The Life of Her

He Takes Her Back

I wouldn’t say that I am the good girl or an angel. Perhaps, Dad would really scold me if he’s still here. And I guessed, he’s not also glad about the things that I am doing and will still do, if he’s really looking at me from above.

I left my friends, especially my best friend without telling her the reason why and I still owe her something. My relationship with my relatives are also not that fine that they rather, well maybe both of our parties don’t like to meet, even in special occasions.

I got into school fights. I was called as a backstabbing person, a total jerk and the worst of all, I was labelled as a w***e by the group which was made by my worse enemy, Summer. They called themselves the Hot Chicks even if they don't look like one. I muffled.

My boyfriend, Aiden, maybe he’s the only one who thinks that he is, is probably looking at me without knowing that I already dumped him and that he’s just one of those boys who’re into me. I could say that man is really a kind person, a geek and loveable but, he’s just really not for me and I don’t want to hurt him worse.

And somehow, my grades were not that colorful also that I needed to do things that are against the school’s policies. I wasn’t playing that dumb, I just don’t like to study well just like my best friend and the others.

But then, I still wanted to finish and that’s really a big stuff over there to a person like me. My reputation is a mess and it’s not a thing to be proud of, and I just have to move on, which was also the thing I am best.

I didn’t bother to call my Mom or ask her if she’s alright or had she eaten her dinner already, or maybe taken her medications well.

Somehow, the fact that she wanted to adopt that child in the orphanage had left me at ease that someone will still take care of her when I’m still away from her. But right now, I don’t have the strength to face Mom and the kid that will be called soon as my sibling. I need time for myself.

___

I took a fine bit of the last part of my fried chicken, dipping it with its gravy. A rattling sound came from the right corner of the table as a small mouse just crossed me and hurdled over a small hole at the edge.

I should get some mousetraps for it. I was enjoying my meal, when a tear suddenly rushed down my cheek as sadness suddenly embraced me all of a sudden. The unit was surrounded with silence – a total opposite of what’s happening outside. I took a deep drag as I reminded myself that it’s alright. I left from my seat and sneaked over the panel, swaying the curtain to the side.

A group of elderly men were gathered and circled around the wooden table. They were busting into laughter, teasing each other as they played with the cards. A bottle of beer was placed over the ground. They were getting drunk.

I glanced over the time, and it was nine already. Somehow, Mrs. Jordan, the owner of Zealous Apartment, whom I still didn’t meet, is not that strict when it comes to her apartment’s rules and regulations. I'm also excited to meet her.

But Shin told me that the only thing that her mother hates the most are those that can’t pay the rental fees in the right time. I gulped at that matter, hoping that I can pay her properly.

Closing the view, Isettled over the couch. I looked at the kitchen where I left my meal. A sigh was there as I slowly went back and just finished it.

I washed the utensils I got from our house and gently placed them on top of the table and covered a clean cloth on top of them. I still need to buy a container to be placed properly over the kitchen. I turned the lights off in the living space and went directly to my rest.

The window was opened wide, letting the cold peaceful breeze enter the room. It was facing a small pond and I could hear the frogs croaking together as the moon reflected with the water. It was filled with large lilies and their flowers. Dragonflies rested on them as the crickets leaped continually. I ogled at them for a while and decided to prepare my bed to sleep. I sealed the panel first and arranged the curtain well. I went to my luggage and grabbed my favourite rose petals designed, pink blanket.

I also got my squishy square pillow. I gently plopped them on the bed and slowly hopped in. The cushion was not the bad. I stared over the dull wall and thought for a while about what will I do tomorrow.

Fiddling my fingers, I closed my eyes and slowly went off for a dream.

A Flashback

"Dad, what time are you going home?" I asked him over the phone.

He had promised me that he would take me to dinner with him and it was already seven in the evening. Truly, my tummy is rumbling for hunger. I looked at my watch as I waited for his reply. I heard a clasp on the other line together with steps, rushing.

"I'm on my way home, dear. Just wait for a while. I forgot my luggage in the office. I love you, my cupcake. Don't forget to wear your jacket, okay?" He said.

I scratched my head and laughed a bit.

"Okay, Dad. Take care. I love you."

"I love you too, Madi."

