This conversation unearthed quite a few emotional memories that I had at the time. It was a great day, after all these years, we finally got to travel together in Dad's old Jeep. We left Bong at Susan's house, although before my uncle agreed, my father and his little brother had a small quarrel.
My dad drove, while my mother sat beside him. She was busy switching the channel from the radio. The song that came on was Immortality by Celine Dion, her favorite singer.
My mother was thrilled to hear her idol's song playing. She turned the volume up to maximum. We all sang along to the song. Through its soothing melody and evocative lyrics, the song evokes the feeling of the permanence of a relationship despite the passage of time.
We can feel that Celine was performed with great emotion, the song expresses the power of love that overcomes all boundaries and brings eternity in beautiful memories.
At that time, despite the cold weather in the hilly region, the atmosphere in the car was very warm.
However, while we were having fun singing, our car experienced a brake failure while we were turning a corner. As a result, we were hit hard and even rolled over until we lost consciousness.
It hurts! That was the last thing I felt...
When I woke up, my head was already bandaged and I was lying on the single bed in the hospital.
My body was shaking but also felt numb, it was as if my body was still in trauma from the accident.
Across my bed, I saw my father lying there. He was yelling at the officer who told him the chronology of how we were found.
It wasn't long before a passing driver witnessed the chronology and called the local police. Even though our car had rolled over and hit a lot of bumps, it managed to get stuck in a big tree growing on the slope where we crashed.
"That was God's blessing for you," explained one of the police officers.
"IF HE'S BLESSING US, THERESA SHOULD BE FOUND! SCREW HEAD!"
Yes, you're right! the name of the woman my Dad called, Theresa. She is my mom, at the accident no one could find her until the end of the investigation.
My Dad still believed that his wife was alive. For six months, with Bong's help, we tried to find her body or some clues. Both at the scene of the crash and in the surrounding area.
After six months of our independent search, my Dad began to give up on finding mom. That was an unforgettable day in our life. Especially for my Dad...
.
.
.
" Well, I'll think about it" Instead of being straightforward, I gave a vague answer.
" Okay "
Instead of thinking about my writing skills, I've been pondering a question in my mind all day long. As a result, my writing routine has been disrupted while Susan's wedding day is quickly approaching.
' Should I consider approaching Liam to pose as my fake boyfriend? '
It's just that my dad keeps bugging me about finding a partner for marriage, and it's frustrating.
I started to let out a long sigh, hoping that my stress would be lessened by doing so.
" What's the matter?" Liam asked
" Nah, nothing. It's just... I don't have the mood for writing today"
" I'm stuck!"
For the first time in my life. Finally, I did an impossible thing for me to do, postpone my task!
" Let's call another day" he replied and started cleaning the table and also his cup of coffee.
I was stunned, still staring blankly at my laptop screen which had been turned off, and felt like I could hear static coming from inside my head. 'Should I ask now?'
But my instincts always hold my tongue to ask Liam this every time I want to talk.
'Why it has become very complicated?'
" Hey, Liam!"
"Yes?" Liam replied
" Would you come to the newly opened cake cafe across the street? The Veline Cafe... you know the new vintage one... I think I want to write there... Saturday tomorrow"
Liam was silent for a moment, and he slowly nodded. As my editor, although not officially. Liam feels responsible and tries to keep his writers productive.
My heart races, and I can feel my cheek so hot full of embarrassment. I can't believe I can do it!
'Hell yeah!'
This time, Liam brought the car. He asked if I wanted to take him home.
I nodded. I hope there's a bit of an opportunity to ask that as soon as possible. But all that remained stuck in front of the house.
*****
I quickly prepared myself, selecting my desired clothing style and ensuring I had the necessary items like my laptop. Additionally, I applied makeup to enhance my appearance. I understand, although I am only looking for a fake boyfriend, I want to leave a good impression.
I am concerned about my dad seeing me, and I don't want to have to sneak out. However, I do have some training as a ninja apprentice.
"It appears you already have a boyfriend, huh?"
" Trying to sneak out like that" my Dad hollered from behind as he approached me just as I was about to open the door.
" Gosh! you scared me!"
Dad looked at me with a mocking expression, his thick, whitened eyebrows lifting and bringing out the wrinkles on his forehead. From the look on his face, it looked like he was saying, 'Am I right?'
"Yes and we plan to go on a date today," I said, irritated.
"At the very least it's not some stranger from the bar, are you satisfied now?"
"Who is it, Hamlet?" he chuckled.
I quickly leave the house without looking back. I can still hear my Dad shouting from the yard, asking me to come home and introduce the man I am dating.
.
.
.
"It's a good thing I arrived earlier than him!" I think to myself while sitting on the couch.
Periodically, I check my makeup and hairstyle. I feel very uneasy, this is the first time I ask something about the opposite gender in person outside of work demands.
My smartphone rang, and upon checking, I saw that it was Liam.
Upon answering the phone, he notified me of his delay, explaining that he had to mend a flat tire on his vehicle. He mentioned that it would take him approximately an hour to resolve the issue. As a result, my initial enthusiasm diminished, and my present impatience heightened. However, I must persevere and occupy myself with browsing social media in the meantime.
I know this is not the moment to unwind as I no longer have a permanent job like before and I also feel pressured by my father who does not want to lose to his own younger brother.
I am aware that Father and John have never been close since their childhood, and they always compete, even for minor things. And it appears that both Susan and myself are still unfamiliar with this situation.
I would prefer not to be involved in this petty sibling rivalry and simply observe. I do not enjoy being entangled in this never-ending conflict.
The doorbell of the vintage-style café chimed, and I spotted a man wearing a shirt paired with a black waistcoat and navy jeans walking in with his messy brown hair. It was Liam!
It was Liam! However, my surprise was evident when I realized he wasn't alone. He had arrived with a young lady. What is more surprising than the girl's age is…
"Susan! What the heck are you doing here?"
"Hello, cousin!" Greeting Susan Cheerfully
"Save your chit-chat for later, just answer my question!"
As I was losing control, Liam attempted to calm me down and shield Susan, who he believed was in danger. Eventually, the three of us settled down, and I opted to avoid causing a scene. I then asked both of them to explain their relationship.
"Yes, he is my fiancé" Susan linked her right arm with Liam's.
"I've known since hearing the news that he wanted to meet his acquaintances at the newly opened cafe, so I thought why not go there as well?"
"But, I didn't expect the person he wanted to meet was my dear cousin," Susan spoke up
" Liam, Why didn't you ever say that you were engaged, especially with Susan?" I whispered to Liam
" Why do you need to know? We're simply coworkers"
'Nice Liam, you have made me look as if I have snatched my cousin's husband-to-be'
Susan then changed the topic and asked how we became acquainted. Liam explained to Susan everything, and she just smiled at the chronology of my meeting with Liam.
" Well, what else can we do? this world is too small for us!" Susan giggles.
"By the way, Clara, this is the first time I've seen you dressed up a bit since the last time we met during New Year's at Grandpa's house."
"You used to look like an old lady office worker. Do you also have a date after this?" she continues mockingly.
I concealed the truth to protect my dignity. Glad to know the fact that I was unable to spill out my previous plan to him.
"My schedule is packed, bye!"
I swiftly stood up from my seat and bid farewell. Liam inquired about my writing. I fibbed once more and claimed I had completed it while awaiting it to arrive.
"Wait, I have something to tell you!" Susan gently held my hand.