Chapter 4 married Mom

Chapter 4

His voice was low when he said it. I didn't hear what else he added because his voice faded, like it was only meant for himself.

If he doesn't want to introduce us to his relatives, then why did he marry Mom? Was he forced? He could've said no.

"I can be friends with Kuro without them knowing you married Mom," I insisted.

His brows furrowed again. His jaw clenched like he didn't like what I said. I could see how tightly he was gripping the steering wheel. What's so wrong about it?

"That's not my point, Hestia." Zero sighed, trying to calm himself. "My point is, you're not allowed to talk to other boys. Only me."

It felt like he wanted to say something more, but he stopped himself.

I was confused. What's wrong with me talking to boys? Did he think I'd secretly get into a relationship with every guy I talked to?

"Hestia... you're still young. I just hope you understand me."

"I don't understand you, Zero."

I saw the surprise in his eyes. While I've gotten used to calling him by his name, it looked like he wasn't.

"Just follow what I say," he replied calmly.

But I wanted to know why. Why am I not allowed to talk to Kuro or any other boy? I knew there was a deeper reason. I just didn't know what.

"But-"

"Shut up!" he snapped, irritated.

I frowned, equally annoyed.

What's his problem?!

"What's wrong with me talking to other boys?! You're just Mom's husband - you're not my real dad! You don't have the right to control me like that!!"

I clearly saw his reaction - he was shocked. And honestly, so was I. I didn't mean to shout. I lost control for a moment and the words just came out. My hands started trembling when I saw his face shift from surprise to anger. He glared at me before focusing back on the road. It was obvious he didn't like what I just said.

His jaw clenched tight like before. And his grip on the wheel was so strong, I could see the veins in his hands. I bit my lip, the sting going numb from the growing tension inside the car.

He didn't speak. It felt like he was holding himself back so he wouldn't lash out at me. I turned to look outside the window, hoping it would ease the pounding in my chest. Even though the car's air-conditioning was on, I felt like I was sweating.

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind - what if he hurts me too, like how he hurt Mom before?

I regretted yelling.

And I regretted ever wishing for a complete family.

I wish Mom never married him. I wish Grandpa had chosen someone who could actually keep us safe.

And for the first time, my heart ached.

I wish Dad were still alive.

I didn't talk to him again. I quietly sat in his car, silently hoping we'd get home soon. Just like the first time I saw him, that same uncomfortable feeling mixed with fear and nervousness crept over me.

I glanced at him. One of his hands was on the steering wheel while the other rested against his head, his elbow propped on the window. I quickly looked away.

After several minutes of silence, it even felt awkward to breathe. My nervousness only disappeared when we finally arrived at the house.

I quickly got out of his car and left him there. I hurried toward my room, but I was stopped when Ate Mara called me. She's Manang Helen's granddaughter, three years older than me. She had curly hair and wore eyeglasses. She just told me that Grandpa would be visiting later and that we'd be having dinner together. After saying that, I immediately left her.

I locked the door to my room and changed clothes. Grandpa's coming later. I smiled. It's been a while since I last saw him. He rarely visits the house.

Since I had nothing to do, I wanted to go outside - but I was scared I might run into Zero. I don't know why. I regretted shouting at him earlier. I probably just got carried away by my emotions. I was so annoyed. He didn't have the right to boss me around like that. Even if I'm only fourteen, I know what I'm doing.

I sat on the bed and messed up my hair like a crazy person. What if he hurts me? What if he lays a hand on me? Just the thought made me tear up. I've never even been spanked by Mommy because she's always been careful with me. And I don't ever want to experience something like that. It's terrifying.

I lay down on the bed and rolled around, trying to forget what happened earlier. Maybe Zero would forget about it too. He can't hurt me anyway because Grandpa would get angry. But would Grandpa find out? Does Grandpa even know that Zero used to hurt Mommy before?

I nearly jumped when I heard a loud knock on the door. I clutched my chest before deciding to stand up and open it. Sister Mara's smiling face greeted me.

