•SALOME ALAN•

I don't know how the one spoon I managed to swallow crawled back up to my throat but mere taking one spoon of that food they called gnocchi, I ended up throwing up both what I had this morning and the night before.

Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I look up at my reflection in the mirror, seeing how dull my eyes appears. Have I been looking like this since I got here?

I rinse my hands and take a moment to stare at where I am. Calm street restroom. The interior is just as perfect as the surroundings, white and spotless. Even with my dull looking face, the mirror still pull out my small face perfectly. Tendrils cast down my face and I quickly tug them back into my natural high bun, didn't have the time to make my hair but still wanted it to look neat.

The bathroom door flies open, screeching sound of heels scratching the white tiles.

"Salome, you alright?"

It's Maria's sister. Mildred.

She walk closer, inspecting every inch of my expression. She looks worried too, like a mother who just found her missing child. Now that I'm looking at her up close, I can say that she's pretty. She is dark, serving melanin beauty. Although she's Maria's sister. The sister of the lady my dad loves.

"Yes, I'm fine, the food didn't just go well with me."

That earned a deep breath from her. She place her palm on her chest and shake her head.

"Thank goodness..." She points outside. "They're all worried about you."

My eyes widens. "Oh..."

Realization drops to me that I practically flee up in the middle of lunch, distracting everyone.

Mildred fans me off, smiling. "Its okay... I told them I'll check on you." She bobs her head and I press my lips, slightly embarrassed. "But, you sure you're okay? If the food didn't taste well, we can just..."

I shake my head, trailing her off.

"Oh, no...it's fine. I'll just drink the cocktail," I suggest, wearing a small smile. "Besides, the bill for a toothpick in a place like this would cost a fortune, talk more of ordering more than one meal. Christ..." I shut my eyes, shaking my head. "I should be considerate."

Mildred throws her head back in laughter, her voice echoing in the enclosed restroom. When her laughter subsides, she says, "You should know something though, that the meal you ate, the one you just threw up, is the most expensive meal on the menu."

My eyes grew comically. I slap my hand to cover my opened mouth. "Oh my-really? Something I can't eat? Well..." I chuckle softly. "I don't mind working here."

Mildred poke my hand, laughing. "Just kidding Salome. You're real funny though, I like you."

I can only reply with a smile and a pursed lips. I didn't plan to laugh in the bathroom of a place I didn't want to go to. But well, plans change right?

"Thanks..." I mutter. "Uh...we should go out now."

Mildred pouts her mouth, making an awww sound. "I really wanted to chat with you, but it's okay, I'll send you my contact."

I nod rapidly, beaming. "Sure, me too." I should also ask how she got to know Mr. Alex right? She called his name earlier, maybe they're friends or something. Making friends with my teacher's friend shouldn't be so bad then.

I begin walking away, out of the luxury bathroom. When I don't hear footsteps following behind, I look over my shoulders to see Mildred staring at me. At my body. At my rear. She quickly snaps out of it and look up at me with fast steps.

Pretending like I didn't see what she was staring at, I ask, "Uh...any problem?"

"Problem?" She tilts her head. "Nope, not at all. Let's go."

"Okay."

We make our way to meet the others. They all turn to see us walking toward them and I suddenly wish I didn't act that way, gagging and storming out like a pregnant girl.

"Salome are you alright? What happened?" My Dad ask as we got to the table. I pull my seat and settle on it, trying to be as natural as possible.

"Yes Dad," I slowly push my plate forward. "I just...don't think I can eat this."

"Oh...it's okay though, you can order something else." Maria raise her hand to draw the attention of a waiter but I shake my head.

"No, I'm fine." I take up the glass filled with cocktail drink. "I'll just...take this."

Aunt Jenny touches my neck softly. I flinch at her sudden touch, turning to look at her. "I'm alright aunt Jenny."

She sighs, taking her hand off. "Okay..."

All this while, Sean is seating directly in front of me, staring at me. He didn't say anything, just looking at me. Anytime our gaze meet, he won't look away, just like he wants to read me through my eyes and I'm not overly comfortable with it. If he has something to ask me, he should, I'll answer.

"She's okay, I made sure of that." Mildred chips in, twirling the straw of her milkshake. My Dad smiles at her, muttering a 'thank you.' She tears her gaze to me and send me a wink. That made a smile. Genuinely. Is it that she knows just how to comfort me, or...giving me her first impression? Because like they say, first impression matters the most.

