Chapter 1 : Dreamt again

“You are not going anywhere. Just do what I said”

Andrew Jones shouted at his daughter, Zara who stood in the middle of the living room staring at him with agony.

Meredith her mother and Jenna her elder sister stood either side of her holding her shoulders hoping to give her strength to withstand Andrew’s anger.

Zara struggled a bit and stepped forward wiping her tears and raised her head high. She should fight for her future and she’s determined to talk to her father

“I will not do as you wish. This is my decision I am going to abroad”

Andrew fumed in anger and wanted to slap her but held back

“You are talking back huh?”

Andrew’s voice was cold and stern. Zara shivered but still didn’t back down

“I am not talking back at you dad. I am talking about my future. Please let me go”

She pleaded him expecting him to agree to her request but didn’t expect him to slap her harshly.

“Ahhhh”

Zara screamed waking up from her sleep and touched her cheek.

“Again!”

Selina Benson, Zara’s friend barged into her room anxiously. Zara scratched her neck awkwardly staring at her friend who stood at the door shooting daggers at her. She got down the bed and hugged Selina before going to the bathroom to wash her face.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror Zara sighed heavily before brushing her teeth. She dreamt about her fight with her dad which happened a year and half ago. Her dad didn’t slap her in reality but he always slapped her in her dreams.

After five minutes she came out of the bathroom to see Selina staring at her without blinking.

“I am fine Selina, please get ready for work”

Zara held Selina’s shoulders and turned her around sending her out of her room.

“It’s been more than a year Zara, why are you still dreaming about that”

At first Selina thought she was having nightmares but later she got used to her screams once in a while because she knew she dreamt about her dad slapping her.

“I would be happy if I knew the answer”

Zara shrugged her shoulders and opened her closet to choose the dress for the day.

“Stop thinking about useless things, you will feel better”

Selina hugged Zara and caressed her hair softly. Zara smiled and nodded gesturing her to get ready. Selina rolled her eyes and left the room.

Staring at her back Zara gave a gentle smile. She is lucky to have Selina. Selina is three years older than her and took care of her when she came to study in this country a half and year ago. Selina is her senior in middle school who came to this country for her further studies just like her.

Selina supported her decision to continue her studies in foreign country. She even helped her in getting part time jobs. Selina always treats her like her little sister.

“What did you cook for breakfast?”

Zara ran down the stairs hurriedly holding her growling stomach .

“Pancakes”

Selina set the plates on the dining table and went to bring maple syrup.

“Ew..I want omelette” said Zara sulking.

“It’s eight already. I should leave for work”

Selina served the food into the plates and ordered Zara to finish her breakfast.

“Take care, call me if you need anything”

After breakfast Selina packed her bag and stood at the door putting on her coat. Zara nodded like a good kid and spoke with a mocking voice

“Okay mommy”

Selina pinched Zara’s cheeks before leaving. Selina always nags Zara like her mother so Zara would call her mommy from time to time.

Zara fought with her father to study in abroad. Finally her wish came true and here she is happily working part time jobs for her expenses and study in her free time. She only have two college working days in a week that is Wednesday and Friday.

She took a Business course as she hates Software. Selina helped her to get two decent part time jobs and she should go to work now. After packing her bags Zara went to the café she is working by her car.

“Hello gorgeous”

Greeted the café manager as soon as she stepped in. Zara smiled at him and started working. She just needs to be in the counter to take the orders. This is very easy but standing continuously for five hours is difficult but she didn’t have a choice.

Morning from nine to two she would work at café and evening from four to eight she would work at supermarket. Two to four is her break time, she would call her family and friends while having lunch.

“Hey mom, How are you?”

She called her mom while eating her lunch she cooked after coming back.

“I am fine Zara, How are you?”

Meredith is so happy to hear her daughter’s voice. She really missed her mischievous daughter. She would always wander in the house with her giggles. If anyone can put her stubborn husband in his place, it’s definitely her younger daughter Zara.

“I am perfect mom, Where is dad?”

Zara holding her spoon tightly. He didn’t talk to her for months. Precisely after she fought with him for her career.

“He is reading book”

Meredith eyed at her husband who is listening to their conversation. Zara lowered her head sadly and stirred the contents in the bowl. When can her father talk to her willingly.

Every time it’s her who would call her dad but he only asks her to take care before passing the phone to her mother.

“Mom tell dad I will come back soon and also tell him that I remember my promise” said Zara before hanging up.

“Why are you so stubborn Andrew?” scolded Meredith glaring at her husband.

“She is living alone miles away from us, can’t you be nice to her?” said Meredith hands on her hips.

“She asked for it, didn’t she? It’s her decision to live alone miles away from us” said Andrew opening his book to read.

“Really!! Then why are you listening to our every conversation? Why are you peeking at her pictures every day in my phone?”

Meredith criticised him mockingly. Andrew didn’t respond but continued reading ignoring his wife. Meredith mumbled something before leaving her husband alone in the living room.

Andrew sighed after Meredith went into the kitchen. He removed his glasses and watched Zara’s photo on the wall when she was one year old. He smiled looking at his cute daughter. He didn’t want her to work hard when she can have everything.

He is angry because she chose to be alone when she can live with her family. He is afraid that she would leave them behind when she gets used to the life in foreign country. So, he took a promise from her as he knows she never goes back on her words.