My word stands

Finally, I got to finish work earlier than I expected since this was a weekend. For some strange reasons, my boss has been so overwhelmed and as I suspected, he must've been bribed to choose me. Because I still don't get why in the world was I the only one who got chosen. Do they mean they came all the way from their main branch to this local area just for one person which was me!? No way! Like not in the hell could that ever be the reason because I know we have sub-branches like this which are way explosive and successful with greater intellect than the branch I work in.

I don't underestimate my capacity. It's just that this whole thing feels really weird that Leonel gets to come to this branch of all the branches in New York!

I have been stocking up documents my boss handed to me and it seems like he has no plan of letting me go and now that I planned on meeting my parents before heading home, this whole thing will eat up the time for my journey.

Everywhere is calm and I scan the entire hall just to see the last person I greeted this morning before receiving a surprising welcome in my bosses' office leaving me, my boss, and this echo room.

Shoving the thought of wanting to strangle my boss for making me stay back, I concentrated on what was keeping me here. As soon as I was done, I rose and headed to his office with a desolate expression after disappointedly having a long and stressful day, and slammed the files on his desk. I believe that was a clear note telling me I was tired and needed rest still he worsens it by giving me a tighter schedule for tomorrow.

All these because he wants to explore my potentials before I head to the main branch. I won't let him go on with this talk though he pays me just as every other person should be paid for his/her handwork that doesn't mean I should be enslaved.

Sighing, I gather up the courage and let out these few words "Could I please go now?"

"I'm not done with what I want to say" he lets out which caused me to fold my arms and raised my brows

"What you want to say!? Do you think this is some kind of joke! You mean all these speeches you've been babbling; you haven't said what you want to say?" I say giving him the most serious look he has ever received from me and my eyes piercing into his.

He looks a little taken aback by my words and utters "I'm sorry I took you so long. It was necessary to give you this information- "

"You know what? You could take all the time you got and say whatever you want to say to the walls, files, and all the PC's in this building but as far as I am concern, my day has ended!" I responded walking out of his office not giving him a chance to speak.

Before I knew it, I was on the roadside waiting to take a taxi. I walked a little father so, I could get one faster. While I was moving hurriedly in other to catch up with the time lost, I collided with this huge personality, and the only thing I registered after that was his fragrance. The sun was already setting and people were heading home to get themselves refresh so, finding someone with such a fresh scent during this period is so mesmerizing.

Without noticing his face or appearance I excused myself moving even quicker than before because I felt embarrassed.

I ended up having a taxi which drove me to my parent's place. My mom gave me their new location and I began wondering why they choose to stay here when they have a house out of town. Whatever it's none of my business anymore. The only reason I'm going there now is that I want to listen to what they have to say. Nothing less, not more.

We arrived surprisingly easier than I imagined, I paid the taxi and took off to the address given. I was shocked standing before a beautiful house with a small garden in front of it which I'm certain is my mom's handwork. Living in such a house in New York is very expensive to say though the accommodation is worth trying.

I doubt they're the ones paying for it. Someone must have accommodated them though I can't guess who exactly because if I can recall, I was the only child. And even if the was another, from the time I left till now, I don't think he/she will be above 9 years hence, could never be able to assist this much. Except my dad had a child out of the home. Could that be?

I sigh waving with my hands the thoughts evolving in me causing me to stay at a spot for some time before moving further and ringing the bell.

Within seconds, my mom opens the door for me to look healthier than she used to be. I couldn't make eye contact with her for long because I was nervous and my heart pounded very fast. We just stood there as she kept looking at me as though she has never seen a creature like me.

"I'm sorry for my manners… I'm really surprised you came…at the same time happy and sad and- "

"Could you just let me in already or we're going to talk outside?" I questioned running out of patience and not in the mood to hear any of her sweet talks.

She instantly gave way for me and I walked in fiercely like the lady I am though I was getting really nervous to know why I was called here.

Directing me with her hands ahead, I found myself in the main living room where my dad was seated prepared to receive me. He stood up at the sight of my appearance and I blinked my eyes uncontrollably towards him than to my mom.

"Let's get this done. What is it that you guys want to talk to me about?"

