DAY 14 SINCE THE ATTACK

Aquilina blinked at the text before her in her devotional Guide. She lay sprawled on the rug by her bed.

She looked at the text and reread it, out loud this time,

"Love like you have never been hurt," the author wrote, and went on to quote,

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8."

"Love," she repeated.

And forgive. A voice so tender, yet so full of authority whispered to her soul. She knew Whose voice that was.

That voice had been her only Comfort over the past weeks. Sometimes, she even doubted.

"Why would God speak to me?" She found herself saying out loud more often than not.

It had been 2 weeks since the incident. And 9 days since she had stopped attending school.

~

"I can't do it anymore," she finally told Mike resolutely. She had moved in with him the day after the incident.

(A/N: Their house looks like this)

But Jason had remained at their old house. He had visited her with her Aunt Allison, who had finally returned from her business trip.

And though he tried to encourage her, she felt that she had finally hit her limit.

"Fine," Mike had said resignedly. He forced a smile and assured her it was okay.

But the tears had still slid down his face after she had left his study for her room.

Why did his sister have to go through so much? So he prayed for her, like never before—for he was also a Christian. That she'd not give up.

~

And that was when she found herself praying at certain times. Though truth be told, she hadn't known what to say most of the time.

She'd often end up groaning, and sometimes, she did what Job had done.

Praise God, though she couldn't understand half of what she said mostly. But at least, God comforted her.

"Lord, how do I love when all I feel around me is pain?"

She asked, her voice sounding like a child. She felt like her heart was lying bare on an operating table. With no anaesthesia given, everyone poked in how they wanted — with uncertified tools.

Love, My child. And forgive.

She thought of those she had to forgive. Francesco, Rosa, even Natalie didn't call much anymore, Philip was going through a lot too, his dad was sick and above all... Javier.

She thought of all the false accusations that had plagued and driven her up the wall. Those that were grafted in her past and seemed ever-present. Those that had marred her life...

"Lord, You know I can't."

Trust Me to help you. Give your burdens over to Me.

"Father, what about Javier? He meant so much to me, but he's hurt me the most. He's not even said a word to me."

If I haven't given up on him, don't either.

And then, Aqui knew. She would have to give it up. Not by her own strength—for she had none. She would give it all to Him. And she did.

After, she felt a stillness overtake her soul—a comfortable one. Even in the raging storm... there was peace.

She stood and walked to Pablo, who was situated in a little alcove in her room in his cage. He had also been a source of joy, despite the memories he always brought back.

And she sang for the first time in weeks, with Pablo moving to the rhythm of the song. (A/N: Song above)

When she was spent, she laid on her bed and took out her phone which she had neglected over the past few days—as she barely got any calls. She felt lighter within.

Have Thine own way, Lord, was the constant whisper from her heart throughout that day. And also through the days that followed.

————————-

Strum. Strum. Cease.

He sighed and tried it again.

Javier sat with his guitar in his glass mansion. He had been trying to strum a beat without success for the past hour.

Every sense of rhythm seemed to have fled.

Angelito mío (my little angel), he thought — again.

It had been two weeks. He had never thought for a second that Aqui was guilty.

He set the guitar aside and groaned.

He recalled the conversation he had had with Mike the day of the incident.

Mike had been hired by his family to take over the case immediately it occurred.

~

Mike asked Francesco and Rosa to excuse them as he sat behind the Principal's desk. He had long since asked the man to also leave.

"Javier, do you believe that Aquilina is guilty?"

"Not in the slightest bit," he hadn't missed a beat. He noticed Mike trying to hide a smile.

What game is he playing, Javier thought.

"Well," Mike walked to the front and sat at the edge of the desk. "I don't either. Not in the slightest bit."

Javier looked at him, trying to judge if Mike was being honest. He was, he could sense it.

He often noticed a lot about people that they didn't realise themselves. Though people often thought him to be cold and aloof.

But a deeper look into Mike's eyes told him that he was being honest.

"But Javier, if you want her to be acquitted, you'll have to help me with something. Are you willing?"

"What is it?" He was desperate. He knew he'd do anything for Aquilina.

"Play dumb, for at least a month."

~

And he had done that. He saw the wisdom in Mike's advice, though he had argued a lot with him then.

He stayed away from Aquilina—at least to the level he could—to keep her safe.

If he remained close to her, whoever sought his life could mark her as prey to get to him. And as much as he hated it, her safety was his top priority.

Mike had noticed that his sister's health was in decline (though she didn't open up about it).

And it could be jeopardised if she went on hanging around Javier and undertaking the mission. But he hadn't revealed that aspect to Javier.

So Javier had stayed away, except for the letters he'd secretly sent to her through his driver, Demetrius.

Did she ever read them? Why didn't she reply then? He felt frustration take over again.

"Mi Dios,"(My God) he cried out loud burying his head in his hands.

And again, "Mi Dios."

But this time around, it was a plea. A cry. A prayer.

"Mi Dios."

————————

Bonjour!

GOD bless you all for the votes and the comments and for sticking around. I appreciate them all.

How do you feel about this new revelation in regards to Javier? And... are you alright with the frequent updates?

I will like to also say a huge thank you to VastayahG
Merci, merci, merci... (I wanted to say it 20 times).

Thanks for everything and for being my friend.

Thanks to all.

Ooh... And I'm changing the picture of Mike. I always pictured him with red hair... So here you go...

Love,

Phela ❤️