Althea is my best friend.
She and her family took me in after my own family abandoned me for a mistake I didn't even commit.
It was because of the accident involving my older brother—Andrew Garcia.
You're probably wondering why I use the last name Andres instead of Garcia.
It's because when I was disowned, I lost the right to use my family's surname.
Teenage Penelope
"Dad! Please believe me—I didn't push Kuya!"
Penelope's Dad
"Stop pretending! Your sister saw you! You pushed Andrew out of jealousy!"
I kept begging, again and again.
"Dad! Please listen to me—it wasn't me! Celestina's not telling the truth!"
But no one in my family believed me. They only believed Celestina.
"From this day on, you are no longer my daughter! I have no child who is a criminal! Get out of this house!"
I pleaded, but not a single one of them listened.
It was raining that day when they threw me out and abandoned me. The rain poured heavily, and lightning flashed across the sky.
Since then, I've been afraid of rain.
Afraid of thunder.
Afraid of lightning.
°°°
Today is Althea and Christopher's wedding.
They were both so happy. And I was happy too—she had finally found her forever.
As her Maid of Honor and her best friend, I stood by her side in full support.
°°°
Evening came, and the program had ended. I had to go—I knew my husband must be worried by now.
You might be wondering why he wasn't with me at my best friend's wedding.
I wanted to bring him, but he said he'd be too busy and would likely have to work overtime—so he said he couldn't come.
It was sad to admit, but he had a point.
As I was about to leave, I said my goodbye.
"Althi, I have to go now—my husband might be looking for me."
"Alright, take care!"
I left, and on the way home, I suddenly remembered—I didn't have the house keys. So, I decided to go straight to Matthew's office to get them.
°°°
I arrived at Matthew's office.
And something terrifying happened.
°°°
To Be Continued