Flashes And Palettes | 𝘈𝘳𝘶𝘈𝘯𝘪

01. Schatz

"Annie you trained to be a martial artist, not a make-up artist. Do you know how disappointed I am? What have you done to yourself? Ever since you met that---"

"It's Armin, Dad. Can you atleast call my boyfriend by his name? It will not cost you anything, Dad. Just a bit of respect. And don't blame him if I shifted my interests into make-up artistry rather than being someone who breaks bones. I chose this path for me. I am happy with this." I cut him off. He always blames Armin whenever I don't do what he wants me to do. Armin was never a reason why I disobey him. Dad would always think Armin is influencing me, but no. I chose that myself.

"Our ancestors are crying with disappointment. All of our jobs are related to martial arts and here you are, throwing our tradition away." My hands clenched up into a fist and I gritted my teeth, stopping myself from saying anything reckless. Why did I invite him for a coffee again? Oh yeah, it's his birthday.

"What is tradition if I am not happy? Who knows maybe two out of three of our ancestors are proud of me because I managed to stand up for myself and be free from whatever standards you have." I tried to sound as respectful as I can but I am at my limit. "I am happy with my job. And I am happiest with Armin." I answered and put my hands on the table.

"For all I know, Armin doesn't even love my daughter." The fact that he said that, made me feel angry, but he only calls me as his daughter once in a blue moon.

"He loves me, Dad."

"If he loves you then why is he kissing another girl in public and only does it to you in private? If he loves you then why is he so embarrassed about you that he holds another girl's hands and waist in public? He can't introduce you to the world. If he loves you, my daughter, then he should have the courage to shout it to the world." Tears threatened to fall when Dad said those, emphasizing some words. I bit my lips hard and gulped. I composed myself and took a deep breath.

"He doesn't love Vanessa. He loves me, Dad. He loves me. Armin loves me." I tried to convince him.

"He doesn't love Vanessa, yes. But he also doesn't love you. Because he loves his work. Nothing else and nothing more." Dad said with such harshness in his voice. Why does he have to say those things to me? I don't believe him. Armin loves me. He wants to say it to the world that I am his and he is mine. The society is the problem, not my boyfriend.

"Your cruelty is beyond words, father. Our ancestors are crying with disappointment. Not because of me, but because of how you turned out to be. Happy Birthday, have a bliss." I wasn't able to stop myself. I stood up and picked up my bag before leaving him in the coffee shop. He must be smiling by now as I turn my back on him for he successfully hurt my feelings. He successfully broke my heart. All my life I have been a good daughter to him. Isn't that enough?

~ • ~

"Maybe he was just worried about you, schatz. Fathers tend to be a little cruel with their choice of words when they want the best for their children. Besides, you are a girl. His baby daughter. He loves you that much that's why he was able to say those things." Armin said gently."Let's just understand him. I love you, okay?" He loves me. I hope Dad could hear this.

"I am sorry, Armin." I said and bit my lip. He is probably hurt that my Dad doesn't like him when his parents treat me like their own.

"Hmm? Sorry? For what, schatz?" He asked. He has been calling 'schatz' ever since he met me and I don't know why he calls me that. I mean I only know one and it's that---I don't understand it, nor know the language it was from.