Home For My Soul

65|Sway With Him

To avoid Theo who would have come to pick me up to take me to the park, I left early for the appointment. Because it came an hour earlier, the place to eat was not opened yet.

I waited at the available seating on the mall terrace. Theo called and texted, I ignored everything. The phone I can't turn off, because I need it if the woman calls me.

The mall opened, I approached security. After asking the location of our meeting place, I followed his instructions. I waited in front of the restaurant. The waiter approached several times to let me in, but I refused.

It was only when the woman came that I followed her walking to the nearest table. He only ordered drinks, so I refused to ask for anything. I came to meet his invitation to talk, not eat or drink.

“You're a smart girl, you definitely know what purpose I'm asking to meet,” she said without further ado. “Restore my in-law ring and stay away from Theo.”

Of course I know the purpose for which he invites me to talk. “I'm sorry, Aunt. I can't do that. Theo who gave it to—”

“Don't act smart in front of me,” cut it. “What did you do to him? Did you use black magic to hypnotize him? You're not her favorite type of girl. How could she even prefer you over Chika?”

Black science. Just because Amarylis was ugly and fat, she did not believe her son dear to her sincerely. We were together often, she was curious and at once comfortable with me was the beginning of the feeling that it appeared. I also felt it: there was less when he was not by my side.

Six more months we stayed away from each other and didn't talk, something was missing in us. Lunch together which was only two days, a time that was not even two hours, we spent in silence. But when I don't live it, my life is no longer the same.

Yeah, God. Why am I just realizing this? The feeling of being comfortable with him and losing when he's not around me that means just one. I also love that arrogant guy.

“Why are you just silent?” aunt Ruth asked, looking impatient.

“I work because I need money to finance my college. Black magic isn't cheap, Auntie. So, I will not waste money for nothing. For the last question, Aunt should ask Theo,” I replied straightforwardly.

“How arrogant are you. I can't believe I ever cared about an evil, selfish girl like you. My son is engaged, you should have rejected him. Why did you instead receive the ring that was supposed to be for Chika?” He looked at me with red eyes.

“How much?” He opened his bag and pulled out his phone. “How much do you want you to stay away from Theo?”

That's a very melodious sentence in Katelia's ear. He doesn't care about money. Moreover, the condition is just to stay away from a man, with pleasure. But as Amarylis, I can't do that. This could backfire on me someday.

It could have been me working and someone was jealous of me, and then using this case to ruin my good name. Maybe I won't marry Theo, but with another man equal to Amaryllis. If anyone spreads this out, then I will be rejected as a son-in-law.

Being a female double eye is not the way out. I need a lot of money to live comfortably. With my current social status, also without any influence or close relationships with great people, then I only have a reputation. The things that I must take care of as best I can so that no one will pry into my past to destroy me.

“Sorry, Aunt. I will not betray Theo,” I replied slowly.

He's laughing a little. “Of course you don't want money. You will get more by being his wife. Your life and your family are also forever. That must be what you think.”

“Good.” He put his phone back in his bag. “You want to date her, please. But don't expect you'll be able to marry her. I'll make sure it never happens.”

The drink of his order came, then he sipped it casually. Seeing that he didn't speak anymore, I said politely. She just kept quiet, not looking at me. I got out of that restaurant. Arriving at the crowd, I let out a sigh of relief.

“Finally, I can breathe with relief,” my murmur.

I decided to just be in the room for the rest of the day. Theo still called and sent me a message, but I ignored him. Just looking at a message from a new number, I opened it and read it.

The call came on time, so I could take public transport to the place from the nearest stop. Jostling in the bus is not a problem, because the distance is not far. After passing two stops, I arrived at my destination.

The intended cafe, thankfully, is on the outside of the mall. So, I can enter without going through the main entrance of the shopping center. The place he chose was crowded. I looked around looking for him. His hand was raised, helping me find his seat.

“Why did Big Brother come alone?” many confused. “Where's Brother Jericho?”

I'm laughing a little. “Kak Jericho must have a job. How could he possibly let us meet alone in his absence? Moreover, he always complains of being considered no.”

Brother Nolan just silently looked at me. He did not blink, then I let him digest what was going on in front of him. I know this fact is hard to accept in the first few days. There's a Katelia soul in Amaryllis' body.

“How can this happen? You drowned and your souls just switched?” ask Big Brother while shaking slowly.

I nodded slowly. “I just remember there was a light surrounding us when it was in the water. Because of the glare, I closed my eyes. Suddenly I was by the lake when I opened my eyes and was in this body.”

“How can Jericho know?”

“I snuck into my room to pick up the violin,” I did. He frowned. “I need money, Brother, so I busking. My parents only prepared money for Hercules' college tuition. SMU graduates where can get a good job.”

“Jericho knows all this and he doesn't want to help you??” the protest did not believe. “I'll make the calculation with him later.”

“Not wrong Brother Jericho. I am the one who does not want to be helped. I know for myself he loves me very much. Where could he possibly see me hard,” I said, defending him.

I told you no, Brother has persuaded several times, who knows I will change my mind. He didn't give up when I said no to our first conversation in my old room. So, it's not true Brother Jericho won't help me.

“I love you too, but won't let you be as hard as him. Basics stingy.”

“Didn't Brother hear? I don't want to be helped,” I said firmly.

“But, Kat, ah, I mean, Riris, I've been helping you during SMU. What difference does it make to me helping you now?” asked Nolan, surprising me.

“Sister helps Amaryllis during SMU?” I just don't believe it.

“His parents didn't offend that at all?” He asked back.

I shook my head slowly. “Only mention about scholarships, never mention the name of the person who became his donor. Anyway, what did they do it for? They think I know who financed my tuition.”

“Well, give me your account number.” He pulled out his phone. “I'll transfer a few million to help your needs during this one semester. Let me know when you'll pay for college, I'll transfer. You do not need to work hard, just learn.”

“Kak, I told you no,”.

Seeing her attitude towards me was still the same, that was enough. I am so proud of my two sisters who treated me as they always did. They do not ignore me, but love me as much as I am in my own body.

“What's wrong with you? Look, your body is thin, your hands are callous, your acne is getting worse. Ris, you're stressed. If I don't help you, who else?”

“If Brother keeps forcing, I no longer want to be friends with Brother,” I threatened.

He was silent too. I felt a little uneasy already making her pout, but I had to be firm. To him, to myself. I have decided not to be spoiled for myself or accept the help of others, so I must be consistent in doing so.

Brother Nolan insisted on driving me to my place of residence, but I refused. Theo could have been around there and I didn't want him to see me with my brother. He would be jealous, then advise me at length that I should not be close to other men.

The topic of our quarrels that started to bore me. I don't know why he was so jealous. Is it because he's the first kid and Matt comes to take care of what was originally just for him? Hm. Nolan is not so. Ah, I'm not her boyfriend, so I don't know if she's possessive or not.

“So, so.” I jumped in surprise to hear that voice. “Lo don't answer calls and read my messages because I'm alone with Nolan.” Pimply. How did he know I was here?