BRACED LOVE

She doesn't talk much, yes, she doesn't talk much, but thousands of words are running through her mind but silence always succeeds in keeping her quiet. She is introverted and hates change in her environment although she doesn't have friends. Her closest friend after her father is her subconscious, she communicates a lot with her subconscious like a psycho. She is a nerd, she is studious, she enjoys the company of her books. No one wants to be her friend in school because she is always wear heels oversized uniform and big spectacle. She has no social life but she never considers it boring.

Teachers love her because she is brilliant; her father loves her because she is intelligent but her Mother always refer her as  "boring". Now what she hates is about to repeat itself, it happened five years ago when they relocated from their rented apartment to the new house her father bought. But this time, her parents are having issues, and her mother filled for an annulment after she discovered that her father had an affair and his mistress is pregnant. Her mother felt betrayed and the least she could think of was to annul their marriage. She hates changes in her environment, but if the annulment pushes through she will choose her mother in court. Her name is Anabella, mostly called Bella.

 BELLA P. O. V.

  "To hell with you and your mistress". I heard mum shouts downstairs.

   I'm in my room doing nothing in particular, i intend to read a novel but their argument distracted me. Today is the last hearing in court , and I am expected to go with them to choose with whom I want to go with. Daddy always understands me, unlike mum, he is the only one with whom I'm free to share anything with without fear of being insulted. I can proudly call him my best friend. But mum and I never get along, she wants me to be social, as her only child she wants me to be referred to as the most beautiful teenager on earth. Despite that, I am choosing Mum in court because dad disappoints me. 

 After the hearing in court, Dad and Mum marriage was legally annulled and i chose to go with mum in court. 

 Mum stayed with Dad through the divorce process from fear that I might not leave with her because she knows I get along more with Dad and I hate changes in my environment but now, we have to leave the house I and am not affected by it.

    I'm in my room packing my belongings with hopes that mum won't make us go too far because I don't like the idea of going to a new school. 

The security helped me carry some luggage downstairs and I was zipping the last bag when I heard a knock on the door   

   "Come in" I muttered 

    Dad came in and sat next to me on my bed.     "Bella". He called 

   "Yes daddy". 

  "I know how much you hate change of environment and wish your mum could stay while I move out but she refuse".

  "Dad we should respect her decision, staying here alone with me didn't sound like a good idea when we all move in here together ".

.

 I remembered Mum's friend complaining to her about her refusal to accept anything from Dad, but she gave a heartwarming reply that made my heart flutter. 'I need nothing from him, even though he proposed giving the house to me, I don't want it. He worked so hard for everything he has, and I refuse to accept a dime of his sweat, all in the name of divorce. During our happy moments, he gave me everything I wanted and things I never asked for. The best thing I am happy to leave with is our happy memories, and most importantly, my daughter.

She is all I could ask for; that was my only fear during the annulment process! She said, unknown to her that I had eavesdropped on their conversation.

.

    "I'm sorry my child". Dad said, sniffing in, trying to hide back tears,  

  "You have said that countless times dad but I didn't give you a respond because I was hurt, but now I want you to have my word, I was hurt but I already forgive you, and mummy needs me more now". I said sniffing in. 

   "Bella despite everything happening between your mum and i, i want you to know that i love you very much". He said trying to hide his tears. 

   "I know and i love you too daddy". I sincerely replied and embraced him tight. 

   I was courageous a while ago that I will be fine even when we leave the house but now I felt heartbroken, the thoughts that I won't see dad as often as before made me shield uncontrollable tears. 

  "I love you daddy". I  muttered admits sobs. 

   "I love you too, and I will always do. Take care of yourself my love, i promise to always call to check up on you and tell me when you need anything. Daddy is always here, we might not be together but I won't let the distance to affect our relationship ". He  assured. 

   "You too Daddy, take good care of yourself, always buy dinner from work, don't hurry to work without drinking your morning coffee and of course with less sugar remember too much sugar is not good for your heath. Don't  skip any meal, make sure you drink less and don't drunk drive. Don't stay out too late and always sleep early". 

  "I promise my love, I won't skip meals and I won't stay out late either. I know I disappoint you gravely but I hope you can grant my request too". 

  "Anything daddy" 

  "Always take care of yourself, do whatever makes you happy, but despite that don't provoke your Mum too much. She might look very brave but she is timid. Take good care of her in my stead". 

  "I promise daddy". I said and we made a pinkie swear admits tears. 

Making promises and waving farewell made me feel like i will never see my dad again, my only friend who understands me. Only if the deed can be undone. 

I dragged my last bag downstairs to mum car and meet her waiting impatiently for me. 

    She look around trying to hide her tears. I remembered the day we move in here, she threw a house warming party out of excitement, but now it felt like we are leaving everything, the good memories and dad but I have no regrets. 

   "Are you ready honey"? She ask and wipe off a slid of tears.  

   I took my turn to look around and remembered the beautiful moment spent in the house with Dad.

 "Will i ever have those moment again"? 

 "Will mum get married to another man?'

 "Will my future stepfather love me as much as my Dad does "? 

 Those thoughts run in my head but i managed to shove them away. 

   "Let's go". Was all i say and went to the car. 

    Mum gave me a faint smile and entered the car. 

  "Mummy where are we heading "?

 "To Los Angeles, my cousin already help us secure an apartment there, don't worry its very comfortable. My cousin once lived there before she relocate to UK three  months ago and she assured me that the place is good" she said. 

   I couldn't believe my ears, i hate change in my environment environment and Mum is aware of that so i can't reason why she wants us to go to a new city miles away from the one am used to.

  "Mummy, Los Angeles. But why are we going that far"? I shout. 

   She gave me a faint smile. "Honey, I want us to go far, far away from everything. I want us to start a new, just the both of us". 

  The mention of "the both of us" made me sigh in relief. At least she is not planning to remarry anytime soon.   

   I know she is trying to be strong, even though she request for the annulment she is hurt. Starting a new is great but going far to Los Angeles doesn't seems like a brilliant idea to me. 

    The ride to Los Angeles is long that i didn't know when i fall asleep. But i woke up when mum tap me hard.