12th Dîsciplê Episode 35

I sar on the floor for a long time, waiting for mum to come out from the mall.

I was tired of weeping already and just remained quiet on the floor. But shortly, I had some company.

“Danica?”

I turned to see who had called my name and my eyes beamed when I discovered it was the woman from the other night – the night of the Royal banquet.

She looked richly dressed, as usual, but also looked surprised.

“Your name is Danica….right?” She asked and I nodded slowly.

“You still remember me?” She asked and I nodded again.

Then, she dropped to a crouch in front of me.

“Why are you here alone? Have you been crying?”

I sniffed and didn’t say a word. I couldn’t say a word cause I was scared of pouring more tears.

“Come on”. She hushed and held my hands, lifting me from the floor.

And we stood,,facing each other.

“What’s the problem, darling? Why have you been crying?” She asked, but I still couldn’t say a word as I just bent my head ruefully, staring at the floor.

“Hey; you can talk to me. Do you want us to go sit somewhere?” She asked and I shook my head, then looked at her.

“You don’t have to worry about me, ma’am. I’m just…” I paused and sniffed.

“I just have a lot going through my mind, ma’am. And I…I want to be alone”.

“Oh, dear…” She cooed and I could sense pain in her voice. “What is the problem? You can feel free to talk to me. I can be of help”.

For a second, her offer was tempting. For a second, I felt so eager to hug her and follow her to wherever she had in mind. I felt so safe.

“Maya?” I suddenly heard a voice and turned to see it was mum.

Oh, no. She’s back!

The woman in front of me scoffed and clearly looked surprised seeing mum.

“Kim?” She called in return, her hand falling from mine.

Mum looked at me, then back at her.

“What’re you doing with her, Danica? Come over here!” She snapped, but I didn’t move.

I was a little confused. Did they know each other?

The woman looked at me, having a quizzical look on.

“Let me guess….she’s the daughter you had in jail?” She asked.

“And how is that any of your business? Have you gone deaf, Danica? Come over here, now!!” Mum yelled and I ran towards her.

Oh my! What’s going on?

The woman – Maya – scoffed and crossed her hands.

“It’s such a pleasant surprise, Kim. Never thought you’d be getting out of jail anytime soon” she said sarcastically.

“Yeah. And I never thought I’d come out to meet a b’tch like you still alive” mum replied and my eyes dimmed.

Whaaaaat???

Maya chuckled and tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Well….I must confess, Kim. You still look so beautiful – even after spending 18 years in jail. Prison does look good on you. I think you were born to be a criminal”.

“How dare you…?” Mum tried attacking her, but I was fast enough to hold her back.

“Don’t touch me!” She snapped and pushed my hand away from hers.

I stared at the woman in surprise. What problem does she have with mum?

“Oh! I shouldn’t be seen around talking to a lowlife like you, Kim. I just feel so bad for the poor thing you have as a daughter. She clealry doesn’t deserve you. Get a life”. She rolled her eyes and walked away, leaving me in shock.

*

*

After the encounter, mum’s mood got worst. She looked bittered and angry and I avoided talking to her so she doesn’t transfer her anger on me.

As soon as we got home, she ignored grandma in the sitting room and climbed up the stairs.

“Kim!” Grandma who’d been working on some clothes in the sitting room called, but she didn’t stop to look at her or say a word.

Grandma was undoubtedly shocked and looked at me.

“What happened to her? What’s wrong?” She asked,confused. And I just shrugged.

*

*

Bitna

I was watching some movies in the sitting room when the door opened and I turned to see it was mum.

Oh! Finally.

“Hi mum” I beamed as she came close and sat next to me on the couch.

I stood up and gave her a peck.

“Baby, how’re you doing?” She asked, sounding tired. Not just tired, but upset.

“I’m fine, mum. I wasn’t expecting you home today” I said with a playful eye roll.

“Yeah…luckily, I was able to finish up in time for today. Is your dad home?”

“Yes. He’s upstairs. Um…are you okay, mum? You look kind of upset”.

I’m fine. I’m just…”

She paused and sighed. “I met someone I never thought I’d see in a long time. Someone that actually ruined my mood”,,

Huh?

“Really? Who’s it?” I asked curiously.

That was actually the first time mum was speaking ill about someone.

“She’s.,..”

We heard footsteps and discovered it was dad, climbing down the stairs.

“You should get some sleep, Kim. Its late”, mum quickly said, and I was shocked to know she was changing the topic.

I stared at her without saying a word until dad was close.

“Love, you’re back” he beamed and mum stood up to give him a side hug.

“Yes, hon. How was work today?”

‘Ugh! Stressful…”

I stood up with my phone and laptop.

“I’ll be in my room”. I muttered to no one in particular and took the stairs.

What was mum hiding?

My phone awakened with a ring, snapping me out of my thoughts and I picked after discovering it was Jeong.

“Hey, girlfriend!” She beamed

“Hi”, I muttered casually as I walked into my dazzling room and kept my laptop on the bed.

“Still awake? How’re you doing?” She asked.

“I’m fine, Jeong – I guess”.

‘Okay then. I actually called to check up on you. The presentation’s tomorrow, remember? How’re you coping with Alex?”

“That guy’s a complete jerk! I’m pretty sure he’s gonna make me fail. He acts like a dumb@as” I grumbled as I sat on the bed.

“Oops! Calm down, Bitna”, she laughed.

“So, you mean your presentation is likely to be wrong? Oh, no. Danica might actually beat you to it again. And to think she was paired with the prince…”

Urgh!!! I fisted my hand angrily. Why the hell did she have to mention her name?

“Damn it! I hate that lady!” I cursed angrily.

I ruffled my hand, thinking of what it would look like, having her humiliate me again. Everyone’s gonna see me as a joke!

“Bitna, you need to….”

“Jeong, wait!” I said when an idea suddenly popped into my head.

I ran my eyes around, fixing the plan.

“What is it, Bitna?”

“Perfect!” I beamed.

Yes,perfect!!

I smiled happily.

“I think I know a way of preventing Danica from attending the presentations with the prince”, I said with a smirk.

“I’ll make her run out of school tomorrow”.