It's time to say goodbye
But don't leave me al---
I shut off the alarm before it rings further. My eyes were wide open and I can barely contain my excitement.
Today is the day I go to another country to attend college.
I got up from my bed, stretching my body. Even though it's early in the morning, I can't stop my lips from smiling.
I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth and strip naked. I stood under the hot shower and shampooed my hair with vanilla flavor, lazily massaging my body and scalp.
After showering, I wrapped the towel around my body and open my drawers, I took out my matching purple bra and panties. A tee-shirt and a black skinny jeans was next.
Since my blow-dryer was already packed inside my bag, I just leave my hair down. A tiny drop of water was dripping on the floor from my hair.
I took the towel and used it to dry my wet hair.
I look at the time to see it was only 7. So I made my bed. After making it, I pick up my bags and went for the door. I took one last look at my childhood room, all my memories, sitting on my bed gossiping about boys with my friends, the hiding under my bed because of the shoutings, flashed in front of my eyes like a movie. I sigh and closed the door, finally closed all the bad memories that plagued my head for a long time.
I made my way downstairs to see mom giving dad his breakfast. When she saw me, she smiled at me. Dad was reading a newspaper as usual. He just nodded at me when he saw me and resume reading. I sigh.
"Come here. Emi" Mom coos holding out her arms for a hug.
I rolled my eyes but smile nonetheless. All the restlessness disappears when my mom looks at me with so much pride and happiness. As much as I used to hate my mom, My love for her was more stronger. I can never stay angry at her for a long time.
"My daughter is growing up too fast". She coos again.
"Mom. We can't stay young forever" I laugh softly.
"Still.. Time moves too fast. Now you're already a college student". She breaks the hug and pouts at me.
I just shook my head at her and smiled widely.
"Are you gonna eat your breakfast?" She asks.
I shook my head "No. Mom, I'm not hungry".
"Still you should eat breakfast Emi."
"No Mom. I'll be fine."
"If you say so".
I look at the time to see it was already 7:30. Time to go.
"Mom. My flight leaves at 8. I have to go now." I say.
Mom nodded, her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"I'll go start the car. " Dad said, picking up my bags, he kiss my head then went out.
"I hope you would communicate with your dad more". Mom says quietly.
"I know mom. Just not now". I breathe. I just need more time.
"I know. Maybe you will someday". She probes.
"Someday isn't just today Mom". I smiled at her.
I hug her again "Mom. Take super care of yourself. And stop taking those pills".
"I will try Emi. I'll try for you". Her voice breaks. And a pang of hate and fury towards my father blooms in my chest. Re-living that time was not something I wanted to do again.
"I love you Mom".
"And I, You". My mom smiled through her tears.
"And don't work too hard. Take a day off".
She rolled her eyes at me. "Gosh. You're so much like your father.".
"Bye Mom. I'll call you when I get there". I whisper, I kissed her cheeks and went out.
Dad was patiently waiting in the car, typing something on his phone. And curiosity was gnawing at me. But I remained quiet. I was not gonna ask him anything cause I don't want a repeat of last time.
Dad put his phone away when he saw me and smiled. I just nodded without smiling at him. I slid in the back seat and I heard my dad's quiet sigh before the car roared to life and we head for the airport.
The inside of the car was filled with so much tension, an uncomfortable one.
"Emi. How are you feeling?" Are you trying to ask how I feel about that day?
"I'm fine. I am just happy for myself". I answer.
"That's good." I can tell he's struggling for words by the tightening of his hands on the steering wheel. And no one said a word for the whole car ride.
You see, it was never like this. No I used to be a daddy's girl like every girl. Until that night. I can't help but flinch when the memories flash in my eyes again. But I push them down. I have closed all the bad memories now. No need to think back again. The past is in the past and it should stay that way .
I remembered being envious of my high school girl friends when I see them very comfortable with their dads. It makes me feel longing for the things we can never have between us.
And envious was something I never wanted to feel again. It leaves a bitter taste. So I just accepted that things will never be the same.
We reached the airport just in time and I released a sigh of relief. I don't know what I will do If I miss my flight.
"Here Emi. Call us when you land. And I've arranged someone to be your guide. She will wait for you at the airport and drop you at the college". I look up at dad but he won't meet my eyes, he darted his eyes everywhere. He was uncomfortable.
I suddenly hugged him and for a moment, I believe that our bonds could be mended. One person needs to take a step first. He doesn't expect this by how his body tensed. Eventually, he relaxed and hug me back.
"Thank you. Daddy". I whisper, my tears flowing on my cheeks. I miss you Dad.
He pat my head "I'm so proud of you Anna-boo". My heart clench when I heard him call me by the old nickname. And it makes me more teary. Only he would use my middle name like that.
When I break the hug and look up at him, his eyes were full of pride for me, and a little gleam of guilt.
"I'm sorry Emi". He whispers. His voice cracks and he smiled at me through teary eyes.
"It's okay dad. That's all in the past" I said smiling sadly at him. The word I Love you was stuck in my throat. I don't know how long have I stop saying this to him.
"I love you Anna-Boo". I nodded and smiled up at him. He smiled back.
"Bye dad". I pick up my bags and went towards the plane. When I look back, Dad was wiping his eyes. And as if sensing someone staring ,he looks up, his teary eyes met mine and the sight leaves a pain in my chest. I have never seen Dad cry ever. He's crying for the loss of his daughter. Crying for all those pain. Crying for all the things we could have but chose to ignore.
My tears flows in a silent tears. I hastily wipe them away and look at the hostess who gave me a sympathetic smile, she doesn't know why we even cried. Nevertheless I smiled back.
As I step into the plane, I know my life will never be the same. The start of a new chapter, Maybe the start of a new bond too.
I just hope the thread of my bonds with my Dad wouldn't break before I can mend it.
Welcome to my story. That's the Prelude. What do you think? A little depressing.? Maybe the next chapter will not be so depressing? Who knows? But I hope you enjoy it.!!!
I have important things to announce;
1. English is not my first language so the construction of the word may be a little wrong. But please bear it with me. And I would love if you could tell me my mistake without being sarcastic or rude.
2. And if you comment, please do refrain from using crude and rude words, For words had the power to destroy someone and cut them deeply.
3. I will be updating every week or day depending on my schedule.
Vote, comment and share this story if you like it. I will be very happy. 😊😊
All the names and characters in this story is purely fictional. If there's any references regarding the place or anything. It is purely coincidental.
Thank you for giving this story a chance. I promise I'll try my best to meet your expectations. Ciao!! Until next time.
Borahae-o...😍