Chapter 12s: Questions
"Where is Nii-san?"
I finally popped the question. That talk with Jenny has been bugging me in the back of my mind for weeks now.
"Why is Nii-san not here?"
I stare angrily at Clara; Chris is getting the groceries together with Jenny and I always felt she is the one to ask. Chris is an honest man.. but he is also stubborn if he doesn't want to tell something. Clara is the easier one; she gets more frustrated, she'll just blurt something out that is somewhat close to the truth... sometimes.
But that's better than no answer. And asking Chris first.. well, he'd tell her and she'd have an answer all ready for me.
Clara is frowning, but she stays silent. She is still folding those clean clothes with practiced motions.
"Come on, tell me. I can't even talk to him on the phone. This isn't fair!"
I whine a bit, stamping my foot angrily on the floor as if to make a point, my eyes never leaving hers. Damn, I'm angry.
I'll have answers this time.
"He can't come. He's very busy."
That sounds like such a lie. I scowl. I push the stack of clean clothes onto the ground. She's angry now. Angry that I acted up.
I stare back. What are you going to do about it? I'll push it over a second time if you don't answer me. My eyes communicate that. I am not giving up. Not this time!
But she just stays silent, and recollects those clothes. No answer?
Screw you, fake-mom. I push the box of tissues off the table this time. Still, I stare at her.
No response. Fine. Her glass of tea is n...
Like a viper, her hand grabs my wrist as I swipe at it, capturing me before I accomplish my aim.
"QUIT IT, SETSUKA."
She raised her voice. I cower a bit from the sudden eruption - she never raises her voice.
"Then let me SEE HIM!"
I yell back at her. My eyes are filling up with tears again. Damn it, I need to be strong. Not to be a crybaby.
"WHY DO YOU THINK HE EVEN WANTS TO SEE YOU!?"
That response I never expected... and I go silent.
I want to retort. Somehow.
Instead, I yank my hand free, and rush up the stairs to my room. Tears are running from my eyes. There is no stopping them.
Why, Nii-san? Why?!