Azil (COMPLETE)

CHAPTER VII: My Family

In your arms, I found my new home…

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I woke up early before Mi and her friend. I kissed her gently on her sweet lips before going back home. I heard Mom at the kitchen. I sneak a peek and saw her arguing with Dad on a video call. Looks like Dad will not be coming home again for Christmas this year. I went upstairs, being careful not to be noticed by her. After changing clothes, I texted Milena that I’m already home and didn’t wake her up earlier because I know she loves to sleep and also, I don’t want her best friend to be surprised when she saw us cuddling on her bedroom floor. I want Mi to be the one to tell her about us.

I decided to go back to the kitchen and interrupt my parent’s heated conversation.

“Hi, Dad. Hello, Mom. Good Morning.”, I said, and they pretended that they’re not having an argument. I guess, they’re scared to let me know what’s going on between them.

“Good morning. You woke up early today, Liza.”, Mom said and handed over the laptop. She went outside and let me talk with my father.

“Hello, sweet pea! Your Mom told me that you’ve been a good girl these past few days huh? No more overnight parties and breaking school rules? Hope you really learned from your mistakes.”, my Dad sternly said.

I sighed. Good girl? I’ve been to a party the other night and Mom didn’t even know about that because she’s not at home! I learned from my mistakes on my own, without their support and guidance. When they got busy at work, all I do back then is to do random things that would catch their attention. But even if I became a troublemaker, they still ignored me as their daughter. They just cut my school allowance or grounded me for weeks then gave me an expensive thing the next day to make up for it. But because I wanted to be a successful doctor, I got myself back on track. I focused on my studies even if I still hangout with the popular kids at school. It’s my way to have fun and forget my parents for a while. And now that I found Milena, I have all the love and attention that I need. She’s my home now.

“Hey, Dad. How are you? Do you know that I’m having a great time at school! I got good grades now and I also found a new friend! She’s different from the friends I usually hang out with. She’s nice and sweet and…”

“Well, that’s nice, sweet pea. I really don’t want you hanging out with bunch of troublesome kids that only know how to party. Bring your new friend over at our house sometimes so that your Mom could meet her. I need to prepare for a meeting now. Be a good girl, Eliza. Talk to you some other time. Bye.”, he abruptly ended our video call.

“Bye Dad. Take care and love you.”, I whispered and closed the laptop. I let out a hollow laugh. He didn’t even let me finish what I’m saying, and we didn’t even talk for more than five minutes! He never realized that her favorite daughter is in love with a girl!

I brewed some coffee and toast some breads. I wanted to tell Mom about Milena but she’s busy talking with my older brother and they’re reading thru some documents. My brother is my Mom’s favorite child. He always like to help her in her work.

Maybe Dad’s right, I’ll just bring Milena here and introduced her to them. But I could only tell them that she’s my best friend and nothing more. I never thought that being with her would be a huge problem for us because they’ll never accept us as lovers. My parents would totally revoke me as their daughter. I ran upstairs and locked myself in my room. I opened the television and watched a random cartoon show and lull myself to sleep. When I woke up, I feel like I’m missing Milena, so I called her.

“Hello stranger. What’s up?”, she said as soon as she picked up.

“I miss you baby Mimi.”

“I don’t miss you.”, Wow! She’s so cold! She’s hurting my feelings!

“I don’t miss you because I miss you so much! Ha-ha. Are you not tired?”, she continued, and I smiled. She’s being corny now.

“I took a little nap after I went home, baby.”

“Are you sure you’re not tired? Because you’re running in my head all the time.”

Gosh! I bit my lip to stop myself from squealing with delight. She’s the only one who could make me feel all tingly inside! And she made me forget about how my parents treated me earlier.

“Yeah right. you’re too cute and you made me laugh. So, what are the updates? Did you tell Zec about us? Are you home now?”

“Not yet. Looks like she has a boy problem. I asked her about last night and she said that she wanted to numb the pain. That’s why she got drunk. I’m still not home maybe after lunch.”

“Oh, I see. Alright, be a shoulder to cry on for your best friend. Good luck, baby Mimi! I’ll text you later. Got to go. Mom’s calling me. See you soon. Mwah.”

“Okay baby. Take care. Mwah.”, she said and ended our call.

I honestly think that Frincez is having a love problem but not about boys. My gut feeling is telling me that it’s about Milena. I was going to tell Milena about that when Mom knocked on my door.

I opened my door and let my mother inside, “Yes, Mom? Come on in.”

“Dad’s not coming home this Christmas, but he promised that he’ll send a big gift for you. I will also be gone for weeks with your baby sister and baby brother. They will have their youth camp this week.”

“How many times should I tell you guys that I don’t want your gifts anymore? I’m tired of being spoiled by you or Dad! I need both of your time and not some expensive things!”, I angrily said but she just waved her hand telling me to stop ranting.

“Liza, we’re working hard for you and your siblings. We may not always be here for you, but you know how much we love you. We’re doing our best to make it up to all of you.”, she said and walked out.

Yeah, right. They’re making time with my siblings but not with me!