chapter 20 - visit

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After classes, Amy caught Zahn and had him join her for lunch in the campus cafeteria.

"Burger is my favorite, and with fries? That's a wonderful combo," she said joyfully as she took a bite.

"I prefer homemade meals. Don't you?" Zahn asked, watching her enjoy her food.

"Haha, of course! You cook so well. How did you learn? You must have had helpers cooking for you when you were young."

He nodded, deciding to share a bit of his past. "When I was young, there wasn’t much for me to do. I was homeschooled by professionals and learned various skills. But cooking always caught my interest. I used to observe the cook at my mansion, trying a few things myself. When I came here, I started experimenting with recipes online, and my nanny helped me a lot."

"Wow, that’s wonderful, Zahn. Can you tell me more about your nanny?"

"Sure. She was the first person who provided me warmth. She stayed with me for five years, cooking my meals and taking care of the general chores. Even though she had to leave because of her own problems, I understand." There was a tint of sadness in his eyes, but he quickly hid it.

Amy reached out, touching his hand gently. "It must have been difficult to be alone all this time. You're so self-resilient. I hope you can meet her again someday."

He shook his head, a small, bittersweet smile on his lips. "I doubt it’ll happen, but it’s a nice thought. Anyway, I have to go now. The university is offering extra skill courses, and I have decided to join one on business management skills."

Amy commented playfully, " "So, future business mogul, eh?"

He laughed, a determined glint in his eye. "Mhm."

Amy looked at fading figure of zahn as he left, zahn is gonna become successful in his life, no doubt.

He held his dedication ever since she had met him, but that made her think about herself, why can't she decide for her future then?

Unlike him, she hardly had any desires and she was pushing the opportunity to act. She just wanted to relax and enjoy a simple life.

Amy decided to go to Zahn's home, which had become her place to stay. On the way, she bought some snacks and juice. Upon reaching, she immediately

turned on the television, switched to her favorite shows, and enjoyed the snacks. This is the type of life I enjoy...

Two hours passed as Amy stayed glued to the couch, her eyes fixated on the TV while she munched on her snacks.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Amy looked up, wondering who it could be. Nobody ever came, and Zahn always used the password to enter. Who could it be?

Amy got up, heading to the door. When she finally opened it, she saw a beautiful woman standing in front of her.

The woman appeared to be in her late twenties, her beauty both striking and effortless. Her dark, straight hair framed her face perfectly.  A darker shade of lipstick adorned her full lips, She wore stylish sunglasses, hiding her eyes,the air of confidence and elegance that surrounded her.

Amy was in awed as her eyes wandered to this lady's look. Without a warning the lady entered the house as if it was her own. She glanced at the room, television on, the packets of snacks lay scattered on the table by the couch.

The woman looked toward Amy, her voice sharp and cutting, making Amy nervous. "Who are you? What are you doing here? Where is Zahn?"

Amy stammered, unsure of who this lady might be. "Uh, he will be back later, and I'm his girlfriend."

The woman looked over Amy with surprise. "Girlfriend? Since when did he have one?"

Amy, feeling more uncertain, asked, "Are you.. related to Zahn?"

The woman raised an eyebrow, her tone still stern. "Well, I'm his mother, Rowena."

Amy gasped, recognition dawning on her. No wonder she seemed familiar! The picture she had seen of Zahn's parents was from ten years ago, but this woman still looked so young!

What more, Amy grappled with fear of standing in front of his mother. Why is she even here..?

Amy forced a smile, feeling awkward. "Uhm. Mam, you can sit down.."

Rowena nodded and sat down on the couch, ordering. "Bring me orange juice"

Amy quickly bought a glass of juice from the kitchen. Not knowing what to do she sat down as well.

Great. Just yesterday I was talking about her to zahn, and now she is here!

Amy started the conversation, "uhm how old are you if you don't mind me asking?"

Rowena replied, her face stoic as always, devoid of any expression. " I get that a lot, I'm Near 39"

Amy seemed surprised, "you maintained yourself good though.."

Rowena’s posture remained upright and commanding, her voice sharp. "Why are you at my son's home?"

Ahhhhhh i hope she won't tell me to leave Zahn while handing me a cheque of money, Amy thought nervously.

"Uh, I'm staying with Zahn here," Amy replied, her heart racing.

Rowena raised an eyebrow, finding it too ridiculous. "And why is that? Are you doing this for money?"

Amy frowned. "Money? Ma'am, I love Zahn."

Rowena almost let out a laugh. "Love? Love him? Perhaps you should open your eyes. He’s like a machine with hardly any emotions. What does he have if not money? Hear my guidance--leave him for your own good."

Anger bubbled inside Amy, and she let out her emotions. "You don't even know your own son, do you? He may not have been too expressive initially, but I've seen all his emotions, his love, anger, sadness, and care. In fact, he is a very caring person, he is intelligent, and he cooks amazingly."

Rowena looked surprised by the determination in Amy's eyes. This piqued her interest. "Well, a little hot-headed, are you, young girl? Well then, enjoy your romantic daydreams."

Rowena got up, heading to the room. "I'm going to nap."

Amy watched her, feeling somewhat annoyed.

___________

Later that evening, Zahn came back home and noticed a pair of heels on the floor that didn't seem to belong to Amy.

"Amy, are these yours?" he asked.

