Chapter 125
Blessing
***
Leila opened her eyes the very next day with a bit of a heavy feeling.
The truth was finally revealed.
Well, it was such a roller coaster of emotions for her. She couldn’t stop thinking about everything. Even when she went to bed last night.
Heck! She didn’t even know how she managed to get back to her room.
Her mind was in haywire and so was today.
The sunlight was already peeking inside her room.
She took a glimpse at her bedside clock only to see that it was just five in the morning. She only has a few hours’ sleep. Well, it was a good thing that she did sleep anyway. She couldn’t afford to think of the things over and over again especially that she was already feeling so exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally.
However, even though she wanted to stay in her bed and think about everything that Hunter’s parents told her, she had to stand up and face the day.
Besides, if she stayed that way she could not stop herself from thinking more. She couldn’t stop blaming herself more and pain would start attacking her heart again.
Perhaps, the best thing that was making her feel fine right now was Mrs. Black’s words last night before she went out of the room.
*** Flashback…
“You should not dwell into blaming yourself, Leila. The choices we made wasn’t always perfect. When you choose the right thing, celebrate. If not, you have to face the consequences, accept that you are not perfect, forgive yourself, learn, and move on.” Mrs. Black advised her gently.
She gave her a weak and small smile.
Leila couldn’t believe that she could hear those words from.
To be honest, she was just so guilty of not allowing them to explain their side. She was impulsive and hurt, yes. But she should have listened to them.
Now, everything became a mess and she almost got hurt.
And worst, Hunter got hurt.
And it was something that was making her guiltier.
Leila swallowed hard as Mrs. Black held her both hands.
“Let’s not dwell on the past anymore. Leila… And I believe that is what your father wants for you, too.” She added softly.
*** End of Flashback…
Leila took a deep breath and slowly exhaled it.
Before she got up from her bed, she did her morning routine and took a peek at Hunter’s room.
He was still sleeping like a baby, so she didn’t go in and decided to prepare some breakfast.
She smiled at that thought.
This is another chance to live and learn.
Well, it was something that she was to think of. She shouldn’t let any negative thoughts fill her heart, soul, and mind. It would just give her poison which was not an option to her.
However, she was taken aback the moment she entered the kitchen.
She saw Mrs. Black cooking and she didn’t know how to react.
Leila swallowed hard.
She was contemplating whether to simply go back to her room and pretended not to see her. Or she would go to the fridge and pretend like she was just thirsty, and they ran off to her room after.
But then, before she could even think of those options and any other things Mrs. Black already saw her.
She immediately smiled at her.
“Good morning…” She greeted her with a warm smile.
Leila smiled back at her as she took a deep breath mentally.
“You are so early… Oh! Are you going to cook breakfast? Sorry, I took the initiative today. I missed cooking for the family.” Mrs. Black said apologetically.
Leila’s eyes instantly widened in both surprise and guilt.
In the first place, she shouldn’t be apologetic to her.
This is her house, for goodness’ sake!
Leila immediately shook her head.
“Oh, no, Mrs. Black… You don’t have to say sorry. I am just shocked to see you here. Besides, I also want to see you cook.” She awkwardly stated.
Mrs. Black gave her a sweet smile.
Then, she shook her head.
“Is that so? Then, would you mind if you stopped calling me ‘Mrs. Black’ now. You can just call me Aunt Hera or Hera… Or better yet, call me ‘Mom.'” She said straightforwardly and winked at her.
Leila’s mouth agape as she looked at her with disbelief.
She didn’t know that she had this playful side.
And it seemed like Mrs. Black saw her shocked expression that she couldn’t help but chuckle.
Leila closed her mouth as her cheeks blushed.
“Oh, dear, you are so cute. I really like you for Hunter.” She said all of a sudden.
Then, she smiled once again. This time, it was something so warm and gentle. And Leila couldn’t stop herself but to feel a bit nostalgic.
She suddenly remembered her mother.
And she couldn’t believe that she was feeling this way towards Hunter’s mom.
“Mrs. Bla-”
“Oh, Leila, just call me ‘Mom,’ I would prefer it that way. And no buts… I really like you for Hunter.” Mrs. Black cut her off.
However, her voice wasn’t offensive to her.
It was as if she was telling her about those words in the most natural and friendliest way.
Then, she put the lid of the pot to cover whatever that she was cooking and stared at her with a smile still pasted on her lips.
“You know… I will never stop telling you this… You gave light to my son, Leila. You gave him strength and a reason to be himself again.” She smiled genuinely.
Leila just couldn’t stop gaping at her.
“He is truly a grown man now. And I know that it is because of you. I really appreciate it that Leila. And I want to repeat this again… Don’t blame yourself for your decisions. And Hunter, he had chosen that for you… Don’t feel so pressured… About what happened.” Mrs. Black softly told her making her heart feel the warmth once again.
She smiled at her slowly.
Then, she nodded her head.
It was as if she took it on cue to continue what she was talking about.
“If you love my son and you continue your relationship… Please know that me and Hunter’s dad… We will support. I would love you to be part of our family. We give you, our blessings. Hunter loves you so much, Leila… And I hope that you can be together…” She smiled at her widely.
Leila bit her lower lip.
She didn’t want to feel the pressure but it was a kind of pressure that tickles her heart.
“If not… Please know that I still want you to be my daughter. Whatever your decision is, please know that I am always here for you…” Mrs. Black continued.
And Leila couldn’t stop but felt so loved and grateful.
After all of the things that happened between the Blacks and her, she couldn’t believe that this could still be possible.
Perhaps all that she knew was the fact that she was now happy and thankful for having this opportunity to know the truth and still be with this family.
Slowly, the heavy burden inside her heart was finally lifted from her heart. And it was the best thing that she could have right now.