Miss Otaku

Unexplained Kindness

After dinner, I thanked Mr. Truman and Clark and proceeded to my room. I was so surprised the moment I entered in.

“B-books?!” my eyes widened. Staring at the new bookshelf filled with different kinds of books, I shivered. Honestly, I am not a bookish type and I seldom go to the library. What would I do with all of these?

My foot walked towards the bookshelf. Drawing near, I looked at the titles of some books one by one. They are varied. Did Mr. Truman want to educate me with different things through these books? Why spend so much money on them? I shook my head. These rich people are really difficult to understand.

The next day...

I woke up when I heard the alarm clock ringing. Stretching my hand, I looked at the window. It’s already bright outside. This is the first time I slept this peaceful.

After taking a bath and wearing my uniform, I picked up my bag and rushed outside.

“Good morning Lily! You’re ready.”

Looking at the source is the voice, I saw Mr. Truman looking at me. I bowed my head to him as a sign of respect.

The old man smiled warmly at me. Here is his warm smile that makes me uncomfortable again.

“Come and eat your breakfast, Lily!” he said softly.

“I-I...” I started but was unable to continue what I am about to say. I just wanted to find my mom and say goodbye before going to school. I have only an hour left and I'll be late if I would not ride the bus now.

“Oh, are you looking for your mom?” Mr. Truman said when he noticed my eyes searching everywhere for her.

“Y-yes, sir.”

“Oh, she went to work early. She would be coming back in the afternoon. Is there anything you need?”

“N-none, sir.” I am too embarrassed, for how could I ask for money from a stranger?

“Oh, come here and have breakfast before you go to school.”

I glanced at my watch and looked at him apologetically.

“Thank you for the offer but sorry sir, I will be late for school if I don’t take the bus now.”

“Bus? There is no bus in this part of the city. You need to walk for about fifteen minutes before reaching the nearest bus stop. Also, Clark will send you to school. Right, Clark?”

At this, he looked at Clark who is busy eating his breakfast. He did not respond.

“I...” I don’t know what to say. I'm totally embarrassed by the situation. Why did my mom leave before I woke up and did not see me first today? Also, she didn't even tell me where she went to. This is so unlike her. 

“Come, come,” Mr. Truman said again and pulled the chair for me, expecting me to sit on it. “Bite a little before going to class.”

I was embarrassed but I still smiled awkwardly. I am being treated special by my mom’s employer and I don’t know how to react to it. Pulling my feet towards the table, I sat down on the chair pulled by Mr. Truman, still on his left side just like yesterday.

“Eat a lot,” Mr. Truman said before continuing to eat his food.

I stared at Mr. Truman from the corner of my eyes. Since Day 1, I have been treated special by this old man for an unknown reason. Why is he doing this?

“Here’s your hot chocolate, Young Miss,” a servant just came and served me with a cup of chocolate.

Young Miss? Did she call me 'young miss'? I can feel my ears getting hot. As far as I know, my status in this household should be the same as the servants since my mom came to work here as one. Why is the servant addressing me as young miss?

Knowing that my questions couldn’t be answered right away, I proceeded to eat my food. I just took two pieces of bread and ate them with butter and jam.

“Let’s go,” Clark said coldly after fifteen minutes.

Time is just right. I just finished my breakfast.

I stood up and bowed my head to Mr. Truman. At this point, I have no choice but to follow what I am told. Having no money and no mom to ask from, I should just obey what I'm being told to do.

“T-thank you for...”

“You don’t need to thank me for everything I do for you from now on, Lily,” Mr. Truman cut my other words off. “Just focus on studying your lessons.”

My mouth dropped, not expecting him to say that. However, I just remained silent and nodded. Do I have any choice?

Clark walked towards the door without waiting for me so I followed hastily after saying goodbye to Mr. Truman. He proceeded towards his car and opened the driver’s seat.

I stayed frozen, not knowing if I should open the door or wait for his instructions. Obviously, I'm hesitant.

“Are you waiting for me to open the door for you?!” Clark said impatiently when he noticed that I just stood outside the car.

Hearing his irritated voice, I felt nervous agian.

“Lily!” This time, he shouted impatiently.

“O-okay,” I answered and opened the door of the backseat. I sat there hurriedly and closed the door. I bowed my head, not attempting to even raise it to see him.

Clark let out a sigh and drove without saying another word. From his reaction, he seemed to have no patience for my 'careful' moves. He obviously dislikes me. 

As the first time, we remained silent until we reached the gate of the school.

“Get this,” Clark said when I was about to go down.

Frowning, I looked at his extended hand. Huh? A card?

“This is from dad,” he said coldly.

“I-I...” my words are stuck on my throat. Why is Clark giving me a card all of a sudden? Although I never had one like this, I have read about it before and I have seen my classmates use it to get money from a machine.

“What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for me to stuff this card in your pocket?!” Clark shouted again.

“But...” I protested, but it was too late since Clark tossed the card towards me. It fell directly on my lap and I had no choice but to pick it up.

“The password is your birthday,” Clark said without looking at me. “The driver will fetch you in this gate this afternoon so make sure you find him here.”

My birthday? I frowned. How did he even know my birthday? 

I nodded at him anyway. I'm so confused with all the things that have been happening since yesterday afternoon, but I don’t know who to ask my questions to.

“T-thank you,” I said with my head bowed and opened the door.