A Promise Of Infinity

A News from England

Corale stroked her full stomach as she finished her dinner. At first, she had no appetite, but after tasting it, his appetite slowly rose, rose, and rose until there was no food left on the plate.

'Mom's food always the best~'

Speaking to her mother, as soon as Gael returned home, Corale rushed towards the living room at her mother's request. She wondered what her mother wanted to talk about, whether it was about Gael.

Her friendship with Gael was slowly improving, but if the problem was more than that, she couldn't answer it yet.

"Corale, honey. Come here," her mother greeted her as soon as she reached the first floor, her hands that had been on the wooden table, patting the chair beside her.

Corale realized that her mother was not alone, her father and older brother were there too, this made her curious at first become a little nervous, "What is it, Mom?"

"Sit down first, Corale," her father said gently.

Corale sat down, ignoring her family's intense stares at her, "What's wrong?" she asked worriedly, "I'm all right." she continued before her family answered her question. Her problem with Gael was practically over, she didn't want to be brought up again.

"Corale, baby," her mother caressed Corale's tense hand gently, "you know we love you, right?"

Why suddenly say that?

Although it sounded strange, Corale nodded slightly in agreement, "I love you too, Mom, Dad, and everyone," she said softly, "thank you for being patient waiting for me to be myself again."

"Of course, Corale," her older brother Raphael said just as gently.

Corale smiled widely, it was really heartwarming to see her brother again after so long, "Nice to see you, Raphael."

Since Raphael was busy studying and working in Strasbourg, he came home only once a month, making the house a bit quieter, and when he came back the atmosphere was more lively and fresh.

There was a lot Corale wanted to do and talk about with her brother. She couldn't wait for the conversation with her parents to finish.

"Corale," her mother called, "we have something to tell you."

Corale refocused her eyes on her mother, "About what?"

Melani exchanged glances with her husband, Edwin, then nodded and looked back at Corale seriously, "I want you to study in England."

"..."

Corale's eyes widened in shock.

England?

How could that be? Where did her parents get that much money for her studies in England?

Melani looked down at her clenched hands on the table, "You know your father is in England, right?"

Her father ...

Corale realized that what her mother was talking about was her biological father, Alfred, not Edwin. It was obvious where the tuition money was coming from, "Mom, you know I don't know Dad very well."

So far, Corale only knew her father lived in England, nothing more. Of course she wanted to be close to her biological father too, but her father's thoughts were different from hers.

Alfred only sent short messages and money so far, there was never any intention of going to France to meet her with the excuse that he was very busy.

Corale doesn't really mind, she gets the love of her stepfather, so she doesn't feel too much pain, what's more, she only found out her real father was Alfred when she was eighteen years old.

"I understand," said her mother, "but we agreed we wanted you to study in England, Corale."

"Why?"

"Because not long ago your father Alfred passed away."

***

Corale took a deep breath.

"Corale, everything will be fine," Raphael encouraged, ruffling the top of his sister's head who had been taking a deep breath since leaving the house.

Corale looked down gloomily.

How could she calm down? She would be leaving in an hour for England by plane, leaving her beloved family behind, leaving her hometown to study at a University that was not what she wanted.

Corale looked at the dilemma of Raphael's face who looked at her gently.

How could her family hide all this until one day before her departure to England? Moreover, Raphael worked hard to buy plane tickets for her. Her mother borrowed money from a friend who lives in England so she could get everything she needed before getting a job there. And her father took care of a passport special for her.

Corale's parents' struggle couldn't be wasted, therefore she couldn't refuse, immediately packing her clothes after she finished chatting with her family.

Corale still couldn't believe she was going to be living in England for a while so she couldn't sleep well all night thinking about it, and again not with her real father, just alone.

'Father ...'

Corale and her father Alfred did not know each other very well, but she was still saddened by the news that her father had passed away. She really hoped this was a dream. She wanted her biological father to welcome her to England badly, not her mother's friend, Zara.

"Aw …" Corale held her cheek which was just pinched by Raphael, “what's the meaning of this?”

"Don't make that face," said Raphael, "we can still communicate."

Corale just sighed.

"Corale, I know it's hard, but we're doing this for you," said Raphael.

Corale didn't respond. She had heard that excuse since last night from her parents, she didn't need to hear it anymore. She could not blame those who wanted her to inherit from her biological father

That's right.

Her biological father, who recently died, left all his property and money to her, his only child.

'If I could trade it with you Dad, I would do it without a heartbeat.'

Corale has always been curious about her father, but because they live in different countries, it becomes the biggest obstacle.

"It's all up to you, if you don't want the money you can donate it to those in need," said Raphael, "we're all doing this because of the rules in England too, Corale."

"I see," Corale replied, hoping her brother wouldn't continue to doubt her, "promise me you'll come home often." With her later living in England, she realized her parents would be lonely and busier.

"I promise," Raphael responded firmly, "you must also promise to study properly there."

A strange promise, but Corale replied, "Of course."

They exchanged sweet smiles with each other.

"Oh," Raphael remembered something, "don't forget to check your bank account, I gave you some money as luck."

"What?" Corale couldn't believe her brother still giving her the money after buying her a ticket to England, "I'll give it back to you. I can't ask for more." She knew Raphael needed more money to pay for his studies.

Raphael shook his head, "Remember? Never refuse God's gift?"

Corale looked at her brother intently, moved by his kindness. Unable to stand it, she gave a tight hug, "I will miss you."

"Me too."

Corale tightened her embrace for a bit before letting go, "See you then, Raphael." She waved her hand warmly, holding back her sadness away from her family.

Raphael waved his hand too, "Stay safe, Corale."

"Of course," Corale responded, then stepped her heavy feet away from her brother, her face lowered to hide the tears that rolled down her cheeks.