บท 8: Voiced Bitterness!
I wake up suddenly, not because of any noise or disturbance but because my dream had come to its conclusion. The night movie had rolled, the credits had also rolled. Now it was time to engage in the real world once more.
I opened my eyes to see everywhere dark. Uhh, what time is it? I thought before looking towards my alarm clock. It was 8 pm. A groan escaped my lips after I realize I had missed Mom's get-together dinner party.
She got engaged. It's no longer a surprise to me how fast she moves on. It's almost like she doesn't care who she hurts in the process. I'm happy for her, though. Levi is a good man, and he's really understanding and patient. My only wish is that my Mom realizes the worth of what she has on time.
I lay on my bed thinking deeply about how cruel life could be. Why was I destined for such a life? My Mom is finally happy and about to get married, while my Dad, well, I'll rather not talk about it. I feel so alone every single day. I didn't want this for myself, but I felt helpless. My life was as bland as it was boring. I willed myself not to cry and clenched my eyes shut. Why did I want to cry?
I groaned, rubbing my face with my hands. I had to stop thinking about it. No matter how long I choose to think about it, It doesn't change the fact that it happened. It becomes a year tomorrow, and Mom decided to have her dinner party today like she doesn't even care.
I sighed in frustration at my stupid desires and thoughts. I pulled myself off the bed. Maybe some food would take my mind off of it.
I skipped into the kitchen, humming under my breath, and looked through the fridge.
"It's nice to see you all happy." Someone called out from behind me. I let out a shriek and whirled around, clutching my heart as I tried to calm my racing heart down. My Mom stood a few feet away from me, her face curious and upset.
"W-What?" I choked out. She pursed her lips and breathed out heavily. She moved towards me, her eyes red in anger.
"Where were you during dinner? You were supposed to be there to meet Levi's friend, the alumni from Harvard." She said, taking her seat on the stool.
"The alumni from Harvard?" I questioned in confusion. I honestly don't understand what she was trying to say. I thought I was only going there to support her, and put on a smile like a good daughter. "What are you talking about, Mom?"
She stared at me with her lips curled inwards. There were vertical wrinkles present between her eyebrows. "You were supposed to meet Oliver Pierce. After I found out about him, I had to invite him to the party in hopes that you would meet him. I wanted you to meet him so he could consider referring you to Harvard."
Every emotion I had been trying to push away suddenly crashed down on me. My hands curled into fists as I felt my blood run cold. My life is not something she can toy with any time she likes.
"How could you do that, Mom? I thought we talked about this. You should have spoken to me about it first."
"Look here, young lady. All I have ever done is for your good. You will thank me for this later. Why can't you be grateful for everything I do for you?" Honestly, I'm sick and tired of hearing that phrase over and over again.
"Because I don't want it. I don't want to live a life you want for me. I have a right to choose the kind of future I want. You have no right to mess with my life. You have no right---" My face whips to the side as her hand collided with my cheek.
A breathless laugh escaped my lips as I turned to look at her. I didn't know we were resulting in violence now. She stared at her hand in shock, like she can't believe she did that. Well, she can't fool me. I bet she has always wanted to do that since the airport.
"Is that it? Here, my other cheek is available." I said as tears brimmed in my eyes. I wasn't close to my mother, not even a little bit. It was so easy for me to blame her for every terrible thing that had happened to me. I couldn't find it in me to forget the pain she put me through, and that has affected our relationship.
"Thea---" She whispered. Levi ran into the kitchen, his body on alert.
"What is happening here?" He asked breathlessly.
"Thea, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that." I could see her eyes starting to glisten in tears, but I can't even accommodate the thought of being in the same room with her right now.
"I hate you, Mom! I hate you!" I hissed before making my way out of the house. I could hear her apologies and Levi's pleas for me to come back, but I couldn't deal with all this now.
I ran outside. I needed to get away from the woman that always tries to control my life. My legs carried me into the woods located a short distance from my house. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. My lungs were burning, but I didn't care.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, my legs gave out, and I collapse to the ground. I was gasping for air desperately.
I looked around to ensure I wasn't lost. I recognized the familiar surroundings of the clearing. It was still exactly the same.
It was the spot I had discovered some time ago. The place reminded me so much of the clearing. Dad always took me there whenever he wanted to write his songs. The first time I found this place, I knew it would be dear to me. For some reason, I wasn't surprised that I'd end up here. A sob broke out from my chest, and my shoulders started shaking as I cried. My hand traveled up and clenched over my chest.
Like a brief memory, his brown eyes flashed in front of my eyes. A fresh wave of pain washed over my heart. He had meant a lot to me.
'I wish you were here with me, Dad. I don't want this anymore.' I mumbled as more sobs kept raking through my body, tearing me apart.
A twig snaps behind me, causing me to wipe my tears quickly. I whip my head around to find Aiden standing there, his shirt soaked to his skin and his face blank.
We stare at each other, both of us wanting the other to move. Slowly, Aiden walked up to me, his hand running through his hair. "Are you planning to stop wailing anytime soon? You're disturbing my peace."
Ohh, Wow. He's such an ass. I mean I knew he was a jerk, but he's acting like a big jerk.
"You know it doesn't hurt to be nice." He scoffed before putting both his hands in his pockets. He flipped his hair away from his eye, giving me a clear picture of his emerald green eyes. And for some reason, I found that gesture attractive.
"To you? No, I think I'll pass." He passed me the fakest smile I've ever seen. I think he even does it better than me. What's his problem? I already apologized for his shoes that I messed up, so I don't get why he's all rude.
"What's your problem? If this is about your shoes, I already apologized. Please, leave me alone." I said as I took my seat on the bench that was at the corner. He looked around curiously at the dark forlorn surroundings before redirecting his gaze to me, his eyes bored.
"Like I care. Have the whole place to yourself then." He said as he walked away. I don't even know why he had to be here at such a sensitive time. The loud noise of my phone ringing tore through the air, making me jump in my spot. I didn't even know I had my phone with me when I left the house.
I twisted around frantically, surveying the never-ending mass of sand and stone, desperately searching for the source of the noise as it got louder and louder.
"Damn!" I exclaimed, as I landed on the floor with a thud. I found the energy to lift myself and reached for the phone.
"Uh... hello?"
"Thea! Where are you? Leah called me to check if you were with me." I recognized Ari's voice right away. A chill went down my spine when she said that. I'm not ready to see her.
"What did you tell her?"
"That you were helping me babysit Polly. I think she might be on her way here anytime soon, even though I told her not to." She sighed on the other end of the line. "Where are you, Thea? I'll come to pick you up."
"I'll meet you at Tim's diner. I could really use a meal. Thanks, Ari."
"It's no problem. Don't worry. You can stay with me tonight." A smile appeared on my face at this. She's the only light in my dark, boring life.
I pulled my hoodie over my head as I made my way to the diner.
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