Home For My Soul

95|Stay My Daughter

I've suspected that. Not because of her cold attitude towards me, but a mother I will not be able to deceive. No matter how much I pretended in front of her, she must have known there was something different about her own daughter's attitude. Moreover, our way of speaking is different.

“You must have big dreams. I don't want us to be a hindrance. If I can help you, then I will help you. But you don't have to think about us anymore. You have sacrificed a lot for us, son,” he said softly. “I don't want to take advantage of you.”

“Ma, whoever I am, I am Amarylis. Mama and Papa's daughter, also Hercules' sister. My soul is not the same, but the blood that flows in my body is your blood.” I looked at him seriously. “I came back to Medan not to sacrifice myself. I need work experience.”

“Work experience?” tanyanya's confused.

“Iya. I told Mama. I'll help Mama and Papa get the store again.” I switched the conversation so that we would not grieve over Amarylis.

Mama's attention was distracted by discussing the state of the sale of the cake. They still have customers who want to order a cake in a big party for an event. Mama who handles every booking directly so that there is no more cheating.

She had enough money to hire two people to help her cook. Papa deals more with delivery. I'm glad to hear their efforts have started to go up again. If all this time I can only help through promotion on social media, then I will be directly involved later.

“Do not misunderstand me,” said Mama, before we parted ways. He caressed my cheek. “You are still my daughter. We'll welcome you with open arms when you come. But don't sacrifice yourself for us. I want you to be free to achieve your dreams.

“I know what you did to my daughter even though she never complained. Katelia,” whispered, “we forgive you. Thank you for taking good care of her body. Your future is in your hands now. I believe you will decide every thing wisely.”

“I'm sorry,” I said softly.

“You've already got the punishment, we won't add to it. Stay away from revenge. That's not good for you. You are young, do not waste your time to repay the deeds of the wicked to you.” He hugged my body. “We go, yes.”

I wrapped my hands around her body, taking a deep breath in her signature scent. He did not cook the cake, but I smelled the delicious aroma. I feel guilty for making this family lose their loved ones.

So, their apologies mean a lot to me. Even so, I cannot follow the advice of Amarylis' mother. Precisely because I was young, I had to prepare myself to avenge the sins of the wicked to their daughter. This is not only about me, but also Amaryllis.

I stopped by the store to buy a cardboard box before I got home. There are still two weeks left of my stay in that room, then I will stay until the lease expires. I sorted my books and the ones that weren't. Brother's book I could give when we met, but it belongs to Theo ….

Matt came by a few minutes later after I sent him a message. He was riding a motorcycle, not a car. I told you Theo's book has a lot. He brought me dinner that I didn't refuse.

Finished with the book, I took a break and decided to work on the rest the next day. I don't have a lot of personal items, so my return will not be a hassle. I'll drop the other suitcase at Jericho's apartment.

In the morning, I woke up because my phone was shaking. Just this time I was able to sleep until noon, something even ruined my plan. I forced myself to open my eyes, then picked up the gadget and read the incoming message.

“What the hell is—” There are so many of the same messages that fill my inbox from one contact number only. I'm outside. Take a shower and wear casual clothes.

I had to reply first so he wouldn't keep texting, then get ready. What else would you like that annoying guy? We haven't seen and communicated for a long time, why did he come today, so early?

“Lo sleeps or dies, anyway? Real long. Come, up.” It was his first sentence after months of not meeting. Just be right. But what can I expect from a Theo? He always talks what he is.

Just a few meters away, he had stopped, stopped by a stall. He never asked, but knew I had breakfast or not. The vegetables available in the stall were very tasty, so I did not refuse when he added a portion for us to eat together. He also likes their cooking.

“Lo refused once again, I bought a rope to tie your hands,” threatened.

I usually get upset and curse myself hearing that arrogant sentence. Surprisingly, I smiled happily. Yeah, God. I miss him and those incomparable spicy words. I gave up and hugged him from behind.

He drove quite a long time, but I enjoyed the view we passed. This place I won't see again anytime soon. After a few months of living in Medan, I will go a long way to continue my studies. That's if I graduate with a scholarship.

Different from Katerina. She was already certain to get married after college, so I never planned on my studies as well as I do now. After all, I will be busy with the affairs of rich married women in general: doing social action, joining the association, and accompanying the husband. I won't be allowed to work.

People think being the daughter of a wealthy family is delicious, but from childhood, I was taught ethics and how to bring myself right. Because there is no family who wants to choose a careless woman to be their daughter-in-law.

It was also what made me use the same standards towards the people around me. I hate ugly women who don't take care of their faces and bodies, don't behave elegantly, which leads to bullying.

I understand now. Eating is hard, let alone thinking about just taking care of the face. Katelia was born into a wealthy family, so she was beautiful, clean, and fragrant. Friends from ordinary families can be grateful for school.

“Lo what are you doing?” asked Theo, breaking my daydream. “Down. We have arrived.”

“Oh. Yes.” I dissolved in my own mind until I didn't realize we were on our way to our destination. I look around me. Why did he bring me here?

We walked casually through the large garden hand in hand. Although today is Monday, there is a group of school children who come to visit. So, the atmosphere of the garden was not quiet. Moreover, their parents also participated.

Today is very different from when I was a child. Papa and Mama just trust the school every time there is a trip. They did not watch over us, but entrusted us completely to the organizers.

Satisfied to go around, he invited me to lunch at one of the stalls lined up on the side of the road. He was silent when we ate, so I didn't speak either. His attitude is very strange. What are we going to this place for if he doesn't discuss anything?

But when night fell and he took me to a mall, I understood. He took me to a place I liked, and then ended up with his favorite place. I shook my head slowly considering we were wandering around the garden with trees protecting us from the scorching sun.

We watched movies and had dinner, and then he drove me home. My heart is heavy knowing we will part ways and not knowing when we will meet again. As if understanding my thoughts, he led me to the front of the fence.

He did not let go of his hand so I turned my head, intending to say something. But she brought her face closer and kissed me gently. I should have pushed her body away, but I missed this.

“Take care of yourself,” he said, ending our kiss just like that. I tightened my arms, unwilling to let her go.

“No, Theo. Don't go.” I sobbed.

“Gue jealous heavy. You won't be happy with me.” He kissed my hair. “Find another man better than me. Lo's right. We won't be together.”

“No.” I shook my head. “No, Theo. We find a way together. There must be a way so we can be together.”

He held my hand, forcing me to let go of my embrace. More and more tears flowed down my cheeks, but she didn't care. “Goodbye, Katelia.”