Her Destined Ride — Chapter 14: RESOURCEFUL REMORSE

Sunny's POV

I returned home right away, feeling bad and devastated. That look from Mr. John humiliated everything in me. I hate the way he would look at me from head to toe. It feels like he's going to do something that I won't like. His presence alone terrifies me from my head down to my feet. I don't want to see him again after what happened to the store. It felt really traumatic even if I experienced it for the first time.

Even if I am already inside the house with all the doors locked, the anxiety attacks kept on bothering me. I feel like I am not the only one inside. I hugged both of my arms as I hovered my gaze inside the room. Everything is quiet. I inhaled deeply and tried calming myself down.

I badly wanted to shift my attention into something worthwhile. It will somehow make me forget what happened to me when I was at the grocery store. I tried cooking a meal based on the ingredients that my mother asked me to buy from that store.

I examined and prepared all the ingredients on the table. Setting the skillet on medium heat. I will be having stewed meat and vegetables for dinner. My mom needs to explain everything to me. She has to tell me why Mr. John treated me that way.

I have a feeling that she knew what's going on. She has to explain everything to me, from the way that man looked at me and the mystery payment. What was even the meaning of what he said? Mother already paid it? I don't think so.

"Hello darling! How are you?" I glanced at our front door as soon as mother arrived. She went straight to where I am standing to check what I've cooked for dinner. She saw me preparing our meal again. I could see that her mood is really great the way she greeted me as she came closer.

"You know what? I am starting to wonder how you learned how to cook. As far as I could remember, I haven't taught you how to do it," She said while touching her lips with the spoon she dipped on the stewed meat and vegetables. I was about to set the table when she arrived. The last to be placed on the table is our viand.

I prefer to be silent for a while. I don't want to spoil her mood. We both sat on the table. I served her the food I cooked in her bowl. She looked happy and energetic that I couldn't help but to get annoyed.

She doesn't seem to care if I stay quiet. As a matter of fact, I have observed that she would be more surprised if I am being talkative. I guess that's my upbringing. She made me this way, but this time, I have to deal with her.

"How did you know Mr. John?" I could see that she stopped eating all of a sudden. Even her facial reaction changed when I mentioned his name to her. She looked at me in the eyes as if reading my mind right now.

"Why do you ask dear? He's only a family friend."

"It's just odd. I don't like him." I said in a straightforward manner. She slammed the table with both hands. I can see that she's fuming mad because of what I told her.

"Don't you ever say that again!"

"Why do you defend him to me, mom?"

"Oh you ungrateful daughter! Do you know that Mr. John is really kind? He even give us free food and snacks—"

"What do you mean, 'free', mom?" I cut her off from what she will say more. I cannot even tolerate it. I want to vomit what I had been eating for more than five minutes ago.

"He's kind and he's been worrying about us since we can't almost eat a decent meal."

"So you mean he's been doing all of these for free?"

"Honey, look," She stood up and stood behind me as she touched both of my shoulders.

"Mr. John is a good man, okay? He's just concerned about us. In fact, we're not only the ones he's helping with. He's also helping many other families who are not capable of buying enough food for themselves."

I sat in silence. Should I tell mom what happened inside the grocery store? Should I tell mom how Mr. John looked at me like I am his tiny prey?

Everytime I remember his face, I couldn't help but to feel scared about what will happen to me, especially that my mother is not always in the house.

"Mom, do you think Mr. John is just helping us without expecting something in return?" I asked as I tilted my head up to see his reaction.

"Mr. John's family owns a charity, dear. It is natural for them to help, in fact he's planning to finance you to send you to school."

"He said that?"

"Yes, dear. He wanted to support your schooling. I also recommend you to stay at their house to help their maids clean the house even during weekends. That way, it will not be too awkward to receive your education from him for free."

"What?" I stood up and faced her. Really? Is that the only wish my mom would ever have for me? Is she really being serious about her plans?

"Yes. He seemed to be okay with it so you better do what I will have to tell you."

"No! I will never do it! I'd rather be a non-reader and illiterate, name it! But I will never do what you wanted me to do. You don't even know him that much!" She slapped me as a reply. I touched the affected cheek as tears gushed from my eyes down my cheeks. I looked at her in the eyes but it seemed like her reaction was blank.

"I will never go to the house of that pervert, mom! And there is no way you could force me!" I said as I hurriedly went to my room and shut the door before her.

I jumped on the bed, lying flat on my stomach. I covered my eyes with my folded arms. I couldn't believe my mother could do this to me as if her decisions were always right. They were never even right for a second. How could she depend on other people more than me?

Does she really love me? What is really my role in her life? Her personal maid? Someone she could ask about how she would look if she will date another man?

Is she really my mother?