Missed Call

VII. Cognitive Dissonance

[D O M]

I grew up moving from one foster home to another. Despite my biological parents' elite status, I don't get the perks of being a rich kid.

My mother, Jamie, got pregnant at an early age. My bastard of a father denied that his sperm made me. Due to my mom's belief in romance she got depressed with my father's reaction, she didn't have a chance to abort me so she gave me away. Plus, to maintain an elite status they should get rid of stains. The stain of my mom's stupidity would be me.

Years after, she adopted me together with his new husband. And by that time I already have a sister 2 years younger than I am, Dion. Ergo, I am now enjoying the rich kid perks.

My stepfather, Finn, is fond of golf. He drags us out every Sunday for a game. My sister and I stay under the umbrellas, not a bit interested in hitting small balls.

"Why isn't Yuri here again, Dom?"

Right, I haven't told them yet. Barely audible I replied, "We broke up two weeks ago."

Both my parents made it evident that they are worried. They know how Yuri is the center of my universe since I was 7. I am now 19, unrequited love for 11 years and a relationship for less than a year because according to her, "It's not just working out. I can't see you more than a brother."

Dion's face is etched with confusion, "My friends saw you twice with a girl this week." I nod as a response. Now, even my parents are confused. They seem to wonder why I am not currently hibernating due to excessive alcohol intake instead I was even seen out with another girl.

"I have a new girlfriend." Forced her to be my girlfriend but it's the same thing, still my new girlfriend. A moment of silence, an indication that I have to say more so I tell them more, "Her name is Air. She's studying sociology for her pre-law. And Dion's fri---"

I cringe on the ground at the throbbing pain in my left eye caused by amazon sister's punch. I can't even yell at her, I just kept on murmuring curse words as if it'll make the pain go away. My parents and the caddies stand in shock while Dion is towering over me all red and steam coming out of her nose.

"Go find yourself another rebound!"

I, therefore, conclude that my sister loves Air more than she loves me marked in black and blue on my face.

Flipping through the glossy magazine pages, the magazine she is in. When I found "Sky" a small smile crept to my lips. She really looks bride-worthy. Thank you cosmetics and elegant dresses!

Although I like her natural glow more. She's a kid almost always wearing otaku statement shirts. In contrast, her square-rimmed glasses give out a mature and strict aura... but overall?

There's no dull moment with her. It's not about her looks but her personality that made me unconsciously announced her as my girlfriend. I know to myself that we are just messing around, I am just messing around.

Taking a double take on her photo then to a snap I secretly took when she was attacked by her coffee. Asking the question to confirm it, am I really messing around?

Definitely. It's still Yuri.

"She looks dorky but adorable." I flip my phone case close then glare at my sneaky friend. Lim laughed, "Based on first impression judgment, she's not like Yuri the prim and proper but I feel that I like her more."

Somehow I found myself answering without much mental deliberation, a signal of being sht deep trouble.

"I do too."