Katty's POV:
"Congratulations, Katty. I am very happy with your recovery. You can now control yourself very well. I hope that you learn a lot from the past. I also hope that the future that awaits you will be good. You can go now and pass below for your things," said Dra happily. Valdez.
I smiled and almost cried with joy. After a few years, I will be able to get out of rehab. I am happy that there has been an improvement in me. I also want to change my life and forget the past.
After I said goodbye to Dra. Valdez, I went down to the room he pointed to. There were nurses here who assisted me. I just followed them.
They took me to a room and there was a box. I looked at everything and these are the things I had when I first came here.
I took my yellow above-the-knee and sleeveless dress. It's spaghetti straps and I also have brown sandals. My Hermes shoulder bag is also here with only my make-up and cellphone.
After I got dressed I looked in the mirror. I've lost a bit of weight here and my under-eye area has darkened. I also had insomnia which is getting better.
I walked out of the mental asylum and the nurses greeted me. I smiled at them and waved. Others are just afraid of me. I can't take that away from them. My past wasn't really good. Even if only a few people know, it's still sad. The asylum has really changed me since I got better.
I walked out of the corner where the asylum stood. I just waited for a taxi and in a few minutes I got one.
I delivered it to my old condo. I'm so glad I still own it and my parents didn't take it. They still pay my expenses. I'm sure mom will like it.
When I entered it was still the same as before. I smiled. I'm glad my family didn't hate me after all. However, only Dad knows everything. There is nothing he doesn't know when it comes to our siblings. Most of the time we don't even know that he already knows.
I immediately jumped up and lay down on the bed. Its smell stung my nose. Hey, I miss life here outside.
I took a shower and changed my clothes again. Even if I change my clothes ten times, I will not be judged. I'm tired of wearing our white hospital gown.
I took a shower for almost an hour because I enjoyed soaking. The shower gel and shampoo here at the hotel also smell very good. They have changed things and now have their own hotel brand.
When I came out, I immediately put on a new dress. I wore a red sundress. I dressed it up with my Gucci sandals and earlier Hermes bag.
I looked in the mirror and put on a little make-up. My style is simpler now, back to the old Katty. It's still good. I intend to cut my waist-length hair.
Before I left I looked on Facebook. There are many trends now, especially when it comes to clothing. It turns out that the old-school look and the sexy dresses that are easy on the eyes are in fashion now. I was tempted to go shopping outside later.
I saved pictures to look for in the mall. I left the room and went straight out of the hotel. I just took a taxi because I didn't know where my car was.
When I got to the mall there were a lot of people. I can see trendy clothes among young people today. I felt in awe. I also want to imitate their form.
I entered the mall and walked around. I felt hungry so I decided to go to a restaurant and eat.
I entered Marlino and was greeted by the waiter. He guided me to sit in an empty seat.
I looked at the menu and my eyes just widened. Why are things so expensive now?
I let it go because I still had savings in my atm and I also have a black card. I ordered and chose those Pinoy dishes.
I ordered rice porridge, beef sisig, kare-kare, fried rice platter, halo-halo, leche flan, and iced tea. I'm sure I'll be full afterward. I hope I can finish it all because the food is very expensive. I hope it's also delicious.
After waiting for about half a minute, I stared at the waiter. It just stared at me and smiled.
"Enjoy your meal," it said.
He placed what I ordered on the table. I lost my temper because of its fragrant smell. It is appetizing and makes you hungry.
Fortunately, I am now in control of my emotions and actions. Maybe because the order took too long, I already stabbed this waiter who was too sticky to look at.
I ate and the food was very good. The other dish was split so I had it wrapped. I learned to be frugal from a fellow asylum seeker. When I used to be at a party, they said Sharon Cuneta was famous. Wrap me up, she said.
I had the waitress wrap my leftover food. It seemed to wince. Is there a problem?
I also took the bill and reached for my yellow credit card. After a while, the waitress came back and looked at me straight.
"Your card is wrong, miss. If you don't have anything to pay for, you shouldn't eat. You look like you're rich and you have a takeout. It looks stolen," said the waitress flatly.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Try this one," I said calmly and handed her my black card.
It bothered me before leaving. I'm only smiling because I'm good at controlling my emotions. Peace and humility are the answers.
I waited for her to come back and she just bowed. Still carrying the paper bag with only food that I probably wrapped.
"Ma'am G-Katty Heartwell, I'm sorry for my behavior earlier. I didn't know it was you" she said with a straight face.
"How did you know me?" I will ask.
