Today, was the last day of school. She was neither happy nor sad because school was the least of her concern. She had already scored good grades. And Uncle had promised that she would get a degree of her choice and she was sure to get it. Her thoughts were halted when she saw her Uncle's reflection in the big mirror. He was leaning against the doorframe watching her. Her mid - knee length skirt was folded up above her knees and she had intentionally left the topmost button of her shirt open.
" Nathalie... I think that skirt needs to be worn properly. " He walked to where she was standing and pulled her closer by her tie. Her face collided with his hard chest. She had to stretch her neck too above to see his face.
" No, it's fine. I am getting late. " She said in a childish voice.
" Really? And where are the hair clips? You are not going to put your flicks on the face all the time. " He touched her waist and loosened the belt to pull out the plates of skirt she had folded to make it shorter. He then buttoned up her shirt and straightened the tie. After securing her hair in six hair clips, he patted her head.
" I hate it. It's so boring. " She frowned and tried to get away. But he held her arm.
" Doll, you look mesmerizing already. Plus, isn't your physics exam? You should focus on that and I wonder why you are so keen on looking so stylish today? " He raised his brow at her in doubt and she bit her lips nervously. His grip on her hands tightened.
" Promise, you won't get angry. Promise first... " She asked showing her pinky finger. He sighed heavily at her little dramatic face and joined his finger with hers. She smiled in hope that he wouldn't be angry.
" But it depends. If the reason breaks any of our rules, I can't keep the promise. " He stated looking at her seriously.
" Well, actually we have a singing competition today. And the most famous band is visiting us... The boy band of seoul... " She looked up to see his expression and he was already clenching his jaw. He turned around and shook his head in anger.
" No. You are not participating. " His cold voice echoed in the room. " Moreover, I will stay at school today for last exam. And we both will come back as soon as it's over. " He ordered.
Nathalie felt so hurt and heart broken that her throat felt like filled with tears. She didn't want to miss the opportunity. It was her chance to get the prize.
" Uncle, please. I love singing. It's not about the band. I swear, I won't look at them. Please let me sing. " She pleaded holding his hand. He didn't acknowledge her crying or suffering. She clinged to his arm and continued to ask him to let her go.
" No. Nathalie! " He shouted. If it was any other day, she would have agreed upon his decision but not today.
" Please Uncle. Please let me go! " She cried looking at him.
" Let you go? " His eyes changed their color from sapphire blue to grey. He looked lost in his own world and stared at her like she had asked him his life. He grabbed her hands painfully and pulled her closer, " You want to leave me? Leave me so that I die? I thought we were a family, Nathalie. If that's what you want then leave. And when you will come back, you will find my dead body in the house. "
Nathalie stopped crying and asking him more about the contest. She had hurt him, hurt his feelings. How could she be so selfish? She watched her Uncle's face, her only family member. She wouldn't want him dead. No! Never.
" I am sorry, Uncle. " She hugged him sobbing softly. " Let's go to school and get over with the exam. " She said in his chest.
" That's my girl. Shall we leave for school? " He pulled her cheeks smiling like he wasn't talking about dying few minutes ago.
He ignited the engine of his Mustang and Nathalie sat on the left seat still reading her book. None of them spoke any more words during the ride. At red lights, he would text something to his men. He had told her that he owned a business but she wasn't supposed to tell anyone about it. They had abundance of money and power. He had appeared many times on TV too as chief guest and the school had invited him too thrice.
When they reached the school's gate, Nathalie immediately opened her side of door and went out. She turned once to give him a smile, which he reciprocated. He nodded at her telling her to go inside and showed a thumbs up sign. Just then, her friend Xiah came running to her. Nathalie knew very well that Xiah had a huge crush on her Uncle as she had told him once . Though, she couldn't understand what she meant by that but it was really good to see Xiah happy.
" Good morning, Mr. Lu. " Xiah bowed down at him to greet him. She smiled cheerfully and peeked inside the car to see the luxurious design.
" Good morning to you too. You are getting late for your exam. " He told her in his cold voice. Nathalie understood the subtle warning in his tone that it was somewhat meant for her too. So she took to running to her classroom and didn't even look back when Xiah followed her running like crazy calling her name. She reached her classroom panting and out of breath. Half of students had already sat on their seats and she too took her place. Xiah reached after two minutes and she lightly hit her on the shoulder.
" What was that for? I was already looking like a fat cow running like that! I hope Damian didn't see me. " She said sipping water from her bottle.
" Oh. You shouldn't say Uncle's first name. It's so disrespectful. " Nathalie scolded her.
" Hahaha. Please. He's your uncle. Not mine. For me, he is something else... Did you see how hot he was looking in that black shirt? " She closed her eyes in a dreamy way. Nathalie was shocked to see her talking about her Uncle like that. Even though, Xiah was twenty , it didn't mean she could be her aunt.
" Xiah. Please. Let's concentrate on the exam. " Nathalie told her when the teacher started to disperse question papers.
" Last thing. You will win the competition! " Xiah cheered her.
" No, I am not participating. " She tried to blink away tears from her eyes.