Timeless - Mark Tuan

Chapter 19

Mark

I might have been really really really drunk. I don't freakin' remember what I've been doing for the past days. 

I have a very terrible headache. It could be hangover since Jackson told me that we've been drinking and partying nonstop.

Shit!

I don't even remember why I went with him. Was I just distressed because Casey left the house angry? It's become more peaceful in the house, however. I admit. I think telling her to leave separately before the wedding was the bravest and best thing I did ever since this whole shit started. 

I told you earlier I was surprised why I suddenly turned to someone who bowed down to Casey's wishes when I hated her so much at first, right? Now, I'm starting to question that again. I try thinking of what happened during that time. What made me change my mind in just a matter of hours. 

I remember I was arguing with my parents about it that night. 

"Aren't you satisfied with what we have?" I ask them. "We have plenty. More than enough to let us live in luxury for the rest of our lives." I shout. 

"And what about your children to be? And their children's children?" My mom says. I can see her nose flaring in anger. We've had this argument numerous times already that I've actually memorized what she was gonna say next. "Think about the future, Mark."

"I am thinking about the future, mom. And this is not what I want. Did I ask you for this?" I pace the room, running my fingers through my hair. I'm tired of this. I know that they're working hard to give me the life that I am enjoying now. But, that doesn't mean that I have to sacrifice my own happiness just to show them that I appreciate what they had done and are still doing. I've already agreed to coming to Korea. I don't think I would be able to agree with this marriage thing though. 

When the girl back in LA decided to break up with me, I accepted that, just so my parents won't be upset. We were all just starting in a new country and they were as stressed as I was. But, now that we're all settled, I just wanted us to be a family again. 

But, No. They were thinking of something else ... something bigger. And I hate it. I'd rather go back to the normal simple life we had back in the US. Here, we aren't free to do the things that used to make us happy. Here, we're dictated by the society and the lifestyle my parents chose to have. 

Honestly, I've thought of running away countless of times before, if not for my friends staying beside me. 

"Mom. Dad." I look at both of them, pleading with my eyes. "Please. I'm happy like this. Just let me go this one time. I'd do anything except this."

"Why?" My dad's voice is softer. "Do you have a girlfriend, son?"

I sigh. "It's not that, dad." I don't have a girlfriend. I have girls ... but not a serious relationship. I don't think I'm ready for that yet. "Can't you just let me decide on that matter? Didn't you love mom before you got married?" I just want to make a point. 

But, of course, they wouldn't hear any of that. 

So, just like the number of times we've argued, I sigh and go out, asking my friends to meet me at  the club. 

What happened after that? I try to recall. But, as hard as I wrack my brain for the details, I only can remember bits and pieces of it. There was a lady with us though. I clearly remember her since I saw her in my house before, talking to my parents. She was saying something, but I couldn't hear what it was.