Feathers in the Moonlight (English)

Chapter 6

On a coffee table beside her bed, there was a box wrapped in red, above it was a folded paper with her name printed on.

Leonie quickly sat on her bed near the coffee table, she stretched out her right arm to get the letter. She recognized the handwriting; it was from her Aunt. She opened it promptly, then gazed on the words as if memorizing each line.

Dear Leonie,

When the news reached me yesterday that you were accepted on the competition, I hurriedly went to the mall to find the best laptop for you. And in no time I found this. I know that this will help you a lot in pursuing your dream, in your study.

Always remember that we, your parents, love you so much. Start making your dream come true. I'll be going to Tagaytay for a two- day retreat with my friends. Take care of yourself while I'm away.

Love,

Aunt Charrie

Once more, tears came out from her eyes, running through her cheeks. She was thankful enough to have a second mother who gave up her happiness for her. Leonie brushed her fingers on her cheeks, making sure that no more tears will be left. She promised herself not to cry anymore for she wanted them to see a strong lady who will never be carried away by stormy weathers.

She folded the letter back, kept it inside the small drawer under her bed; took the comb and gently brushed to her long black hair. She was on that busy corner of her room when suddenly her cell phone rang. Her eyes moved on to it, but she was lazy to get the phone or maybe she didn't want to be distracted with her thoughts.

When the cell phone kept on ringing, Leonie dragged her body to reach for it. She couldn't figure out who's calling, there was only unfamiliar number appearing on the screen, then hastily clicked the answer button.

"Leonie, your mom asked me to call you. She is in the bathroom right now. So how are you now?" She instantly recognized her father's voice, rough but calm.

"If you were referring to my plan, I'm sticking on it, Dad. And I have no plan to be a nurse or anything that you want me." Her voice was determined to show them she could be successful on her own.

"Baby... Leonie, we're planning to get you here in California in no time. We thought we're too harsh with you." Her mother was talking, this time in a more subtle manner.

"California?! I thought you're in Sydney? How did you get there?" she got confused with their statement, and now they were having change of plan....to bring her with them.

"We'll explain it later, Leonie. This time, we want you to prepare your paper and everything so you can go here as soon as possible." Her mom ended the conversation with "goodbye".

She dropped her body on the bed, feeling exhausted. She laid there, looking at the whiteness of the ceiling. The space was clear but her heart was clouded with a lot of mixed-up emotions. She was now thinking of her aunt who will be left behind. Who will take care of her? Who will be on her side if she will get sick? Aside from that, what about her promise to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer? These misted up her mind.

By the time her eyelids felt heavy, she slowly closed them, but her mind was still busy thinking of many "what if's" which came running into her head. She hoped for answers so she could start doing what's the best for her.