Chapter 3

After our transaction, I decided to go to the mall to go shopping. I wanted to buy clothes, bags, and shoes for my closet at my new condo. I also look for something that I think I will need. I turned around and looked at Nikki. 

“I don’t have anything in the kitchen, right?” she asked. 

“Yes, Ma’am.” He answered. I nodded at him and decided to go to the kitchen department of the mall. Nikki got me a pushcart. I get everything I need. Utensils, plates, glasses, and other kitchenware. I also get a rice cooker, blender, and coffee maker. 

“I’ll just buy the other stuff later. That’s it for now.” I said before I went to the cashier. Niki fell in line for me. I just gave him my card. 

“I forgot something,” I uttered. I looked at Nikki, “I’ll be back. Don’t worry. No one will happen to me here.” I said before I left him there. 

I went to the supermarket to look for some snacks to eat. I got some gummy bears, potato chips and chocolates. I also got some noodles. When I was about to get the one pack of ramen, someone grabbed it. I looked irritatedly at the person who got my ramen. I saw a man who was wearing a black hoodie. He was so tall that I needed to slightly look up at him because I’m only up to his chest!

“That was mine!” I said and tried to get back my ramen but he moved it away from me. 

“I got it first,” he said. His voice sounds… sleepy?

“But that was the last stock,” I said. He removed the hood of his jacket and I blinked many times because of how he looked. He… is so handsome! He looked like that boy next door type of guy! Plus, he has curly hair that looks so good on him! 

“Ma’am?” I heard Nikki’s voice behind me. The man looked at Nikki then, he looked back at me again. I almost gasped when our eyes met. He has beautiful hazel eyes and long eyelashes. He looked sleepy and tired so I felt pity for him. 

“You can have that. It’s unhealthy for me anyway.” I said softly before giving him a small smile. But that man just turned his back on me after he shook his head! What the hell? He was so rude! He didn’t even say thank you to me!

“What the…” I muttered as I looked in his disbelief until he was gone in my sight. Nikki had already settled everything that I bought and it was already in the car and some were to be delivered tomorrow.

We arrived home at seven in the evening because we still put the things I bought in the condo. I am shocked to see my parents in the living room. Since I arrived, this is the first time I saw them. Finally, I looked like a child who was caught entering the home after her curfew. 

“Your brother said you bought a condo.” Mom said right as I walked towards them. Dad was just sitting on the other couch as he sipped his tea. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t even greet me. I sighed. 

“Good evening Mom, and Dad,” I said before I gave them a kiss on their cheeks. 

“Where is that condo?” Mom asked. I licked my lips before I looked at her. 

“Why?” I asked. Mom rolled her eyes at me. 

“Why buy a condo, Kathy? You can stay at this house,” she said. I know this. She will protest and argue with me again.

“This house doesn't even feel like home,” I muttered. Mom seemed to hear what I said the reason why she parted her lips and looked quite taken aback. 

“Kathy,” Dad called me. Looks like he also didn’t like what he heard from me. I sighed heavily. 

“Let her.” I looked at Kieffer who just entered the house. “Let her do whatever she wants, Mom and Dad. She’s not a kid anymore,” he said. Kieffer was the only one who took my side. I smiled at him. “You would not let her go here if she’s still not safe, after all. Plus, she learned self-defense and Nikki was there,” he added. Then, he also kissed Mom and Dad's cheeks. 

“Nobody even knows that you have a daughter,” he added seriously. Mom cleared her throat and looked away while Dad acted like he heard nothing. I bit my lower lip before I went beside Kieffer. He smiled at me. His smile looked like he was saying that he always got my back.

Mom looked at Dad before she sighed. “Alright. Fine. Do whatever you want.” she surrendered. “But you’ll still come here, right?” Mom asked sadly. 

“Of course,” I assured her. Then, she nodded and gave me a warm smile, and opened her arms wide. Kieffer slightly pushed my back for me to come forward. 

“Welcome back, my princess.” Mom said as soon as I hugged her. I buried my face in her neck and hugged her tightly. She may be quite strict and protective of me but she is still a warm mother to me. A mother who always has her welcoming arms. 

“How about me?” Dad said, sulking jokingly. I chuckled and went to him to also give her a big hug. I felt him kiss my temple as he wrapped his big arms around me and tapped my back like he was putting a baby to sleep. 

“I missed you so bad. I’m sorry if we were not home when you came. There a lot of work-”

“It’s okay. I understand.” I cut him off. I’m used to hearing those reasons. I kept on hearing that a thousand times. 

Daddy sighed. “Thank you,” he whispered softly. I only nodded my head that was on his chest as I hugged him tighter. 

“Everything is alright, right?” I asked. I felt him stop tapping my back but he continued after a few seconds. 

‘Of course, honey. Everything’s alright.” he answered before he let go of me and looked at my face. When he caressed my cheeks, I saw that longing and happiness in his eyes so I smiled widely at him. 

“Let’s eat dinner!” Mom said cheerfully so we all nodded at her, went to the kitchen, and ate joyfully. After so many years, we finally ate dinner as a whole and were happy again.