The engagement arrangements went on and for split minutes, the thought of going back home pinches me. I've been counting the number of chapters left for me to get it done with our current literature novel that I can't wait to get it done with. Probably that would make Mr. Alex a tad proud of me, I can't say.

***

Home sweet home.

I'd call it that today. I think I finally understand what it means either. We got home barely twenty minutes ago after been stuck in traffic for over two hours. Trust Lagos on that. Aunt Jenny and Dad also went straight to their room, visibly tired from driving. While he drove Maria, Mildred and Sean, I insisted on going with my aunty.

First things first.

I strip off my outfit and indulge myself in more comfortable clothes. Black joggers and white brown bra top.

Hair next.

I Peel out the black pins and hair packer to leave my hair caress down my neck, heaving a deep full breath as my nationality hits me welcome. I squint some leave in conditioner on my tangled natural hair then comb out the knots. The length of my hair doesn't go unnoticed though, it looks...longer? And more thicker.

When I'm done with applying the necessities for my hair to remain tangle free and shiny, I grab my phone from my vanity mirror and set the it to take a back view of my hair. Setting it to ten seconds timer, I pose backward to get a full view.

(Salome's hair🤗🌹)

Look who's proud of her natural hair goals.

“Perfect.” I say to myself with a wide grin, scrolling through the pictures I took myself. The first one seem to look the best so I use it as my wallpaper, changing the one of Latifah's son. She's a celebrity and people are stupid enough to carry unnecessary rumors like she has a son, she has twenty houses, she sleeps in a barn, blah blah blah. If she wants the public to know about her everyday living, she will. She would say it herself.

WhatsApp messages begin trouping in and I notice I mistakenly turn on my data. Now that it's on, replying one or two messages wouldn't hurt, right?

I slump on my fluffy bed, but then quickly seat up. If I lie on my oily hair, I'd mess up my bed sheet and that's not cool. I slip down the rumbled part of the bed and seat with my legs tucked beneath, resting my head on the headboard.

Normal me would wait for all the messages to arrange themselves but I don't have that patient today. I have a novel to read. A novel to complete. I have to make my teacher proud.

The first text came from an unknown contact. I tap on the profile, immediately, a smile form on my lips. It's Mildred. She texted like she promised. Before we departed, she collected my contact saying she'll hit me up. And she did.

First impression.

Her profile picture is what I'll call the best description of her. Matching silver hand bag and heel boots.

(Mildred's profile picture😌)

I think there's something about her and high boots, it's livid that she loves it. I can't help giggling at her wide taste as I slide into her DM, save her contact and read her text.

•Mildred; Heyyy girl!! It's Mildred
What's up?😎

If not that I've saved her name, I'd mistake her for Zara. Same vibrant energy even while chatting. Without wasting a second, I pull up the keyboard.

•Me; I'm good😊 just got home some minutes back.

I pause for awhile then add.

•Me; thanks for today🤗 it was nice having a bathroom joke with you🙈

Chuckling at the memory of talking with Mildred in Calm Street restaurant, I close her chat and open Zara's.

•Zara; Guess who just got her driver's license?!!💃

This girl and her hyping. She has finally gotten what she has been wishing for. As I'm about to reply, another text pops up.

•Zara; Hope you're going to camp this year cuz if not!!!🙄 I'll keep spanking your ass till you agree😏 and you know I won't get tired😂

Now I'm laughing, holding my stomach to stop it from clutching. Anytime she goes to camp without me, she doesn't talk to me for the next one week, giving me cold remarks on anything I tell her. But like I said, I'll think about it. I don't bother replying because Zara is typing something else.

•Zara; Just say yes. I'll go to camp. It's not that hard😌
I won't beg you either, you ass will just suffer it😌

My ass will just what... Oh Zara...

•Zara; Think of it Salome, there would be lots and lots and lots of fun😫 it's sad having that kind of fun without you😒 okay. Yes. Fine. I said it.😒
Please......
I can't believe I'm begging you big head but please....😩

Okay. Fine too. I'll go. Like Kenny said, it's our last year in high school so I just at least try to do something out of school. Out of Victoria high.

Thankfully, Zara isn't trying, although still active. I pull up the keyboard of the third time to reply her when a message pops. It's Mildred. She replied. I quickly swipe out of Zara's DM to see her reply.

•Mildred; 😂you too babe... We should definitely hang out from time to time😉

Yes. Of course. We should. While trying a reply to Mildred, vibrations keeps making my phone shake that I have to take a second to see who's blasting it with texts.

