Sparks Fly

Call

Chapter 6

Rye’s pov:

This room is smaller compared to the last place I lived in Iowa but it's okay, it doesn't matter, the important thing is it's comfortable.

I like the simplicity of this place yet it is very relaxing and very homey. It was just right for me. This place is also peaceful and there are no noisy cars or any annoying noise outside.

I like this place.

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I've been wandering around here in America for a year but until now I still can't find the person I'm looking for. Fortunately, one of my informants saw him and said that he was in this place. I really hope to see him here.

I just finished bathing and drying my wet hair with a clean towel. I hung the wet towel on the hanger before exiting the bathroom and heading to my room. I dropped my body on the bed before gasping for breath. I feel very tired but... this day seems strange.

I feel like I’m happy and I don’t know why.

I closed my eyes and, in my imagination, I suddenly saw Zarina's beautiful face. I remember the first time I saw her face earlier... and the kiss we both had. Upon reopening my eyes, I grinned and shook my head. Am I happy because of her?

While staring at the ceiling, I still couldn’t get her different expressions out of my mind. I really enjoy staring at her especially when her cheeks turned red and her eyes twinkled when she was ashamed. I think I'm amazed at how cute she looks on such a face. Hmm. It’s not really surprising that she has so many suitors. It's just amazing that she doesn't have a boyfriend yet.

During my days of traveling all over this country, only now has someone caught my attention. That girl… she was brave but she seemed very fragile. Looks like I want to see her tomorrow. Maybe I should visit her and her mother at the bakery.

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I was about to turn off the lampshade when I heard my cellphone ring, it was lying on the side table next to my bed. I glanced at the screen of my cellphone before picking it up and saw the name of Tally, my younger sister.

Tally is only 16 years old; I am 7 years older than her but even though she is a teenager, she is still very childish when she talks to me. But if she was in front of our mother, she becomes a very meek sheep that seems to not be able to break even a single piece of the dish with her refined behavior. I'm the only one who sees her true nature. That silly girl!

"Oh, hello my little siste—"

"Stop being goofy big bro! It's not funny!" she told me right away.

I chuckled because she didn't seem in the mood to joke with me right now. What she is up to at this time? Ahahahah!

"Oh, why did you call at this hour?" I asked her which I regret to ask.

“WHAT ARE YOU ASKING WHY? DON'T YOU KNOW THAT THEY ALREADY KNOW WHERE YOU ARE? MOM SAID SHE WAS GOING THERE!" she growled at me.

My ears almost bled because of her high-pitched voice when she answered my question and I feel like I became deaf afterward. Ugh!

I rubbed my ear as I frowned. She really hurts my eardrum! Why does she have to shout at me? She knows my cellphone is right in front of my ear! Hmm!

"Can you please don't shout at me! Your annoying voice will deafen me!" I said angrily to her and then I sighed. "Why are they still trying to find out where I am? Why is she going to see me? Did something happen while I was away?"

“Ow, sorry! I was just carried away by my panic. Mom wants you to go home, what else could be the possible reason? Hmm?” she replied to my series of questions.

I scratched my index finger between my eyebrows in irritation at her answer. Our Mom is really annoying sometimes. I said I would come back but why didn't she seem to believe me?

"Your mom is overreacting again! Tell her I'll go home when I want to go home!" I said emphatically.

"But—"

"No more buts! Just tell her that and if she insists, let her come here! But I assure you I won't go home with her no matter what happens," I added.

"You really are a knucklehead!" Tally said in frustration that made me grin.

I admit I was stubborn but I knew what I was doing. Also, before I left our home, I explained my plans and told them when I would be back. I just don’t know why Mom is still rushing me home. What is she afraid of? Does she think… I will do what that person did?

"The late-night talks are over, Tally! Let's just talk again tomorrow. I need to rest! You too, take care of yourself," I said.

"Okay, bye, I miss you!" said Tally.

"I miss you more, bye," I said and finally hung up.

I laid my cellphone on the side table and turned off the lampshade. I went back to bed and adjusted the blanket that had already covered me. I put my left arm on my forehead and stared at the ceiling again.

I gasped at the thought that Mom didn't trust my words. She probably feels that this is exactly what I want. It is as if I don't want to go home anymore so she is anxious.

To be honest, I am happy and complacent with the life I have now. In this kind of life that no one dictates what I should and shouldn’t do nor eyes that are always watching and looking for my mistakes in my actions.  In this kind of life I have right now, I don’t have to think about anything other than just my personal needs. Unlike in that place, everything is a problem! I am tired of bothering myself with the problems of others.

I’m so exhausted.

Ever since I was a child, everything has been planned for me. I had no idea how to accomplish the things they wanted me to accomplish! I envy the children I play with for a while because they can paddle in the rain or roll in the mud. They don’t care if they get dirty or get too wet!

I used to get jealous when I heard how loud they laughed as if there was no tomorrow to come. I was jealous of their simple life that I had never experienced before.

All around me then were books, laws, and the roles of an obedient child. I have no freedom to do what I want to do. Especially... when my father died. Everything became more chaotic as if everything had been left to me. At my young age, they seemed to have imprisoned me in my duties, so when I had the opportunity to be free... I did not hesitate to leave... even if it was only temporarily.

I know I'm becoming selfish but... I just want to live a peaceful and normal life... even for a short time. So, when I go back there, I have no regrets and I can tell myself... that at least once... I have been free from my destiny.

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Every time I think of those things, I get stressed! Hmm, I don't want to think anymore!

It's even better for me to go to sleep, I still have work tomorrow and I don't want to stay up late thinking about such things. If my mother comes here, let her be! As if she could do something to stop me!

I'll be home when I'm ready to go back! I don’t know if it will be near or soon, but I don’t want to go back home yet!

I have given them my words and I will keep what I say. I'm sure I'll go home ... not just now.

I will go home when I have found the answers to all my questions.