#20 The Girls Return Home

My knees fell onto the floor when I met her. Not only that but she was attempting to take my things away.

"Mother, what are you doing?"

"It is as you see."

I just came here yesterday and I have a trip tomorrow. Now what? Am I moving out of the dorm and returning to that house? This is ridiculous!

Thanks to our looks not being alike a single bit, Lily did not trust her.

"Girl, I need to take her belongings and Amanda, I've already told your teacher that you're not joining the trip tomorrow."

There she goes again, deciding things on her own.

"But I've already hand-in the-"

"Are you trying to oppose me?" Mother did not let me finish my sentence but it seems like nothing could change her mind now.

Nothing good would come of arguing so I just went along with it.

I went into the room and packed my things into my luggage. Luckily Kate and Carmen were already back, so I wouldn't miss my chance to see them when I leave.

Mother left first while I stayed behind for a short while to talk to my roommates.

"Miss Asia, the toast this morning was great, thank you."

"Take care, Amanda."

"Amy, you must contact us when you get back, okay?"

Lily had the most teary eyes among them. I don't feel like leaving but opposing mother was never an option. "Thank you." I pressed the 'G' button in the lift and it brought me to the lobby in no time.

I walked to the gate and Alice was already waiting for me with the car doors open. I was so happy to see her again but I knew that wasn't the time for reunion.

I hopped onto the backseat while Alice placed my luggage into the car boot before driving us back.

During the journey, mother did not say a word about the reason for bringing me back all of a sudden. I didn't have the courage to ask her either so I took out my phone. I thought it was the best time to disconnect our devices while she wasn't looking, so I did.

Whew. I couldn't breathe when I turned off the Bluetooth button. I knew she was going to find out eventually but at least I can have some freedom, even if it would only last during this journey.

When we reached home, I suddenly remembered that I didn't have my roommates' phone numbers. I didn't want to believe my carelessness so I kept scrolling my contacts over and over again. I was so worried when I realized I couldn't contact them even though Lily asked me to.

Not knowing what to do, I thought of asking my classmates when suddenly, Mia texted me.

"Amanda, aren't you in the dorm?" Oh, I haven't told her about it?

"I just left a few minutes ago."

"Wait what? Seriously? Damn, when we're all here together."

Apparently, the whole class went to my room to visit me with a birthday cake prepared for me. I felt guilty for not eating the cake they spent their money on, but what else choice do I have?

I told Mia they could just give it to my roommates since they have a sweet tooth, especially Lily.

I put my phone on my bed and went to take a bath while thinking what flavor was the cake. 'It would be nice if it was chocolate flavored.' I thought as I sunk into the tub, breathing out bubbles in the water.

As soon as I was done bathing, Eric texted me.

"Why"

He definitely left the punctuation out on purpose, thinking I know it was a question. Seriously, what's so hard by adding a question mark behind?

I didn't tell him the reason I left because I knew he would find out eventually from his family anyway. I only told Mia about it like I always did. I just told him I reached home and he went offline without even reading my text.

I lay on my bed lazily while waiting for my sister to come back. Without her, mother wouldn't let me take a single bite of dinner.

While I was at it, I looked around my room and read some books. Even though it was only one week, I still missed it so much, especially my pillow. It was my birthday present last year from my mother. Come to think of it, are we not celebrating my birthday tonight?

I felt a little thirsty so I went to the kitchen for a glass of water, when the maids stopped me from entering.

"Miss, what do you need? I can take it for you."

"I just want a glass of water, please." She went to get it for me and I returned to my room. 'What's going on in the kitchen?'

I checked my phone to see if anything happened after I turned off the bluetooth, but it seems like nothing has happened, at least for now. I checked the group chat and everyone was wishing me for my birthday.

'I guess it's true that people say surprises come from those you least expected from.'

Just then, Alice came back with my sister in the car. I waited for her while she took a bath before heading to the dining room for dinner.

"Good evening, mother." We greeted her before taking our seats. It's been a while since we last had a meal with the three of us together like this.

We have been sitting at the dining table for the past 10 minutes and mother still hasn't taken a single bite. We didn't want to start first because lectures might come from her if we did.

Mother stood up and went to the gate while mumbling something. "Where are you?" She turned back and saw both of us looking at her so she told us to start eating first.

We picked up the cutlery and started digging in hesitantly. Messing this up won't do us any good.

"Are we waiting for father?" I whispered to my sister.

"I guess so, but since he has yet to come back and we were told to eat first." She whispered back.

The grilled steak was great alongside the sauce. Compared to what we've been eating for the past week, this is like a new dish to us since we only had seafood everyday during our stay at grandma's. I haven't forgotten my crave for pancakes though.

After eating my dinner, I went to the kitchen to meet the chef and maids that prepare breakfast for us.

"Do you think you can make pancakes for breakfast tomorrow?" I whispered to them as softly as possible so mother wouldn't hear me. Fortunately, they understood and nodded their heads. "Of course, young miss."

I smiled and thanked them before heading to bed.