•Zara; Ohhh...wow, can't believe I've just been ghosted🙄

Wow. Just wow.

Don't even worry about going to camp or anything, do whatever you want😌

Unbestfriend me this instant!

Salome!

She's chatting with Kenny😒

I knew you like that guy😑

I've never been ghosted in my life and now my best friend is ignoring my texts🙁

Ahhhhh

Hmmm

I won't say anything🚶

Salome Alan🙄

Oh my—This girl... I'm laughing my lungs out while typing back an answer. How can I forget how jealous Zara can be, somebody beat me for that.

***

9:59pm. I didn't mean to check the time, my eyes just waved pass the clock and I jerk up from bed, blinking my eyes to check if I saw the time properly. My room is pitch black and I didn't notice because I've been chatting for...three hours?

Three hours?!

My eyes almost pop out of the socket. I switch on the blue lights, giving my room a dim blue glow. When I look at my phone again, I'm fazed to see 'low battery', dancing around the screen.

I'm not chatting anymore.

How did I even get—and I'm supposed to be—shit!

Zara's is still active. Of course she will. I've been apologizing for ignoring her texts that the only way she arranged was when I said I'll go to camp.

Camp.

I'm in for it eventually.

I sent my final message through voice note, plug in my phone and pull my door open. With the way I was left alone, without aunt Jenny barging into my room or my dad calling me to play games with him, I think they now respect my privacy.

But why do I feel so left alone though...

It's bothering.

Jenny's room is few steps from mine. I make sure not to make a sound as I walk to her room, peeping over the rail for sighs of my dad.

Shifting my weight from one leg to another, I knock softly, not too loud, and not too light either. One knock, and another, and another.

“Is she sleeping?” I ask myself in a whisper.

I grab the handle to turn the knob open when my Dad's voice made me turn around. He didn't call my name, I think he's talking to someone on the phone because he knows better than to talk to me about business.

“I shouldn't disturb.” I mutter, turn around and walk away. Pausing in front of my Dad's room, I raise a knuckle to knock but overheard his conversation.

“Yes, next week.”

“Oh, no...you can do that yourself then send it to me.”

“Salome? She's fine.”

“Yes, she just doesn't understand. I'll try my best though.”

Oh. They are talking about me.

“You see, the thing is—” His words hang as he pulls the door open, meeting me standing right in front of his room. “I'll call you back okay? Yes, bye.” He hangs up and I flash a wide smile.

“Hey dad...”

He tugs his cellphone in his pocket, smiling. I know I'm been distractive but I miss chatting with him. My dad. He pulls me in a hug and I waste no time wrapping my arms around his hefty body. His scent. I've missed it.

“You okay?” He asks, releasing me from his grip. I exhale sharply and nod. I'm okay, just...hungry?

“Yes dad, just hungry.” I mumble. He chuckles, muttering a 'I knew it.' I haven't eaten anything since I throw up my perfectly made gnocchi. Thinking of that meal still gives me chills.

“Thought so, but I think Jennifer is asleep by now so—”

“It's okay,” I cut through, swinging my hands around. “I'll just prepare Noddles.”

That would be quick.

“Oh, okay...that's not bad.” My dad scratches his beards.

I spin around to go down the stairs but my Dad's words made me halt.

“I'm sorry Salome.” He says, not audible enough but I heard him clearly. I turn around to face him. From his expression, I can see that it's somewhat difficult for him too, having a stubborn teenage daughter who's keen on not listening to his likes. I force out a smile to lighten the mood.

“Dad, why did you apologize?” My voice is low and calm. Even though I might not like what has to say but I should at least give listening ears. “You didn't offend me.” I add.

He sighs, resting his arms on the long rail that make it visible to see the sitting room from where we're standing and backing me. Chewing the inside of my mouth, I wait patiently, looking at him.

Now that I'm looking at him, I realise how stressed he is looking. I don't get to see him often because of work but we make it up by having the greatest fun when he's chanced.

“I've promised myself not to do anything against your will,” He starts and I turn fully to listen. He sighs, glancing at me with a smile at the corner of his lips. “And now...” He trails off, shaking his head.

It's Maria.

He's referring to the lady next door. The one he's in love with and plans to get married to.

I take in a deep breath. I have no say about it, or rather, I don't know what to say about it.

“And now...I'm swaying from my it, planning and doing it when I know exactly how unhappy it makes you.”

