Happiness

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

“You’re going back to the States,” Carlisle said, Luan’s father, while looking at his papers.

Luan is currently inside her father’s office just like what it wanted. She was feeling nervous on the way here because she already knew what he wanted.

“But what about your debt?” She asked trying to find a reason to stay

“That’s about to be paid off. I can send you back to the US now and you're staying there.”

“No” Luan firmly said. “I’m not going”

Her father sighed. “Look honey, this is for you. I am only taking you away from the things that would hurt you and cause you ruin.”

Luan almost let out a loud laugh. “For me? Is this decision for me? Not for your reputation?”

The door opened and let out her mother. “Luan dear, you’re here? Good. I got your ticket-”

“Ticket? No, I’m not going anywhere” her breathing was unstable, she felt so angry towards her own parents. They can never understand what she really needs.

Her mother scoffed. “Your opinion doesn’t matter, dear. That’s nonsense.”

“Helaine,” Carlisle called out, trying to shush his wife. “Luan, just listen to us. You’ve come this far because of us, honey. How about a little respect towards us?”

Luan felt her hands shaking but she will still try to convince them. “But it’s almost graduation day. You two also need to attend my graduation” her voice almost cracked “Wouldn’t that be good for your image? Us three, on that stage, smiling while I accept my awards…”

This hurts..

She clenched her hands to fist and lowered her head. “Please, daddy.”

“Okay, i’ll agree.”

When she heard that approval she thanked them and went out of the office with her head still hanging low.

She was invalidated. She was told that her opinion didn’t matter. She was asked for respect when they treated her nothing like a daughter but their trophy they love to brag about. Why did the world have to be this cruel to her? She never even wanted to be born in the first place.

Luan went out of the building and saw the car that was waiting for her to bring her back home. She silently stepped inside and rested her head on the seat. Minutes later she fell asleep.

“Ma’am Luan, we’re here.” She heard their driver who was slightly shaking her to wake

She rubbed her eyes and saw the front of their house.

“Thank you for driving me home,” she politely said and the driver nodded before assisting her out.

She tiredly walked to their door and was welcomed by their maid. “You look tired, Luan.”

Luan forced a smile. “I'm fine, manang. I’ll go up to my room.”

The maid couldn’t do anything but give way for her.

When she got inside her room Luan took out her phone to dial Ayla’s number. She placed her phone on her desk and sat on a chair. Luan quickly wiped her face with wet wipes and prepared a smile on her face.

The line got connected and her best friend’s face showed up.

“Heyyyy there!” Luan smiled brightly.

“Lulu..” Aylas was getting weaker. She lost the bright aura she used to have. But Luan still smiled and started chatting with her about her day.

“Ayla, I met–no talked to someone today. Cause were classmates but he was a quiet guy.”

“A guy? Lulu I didn’t teach you to cheat on your boyfriend!” Ayla was in shock and so was she.

“No, Ayla. Wait, let me finish” She panickly said holding back a laughter “I’m loyal you know that. My boyfriend is on a business trip with his father.” Luan chuckled.

“The guy I'm talking about, my classmate, I saw him with his mother and the woman was very warm, Ayla. I almost prayed for her to be my mom.”

She laughed it out a little but Ayla knew that what her best friend said is what she really desires. Ayla witnessed how Luan was treated like a thing not a daughter, she saw all of her hardships trying to meet their expectations but her parents never acknowledged Luan as a child they needed to love.

Their talk went on, from the handsome nurse Ayla had a crush on to the topic of Luan’s boyfriend coming back the next day. It was like the good old times, they were carefree of their words.

No one would know whether they cuss or do something silly, they don't have to act classy just to entertain people and be the girls people expect them to be.

“You don’t have class tomorrow, right?” Ayla asked in between their conversation.

Luan nodded. “Yeah, cause the day after tomorrow is our graduation–Oh right!” She excitedly got up from her chair and took out her graduation gown.

“Look at this Ayla.”

She showed her the gown and the cap. “It’s the outfit we wanted to wear badly. Remember the times we were walking on the street with ice creams on our hands, we said that we’ll graduate together. And when we get to college we would get a condo and live there together. Both ranting about how hard our chosen courses are”

Luan slowly sat down and smiled. “We had so many plans together, but we'll still do it okay?”

“Yup!” Ayla tried smiling but her lips were shaking and her breathing got uneven. “You’ll be happy, Luan. You’ll get the happiness that you deserve, I promise.”

Luan was confused by what Ayla was saying but she responded. “Okay. I believe in you, Ayla, so rest up, hmm?”

“Tomorrow, let’s go take graduation pictures. I’ll get my own gown. So that it'll look like the two of us are graduating.” Ayla suggested and of course she liked the idea.

“Then how about we go ice skating after the photoshoot?” Luan felt like she had to say that, felt like making memories, hopefully not for the last time.

“Sure, okay.”

“Hmm, go rest now, Ayla. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You too”

Luan waved happily before ending the call. Something felt wrong but she’ll brush it off for now. She needs a sleep for a happy day in the coming hours.