While taking a bath, I still think of what the fuck just happen earlier. To think that Afomia used me for her fame and self-interests. That bitch almost got me. I want to do something to her but let me change myself first. Changing huh... Is changing myself can bring me joy and pride? I don't know. Moreover, is Charlotte really gonna help me? I got betrayed by a woman once. Can I really trust her? The thought of being betrayed again gives me chills and afraid of what will happen if I ever being betrayed again. I shake my head to let my negative thoughts out of my head.
After taking a bath, I met Charlotte downstairs and look around. "Where's Mom and Dad?" I asked. "They go out. Also, they thought it would be better for you to be alone with someone your age and take a rest from adult life." I see. At least they cared. Come to think of it, the pain of neglected by parents, did Charlotte experience those? In public, our family's image are the most important. But, she grew up being matured and outstanding aside from being a bitch so maybe not.
"So bitch. What are we gonna do?" I asked her. We need to come up with a plan before taking an action after all. I'm not that stupid to suddenly act without thinking. "First of all, bitch. Stop calling me a bitch, you bitch." She said as if she's annoyed by how I called her. "Bitch, you call me bitch too. Is this our endearment as future husband and wife?" Eek. Sound disgusting when I think that she's gonna be my future wife. When I look at her she look as if she's gonna throw up, what a bitch. I sigh because I'm tired and want to end this as soon as possible to get some sleep "Fine, you win Charlotte, what are we gonna do?" I asked again. She weirdly look at me and asked me "Don't you want to eat first? You look like a stick right now. Or do want to already die?" "You bit- fine. Let's eat." I sigh again. How can I continue to be with this motherfucker. May someone help me to not choke this woman to death.
After eating, she already told me her plan. Her plan is already in a journal that she just bought recently for me. I think her plan is to kill me. My schedule is fucking full and my free time is just to sleep. "Are you fucking kidding me? I'm not a monster to do this." while shaking my head in disbelief. "Your sister and I can do this" while raising her eyebrow. "Because you're already adapted to this, you piece of shit." she rolled her eyes and edit my journal. "Fine you can have a day off once a week for 2 months until you get used to it." Finally! I can rest and will surely do my best to have fun in that day off.
Moreover, since I will need her help, she'll always beside me and according to her this will help us to at least get bonding as we're engaged together even though it's arranged by our parents. Speaking of engagement, does she really plan on marrying me? "Charlotte.." "Yes?" she answered while editing my journal "Are you planning on breaking the engagement or divorcing me after marrying?" I mean, did she not want of a happy life? I think being someone she don't love will make her live in agony. "I did not think of that, actually." Still editing my journal. "Why? Don't you want a great life with someone who loves you and who'll you love?" I asked. "I don't know. You see Benjamin, I still haven't experienced of being in love with someone due to my busy schedules. And I think I'll never will so maybe I'm not going to divorce you for that reason? In terms of having a happy life, I am not used to enjoying myself and I am more than happy to make my parents proud and safe and that's enough for me so that would not also be the reason." I see. I don't know what to feel about what she said. Do I feel pity or what? I mean, did she really not experienced all of the fun and being in love with someone? I Thought that would be impossible as a human being but I don't even think she's human. She's like a service robot. "Then, what would you do if I'm the one who's requesting a divorce?" I asked.
She stopped her writing and looked at me. "If that's what makes you happy so be it. But, of course marriage is not about people being in love right? It is also about family's business of both parties. So, if ever that you'll divorce me, I will sign it out of respect but there will be consequences on both sides. I hope you know what are those." Then, she continues to do what she's doing. Of course, I know it. One of it includes being the heir of the company. In our families of being the two of the most powerful company in our country, we are always followed by paparazzi or media. So, if Charlotte and I will divorce after marriage, it will spread immediately nationwide as well as fake news and controversy about our marriage. That means, either our image will not be save or one of us will be safe. Therefore, we will be out of being the heir of our company. The will of our parents will also be out of the picture.
