CHAPTER 16 - THE DAUGHTER'S PRIDE
On the way to the Montini’s residence Courtney can’t help but get tense since. She’s hoping that her father is not around when she came because she’s still not ready to talk to him.
"Amber! You're finally home mia bambina (my baby girl).” Ariana hugged her daughter tightly.
“Hi Mamà.” Courtney tried to be cheerful but failed to do so.
“How are you?" Her mother felt her coldness.
"Sto bene (I'm fine) Mamà.” Courtney short replied.
"I know only one day passed but I missed having you around." Her mother is holding her as if she was gone for a long time.
“Is Papa around?” She scanned the living room.
"Your Papà called and said he will be a little late for dinner.” Mrs. Montini informed her.
“I see, can I go to my room for a while I need to grab few of my stuff.” Courtney asked permission since she was still imprisoned by her mother’s hug.
“Alright, I’ll be in the kitchen okay?” Mrs. Montini finally set her arms free.
“I just dropped by to pick up some of my things then I'm off my way Mamà.” Courtney indirectly declined her mother’s suggestion.
“Aren’t you staying for dinner?” Mrs. Montini gave a follow-up question.
“I'm still full Mamà but thanks.” Courtney won’t lie about that since she had some sandwich on the way.
“If you’re full then just come join me for dinner just have some coffee.” Her mother offered.
"I really need to be somewhere Mamà perhaps some other time." Courtney tried to sway her mother.
“You know I can’t eat dinner alone, please mia bambina at least join me.” Her mother pleaded.
Two years ago her mother was diagnosed with Orthorexia, it was a eating habits reject a variety of foods for not being “pure” enough. Eventually, people with Orthorexia begin to avoid whole meals that don’t meet their standards or that they don’t make themselves. It was Courtney who made the diagnosis and personally does her weekly session.
“Alright Mamà, I will but I’ll leave after that okay?” Courtney compromised.
“Sure Tesoro.” Her mother agreed.
She head to the stairs and went straight to her bedroom to grab the necessary papers she needed for her work. She decided to get a quick shower since it will save her time and it will give her mind a refresher after a long day. She was in the middle of dressing up when a helper knocked telling her that her mother is already waiting at the dining area. Courtney thanked her and make sure she got everything inside her bag before she closes the door to join her mother.
"Tesoro I hope you forgive your Papà and I.” Her mother speaks while Courtney is serving her food.
"I'm not going to lie Mamà I am still upset." Courtney sat on her usual spot during their meal.
“We were just doing our job as your parents and wanted you to be happy with a real man.” Her mother held her hand.
“I am happy Mamà with my man, why don’t you believe me?” Courtney mentally groaned.
“Tesoro, I’m not saying that I don’t believe you it’s just that you always claimed that you’re in relationship with this guy but we never meet him.” Her mother stated the fact.
“Just because you never met him don’t give you the assumption I’m obsessed with an imaginary boyfriend." Courtney defended herself.
“Please don’t get mad, we are just worried about you and your mental state.” Her mother stops eating for a minute.
“Great now I’m having loose screws.” Courtney uttered in disbelief.
“I consulted Nathalia about it and she said that it is a disorder when making stuff in your head.” Her mother looked her in the eye.
“Does meeting my boyfriend will finally convince you and Papa that I am not crazy and my boyfriend does exist?” Courtney knew this is the only way to get her mother’s side.
“Well on my part yes, tesoro but I highly doubt about your father. He needs more than just one meeting to accept your boyfriend.” Her mother was right on that.
“If you meet him promise me that you will help me with Papa to stop the engagement, is that a good deal?” Courtney suggested.
“I’ll do my best to get your Papa to do that.” Her mother gave her word.
"Considered it done Mamà." Courtney agreed instantly.
“You’ve been checking your watch every five minutes. Do you need to go somewhere at this hour?” Her mother noticed it.
“I have to be in the airport in an hour to meet Ben." Courtney made it up for her to say the next detail.
“But I thought you said he is working overseas?” Mrs. Montini pried more.
“He is but when I told him about that engagement you planned, he went berserk and decided to fly back.” Courtney wanted her mother to feel guilty for what they did.
“Do you think we can meet him this week?” Her mother asked.
“Actually he suggested meeting you this week; he just needs to settle few things then we can come here.” Courtney told her mother in advance.
Courtney wanted to give herself an award for doing such a great job in acting. All she need is to tell Ben about it and then they can set a day for the meeting. She can only hope that it doesn't get awkward because of that almost kissed last night.
“Very well, anyway finish your coffee so you can leave.” Mrs. Montini can tell her daughter answered confidently.
“Alright, Mamà.” Courtney took a sip of her coffee.
Few minutes passed she said goodbye to her mother after making sure the dinner was finished. Her mother followed her to the front yard when a car entered the gate; it was her father’s car.
“I need to go Mamà, I’ll call you soon.” Courtney kissed her mother’s both cheeks.
“Ti amo tesoro (I love you)." Her mother guides her to the car.
“Ti amo anch'io (I love you too) Mamà." Courtney opened her car door while Mr. Montini car approached them.
Courtney did not acknowledge her father instead she turned on her engine and drove away without looking back. It was around nine in the evening when she reached her place and decided to text Ben about her interaction with her mother but she didn’t receive any response until she fell asleep.
