Fresh Start

We were supposed to celebrate after my successful divorce the other week, but something urgently crossed us inevitably. An unimaginable surprise knocked on my door before dawn. I was supposed to leave my surprise gift for both of them, but saving something important matters the most.

I didn't expect to immediately book a ticket back to California to where I grew up. I know after two years seeing my family again is really strange and shameful. I am an ungrateful daughter exchanging them for the man who will just dump me. I shivered thinking of it and my stomach churned.

I keep pacing back and forth in front of our house clenching my fist. What should I say to them? 'Aahh!' I muttered, frustrated. C'mon Alison! If you have the guts to leave them for two years, then you should have the face to face their wrath. Stop whining! I scolded myself, still staring at the door almost a few steps just to reach. I was startled when my phone rang!

"Alison! Pull yourself together and knock on that damn door!" Cali demanded. Yeah! I should, she's dangerous when she is hungry. She has a beast in her stomach.

"Just a few minutes, Cali. I can't do this!" I hissed, trembling. Before I could ponder, Cali was already at the door ringing the door bell. I panicked about what to do. I was supposed to run off when the door swung open.

"Alison!" My older brother's voice. I stop in my tracks, unable to move. I miss that voice calling me every morning to eat my breakfast.

"Alison. I know it's you!" He uttered. I slowly turned my back holding my tears. Before I could completely face him, I bumped into his hardened chest, almost falling on my butt, but he managed to catch me. I looked at his eyes to see if he was mad or wanted to drive me away, but I saw tears shielding his beautiful blue eyes. I cried, lowering my gaze. I am ashamed to call him my brother.

" I'm sorry!" I mumbled, clenching my fist tightly. He didn't say any word, instead he hugged me tightly.

After we chatted, he ushered us inside, almost forgetting my best buddy. I stopped to pull her beside me.

"Cali!" I call her. My brother stops abruptly, turning his back toward us, startling me. As their eyes met, they both completely froze, staring at each other mouth agape. I'm astonished, stuck on my feet, unable to move and utter any single word, gawking at them as my eyes grew like saucers.

I don't know how long we stared like fools outside. We were startled when my father called us. I'm still in shock, trying to contemplate what had just happened. Before I could properly recollect myself, my father pulled me inside.

I almost got a whole day scolding from my father, especially now that he learned I am divorced. In order to make amends for what I had done, I promised to stay here while working. I must thank Cali for doing something that never crosses my mind. I will start from scratch to achieve my goal. I want to prove to Dwight that I am capable of something beyond his imagination. His father never trusted me that I could do better. They believed being a plain housewife was the best I could do, nonetheless.

I smiled, leaning on my swivel chair. Days passed by quickly and unimaginably. I never thought working out of my league would teach me a lot of stuff beyond my imagination. Success doesn't define what you finish and where university you came from. Success comes from your ability executed through patience and persistently learning.

I would say thanks to Laude Thomas who gave me the chance to learn and explore when I was just an amateur. I was scared and couldn't manifest things, but he gave me flickering light to move forward. Not all rich people are dangerous and greedy or maybe it depends on how they were brought up. Laude's parents were scary, but kind and sweet people.

"Knock knock! Penny for your thoughts sweetheart!" I chuckled. My ring a ding, always interrupting my thoughts.

"Hi! You didn't tell me you were coming!" I bleat, turning my swivel chair to face him.

"You know sweetheart. I do love to surprise you." He replied playfully, walking like a model.

"Have you eaten lunch?" I asked him. He shakes his head, leaning on the wall infront of me.

I have known him for almost 4 years, he will just look at me flirtatiously if he needed something. He is not the type of person who can easily express his thoughts. Mostly, you will read his actions and facial reactions. His eyes can already tell you what you need to know. Some people misunderstand him, especially in his ways. Only a few can exactly get his point immediately without repeating himself.

"I know you Laude! You can not hide anything. What is it bothering you? Tell me!" I asked, raising my eyebrows playfully. I always used to corner him. He chuckled, touching his nose and shrugging his shoulders, slumping his big body at the sofa crossing his legs.

"That's why I love and trust you, Ali. I will never find someone like you. No need to beat around the bush. I might not be surprised when, next time you see me, you can already exactly read my mind." He enunciated. I laughed, walking to my guest table. I served him green tea, which is not his favorite.

"What will you do then if I am not around?" I teased him laughing.

"Oh! I will be a lonely eagle who keeps on finding a branch to land since you are not there." He replied in anguish, forcing his face to look pitiful and miserable.

I cried, laughing, covering my face with my palm how funny and touching he was. I will miss him definitely. He was always there for me, whether I was solitary or jubilant.