I asked her again. "What would you do if that happens?" She thinks really hard this time. "I don't know. I have always work and studying so I really don't know. If that ever happens, that means my works will be manage by someone else and more time for myself I guess? I will for sure die of boredom though if that happens and I don't want that" She chuckled. "But, since YOU are the one I'll marrying I need to plan that." "What do you mean? Huh?" I asked. "What I mean is for sure, you're not going to be a robot like me. Even if you will change yourself, that doesn't mean that I'll force you to be like me. I still want you to be happy. It's just that I want you to adapt in your soon to be workplace and gave your parents and sister a help. Right?" This woman is not bad after all. I think she really help me not because of me but because of my family. For my parents, she's the angel sent by heaven.
After a minute of silence my parents came back with an ice cream. "Mr and Mrs. Calista, welcome back. We are just finished talking and will go home." she stands in front of them and take their hands in her forehead and bow as a sign of respect to them. "Oh no! Sweetheart, I still haven't thank you enough. Please sit down and eat." Mom said and hold Charlotte's hand. While dad come to me and tap my back and whisper. "You stupid idiot got thin. Don't do that again." and look at me with pity. I nod and felt like crying and he hold my head. "let's talk later and have a drink after your mom scold you." I nod again.
My Mom are still persuading Charlotte to eat with us but got declined. "I am honored to be with Mr and Mrs. Calista but I am regretfully decline due to my schedule. However, I am hoping that you will accept mine to have a tea with me as an apology?" Mom sigh in defeat after Charlotte speak. "Fine, but please make your tea appointment with me happen, alright? I also want Mrs. Lewis to be there and let's have a girls talk" She hugged Charlotte after. "I promise Mrs. Calista. My Mom will also be there. She for sure be present as she's excited to have a talk to you again. For now, I will take my leave. I hope you have a nice day." She then look at me and we smile to each other as our goodbye. My mom and dad looked at us in disbelief as if they've seen a ghost.
After Charlotte leave our house. I thought I'll receive a slap but what I received is a hug from my Mom and cries. "You idiot! You look like a stick that will break anytime! I will surely talk to your sister to gave you a talk! You idiot make us worry!" I may not received a slap in the face but what I received is a scold and smack in the butt from my mother. Mom will always be mom no matter what. My dad come closer to us to help me. "We'll since we have a free time, why don't we have a drink today until midnight, son? I want to drink with my son too. Your sister is a heavy drinker and your dad got lost to her but what about my son?" I look at them at disbelief. "Sis is drinking? I don't believe you." "Well.. I almost got hospitalized that time that I can't get up. Your Mom is a heavy drinker than I so in the end, they are the one that compete to each other until dawn." I looked at mom while shocked but she just laughed. "My! I miss those times! Why don't we have a drink today? I join with you!" dad cut her off. "Don't you have a work tomorrow?" my mom laughed "I cancelled it. I thought that I'll give my son a talk while drinking so I cancelled it" She sigh and look at me seriously. "I also thought that this will be the day that I'm going to apologize to my son for neglecting him" my parents bow at me and I tried to force them to get up. Mom cried. I feel uncomfortable when I see my parents like this.
"Benjamin I'm so sorry. We only think about work and all of a sudden you're already a grown up. I- I didn't even get to know you better... I'm so sorry son... There are no excuses for neglecting you. We're so sorry for everything..." while crying...
I can't control my feelings this time and cry out loud "I am so alone all this time.. I'm only alone during my birthdays and even my graduations.. You did not care... at all... " I can't breathe due to my emotions. Mom hug me tightly while my dad kiss me in my forehead. "I'm so sorry Benjie.." I calmed down and is trying not to cry again. "Will you share your time with me whenever you're not busy?" I asked. They both stared at each other and smiled then looked at me. "Son... Of course. We can even go to picnics or outings with your sister" Hearing that makes my childhood heal from sadness. I can finally have a family to called. We got drunk all night and is trying to fill the happiness from my childhood until now.