Chapter 33: Chapter 33

It's Sunday today and next week enrollment will begin. It would be great if we'll just moved as soon as possible. I don't want to leave but I also don't want to disobey my parents' decisions anymore. They know the best for me, the best for us, and I don't want to be a hindrance or a black sheep to this family.

"Samantha."

I immediately turned to my left when I heard Daddy's voice. I weakly smiled at him as he sit beside me. The sun is not very bright today because it is still early.

"How are you?" he asked as he sat beside me.

"I'm fine dad," I replied and bowed. "I want to say sorry about last night."

"Don't mention it, baby." he said that made me teary eyes ay I looked down. The weight on my chest to hear it always bring back the memories when I was young. It's hard to hold back tears, especially when you're not looking at the person you are talking to.

"I'm the one who needs to say sorry to you." I heard him said. He hold my hand that was on the wood part of the bench and hold it. "For the things that I've done and said to my youngest daughter."

That's when I looked up at him. I can't help myself but to stare at those cold eyes but it give me feels that I'm safe. I can't even stop myself from stopping my tears as it slowly flows down towards my cheeks. I'm really sensitive when it comes to my family.

“Daddy, I want to get mad at you. You did it to grandma Flores because you just wanted to be with me again, it doesn't seem fair. Those days when you’re always busy and you barely have time for us. And those times when you made decisions that against my will, it's very unfair. ” I said as I hold his hands.

"I know but I just did that to you because I care for my youngest daughter, and that's you, Jane." He said then sighed. "It was because of you, but I didn't know that you're already strangle from the chain of responsibilities I've given to you."

I was speechless at what he said.

"I want to recover." he paused for a few second. "Please give me a chance to get things right, Jane."

It caused tears to well up in my eyes. The pain I've been keeping is still there. The things I want to clarify to him were still buried. I want to feel the love he has given to us before. Call me a selfish person, but that's just because I've been longing for the care of my family that I wanted to feel for years now. And I'm still waiting.

I smiled warmly at him. "Yes, dad." I hugged him as I said that. I feel him hugged me back.

"Thank you, baby."

***

A week passed by, our flight to U.S got canceled as the Madrigal's, especially Zaine's mother will come here at house to discuss something I don't know. It's been a while since I last saw them.

I'm in the bedroom now and I'm panicking while choosing what to wear. I don't know what to wear. I don’t know if I’m arranging for myself or just for some other reason. I'm not like this. Jeans and shirts are okay with me because I'm more comfortable on that but the situation is different now. We have visitors coming today.

I heard a knock on my bedroom door so I immediately opened it. I saw my mom in front of me as I opened the door. She was holding a blue dress.

“Can I come in?”

"S-sure mom." I startled.

I let her in first before I followed. She looks dazzling in the attire she's wearing. It's just a simple dress for her age but it suits her.

“I have a lot of dress on my wardrobe when I’m still a teen. I'm very used of it. I think you can used them.” she said.

She put the dress on the bed and when I stared at it I was amazed. It was actually a sapphire lacey mini dress with long sleeves. This is beautiful.

"You really like dresses mommy." I said while having a smile on my face.

“Hm, but we’re very opposite, Jane. You like jeans paired with t-shirts. ”

"It's comfortable, mom." I answered as I looked at her. Mom's strict face was still there, which I don't think could be removed from her, but she spoke softly now, unlike before which was always serious. I like the changes of her as days passed by.

“Okay, you’ll wear that. I'll be waiting for the Madrigal's downstairs. ”

"Thank you mommy."

“ No worries, Jane.”

She bid goodbye and all I could do was watch her leave the room. I can't seem to understand my parents. They're far from the parents I've been as I was a child. It feel strange that I am not that happy when in fact, this is my dream.

I just sighed and changed. Fix my hair and put some light make-up. I learned this from my sister a few days ago.

After taking a few minutes, I went downstairs to meet our visitors. I kinda feel excited but at the same time, nervous to what reaction they will give. It's been a while since I have been in a business meeting, if that's what they will do.

I saw my sister helping the housemaids to set the food on the table so I approached them. It looked at my direction and smiled slightly. I picked up the plates and was ready to help when she stopped me.

“You may help mom welcome the guests, Jane. We can handle this. ”

"Ah, all right."

I went to the front door where I saw my mother talking to someone. It's already five in the afternoon and they will have dinner tonight. Just like the last time when we're in the Madrigal's, together with the Waltridge's.

Speaking of the Waltridge, how does James doing lately? He never give some updates and we never have communications now. It just feel different because I'm not used to it. He always bothers me out of time. I just miss those days with him. I really felt comfortable to him as he's my friend, aside from Clifford, Nathan, Luke, Zaine, John and Ethan.

"Good afternoon, Zandra." I heard mommy's greeting. I think they're here.

I peeked in and saw Aunt Zandra with her son Zaine. He's very dashing with his suit. Those fade haircut suits him well. I stood next to mommy and greeted them.

"Good afternoon auntie," I greeted and turned to Zaine. "Good afternoon Zaine."

He looked calmly at me. He give me a half smile and just nodded. She is a bit thinner and dark circles are visible in her lower eyes.

“Good afternoon too, hija. You look stunning.” said Tita Zandra.

" Thank you." I smiled.

"Let's go inside." mommy replied and guided the guests to the table.

I was left at the main door to wait for daddy and older brother. They're in the office right now. They are busy in the plantation they are handling.

I went outside and it's already dark. I saw our guard who was in the guard house. I went near his place. I'll just talk for a while while they wait.

"Hi Lenard." I greeted. He was sipping on his glass when he looked at my direction, he almost blow it out.

"Ma'am Jane!" He put down the glass he was holding. “You surprised me. I'm about to give you this coffee. ” he said.

I laughed at his response. It's my fault.

"Sorry Lenard." I apologize.

“What are you doing here. Don't you have a visitor, ma'am? ” he asked. "And you look good today, ma'am."

"You're really a joker, Lenard!" I laughed. “Yes, they are already inside. I was just waiting for dad and Jack before I entered. I can't interfer about their business. ”

“Is that so, maam? All right. Sit here, ma'am.” He handed me a monobloc chair. I sat there facing our gate.

“Don't call me ma'am, Lenard. Pretty fancy. Just Jane.” I said laughing.

He shook his head. “That's how it should be, ma'am. But if that's what you want, there's no problem. ” he was smiling as he response.

"Don't you have a boyfriend, ma'am—I mean— Jane?" he asked again.

“No! Just crush.” I smiled. I'm pretty comfortable with Lenard because he still looks young even though he's 24, based on him.

"Are you serious ma'am?" he asked a little startled. "My younger, she already has a boyfriend eventhough she's still fourteen"

"Are you making me jealous of her, Lenard?" I ask, laughing. He was shaken and took out a notebook. Someone looked at it and looked into the distance.

“Your visitor's name is Zaine ma'am, right. He is the man with your guest, isn't he? ”

Startled, I nodded.

"Yes, but he's inside now Lenard." my answer.

"No, he's at the door." he said while pointing behind me.

And when I looked at my back, I saw a guy figure went inside.

Is it really Zaine?