I wake up at the sound of my alarm clock. It's already morning. I get off from my bed reaching to the window. The sky is clear. But my mind is gazing at the yesterday's incident.
The vision of the man lifts up my chin.
You know everything right now aren't you.
Yeah....I know everything. The truth I never expected.
I recall the event.
I remember what I said back then. Yes, I accept to be his wife. He saved me from death. In return, he wants me. I don't know why. But I will do it. For my family's sake and for...me. This is just a promise. It's not a love marriage. Talking about marriage, I know it's mean nothing. I can say it's a forced proximity.
I let out a small sigh. Today is the day, I will be moving to his estate. He can bring me in his estate yesterday. But he didn't. So many things happened.
But I am not exhausted. Because I have to do many things that my tiredness doesn't matter. But I will strong. He thinks he can have me as his puppet. He will never.
"In school "
I sit on my chair. Gazing at the school window.
To my estate. No. Not mine now. Ours. Little Lily.
I couldn't shake off the thoughts. It's ringing all over my head. What a mysterious man. He didn't tell me his name. Not told me why he is calling me " Little Lily".
First, Rai gave me "muddy" name and now even that man calling me "Little Lily". Although, it's kind a... cute nickname.
W-what am I thinking?! I shake my head.
'Hey girl, what are you thinking'. I snapped from my thoughts.
And now Rei's face in front of me. I startled. 'Geez...Rei don't come like this. You scared me.
She giggle. 'Looks like you in deep thoughts. I called your name many times, but you didn't answer'.
Oh! I did not notice. No, no I should focus on my class. 'Nothing special'. Yeah, I shouldn't tell Rei about this. I don't let her worried about me. I can handle it . I have to.
'Really Muddy? If you have something to your mind you can talk to me. Okay...don't hesitate'. Rei said cheerfully. I smiled.
'Okay everyone. Back to your seat. We are beginning our class now'.
Teacher Wright entered the classroom and spoke. She always shining like sun. Her long jade-green hair. Shining orange eyes always capture everyone attention.
Yep, that's why every boy in this school likes her. Now I can see all boys in this class are staring at her with dreamy eyes.
'Did you all hear about "Years abilities" '. Everyone in class shared a confused look. 'It's positive. All of you just join the school. Don't worry I will explain you'.
I did heard about it. But not in detail.
'Every year, ShiKai high school holds a ceremony. It's like a test more than a ceremony. In this event, the first-year class will have a competition with second year class'.
Everyone looks disbelief. Even me. A boy raised his hand.
'Teacher, what is the theme about the competition'.
Wow. Looks like he is trying to understand teacher's statement while everyone looks worried. Although, I am a little worried too.
'Well, it's about your knowledge, how much knowledge do you have to keep the surrounding in control. If you can beat the opponent class, you can all accomplish high grades that could be useful in future'.
Everyone's eyes glow. If we can succeed. All we can accomplish high grades. That's amazing.
'But if you failed your grades will go down. So be careful'.
Yep, there will always a downfall. 'Now, let me explain the test. There will be five events in this test.
One is basketball.
Two is tennis.
Three is written.
Four is argument debate.
Five is chess.
You all have to win this contest. It's heard like simple but don't let your guard down. The opponent class is very skillful. But there will captain who will lead the class'.
Everyone looked at themselves. We don't know each other's. And choosing leader is something.
'I know it's sudden. But for class, it's important. Then I will choose one person'.
The atmosphere in class is tense. Everyone is thinking who is the person? I am excited. It's not like I will chose.
'I will say....Haric. You can be leader'. A boy stands from his sit. The one who raised his hand to ask the question.
' For this project's leader. leading the class. all you have. But She said. Everyone shooting him glance. It's my first time hearing his name. I saw him sometimes around.
'Alright, I will do my best'. He said with unpredictable expression. He never talked with anyone. Not anyone dare to try approach him.
'Then I am counting on you all. Don't stress too much. Try to focus on your test steadily'.
"End of class"
I sigh. To much happened this week. Today teacher announced that we will have a test. A week. The time. A new leader. Haric. I don't know how things will be go. but Haric as a leader, from my opinion he is not bad. He's not a talkative person but his results are great.
He solves many questions that a single person can't. Guess, that's why teacher choose him. Alright! I will do my best too. As a member, I will try to help for the project.
Yes, I want to. I told Rei not to come with me. I need some time alone. I reached to my house.
'I am back'. No answer. It's afternoon. Looks like mom and dad are sleeping. They are sleeping this time for rest. Not every day. They worked hard. I hope they have some rest like this often.
I changed my clothes and started packing my things. When the sun will get down and the darkness will invent the sky. I will be not here anymore.
I took a look at my surroundings. My room. Where I slept, studied. This house. My childhood. I recall all the fun things I did with my family and my friend. I never thought I will leave this place so soon. A tear rolls from my face. I wipe it with my hands. I shouldn't cry. It's my decision. There's no reason for sad. But still.
I stand from the floor and hold a photo frame. My 8th birthday. Me who is standing middle of my family. Smiling happily. My mom and dad standing at my side. Smiling. Rei is also there. Bring her hand to pass the cake in my mouth. What an amazing time that was. Now...all this...is a memory.
But it's okay. Many things will be come in life. Happiness, sadness. But treasure the happy memories will brings joy. They will not repeat. But it will always repeat in mind.
The door opened. My mom came in the room. I surprised to see her.
'I thought you and dad had sleeping'.
'We were. But I awake at the sound of the front door opened'.
She looked at my bag. 'You done packing?'
I nod. 'Sorry, for wake you up'. I said with a low voice.
'Don't say sorry. I am the one.... who should apologize. For twisted your life'. Mom apologizes.
I couldn't say anything. Just looking at the photo silently. I didn't blame her. She wants my life to go well. But everything is always not gone well.
She came to my side. Hugged me. Again, I couldn't say anything.
'I don't deserve your apology. My dream is to see you happy. See you opening your locked heart. The full smile of your face. As a mother I don't want anything. Sorry, for didn't become a qualified mother. Not become someone you can open your heart'.
I always a locked hearted person. Not fully open like Rei. But I like myself as I am now. But sometimes....I feel myself as a stone. A stone that tries to dig many times to break. But it's just only created scars.
Tears rolling continuously from my eyes. I am crying. I don't cry usually but I cried now. From the bottom of my heart. I didn't recall when the last time I cried.
I Hugged her back. Mom did not say anything.
I feel another warm arm around me. Dad Hugged me silently too. I feel my heart is warming. When my parents Hugged me. I feel warm. For every child's comfort place is their parents. For me too.
I will cherish this memory. I will have a new life from today. But it's okay. I will be fine. To create another happy memory.