Meadow and Lions

Chapter II

Arizona

I heard knocks on the door, followed by one of our maids' voice telling me to go down for breakfast. I instructed her to tell my parents that I'm coming down in a jiffy, which she obeyed because I heard nothing after that. I rolled my eyes as I already knew what's going to happen in front of the dining table. Daddy's gonna feed me a morning lecture and I'll probably not going to enjoy my meal again. It happens literally everyday, except when they are on a trip somewhere or doing duties, which I always wish to happen. It sucks living in this house because I always feel like being prisoned. I am deprived of freedom by my own parents.

I slowly walk on the staircase leading to the living room. If only I could just storm out of this house right now, I would. I haven't really had a good relationship with my parents since I was young. They are always so busy that they forget how to be a parent to me. I am an only child and I wish for a sibling I can talk to everyday. I live in a house that doesn't feel like home at all.

When I reached the dining room, I saw my father reading a newspaper and my mother scrolling through her phone. They don't even give me a glance to acknowledge my presence. I just sat down and looked at my plate. "Good morning," I said in a voice as cold as the iced water in front of me.

My father folded the newspaper and gave it to our maid. "Have you already prepared for the entrance exam?" my father asked me.

Oh, I forgot to mention that he also controls my life. One example is the upcoming college entrance exam. He did not even give me a chance to choose where I want to study. He's also the one who picked my college course and I've got no choice but to say nothing about it. I didn't even got the chance to choose my own career path. It has always been them who decide for me!

I swallowed the lump on my throat as I remember myself crying the other night because of this matter. "I already finished reviewing. I am yet to answer the mock exam on Saturday."

"Good. There's no room for mistakes. It's either you pass or you pass."

I sighed. "Yes, Dad."

He did not respond so I already started eating. I glanced at my mom who's still busy on her phone while sipping on a cup of coffee. She doesn't care at all. I shook my head in disappointment.

I hastily ate my food because I don't wanna stay here longer. When I'm done, I stand up without kissing them goodbye because that never happens in my everyday life with them. I got inside the car and my driver started the engine without saying anything.

While on our way to school, I opened my phone to check my daily schedule. I'm going to have a quiz on our Biology subject and there will be a graded recitation in Chemistry. I fished out my notes in Biology to read even though I'm already done reviewing yesterday. I might forget something so it's better to read again. I don't wanna get even a single mistake because that would mean another disappointment remarks from my parents.

When I arrived at our classroom, it's still a bit early so I only saw a few people including my cousin JV. He's sitting on a table while talking to our classmates. I just walked past by them and sat on my chair. I brought out my book in Philosophy to read for the recitation later.

"Hey, cousin," JV said when he approached.

I looked at him boredly. "What?"

"Ito naman, umagang-umaga pa lang ang sungit na."

"Whatever."

He laughed loudly. "Joke ba 'yon?" I furrowed my brows. I have no idea what he's talking about. "What? Whatever." He laughed loudly again. This guy is getting weirder each day.