Laurice entered the washroom seemingly unfazed by the reactions she had just received.
Inside the washroom.
Her eyes dilated at sight. There was just too much space on this room and it is intelligently upgraded, too. There were two cubicles with toilets, one specifically designed for men, the other was the common sititing toilet which she could easily recognize as the smart type which comes with heated seats and hands-free (automated) flusher. She have seen one before at a friend's home who is a Ceramic Engineer. She smirked. Well it's not common after all! Then she recalled the butler said it was an exclusive washroom designated only for esteemed guests of the villa.
There was also a digital shower inside with frosted and textured glass walls and door for added privacy. On the west side corner was the window which was purposely installed for natural lighting. She shook her head and stopped assessing the washroom as she stood in front of the double-marbled sink and heaved a long sigh.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror.
'The light of the body is the eye.'
Kai thought her so. Her father thought so, too.
From then on, she have always believed that the eyes are the windows of one's soul expressing through his physical body.
Remembering her youth, she smiled dryly. Her eyes was loved by many. People tell her she has those quirky eyes seemingly teasing, round and clear, black, deep soulful eyes. Eyes so full of vibrance. So full of light and life.
Well, her life back home was a happy one that's why. Her family was her light. She can only smile beyond her eyes.
But her eyes right now were dull and lifeless ... as she was feeling rotten from the inside.
What is this luck?!
Huh! She snickered.
Indeed, it's a small world after all.
Her once most precious painting. She hope she could take it down and discard it permanently.
She hates the memories that comes with it.
She hates her dad for what he did. Hates her mom for not caring.
She hates herself for not forgetting everything.
Images of her parents flashed her mind.
Her vision turned blurry in an instant. Her eyes well up with tears. Her body was heating up, slightly trembling.
'Damn it!'
She run her fingers through her now flowing long jet black hair.
'Don't fu**ing cry Laurice!'
'Grow up! You're not a kid anymore.'
She continued to mutter to herself trying to hold in her emotions. She doesn't like feeling this was anymore. She have had enough.
She just got back from the States.
She went back believing this was truly her home where she could move on to live her life peacefully atleast. Perhaps it was not a good idea after all.
'Am i going to move out again?'
'Where to?'
'Damn it. Damn it.'
Her thoughts were going hay wire.
'Do i even have a home?' She felt something stabbed her chest with the thought. She looked back at her refection and was feeling emotional again.
Suddenly, Laurice felt a tear fell on her cheek. And another. And another. Her shoulders started shaking, her palms sweating. She was crying! She wiped them off with her fingers but the tears kept falling.
No! Not again!
She slumped on the floor, covered her mouth with her hands to prevent herself from sobbing.
Truly, a deserted child is a lonely child.
She was abandoned. No one needs her. No one cared for her.
'Pathetic! You're so pitiful Laurice.' She thought this life of hers is truly remarkable, never failing to shake her core.
It took her awhile before she was able to calm her nerves down. However, she coudn't seem to find her balance whenever she tries to stand back up. She was holding unto the sink when she heard knocks on the door.
Three times. And few more.
She could not seem to find her voice to answer.
"Laurice, open the door." That was Sid.
"I ... " Laurice still in a daze, didn't know what to say. Moments after, she collected herself and stride towards the door, grabbed the knob and turned.
She met a pair of deep set eyes the moment she opened the door. He was so close she could hear his heavy breathing. Her heart skipped a beat at the mere sight of him.
She clears her throat and asked with a hoarse voice,
"What is it?"
Sid crease his browns and aswered, "I was worried."
Laurice was startled. 'Worried? Why was he ...'
She probably looks horrible so she started fixing her clothes and her hair. Sid loosen up his grip from his son and walked closer to her.
"Are you alright?" Sid asked.
Laurice stared at the man who was now brushing her fringe away from her face and did something unexpected the next.
He pressed his fingers on her cheeks, as if caressing it. He looked straight through her eyes and suddenly pulled her to his embrace.
Laurice: " ... ! " Laurice sucked in her breath the moment she felt his warm embrace.
"It's going to be alright. I'm here."
When Laurice heard him, her face crumbled. She somehow felt weak in his arms. Laurice suddenly felt the urge of crying again.
The butler who was standing at the side dismissed the servant and excused himself without making a word and even led the little young master back to the living area.
Louie surprisingly understood the situation as he obediently followed the old man but was still looking worried.
He hopes his mommy will be okay.
'I will also hug mommy later.' He promised to himself.
Laurice was now crying silently in Sid's arms. It was comparable from her hysterical cry a few moments back. Sid gently pats her back, hushing her as if consoling a toddler.
She gently smiled with his gesture. Her eyes softened as she halted her tears, surprised with the man who appears to be cold but could actually be this gentle.
She doesn't even know this man. And yet ...
Her eyes widened. This man was indeed a stranger!
Laurice slowly tried to pull away from his embrace. With cheeks flushed and eyes stinging from excessive crying, she held her chin up to look at Sid who was staring intently at her with eyes as deep as the ocean. Sid was at lost for a second when he felt that soft body pulled away from him. His eyes fixed on her.
As if confirming something, he releases her from his embrace but only to wipe her tears using his thumb while the other hand continued to support her weight on the side. He was worried she might collapse any moment but noticing the time and place they're at, he finally led her out of the washroom.
"You need a drink." Sid said.
...
"You need to eat." He added after a long pause.
"And a change of clothes."
Laurice was dumbfounded.
She initially thought he will take her to the kitchen for a drink but she was brought to a room instead.
"Lie on the bed and close your eyes." Sid muttered.
Laurice: " ... !!! "
'Close my eyes?!'
'Lie on bed?!'
Laurice was too shocked she stumbled on the carpeted floor.