"Zahn, your mom is here. She’s resting in the room" Amy replied.

"What...?" His eyes widened, and annoyance plastered his face immediately. "What is she even doing here?"

"Uh, no idea..."

He sighed. "Did she say anything weird to you?"

Amy shook her head. "Well... not really, actually."

At that moment, Rowena came out of the room, stretching her arms as if she had just woken up and heard the voices outside. "Back home?" she asked.

"Why are you here?" Zahn questioned.

"Why can't I come here? Go make dinner," she commanded.

"....."

Rowena settled onto the couch beside Amy, her gaze briefly flicking to the television. her ever-present sunglasses concealing her eyes.

While Amy was slouching on the couch, Rowena sat straight, in a good posture this made Amy to sit properly too.

The air between them was tinged with awkwardness, leaving Amy unsure whether to stay put or retreat to the room.

Breaking the silence, Amy asked curiously, "So, what do you do?"

Rowena turned to her, "I design jewelry and clothes. I run a few businesses of my own."

"...that's amazing," Amy responded, genuinely impressed.

"If you need guidance for your own career, i can help you out."

Amy's interest was piqued. "Really? What do you suggest?"

"Hmm," Rowena mused, studying Amy thoughtfully. "You're quite tall, aren't you? You should consider becoming a model or even a celebrity, like an actress. You have the looks that shouldn't go to waste."

Amy's heart raced at the thought. Is this really the right for me?

Rowena's expression turned serious, her tone firm and sincere. "Here's my best advice: become self-reliant. Never depend on a man."

Wow, Amy thought, feeling the weight of Rowena's words sink in. The conversation earlier in the day had made her annoyed at Rowena, but right now she couldn't help but be slightly impressed by her.

But there was something that made Amy more curious. "Why are you... wearing sunglasses inside the house?" she asked.

"I just like it," Rowena replied, fixing her sunglasses, looking as sassy as always. Her confident demeanor only made Amy more intrigued.

"I saw your photo. you look good. Why are you hiding your eyes?" Amy commented, trying to understand the enigmatic woman before her.

Rowena's frown deepened, her guard momentarily slipping. "You saw my photo? I'm not hiding," she said, but there was a hint of defensiveness in her voice.

Amy sensed a crack in Rowena's tough exterior, a glimpse of vulnerability.  "It’s just... you have such a strong presence. I thought maybe there was more to it."

Rowena sighed, the weight of unspoken thoughts lingering between them. "Everyone has their reasons," she said, her tone softer now, almost introspective. "Sometimes, it's easier to keep certain things to ourselves."

Amy nodded, feeling a connection, however fleeting, with Rowena. "I get that," she said quietly. "We all have our masks."

Rowena looked at Amy, a glimmer of understanding passing between them. For a moment, the walls they both had built seemed to lower, just a little.

Later it was dining time, while Rowena ate the food, slightly impressed by her son's cooking, her attention fell on them.

"You think you can avoid the veggies?" Zahn picked the veggie with fork and fed it to Amy himself.

Amy complained, then gave up, enjoying the treatment.

Rowena was kinda taken back. "......"

After dinner, Zahn did some studying while Amy watched TV shows. Eventually, he joined her, a fond smile playing on his lips as he listened to her jokes and random stories. Rowena couldn’t help but feel stunned seeing the expression on her son’s face. I didn’t know he could be this expressive...

Suddenly, Zahn snatched the chips packet from Amy’s hand. "Enough, don’t make it a habit, Amy. And I know you ate a couple of snacks already in the noon."

"Uh..." Amy mumbled.

He looked at the clock. "It’s time to sleep anyway, no more watching."

"Ugh. Let me watch a bit more," she complained.

"No, you have classes," he spoke sternly.

"Ah, I’m too lazy to get up though..," Amy muttered, mischief glinting in her eyes, ready to be dramatic as always.

"Oh?" Zahn smirked, raising an eyebrow. He suddenly picked up Amy in his arms. As Amy giggled, he carefully carried her into the room.

Rowena watched from the side, even more stunned. They sleep together in a  room...? She shook her head, knowing it was none of her business.

She picked up a cigarette, lighting it with a lighter and bringing it to her lips. It was her usual post-dinner habit.

Zahn came out of the room to pick up his phone from the table, furrowing his brows. "Don’t smoke here. Why did you even come?"

Rowena ignored the question. "Are you raising a child?" she asked, somewhat amused.

"Yeah, I am. So what? Leave tomorrow," he replied.

"I’m your mother, you know?" she reminded him.

"You are nothing to me," he said, his voice sharp and his gaze stern, mirroring her own.

She looked away. "Tsk, so salty, aren’t you? This apartment is still in my name."

"Then I’ll move out."

"You’re the same as always. Fine, I’ll be going back tomorrow anyway." Rowena got up from the couch, heading towards the balcony.

She stood under the moonlight, gazing at the surroundings and taking a puff of smoke. Why did I come here?

Even she didn’t know what pushed her to come. Perhaps disappearing suddenly didn’t seem like a good idea either. She hadn’t seen her son’s face in two years, from a school-going kid, he was now a college student.

And he still hated her. Rowena didn’t wonder why, she was aware but didn’t hold herself guilty. She couldn’t feel much for her son, whom she barely saw, but a sense of responsibility still held her back from disappearing from his life.

At least he looks happy, with Amy, she thought.