and I nodded, my voice caught in my throat.
He opened his arms, embracing me tightly. “It’s going to be fine,” he whispered.
I cried, letting go of all my pent-up emotions. He caressed my hair, holding me close. For the first time tonight, I felt safe.
TBC…