Chapter 5

I spent the following days looking for Ace Company's information and a day off. At first, I thought it would be difficult due to the chaotic state of the office. However, they played dumb and gave me a day off on Thursday.

This afternoon, I was practicing answering questions for tomorrow's interview. The time I have was very limited. So, I must work hard to prepare myself.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My new shirt fits my body perfectly. I tucked my hair behind my ear, then went back to reading the paper taped to the mirror frame.

"I chose to join this company because the values upheld by the company are very much in line with my values. I believe that this value congruence will allow me to contribute optimally and make a positive impact in a mutually supportive work environment."

After the sentence was finished, I flashed a smile. Then, I realized that my sentence was too long and sweet-talking. I came to the mirror to cross out the unnecessary words.

Adrien came in meowing. His feet treaded the table, then jumped onto the window frame. His amber eyes observe me intensely.

"Adrien, what a coincidence that you came," I said. I pulled out a chair and placed Adrien there. "Sit still and be my future boss. Okay?"

I read the revised sentence. Facing Adrien, I spoke casually but politely, "I chose this company because of the congruence of values and the belief that I can contribute optimally in a supportive work environment."

Adrien meowed twice which I translated as acceptance.

I jumped in excitement. I lifted Adrien. We jumped together. 

"Thank you for accepting me," I said.

Still holding Adrien, I opened the drawer. I handed him a snack as a token of my gratitude. A peck landed on his forehead. "Thanks, boss," I thanked again.

***

As dinner time rolled, Mom returned. Without speaking, she took the veggies out of the fridge and washed them. I came out of the room and helped her immediately.

Mom's face was very flat. She was exhausted that she didn't want to waste energy talking. Since I couldn't cook while she forbade me from ordering food, she had to come up here to feed me.

To be honest, I wanted to be good at cooking. However, the last experience of blowing up the stove made Mom forbid me from learning to cook by myself. The end of the forbidding was, "Go to a cooking course."

After finishing washing the carrots and some greens, I reached for the chopping mat and was about to pick up the knife. At that very moment, Mom preceded me. "Set the plates on the table," she ordered coldly.

Gloomily, I picked up two plates.

"One, Avery," she interrupted.

I handed back one plate. My feet shuffled toward the table. I miss the times we enjoyed a meal in Father's absence. Back then, Mom used to cook healthy food until I hated it. But I still ate them.

As I got older, Mom got busier in the restaurant she started. She left early in the morning and returned late at night. I was happy to see the restaurant selling, but the price was less time for us to enjoy each other's company.

The window was still open. I rushed over there to close it. Across the street, I saw an antique car parked. My eyes widened. Father's here!

My face turned back. My gaze was fixed on the closed door. I could feel someone's steps approaching. I ran to it, waiting a few seconds before opening it.

"Father!" I called cheerfully to the figure at the door.

A man wearing a fedora hat smiled at me. He opened his arms. I stepped into it in happiness.

He said, "I missed my little fairy."

"Me too!"

After a few seconds, we let go of the hug. Father handed me a paper bag. I glanced at the logo of a famous brand on it. Expensive stuff again, I thought. I took it with a half-smile.

"Come in," I invited.

My parents fell silent as their eyes met. Mother was the first to break eye contact. She went into the bathroom.

"Avery, I'm just stopping by, but it's nice to see you," Father told me. He smiled slightly and then patted my head. "I'll be here again later."

My mouth opened, but nothing came out. He left without me being able to stop him. My shoulders limped. The problem between them was serious enough that they didn't want to talk to each other. If I had known what the problem was, I would have justified their relationship.

***

Happiness that comes fast will go fast.

In a dimly lit room, I was face down reading a quote on social media. These words resonated with me. Just as I was happy that my father was visiting, he left quickly. 

I sighed. My chest tightened when I came across a picture of a family. Families are like that, made up of members and a bond. My family has members without bonds. We rarely talk in threes. That's what caused the awkwardness when we met.

This awkwardness is not caused by divorce. My parents, David Green and Laure Agreste are not divorced. They just live separately. When I was little, I often asked why Father didn't live with us. Mom never answered it properly.

I also asked Father. Calmly, he said it was work that kept us apart. I never believed that.

Adrien's low growl caught my attention. He was a distraction whenever I was confused about my parents' situation. I rubbed his head. I had to go to sleep soon, too. Tomorrow is the day I realized our practice.