Chapter 3

Father

"Battle Day is approaching. In two months, the participants will be announced. That's why I decided to make your Physical Education focus on battling," I blinked as I heard the gasps from others due to what Sir Conrad just said.

"Now and then, we'll have a combat. Be it by group, by pairs, or individual." Sir Conrad smirked, and I caught a glimpse of his youthful face looking in my direction. I sighed and looked at him, noticing his avoidance of eye contact and the slight reddening of his ears. I wondered why he furrowed his brow.

"Dismiss," he said, turning away from the class. I gathered my things and stood up. This was the last class, and I immediately thought of visiting Mama.

I hope she's getting better now. I was about to leave when Sir called me. His handsome twenty-year-old face welcomed me. He flashed a smile and was about to speak when someone interrupted from behind.

I suddenly felt tense and distracted. I could feel him approaching from behind, his soft exhale near me.

"The headmistress is calling you, Sir," I swallowed hard as I heard the emphasis in his tone. Sir Conrad nodded, looking disappointed, before smiling at me and leaving the room.

I tightened my grip on my bag and took a step. I stopped again when I heard his clearing throat. I slowly turned to him and raised an eyebrow.

"What?" I spat irritably. His lips pouted, and he flashed a seductive look before biting them. He leaned in and raised an eyebrow.

"Where's my blazer?" I blinked and smirked. I furrowed my brow, feeling nervous as I examined his outstretched hand.

"I left it in the restroom. Wait here, and I'll go get it—"

"I'll go with you," he interrupted. I rolled my eyes and walked towards the restroom on the second floor. I could hear crickets as we walked down the corridor. I quickened my pace when I noticed him by my side. My heart skipped a beat when I turned to him before entering the bathroom.

I searched every corner of the stalls and the trash bin, but I couldn't find his white blazer! I nervously exited the restroom, and there was Zeus, leaning against the wall, looking at me with a ghost of a smile.

"Where is it?" his tone mocked, his eyes passing over both of my hands. "Oh! You lost it?"

I bit my lip, noticing Zeus's gaze on my hands and the slight darkening of his face. I cleared my throat and nodded.

"I'll just replace it," I quickly said, turning away. I closed my eyes and controlled my pace to avoid stumbling. Damn it!

I want to strangle him, especially when he smirks. My heart races even more, perhaps out of irritation and anger.

I returned to the dorm, answered some assignments, and took a shower. After changing into dry clothes, Minoa arrived just in time.

Her small lips protruded, looking a bit sad. I almost ignored her when she suddenly sniffled. I cleared my throat and looked at her.

She bowed her head, and her shoulders moved. I was momentarily surprised because she never cried. She always showed a strong facade. It was odd to see her crying and showing vulnerability.

I glanced briefly outside, took a deep breath, and sat in front of her. I observed her face. Her nose, lips, and dimples were from her father, Noe, while her chinky eyes and face structure were from her mother, Mia.

I sighed once more and cleared my throat.

"What happened?" I closed my eyes briefly because, despite everything, I still have a heart. However, it seems like now is the first time I'll experience caring for someone other than myself.

She looked up, biting her lip. I was taken aback by her broken voice as she asked, "How old are you?" I heard her sniffle again.

Surprised by her question and the fragile tone of her voice, I avoided eye contact and answered, "Eighteen." I heard another sniffle.

"You can..." she choked, releasing a loud sob. I was hesitant to pat her back. "Huh?" I asked.

"You can be with Z-Zam... he's twenty, and you're eighteen," I furrowed my brow.

"Why? I don't understand you."

"That's it! You never understand me. Damn Zam! Let him be the older one. Damn it!" she snorted and sobbed. "Just because I'm seventeen doesn't mean I'm not suitable for him."

I laughed at her complaints, feeling the warmth in my heart from someone confiding in me. I smiled and embraced her.

"I thought you liked Zeus? And what happened to calling Zam 'Kuya'?"

"What?! I don't like that jerk Zeus. A-and Zam is the one I like! He's also a big jerk!"

"What happened?" I asked. She paused in her crying, sniffled, and then looked at me. It seemed like our animosity towards each other disappeared, and suddenly, we became comfortable with each other.

"I confessed. He said he doesn't entertain kids and sees me as a sister. Damn him! He's so misleading," she continued her story, and honestly, it was surprising that I had a lot to say and comment on.

Wow! This should be recorded. It's the very first time we had a conversation, I gave advice, and I comforted someone. We exchanged words until she got tired of it and started crying again.

"You should at least talk to him and clear things out," I suggested before seeing her lying down.

"No. Let him be. I'll avoid him," she said sternly, waving me off. "I'm going to sleep."

"Alright." I went to the window and checked the time. It was past twelve, just right for me to leave. I slowly locked the door before walking out of the building. I glanced around, and luckily, there were stars. The big moon provided ample light for my path. I went to the back of the campus and did what I always did.

When I reached the cemented path outside Magthonous, I hailed a taxi. I provided the address, and upon arriving in front of our house, I stopped short when I saw that the entire house was dark again.

I quickly opened the old rusty gate and walked towards the door. I opened it, and darkness greeted me once more. I pressed the switch and saw Mama sitting on the sofa, drinking.

I swiftly took the bottle of alcohol from her hand and looked at her. She looked even thinner, her eyes swollen and red.

"You..." she pointed at me, and I immediately smelled the alcohol on her breath. "Don't you miss your father?"

She hiccupped, so I lowered my head and bit my lower lip. "I... don't even know his face."

I teared up at the thought that I had no image or memory of my father. I didn't know him; all I knew were his name and his identity.

"Because he was killed by those animals!" she snapped and stood up.

"Mom!" I lightly held her shoulder as she swayed slightly due to drunkenness.

"Celestia and Zacchaeus killed your father!" she exclaimed, her angry face directed at me. I swallowed hard, looking at her furious expression. Tears continued to flow from her eyes. "They killed Flint... they killed my love. They killed your father!"