The Half of Happines

Oh My. 

It's real?

I can't believe it!

After receiving my graduation two months ago. Mom and dad finally agreed that I would continue my studies at Harvard University. Luckily I was accepted into one of the faculties there, Harvard Graduate School of Design. Oh, I can't wait to be a new student.

"Bridgette, what's going on? What are you screaming about?" asked mom at my door.

I quickly grabbed my laptop, revealing the monitor screen with the writing on it.

Without me asking, mom read it carefully. Soon mom smiled and gave me a gentle peck on the forehead.

"I'm so proud of you, Honey."

"Thanks mom. I love you."

"Me too. So, wanna help me? We'll make a celebration for you.

"No need, Mom. It'll be too much trouble."

"You're doubting mom, ehm?"

"It's not that, I mean—“ 

My words were cut off and stuck in the air. Mom pulled my hand towards the kitchen. It didn't take long for the once clean kitchen to turn into quite a mess.

                                                                                                                         ***

"Mom, Dad, I'll go see Axe first."

Mom nodded slowly. Besides me, mom's gaze also looked full of question marks when Axe suddenly left after dinner was over. I think there's something that Axe is hiding. I don't know, it feels like there's nothing wrong with mom's words. Mom had previously opened up about other reasons for the slightly different dinner this time. But it seems that thanks to mom's words, Axe's mood has changed. His face was suddenly cold and his gaze sharpened. I could see Axe clenching his hands, as if there was an emotion he couldn't get out. Is Axe angry that I'm going to Harvard? But why?"

"Axe, are you inside?"

The wait was long enough. I think if I waited even a little longer, the door wouldn't open. It was so quiet in there, like there was no sign of life.

Was it possible that Axe wasn't inside? But how could he be? Meanwhile, I caught up with him after a few minutes of Axe leaving the dining room.

"Axe, there you are?" Again, I was still trying to wait for his response. But my hand was getting itchy to turn the door knob. I didn't. I didn't mean to be presumptuous. You know what? I'm just a little worried. Like something was bothering me about Axe's behavior earlier.

When I entered the big room. The first thing I found was darkness. The wind from outside came in, letting the cold take over my body. Groping the wall, I searched for the light switch and pressed it.

The room instantly lit up. The next thing I saw was Axe asleep on my back with the blanket covering almost his entire body.

I approached, first closing the wide-open window and then sitting on the side of the bed. Oh, if I'm being honest. I still can't believe I have a brother as handsome as Axe. He's amazing, really. Although sometimes I don't understand his rapid changes in demeanor.

I'm sure I'll miss the man in front of me a lot. A few months ago we were just brought together and later we'll go our separate ways. Next week I will fly to New York. Starting a new life as an independent girl.  Yes, I'll be living in a dormitory as a student at Harvard. Excitement and sadness filled my heart. I can't bear to leave my hometown, London. But what do I do, my future is in my hands, right?

"What are you doing here?" Axe's deep, husky voice brought me to my senses.

"Did I wake you up? Then I'm going out," I whispered softly as I stood up.

"Come with me." Axe held my wrist. His eyes looked at me seriously, as if he didn't want to be argued with

"If you're lonely. Just find a partner," I joked, never having seen him with a single woman other than mom and me.

"I'm just interested in you."

Eh. My cheeks suddenly heated up.

"I was joking."

Damn Axe. Instead of calming me down, I think my cheeks became even redder. Does he really enjoy teasing people like that. But I don't think he was joking with me. His voice was clearly flat, there was no note of amusement there. Of course I could tell the difference between someone telling a joke and someone who wasn't.

"Go on. I need to rest."

"You're kicking me out?"

"Did you change your mind?"

"You asked me to accompany you," I continued.

"Yes," Axe replied as he turned his body to face me. Okay. It seemed like Axe was really not in a good mood this time. He really changed his mind, not wanting to be bothered and not wanting me.