CHAPTER 2

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"Aren't you busy and you thought of picking me up?" I asked my sister when I got in her car. I put my bag in the backseat and fastened my seatbelt.

“Why? Don't you want me to pick you up? Are you still embarrassed?” She asked, chuckling, and drove the car away after I settled myself.

Right. She knew I didn't want to be picked up at school. It embarrassed me. It loses my cool.

She also knew about me asking Dad for my own car.

"Are you out of work tonight?" I asked instead of answering her question. Leaning my head on the back of the car, I opened the window in half to get some fresh air.

“Yeah. My shift is over. Hey, close the window. The aircon is on.”

“Turn it off then. I want some fresh air.”

"Aye, seriously." She turns off the aircon. "Mang Ben got sick so Dad called me to pick you up."

“See what a hassle it is? If he had gotten me a car, you wouldn't have bothered to pick me up.”

“You are still young. That's why Dad doesn’t want to give you a car yet. And who told you that I am bothered? I am not. I don’t mind since you are my little brother.” She giggled.

I took a glimpse at her with my brows snapped together. “I am no longer a kid anymore, so stop being clingy. And I’m turning 19 soon. I’m allowed to drive now. I can also get a driver’s license. Why doesn't he still grant my request? I even do everything he wants.” I protested.

She chuckled. “Yes, you are aging, but you are still my little brother. Just be patient. Maybe you will get it when you turn 21.”

"Ah!" I let out a sigh of frustration. “That’s nonsense. My friends already have their own cars. I'm the only one who doesn't. The fact that we are the same age. Tch.”

“You will also have your own car soon. Just be patient.” Ate said. I didn’t respond to her.

I am always patiently waiting, but how long will I have to wait? I badly want to have it.

Dad, please!

—

@HOME

“Hey, Daddy! Good evening!” Ate Jasmine greeted Dad with a kiss on the cheek when we entered the dining area. She sat down on the chair across from Dad.

“Good evening, sweetheart. Where’s Jake?”

"I'm here." I lazily answered, walking towards him. "Good evening, Dad." I greeted him before I sat down on the chair next to my older sister.

It’s only me, my older sister, and Dad who live together because Mum left us when Ate and I were still a kid. I don't know where she is now because Dad doesn't mention her to us, but I think Mum has another family. I wanted to meet her soon. I wonder what she looks like.

"How's school, Jake?" Dad asked me, placing the glass of water he was holding on the table after she had a drink.

"It's fine, Dad," I answered, forcing myself to smile. I really want to brag about having my own car right now, but I already know what he’s going to say, so I’ll just stay quiet.

“That’s good. Go to my office after you eat. We have something important to talk about. OK? ” He said, then he stood up and walked out of the dining area.

Do we have something important to talk about? Could it be... he is going to grant my wish now? Damn!

"Looks like Dad will give you what you want." Ate chuckled.

I looked at her. "Do you think that's what we're going to talk about?" I asked Ate with enthusiasm.

"Well, I guess," she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think there's any other reason why he wants to talk to you now."

“I’m full. I'm going to his office now.” I said and I immediately stood up. Exiting the dining area, I immediately headed to Daddy’s office.

When I got in front of his office, I knocked on the door twice before I opened the door.

“Dad,” I called him with a broad smile when I entered his office.

His forehead furrowed in confusion at seeing me. Perhaps because he was wondering why I am here right away.

Closing the door, I walked towards the single sofa in front of his desk. I sat down.

"Are you done eating?" He asked, adjusting his eyeglasses, and closing the laptop in front of him.

“Yes, Dad! I’m already full.” I answered with a broad smile.

"Oh, okay."

“Yes, Dad. By the way, what are we going to talk about, Dad?” I asked, pretending to be clueless. Of course, I can't pretend that I already know what we're going to talk about.

Dad took a breath before speaking. “Do you really want to have your own car?”

I knew it! Damn! Is he really going to grant my wish right now? Oh, damn! Please!

“Yes, Dad! I want! Really! Are you going to buy one for me now?” I asked, but he didn’t answer me, instead, he just stared at me as if he was thinking carefully about whether he would buy me or not.

“Please, Dad. I really want to have my own car. Please. Buy one for me. My birthday is so soon. Maybe that's just the gift you gave me.” I pleaded.

Damn! Please, Dad. My subconscious adds.

“Okay. I will buy one for you.” He said, making me smile broadly. My eyes are even smiling in happiness.

Did he just say yes!? For real?

“Damn, really!? Thank you, Dad!” I’m so fucking happy. "Thank you!"

Finally! I can have it. "Thanks, Dad!"

"But on one condition."

“Sure, Dad. What is it? Tell me. I will do everything you want.” I willingly said.

I’m willing to do anything he wants, just for the sake of having my own car.

"You will graduate soon, and I think it's time for you to grow up." He said, handing me a small black envelope.

What is this?

"What is this, Dad?" I asked in confusion.

"Open it." He said.

I took the envelope in front of me and opened it. Inside, I saw a card. I took it. On the card, there is an address and time written.

What is this?

What am I going to do with this?

"You must go to that place on Saturday," Dad said, seriousness wrapped in the tone of his voice.

Lifting my head, I looked at him, bewildered.

"You must date the person, and get to know the person until the day of your wedding."

I was shocked at what he said. "I’m sorry... what?”

—