32
FAMILY TIME
My brother and I hugged each other. Family was the only thing that hadn’t failed me, and for that, I would forever be grateful. I slid into the passenger seat, and my brother closed the door before turning to the driver’s seat in his white Range Rover Sports. He got in and shut the door.
I knew he was curious as to what had made me call him to get me, why I had sounded so urgent, and why I was crying when he met me outside the restaurant, but I also knew he knew better than to ask me what was wrong now cause explaining to him would just make me start crying over again. What I needed to do was to calm down.
The ride was peacefully quiet, exactly what I needed. I tried my best not to think of what had just happened. It was evening, and the sky was purple as the sun hid behind the clouds.
I just wanted to go home and sleep.
By the looks of it, we were not heading towards my apartment. I recognized the road, and the signpost led to my parents, but against my better judgement, I decided to say nothing about it.
“Samantha, did you hear me?” My brother asked, causing me to break away from my reverie.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
“Sorry, what did you say?” I sighed.
“I’ve been talking to you for five minutes now.”
Shit.
“Sorry. What were you saying?”
“When mom offered to take me to Ocean Wave University, I could not have objected. Not only was it the best school around, but it was also not owned by a church or a pastor, so the difficulties which students who go to private school encounter in this town was not one I would experience. It made me so happy that I could have my freedom, the best life and education all in one.”
“I Know Elijah. I know the school you attended. Why are you telling me this, though?”
“So you know how I met my wife. I never told you this because we weren’t talking much in college, but I had been a wild boy. I went to clubs every day, drinking and smoking. I worked hard for my grade so our parents wouldn’t figure it out so I could maintain the image of being the perfect son. When Sarah came into my life, we were both unprepared and going through a phase, but I immediately knew she was the one. When you find the one for you. Don’t let them go.”
I swallowed, covered my face with my palms and blew out air. “I know I have to fight for what I love.”
“Are you sure you want to go home?” Elijah asked for what felt like the millionth time. “You could come home with me if you want.”
I now looked at him, and I couldn’t help but to admire him. “You know what? You decide where you want to take me.” I said and closed my eyes, enjoying the voyage and trusting my elder brother to lead me to the right place.
***
I had been making silly decisions the whole week, and that’s why I asked my brother to help me make one now, but what I did not expect was to open my eyes at my parent’s house. Okay, I did expect it, and subconsciously, maybe I wanted it-anything to not be left alone with my thoughts.
When I slid out of the car, I was welcomed by a family face-my mother’s. Age did my mum many favours; her grey hair made her look more beautiful, and her skin was spotless. She was too fit for a woman her age. Too hot, I must say. And the gown she was wearing now made her even more alluring. It was no surprise to me why I was so beautiful; anyone born from my mother just had to be beautiful.
“My sweet girl.” My mother said, hugging me. Elijah was behind her, and I gave him a suspicious and warning glare, wary because I didn’t know why my mum was being so sweet to me because they were still angry at my rebellion the last time I checked, and warning because I was going to smack him for bringing me here.
“Good evening, mum. How are you?” I asked, hugging her even tighter. I was starting to feel the burden lift from my shoulders. Maybe Elijah was onto something when he brought me here.
“I’m fine, my baby. But you don’t look fine. What’s the problem? You know you can talk to your mother.”
We disentangled from the embrace after a while and held onto each other’s hands. My signature smile never left my face when talking to my mum.
She had not stopped worrying about little things when it came to me, so I tried my best to hide my discomfort from her even though sometimes she could see through my smile. I wish she would be oblivious just this once, just like with my ex, but now I can’t have that because Elijah had brought me here.
And maybe I did need my mother’s comforting arms after all.
I covered her hands with mine and pecked her cheek. “I love you, mum. Don’t worry, I am fine. I am OK. Trust me.”
“I love you too, my princess.” She smiled.
“I love you, mum!”
I could never get tired of saying that I loved my mum, and she never got tired of telling me that she loved me, too, even when I was rebellious.
My mum relaxed a little after peck, letting out a relieved sigh.
“Let’s go in okay. Your Dad is on a business trip, but I’m here for you.”
“You are always here for me, Mum,” I said with a chuckle.
“When you are not being very rebellious.” She replied, pinching my arm. I yelped but burst out laughing. All thoughts of Julian and Damien complete disintegrated from my mind.