The Heiress Lives Again

2 - THE NIGHT

CHAPTER TWO

THE NIGHT

“Did you enjoy the party, sweetheart?”

I automatically beamed up as my mother asked me that question. “Yes, mom. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful party, mom, dad.”

“You deserve it, princess.” Dad said as he took me into a hug and kissed my forehead. I wrapped my arms around my father and hugged him tightly. I felt my mother hugging me too. I was sandwiched by two of my favorite people in the world. More than the extravagant debut party they threw for me, having them both makes me happier. I love them so much and no material thing can compare to them.

I felt mom caressing my hair so I looked back at her. “But sweetheart, your friends are still at the after party. Are you sure it’s okay to leave so early?”

“Yes, mom. I’ve already had fun at the party. I’m good.” I assured her.

She smiled dearly at me. “You’re 18 now and if you want to party like your friends, you know your dad and I are okay with it. We trust you, sweetheart.”

“Partying is fun, mom, but I guess it’s just not my taste.” I told her. “You know me, I’d rather stay in my room and read or play with Chewie.”

“Oh, Thali, sweetheart. What did we ever do to have such a wonderful daughter like you?”

Mom looked so pleased that she couldn’t help but squeeze me in her arms. I just chuckled at her reaction. I know how worried they were before that I would be just like the other kids my age. They were anxious that I would grow to like partying and drinking in clubs. They’ve seen how the other kids were so fond of it that they thought I’d be like that too.

While I know they’re worried about it, I knew they would still let me do what I want because they loved me that much. But I guess I am different from the other kids. While I could choose to enjoy the same things, I’d also rather not. I don’t think it’s right to take my parents’ love for granted like that. I’d rather not make them worry. Aside from that, I don’t really like the taste of alcohol. I also don’t like loud music. So yeah, that won’t be too enjoyable for me.

“How can I not be wonderful? I have wonderful parents.” I said proudly.

If there’s anything I really like in this world, that would be making my parents proud. And of course, my pet golden retriever named Chewie.

“That’s my girl.” Dad commented as he patted my head.

“I saw Damian giving you a gift earlier…” Mom said all of a sudden.

I turned to her and saw that she was trying to look nonchalant but I could see that she was very interested in the topic. I fought the smile that was trying to creep up on my lips.

“He gave me a charm bracelet.” I answered, still fighting the urge to smile.

Mom’s smile grew wider as she eyed my arm. She found what she was looking for. She didn’t wait for me to show it to her, she gently took my hand in hers and stared at the bracelet on my wrist.

“The boy’s got taste.” Dad commented. I looked at him in surprise. I didn’t even realize that he was looking at the bracelet too. He only smiled when our eyes met. I felt embarrassed for some reason.

I felt mom touching the bracelet on my wrist. My attention returned to her. “The charms...”

I couldn’t help but smile when she mentioned it. I guess she immediately realized the meaning behind the charms hanging from the bracelet. “Symbolizes the countries we’ve been to…”

Last month Dame and I went on a cross country trip with his cousins. It was my first out of town trip with people that aren’t family. It was a memorable trip. And he promised we’d go on more trips…

“I know we’ve asked you this a lot of times already, sweetheart.” Mom started to say. My attention zeroed on her when I noticed that her tone slightly changed. She sounded a little worried. “But are you sure it’s okay for you to do it? Are you really okay with marrying Damian? I know we suggested it but we don’t want you to think that you have no say on this matter.”

I blinked a couple of times. I’ve answered that question a lot of times too. But I didn’t really think about the depth of it back then. I’m realizing now that this must be the last time they’ll ask me and it would seal everything.

“Damian is a good guy.” I answered with a smile. I didn’t really want to go full on the details. I am close to mom but I feel kinda shy sharing how I feel about the situation.

“He is… and that’s why we thought he’d be the best one for you.” Dad interjected calmly. “But just as your mother said, in the end, the decision is still up to you, Thali. It’s your future and your life. We can guide you but all decisions are still up for you to make.”

“We want you to make this choice without thinking about us or the company… we want you to decide on your own free will.” Mom added.

I gave my parents a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, mom, dad… I’m---”

“MOM!!!!”

I woke up with a start again. I clutched my heaving chest as I tried to catch my breath.

It’s starting again… It’s been years since I last had that dream and now it’s coming back again…

I dreamt of that night again…

The night which changed everything in my life. The night that took away my beloved parents. The night when everything in my life became dark, literally and figuratively. The night I didn’t want to remember again…