The worst part for me was that deciding what I wanted seemed like a hindrance. I've become accustomed to people selecting what I want in life since I believe that my family knows best what is best for everyone. I like the school's policy of allowing students to choose from a list of school partnerships.
This kind of dilemma I have was like shopping in a mall. For instance, I may shop for what I desire, but at the end of the day, something better has been picked for me.
I looked at Asher and his reaction was telling that he was confused about who is this lady shared the seat with us but I can't read if he was taking seriously the question of Mrs Chua.
"She's Mrs Melissa Chua," I mumbled.
"Oh, I'm sorry dear," Mrs Chua apologetically said upon realizing that she hadn't introduced herself. "I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Melissa Chua but others just call me Mrs Chua."
Asher's eyes widened as if he comprehended something. "The daughter of the most successful business tycoon, right?" a question that made Mrs Chua laughed.
Well, she was. I know some basic background about the Chua family business since Auntie Julie forced me to read articles about our company's business partners. Even though I don't know what's the reason and I know that Frida will be the heir of our company. Without asking, I still do it.
Mrs Chua gestured us not to talk about it because she preferred to look at her as she is, not because of her background since we are in a public place. It was not normal to talk since Mrs Chua was protecting her low key image. "By the way, I'm Asher Valderrama."
"From Valderrama clan? The family of Engineers and Architects." She sounds amazed and I'm not shocked anymore, knowing a business-minded like her knows a lot especially those on top. "It's pretty obvious that your strand is STEM, right?"
"Yes, STEM strand."
"I see. But if you want to experience something new, you are welcome in our company. I'm glad that you will be part of the team for your immersion," Mrs Chua stated and continue to eat. However, the way she emphasizes the word something new was different. As if she's telling me to choose what I want, part of me stitches my heart that I belong to whomever I didn't know.
After we ate, Mrs Chua offered to drive us. Asher was the first one to drop by their house because he was the closest to the place where we eat. In an exclusive subdivision where their house is located. The size of their house is just the same as ours but the structure is more elegant and modern. It was my first time seeing their house though I admit that I like Asher for a year but not to the point of stalking him where he live. I still know my boundaries and am contented before that I can see him from afar and that he like someone else.
Mrs Chua drop me next to our house which is just next to Asher's subdivision.
"Here we go. Thanks for the time and take care," Mrs Chua genuinely said while looking at my eyes intently. Whenever I see Mrs Chua, there is a feeling inside of me that I can't explain. She was like a mother who only thinks was the happiness of her child and that's what I saw in her. A trait that I'm longing for since I have no idea how my biological mom treats me.
"Thank you," I sincerely said as I went out of the car and immediately entered the house.
I noticed some of our helpers cleaning the floor, which was littered with broken glass and vases. There was also spilt water on the floor. In the study room, I could also hear what sounded like an argument. Dad's and Auntie Julie's voices were heard. I'm curious why they are arguing. There were a few miscommunications between Dad and Auntie, but nothing that resulted in items being broken. Auntie is often moody and very furious at me but dad still manages to calm down.
Out of curiosity, I walked near and the door did not close very well.
"Don't be stupid, Eron. We both know that whatever you do, it will become futile," Auntie shouted at dad. I couldn't see her face since she was turning away from me, but the tone of her voice told me that Auntie was very upset while dad was facing her near the door.
"Stop!" Dad said as he slammed the door but I still hear them. I was horrified. My heart was racing so fast and I thought the door will be ruined because of the impact. I tried to calm my nerves as I eavesdropping them.
"What are you afraid for? Whatever you do, they will know and will also know the truth or they already know the truth but you just don't want to put into your brain that they already know?" It was a statement that might be true.
Auntie laughed sarcastically that made Dad pissed the way he said words. "Why don't you let her be with them? Why don't you want her to know them?"
"Stop talking nonsense, Julie. You just saying useless words because of what had happened in the past."
"No, Eron. You are being unfair to her."
"Wow, coming from you?" Dad laughed at her.
I feel I was freeze for a second and my feet seemed to be glued to the floor trying to get a clear understanding of what dad and Auntie were talking about. But I don't understand even one because I'm confused. I feel that it was all about me at the same time, I'm just assuming that it was me. However, I have a strong feeling that I am the one they are talking about.
