Lifestyle Change
1038 Words
Norrie stared at the road before her. Her eyes are fixed there but her thoughts are far beyond what her eyes can see.
Danger? She has been in constant danger since ten years old? She shook her head and sighed heavily again. Recalling the story that her parents narrated this morning, she cannot remember anything at all. Yes, she listened to their story as if she is not the one in it. She cannot relate totally to what they told her.
But then again, considering all her repetitive dreams of running in the woods while being pursued by hunters, could the experience be related there? And why does she have this feeling every time that the dream is real?
"There is a part of your memory that we suppressed so that we can have you back. I'm sorry but we didn't have any choice then. The impact of the incident to your mental health was so much that we could not do anything at all." She can still remember her mother's tears while explaining this to her.
She let out a heavy sigh. What if I undergo a face surgery and live as a different person from now on? She has to admit that this thought crossed her mind. However, given her parents' prominence, it's impossible for her to do this. The paparazzi will always find a way to expose her. If that happens, it will only draw unnecessary attention.
What could be done? Now that she knows the truth, she has already conditioned her mind for some lifestyle change. She has to be extra careful. Thinking of her exposure to an assassin yesterday still makes her tremble because of fear. It's really not a pleasant experience when you are face to face with death. That experience did so much for her, waking her entire being to the reality of this world. Yes, some people are just cruel to point their guns at some innocent ones and pull the trigger.
Shaking her head, she breathed deeply. Her life was already restricted in the past. She was not able to make close friends in the neighborhood or at school. Since young, she has been playing alone and even if she studies in school, her classmates have maintained a certain distance from her because of her social status in life. She has been known as a spoiled brat so no one attempted to make friends with her. Plus, she's always with a nanny even at school. Who would dare make friends with her? She wasn't able to foster close relationships with anyone except those who are working inside the Grande mansion. It's not that she doesn't want the people around but she is honestly bored with interacting with the same people for almost all her life. What's more, these people treat her as if she is the most fragile person in the world.
But wait, she had a friend. Yeah, she can remember that boy's face. He has the kindest and most approachable aura, one that makes a person at ease just by a mere glance. He used to be so kind to her, always giving her what she wanted and always putting up with her "wicked" schemes when they were young. She was always willful and always put the blame on him when she encountered something bad. However, he never denied her "false accusations". In fact, he always stared at her with understanding eyes. It's too bad that boy left Country H because of family matters. Since then, she never saw him again.
She smiled. At least she was able to make a friend. Once in her life, there was one who cared for her. At his point, an image appeared on her mind and eyes widened the moment she remembered him. Without her control, her skin felt cold as his face appeared before her mind.
Wait, she didn't make only one friend. She made two. Yes, she made another boy in an island before but why can't she remember his face? She can just see his silhouette. By the looks of it, he has handsome features. Above all, he is tall.
She frowned. She had another "unknown" friend but her mind just can't remember who he is.
She sighed and resumed thinking about how to make changes in her daily routine. Now that she knows that some people are targeting her without knowing the reason why, she is planning not to have a routine lifestyle anymore. She has to make changes so that those with bad intentions will not study her movements and anticipate her next steps.
Smiling bitterly at her reflection in the car window, she shook her head. When will she be free to live her life to the fullest? She has always thought that being a Grande is a gift but now that she is experiencing things, she is starting to think whether being one is an advantage or the other way around. If only she doesn't love her parents, she would have left their house and chosen to live freely in a secluded place. Huh, it's a hassle to be rich.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
It's her mom.
"Mom?" she answered as soon as she accepted the call.
"Dear, I know how hard it is for you to make adjustments again after knowing the truth. I and your dad just want you not to feel too worried about it. Please live the way you did before knowing what we told you today."
"Yeah, I know," she answered. However, at the back of her mind, she cannot still remove the fact that she needs to be extra careful now. She cannot put her life at stake and make her parents sad.
"Baby..." Mandy said with a heavy heart.
She can feel her mother's heart breaking at the thought of the difficulties that she is going through but what can she do?
"Don't worry, mom," she answered. "I will do the best that I can to enjoy my life regardless of the things that you told me. Besides, my condition is better than one who has been diagnosed with a deadly disease. I'm alive and well. I just need to be careful. That's all."
- Writer
