Love Bomb [1]

Chapter 21 - New Years Pt. 1

Italics is translation

_____________________

TW: Swearing, slight mentions of child abuse, mentions of death

_____________________

Chapter 21

December 31, Wednesday

Kathrin's POV

It is the last day of the year today. My father and some work friends wanted to meet up for dinner. A new years dinner. They specifically wanted me to go because they wanted to meet this 'exceedingly intelligent young child', so obviously I was obligated to go; quite annoying, but I'll take the compliment.

But then I had to act all lady-like and a smartass in front of daddy dearest's besties. Father said I had to wear this Chinese dress thing called a 旗 袍 (qipao), which in english is called 'cheongsam'. It's a midi length, and is in navy blue.

These shoes were my aunts, my father's older sister. She was the closest thing to a parent I had growing up. She would always help me with my homework, take care of me when I was sick, play board games with me, all because my parents were too busy to do it whenever she came over to America and visit, or when we went back to China to visit her.

Sadly though... she died. Five years ago. Because of a heart attack. Her heart problems were always known, so it didn't come as a surprise; but it didn't really ease any of the pain. That's when my father started hitting me. He was mad. He needed to take it out on someone, and I was the closest target. When he gave the shoes to me, you wouldn't believe how happy I was. He trusted me enough for me to wear his sister's shoes. Maybe he's finally learned to act like a dad to me.

Either way, for a while, my mother mentioned that I needed a haircut, and father being the cheap bitch he is, obviously isn't going to pay for one ("Her hair is fine, just leave it like that, it's fine."), therefore, I cut it myself. I made it mid-neck length and I trimmed my bangs slightly. It was kind of uneven, but I do not care.

Kathrin's outfit

I walked down the stairs to locate my parents. Once I've arrived, they both stopped what they were doing to look at me. Surprisingly, my father's eyes widened slightly, as if he actually thought I looked decent. He even stopped and admired a bit. "You-- you look... good." He complimented.

I was trying to stay professional and conceal a smile, but failed. A small grin appeared on my face. I was genuinely happy with my father for the first time in so long. But he probably only said anything because I look a lot like my aunt, but it's fine. At least he thought I looked good. I'd take it.