Her Heart Sang

Little Rosie immediately closed the storybook she was starting to read and glared at her so-called godmother. Hmph. No wonder she was giving her all these storybooks that might take her weeks if not months to finish. She wants her forgiveness.

“Is that why you gave me these books? Because you want me to forgive you? That's so artless, Aunt Ruby,” Rosie scoffed.

“Ahh…no. That's not true,” Ruby scratched her head and started driving.”I bought the books because I knew you loved books. You know, it's my responsibility as your godmother.”

“I don't believe you one bit, aunt. That's what you always say. Every time you do the same thing and buy me gifts. I don't want them. You can take your books back.”

“No..no, I swear this is going to be the last time. The story books are for you. What will happen to them if you don't take them? Please forgive me one last time. I promise it won't happen again,” pleaded Ruby as she kept her eyes on the road but her sole attention was on the cute little princess.

Little Rosie stared at the books on the backseat before averting her gaze and bringing her eyes back to her godmother who was side-winking at her.

“Hmm, I'll think about it then.”

“Thank you, Cutie. I promise I won't take your mother’s full attention again,” she smiled. That was her only offense. Always taking Izabelle’s attention whenever she was around.

Little Rosie cast her a last cold look and returned her gaze to her new storybook as she tried to hide her smile. Well, it was fun watching her aunt plead for her forgiveness. She never liked this aunty or godmother whatever of hers.

Yes, she always pampers her and buys her goodies whenever she comes visiting but each time she is around, she takes her mum’s attention away from her and her mum would totally forget about her.

Aunt Ruby normally visits them twice in six months in the other country. She would come in with bags filled with goodies and gifts for her but the thing was that she was bribing her with the gifts in exchange for her mum's attention and whenever she comes, she becomes a forgotten child.

The last time she visited, little Rosie drew a line and lashed out at her before slamming the door on her, leaving her mother and aunt in shock. Even though she got scolded, she doesn't regret doing that.

Ruby turned her head to stare at the quiet Izabelle and wondered what made her silent. She was staring into space with her nails slightly in her mouth.

“What's wrong, Izabelle?” She asked, breaking her away from her thoughts. She quickly organized herself and shook her head.

“Nothing. I was just thinking about my new studio here. Who knows if it will do as great here in the United States as where it was before,” Izabelle lied. She knew Ruby and Little Rosie just fought about something a few minutes back but she didn't hear anything they said as her mind was somewhere else. May she say, someone else?

Seeing Marcel at the airport today was a huge shock on her part and that thought was surely going to occupy her mind for the rest of the week. She couldn't help but keep thinking about him after all, her heart once sang for him and maybe still sings for him.

Seeing him today, sparked all memories and emotions that she has tried so hard to hide. He looked like a whole different person. More mature looking, his cheekbone was broader now and his jet black hair was now longer, and in all, he was looking more handsome and colder than she had remembered him to be.

Perhaps he still has a grudge against her after these years and was more cold to her. There was no softness in his eyes anymore.

The first time they had met, she was just seventeen and he was nineteen. The first time she saw him, her heart had sung loudly. He was introduced as her cousin’s best friend and from then, they had been close.

Not once did she profess her love to him even though she knew he already found out but still treated her like before. Like his little sister, buying her gifts and chocolates.

She could still remember those days vividly. Those days when he hit those who bullied her and drove the bad guys away from her. Those days when he takes care of her even more than her brother ever did. How did those sweet days suddenly become bitter memories?

“This is the United States, remember? And you're the best celebrity photographer in the world. Your studio would soon be filled with those spoiled sons and daughters of elite families. It's just about time. Cheer up and stop looking as if you're under-confident,” Ruby encouraged.

“You're right.”

“Girlllll. It's so good you're here. I have lots of news and gist for you. I can't wait for you to settle down in the city properly so we can go out together and have proper talks.”

Little Rosie’s eyes raised slowly from her book to stare at Ruby but she didn't say anything. She simply returned her gaze to her book.

“I know it's probably about those guys chasing you and the new clothes on the internet.”

“Well, I don’t date anymore. Guys are scum. I’m taking a leave from dating. I’ll just focus on you and my goddaughter. Whenever I’m horny, I’ll just go into a club and grab anyone.”

“Ruby. Don’t say such things in front of my daughter.”

“Sorry…sorry. It just slipped. But really, I can’t wait for us to see each other often.

“Aunt Ruby,” Little Rosie called.

“Yes, Sie.”

“Didn’t you just apologize? Now you’re going back to planning on doing the same thing. You better don’t if not, this time I’m not going to forgive you no matter how long you beg.”