Against the Wind || LingOrm [ Under Revision ]

CHAPTER 8

Lingling’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched her best friend, Orm, scrutinize her medical certificate. Her father had never left any fractured except the visible bruised, but the lingering pain she’d endured for days had ignited a fierce anger in Orm.

“I told you it wouldn’t happen again,” Lingling pleaded, trying to calm Orm’s rising temper. They were walking towards the hospital parking lot, where Lingling’s motorcycle was parked.

Orm halted and turned to face Lingling, her expression stern. With a tilt of her head, she communicated a silent message: "You have no right." Lingling's voice caught in her throat as she nodded in understanding.

"Should we go back to school now? You have practice, right?" Lingling asked, attempting to change the subject.

"Yes, but let's go to my house first," Orm insisted. "I want to change my clothes and put some ointment on your face." Lingling had no choice but to agree.

Orm had been racking her brain for a solution to Lingling's problem with her father. She knew that understanding the root of his hatred was crucial, but she couldn't figure it out. Lingling seemed hesitant to reveal the truth, making it even more difficult to find a solution.

Fortunately, Nana wasn't home at the moment, as she was visiting the temple.

As they entered Orm's house, Lingling was immediately struck by the serene atmosphere. The house was filled with the sweet scent of organic flowers, and the white and black décor combined with the glass walls created a calming ambiance. It was a place where Lingling always felt at home.

Orm emerged from her room, dressed in her new black road biking uniform that Nana had bought her a few days ago. Lingling couldn't help but admire the way the outfit accentuated her friend's hourglass figure.

Orm sat down beside Lingling and opened the ointment the doctor had prescribed. After carefully cleaning Lingling's face with wet wipes, she applied the ointment. Although she remained silent, Orm was feeling a deep sense of pain and betrayal. She couldn't believe that someone could do such a thing to their own daughter.

As much as she wanted to know why Lingling was allowing her father to treat her this way, Orm couldn't bring herself to ask. The thought of Lingling's pain was too much for her to bear. She was a sensitive person, easily moved to tears by even the smallest kindness.

Orm didn't realize she was crying until Lingling wiped away her tears. "This isn't the worst thing I've ever received," Lingling tried to joke, hoping to ease Orm's pain.

"I-I just... I can't handle how painful it must be," Orm stammered, her voice trembling. "Seeing you like this is hurting me. I want to protect you, Lingling Kwong. Please let me protect you."

Lingling was deeply touched by Orm's words. For the first time in her life, someone genuinely wanted to protect her. She tried to hold back tears but couldn't, and they flowed freely down her face. In Orm's arms, she felt a sense of safety she had never experienced before. She no longer needed to hide behind a facade of bravery because Orm was there to protect her.

"From now on, I'm going to protect you," Orm declared. "No one's going to hurt you again because you have me." She was determined to do whatever it took to keep Lingling safe, even if it meant confronting her parents.

"I'm going to protect you too," Lingling murmured as they embraced.

"No need," Orm replied, inhaling Lingling's calming scent. "Just be happy. That's enough."

Before heading back to school, Orm helped Lingling cover her bruises. They decided to grab a quick bite at a drive-thru, and Lingling couldn't resist indulging in some fried chicken.