That was a gift I bought for myself when I received my first paycheck.
It cost me almost two thousand dollars.
The quality is really good, and it's very comfortable to wear.
"Mom, there's a thief!"
From the bed came the sudden scream of Joe.
Accompanied by Nesla's cry, the sounds of my parents getting up could be heard, and the living room light came on.
Next, the hurried footsteps of my parents came into the room.
One was holding a rolling pin, and the other a clothes pole.
When they turned on the light and saw it was me, they froze.
"What are you doing here?" My mother looked at me, her face full of displeasure.
I couldn't help but want to laugh.
Did my presence here disrupt their happy life?
But this is a house I rented, doesn't their conscience ache at all?
"Who are you?" The woman in the bed also spoke up, propping herself up to glare at me.
I looked back at her and was instantly furious.
She was wearing my nightgown, which looked incredibly awkward on her!
This woman must weigh at least 130 pounds, and she was almost bursting out of my small-sized clothes.
How can she sleep in such tight clothing, doesn't it feel uncomfortable?
"I haven't even asked who you are yet.
What gives you the right to wear my clothes?
Take them off now!"
I was so infuriated that I stormed over, ready to rip off her clothes.
The woman evaded my reach, sneering at me, "I, miss, have loads of money. Would I want to wear your clothes if I hadn't forgotten to bring a night gown?"
Damn, she gained something and is playing innocent!
Typical of birds of a feather flocking together, what kind of face could the woman have?
She probably tired from dodging because of her weight, so before long, she was within my reach.
I grabbed hold of her, ruthlessly stripping her of my clothes.
My mother, panicking, hastily pulled me back and said, "Ella, don't blame Nesla.
You haven't come back for some time and didn't answer my calls.
We thought you weren't going to come back, and that's why we let Nesla wear your clothes."
The words of my mother made my heart sink.
Their first reaction to my unresponsiveness wasn't concern for my welfare but worry about my return?
I am sure they would rather me never return as long as they have food and clothing.
"I'll leave as soon as I get my things."
As for the nightgown that the woman called Nesla was wearing, I certainly wouldn't want it anymore.
Consider it discarded trash.
Nevertheless, I was still not feeling well.
After packing my clothes, I told Joe, "Either go back to school or get a job, but I will not be responsible for the money you need.
If you can't even make a living, what girlfriend are you looking for!"
Joe became defiant, raising his head high and retorted confidently, "I've already found a job, don't look down on me!"
Seeing his state, it seemed he did find work.
I didn't care what job he got.
As long as he does not bother me, everyone would be happy.
I picked up my belongings and walked out, my mother following behind me.
I was thinking, if my mother asked me to stay or apologized to me at this moment, maybe I would forgive them.
No matter how thick-skinned I am, my longing for home would overwhelm it.
But in the end, I expected too much.
Mom was behind me, just to close the door.
As I heard the heavy sound of the door closing behind me, tears started rolling down my cheeks.
This home, it really might not have anything to do with me anymore.
After getting the things and heading down the building, Edwin was waiting for me in his car.
I didn't originally want him to come, but he insisted on saying it's not safe for a girl to be out late at night.
He stubbornly wanted to give me a ride, and I didn't refuse him any further.
And now, he observed my embarrassment in full view.
After putting the things in the trunk, I quietly sat in the back seat.
Edwin didn't rush to start the car.
He spoke in a low voice.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Rarely, when I saw Edwin being so serious, my heart softened with it.
Perhaps, these days of getting along had made me see Edwin as a trustworthy person.
Or perhaps, it was my long repressed emotions that were in desperate need of an outlet. I took a deep breath and told him all about the grievances I had faced at home over these years.
Of course, I didn't mention things with James.
It wasn't that I wanted to conceal it consciously, but I felt it was a bit bizarre to talk about my love life with a person of the opposite sex.
Edwin didn't say a word, he quietly listened to me talking, and from time to time, he would give me a gentle look.
I have to say, Edwin's emotional intelligence is really high.
From beginning to end, he never showed any pity for me.
Maybe he knew that would make me feel even more embarrassed.
"Do you feel better after saying it?"
He didn't make any excessive comments about my predicament, but simply asked me this.
His concern was just like a simple greeting between friends.
It felt faint, but extremely comfortable.
"Let's go, let's have a blast at the bar."
Inwardly, I felt inexplicably relaxed, simply wanting to get wildly drunk.
"Aren't you allergic to alcohol?
Or is that false?"
Edwin asked me doubtfully.
I shook my head, grabbed a bottle of mineral water from the side and took out the pills that Micheal had bought for me, tipping a few out.
"I've taken some antihistamines, so I can let loose just this once," I chuckled and told Edwin after swallowing the pills with water.
"You're attractive, so you make the rules."
With a mischievous smile, Edwin stepped on the gas and took me straight to WDC snack club.
As soon as I reached the entrance, I couldn't help but recall the last time I saw Micheal.
Dear God, I hope I won't run into Lucas again in this place dedicated to the rich to have fun.
Following behind Edwin, I walked into the bar, all the while receiving countless scrutinizing looks from people.
Of course, it wasn't because I was particularly attractive, I had enough self-awareness to know that.
Although I was not bad looking, compared to the women in the bar with their elaborate makeup and sexy outfits, I wasn't that eye-catching.
"Why are they staring at me?" I pulled nervously at Edwin's clothes, asked him anxiously.
"Perhaps it's because of your cute, 'cat-like' face."
Edwin stared at me for a moment, struggling to suppress the laughter at the corners of his mouth.
I was taken aback and quickly rushed to the restroom, looking at the face in the mirror that was rendered unrecognizable by the tears, I was truly without tears to shed.
This matter could be blamed on James.
After we got married, he wouldn't let me buy expensive cosmetics, causing my makeup to be non-waterproof.
I'd become a laughing stock now, hadn't I?
I desperately washed my face with water, but without any makeup remover, I felt a little strange after the wash.
"Let it go, it's much better than before."
I consoled myself a little, dabbing the water droplets on my face and preparing to walk out.