23
"No," all of them replies at the same time.
Confused, I glance at each of them with a questioning look.
"B—But why can't I? My brothers, all of you will be going to school and I...I will be left alone. I want to study with you too!" I push my luck.
"Serra, I understand...that you will feel lonely but they still come home everyday. Also, it's far dangerous for you," father says before wiping his lips with the table napkin.
I tighten my grip on my utensils. "This is...unfair..." I want to go to.
Father now leans on his chair and with a serious look, he says, "I know, however..." He looks at me from top to bottom before sighing. "You're still young. You don't even know any self defense. You can't protect yourself. I can assure your safety outside of this estate but school is a different story. I cannot just enter a place where there are a lot of citizens, moreover, kids, and protect you from any harm," he adds.
It does...make sense...
"I'm done eating so I will be going first," he says and stands up.
I thought he was already out the door but no.
"Serra, you may enter school...but not yet. I'll be the one to tell you if you're qualified enough to go." And with that, father left.
The atmosphere in the dining area became less gloomy but I can still feel the tension from my brothers.
"Father's right. There are so many things that you have to learn first before going to school. Don't feel bad. We're just worried," brother Jwo starts and messes up my hair.
"Well, I agree with him too. I can protect you but you still have to be prepared," brother Samsik comments.
"Protect her? All the time? Are you planning to cut class when you can't even perfect your scores? Tsk! Stupid," brother Yona says flatly.
They continue to bicker afterwards while brother Jwo is busy helping me with my food. It was a complete mess but I was busy thinking about "school".
So for the next days, I started researching about a student's life. I watched films, read books, searched online, and anything that can teach me how to be a qualified student.
Rizza frowns while giving me my glass of milk. She glares at my laptop before shamelessly closing it.
"Rizza?!" I shout.
She immediately bows down.
"I apologize, young miss."
"You say that but you're holding onto my laptop..." I reply dryly.
Knowing that, she fixes her posture as if she's going to lecture me for a whole day.
Oh no. This is...one of the things I learned about her. S–She... Whenever she's annoyed, she doesn't hold back.
"Miss, I've been trying to match up with you for the past few days but it seems that I've been too careless. I can clearly see the dark spots under you eyes. You've also been skipping some meals. Lastly, you're always absentminded on your classes with your tutors. Can you explain why is that?" she asks with dead eyes.
No. I can't...explain to her how curious I am whenever I get deprived of anything. It's not something a...child like me should be doing. I remember dedicating myself to horseback riding for a month because I lost in a race with a fellow princess from a neighbor kingdom.
It's...a trait of mine that I hate and love the most.
Oh...wait! Horses?
"Rizza?! I got an idea! Can I ride a horse?!"
Ah... Of course, within just a day, my request got fulfilled and now I'm riding one...in our garden.
"Not like this!" I cry out and Rizza immediately puts me down, away from the horse who seemed to have gotten shocked from my scream.
"What's the matter, miss? I asked for the whitest and healthiest horse from one of our storage ranches? Fortunately, they haven't sent this to another country yet." Rizza holds the horse on its cheek. "Isn't she just the perfect horse? When I saw her, I knew she'd be the best choice for the young miss. She's not that old yet but she'll still grow according to its caretaker."
Hng...
"That's not...what I mean. She really is pretty but I was hoping...I could go ride her outside? I mean, I've always been here inside the estate and I just want to see other people too..."
She flinches and I think I might've pushed my luck too far. Suddenly, she bows and tells something to the caretaker.
"I understand. I shall make the preparations ahead so I will be leaving first."
Oh! She will? I thougt it'll be hard but the next day...I guess she still didn't get it...
I point at Nana and Seulgi who are both standing in front of me. Nana's leaning on Seulgi with her arms around her shoulder while Seulgi is pouting and playing with her fingers.
Just...why are they here? I don't remember inviting them over. Besides, they're both busy since just like my brothers, they also attend school. That's why I don't understand why they'd both go out of their way to visit me here in the province when they live in the city!
"Well, your father called my dad and asked me to come here and play with you," Nana answer with a sly smile.
Play with me? Eh?
"Uhm...they said that you were sad these days because you haven't seen...us? I miss you too, Serra..." Seulgi shyly adds.
Rizza... She misunderstood. She missed the word "outside"!
"Oh? Right. I do. It's just...hmm...I really don't plan on inviting you because I know that you're both busy now with school. I appreciate this but I can't ask more of your time. Perhaps, I could just offer you some snacks but really, thank you," I sincerely say instead.
Suddenly, Nana holds my head with both of her hands and gently shakes it before ending with squishing my cheeks.
"You really have to be more carefree, you know? We're friends so why are you so formal? You're younger but I'm letting you call me like we're the same age so be greatful. Besides, this is better than staying in my seat and listening to the teachers' annoying talk," she says before clinging onto my arms.
"But..."
"N—Nana is right. Spending time with you...is far better than attending school. We'll stay here for the whole day but we will also come visit next time..." Seulgi adds.
Aw... She's still shy after all of our meetings. She's just like a cat. A pure white one.
Sighing, I extend my other hand and hold hers.
"Fine. Let's eat some snacks first and then let's ride some horses!"
~*~