"Y-Your family owns this whole mall. I-I'm really sorry," she said shyly.
"No problem, what are you doing! Thanks and thank you," I said with a smile before taking the paper bag from her.
I was full so I went around the inside of this mall next. It is very big and the stores are all branded. I even know others like Victoria's Secret, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
I went into Gucci and looked at new sandals and shoes. I saw some very beautiful strap heels.
"Hi Ma'am, do you want that? It's only 200,000 and it's a limited edition. We have less than 10 percent now," he said with a smile.
I stopped myself from wincing. It turns out that the goods are really more expensive now. But like a friend of mine in the asylum, it's not bad to buy something. Spoil yourself sometimes.
"Alright, I'll get it. My foot is size 38," I said with a smile.
He assisted me and they even gave me iced tea. After I paid I said goodbye to them. I saw H&M so I went there next.
I remember Ellinita and I used to have a VIP card here. I looked at my wallet and it was still there. I hope it's still valid.
"Excuse me," I called a saleslady and handed over the card.
Her eyes widened and she politely assisted me. I said the natural treatment is fine. She guided me to the VIP room.
"Good afternoon, Ma'am Katty Heartwell. Do you want a style or specific item? We have a brochure here of newly released clothes," she asked me with a smile.
"Oh, I like the style. I'll be looking for three different pairs of clothes of this style. Go with shades and shoes if you have them," I answered with a smile.
I showed her the photo on my cell phone. I'm still using the iPhone 4 but that's fine. I saw that there was already an iPhone 8 so I plan to look later. Maybe it's okay with Chadwick to pay for my expenses. He loves me.
They gave me a snack again so I ate again. It's fun for them to receive VIPs. Also the ones I bought earlier from regular customers.
When the saleslady returned, she had two other women with her. I chose that nude pink suit.
That's what I wore and I paid for the rest. What I'm wearing is called a turtle neck with puff arm sleeves and a super crop top shirt. I'm wearing mommy jeans. I also put on the strap heels I bought earlier, I look very nice.
"Ma'am, you are very beautiful. Can you take a picture?" asked the saleslady.
I smiled because of the excitement. I'm beautiful? What! It's not too much, add that I'm a bit stressed.
"Okay," I agreed.
After we took pictures, I left their store. Next, I went to the department store where the make-up was.
As I looked, I noticed that light make-up is the trend now, unlike before. I prefer this one because their best seller is all light colors.
"Miss, can I get that? I want that color but it is the last one," said a child beside me.
I stared at the girl and she was so beautiful. She looks like someone I've seen before.
"Sure, you can have it. I can also treat you," I offered the girl.
She giggled so I was happy. She's a cute kid. He even accompanied me to the counter to pay.
We each got a bag because I bought something else. I let her choose what she wanted. I was happy because of her cuteness.
"Where are your parents?" I will ask.
"Well, I'm far away from them. I can't find them but these make-ups attracted me," she said with a sneer.
I laughed and ruffled her hair. It looks like he is still in kindergarten or grade 1 but he speaks straight and still has an accent. Her pair of eyes are also green.
"First of all, what's your name-"
"Channelle! Oh my God, child! Everywhere I looked for you!" shouted a familiar woman.
She immediately went to her, whose name turned out to be Channelle. The woman looked at me and I knew the two men behind her. That's why they are familiar.
"G-Katty?" he asked.
"Kyrie? Is that you? You're already successful!" I happily congratulate them.
I also congratulated Marc who was her boyfriend in high school and it looks like she's still with him. I was very impressed with Jonell.
"Hi Doc Jonell, nice to see you again. It was last week when I last saw you at the asylum," I greeted him and waved.
Kyrie and Marc's jaws dropped. Why are they so shocked?
Katty's POV:
They invited me to eat again at a restaurant. I just drank water because I was already full. There is also free bread and butter here that I saved. Their butter is delicious, even branded.
"You're not mad at me anymore? How are you? You've been gone for so long," Kyrie asked.
I smiled and winked at her. I can see Kyrie's admiration. I'm fine now, never been this good.
"Not anymore, I learned a lot when I was still in the asylum. I also got better there and made new friends. I learned a lot there that even though we all have mental illnesses, they give hella out of the world advice," I said smiling.
"Like what?" Marc asked.
"Use thread that won't pinch. It's more economical," I said and winked.
They laughed but it was only Jonell's poker face. Even when I saw him once in the asylum, he ignored me. Maybe he doesn't remember me or he just doesn't care.
"Staring is rude," said Jonell and took a sip from his cup.
