WE DECIDED to follow Dad's suggestion. And just as I expected, the dinner went plain and boring. They only talked about business and politics that doesn't really interest me.
Ellie and Dad exactly had the same goals in life. Even in hobbies, they're so much alike. They both like playing golf and tennis. It's not really a big deal to me since I know Dad always wanted to have a son, but building it up to Ellie? That's what I can't accept.
"How was your trip to San Marcelino, hija?" Dad asked me.
"Uh, good, I had so much fun!" I politely said.
I wiped my lips with tissue to hide the stretched smile I was wearing. I don't want to show them how happy I was.
"Hmm, so when will you be back at the office? Two months is long enough to ponder on thingd." His voice was serious.
I sighed at that, I dropped the utensils I was holding lazily. Suddenly, I didn't feel like eating.
"I think it's better if Ellie mentors you as the new president of Rising Stone," he added.
I glanced at Ellwood who's smiling loosely at me. I heaved a sigh before looking at Daddy in the eye.
"I decided to... move in to San Marcelino," I bravely declared.
I know they're all shocked at my impulsive decision. Mom dropped her fork and spoon on the plate while her mouth slightly opened in bafflement. Ellwood scoffed, while dad blinked in disbelief.
"I'll move out after Dad's birthday," I continued.
"This is ridiculous, you can't be serious about it, hija!" Mom exclamed and shifted her angry glare at me.
I bite down my lip, but I didn't let Mom's gawking eyes get to me.
"Give us a valid reason, why do you want to move to San Marcelino all of a sudden?" Dad asked me in a serious manner. He also dropped what he's holding and leaned against the metallic chair.
"I–I just wanted to breathe..." I almost whispered.
"Breathe? You are talking nonsense! Is the time we gave you to mourn and move on from your husband's death not enough? Why don't you just forget everything behind?!" Mom scolded.
I lowered my head down. Lips quelled, preventing a sharp response from my mouth. Though I want to confess my real reason, there are a lot of things to consider.
"Why don't you give her more time to decide for herself?" Ellie interrupted the silence.
My eyes flew to him. He just shrugged his shoulders.
"What are you planning to do with your life? you're not a kid anymore!"
"Mom, I know. I'm old enough to handle my own problem," I defended myself.
"Then act like one!" she uttered sharply.
I sighed heavily, not opening my mouth anymore. I pulled out my chair and prepared myself to leave.
"Where is your manner? We're not yet done talking!" Mom raised her voice.
"I'm sorry. Excuse me, I want to rest," I said quietly, stepping out of the dining table.
"Meredith!"
I heard Mom called me but I continued walking. I just want to sleep it all off.
"You're gorgeously beautiful tonight, Meredith!"
My Mom was frantically walking back and forth while gleefully beaming at my reflection in the mirror. I smiled a bit, like her, I also scanned myself. I was wearing a tangerine-colored dress in an offbeat way. I completely exuded the classic elegance of a sophisticated beauty.
"Look at you, you'll completely stand out in the crowd for sure!" Mom praised.
I pursed my lips and shook my head down. She never changed at all, always wanting the crowd to focus their attention on me. As a mother, I know she just wanted the best for me. She wants me to be the darling of the crowd, the center of attention, the apple of their eyes. With that being said, I can't blame her for being strict and over protective on me since time immemorial. I admire her for that.
Mom settled her soft hands on my both shoulders, "I'm sure Ellwood and his parents will be delighted to see you!"
I close my eyes and nodded, "Yeah, for sure..." I said, exhaling the words coming out from my mouth.
"Stay here until you're ready, I'll just entertain our guests." She scanned at my wholeness once more and curved a smile before going out.
I sighed deeply, not arguing about what she said like how I did when she said that I should stay here for a few weeks.
I know this was a complicated decision, especially that I haven't informed Gabriel about my absence. I'm not even sure if I still have a work once I go back there. We haven't talk about what happened that night. I only sent him a text that I'll be out of town for this week but he didn't respond.
Our backyard was filled with guests when I got out. Like what I've expected, all eyes turned to me. They all watched how I moved; slowly but surely. The camera flashed simultaneously at every stride of my stilettos as I walk down the grand staircase.
I want to laugh because it seemed like it was my birthday based on how they gave me so much attention. I nodded my head timidly at every guest I pass by and flashed an elegant smile that I have mastered with time, slowly arriving at my parents' table.
"Meredith, hija..." Dad stood up from his seat before embracing me in a hug.
"Happy birthday, Daddy!" I sweetly said. I kissed him on his cheek before withdrawing from his arms.
"Thank you, sweetheart." He tapped my hair, careful not to ruin my hairstyle, and laughed fondly. I pouted my lips as I fell my lashes down like a mousy little girl.
I am his princess and his forever baby. He was never ashamed of showing his sweetness even in front of many people. He also never lacked as a father, he gave me everything I wanted despite my mom strongly contradicting it.
"Dad, can you buy me a new car?"
We're now in front of our breakfast while he's reading the newspaper. He slowly sipped his coffee before bringing the cup to the table.
"How about the car I bought to you on your 15th birthday?" he asked, didn't bother to look at me.
My lips moved. He's talking about the grey Toyota Innova that I don't use often because I prefer to ride on Ellwood's Hilux when I go to school. My mom was the one who used it regularly because it's not my type.
"Mom uses that." I slightly pouted my lips, though I know he can't see it.
"Hmm?" he made a sound, eyes still on that reading paper.
"How about our Ford ranger?" Mom interrupted our very own conversation.
I pouted once again. Here we go again... I rolled my eyes up and focused on my food lazily.
"Your Mom is right, no one uses the Ford. Only Carding and Felicia uses it whenever they shop for groceries."
Oh, right. I dropped my spoon and fork, producing a sound that finally caught Dad's attention. Dad put down his newspaper and look at me with his concerned eyes.
I silently sipped my juice before holding the utensils again.
"And what is it then? Do you have a brand in mind?"
My face almost instantaneously brightened at that. I was about to answer his question but Mom cut me off before I could even utter a word.
"You can use the Innova instead, I'll just use the Ford," Mom interjected.
"Mom, let Carding use the Ford. It will be bothersome for them if there's no car left here for emergency use."
"Then I'll just go with your Dad, since that was our routine in the past, right dear?" Mommy caressed Dad's arm and smiled at him.
I bit my lip, preventing myself to talk more. I chose to eat silently than telling Dad what brand I wanted because I know Mom will oppose. I know it will cost us money, but I badly needed a new car! Not because I don't want to use the old one, but because I really don't have any. I don't want then to compromise their lifestyle just because of a car.
Dad has his own BMW car, Mom and him uses it. The ford is our old car that eventually turned into a car that Carding uses when buying goods. On the other hand, Innova is Dad's gift for me.
I know they can buy it, even the latest one, but they wouldn't. Mom wouldn't, it's her decision and that's final.