April 27

LEN POV

I stopped the engine of the car and got out, turning my head upwards. The sun beamed upon my face as my gaze locked onto the cloudless sky, a shining blue that could allow anyone feed off of it's beauty and live forever. The trees that surrounded the place were fully bloomed and the chirping of the birds could be heard everywhere. Breathing in, I prayed one last time for things to go well before we enter the building before us—Luka's home. With a slight smile on my face, I pulled Luka out of the car gently, hoping that the delicate weather would somehow warm her up.

Clinging onto my arm, she looked around as if there was something wrong. "Hey," she called out in a low tone of voice. "What time is it?"

I raised an eyebrow then looked down to my watch, then back to her. "It's 9AM. Why?" I muttered as I freed my arm from her light grip and put it around her, escorting her to the door.

"Wow." she breathed out. "Isn't it a little dark today?"

I looked at her confused then looked back to the surroundings. As my eyes darted to face and saw her eyelids flickering, I let out a small gasp and I felt like crying again. "Uhmm..." was all I could reply.

"Hm?" she toned up, looking up to me with a smiling face.

I put on a fake smile and removed her glasses, kissing her left eye. "Yeah, I guess it is, big sis. " Then she giggled and looked back to the door. "It's really...really dark today."

I didn't want the moment to be more emotional so even before she could say something, I knocked. She then gripped the front of my shirt and backed away a little. I hesitantly knocked again then we heard some footsteps coming closer to the door. We took a few steps backwards then the door oscillated opened, revealing her father who was rubbing his eyes.

Knowing about their relationship, I snagged Luka's waist and pulled her backwards as I stood in front of her, ready for her father's possible actions. "I...I can explain." I voiced out.

As soon as he saw us, his face crumpled then his mouth dropped a little. The wrinkles on his face became vivid and his eyes were puffy as if he was crying earlier. "Luka?" he cheeped, quickly walking towards us.

I didn't sense any anger, I didn't sense any exasperation. He spread his arms wide so I slowly motioned myself away from Luka. As soon as he was close enough, he pulled her to a tight embrace.

"My God! What kind of father am I?! I don't know anymore what to tell you." he whimpered on her shoulder, stroking his daughter from her head to her back. "I'm...I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry if I became such a horrible father to you. I understand if you won't forgive me but please don't ever leave again. You can be with Luke, it's alright with me now but please," With that, he almost screamed. I could feel his yearning, his longing of cradling her to his arms again. "Please stay here and let daddy take care of you. I know that it isn't enough to make it up to you but I'm begging you to stay."

Trembling, she wrapped her arms around her dad, returning his embrace. "You don't even need to say sorry." she replied, tears running down her face. "I...I can never hate you." she cried like a little kid. "And...you're not a horrible father. For me, you're the best father in the world. Even if I could live my life over again, I'd still want you to be my daddy because I love you and I always will no matter what happens, no matter what your decisions will be."

I just silently watched them, being emotional myself too. They both looked so beautiful.

He started to choke on his own tears, surprised and moved with Luka's words. He tightened his hug as if he never wanted to let go of his little angel anymore. "I hope...that it isn't too late to show you how much daddy cares." he sniffed. "I love you too, Luka. You don't know how much daddy regrets everything that he has done to you."

Pulling away a little, she looked up to him and smiled. "Now, now, daddy. Don't cry. I'm here now, I forgive you." she cooed, cupping his cheeks.

He wiped his tears away and cleared his throat. "We have to tell your mom that you're here now. We have to go to her." he hurriedly told her, pulling her inside as I followed them. "Lacie!" he screamed, seeking for his wife while holding Luka's hand. "Lacie, come here quick!"

We suddenly heard someone, slowly going down the stairs then as soon as she appeared to our sights and saw who her husband was holding, the look on her still-sleepy face changed and wore the same expression as uncle did earlier.

"Luka!" she shrieked, walking towards her. "Oh my God! My baby! It's you! It's really you!" Then she enfolded her arms around her fragile-looking daughter.

"Mommy!" she cried out loud, burying her face to her mother's shoulder.

