Behind the Mask

Behind the Mask | Two

Two: Blaze

"You will be transferring to another school for this academic year," my dad announced as soon as I was seated on the chair in front of his desk, leaving me speechless in an instant. My eyes widened as I parted my mouth in an attempt to protest; however, he was quick to cut me off, "No buts. Your mom and I had already decided ages ago."

What the actual fuck?

"Dad, I'm already 18," I complained, "I am legally allowed to decide for myself. Shouldn't I be the one to choose since it would be me who'd go to that school and not you nor mom?"

I knew protesting was futile; they had already made up their minds. I was also not ignorant of the fact that their motto in life is: 'As long as you're under this roof, you are to listen to us and follow our rules.'

"We have already arranged your papers, Dianna. It's too late for that now."

I was so dumbfounded that I couldn't help but let out a laugh of disbelief.

"It's not about what you want. It is what your mom wants," he continued, making me shut my trap completely. Yeah right, I forgot I exist solely to fulfill what my mom wants. "You need to worry about your future more, Dianna, or else..."

"Or else what?"

"Or else you would just be another disappointment for your mother."

I was pulled back to the present when my father closed the door behind him. In the middle of his office, I stood frozen; but unlike the previous time I was in the same room, I wasn't nervous at all – as if I already knew what was going to happen next.

"Next week, you will be starting anew in San Lazaro." Internacional Academia de San Lazaro... A prestigious school founded by an aristocrat exclusively for the kids of his fellow aristocrats; a capitalistic institution notorious for the expensive tuition fees and the rare chance of scholarship. "And later, you will be undergoing several procedures for your transformation." Yeah, I know. "Also, despite your classes not starting yet, you agreed that you wouldn't get associated with your organization's activities anymore. I trust you haven't forgotten about that." Damn right, I haven't.

"Look, Dad," I began, staring up at him with discomfort evident on my face, "I only promised you that because that's what you wanted, but being a part of our group makes me happy." He stared right back at me with a look that told me he knew what's coming next. Nevertheless, I still dared to ask: "Do you really want to take that happiness away from me?"

The expression on his face suddenly softened from his usual stern look to a calm, affectionate one. It was unexpected, especially since I thought he had it coming.

"Dianna, sweetheart," he stood up from his seat and motioned towards me from behind his desk, "Truth be told, I'm not against you being a member of a mafia organization. I don't wish to take away your happiness, but don't you remember your promise to your mom?"

Right. Funny how they held onto a promise they practically forced out of me when they couldn't even keep their promise that they would never interfere with our happiness.

"You said you wouldn't..."

"Get associated with our group's activities anymore because mom doesn't want our family's name to be splattered with even the smallest bit of stain. I remember, dad. You don't have to repeat my own words to me."

I was quick to turn my back on my father and get out of his office despite hearing him call out my name multiple times. This might have possibly been the worst way to say goodbye to someone you wouldn't see for months, but at the moment, I couldn't care less. His voice continued to echo in my ears until I shut the door of my room behind me. I heaved out a deep sigh of defeat and closed my eyes, my body slowly relaxing onto my soft mattress.