Crook Smile
“It’s been a while, Lulu. I’m sorry, I’ve been so busy with stuff lately.” I said to Lulu.
She narrowed her eyes on me while she sipped on the frappe she ordered for us. Unlike the usual, we are not in the library. We met up in the first mall Aciel and I went to.
I just had my classes done. We texted and agreed to meet here.
”Yeah. I know right. It’s been quite a while.”
She put emphasis on each word she uttered. I can’t help but to raise a brow. I’m still panting a bit because I just arrived.
I checked my phone while removing my blazer and trying to put my curiosity on Lulu. I’m so stressed!
Aciel doesn’t know I met with Lulu. But that’s fine. Sibal is with me. For sure he’ll know.
”So, what are you up to these days? You told me you’re busy. Except for studies.” she signed her hands intimidatingly.
”What more? Just school of course.” I shrugged and sipped into my frappe as well.
She smiled wickedly. “You’re glowing.” she even winked.
I hissed and shook my head. She’s like Zoey. Keep on pointing out things that they find odd.
”If you don’t want to tell me, it’s fine.” she shrugged.
”Lulu can we just get straight into our point. What is it that you want to tell me?”
She played hard to get. I rolled my eyes and sighed. Alright, as if I have a choice. In fact, it’s not that I want to hide it from her, it’s just that I’m shy to tell it.
”Kyaaaah!” she shrieked after I told her the story she wanted to hear.
”Lulu!” I scolded her because we’ve stolen people’s attention already.
”What? I knew it ! I freaking knew it!”
She’s almost hysterical. Lulu and Zoey should really meet. I wonder how they will blow up together.
”Gosh! I knew it, Alia. I knew you’re gonna end up together. Finally!”
”What?” I laughed.
”Just looking at that man, Christ! He’s clearly head over heels with you, Alia.”
”Maybe that’s not it.” I denied.
”Maybe it is. Damn. I’m just so happy my ship ended up together.” she giggled.
I can’t do anything but to shake my head with all of the things she’s saying. We spent most of our time with her asking about our whereabouts, until our conversation sailed into my father’s.
”So I guess, your plans are done now? Your father’s,”
I pursed my lips. I’ve been thinking about it lately. I knew deep in myself that I’m still longing for something. Those men who mistreated me maybe went into jail but that doesn’t end there.
I still need to look for my father. Because he’s the only way I could find my mother. And I needed to talk to him, because I feel like we have so much to settle. I want him to see me like this. I want to hear straight into his mouth that he’s at least sorry, or if not I’ll still accept it. I just want to know why. Why did he do all that to me?
”He’s still wanted.”
Lulu nodded at my statement.
”That means he’s still on the run.”
Her looks at me changed oddly. I’m afraid that she’ll judge me by my simple decision.
”I still need to look for him. No matter what.”
Lulu sighed. I don’t know what that sigh means. I just knew that she'll always be there to help me.
While we were having our conversation, I didn’t manage to forget to always check my phone to see messages I’m waiting for. It’s from Aciel of course. So the last time I checked it, I’m surprised to see a different number registered on my screen.
Unknown Number:
This is not where you want to be, Alia. I’m waiting for your answer.
I felt bitter right away. I don’t want to be in his position as well. That’s what he should know. People like him, it will always be all about hollowness and anger. And that’s not where I want to be.
Aciel made me forget about those, and they also need people like that in their lives. I’m thankful I have him. I just wish that he deserves me too, because I’m honestly thinking that he might be too much for me. That he’s too good that I don’t deserve him anymore.
“I’ll catch up with you as soon as I have a lead.” Lulu said.
”No. Let’s catch up on normal days. I’ll be glad to hear anything from you. I apologize for being busy these days. I’m still adjusting to this kind of life.”
She smiled sweetly and embraced me. I embraced her as well and soon, we parted ways.
I messaged Sibal that I’ll be going straight to the parking area. We’ve been like this since I went to university. He’s always out of my sight which is good for me since it makes me feel like I’m alone.
I exit through the gate where the car is parked. I waited outside because Sibal will just pick me up from here based on our conversation as well. I waited there while messaging Aciel that I’ll be going home now, when someone bumped into me.
My forehead furrowed because of confusion. There’s not many people here. In fact, I’m the only one standing in the corner waiting, and it’ll be weird for someone to bump into me.
”Sorry,”
I look up into the man’s face. I wasn’t able to see it well because of the slightly dark spot outside. The man’s wearing a cap and ragged clothes. Wearing a backpack and combat boots.
I cocked my head to see his face and to my horror, I saw my father’s crook smile. Fear registered into me that my body froze like I’m struck by lightning. That short span of time felt like a lot.
The car stopped in front of us and he was smirking at me at the same time. Everything turned into slow motion. I was filled with fear, horror and anxiety. I thought I was prepared for this. I thought I’m strong enough to face him when the time came. But seeing him now, I’m wrong. Because the truth is I’m not.
