Short Stories Collection

R

"I'm okay, Mom. Just feel touched with all these arrangements. They're so great. Thank you, Mom. I love you," I kiss her cheeks after she wipes off my tears. Dad joins in to hug me and Mom and says, "I love you two so much! You're the gems of my life. Rach, we want you to know that you're very precious to us and we love you so much. Happy birthday, dear." Oh gosh, with that I can't even stop crying.

I tell Mom that I want to dress up a bit and apply a little bit of makeup for the party which is starting soon. In fact, I wish I could hide in my room and freeze the time by not celebrating my birthday. No birthday means no end of this life. I wish I can cheat death or escape my fate like this but I know I can't.

Last night, Dad asked me about my ambition like what I want to be once I graduated from university. I told him I wanted to work in his company and learns from him on managing his IT business. I told him so because I know it's right to say so and I know both him and Mom wished to hear that too. But deep down inside, I've always wanted to be an astronaut or a space venturer. I always wonder if I'm able to escape my fate by leaving this planet. Am I able to find eternity in the space? I simply feel tired and sick of being a new me every 18 years. Sadly, I know it's impossible for me to achieve that. I could have only if I can live longer in each life.

It's 1 PM and all the guests have already arrived and helping themselves with the expensive appetizers and sparkling champagnes. The party organizer aka emcee starts the ceremony by inviting Dad on the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome and thank you for attending the 18th birthday of Rachel, daughter of Herman and Shirley Freeman. Before we start the feast, I hereby invite Mr. Freeman for a birthday speech. Let us welcome Mr. Freeman."

Dad walks confidently onto the stage and shows his ever-so-charming smile while holding the microphone.

"Thank you. Thank you for coming. Well, Shirley and I have been preparing this since the day Rachel was born. As we always tell her, she's the gem of our life. Always so precious and perfect. We are proud to have Rachel as our daughter, who is kind and loving. And she saved us from a lot of trouble from having to worry about any teenage issues. She is...impeccable. On this very special day of her, we wish to make a special announcement."

At this time, Dad is looking at me.

"I hereby announce that Rachel will now be in the legal possession of all our assets including my ownership of the shares of my business, H Corporation."

Chattering sound fills up the space. A gentleman behind my back is wondering if that means Dad is retiring and I'll be taking over his roles in his business. I guess they're worried about the share market more.

I'm literally standing as still as a rock. I don't know how to react and what to do. How can I let them know that I will no longer around after tonight to accept the gift? I can't disappoint them now, knowing that this will be the last moment that I can make them happy.

I gather myself before stepping on the stage and stand before Dad. When I see Mom who is now standing beside Dad, holding his arm, one hand covering her mouth with tears rolling down her cheeks, I can't control myself anymore. I hug both of them and start sobbing like it's the end of the world. Well, it is indeed the end of my life today.

Dad lets go of me and Mom to continue his speech, "Business will be as usual in H Corporation and I'm still holding the position as the Chairman of the Board." Then he turns to me and says, "Rach, we just want to let you know that we're so proud of you and we love you. Happy birthday."

Then, the crowd starts to applaud and everything goes blank to me. All I know is everyone coming to me, shakes my hand and congratulates me. To me, I don't want any of these today. I just want to spend the last moments with Dad and Mom. Seeing them busy entertaining the guests makes my heart ache.

The party ends at about 10 PM, that's two hours left. I quickly wash up, grab my pillow and run to Dad and Mom's bedroom. I wait patiently after knocking their door. Dad opens up and looks surprise to see me with my pillow.

"What is it, Rach?"

I peek into the room, Mom is not on the bed, probably still in the bathroom. I hug the pillow tightly and ask Dad, "Dad, can I sleep with you and Mom tonight?"

Dad looks shocked at first, then he laughs showing the crows feet at the side of his eyes. I didn't notice Dad is already having gray hairs on his sideburns. Even though I literally count down my days since I was born, I didn't notice that time is showing their presence on Mom and Dad too.

"Come, Rach. Let's snuggle up tonight," says Dad when he wraps his arms around my shoulder.

When I'm in the bed, Mom is walking out from the bathroom. Her eyebrow raises and says, "Oh my dear Rachel, a sleepover tonight then?"

I used to sleep with them when I was a lot younger. Sleeping beside them give me a sense of security. We talk and laugh on the good old days, how we used to spend time together at the park during weekends and how I spilled the milk on Dad when I was four. Without realizing, Mom and Dad are already asleep. Guess they're exhausted after the party. After one last look at them, I close my eyes to welcome the end.

-------------------------------------------------------

"Aw! She's so pretty!"

I open my eyes to welcome my new life. Two unfamiliar faces looking at me with great affection. One of them who should be my dad carries me in his arms and says, "Let us name her Regina shall we? She'll be our queen from now on."