Dark Princess

Finish

“You're drunk on Earnest's love. You're not thinking straight. Then you need us, both parents, to set the record straight. It tells you what is right and what is wrong. And as a child, it's time for you to obey, listen to us, and do as we say. You can say easily about love because you haven't experienced the salt acid of marriage. Never think that marriage can be as simple as loving each other then getting married. No, it's not like that. There are so many factors that make a household can last for decades or even a lifetime. You think it's enough to just love each other?” Papa added.

“Rethink all these plans. No need to rush. Spend your love on him and leave him. Or, leave it now. Looks like he and his parents both understand what we mean. It shouldn't be hard to end. After that, we talked about the real marriage. Papa and Mama already have candidates, the daughters of distinguished families and have a myriad of achievements in their respective fields. To be sure, one of them, whoever you choose, will be able to keep up with your figure. You will be a public figure couple who will continue to be role models of many communities. If you are ready, we will meet them one by one. You can choose as you want. It wasn't this kind of wedding that we wanted Earnest to have. An ordinary girl, all she had was her beauty. With no name and no achievements, no match for you at all. Moreover, they want to get married secretly without public knowledge. We can't accept it. Papa mama can not agree with it..” Mama gives ultimatum.

“If that's what you expect, I might never get married. If so, it should be with Jade pa, ma. Not with other women.” I didn't want to lose and immediately got out of my seat leaving them. Just like before, this time, I will decide everything I want for my life.

I'm back to my activities. I was waiting for Friday to fly to Seoul and meet Jade. I have a huge debt, which is to give back his trust in me, that we can unite no matter what.

…

“Back home this weekend. Papa mama wants to talk important.” I got a call from my mom.

“Delayed first ma. I'm going back to Seoul this Friday, tickets have been booked. I'll be home on Monday afternoon.”.

“Cannot. You should come. To Seoul could be delayed. This one problem cannot be postponed. Papa Mama will tell you something important, before you stick with all your wedding ideas. It's orders. Don't argue.” Mom said firmly and hung up the phone. That is, I have no other choice. I have to go home to face them. I canceled my plane ticket to Seoul. Plan to buy a new one, on spot, when it will depart later. If possible. I don't know what's in my mom and dad's heart when I call you home.

For some reason, the warm memory of the house suddenly disappeared in my memory. I looked around, if I forgot because I was too busy wandering, but I could not find it. The little Earnest had been very independent and busy since childhood. The house is always stiff. Authoritative papa who is always present in every meal, loving mom is always there to prepare all the needs of the entire household. All the daily routines of a family such as well scheduled. But where is the heat? I try to find it in the depths of my heart and in my collection of memories, nothing. Everything is good, but there is no warmth.

I saw that papa and mama were sitting neatly and authoritatively in the family room. They must be waiting for me.

“Halo pa, ma...” I say hello.

“Come sit...” I sit, facing both of them.

“Earnest... Hopefully after hearing this, you can understand with the intention of papa and mama..” Mama began to speak up.

“Papa and this mama have a hereditary problem. Can't have a baby. We tried to do everything, but it didn't work. Meanwhile, papa wants her to have a son who will carry on this surname and manage all the family possessions.” I am stunned. I looked carefully at the faces of my parents. I thought, our age is far away. At my age of 30, my mom and dad are in their 70s. Before I thought, they probably thought so. Like most busy married couples, they deliberately put off having children. And sometimes, there is a question, why our faces are not so similar. My sharp and handsome nose I did not get from the two of them. So from whom? Papa and mama's nose is arguably cute, with very narrow eyes. Yes, sometimes I can be as silly as wondering for myself about my existence. Finally answered. I wait for them to continue with that explanation.

“Finally we decided to adopt a child. Yet our families are too often highlighted by many people and the media. If we suddenly had a child, it would definitely not be good for the development of the child we would adopt. We want him to grow with the understanding that he was born from our blood and flesh. So we went to Europe and stayed there for about 2 years. We heard that there was a place there that provided babies that could be bought. The handling is very professional. Physical and mental screenings of the child are clearly illustrated in the buying and selling document. From there we got you Earnest..”

It turns out I was a bought child. There is a strange feeling creeping in my heart. The cold that swept through my entire being and awakened from if anything had ever existed. My guess is correct. Those weird questions about who I am, answered already. The bond that I often look for does not exist. That is why it cannot be found. What we did was a family ritual, looking perfect, but without air. There's no heat. But anyway, I should be grateful. I know it. I can't be an ungrateful man. I have been preserved in such a perfect way. Nothing is less. There should be only thanks. Still confused, I wait for them to continue. What does this have to do with Jade? Is it because I'm a bought child that doesn't deserve to decide something important in my life?