"Humh, humh," I hummed as I roamed around the store, trying to pick a nice gift for dad. I was so happy when I received a call from him. Usually, Aunt Meg is the one to call me whenever I'm needed home. However, things seem to be going well for me these days. I strode around the shop and finally something caught my eyes. It was a beautiful silver watch. I leaned over, and my eyes lit in joy. I remember that father used to have one like this, and he always wore it. But unfortunately he lost it.
"Miss, pack this one for me, please," I beamed in excitement. I handed her a card and drew out my phone as I waited for the transaction to end. Just then, Krispy's text popped up on the screen.
"Girl, where the hell are you. Don't you remember that we have to get you a dress?" I could imagine how annoyed she was when she wrote the text.its true that I was excited, yet she is the queen of excitement.
"On my way," I texted back and put back my phone in the purse just in the right
time the sales girl handed me my card. As I entered the women's store, Krispy was already annoyed. I gave her a cute face and muttered sorry, yet she didn't seem to care. She pulled my arm and dragged me to the dressing room.
"I already chose three dresses. You only have to see if they fit perfectly. " she threw the first dress on me and pushed me inside the dressing room. It was a light yellow min dress,with glimmers of gold on each side and hugged my carves perfectly. For me, it was perfect enough, yet my companion objected. We argued much on which one to take and finally decided on a long black one.
I let out a deep sigh as we parked in front of what used to be my house. The place I grew up yet never felt like home, especially after my brother went to college. I had a lot of bad memories in this house compared to good ones.
"It will be okay," Krispy gently squeezed my hand with an assuring smile. I nodded and turned to open the door. The evening breeze was chill, but it wasn't the reason that I shivered. I was scared, I couldn't help thinking of the reason I was summoned and I couldn't also help hoping for the good. I took my long coat from the back seat together with my purse and held hands with Krispy since I couldn't trust my steps. As if sensing our arrival, the maid opened the door for us. We politely gave out coats to her and proceeded to the main room. I expected there to be a lot of people, yet I could only see about five people,including my father and Aunt Meg. I exchanged a confused look with Krispy before Aunt noticed us.
"Oh, here they are," the middle-aged woman who was like a mother to me joyced. Though she was getting older, her beauty still dominated her age. She hugged the both of us but tightened the hug with me as if trying to tell me something. Something probably was wrong. I could tell from one hug from her. The way she rested her chin on my shoulders and squeezed them, she only does that when she is comforting me. My heart sunk, and the familiar pain rushed in like strong electricity. I hugged her tightly, and then my eyes met my father's. He was looking at him as he always does. I disengaged from the hug and focused my eyes on him. He walked toward me and hugged me. Wait, this must be a dream. How can my fathe hug me?
"Welcome home, child" I couldn't it believe before he said those words. I almost cried. I sniffed to suppress tears, which were building in my eyes.
"Oh, what a sweet kid! She must have missed her father. " I immediately come into sense, recalling that we weren't the only people in the hall. Dad let go of me and smiled. He actually smiled. I followed his gaze and came to face with a man and woman. The woman gave me a warm smile, and I returned the gesture.
"I'm sorry." I smiled, wiping off a few tears that managed to escape my eyes.
"It's okay, dear. I wish I had a daughter like you,too. " I smiled at the man's comment.
"Katherine, this is Joseph Kelvan and his wife Amanda and their youngest son Ian," father introduced. Actually, at home, my second name is more used. Only Krispy call by my first name. My brother and aunt call me kitty.
"Nice to meet you, Mr and Mrs Kelvan," I greeted politely. Wait, why does that name sound familiar on my tongue. That was my mind wondering before a voice came behind.
"I'm sorry the phone call took a long time." I knew that voice. The same voice from the supermarket. I froze. So that's why their name sounded familiar. Red. Red Kelvan. I now clearly remembered his name. I quickly turned around,not believing my ears. The same arrogant guy was walking toward us,with the same confidence as if he was on the spotlight. Why in the world am I so unlucky? He passed by without even sparing a glance. The stinky mouse he is, and stood beside his parents. I was dazed. Completely awe stricken. I fixed my eyes on him, yet he gave me an indifferent gaze.
"Katherine dear, this is my son Red." As much as I liked this aunty's warmth and sweetness, I couldn't reciprocate her feelings as I nodded.
"Come on, mom, don't say it like he is your only son," the younger one complained.
"Isn't it the truth?" The father joined. Everyone laughed except me and a certain someone. Nevertheless, I could see that Aunt Meg was not happy. I gave her a questioning look, but before I could get any answer, the maid announced that dinner was ready. We gathered around the dining table, and the elders conversed while we waited for the maids to finish serving us food. Now and then, I could feel eyes pinning holes on me from opposite the table. I raised my head and gave him an annoyed glare before turning my attention on Krispy's and Ian's conversation. Those two were outgoing and seemed to have already become friends. Now that I have already digested the fact that I was sitting across the same table as Red, my only question left was why they are here?.
"So Katherine, I heard you have graduated in business management. What's your next plan? " Mrs Kelvan asked. I put my fork down and focused my eyes on her, ignoring the frustrating face beside her.
"I already applied in different companies, so I'm still waiting for their call."
"You can come and work with us. We live in the same city anyway, " she offered. I turned my eyes to Red, yet he didn't seem to give a shit about our conversation.
"That was so kind of you, Mrs kelvan, but I'd better wait." I politely turned down her offer.
"In future, you can call me aunty or mom." she smiled, and I almost smiled back before the last word sunk into my head.
Mom?
Why would I call a stranger mom? What's really going on here? I turned to Aunty Meg, but she quickly looked away. And then my eyes met dad's. He gently put his fork down and stared back at me.
" I called you here to tell you this. You are marrying Red. " I was like, struck by lightning. Am I dreaming? How come those weird words come from dad's mouth? I turned to Red, but again, his face was expressionless. This is not true. Why is no one saying anything?. The Kelvan couple were in joy. My father's cold gaze fixed on me. so that's why my brother is not here?Why didn't I guess it? How stupid I was to think that finally dad has come to his sense and accepted me. How foolish I was to even tire myself searching a gift for his birthday. Only for him to sell me like this.
Tears escaped my eyes. This is not fair. How long will I continue to suffer? My face turned stiff as I stared at my so-called father.
"I'm not marrying him".