"O-Oh, I'm sorry. I was just wondering why you don't seem to recognize me," I asked.
Marc and Kyrie got silent. Channelle, their daughter, is not there and is being cared for by a nanny. I was the godchild of her even though I didn't attend her baptism.
"It's fine. I had selective anemia a few years ago from an accident. Most of what I forget are people I've only known for a while," he said.
Of course, we're not really close. I just smiled because I felt a little embarrassed.
"Sorry to come up with that topic–"
"No worries," he interrupted me.
We were all quiet. I noticed Kyrie glancing at me so I called her.
"Go on, you can ask," I said.
"You're fine? You're not really mad at me anymore? I just can't believe it. I'm with you now. You are fine and as gorgeous as hell now, Katty. You look like a model," Kyrie admired me.
"I'm fine as hell, Kyrie. Not anymore, it's not your fault either. I was just too much when I was carried away by emotions. I've been really beautiful for a long time. I just went out earlier and I decided to go shopping for clothes," I said to Kyrie.
She took something from the bag and took out a piece of paper. I took it because she handed it to me. It's a calling card and it's pink. How cute.
"I have a salon, come tomorrow and I'll go with you. Everything is free because we haven't seen each other in a long time. Thank you very much Katty," said Kyrie smiling.
"What are you doing! I should be the one to thank you! I'll come tomorrow morning. See you there!" I am happy to reply.
I said goodbye to them. Kyrie and Marc are fun to watch. Good thing Kyrie and Marc already have a child. I'm still at NBSB to this day.
"Wait, do you have a car? Let's go to the parking lot together," Kyrie asked.
"Oh nothing, I just took a taxi," I answered.
"Brother, bring Katty. Maybe it will be better on the way. Kyrieand I will go first," Marc said goodbye.
I would have objected but they left. Jonell gestured for me to follow him so I just walked quietly.
He made me ride inside his BMW. I sat in amazement. It smells really good and he smells like a car.
"Where do you live?" he asked.
"At Daytona Hotel," I replied.
We were silent the entire flight. I'm also ashamed of him because he doesn't recognize me. It's a good thing he doesn't remember my rudeness towards him in college.
When we arrived at my hotel the car stopped. I tried to remove the seat belt but it didn't work.
"Uhm Jonell, can you help me–"
When I looked up at him, our lips met. My eyes widened but a strange sensation gnawed at my system.
I was about to push him when he touched my neck. My kissing him deepened. I responded to his kisses and I don't even know why.
I was panting from our kiss when someone knocked. I pushed Jonell and that's when I realized what I did.
Jonell rolled down the window and peered at the man. It was the guard who knocked on the window.
"Sir, just park here. It's blocking the way for cars," said the guard.
Jonell nodded and drove again. I bowed shyly and wiped my lips. His breath smells like mint and his lips are very soft. Hey, what am I thinking?
"Hey, are you okay? I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. I just got carried away," Jonell grabbed my attention.
"That's nothing, it's my fault because I r-responded. I'm going now. Thanks for the d-driving me home," I stammered.
I got out of the car before him. As soon as I stepped on the ground, I fell to my knees. Seriously, my knees went soft during our scene. He was my first kiss!
I feel that I have risen from the ground. When I looked at the one who picked me up, it was Jonell. It looks like a honeymoon to me.
"I'm sorry, let me take you to your room. Where is your room?" he asked worriedly.
I stared at his pair of green eyes so I looked away. I played with my fingers and focused my eyes on that.
"I'm on the 14th floor, Room N105," I answered shyly. Fortunately, I didn't stutter.
He walked away and I just looked down. When we got on the elevator, I let him put me down.
"A-Are you really okay? I'm sorry, I just got carried away. You might think I'm sneaky or want to take advantage. It's like something just pushed me to do that because it seems like I've known you for a long time," explained Jonell.
That's when the conclusions entered my mind. I know that Jonellis not that kind of person even though he has changed. Could it be that he has liked me before so he remembers the feeling?
"It's okay, it's nothing. I was just taken back too. Thank you very much for taking me," I said smiling to Jonell.
When the elevator door opened, I rushed out. I ran and immediately opened the door of my condo.
I sat on the couch and stared blankly. What was on my mind? He's not my boyfriend. I know why I'm like this with Jonell. Even though it was a long time ago and because I used to see him often in the asylum, I had a crush on him. Hey, I feel like a child!
I took off my clothes and entered the bathroom. I took a half bath to be fresh for sleeping later.
When I went to the walk-in closet, I was biting my lip. I left my shopping in the back of Jonell's car! You're stupid, Katty!
