The Universe In Her

Seven: The Protostar

Mr. Carter said that he would choose the best poem from the class and would be given a chance to be featured in our exhibit, it can even be partnered along with an art. Once again, I thought it was gonna be easy. When I was in high school, I managed to get an award but the life in the university is not the same anymore.

I passed by the arts club room and saw a new painting that was displayed. A protostar. I once heard from a science geek in high school that a protostar is the earliest stage of stellar formation. It's marvelous. How a small burning desire turned to become a star that everyone looks up to.

I heard my phone rang and saw my dad's name pop up. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad but I know that my mom is using him to talk to me. I still haven't cleared everything up with my mom, I hate how she pries with my own business.

I answered the phone to get no response, "Hello, dad?"

"Sweetie, it's me," I panicked, it's mom. I need to control myself.

"Oh," I said and heard her sigh over the phone.

"Gabby, sweetie, can we talk for a moment? I just.. I just need to tell you a few things, you know-" I immediately cut her off because I know that she would once again, meddle with my business.

"Mom, I know. You don't have to tell me again. Besides I'm a grown up, I can handle things on my own," I didn't realize my voice sounded too mad.

"Hey, Gab, darling, how are things going?" I shifted as I heard my dad's voice. The thing is I'm closer with my dad and since I'm a daughter, he always protects me. I just love my dad in every way.

"Daddy, everything's fine. Our first day was....." I told him what really happened this day.

"I see, you know Gabrielle, success is a process. You don't easily achieve the things that you want because if you can, then what's the point of it? You won't find happiness because you did not work hard for it. But I'm happy for you Gabby. I was right about you, I knew it from the start."

"Dad you know how I was confused at first."

"Oh no, darling, you already know it from the start, you're not aware of it at first but I knew it will show up eventually, don't worry, you'll be better just don't mind what other people say about you, you'll learn from it," he paused for a moment and chuckled, "I remember your mom. Didn't you know? Arts is the reason why I met your mom, I'm really happy you're choosing the same path."

"Well dad, hah! It's not because of you why I'm choosing this. You and mom are kinda corny," I joked.

"Hah, just to let you know I was head over heels with your mom, she was ecstatic when she played the cello. I should really thank the inventor of art and music, if it's not for them I wouldn't have met your mom. Corny you say? Somebody probably snatched your heart already darling, don't deny it. Art can move one soul, hah."

I was stunned. Realizing the feeling that took over me, I shook my head. Why did I suddenly think of him? I can't believe that even the smallest details can make me think of him. Okay, Gabrielle, control yourself. You can't turn this into a big mess.

"HAH! I knew it! So who is this man?" my dad chuckled

"Ugh, Dad! Seriously, it's not because of somebody. You said it yourself that I already had it inside me," I explained, ugh dad, so embarrassing.

"Look at yourself, you don't have to defend yourself," He laughed.

"Dad, it's nothing! Seriously, no one will ever get my attention. Whatever I need to go!" I said

"You'll eat your words but be careful Gabrielle, I hope you're doing this because this is what your heart wants. Don't write if you're doing it for somebody else. Okay, darling. Take care, I love you," I thought about what he said but this! This is how my dad knows me so much, since we're closer I get to tell him everything about my life.

"I love you too," Ian popped up in front of me as soon as I hung up the phone.

"Whoa, where have you been?"

"I saw you talking to somebody over the phone, I noticed you were all red so I got all curious."

I looked at him, confused. Why does it matter to him?

"It was my dad, we were just fooling around," I explained.

"Well, for sure he misses you every day, his only daughter lives far from him," He smiled.

We went into the car and had a peaceful drive to his house. We get to talk about our day and I'm really glad I get to catch up with Ian every day from now on.

When we arrived at his house, we were welcomed by Pauline to the dining area to find a table filled with delicious cuisines. Roasted chicken, sautéed vegetables, mashed potato and a wine for dinner. My stomach is grumbling.

"Well, this is exciting," Everybody laughed, I looked over to Ian to find him smiling at me.

"Ian here wanted to have a formal dinner since you got here, Gabby," Jane said.

"Well, thanks to Ian we all get to eat a lot tonight," I said.

"Cheers!" We toasted our drinks.

For the whole night, I can't help but notice how Ian was kind of different towards me. It's probably because of the alcohol, but he's acting like not the Ian that I know. I observed their family,  they are full of joy and you can really see that they are close with each other. Somehow I felt a pang of jealousy towards Ian.

"Gabby, you sleep here for the night. We prepared the guest room for you," Jane smiled at me as she kissed me goodnight, she looked over to Ian and gave him a glare.

"Come on, I'll bring you to your room," Ian grabbed my hands softly.

The walk was silent, probably because both of us are already tired.

"Good night," I smiled.

I was waiting for his response when he suddenly hugged me, a soft, deep hug.

There was a long moment of silence before he said his response, "Good night, Gabrielle."

I was stunned, he let go of me and smiledk
before he walked back to the living room. It's just that when Ian calls me by my first name, I know something is up.

I plopped down my bed to take a rest, I couldn't stop thinking about this day. It wasn't a normal day. My mom tried to talk to me again, my dad had a deep conversation with me and Ian was acting weird. I was indulged with my own thoughts when I heard my phone ring. Oh, it's probably a text message from Jess.

I grabbed my bag to find my phone, I was right. It's Jess.

10:30PM From: Jessss

How are you today? I'm so excited to talk to you about a lot of things. Let's meet soon. I love you, G. ♥

I smiled to myself, it's probably that guy she met. I put my phone down the bed table and reached out for the lamp when I stepped onto a paper on the floor. Oh, it's probably from my bag. I always keep my trash in my bag because I don't want to just throw it anywhere, I've used this bag when since I got here in Tasmania so it's probably the plane tickets. It doesn't matter... or so I thought. I was about to throw it on the trash can when I realized that it's not just a paper. It's an envelope and I think it's a letter.

A letter from mom. I composed myself, what could it be?