My mom started heading to what seems like a dining room while my dad still stood there not taking his eyes off me.

"Brithney baby…why don't you just have a seat so we could talk this out properly" My dad suggested gesturing his hand to the couch opposite him.

I immediately followed his gesture for a mile second then rolled my head to the side where my mom seems to be coming back from the supposed dining room with a semi smile on her lips and a glass of water in her hand.

I squinted my eyes at her behavior and recalled that I just asked a question which no one has given a response yet.

Moving towards my direction, she stops before me with concern clearly visible in her eyes than hands over the glass of water she has been holding.

I looked at it as though the was something poisonous within then looked back at her followed by my dad who was facing us on the other side of the room.

I can't believe they are acting as though nothing took place in the past. They may think this is a good way to win back the trust I once lost for them but what remains is I will not fall for this shit! I came here for one reason which they all must be aware of and not that they should behave nicely towards me because gone are the days I needed those but they were nowhere to be found.

With all these thoughts running in my mind I nodded my head physically which if I'm not mistaken, my dad began curving up a smile on his face not knowing I meant something else until I uttered.

"My previous words stand. If there isn't a response to my question, then I should take my leave"

I was about leaving when my dad called "Baby…" I froze on my spot staring at the ground

"Could you please let us treat you as we oath to like your parents? We know we can't make up for the time lost but we could ride over it and make this the best of our moments with you" he continued

Gently turning around, I looked at him like crazy while my mom walked towards me with sympathy "I agree with your dad… And I know this going to be a difficult step for you but we could just start from here, just the three of us… and the food waiting for us on the dining table. I made your favorites just the way you loved it. Except you have new favorites now which I don't mind making another for you"

"No!" I responded formally "No I won't let both of you ruin my life once again! I've gone through so much without you and I do not need your care, assistance, or whatever you call it. And the point of correction dad we never had any moments not mentioning having "the best moment" with any of you now. Considering your words mom, yes I have new favorites you can't make for me because you will need me telling you exactly how it is supposed to be cooked which was something you could've done a long time ago. Again, even if I seat with both of you as though nothing took place, it won't be for long before you all try to control my life! Regardless of that, I won't be able to put aside those hard moments even if I tried to because I have a new family now. They are the world to me and have always been there to support me even when I am in the wrong. They never stayed back though they had their own bloodline family. They may not be my direct sisters but we made the best of each other and their family loved our company hence acknowledged it by helping with my feeding, housing, and other needs. All these people who I call my family were not around when I was born. They didn't know what I'm allergic to or not! They didn't know my preferences. But they made me happy with the little they had. And I do not think you could ever make the best of moments from that. Not now, not tomorrow, not ever!"

They became speechless after listening to my words as guilt spread throughout their faces.

"Baby…" my mom called

"Don't baby me! I'm not your baby and was never one. You don't drive babies out to fend for themselves self-neither do you disown them! So, stop calling me that both of you!"

"If you don't mind, I need to take my leave" still about turning around my mom spoke

"Dear…there's one more thing you need to know"

"Could both of you please just let me leave already- "

"We're bank rubbed" my mom stated instantly cutting my words and shrugged the second time longer than the first.

I had not completely turned around so I repositioned myself looking into my mom's eyes with amusement then at my dad in the same measure.

"What a straight forward sarcasm! You know… the first thing I noticed immediately I stepped out of the taxi was the beauty of this house but I became almost stateless when you let me in. And hearing this from you, common!!"

"We're not playing dear. This house is accommodation from…" my mom looked at my dad for some strange reason unable to complete her statement

"Well, we just want you to be careful not to- "my mom was stopped by a familiar voice

"I'm I missing out something here?"

Angling my head and forming my eyes into a tin line, I stare at the individual with the familiar voice not able to completely register if my eyes have bad sights or my memory is just playing against my view.

But no, the person before me with a sharp edge square face, deep brown eyes, and curled up dark hair was no other person but Leonel.

Just like the feeling I had this morning after seeing him at my boss' office, I felt the same now in a triple portion. Not because I saw him in my parent's house, but because he didn't come from the main door means he was here all along.

To be continued…