Down System

Chapter 25

"Who wants a field trip?"

Everyone in the room raised their hands, expressing a loud whoop of joy. Some even clapped their hands, and the others almost hurt their seatmates because of continuously slapping their backs because of excitement.

On the other side, I could not feel even the smallest glee. I knew the field trip was fun, but it would be impossible for me to go with them since I didn't talk to my parents yet. I still had resentments to them for pushing me to move out, especially Daddy.

Ferelith noticed me frowning, so she asked me what was wrong, but I chose not to tell. Besides, I wasn't yet ready to tell her about my parent's plan; she would probably be surprised.

Before I went home, I told Namika about the trip. I didn't expect her to insist on me joining, since she knew what was about my family's problem.

"Do you think they would give me the favor?" I asked. "I couldn't even give them what they want."

"Who knows? To their constant love for you, it's impossible that they wouldn't permit you to join this once in a blue moon trip," she said. "Nevertheless, if they didn't concur with your decision, you still have to insist on them."

"What for? If I insisted to them with this, they might do the same thing with me regarding the immigration."

"Just do it," Namika said. "Trust me, they will approve you. After all, this trip is a big help for you to know more about Hades, and how will you use every information in the coming days. Don't miss it."

"Okay, I'll do it, but with your help."

"What do you want me to do?" she asked, puckering her brows.

"Tonight, when dinner time comes, be with us at the table. I'll introduce the trip, and you'll explain what will happen there. You are also responsible for asking them to let me join."

"Eh? We should exchange parts. I'll be liable for introducing the trip, and you-"

"No," I cut her off, shaking my head off. "What I said will be followed."

Namika didn't talk more. She just followed what I had said. Unluckily, she didn't have enough persuading my parents.

So, I had no choice but to do it myself.

I thought of everything that I could say just to convince them. I even asked pardon for acting rudely towards them. Unfortunately, this didn't give them a hint to approve my request.

After dinner, I walked into the room with a frowned face. I knew I did my best, but it wasn't good enough. Were they trying to take revenge on me for not concurring with their plan?

I was about to sleep when someone knocked on the door. I knew it was Mommy, but as long as I didn't want to meet her at this point, I couldn't do it. I opened the door for her and let her talk to me.

"Do you really wanna join the trip?" she asked, brushing her fingers through my hair.

I nodded. "But you said you don't want me to take part. I respect it, Mommy. Besides, I know you have a reason for not letting me participate."

"If it's only me, I will allow you," she said, holding my hands this time. "But, Perseus is that hard to win over. He will not let you have the trip if you don't want to leave this place."

I sighed. "Do you ever think why didn't I want to move from another place?" I asked.

"No, actually. What could be it?"

I get out of my bed and proceeded to my desk. I confronted the mirror, seeing my expression regarding the matter— confused. What should I tell as an excuse?

Feeling the warm embrace of the wind, I closed my eyes. Little did I know that tears started to shed down my cheeks.

"It's because I care for you and Daddy!" I said. I just couldn't control myself anymore. "I can't leave this place because of you."

Mommy stood and walked towards me. "I know you really care." She hugged me. "But, I don't understand you this way, my baby girl."

I swallowed my saliva. I had almost spoken the future to her. Because of my emotion, I was having a hard time managing my words.

As Mommy gave me a pucker in the brows, I thought of opening up the trip again.

"You should tell your daddy about this," she said. "I'll help you tomorrow morning, alright? We'll be working on this together." She kissed my forehead and said her sweetest goodnight before she exited my room.

When the morning came, I prepared myself for what I would do to my father just to get his yes. The sun wasn't still greeting me when Mommy entered the room, holding a cup. I asked her what was the purpose of it, and she told me I would be making Daddy's favorite tea flavor.

While my dad was still sleeping, I, together with Mommy, went outside the house to pick up some fresh fruits around the place.

Our little town had many trees of fruit and vegetables everywhere, and they were all free. Because of our village's profusion, you just have to pluck a fruit from the tree to satisfy yourself. This place was abundant in everything; the word poverty wasn't in our vocabulary. But tomorrow, who knew?

After preparing tea and fresh fruits for Daddy, we waited for him to wake up. While seeing him steered himself in the dining area, my hands were shaking.

When Mommy touched my lap, I stood and ran to Daddy. I gave her a sweet pleasantry while hugging him. I invited him to the table, never minding her confused face.

"What's this all about?" he asked.

"Aleera prepared them all for you," Mommy said. "She even made the tea. Mind tasting them? I assure you they are delicious."

Daddy looked at me before tasting the food. "This tea is good," he said then, gazing at me. "Did my baby stir this for me?"

I nodded with a grinning face.

"I think I know now what's the meaning of this," he said. "Sweetheart," he touched my hands, "you really wanted to join the trip?"

I bowed my head a bit. "But, you don't want to"

"No," he cut me off. "I'm now giving you permission to take part."

My eyes widened. "Really?"

"Definitely!" he said, hugging me. "I'm sorry for hurting you, my baby. I promise that won't happen again."

"I also swear not to cause you pain again, Mommy and Daddy," I said, and thanked them for the opportunity.

It was a group hug then. I was just so blessed of having them. I didn't wail of living in the past because of these beloved persons.

Would see the trip!