What is the truth that others do not need to know? Why does dad try to hide the truth? If I feel right that it was about me, why do they have to hide it? Why do they need to be fought over me? What is it all about in the past? What had happened in the past?
I try to squeeze or process in my brain but I can't even remember a single reason. I do not understand and have no idea why. I felt suffocated that I can't remember a single thing.
I've been standing near the door for a few minutes but the quarrel still doesn't subside. Until I realized that my brain was blank.
I guess this is what they say curiosity kills you. I was figuratively killed by my curiosity.
"Why are dad and mom fighting? What's up? What is the problem?" Frida consecutively inquired but I didn't know what to say. I didn't even feel that Frida was beside me curiously and didn't respond.
We ate dinner all together as if nothing had happened. As if Dad and Auntie Julie didn't have a big fight until I was lying in bed with my chest still heavy. I tried to divert my attention reading novels and I'm glad I did it but not enough for me to grasp the flow of the story until I gave up.
Instead of forcing myself, I let my thoughts playing in my head while looking at the ceiling. I just don't know how I managed to sleep. It's just that I awoke the next day because of the consistent knocking on the door.
After a few seconds, the door suddenly opened and Auntie Julie came inside looking so pissed.
"Andrea, do you know what time is it? Don't you have any plan to get out from your bed and do your task?" Auntie Julie yelled and I feels like my eardrums were destroyed. I looked at the clock on my study table and I was shocked that I overslept.
"Now, move or else I will drag you out of your bed." I did what Auntie told me after she went out of my room. I prepared myself quick than usual. After I took a bath and put on my uniform, I didn't bother to comb my hair, I just tied it into a messy bun without putting even a little powder on my face. I hurriedly went downstairs after I got dressed and went to the kitchen to help our helpers as I often do but I didn't expect Auntie to be there helping me to do my task.
Auntie placed her palm on her head while frowning, "What kind of look you are? You don't even have the beauty to be proud of and yet, you don't even care if you look good?"
I seemed to have escaped physical shame because of what she said. I caressed my hair and then, straighten the crumpled part of my uniform with my bare hands.
"Don't be foolish, you're not that special if that what you think. What time is it? What do you think?" Auntie said to me in front of our helpers and I can't help but feel embarrassed. I didn't mean to wake up late. I didn't mean that I didn't set up my alarm clock before I went to bed. "I will be late for work because of your stupidity."
I started to do my task and eat after. Frida even drive me going to school. Auntie saw it and despite how rude she was early in the morning, she didn't interfere when Frida asked me to drop me in my school. Usually, Auntie won't allow it but this time, I didn't hear any averse.
It was a good thing that I arrive at school on time and the gate was still open. When you are late, you will be punished or you will be given a paper that says there is a penalty and you need to do the punishment after class. That is the school's policy and it is strictly followed and implemented by those on the student council.
"You have almost received a paper," Ken mumbled and I just sighed in relief. He's with Mr President, Asher. I was suddenly embarrassed because I didn't expect Asher was on duty even now that I'm almost late.
"Yeah, I overslept," Ken laughed when I stated that honestly. I caught a fleeting glance of Asher, who was smiling and looking at me. I wasn't sure if his smile was a good sign or if it was due to how I appeared. It's hard to admit but Auntie Julie is right that I look ugly. "Okay, I have to go."
"It was quite obvious. Because you just tied your hair without bothering yourself to combed," Asher said before I could walk. "It was new to me. You look not bad, it suits you."
With his words, I felt my cheeks turned into a crimson red. Acknowledging me in a good way was beyond my expectations. Even though Ken was laughing, I didn't pay attention because I was caught on every Asher's facial expression.
I was back to my senses when I heard someone screaming. It made me realized that I'm holding my breath for a moment and that I have to attend my class. "See you." And I went straight to our building.
I just entered the classroom it seemed chaotic. I was confused because I suddenly had the attention.
"Oh, Andrea, there you are?" Shantal came near me and looked at me from head to toe. She laughed sarcastically which made me more confused.