"Yes. You fell asleep on our way home. Upon that you didn't respond when I tried to wake you up, for a second I thought you were dead, I was lucky enough you didn't. I took you to your bedroom and laid you on the bed. I tried to remove the jacket so I can cover you with the blanket, but you held it tight saying my jacket's warmer than the blanket. So, I left it with you." I explained.
"Oh, it seems like quite a lot happened. Well, I don't remember I said that, and sorry I didn't bring your jacket. I will give it after washing. I may or may not get dirty or wrinkled." He said with a smile.
He dried his hair and styled it. After he got ready we both went downstairs to leave and found mum in the living room watching Tv. We were about to leave when she spoke to Link in a soft tone and with a smile. Well, to both of us but I never cared about her words.
If her words are filled with a normal tone or any other tone other than a sad tone, then it's for everyone else and if her tone is filled with sorrow and sadness then hell yes, she's talking to me. I spent many days cursing myself thinking I reminded her of dad and that's why she cries every time she sees me, but I was wrong.
She never let go of dad and I was a mere excuse for her to cry. Judging by her soft tone, it's Link she's talking to.
"Going somewhere?"
"Yeah, Aunt. I'm throwing a party on behalf of him. We will be back soon." Link replied with a smile.
"Ok, take care." She said with a smile.
Why won't she talk to me with the same smile and voice? She acts like one in front of others and acts like one in front of me just like Link, at least Link behaves well. But why does it have to be so much sorrow and emotionless for me and caring and sweet towards everyone else?
"Link, if you have completed talking, let's go," I said with a stern face and pissed-off voice.
"Bye Aunt." Link said with a smile and came outside the house with me.
I started the engine of my bike and wore my helmet. I gave him the other helmet without uttering a word. I'm enough pissed I don't wanna increase that irritation again.
"Why do you act cold to her?" He said while wearing his helmet.
"Can we talk after we reach the bar? I don't want us to get into an accident." I said while changing the gear.
"Fine, let's talk at the bar then." He said and climbed onto the bike.
"Which bar?" I asked.
"The usual one." He answered.
We both rode to the bar, parked the bike at the bar, and went inside. We got a corner table and Link brought the drinks.
"Once again, happy birthday Kiet. Cheers." Link shouted while clinking our glasses.
"No need to shout," I said while taking a sip of my rock whiskey.
"It's a bar, and people won't hear our voice due to DJ even if I shout my lungs out. It's worth shouting for." He said while showing his hands around.
"Such a party animal," I gave a soft chuckle while shaking my head sideways.
"Such a cold fish." He replied.
We were drinking, when Link asked the question which I thought he forgot.
"Why do you act cold towards your mum?"
"Why don't you leave the topic. You know how much it pisses me." I said with a pissed voice and expression.
"I know, but this isn't right Kiet, it's been years since you stopped talking to her. When are you planning to talk? After graduation you sue won't be in Thailand." Link asked.
"Not yet planned," I said with an emotionless tone and expressionless face.
"Come, Kiet, She loves you." He said in a soft tone.
"No, she doesn't. She isn't a part of my life anymore. I'm living with her just because I don't have a choice." I said while rolling my eyes.
"She's not a part of your life?. She's your mum, she will always be a part of your life." He said with a scoff.
"Well, I wish I had a choice of removing her from my life," I replied while looking away.
"She's not a maid, you hired for work. You didn't call her in your life and she will never leave even if you want," he said.
"Call? If I had that option, I would have never called her. I don't mind even if I wasn't born."
"C'mon Kiet. You are exaggerating things. She still loves you. It's not a called love which you can avoid." He said with a worried tone.
"Stop saying she loves me, I don't wanna hear that fucking lie, and what the hell is a called love?" I asked.
"The love you never sought attention for. She's the one you didn't call and that uncalled love will forever stay in your place. Everyone has their uncalled love, it changes them the way they never expect."
"Well, that part is true, she changed me in the way I never expected. Anyway, Where did you learned that from?" I asked.
"From a folk tale, I heard years ago." He answered.
"There's a stupid folktale attached to it too?" I let out a soft chuckle.
"Yes. Long story short, it goes like this, there's one guy who hated his life for being miserable and wanted to end it, but a girl saved his life, and staying with her made him see the world differently. He saw the beauty of it. Without knowing they fell for each other and his life started to become good day by day. They both stayed by each other's side and succeeded every obstacle they face in life and lived a happy life." Link explained.
"You brought me to drink and tell me the worst folk tale ever? Who is the idiot who told you this stupid folktale?" I asked while scrunching my eyebrows.
"Grandma." Link replied.
"She should really see the outside world. Is she blind or what?" I asked.
"Don't make fun of her."
"I'm not. I'm just wondering that if she isn't blind, then how didn't she see the real world?"