I was finding it hard to tear my eyes away from them. Words wouldn't be enough to describe the ambience that was swaddling the place. I could feel the love of a mother—a never-ending, undying, unconditional sense that was so indescribable, swirling around. The way she held her, the way she caressed her daughter's face, was making me remember my own mother who me and Rin always found so blissful to be with.

"My child, why didn't you tell us about your condition? Why did you lie to us?" she whimpered, causing Luka to pull away and hold onto her chest.

Panting, she tried to back away. "You guys know?" she asked.

Her parents looked at each other, frowning then they both pulled her and compressed to a group hug. "We just found out and heaven knows how much we worried about you. I thought...I thought I'd never see my Luka again but thank goodness, you're here!" her mother continued, ruffling her hair.

Luka closed her eyes and nestled her head against her father's chest. "I'm so sorry if I lied." she began, her voice barely audible. "I just thought that it would be easier for you to take if I did. But you know...Len took good care of me. I know that he sacrificed a lot just to keep me alive."

I smiled then a single tear escaped my eye. My eyes grazed through her form then I saw the ring that I gave her, still inserted to her left ring finger. She appreciates me. I got appreciated by someone who's precious to me.

"Thank you, Len." her parents said reached out for me, welcoming me to their hug.

As soon as I was enveloped by their warm bodies, my eyes roamed around the house and saw someone peaking from the stairs. "Hey," I whispered, making them look at me with a questioning look. "I think that a member of your family wants to join."

Pulling away, their eyeballs motioned upwards. "Lily!" Luka called out excitedly.

Lily looked surprised by her sister's reaction. It could be seen that she was hesitating to approach her but she did it anyway, looking down. Deep remorse was carved to her face and she looked as if she wanted to cry. Without a moment lost, Luka hugged her.

"I missed you so much. I'm glad that you're alright now." Luka chimed with a warm smile on her face, yet tears still continued to flow.

Lily was quiet and wasn't moving then after a few seconds, she pulled away and let her own tears go. "You're supposed to hate me!" she protested, glaring at Luka.

Chuckling, Luka pulled her back to her arms. "Why?"

"D...Don't ask me why!" Then she hugged her back tightly. "Everyone knows that I became a bad sister to you! Ever since we were children, I did nothing but hurt you. I know that you' were always aware of me, backstabbing you with my friends, I made you suffer for many years by making you believe that Luke hated you, I almost got you kicked out from college by framing you up to something that you didn't do, I put you in trouble by showing mom and dad the pictures of you and Luke kissing even if I saw that you tried to push him away, I even made it to the point where I hurt you physically. Then...then I stole the man that you love from you."

"Lily," Luka mumbled.

"No!" she screamed. "Don't tell me that you still don't hate me. You are supposed to." she spoke slowly as her words hurled out from her. "You're supposed to hate me, Luka. You're not supposed...to forgive me when I say I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"

Luka stroked her sister's back and kissed the side of her head. "I'd be lying if I tell you that I'm not sulking." she screeched silently. "But I forgive you and I absolutely don't hate you. There were still many times when you made me smile. There were still times when we had fun together. Those good days that I spent with you, I cherish them. Now, tell me..." she paused. "Do you love me?"

Slowly, she pulled away and nodded eagerly. "I love you." she cried.

"Why? Why do you love me?" Luka asked, narrowing her eyes to Lily, her lips pulled to a gentle smile.

"Because you're my sister, Luka. I...love you."

Moved by Lily's words, she placed her hand to her mouth and whimpered more. "If that's the case, then I forgive you. I love you too, Lily."

Auntie Lacie suddenly walked towards them and placed her hands on their shoulders. "There, there, my dearests." she mumbled then her eyes landed on uncle Kenji.

Wiping his tears away, he looked at me with a serious face and we nodded to each other. "Let's admit Luka to a hospital."

didn't turn out to be as dramatic as i planned but oh well~

i wanted to add more but my brain couldn't take it anymore . . it was a long tiring day then i can't sleep again (actually , i can sleep but i don't want to because i'm having sleep paralyses again)

i promise i'll do better tmr on the next chapter tho

thanks for the reviews :

- oOCanaChanOo

- Cure-chan

- Black White and Superstitious