My Alchemist (the Mythical Zawgyi of Myanmar) Book I

Chapter 5

I've already packed my bags when I heard Amara's voice from downstairs. The watch on my wrist showed 3 pm and I knew it's still early to leave to the bus station. 

"Rose!! you need to come down now." Amara yelled with excitement in her voice. The last thing I need before I leave to my hometown is any more surprises. Nevertheless, she's never the one to be predictable anyways.

"Okay okay..coming."

I carried my luggage, more like dragging it downstairs and just as I reached the ground, I saw Him. Standing at the door step with the most innocent yet insensitive smile. Arkar crossed his arms behind his back, looking like a kindergartner kid, waiting to be questioned by the teacher. 

I remember this look.

He usually does this whenever he likes to get under my skin, especially after doing something wrong. And usually I would fall for that, but after what happened a few days ago, I now, find it difficult to fall for his little trick again. Yet, I know I cannot be unreasonable over a slight error in his actions. So, I forced out a smile, probably came out as a twitch around the corner of my lips I'm sure. And I looked at him calmly.

"Hey...what are you doing here?" I asked.

His eyebrows raised and I noticed the cheek muscles tensed to witness my reaction. He must have expected me to run to him with open arms, confident in his slithering trick as always.

"Baby...huhhh.." He tried to smile covering up his unease.

"You're going back today...of course I have to come."

He smiled.

And with that charming look, my angers were half lessened.

"Here, let me get your bags."

He quickly stepped forward and grabbed my luggage from my hands while Amara intervened.

"Yeah..she's been expecting you too Arkar..you're just in time."

She then winked at me, seeing my stiff reaction towards his actions.

"You know what..it's still 3 hours before the express leaves and why don't you two spend some time together?"

Amara grabbed my arms and pushed me outside the house as she repeatedly gave me signals to go along.

Actually, I was in a tricky situation myself whether to forgive him or not. But looking over to Amara and him waiting patiently by the car door, I decided I should give it a chance.

On the way to the highway station, I only looked straight onto the road while he glanced at me from time to time.

"Baby...Rose..?"

"............."

"Are you mad at me for not coming to your graduation?"

I smirked.

"I think that's not the right thing to say Arker"

"Rose come on.....", he said frowning, shaking his head. 

"I told you I've been busy with my family, shouldn't you at least understand?"

"Shouldn't you at least say it in advance with..I don't know..with a bit more care to my feelings?" I backfired.

This is it. If he wants to blame it back on me, I demand decent explanation rather than changing the direction of the topic. 

"You ghosted on me...and you didn't even care to explain it to me properly"

"I did tell you that I was busy..."he said hitting onto the lever.

"Yeah...and hung up without even letting me finish"