As Time Passes By

Chapter ten: Open mindedness

I reached the mansion and got out of the cab. Guards were everywhere, and my mind was spinning from the long ride, making me want to puke in the middle of the fountain that is literally splashing water on my face.

I went inside the mansion, my sight caught the huge hall with the chandelier in the middle, supporting a big light to the big space.

Giselle immediately recognized me and approached me. Her brown lookin' 'blond hair' was scattered on her sides. Her face etched with confusion as she saw my face splash with water. "Why the hell is your face soaked?" She asked curiously.
I rolled my eyes and grabbed a napkin from a nearby shelf, and wiped my face. Giselle's arms were crossed, and she was demanding an answer.
Kiki and Miki are staring at us weirdly as hell until they both finally decide to approach. Giselle was still frustrated of me not answering her question, but I remained stubborn as my sister.

"Look what we have here," Kiki smirked playfully while Miki hugged me from behind. Giselle's expression softened after Kiki interrupted everything, which is a goodie.
My sight caught my siblings: Adam and Aleah. They were running like crazy while a few of our relatives played with them. But, there's something missing..

"Where's Layla?"
I asked curiously. Layla was always the person who is always present in most random events, which is giving all of us the 'clown' vibes. "In the bathroom taking uhm... You know what I mean.." Giselle winked while messing up my short hair. I wanted to just punch her face and keep on laughing about it like a literal 1 year old.
"Well, let me just borrow Noelley for just a minute, oki?" Miki said before pulling me out of there.

There goes the clingy Miki again..

"I heard you got a boyfriend?" Miki asked. I wasn't even surprised, I was always asked about this, EVERY SINGLE DAY. I chuckled like I hadn't heard of it, but seriously, this question is getting more annoying by the second I keep on breathing. "I don't have a boyfriend, Mi," I sighed. "It's just a rumor, and this question is getting more and more annoying.." I said. Miki threw a concerned look while we walked to the garden area where pretty little roses grew.

"You get always asked 'bout it? Why aren't you telling them to back off with that question when it's getting annoying?" Miki asked with concern etching on her voice.
Honestly, that made me think: I care for people's feelings more than I care about my emotions.
Because I fear that I could possibly hurt a feeling or even lose someone because of me being a little harsh.

Miki smacked her lips before speaking. "You know, it's okay for you to say no or even tell someone to stop. Sometimes, defending yourself is no problem when you really feel it. Nothing is called 'golden' in a life because every texture will eventually be worn out." Miki patted my back gently. I nodded, then smiled warmly.

Miki and I parted ways after she comforted me. I led my way to Nama's office, which gave me the chills of nightmares. I knocked on the door gently before fidgeting my own fingers. The door opened after a moment of silence. A maid was running out of the office, crying like she had mistaken something so bad. I entered the room and saw Nama sitting on her usual spot in the room.
"Another rumor, I see? Are you dating Armstrong now?" Nama asked before rising from her seat.

"No, but we're kinda close." I smiled warmly while Nama circled me like a total ant. My anxiety and doubts are piling up again. Her gaze was scaring the heck out of me.
She tugged a strand of my hair and walked towards the huge window, tryna admire the view of the clear night sky beyond the pool deck. "You're doing a very good job, Elle. It's very impressive for a grandchild like you, never messing up something." She spoke with a stunned tone in her voice. "Stay golden, Noelle. This is the kind of child I want." She dismissed.

Nothing is golden in a life. Miki's words hit my heart like millions of torches. I know that being golden isn't special, but what Nama says were like shields that want me to believe that I am the 'gold' member of the Nichols.

It hurts to believe something that is never true on yourself. Nama only calls me 'golden' because I didn't fail on her order, not like Shea, who failed to stay on being Nama's 'perfect' slave. I wonder if she is still alive and living with her partner, happily without Nama.

I sat on the long dining table beside Layla. The word 'golden' remains in my head, clearly driving me crazy.

Throughout the whole dinner, I remained silent, not like the Noelle they knew that was so talkative to anybody she saw.

My life smelled.. different..