The Wallflower's Revenge

AWR Chapter 4: My favorite version of you

I swallowed hard but I didn’t let anyone notice it. Most of the time, I complain about being too early to go to church but I honestly don’t have the inspiration to go at all. It’s more of a tradition than a devotion. I slowly looked at Pastor Asher’s eyes and I felt like trembling when I saw him meeting my eyes.

I hate it. I hate everything. The way he would smile at me as if it is me whom he’s talking about. Looking at Pastor Asher sometimes could melt me with embarrassment. Meeting his gaze alone could make me feel guilty for no reason. Well, I guess my lies about Walter being my boyfriend but that’s only it! I’m not very sinful compared to others.

I sat still and frowned most of the time as Pastor Asher delivered another overwhelming message. I was not in the mood until everyone got into the car.

“Where do you all want to have lunch?” My dad cheerfully asked everyone. I glanced at mom and she sighed with pleasure as she openly stared at dad. Yes, mom. Same. We feel the same. I looked away when dad was about to turn his gaze at me. 

“Well, how would I insist on my beloved daughter?” What? Is this my dad? Would he agree if I am craving for some KFC meal right now?

“KFC,” I said blankly.

“KFC it is.” He said without any further arguments that mom and I can’t help but look at each other in disbelief.

“Dad? Are you alright?” I can’t help asking. Mom is also giving him a worried look. Dad chuckled as he focused on driving his car.

“Well, why not? I also believe in ‘cheat days’ okay? You guys think I am that weird or harsh or something? C’mon...”

“Why, yes you do!” Mom and I almost chorused that we both laughed. Well, this is one of the things I love about going to church at least. Every sermon of Pastor Asher will often give him enlightenment that he would often forget how strict he is for the both of us. We almost didn’t notice how fast dad reached my desired fast-food chain that's a bit near to the church. It was just a five-minute drive.

"Gosh, I can't believe it, mom!" I whispered in excitement as we entered the fast-food chain. I held her hand and I can feel that it’s a bit trembling. Well, I can’t blame mom. Everything is a bit creepy with dad, but in a great way.

"Well, God is always good, isn't it?" Mom answered in delight as we did the high five. Dad even went first and he insisted on ordering because he’s the one who will treat us. Even before getting out of the car, we already reminded him what to order. He even listed everything down so that he will not have mistakes in ordering everything.

We sat at a family table of four. It was a bit crowded today. I just notice people's articles of clothing as they walk to and fro from the restaurant. I just look down a bit because different colors sometimes make my head dizzy. When I looked up, my heart suddenly skipped a beat when I noticed Walter walked the same fast-food chain we’re in too, with her sister. Two girls also followed them. It’s as if they’re his paparazzis. They were wearing mini-skirts and tube tops. They almost forgot it's a Sunday. As for us, it's a date with the Lord. Maybe they've gone somewhere fun given the fact that it's still early to wear those kinds of outfits. I sighed a bit as I glanced at them one more time. How can they wear that outfit? Where did all their courage come from? I can’t even wear something that exposes my shoulders because of my dad. It's only 10:40 AM. It didn't escape my eyes when one of the girls clung onto Walter's arm as he awkwardly smiled. 

"Leylah? What's the problem?" I suddenly turned to mom and dad's faces. I almost forgot they're here with me too. I can't help but clench my fist under the table and force a cheerful smile and mood.

"My goodness, I am not, dad. I haven't eaten anything before we went to church. I could eat the whole horse right now." Mom chuckled a bit loudly that it caught the attention of Walter and their friends. They were just sitting four tables away from us. When I slowly turned to look at him, I could see that he's a bit shocked.

It's as if he doesn't know how to react to what he has just seen. I simply turned my back to him as I ate with mom and dad. Good thing they were both talking about something too that they never noticed my actions and what I feel right now.

"I am so amazed by this experience. It feels so good that I am not being me sometimes."

"Hun, this is by far my most favorite version of you." 

"Really?"

"Yes, dad. I agree with mom. I wish I will always see this version of you as often as I liked."