"Dinner time, Hestia. Hurry up, your stepfather's not in a good mood. And your grandpa isn't here yet, so you better hurry before that man turns into a demon," she joked, clearly aware of how awful that man can be.

I suddenly felt anxious. I glanced out my window and realized it was already dark. How long had I been lying in bed? I didn't even notice the time.

"Can I just come down when Grandpa arrives?" I asked innocently, but she quickly shook her head.

"Sir Hanzero said the three of you should be seated at the table already and just wait for your grandpa there. He might get mad if you don't follow his orders. You know... he used to hurt your mom whenever she disobeyed him."

I bit my lip.

"O-okay, Sister. I'll get myself ready."

She left immediately, saying she still had things to do. I, on the other hand, changed clothes again since Grandpa would be here soon. I fixed myself up.

I hesitated going downstairs because I was scared. But I had no choice. It would be worse if I disobeyed that man's order.

The dining room was quiet when I arrived. Mommy immediately smiled when she saw me and gestured for me to sit across from her. She and Zero were seated side by side, so if I looked at Mommy, I'd see him too.

His face was serious, his forehead furrowed, and both fists clenched on top of the table. I swallowed hard. Was it my fault he was in a bad mood now?

"How's school, sweetheart? How are your friends? Especially that boy you were talking about last night?" Mommy asked with a smile.

I saw how Zero's frown deepened.

"Boy? What boy, Ravina?" Zero asked seriously, his eyes fixed on me.

Just last night, Mommy and I were talking about Kuro, and also Calen and Natasha. She didn't get mad at me - she even teased me. That rarely happens between us.

Mommy looked at Zero beside her, her smile still intact.

"It's a singer and dancer, right, Hestia?" she turned to me, and I slowly nodded.

I looked at Zero, who I could tell already had an idea of who Mommy was referring to.

"You're allowing your daughter to have a boyfriend?" Zero asked firmly.

"It's just a crush, Lior! There's nothing wrong if she has a crush on someone!" Mommy explained.

My mom trusts me. Sometimes when I tell her about my crushes, she listens and even teases me. She's different. She's the best.

Zero fell silent.

I took a deep breath.

"Mommy's right, Zero. There's really no-" but Mommy cut me off.

"Zero?" she repeated, calling her husband's name.

"It's because Zero said that-"

"Where's your manners, Hestia?!" I flinched when Mommy yelled. "You should call him uncle or dad or whatever! Where's your respect?!" She was trying to control her anger but still raised her voice at me.

But what shocked me more was Zero's cold and terrifying voice.

"And shouting at your daughter is your kind of respect?" he smirked.

I noticed Manang quietly leaving the room. It seemed like no one wanted to get involved.

I bit my lip. Mommy was right. Where was my respect? From the start, I shouldn't have agreed to just call him by his name. I should've called him something proper. Uncle? I guess that would be better than Daddy.

I wish I had thought about that earlier. Now they're fighting because of me.

They stared at each other, eye to eye, both looking deadly serious. The tension between them was suffocating. I gripped the strap of my simple dress. I was terrified. Were they going to fight again? And because of me this time?

A familiar clearing of the throat suddenly broke the heavy atmosphere, making everyone freeze.

I immediately stood up and saw Grandpa smiling at me. I quickly ran to him and hugged him tightly. I missed him so much!

I heard Grandpa's soft chuckle, and I laughed a little too. When I let go, he ruffled my hair.

"What's going on here?" Grandpa's voice turned serious as he looked at Mommy and U-Uncle.

Yes! Uncle! That should be it.

Grandpa and I sat down across from them. The fear I felt earlier faded, replaced by happiness.

"Nothing, Sir."

"Nothing, Dad," they answered in unison.

I glanced at Uncle Zero, who licked his lower lip and lowered his head slightly.

The two of them both fell silent again until Grandpa spoke.

"Don't fight in front of the kid. That's even more disrespectful."

They both nodded at the same time. I stayed quiet.

Were they scared of Grandpa too?

To Be Continued...