As soon as my father hang up the call, I grabbed and wore my favorite jacket that was laid on my bed. The one that he gave me from my last birthday. I smiled as I sprayed my strawberry scent perfume.

I looked myself in the mirror. I fingers traveled down, tracing the scar that was on my right cheek. It has only been three days since I have dealt a fight with Summer D’ Arcy. The head over heels girl towards her boyfriend.

It wasn’t my fault if her lover kept himself near me. I wouldn’t say that I’m not a pretty girl. In fact I am whether I would deny it or not. I am a catch and most of the boys in our school are into me.

Somehow, the fact of having so much suitors is not a thing for me to brag that much. Because of it, I made connections with the other girls, a bad connection, where I could see their deadliest glares like hunting wolves that could melt me in any moment.

I guessed they hated me that much that those guys they liked are into me. And of course, every opportunity should be grabbed. And that’s why they hate me more. I dated all the guys. Indeed, it had fun.

They gave me stuff and of course they helped me with my studies and more. And when I’m done with them, I just left them like we don’t know each other. Few were able to keep their friendships with me.

I knew it was an evil deed, but are we all users? And then, I just continued doing it and didn’t care less about what others tell. A smirk was painted on my face as my eyes traveled to a picture frame that was placed over my desk, beside my canvas and paintbrushes. It was a family picture.

I tied my hair into a ponytail, without pulling my sight on it. We were happy during that day. We were. But somehow, the happy family I used to know was destroyed because of something. Betrayal. It has been two years when Dad and Mom chose to separate. Dad had loved her so much like she’s the only girl he can see.

Often, I would see him asking Mom into a dinner date and would choose to stay home during his breaks. And I don’t see any thing that made Mom looked for love with another man.

And that’s why the relationship I have with my mother is as cold as a corpse. Even, I am living with my mother, I often go and visit my Dad in his apartment during my lunchbreaks and weekends. I didn’t tend to ask my Mom if she’s still in touched with her other man.

The last time I tried to confront her, it was then we had a heavy fight that lasted almost a week. Because of what happened, it made me into believing that nothing lasts forever, that love is just a hard thing to find – that sometimes, it can stop you from believing the meaning of itself.

I suddenly heard several horns from a vehicle outside our house. I walked to the window and peaked, seeing him looked over my direction and waved his hand up high.

I smiled and waved back at him. He was wearing his usual attire – fitted black jeans and white long sleeves. His thick black, well polished shoes shined with the lamppost’s light. I hurriedly grabbed my blue sling bag and went downstairs, where Mom was taking her tea over the dining table. She saw me and stared for a while.

“Where are you going?” Her eyes were sluggish as she stirred her drink slowly. Her hair was a bit jammed.

“I’m having dinner with Dad tonight. Don’t wait for me. I’ll sleep in his apartment too.” I replied.

She stood and patted me on the shoulder. “Okay…” Then she went upstairs, bringing with her the cup of tea.

I turned to look back as soon as I heard that she closed her room’s door. I shook my head and went outside to see him. I immediately locked the door. I glanced over Mom’s room that was still on lights. I guessed she’s waiting for us to leave.

Dad called me.

He was bringing a box of donuts. I paced towards him. He crossed the street when a screeching sound together with a portentous horn lingered the street. And in a snap, a reckless driver dashed him off.

"DAD!" I yelled at him and immediately ran towards him. He rolled over several times as fresh blood tinted the road. The food he brought scattered to bits. His case were thrown to a distance.

His clothes were tattered and his body was severely hurt. The driver didn’t bother to stop, or look back, and he just drove faster. Dad cried out in pain. He was suffering. I saw our door opened wide as my Mom rushed to us. I was crying hard as I tried to stop the blood from his head.

“Y-You’re going to be okay, Dad.”

He was holding my hand. Mom knelt down beside him and directly called the ambulance. Our neighbours started to go outside their houses and went to us. His breath began to slow down and deeper. Mother cried for help.

He looked at her with calm expression. His eyes were locked on hers. Dad slowly reached out his hand and caressed her cheek. He felt the tears through his fingers, but then, he gave her a smile.

“I-I…miss…y-you…”

Slowly, he shut his eyes.

I woke up from my sleep as the tears kept falling from my sight. I just stared above, not moving. I let the time ticked as I felt the urge to cry for this night. I miss him so much. I miss you, Dad.