My Stepfather's Desire

pte

o Lior

Grandpa was forced to marry my mom off to another man. I was still a

wanted. Mom married a man younger than her - if you looked at him, he

med kind - or so I thought. He had tan skin and emotionless eyes, like a model who didn't need to do anything t

ngs eventually changed. After a few months, he started hitting my mother. I thou

ng room, their fights. I heard the sound of a vase breaking and my mother's screams. Whenever they fought, it

rs, as I looked at her sitting on the big bed

ess I tell you to!" she yelled, not even looking

id I d

ing if she was okay when

epped back. I saw the pain and anger in her eyes. It was as if she wan

out a de

ever, ever talk to your new father."

nted to check on her, but I couldn't. My new father always held his b

atched them fight. I saw with my own eyes how my new father hurt my mother. I couldn't

tia," Mom said cheerfully while the

ing was fine now

s. The uniform was beautiful - my dream uniform. My new fa

l today. I have something to do, and your grandfa

st s

okay

A cold baritone voice cu

poke. I still couldn't call him Daddy. I was scared he'd

d like an American, but I knew he was Filipin

said, then immediately looked

r meal. She left soon after to see Grandpa. I quic

ned the door. It was my first time riding in his car. The scent inside

front of the school. I was about to step out when I heard

me with a faint

's my

His question

ld kiss me on the cheek before

dad'. I smiled awkwardly and hesitantly leaned forward to kiss him on the

later," he said wi

though he wa

got out of the car and h

him Dad. I didn't really want to becau

g when I received a messag

0992

e a boyfriend. This is Ha

full name is Hanzero Lior Randejas. Grandpa only introduced him t

y way around this school, so it took me a while to find my room. Some students gl

oached and offered to help. She said she was one of the SSG office

. She pointed to the sign above it, an

a Vilior." She held out

er. "Hestia R

he other students were chatting with one another, and the room was

roduce ourselves. I slowly started learning my way around, and I eve

out as I stepped

e from school. Manang

e yet. She'll be back

having her around. Even if we didn't always t

was honestly boring here. Sometimes when I wanted to go out, Mommy wouldn't allow it, saying I was too young and somethin

to finish college, find a job, and eventually think about who I'm

cide things for my life. I believe

oor pulled me ou

t," I heard Manang call,

" I call

entered the kitchen, I froze when my eyes landed on th

to call him. Maybe it's better if I j

urns out, he hadn't started eating yet - he was wait

either of us spoke, and the only sounds were the clinking of cutlery. It made me fee

ng of something to ask. I guess it

he looke

ould I c

at me with that unreadable expression, making me regret spe

.. Zero." He took a sip of w

better if you ca

t again. We just st

red teasingly, then quickl

Contin