“Why did you come home so late today?” asked Mr. Collin
“I was doing group work with my friends, so I came home late,” Drake said lazily.
“Since when did you get home long ago because of group assignments? You're not that skillful, let alone studying. Come on, just be honest with me ... you have a girlfriend, right? “ Mr. Collin asked, gasping Drake. Drake's cheeks turned red, and he started embarrassing himself.
“ What? I told you I was just doing group assignments earlier. “ Replied Drake who wanted to get out of his dad's excitement, but he was already on the radar of his dad's suspicions and still couldn't escape it.
“Come on, later you have to introduce it to me. Take her home and just go on a date at home. “ Replied Mr. Collin with a meaningful smile.
Drake became indeed more embarrassed and his cheeks changed very redly. Drake who always acted at that time changed into a shy boy in front of his dad. Alex who saw that could only smile bitterly because in his heart he felt jealous of Drake who could be so close to his father that they could indeed joke together. Meanwhile, Alex never felt that close to his father to do all of that.
Mr. Collin glanced at Alex, who was smiling while he looked at himself and Drake joking. He knew something was hidden behind that smile. Mr. Collin could see from Alex's eyes that were getting wet until he lowered his head to hide and wipe the tears that had filled his eyes.
“Alex, can you tell us how your parents raised you? You know, I always envy them for having a child like you. Look at Drake, he ain't no good marks. He was constantly careless and never serious about anything, he didn't even think about his future at all. Yeah, he's the worst kid in the world, but I can't throw him away.” Said Mr. Collin and Alex could only laugh because they did not know how to respond.
While Drake the main character of their conversation could only be silent and stared at his father in annoyance. He couldn't believe he could hear how his dad had smashed him in front of his face. Then when he saw at his father in annoyance, he was instead stared back at him with his father's frustrated face.
“Dad, am I your son? I can hear it clearly. “ Said Drake but his dad only saw him with a grunt which made Drake only shook his head.
“I'm even jealous of Drake because he has you as his dad, uncle. You let him be free to be himself and you guys are very close. I'm jealous because you guys are really close, I'm anxious because you guys seem to care about each other. “ Said Alex with a bitter smile covering the pain of the wound he felt.
“Alex, you shouldn't be jealous of anyone. Just look at us, we envy each other but is it because we are actually unhappy? I don't hate Drake but I love him because he's my only son. Then do you hate your parents? Don't you love them? “ Said, Mr. Collin.
Alex can only be silent while lowering his head. He looked into his heart and he didn't hate his parents. No, we will never hate our parents. We will always love them, that's the truth.
“ See? Listen, there is no parent in this world who doesn't love their child. Even the lions and crocodiles are cruel predators in the wild, they love their child. We always love our children, but we have our way. So don't think your parents don't love you just because their way of expressing love is a little different. “ Mr. Collin's words made Alex pause while pondering.
“Alex, you're a smart kid. I'm sure you also know the importance of education. Don't get me wrong, I just want you to figure out then ... is leaving home, missing school, and worrying your parents the best way? We men must always be responsible for every choice we make. So consider ... “said Mr. Collin, making Alex reflect on his decision again.
Yes, at that time he was furious and felt he could no longer stand the treatment of his parents, who was arbitrary. But leaving home unprepared is also not the right choice. He knows decisions made out of anger are not good decisions. He had to think about his future, maybe he would just ruin his future.
He was brought up with the doctrine of seeing the future. He was used to figuring out things rationally, and he knew very well it was important for him to graduate on a good note. After considering for a long time, Alex thought of away, so he wouldn't have to give up something he likes and dreams of. He then grabbed his cell phone, was in his pocket, and called his father.
“Hello, I'm coming back home, but I want to get back to painting.” Said Alex.
“Fine, but your grades can't go down.” Said Mr. Eddie.
“Okay, I'll make sure my grades won't go down.” Said Alex then hung up the phone.
Everyone in the Maxwell residence gathered in the family room. They waited when they heard Alex was coming back. Indeed though it's only been a few days since Alex left home, they already feel a very heavy longing. They all felt pleased, including Mr. Eddie, indeed though he tried to remain calm.
The door opened and Alex walked in with his bag back. His mother and siblings ran and hugged him while saying Wellcome to returning home. The reception was so much that it surprised Alex. This was the first time he felt that his family loved him so much.
He thought that maybe what Mr. Collin said was true. All parents love their children. He could see that love from his mother's eyes that shone when she looked at him. Her warm embrace made Alex feel very comfortable. Even his younger siblings were crying because they were so happy that he had returned home.
“ Have you eaten? Mother prepares your favorite food. “ Said, Gretta.
“It's okay, Mom. I've eaten ... “said Alex.