Chapter 3 3

"Mom, where's Cassy?" she asked her mother, noticing that her youngest sister wasn't at the dinner table.

She was 17 and in her senior year of high school. They were only two siblings. Their mother was a full-time housewife, while their father worked in the United States as an IT specialist for over ten years now. He rarely came home, maybe twice a year. Despite that, they didn't feel too lonely because they skyped with him every day.

"She called earlier. She said she'll be home late because she has a dinner date with her boyfriend. It's their anniversary today."

Her eyes narrowed.

"And you allowed it? Mom, do you know they have exams next week? She should be studying now."

"Vee, let your sister be. She's a responsible kid, and we all trust her. Your father knows about this too. If they have exams next week, well, she already has her inspiration." Marie said with a smile.

"You call it inspiration? It's more like a distraction for me. I don't see the point of going out on a date when you have more important things to do in your life." she retorted.

"Having fun is part of life, dear. Besides, it's normal for people her age to go on a date. I know the guy and I trust she'll be safe with him."

She shook her head. She continued eating, thinking about the presentation she needed to finish for her brokers' training the next day.

"Vee, when are you planning to live your life? When you're already old and time has passed you by? You should enjoy yourself, not just work all the time. It's hard to die rich but alone. Your father and I keep reminding you about this, but it seems like you're not listening." Marie said.

Here they go again. The same old talk for almost five years since she finished college. Before, her parents didn't meddle with her life choices. But lately, it has become a recurring topic. They keep pestering her to get a boyfriend. Since when did having a man in your life become the basis for happiness? Were they implying sex? Ugh.

"Mom, what good would it do me to have a boyfriend?"

"Happiness. Fulfillment. The feeling of being useful, not just to yourself and your family, but to other people as well. The knowledge that you bring joy to someone's life. Dear, there are many things in the world that money can't buy. Look at Cassy, she doesn't have achievements like yours, she's not even at the top of her school, but between you two, I think she's happier."

She's known for a long time that she and Cassy are opposites. Her sister is cheerful and has many friends. Cassy's happiness is simple, give her a new laptop or a new outfit and she's content.

While she seemed to struggle to smile. It's also hard for her to make friends, even if she wanted to. Her family was all she had. But, she was happy. Honestly, she was happy. The success and recognition she received at work were enough to keep her going. Her parents couldn't seem to understand that.

"What you need is a boyfriend that will show you the real meaning of happiness. Believe me, dear, it's much more joyful to receive flowers from someone you love than to receive a plaque."

She raised an eyebrow at her mother's statement. Was she serious? Never in a million years would she trade a plaque of recognition for flowers from a man! The heck. Seriously?

"Mom, happiness doesn't solely come from having a man-"

"What then? Family? Success? You have all of that, so why aren't you happy?"

"How can you say that? Just because I'm not all smiles like Cassy? I am happy, Mom."

But she just shrugged. It was clear that she didn't believe her.

"Is it my fault if no one courts me?" she suddenly blurted out.

"Vee, how will you be courted if you shut down every man who tries to approach you? You're beautiful, dear, many are attracted to you, they're just afraid because of your aloofness." Her mother replied.

She rolled her eyes. She felt annoyed at her mother's words.

"Well, I don't have time for men who are timid, foolish, and lack ambition. I'm a woman, Mom. I'll look for a man who surpasses me, so I can respect him."

Marie shook her head again. Who could that man be? "In love, dear, the heart chooses, not the mind. The problem with you is that your heart is closed. And with standards as high as yours, your hair might turn white before you ever get married!"

"But you make it sound like I'm so old! I'm only 26, Mom!"

"That's right. It's the perfect time to begin a relationship!"

Surely, her Mom won't quit.

"I'll tell your father-"

"Okay! I'll get a boyfriend. Give me one month. Don't bother Papa just because of this," she declared.

Marie was taken aback.

Alright. She slipped up again. All she really wanted was for her mom to stop nagging, and later they would team up with her dad. Her head was starting to ache.

"Is it true?" her mom asked, her voice filled with excitement.

She nodded. Sigh.

"Is it true, sis? You have a boyfriend??" Cassy chimed in from behind. She was also overly excited. Gosh, what was wrong with these people? After giving their mom a kiss, she turned to her.

"Sis, when will he come to visit? We wanna meet him!"

She pinched Cassy in response.

"Ouch! Sis, come on!"

"You're not part of the conversation, quit butting in."

"Seriously, you have a boyfriend but you're still so grumpy!" Cassy pouted.

"Why are you late?"

"I went on a date! It was so much fun, and he gave me this!" She proudly displayed the new golden necklace she was wearing.

"Hmp! That looks cheap." she retorted.

"Geez!"

She couldn't help but laugh at Cassy's reaction. Even their mom joined in.

"Oh, when are you going to introduce us to your boyfriend? I'm in awe of him. Imagine, he endured your sharp tongue? Is his greatest accomplishment surviving you? Is he buried in a cemetery somewhere?" Cassy teased.

She got back at her. This time, both her and their mom burst out laughing.

"For heaven's sake, Cassy, he's still alive." she said in annoyance. "I'll introduce you to him properly, without any scratches or bruises. Happy now?"

Cassy nodded. The excitement was evident in both of them. As for her, she felt like she wanted to cut out her own tongue because she was really struggling. It's annoying, this whole boyfriend thing!