Chapter 97
[Outburst; Remorse]
Elsa stood dumbfounded. She could not move as what Ellie said to her echoed in her head. Mercy hissed out at her and walked up the stairs to meet Ellie. Ellie actually happened to be Mercy's favorite. Austin walked closer to meet her and he pulled her into a hug before he pecked her on her forehead.
“She does not hate you.” He said silently.
“B-but she said it, dad.” Elsa cried out.
“No, she doesn’t. She only said it because she was angry.” He soothed her back. She hugged him tightly.
**
“Ellie, darling.” Her mother called out as she entered her room. She saw standing close to her window, staring at the moon and stars.
She walked towards her and noticed the Mercy entered also.
“I know how you feel but can you talk to me please.” Liliana begged her and gently turned her towards her.
“You don’t. You don’t understand anything.” Ellie spoke up.
“All nineteen years of mine, I was neglected. I was told to emulate her. I was told to walk in her steps. I stayed hidden in her shadows and you say you understand. No, you don’t.” She said, shaking her head.
Just as Liliana was about to talk, Mercy beat her to it. “Ellie.” She called out and walked towards her.
“You have always been my favorite since I met you so you don't need to feel like that. I am always here to make trouble with you. Now, will you please talk to Elsa. I don’t want to watch you quarrel with each other.” She pleaded with her. Ellie sighed and bent down.
“Just because you said it, Little Bunny.” Ellie pinched her nose and stood up.
“Hey, I am not a rabbit.” Mercy chided playfully. Ellie chuckled and they all walked back downstairs. They saw Elsa and her dad talking.
“Elsa.” Ellie called out to her. Elsa stood up immediately.
“I am sorry, I should not have said something as hurtful as that.” She said with a feigned remorse.
“Ellie, I am also sorry for being a bad sister.” Elsa apologized and spread her hands out for a hug. Ellie took the hug with reluctance and they both held each other tightly.
“Whenever I insult her, she always looks for a way to make herself look like the victim whereas I am the one.” She thought inwardly.
“Now, daddy. Don't you think I need my birthday to be celebrated again?” Mercy asked her dad. Austin looked at her with skepticism.
“But we did it few weeks ago.” He said.
“Which one? The one that was ruined?” She questioned again with her hands on her hips.
“So dramatic.” He remarked.
“Sure anything for you, baby. But it is going to be a short and little one.” Her dad said.
“No problem.” Mercy said.
“And we can also celebrate out family reunion.” Liliana said and they did a group hug.
“I am so happy, you are back together.” She said and hugged the twins.
“What of me, mummy?” Mercy said jokingly. Liliana chuckled and hugged Mercy also.
“It’s late already, everyone go to bed.” Austin said and yawned.
They all went to their respective rooms.
~•~•~•~•~
**Somewhere in Korea**
“Dad, I honestly don’t understand why you don't want me to go back to Texas.” Ian said out of pure frustration. He has been begging him to let him go back but no, his precious dad blatantly refused him. He looked at his mom with a pouty look.
His mother shook her head and gave him the there-is-nothing-i-could-do look. Ian frowned.
“Agreed. What happened that day was just an accident and it should not have happened but I already apologized dad. Why are you making it this hard for me?” He asked grudgingly as he slumped on the couch. His dad heaved out a sigh and looked at him.
“You will only go with me if you promise to stay wherever I put you and abide by my rules.” His dad said. Ian smiled and nodded his head positively in response.
“Ian, darling.” He heard a feminine voice call out to him. He grimaced as he saw his childhood friend, Yeon Hwa walked towards him.
“Where is dad and mom?” She asked. Despite being a Korean, she was still vast in speaking English fluently. She was clad in a wine skimpy pencil gown which showed her slim legs that made her look like a model, marched with a golden colored shoes. He faked a smile.
“They just went inside not long ago.” He answered.
“I just heard what you guys were saying, you are going to Texas soon.” She whined.
“Yes, dad and I are going.” He said, scratching the back of his neck. He did not want her to go with him since she was troublesome.
“Then can I go with you?” She asked with a pout and flapped her eyes like a puppy. He sighed and nodded his head positively.
“Thank you so much. I love you, Ian.” She said happily and hugged him.
“Sure. It's okay.” He choked out. She released him from the soul crushing hug and gave him a peck on his cheek. He cringed and cleaned it off when she was not looking.
“Which day?” She asked.
“Three days’ time.” He answered.
<><><><><>
**Some days later**
“So you did not tell me that you already shot your shot at Elsa.” Jake said as they sat down under the shade. Jake had gone to pick Jayson up from his house and cajoled him into going out.
“And you did not tell me that Ellie is your girlfriend now.” Jayson countered. They both laughed and soon the juice they ordered for arrived in a tray carried by the waitress.
“I did not plan to ask her out.” Jake said.
“So it happened so easily like that?” Jayson asked with a raised eyebrow. Jake nodded and took a sip out of his juice.
“Wish it was easy with Elsa like that. Gosh! Why does that girl seen difficult?” Jayson said and Jake chuckled quietly.
He definitely cannot tell him that it was not Elsa that came and that it was actually Ellie. He clamped his mouth shut and his phone vibrated in his pocket.
He brought it out and smiled when he saw the caller ID.
“Hey, sweetheart.” He said and Ellie blushed.
“When are you coming?” she asked. He could hear voices in the background.
“On our way soon.” He answered her.
“Elsa said that Jayson is with you, right?” Ellie asked.
“Yes.” He answered as he looked at Jayson.
“Elsa said that he should come along also. Julia and Jasper are here already.” Ellie said.
“Ohh, okay then. Will meet you soon. Love you.” He said with a grin.
“Awww.” He could hear some voices in the background. He laughed lightly, waiting for her reply.
“I love you.” She said with a blush on her cheeks.
“Bye.” He said and disconnected the call. Jayson smirked at him.
“Seems like my friend is finally cut up between a woman's finger.” Jayson joked. Jake snorted and both stood up. They paid and exited the place.