Chapter 14 (Hunch)

I have a hunch that Sebe's work was succeeding. That's why Eli was so angry with me.   What would his parents say? Maybe if Sebe becomes successful and their company recovers from its downfall, it will be okay even if the marriage does not continue.   "That Eli is insecure about you! She's crazy over Sebe!" Jen nodded and pressed her cellphone.   Here we are now at Starbucks. The three of us are still in the same spot.   Kylie nodded.   "Of course, she can't move on from Sebe!"   I just stared at them while talking about what happened earlier.   Even here on campus, that's what everybody was talking about.   Eli is Sebe's ex. Yes, I heard that. Eli was Sebe's first love. They have separated because Eli went abroad.   And now she's back with an arranged marriage to Sebe.   What if Sebe didn't know me? Would their wedding continue?   "Natalia! Don't look at me like that! You're creepy!" I came back to reality.   Kylie laughed.   "Creepy, right? She's staring emotionless! She's the real Ice Queen!" Kylie laughed.   I rolled my eyes at them.   At the same time, my cellphone rang. My brows went up when I saw my mother's name.   I answered right away! It's been three months!   "Mama..." I said with a lenient voice.   "Natalia, are you still in school?"   Kylie looked at me for a moment and immediately resumed their conversation.   "Yes, ma. When are you going home?"   "I'm at home," she said, and I was shocked.   "Really?"   "Yes, I have something to tell you. We have a visitor."   There is something new in her voice, but I cannot figure it out.   "I'll go home now." She was about to speak, but I dropped the call.   I immediately stood up and hurriedly fixed my things.   "I should go." I say goodbye to the two.   They gasped.   "Moms at home," I told them.   I could not explain my nervousness. At least I know that all my questions will be answered when I talk to Mama.   Why did she disappear for three months?   Why is she here now? What would you tell me? Who was the visitor about whom she was talking?   I'm finally home. We finally talked.   She's been gone for three months and is now back with this lean and burdensome man in front of me. His name is Eduardo Duke.   They are going to marry.   I don't know him. Mama told me a lot about him, but I didn't give even the beat of my attention.   Simply put, I am not interested. I am mad.   How can she replace my dad just like that? How?   Not that I don't want Mama to fall in love again, but not this early! It was only two years ago! And I'm still mourning my father's death!   I eyed the man in front of me emotionlessly. Damn, I cannot imagine Mama loving this man. Really?   Yes! He's rich! Handsome! But he's not my dad—and he will never be my dad.   Since then, I have said nothing. I remained silent. I don't like him.   Mama should feel that.   "Natalia, you like books, right? Eduardo owned a book."   "I have a lot of that," I responded.   Eduardo looks like he's intimidated by my presence. He smiled awkwardly.   I eyed him hawk-like.   "You are in college. What is the course?"   "I think that's not your business."   Mama hit the table, so I stopped what I was going to say. She seemed to have lost her patience with the rudeness I had shown her and her lover.   I put the spoon and fork down on my plate.   God knows how much I'd like to yell at them. I'm so disgusted with my mother!   How could she do this?   "Natalia!" Mom shouted.   I can't hide my emotions anymore. I am mad, and I am hurt!   "What?" I spat. I know it's wrong to be like this to my mom, but this is different. This is a different matter.   "I didn't raise you to be this rude, Natalia! I introduced you to Eduardo! We're getting married!"   "Rose!" Eduardo finally spoke. "Let her think."   Shit! I'm done! I immediately stood up. I wanted to cry, but not in front of them.   Fucking no!   "Where are you?"   "Away from you! How could you replace dad just like that? Mom, you're too old to flirt with someone." Mom's hand immediately landed on my cheek.   My eyes widened with shock, and my jaw dropped. Fuck!   I immediately touched my cheek, which was still hot because of the force of her slap.   I cannot believe it!   "Rose! Stop!" Eduardo hissed at her.   Immediately, my tears fell, which I had been holding back.   I cried in front of them.   Mom's angry face turned meek.   She tried to catch me languidly, but I shook my head.   "I-I'm s-sorry-"   "I hate you!"   The pain in her eye subsided immediately. When I left the house, I immediately took a taxi.   Right now, I can only empathize with one person. I immediately picked up my cellphone and called him.   On my first call, he did not answer. On the second ring, he had already picked up the phone.   "S-Sebe..." I called him in a low tone.   "Hello? Who's this?" But my forehead furrowed as the woman replied.   My chest immediately throbbed with shock and anger.   "Hello?" she said again.   "Wh-where's Sebe?" I asked.   She gasped. "He's still sleeping. He's so tired."   I turned off the call and tweaked my own hair.   It hurts.   Everyone I love is hurting me.   Who's that girl?   I'm going crazy. It's ten o'clock at night, and I don't know where to go.   There is nothing as painful as what I feel now. That night, it was Kylie I called, and she picked me up beside the road.   At that time, I felt hopeless. My mom wants another man in our lives. How can I adjust? If she marries Eduardo, I know a lot will change.   Last night, I admitted that I was stupid to say those words to my mother.   She can't blame me.   This problem makes me sick. Really.   Sebe too. Who's that girl? He has an explanation. I'll just wait for it.