Esmeralda’s Point Of View.
"Our deepest condolences, my dear. Please, don't forget to take care of yourself." My auntie Bianca Pong gently whispered while taking her bag.
She seemed to be one of my father's true business partners indeed. Her sincere eyes showed how she really felt sympathy for us.
Forcely moving my mouth, I tried to reply by scarcely smiling with a nod. She immediately understood and patted my shoulder before silently walking away.
Even with many days of mourning, I still can't help but feel heartbroken for my father's goodbye in this world. I know he is old but why is it so early? He still hasn't seen me become a successful daughter for our family. Yet he already left…
"Esmeralda, dear, you couldn't be crying again are you?" A worried question stopped me.
When I looked up, it's my mother holding her closed umbrella with teary eyes. I tried to smile again and wiped my small tears that I didn't realize were already falling. My eyes were already feeling so rough as if I stayed in the ocean depth with wide open eyes for many hours. And I know they already are as red as a fresh apple's color. But what can I do? I have created a deep bond with my father, colorful memories, grateful days, and smart conversations.
I was blankly looking at mom so she sat beside me tiredly. She started rubbing my back while teasingly saying, "Oh, please! Don't show that bitter smile of yours my dear, it's making you look ugly. Please wear a new brave smile and for sure your father who's already laughing with the angels will surely be more happy." She finished with a little glance at the sky.
I smiled at her frolicsome encouragement. Then I heaved a short sigh. Hah, how am I supposed to not be enlightened when my mother is like a clown even in our saddest moments in life? I couldn't be more grateful to have her. The best mother ever!
I just realized that is indeed a father, a man whose crying face is ridiculous. He would really stare at me with raised eyebrows and questioning expressions for hours if he was here.
So widening my smile, I hugged my mom tightly. "Well, you're right, mom. So please, don't ever follow dad because he is weak you know." I teased in return before pulling away.
Mom did the same and stood grabbing my hand. "Now it's almost night. The sky is going darker so we should let your father have his rest. You know he hated cries, don't you? He'll think it's loud." She said while twitching her nose. Something she often does when she succeeds in making us, her children smile.
After walking for a moment, I turned a good watch back to my father's grave.
Staring straight to the lonely white grave. "Dad, I know only your body isn't beside me but your heart still does. So I hope you'll continue to guide me with my new responsibility that you've passed. I promise you, I will someday make your wish come to reality." I murmured as I gathered up my courage and strength.
"Woah! I know I can do this." I bravely added before leaving.
Coming back to our bereaving home, the smell of cooked food is flying. We both got out of our small truck and hurried inside. I really feel like I'm so tired even though I only cried for the past few days.
Leisurely sitting by the table, my sister Altheia started almost smirkingly and spoke while putting down the new dish. "It's lucky you didn't wear makeup, Esmy, I'm pretty sure you'll be an evil nun if you did." She teased with Fake laughs. This child really enjoys teasing her sister, isn't she?
I was about to give a retort to her when my mom coming down heard her and joined her fake laughs. They really do have almost the same personality don't they, perhaps the only difference was my mom is seriously laughing. Loudly, the whole house is echoing her laughter repeatingly. I'm sure if people didn't leave and heard this laugh of hers, they would think she's celebrating her father's death.
"If you care for this broken family member of yours, you should just sit down so we can pray. At least, the father wouldn't hate you both for teasing his beloved daughter." I finally retorted with a serious look. I'm pretty starving.
Mom and Altheia seemed to realize my serious comment so they instantly stopped and followed my words.
After praying, mom can't take the weird silence so she started another encouragement. "Well, look who's been defeated by a tease. I didn't know you would become weak, Esmeralda? How will you defeat your brother if you've become a weakling?"
They again exchanged a meaningful look after mom was talking. I just rolled my eyes at their smirking faces before continuing. I guess my family's descendants are clowns.
After eating and hearing my sister and mother's jokes, I went straight to take a shower and then to my room. I must take a good rest for tomorrow will be the new crowning for me. To be the new lead of this family. I don't care even if my brother wants to manage the lodge. He is quite incompetent just as father said and so I need to replace him. I can see myself that I will someday make my father's dream come true.
And with those last words, I can feel my head wandering to another world and my eyes following.
*KRING! KRING !*
I faintly hear the shouts of the dancing clock beside me. My senses were not responding so I was again enchanted by another beautiful world when my brain showed the word 'work' to my imagining eyes. Instantly, I opened my eyes and looked straight to the alarm clock. It's already 7:30 which means I just slept for another 30 minutes.
Hah… This is the beginning! I inwardly exclaimed, arranging my bed at a fast pace. Which was followed by a 5-minute shower and another 5-minute breakfast. With brief replies to our conversation with my sister and mother. Yes!
"What an incompetent woman I've become." I murmured while climbing our small red truck.
My service is quite special right? Anyway, it's already 7:50 and I only have 5 minutes to go up to our cute yet alluring lodge at the top of the mountains. The only inheritance we had from our late grandfather.
I need to be competent and serious now… I added as I gently slapped my cheeks. Afterwards, I started driving off.