A Brat

THE weekend passed by. Now, they were back to being school girls again. And since she met Zero the other day, she can’t get him out of his mind. His words keep on replaying inside her mind.
Afternoon, after class, they both decided to eat in a restaurant—started to tackle things about school and kinds of stuff.
“Dad wants me to study abroad,” said Becca when silence tries to evade them.
Her forehead knitted and put down her spoon and then gazed at her. “But why?”
Becca heaved a deep sigh. “I don’t know. Sometimes, I hate being born rich. I can’t feel any freedom. That’s why when I get a chance, I’m grabbing it—to at least feel that I have that freaking freedom. And now, dad wants me to study abroad just because I need to have a wider knowledge about business.”
Isla shook her head. “He just wants the best for you.”
Becca scoffed and sipped on her glass of juice. “You mean, BEST for them? Mom can’t do anything—well, she can but she’s supporting dad and told me that there’s nothing wrong with that plan. Seriously? Why they can’t ask me if I will agree or not? I don’t want to get the business course. You knew that” she looked at her, Isla then nodded, “ever since, I wanted to become a doctor—a pediatrician.”
Isla could feel the burden that Becca carries inside her. Becca may act cool all the time but still, she’s the girl who also struggles.
“Why don’t you try to voice out your opinion—your will—” she didn’t finish her words when Becca interrupted.
“God knows, I tried so many times that it led me to give up. Zero knows my dad is strict and wants you to obey whatever he wants.”
She nodded. “I know. But you can try to talk to him—”
Becca laughed. “Girl! I’ve tried,” she shrugs, “but there’s no effect.”
She heaved a deep sigh. “So, what’s your plan then?”
Becca looked past through the window. “I don’t know anymore. I just want to stay away from the—hide from them. But I realized, I’m not that kind of person.”
“If your dad wants you to study abroad, then tell him that you will be the one to choose what profession you will take,” she suggested which makes Becca laugh.
“He won’t like that.” Becca sighed. “Being the only daughter sucks. Good for you. you have a brother—”
“Then follow your father and take your dream profession after,” she interrupted.
Becca chews another cutlet of her beef and drank into her glass of wine. “Also, I hate the timing. You see, we’re already enrolled yet he wants me to study abroad?”
She let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t get mad at your dad. Maybe that’s the way he knew to help you with your education. He’s preparing you for your future. You’re the only child and—”
“Isla…” she cuts in. “I’d rather give my throne to my cousin who knew how to manage a business. I swear I’m not fond of business—”
“You mean Zero?’
Becca nodded.
She smirked. “Why don’t you get engaged with my brother—get married then let Apollo handle your business,” she uttered and laughed.
Becca frowned. “Funny,” she uttered then rolled her eyes. “No way.”
She smirked. “I know you like Apollo—”
“Isla, please, don’t mention his name. Anyway, do you think it’s best if I will follow dad?”
She didn’t reply immediately and tried to weigh things. If Becca will follow her dad and studies abroad, she will be left alone in their condo. She has the freedom to entertain Zero. However, Becca and she were inseparable ever since and it will be hard for her if they will be apart.
She heaved a deep sigh. “It’s for you to decide, Becca.”
“I don’t like the idea of leaving you behind. But dad won’t stop bothering me if I will not do what he wanted—”
“They always say, follow your dreams. But I hate the supremacy of elite people when it comes to the freedom of their offspring. They love to compare us to themselves when they were young. However, there’s nothing wrong if you will follow it. Just get four semesters and you’ll tell your dad that you want to be a pediatrician.”
Becca heaved a deep sigh and pouted. “I think, dad knew that I want to be a pediatrician. I did mention it, one time.”
She nodded. “Well, if he’s not rushing you—”
“Oh, girl. He wanted me to decide, as soon as possible,” she scoffed. “He gives me time to think and decide but, in the end… it’s still his decision that matters.”
“I TOLD YOU, mom. I don’t want any arrange marriage!” Zero’s voice roared inside his office while he was talking to his mom on the phone.
“Why can’t you stop arranging dates and whatever those stupid things that you’re doing? So, what if I am already twenty-eight?”
“Zero, son, me and your dad aren’t getting younger. We already want grandchildren. You’re our only son and—”
“Mom, please,” he pinched the bridge of his nose and turned his swivel chair, facing the glass wall of his building, “you knew that I’m not into commitment.”
“And you’ll just want to be a fucking sex monster until your hair turns gray?” His mom’s voice raised; madness was visible.
“Yes,” he replied, simply.
“You don’t know how karma works—”
“Come on, mom. I’m not afraid of it. Anyway, gonna hang up, love you, bye,” he uttered and ended the call.
He put down his phone on his table and leaned on the chair to rest his back. He heaved a deep sigh. His mother won’t stop until he will settle down. She keeps on arranging stupid dates for him.
She frowned slightly when his thoughts have been interrupted by the sudden ring of the telephone on his side.
“Hello—”
“Zero Cohen!”
He arched his brow. “What?”
“Can you please come over into the condo—”
“I am busy, Becca,” he interrupted and was about to put away the phone when Becca shouted on the other line. “What?” he uttered.
“I just need your help with dad. I know you can help me with it. You’re my favorite cousin—”
“Don’t throw flowery and sweetened words toward me, Becca. I already know you. I’ll be there,” he glanced at his wristwatch, “about eight in the evening. I really need to finish—”
“I understand. See you. Thank you. Bye!” Becca uttered continuously until she ended the call.
Zero shook his head in disbelief. “What a brat,” he whispered.