CHAPTER ONE
“Your food is getting cold.”
I looked up to find Mrs. Lovie, our nanny, standing beside me.
“I’m not hungry.”
She sighed calmly. “Still waiting for your parents?”
“Not really. I’m used to it already,” I replied.
The house was big enough to accommodate a hundred people, but somehow, I still felt alone.
I sat at the end of the long dining table, staring at the untouched plate of food in front of me.
Across from me, my father’s chair was empty.
And so was Mom’s.
Again.
I glanced at the clock.
8:26 p.m.
I slowly pushed my chair back.
“Goodnight, Mrs. Lovie.”
“Goodnight, Cherry.”
I walked upstairs and closed my bedroom door behind me.
Sleep seems to be missing from my routine after 30 minutes of trying to sleep
"Do they really love me?"
I silently said to myself
"What if I'm the reason why they can't have other children and that's why they're mad at me"
Different thoughts ran through my mind.
"I'm their only child, aren't they meant to adore me?"
I closed my eyes and didn't even know when I slept off again while while wishing I never wake up again
"Crazy " I laughed from my sleep
I guess I was sleep talking.
THE NEXT MORNING
My alarm went off at exactly 7:10 a.m.
I needed to be at school before 8:30.
Knock! Knock!
I heard Mrs. Lovie at my door.
“I’m up already, ma’am,” I said from inside.
“Okay. Hurry up and come down for breakfast.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I sat on my bed for a moment, staring blankly at the floor.
I wished Mom was around to help me prepare for school.
Or maybe Dad could at least help me with my homework once in a while.
But then I scoffed at myself.
Hmm... what difference would it make if they were around?
I sluggishly got up, took my bath, got dressed, and headed downstairs.
It was already 8:05 a.m.
“You spent a lot of time getting ready,” Mrs. Lovie said. “Please hurry. Let’s head out to school. Uncle Mike will take you home later.”
“Uncle Mike?”
“Yes,” she replied. “Your mom and dad will pick you up from there later after they return from their business trip.”
“Okay.”
I tried not to let the disappointment show on my face.
I finished eating and headed outside.
Uncle Mike was already waiting beside the car.
As soon as I got in, he glanced at me through the rearview mirror.
“Are you okay, Cherry? You look sad.”
“Was there ever a day I wasn't sad?”
I said it coldly.
He chuckled.
“Come on. Smile for me.”
I tried to resist, but somehow, I found myself smiling.
Uncle Mike always had a way of making me feel better.
He was one of the few people I felt safe around.
After a few minutes, the car finally stopped in front of my school.
“Here we are. Have a wonderful day,” he said.
“Okay.”
I stepped out of the car, still smiling.
But the smile disappeared almost immediately.
Anita had just arrived.
Her parents stepped out of their car with her.
Her father pulled her into a hug.
“Be safe, my princess,” he said softly.
“We’ll pick you up after school,” her mother added, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“Bye!” Anita called happily as they drove away.
I stood there watching them.
Something inside me tightened.
I hurriedly turned away before anyone could see my face.
I wish I had that.
I swallowed hard.
I wish my parents cared enough to do those little things.
But I guess not all dreams were meant to come true.