"Well, it's not Sunday every day." He chuckled as he continued eating. I am quite shocked because dad is also eating the signature fried chicken of KFC. It's as if an unknown soul had gotten inside my dad's body. He's not always eating fast food. That's why it's easier for him to achieve his fit body. 

As for the both of us with my mom, we're born to have a smaller figure no matter how much food we eat every day. I can see this as more of an advantage rather than a curse.

I was about to join mom and dad's conversation when I felt my phone vibrate.

"Babe?" I slowly glanced at Walter without being too obvious from my parents. I just moved my eyes to the side and I could see him looking in my direction. He's not even minding the two girls that sat beside him to flirt with him.

I suddenly didn't know what to do and feel. Will I be guilty or will I just let everything pass?

----

It's already three in the afternoon and we're finally back in our house. 

“What are you going to do?” Mom asked me before going to their room.

“Mom, I plan to study for next week’s quizzes. I can’t miss being the top scorer or else I will be dead.”

“Alright, sweetie. You know the drill.” She winked. As she stepped forward, she called my name again.

“Sweetie? I prepared some chips for you to enjoy. Please get it from the grocery paper bags I sneaked buying when you’re daddy’s not even looking.”

“Really, mom?”

“Of course, please enjoy studying. Don’t mind your dad if ever he will catch you eating those. I could explain everything to him.”

“You know what, mom? You’re the best.”

“All for you my dear! Now, get back to studying, okay?”

“Alright!” I cheerfully jumped as I rushed into what my mom told me just now. I was thrilled when I saw the three bags of giant chips in front of me. My mom is really the best! The usual routine of my parents is to get inside their room to enjoy a long afternoon nap along with a piece of mellow music and I saw dad already went first before mom so there’s no way he’ll know that I am enjoying all of these. Somehow, it made me feel happy despite what Walter did a while ago. As soon as I entered the room, I got my chance to call my boyfriend after he sent me hundreds of non-stop messages.

"Babe, I am so sorry, okay?" He started. I just sighed because I didn’t know what to say or do about what I saw in that restaurant.

“You never even told me that you’d come to KFC with your sister and friends...oh wait, you’re not obliged to do so. I should always remember.”

“That is why I am calling you to explain my side, please listen to me first before you get angry.” He pleaded.

“Why should I? There were girls hanging out with you. They’re more than snakes to be around you  but you’re even enjoying the whole thing.”

“Look, that’s just a mistake. Those were my sister’s close friends. I was just  trapped in the situation…”

“The situation that you’re most likely enjoying throughout those times.”

“That’s why I am sorry, okay? I know it’s not good to hide something from you but honestly speaking, it was just a sudden treat. My sister will be going to Japan for her origami exhibit that’s selected by outstanding art critics. It’s her way of celebrating even if I don’t really want to. She’s my sister and it’s not very often that she would ask a favor from me.”

“I’m sorry too, for being so immature. Can we just break up so that I will not become a problem to you, too?”

“When did you ever start to think like that? How can you be that harsh? I mean, you never even listened to my explanations. Now, you're even breaking up with me." Wait, is he crying? I gasped and smiled as I covered the lower part of my phone and giggled to my heart's content.

"But, what do you like about me?"

"I'm not beautiful, I'm not as sexy as the other girls my age who are tailing you all the days of their campus life…" I can't help but laugh because he's a bit sobbing but he still managed to mimic my voice and the things I tell him always.

"You're bad, okay?" I tried to hide my giggle as I said those words but it’s a little too late. I guess he was able to hear that from me. This time, I lost to him again because of his melting gesture. He’s always full of surprises and he never let me down ever since we’ve become a couple, but in secret.

"I love you too, so much." He said as he sniffed. I can imagine his handsome face as he did all these things. I have never seen him acting like this before. Gosh, if I do, I'd pass out full of happiness. I looked around, I jumped out of excitement and shouted but I tried to shout as quietly as possible. It will wake both of my parents if I really do shout  a loud, don’t ever try me.

"We'll see each other tomorrow, same time, same place. Goodbye!" I couldn't help but turn off my phone as I jumped on my bed. I am not expressive, that's why I'd rather not make the call long. I rolled on my bed as I giggled.