An Important Visit

09-20-2009 Sunday

As much as I would not like to face my aunt again, I have to because the money that I asked from my father was sent to her. I don't know why my father always makes sure that I don't get things easily. I've given him our exact address when he asked but still, he sent the money to his sister. That means I have to go out of my way just to visit my aunt who lives in Paranaque and on top of that I have to be prepared when my aunt grilled me about studying again, which is something I can't commit for now with all the bills to pay.

My aunt lives on this fabulous house in a private village where only rich people can afford to live. She's rich but she's on her own. No kids, no pets, no plans on having any of those. She has a lot of money for herself and she has always wanted me to live with her but I never considered that. She's strict and she's trying to mold me into something I'm not, something I don't want to be. I also know that she'll never approve me riding a motorcycle. I can just imagine her reaction if I tell her I have a motorcycle, I'm sure she'll turn whiter than what she is now and her hair will probably fall away one by one. Fine, no mentioning of any motorcycle. Lips sealed, check. Be the perfect niece, check. Ok, I'm ready.

I headed straight to Paranaque after my shift. Since today is a holiday, my aunt doesn't have work and I found her preparing a delicious meal in the kitchen. The usual greetings and all. Then, she started telling me about how my face looks fatter after cutting my hair short, how I walk like a guy, how my lipstick looks orange instead of red and so and so. Had I been the sensitive little girl before, I would be offended but I've come to learn that that's just how she is, and I simply laughed, brushing her comments aside. She's busy in the kitchen so before she could say anything else, I went to the sofa and watched TV while waiting for whatever it is she's cooking. It sure smelled heavenly and I was so hungry that I have to look around for food.

Looking for food in that house is not a difficult task. It's everywhere. There's a jar of cookies on the table beside the sofa. There's a box of assorted chocolates on the coffee table on my left and there's a basket that's overflowing with huge packs of Lays on the floor near the TV. I find it ironic how many fatty foods my aunt has in this house but she doesn't eat any of those. She's always on a diet. I had to sneak a couple of chocolates because I know she wouldn't like me eating chocolates minutes before lunchtime. That's just how strict she is.

A few minutes later, food was ready and we had lunch. My aunt asked me to stay for the night and I told her I don't have any clothes with me. I know that has never been a problem in this house and she confirmed that when she said she has a couple of clothes and undies for me. Oh well. Might as well stay and feel a luxurious but restricted life even for just a night.

I'm not new to staying with my aunt. When I was in high school, I used to stay with her during vacations. I'm pampered with lots of things, given money, but in return, I have to be the perfect niece which is really not me. She wanted me to wear this little mini skirts, sleeveless tops, high heels and all and I'm just not that girl. She doesn't like me wearing stuff that only boys wear like a loose t-shirt or a 3/4 shorts and she doesn't like the way I walk. I hated that before so I got tired of staying with her and I made lame excuses before on why I couldn't stay during high school vacations.

Now, I realized that maybe she only wanted me to be like her. Like I said, she doesn't have any kids so it's also sad that she doesn't have anyone who'll follow her footsteps. She has other nieces, of course, but they're already perfect girly girls so I think it also has something to do with me being the only difficult niece.

I stayed for the night and I have to endure hearing her tell me how fat I am, how ugly I walk, how imperfect my skin is, blah blah blah. When you hear the same things over and over, you eventually get used to it and that's what I felt. I become used to it and I laughed at every comment she has. I assured her I'll start to lose weight, I'll practice walking properly, everything I know she wanted to hear from me. There's a difference in telling people what you really feel and telling them what they want to hear, it all depends on the situation you're in. As far as my aunt is concerned, I always have to settle for the latter.

The topic of studying also came up but I am glad that she seemed to understand where I'm coming from when I explained to her about how much I need the job, how we got kicked out of the house and how many bills I have to take care of for now. She was quiet after I explained and I know, I just know..that she understood.

Anyway, all of it has paid off, literally. She gave me the money that my father sent me, along with an additional from her and my other aunt. She gave me a couple of new clothes, new sandals, lots of new stuff. I always get a lot of things after a visit to her that's why I have to deal with her, cause that's just how she is.

Labels: aunt, father, niece, pink crimson

posted by Monica-Lynne @ 10:47 PM