"HuaHua take a seat." Feng Mian said. Hearing her Li Hua cringed, her voice was sickly sweet and obviously fake. She only called her that when she wanted something.
"Come take a seat Hua." Her dad motioned her to the chair at the farthest end of the table. The room was brightly lit but the atmosphere felt stale. Li Yan observed her quietly a smirk on her face.
No matter how hard she tried to push it away she had a sick feeling in her stomach.
Maids entered the room bringing food. Usually the smell of food would lighten her mood but now she felt even worse. Even the sweet and sour pork looked unappetizing.
"Hua I've noticed that you've been doing very well at the new school."
"Yes I have"
"I know I haven't been the best father and I want whats best for you."
"What do you me-"
"I've decided to send you to school abroad in America."
It felt like the world had stopped. Abroad...In America? What did he mean?!
"You can't be serious."
"I am. Don't try and fight it. You've already been registered."
"You can't just do that! I'm not-"
"End of discussion. Pack your things tonight you leave tomorrow."
She wanted to argue more but she knew it was useless. Her fathers words were final and she could do nothing to stop it.
She got up from her chair and stared at her father in the eyes. He looked back at her with those same loveless eyes he always had. She turned around and stormed off.
Seeing Li Hua leave, Li Yan inwardly laughed. She was nothing but a rat who mooched off her family. She should be grateful.
"Father, I don't know why she acts this way. The chance to study in America is wonderful. That's why I suggested it."
It was really easy actually. All she had to do was she's a few tears and play the role of the caring sister. It didn't matter regardless for as long as she wanted something it would be done. She learned that from her mother.
Hearing Li Yan, he sighed. "One day she'll understand. How did I get so lucky to have such a caring daughter?"
Feng Mian laughed, "Who knows."
"Come let's finish eating."
~~~
Upstairs, Li Hua was having a meltdown. How could they send her to America. The best thing for her? What bullshit. They just wanted her gone.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door.
"May I come in."
Not hearing a reply Nanny Rong stepper inside.
"Hello"
"Oh god." Li Hua wailed. Nanny Rong rushed over to hold her.
"It'll be alright dear. Don't worry everything will be fine."
Her mind was so muddled. She didn't know what to think.....What to do.
Suddenly a thought came to her mind, she had to tell Su LingTian. She had to let him know she would be gone for a while. She reached for her phone but wasn't there. Frantically she looked around her room. She couldn't have...she did! She dropped her phone when she ran from the rain. How could she be so stupid.
With that thought she collapsed into even more tears.
"Shh... calm down." Nanny Rong patted her head.
"How about you write the boy a letter and I'll give it to him?"
Hearing this she felt a little more relieved.
"Come on I'll help you pack and you can write the letter afterward."
"Ok."
She didn't my have much clothes to begin with most of them were just leftovers from Li Hua. Most would be sad to be packing away their belongings. As it was like packing away memories but for her these memories were nothing but sad.
All the embarrassment and pain she went through was embedded in these items.
If this were a few months earlier she'd be happy to leave but her life was finally turning around.
"I know that look." Nanny Rong interrupted.
"You feel defeated hopeless."
"I don't know what to do. Why is this happening to me." She softly spoke.
Seeing her so down, Nanny wrong took her by the hands. "Look at me. I have seen you grow and you have become such a strong woman. You're mother would be proud."
Hearing her mother being brought up, tears began to flood her eyes.
"We won't see each other for a while but promise me. Promise me you'll become even stronger."
"I promise!"
~~~~
The next day arrived and it was time for her to leave. She spent a long time thinking about the letter and what to write. Finally she finished and gave it to Nanny Rong.
Nanny Rong helped her take her bags out the car. "Take care." He eyes filled with tears.
Li Hua wiped the tears off her face. "Don't worry I will. I'll be back one day, I'll be back as the woman who will crush this family."
He grabbed her bags and walked into the airport, her silhouette disappearing behind its doors.
~~~~
"Flight #17 is preparing for takeoff. Please secure all loose luggage"
She looked out the window thinking of her letter.
"My dear Su Lingtian. I write you this letter with a heavy heart. I wish I could've contacted you with my phone but it seems like that was not meant to be. I'm going away for a while. I don't know for how long but I'll be back. I promise. Life is unfair isn't it, it's almost funny. I won't ask you to wait for me as that is unfair as well. I want you to have a happy and love filled life. Despite this I would like to stay in touch as you are the one who showed me how to love and be happy. I don't know my destination yet but ask Xua Rong and she will tell you. Please write me back! I'll be waiting! not a day will go by when I don't think about those days with you. Your Flower, Li Hua."
~~~~
Li Hua was right about one thing. Life is unfair. The letter would never make it to Su Lingtian. At least, not "that" letter.