I waited for a full hour.
“Are you Miss Lillie?”
I scrutinized this person; he looked ordinary, somewhat different from the photos online. However, everyone has a desire to look good, so a little photo editing is something I can tolerate.
“Yes, that’s me. But do you know you’ve kept me waiting for a whole hour?” I wanted to see if he had any explanation or apology for being late.
“Oh! It seems that way, but what’s wrong with me being late? It’s better for you, right? You get to see a more perfect me.” He spoke nonchalantly about his transgression, igniting my desire to punch his carefree face. No, I had to act gently in front of a boy.
I silently suppressed my hand and said softly, “We agreed to meet at noon. If you don’t come, I’m going to be hungry!” Ugh, I was disgusted with myself.
“Oh dear~ good sister, please forgive me!” He was a bit greasy; those who know me are aware that I can’t stand greasy men, but I was too hungry, so I decided to eat first and see what else he had to say.
Buzz––
“Hello, may I ask who this is?” Ms. Liv answered the phone while working.
“Hello, is this Lillie’s mother? I am Principal Ricky Aya from Grammar Girls’ High School.”
Hearing it was the principal, Ms. Liv frowned.
“Yes, this is she. What can I do for you?” The person on the other end seemed to hesitate for a moment.
“Did Lillie take a leave today to see a psychiatrist?”
“Yes! Is there a problem?”
“Hasn’t the mother considered that she might be lying to you? As far as I know, she should be at a social event right now!”
“I also find it a bit troubling; this child is not only ruining the school’s reputation… but also showing us how… I won’t say more.”
Ms. Liv’s face turned pale with anger, and she struggled to keep her voice calm.
“Thank you for the reminder, Principal Ricky. I will educate her properly.”
After ending the call, Ms. Liv’s expression returned to calm, as if nothing had happened, though no one saw the pen in her hand that had snapped in two.
The food at the restaurant was terrible, and his words failed to pique my interest; today’s social event was likely to end in failure.
“My house is a hundred ping, and I think Rolex watches are really not that expensive…”
I had lost count of how many times he had boasted about his wealth and extravagance; I had gone from a bit interested to utterly bored.
Clang! He knocked over his cup, plate, and bowl once again, soup spilling onto the white dress I had specifically chosen, leaving a glorious mark.
He actually sullied my battle attire; this was intolerable. I suddenly stood up and shouted at him, “Hey dude! I have no interest in your family’s wealth, and that’s not even yours. If you can’t give it to me, then stop blabbering in front of me. And is your hand rented? You can’t even hold the utensils properly; maybe buy a decent hand before you buy a Rolex!” After this long tirade, my mouth was dry. I grabbed the only remaining bottle of drink on the table and gulped it down, leaving him with his mouth agape as I turned and walked away.
Looking at my soiled battle attire, I sighed and opened the door to my house. Why was Mom home? It was only four in the afternoon; she hadn’t finished work yet! I felt a bit uneasy.
“Lillie! You’re back!” Her voice was so gentle; she wasn’t my mom, who was she?
“I had a smooth visit to the psychiatrist today.”
“Really! Was that person handsome?” I felt like she knew something. No matter what, I wouldn’t admit it; I wanted to see how she would accuse me.
“He’s quite ordinary-looking.”
“Ordinary-looking, and you still went?”
“Mom, this is a psychiatrist visit; it has nothing to do with looks, right?”
“Are you really going to see a psychiatrist?”
My ears were ringing; I really couldn’t bear this roaring lioness!
I even heard the neighbor next door fall down; I truly felt sorry for him. A stack of photos scattered on the floor, clearly showing me and my blind date at the restaurant.
“Where did these come from?”
“What does it matter to you? The point is, this is evidence, and you’re still wearing the clothes!”
“I need to know; this is very important.” I was serious.
Mom looked even angrier, “Do you know that your actions made the principal personally call me, saying you are ruining the school’s reputation and blaming me for poor parenting? You’ve embarrassed me!”
