Not in the Good Mood
Arletta Jessica McDowell POV
I woke up as the sunlight hit my face, and I felt something heavy on my left arm. It turned out to be my favourite husky puppy, and she was still sleeping cutely. Well, at least I was not alone in the room, especially now that it was not dark anymore, so I felt relieved.
I was silent for a while, then recalled the disgusting incident that happened yesterday. It made me very upset, but I could not help but find a way out so that the two phobias would not interfere with my life anymore. If only I had not come to Dad's office yesterday, then the whole incident in the damn elevator would never have happened!
"I hate Dad," I grumbled hatefully.
I felt something lick my left cheek, so that moment distracted me. The handsome puppy was the culprit. He seemed to know what was upsetting my heart. "Good morning, Dex."
Dex barked once as if in response to my greeting. Mom bought Dex as a twentieth birthday present, although it was a few months late. But it did not matter to me. I loved this puppy and named him Dex. When I was not busy studying or working, we always played together, which was fun.
"You are a good boy," I said, scratching his head affectionately.
Dex barked again, so I smiled at his behaviour. "I am grateful to have you as one of my best friends after Gwen."
I remembered the conversation with Gwen about finding a good and reliable psychiatrist. Was it difficult to find one? I wish not. The sooner I found a credible psychiatrist to handle my two phobias, the better my condition later.
I heard a knock, so I turned my head toward the door, and Dex jumped out of bed. The husky puppy ran toward the source of the sound, while I had not moved at all. "Who came into the room? Is it Mom or Ben?" "Lizzy! Lizzy! Are you awake?"
I heard someone calling me a nickname that only the family knows. Was it Mom or Ben? I could not think of it yet because of the sudden drowsiness. Should I ask that person? I had no idea for now.
"Yes. I just woke up."
I yawned after saying so, but the palm of my right hand covered my lips, so my mouth did not open wide. What day is it today? I was not excited, especially considering yesterday's incident that made me cry. After all, I woke up, because yesterday I forgot to turn on the light before going to bed.
"You do not want breakfast?"
I had recovered my consciousness this time, so I could tell who was talking outside the room. "Yes, Mom. I am coming to breakfast. Wait a minute."
My puppy barked at the door, and Dex even scratched him. "My good boy knows it is Mom," I muttered, shaking my head.
I got out of bed and walked over to Dex. Mom did not make a sound, but I was pretty sure that she was still in the same place. After getting there, I opened the door, and sure enough, it was Mom. She was not alone, because there was Ben next to her. What had happened to make them wait for me?
"Hurry up! You will be late for class."
I frowned. "What? I will be late for a class?"
Mom glared as if there was something strange about my question just now. "Lizzy, don't you remember what day it is?"
"Huh?"
I could not think clearly, because I remembered that today was Saturday.
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"There is something wrong with you. Do you need to see a doctor?" Mom's question made me think back to that damn incident in the elevator yesterday. Why did I have to meet Arlan? He ruined everything!
I could only shake my head. Mom could not know what had happened, because she would surely do everything she could to find and capture Arlan, even if it were the right thing for that bastard youth, but it was better to avoid him. "I am doing fine, Mom."
Well, I had no choice but to lie anyway, then turn my back and close the door. I would be trying to find a good and trustworthy psychiatrist on the internet so that I could get therapy for the two damn phobias that appeared without my will. I turned back the way I came and saw Mom and Ben's faces, which did not seem satisfied with my answer just now. They did not believe I was okay, so pretending nothing was wrong was much safer. "Why are both of you staring at me like that?" I asked, without feeling guilty at all.
"Your behaviour is really suspicious, Lizzy. I will find out what was going on with you," replied Mom, who never stopped staring at me.
"Mom, please." I tried to stop this ridiculous conversation that could definitely bring me to ruin.
I had not received an answer from Mom yet, but even without words, I knew what she was thinking. Ben also seemed to have the same opinion because his expression was the same as Mom's. They were so annoying! I had to stay calm so they would not become suspicious and stop asking the same questions. Hopefully, they will not prolong this crazy conversation any more!
"Okay."
Mom and Ben turned around, much to my relief. They walked first, while I followed behind them. I heard Dex barking. When I looked toward the source of the sound, it was my good boy staring expectantly. I knew what he wanted, so I picked up this cute puppy.
"I will not forget you, Dex. Thank you for keeping me company last night," I said, softly.
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***
A few moments later,
Mom, Ben, and I arrived at the dining room. There was already a familiar figure sitting at the head. Dad was reading the newspaper, but I was sure he must have noticed us coming but was pretending not to know. All phobias come from Dad's coercion. If he were not my biological father, I would kill him for sure!
We sat in our usual chair without making a sound. I put Dex on the empty seat on the left. Four waiters came over to our place. They carried a tray of food and drinks. I was not very excited about going about my usual activities. Should I go to campus today?
"Lizzy."
I was surprised because I heard the greeting and immediately turned towards the caller. I instantly regretted that action, because it turned out that the person was Dad. "What was wrong, Dad?" I asked flatly.
I hoped Dad did not ask weird questions like he used to. I could not stand his authoritarian nature. Should I leave this place as soon as possible so he could not disturb me? "I wanted to ask, did you-"
***