Don't mention

I quickly gathered the important stuff I needed and hurriedly put it inside my backpack. My movements are more frantic than usual as I want to get out of this house as soon as possible because Mom has not noticed me yet. I didn't even bother folding my clothes nicely so they wouldn't wrinkle. I'll be able to freely and easily fix them when I am already in Nikita's apartment. And for now, I have to hurry. I packed them into my backpack without saying anything. I can feel my sweat on my forehead because I'm nervous. Earlier, I threw its entirety on the bed beside me, not minding if it contained important things or not. My only goal is to leave any minute now. I didn't have to worry about bringing much clothing because I knew I could do laundry at Nikita's place. Also, I don't want to take too long because Nikita is waiting for me outside our house. I shouldn't let her wait. I was so deep in contemplation that I didn't notice Mom's arrival.

"What are you doing, Amelia? Are you going to leave? Are you going to show such rebellion and take revenge on me just because I made a mistake?" The sound of her voice was full of bitterness and sadness. I have to admit, I felt a little guilty about it at that moment. I did not give her a chance to explain everything. I let my anger eat me. "Are you not going to listen to me and understand my situation?"

I immediately felt as if I could let go of the things I was holding. I faced her only to see now Mom's angry eyes. It was full of hatred. I still thought that she was sorry for what she had done, but I was wrong. She's not. I didn't answer. I just remained silent to make her feel that I was not interested in her emotions. I need to show it to her now.

"Where are you going? Whose friend or family are you going to be a burden?"

I swallowed my own spit and moved back numerous times. I've only ever seen Mom look like this now, as if she's a whole other person. But what I couldn't accept was her final sentence. Everyone who hears it will undoubtedly have their blood boiling.

Burden? I am just a burden.

Is that what she thinks of me?

I am her child, and there is no other person here that she was talking about!

Instead of simply dismissing what she said, I simply closed my eyes and let it pass through my ears. I'm out of energy to disagree with her. Maybe if I commented something on her words, we'll probably end up somewhere else. I know I won't give up, and she won't either.

"I'll be staying at Nikita's place for the time being."

"You're really going to bother other people? Don't you have a house of your own, Amelia? You're not leaving! We're going to talk and sort out the mess we've got. You heard what I said? You're not leaving this house, Amelia!"

My rage for her has resurfaced. She doesn't seem to care if I explode or not. She doesn't want me to be able to think clearly?

Who is she to stop me from doing what I want with my life?

I'm furious with her mindset.

Did she not even consider my emotions?

Because of her, I now behave in this manner.

"You're not leaving the house now, Amelia," she repeated once again, this time with authority, as if what she said was final.

Instead of responding, I took up my bag. I'm nearly finished placing everything I need in there. The only things lacking are a toothbrush and soap, both of which can be purchased at a local store. I also keep my wallet in there in case I need money urgently. I still have a modest amount of cash and the card that my dad left me. I can probably get some funds in my savings account at the mentioned bank.

"I'm leaving, and you're not going to stop me, Mom!"

I put the bag over my shoulder and walked right past her without remorse for what I said. My decision is final, and no matter what happens, I will not be persuaded. I am going to leave this house tonight at all costs.

"Amelia!"

Mom was chasing after me, but I didn't give her an opportunity to catch me. The steps I took to get out of my house were hefty. I even passed by her new husband on the way out of the gate, who was also staring at me in awe. I ignored his presence because I am uninterested in him!

"Let's go, Nikita!"

Confused, Nikita's gaze darted between me and my mother, who was still chasing me and shouting my name repeatedly. She didn't even care about her neighbors or passersby who would hear it. I grabbed one of Nikita's arms and pulled her away from our house when she didn't move even a bit. Nikita said nothing and let me drag her away as her eyes were fixed on Mom and her new husband. That odd man I saw out of the corner of my eye is keeping Mom from following us by holding her arm.

"Is she really the one trying to keep me from leaving the house? Does she think I can sleep well with them?"

When we got a little further away from our house, I stomped my foot. I let go of Nikita's arm, who was still speechless at the time. I looked at her a few times to get her opinion on what had transpired, but her gaze seemed distant, as if she were deep in thought.

"If she hadn't gotten married sooner, or if she had waited a year, I wouldn't have reacted like this. I could even be grateful that Mom had discovered someone to love again and put a smile back on her lips! And I'll support her along the way."

Nikita remained speechless while continuing her walk. I accompanied her. I anticipated what her reaction would be, but I was disappointed. She didn't let me let out my anger again like earlier. I didn't realize that we had reached our destination, which she was referring to as her cousin's house, until she stopped walking and gave me a meaningful glance.

"Forget about your problem at home or somewhere else. When we enter the door of their house, don't mention your problem, Amelia. Just keep it all to yourself until we get to my apartment tomorrow morning. Is that clear?"

I looked at her in wonder as my mouth was slightly twitching and the edge was lifting. I wanted to ask why, but I just chose to keep it all to myself. I'm sure Nikita will say something to me when I ask her for some details. I don't want the two of us to fight just because of this problem.

"All right, Nikita, as you said so."