–
"Kyrie, answer me" I whispered with a sneer.
I was here outside the mall looking for her salon. I'm embarrassed to ask again because I haven't been able to find it before. I have asked a few questions but I can't find them. I think I'm getting weak on directions now.
I gave up on calling Kyrie and found a bench to sit on. I saw it so I rested for a while.
"Katty is that you?"
I heard a familiar baritone voice call me so I looked up. I smiled at Jonell who was heading in my direction.
"Hi," I greeted.
"Uhm, I'm going to Kyrie's to bring these things you left yesterday in my car. Marc mentioned that the two of you will meet," he said.
"Oh, it's embarrassing, I'm sorry for the trouble, huh. I was going to see Kyrie too but I couldn't find a way to her salon," I said shyly.
Jonell laughed and grinned. He carried my many paper bags effortlessly.
I was about to take the paper bag from him but he didn't give it to me. He said he will carry it.
He accompanied me to Kyrie's salon. That's why I can't see it because it's at the top. Because this mall is new and I don't know. I haven't been out for a few years.
We entered the salon and were greeted by Kyrie. That's why he didn't answer the call because he was having a manicure and pedicure.
"Oh, you're here! Why are you two together?" Kyrie teased.
"We just met downstairs."
"I bumped into him."
Jonell and I spoke together but he didn't react. Kyrie was looking at me teasingly.
Jonell dropped the paper bags to the side. He smiled so I looked up at him.
"Ladies, I'm leaving. I still have duty now," he said goodbye.
I was about to speak when he suddenly turned around. I just snorted. He's snobbish.
When I faced Kyrie, I was smiling again. I sat next to her and someone took a seat in my usual manicurist and pedicurist position.
"Make my friend look beautiful. You will take care of what suits her." Kyrie said, smiling at her employees and winking.
I felt nervous about Kyrie. Why does my hunch seem to be bad? I feel that instead of beauty rest and making myself beautiful, she will make me tired.
"You know Jonell is single, so you should capture his heart now. You're guaranteed to fall for each other! Doctor and nurse tandem!" Kyrie said so excitedly that my jaw dropped.
That's why it has such a sarcastic look. She still shipped us both!
Katty's POV:
"Thank you so much, Kyrie. I feel like I'm more confident now," I said with a smile.
"Don't worry, that's nothing! I want to make up for everything that happened. I know I've done a lot to you, to you. I'm happy you've forgiven me," Kyrie said happily.
We both hugged and I looked in the mirror again. My long hair was only shoulder length. She also dyed me brown to make me look even whiter. I even got free nail extensions from her. We both design butterfly nail art.
"I'm going home, Kyrie. I'm going first. I will rest at the condo. You made me tired of what we did, I was also planning to see Mom. I heard that my siblings are not at home and dad is busy. Chadwick already has a child and I want to see my nieces one day. You know I can't resist Mom and she always worries about me," I explained to Kyrie.
"When do you plan to go home?" he asked.
"Maybe in a week–"
"It's still next week! Come to our family dinner first. It's not allowed to refuse, right. They haven't seen you in a long time and Channelle says she misses you too," Kyrie cut me off.
I felt nervous and shy. I know very few people know the real story of why I ended up in the asylum and stayed there for so long. I was embarrassed of Kyrie's parents and I still remember pushing her away. I regret everything. I'm really happy because the asylum helped me a lot to recover.
"I know why you're silent. Katty, I know you're still scared and shy. Don't worry, I know you're different. I trust you and then let's forget the past. That won't help either." Kyrie convinced me.
"But I'm really embarrassed to see them. I'm not even part of your family. Besides, maybe they don't know me anymore–"
"Hey hey, stop it. Just come along. They're expecting you and I said yesterday that you'd come along. I even told them you were happy when I invited you," Kyrie smiled at me again.
I just held my breath and rolled my eyes on her. Kyrie was very happy because we were outside again.
She brought me here to her private room in the salon. That Kyriehas something more like this. She said that they have unstoppable scenes with his hubby. They're really lewd!
When she opened the walk-in closet, I saw a matching dress. There are dresses, pants, tops, skirts, shoes, and heels. There are also many bags. I'm sure she has a lot of these at home too.
"Why do you have so many clothes?" I will ask.
"Remember what we used to say?" Kyrie asked.
"Go and buy unnecessary things," we said together and laughed.
–
"Welcome to our home! That's all my hubby can handle, Katty. Please understand." Kyrie boasted.