I swallow and purse my lips. I should tell him to go ahead with it. With getting married to Maria. I just... I don't want to loose my dad, I don't want to be alone. I don't want to be in a complete family where I'd feel the loneliest.

I don't know what it feels like to have a mom.

“Dad...”

He fully turn to look at me. “I've been thinking about it, seriously thinking on what to do and I've decided to,” He runs his palms on his face, exhaling sharply. “I've decided to call it off.”

Call it off?

That cause lines to grease my forehead, forming a deep frown. He wants to call off...everything with Maria?

“Your happiness means the world to me, Salome. I—I don't think I can trade it for anything or...or anyone or...”

“Dad, please...” I voice out before I can stop myself. He has done so much for me, so much that I would be grateful for if I just open my heart to feel and realise it. Now, I think it's time to make him happy. If he's sad, it affects me. His happiness should be the same. It would affect me too.

“Don't call it off.”

His eyes widens but he shakes it off before I knew it.

“Yes dad, don't call it off. I mean, I was just been childish and...inconsiderate. I shouldn't be like that, I should be able to try and make you happy. Make you do things that you love and get married to someone of your choice.” I explain slowly, meaning every word that I spill out. I'm growing, no longer six year old Salome who was always running around and following him everywhere. He needs someone mature, someone he can confide in. Of course I'll still be here, but I'm his daughter.

My dad opens his mouth to talk and I shake my head, smiling. He shouldn't say anything else, I've made up my mind. I'll cope with it. With her. And learn to live with it too.

“Salome...”

I breath out sharply, somewhat feeling bad of how thickheaded I've been towards it. Towards him been with Maria.

To add to it, I think I like Mildred already. Little by little, I can get to like Maria too.

I can't believe I'm saying this but...well...

“Are you sure you're okay with it, like a hundred percent happy?” He tilt his head to ask me.

Nodding rapidly, I jerk him thumbs up.

“Yes daddy.”

Firm arms grip me in a sudden hug and I relax in his embrace once again. I never knew accepting with him alone would make me this happy.

“I love you baby girl.” My dad mutters in my neck. I blink my eyes to push back the tears threatening to spill out my eyes.

“I love you too dad.” I breath out.

***

The cooking was quite worth it. Although I made it in a hurry to catch up with reading the remaining chapters of the novel Mr. Alex gave me.

My dad kept me company till I was done cooking before going to his room. Here I am, stuffing the hot food in my mouth as I flip through the pages of the novel. Since it's late, I preferred to settle in my room.

At first, the novel seemed boring and made me dose off whenever I try to read but now, I'm getting a huge glimpse of it. I won't say that I hundred percent love reading novels now but I kind of feel and understand what Mr. Alex says about reading.

Curiosity took the best of me as I flip to the end of the book, counting the amount of pages I have left to read. I don't know why I feel the rush of excitement that when I tell him I'm done reading.

But wait...I'm not usually like this.

But well...

The words are beginning to mix up, got me reading one sentence over and over again till I tiredly dump it beside me on my bed and rub my eyes. I stretch to retrieve my phone which reads ninety percent.

12:22am. Wow! No wonder I'm dosing off while reading the last chapter. I place the book face down on my reading desk and bounce on my bed, switch the lights back to dim glowing blue before resting my head on the pillow.

I should check Mildred's reply.

Without second thought, I turn in my data and went direct to our chat.

•Mildred;  😂how I wish I knew you sooner, can't wait to meet you again!💃

I am fast in replying 'can't wait to meet you too!' The tick appears twice, notifying me that she's active. By this time?

Aren't you active too?

I chuckle at my subconscious voice. Of course I'm online. I close her chat and stroll down the other messages and my eyes catch something unusual. My teacher's active.

Mr. Alex is online.

Seriously?

I open our chat to see the last message he sent about returning his jacket. I suck in my lower lip, trying to imagine his reaction when he saw how neat I packed and kept it on his desk.

That aside, Mr. Alex is online... Like, active on WhatsApp, by this time. It's morning.

'Nice...that means you should know Alexander, right?'

I seat upright, reminiscing when Mildred asked about Mr. Alex. She called his name like she knows him, personally. Like they're close friends. The way I answered...

'He's my literature teacher...in school.'

Probably she just asked because she knows him and wanted to keep the conversation going.

What if they are both chatting since they're active.

What if they are both...

No, no, no. I shouldn't think like that. I'm not even sure.

But still, what if?