We are now in front of their mansion. The girl has a few hectares of land. There is even a fountain outside the house that is taller than my brother. Nice, what else is the wealth of our family? I've heard that our family is in the top 10 richest in the world.
We entered their mansion. I'm really impressed with the beauty it has. I didn't think it was a house and not a resort. The architect who made it was a monster.
"Who is the architect of your house?" I will ask.
"Marc's older brother, Anton. I think he and his wife are inside," he said.
I nodded. Marc greeted us with a kiss on Kyrie's lips. I hope it's alright.
"I hope that's all" I teased the two.
Kyrie sniffed my side so I suddenly turned around. Jonell's lips almost met so I immediately moved away.
"We're going to the dining room first. Talk first, take your time," Kyrie said before leaving.
Jonell smiled so I turned to him. I smiled at him and congratulated him.
"I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess. You can just go along with what my parents say," he said.
"I'm confused. What's wrong with that?" I will ask.
"When Kyrie's family invited you to join the family dinner, Marc said that I'm dating you. My family doesn't want to believe that we just know each other," he explained.
My lips parted slightly in shock. Kyrie and her husband are really despicable. But why is that? I feel giddy. It's like my heart is being squeezed. A part of me was also hurt because I wished it was true.
Who did I cheat on? I'm crushing on this one!
"Alright, don't worry. It's fine," I said with a smile.
I also noticed Jonell's averted gaze. When I looked in the mirror, my eyes widened.
I immediately lifted the deep v-neck part of my dress. I'm wearing a halter v-neck dress with a bit of cleavage. Kyrie made me wear it.
We entered the dining room and Jonell's family stopped eating. I was surprised when Lareina suddenly vomited from the iced tea she was drinking.
"Katty Heartwell?" he asked.
"Lareina Ikranova?" I asked too.
We both looked at each other and smiled. I think she is Anton's wife. I no longer have her past in my family. Everyone has a second chance to change.
"Do you know each other?" Kyrie asked.
I just headed. Kyrie's parents and Jonell stood up. They hugged me and I introduced myself to them. Anton's grin was different from Jonell's but this one didn't seem to care.
Jonell and I sat down. I saw Channelle downstairs and with a cute boy. That looks like Lareina, maybe Anton's daughter.
I greeted Channelle before she sat down. Channelle kindly gave me a flying kiss. She's an energetic girl. Heir to his mother Kyrie.
We started eating and I answered some questions from Lareina's family. I even laugh sometimes so that I'm not obviously out of place.
Jonell came close to my ear and was about to whisper. My hair stood up when his breath hit me.
"Are you okay? I can take you somewhere when you're done eating. I know you're out of place," he whispered.
"I'm fine, don't worry. I don't want to disturb your food either," I said with a smile.
Jonell's mother smiled so I looked up at her. The lady's face looks fierce and her aura is scary. But even so, it screams beauty.
"So tell us, when is the wedding? You, Jonell, are the only one without a family among your siblings. You are not getting any younger, son," said the lady.
"Mom, don't pressure her. Besides, I'm just flirting. There's nothing between us yet," replied Jonell.
"Son, nothing escapes the poison of the Steinfield. Remember that," Jonell's father joked.
I got hot seat and I really feel that our pretense is true. I can also see Kyrie's amazement. Maybe he thinks it's really true.
"So iha, how is your family? Where are you working now?" Kyrie's father asked.
"They are fine even though our business is going well. I don't have a job as of now," I answered.
I saw Jonell's mother glance at me. She didn't seem to like what he heard.
"You don't have a job? How come you're a Heartwell? After all, you live on your inheritance even if you don't work anymore," said Jonell's mother.
I felt belittled. I heard Jonell scolding his mother. I really intend to look for a job. I want to enjoy the outdoors first.
"I just got out of asylum a while ago. I'm planning to get a job or handle our business–"
I stopped talking when Jonell's mom, Ingrid, said 'wow'. It's obvious that she doesn't want me for Jonell even if it's not all true.
"Honestly, I don't like you for my son. I don't care about your wealth. I just don't want a burden for my son," she said frankly.
I feel my heart pounding and my breath short. I felt diminished and sorry for myself. That's where my tears flowed.
Jonell casually stood up and pulled me out. I just bowed while wiping tears.
Why so? Even if that relationship between Jonell and I isn't real, I'm hurt?
We stopped in front of their fountain. He handed me a handkerchief.
"I'm sorry for what mom acted," he apologized.
"It's okay, we were just pretending earlier. Why is that? It hurts, Jonell. I'm sorry but I'll go first. Let them say goodbye," I said and quickly ran away.