Desiring A Stranger

Growing up in a religious family has never been easy. I felt like a bird that was unable to fly, wingless trapped in a cage. Controlled like a robot, no freedom at all. With a mother who served in church and a Pastor father, I don't know why I turned out opposite of them.

People around me expect me to be religious more than I was. Some even wished for me to follow my parent's steps. And maybe because of their beliefs, and their tightness in securing my holiness, I felt choked, resulting in me to rebel.

Are we just born to follow our parents’ steps? If I could just give them signs before they made me, I would tell them not to have a child— me. 

"During my time, I crossed several rivers and high mountains just to make it to university. I didn't want to miss class but now..." the old woman tsked as she shook her head, disappointment was visible on her brown wrinkled skin.

I almost rolled my eyes. Seriously, reminiscing about how hard her life was before at this kind of place?

"I'm not a student anymore, Mrs..." I said for the nth time. 

"Don't lie," she insisted. "You look minor to me, prolly you're still a student yet you're here, wasting your potential."

I smirked. Should I take that as a compliment?

"I have lived here in the world for twenty-seven years, Mrs..." 

Her mouth hangs open, then she squinted her eyes, obviously thinking that I'm lying, again.

"Really?" Her gray-ish eyebrows shot up.

I nodded. "Yup."

"Amaia Cruiz!" I immediately got up from my seat when I heard my name.

"What?!" I fired back. I walked towards the barrier that hinders me from going out. 

The officer raised his hand in the air, showing me the keys. 

"You are now free to go home," he announced.

I almost jumped in delight because of it. Finally!

"Thanks, officer!" I salute after. 

When he opened the prison, I glanced behind me and saw the old woman smiling at me. She was teary-eyed as if we've been together for so long when I was just detained last night due to illegal car racing.

Shaking my head, I smiled and went out. 

I immediately grabbed the sling bag that I surrendered last night in the tray. Then, I walked towards the other officer who's leaning at the edge of the table, crossed-arms while staring at me.

"I'm free? No joke?" I double-checked, combing my hair using my fingers.

He raised his brows which made me stop. I looked down and pursed my lips.

"The prison is quite spacious. If you want to stay longer, feel free," his voice was full of sarcasm.  

I pursed my lips more. "Uncle... I didn't know it was illegal..." I reasoned out. 

I looked at him through my lashes. He was staring at me with a knotted forehead, eyes filled with frustrations. I tried my best not to laugh even though deep inside, I feel sorry for making him feel anguish.

"Go home now, Aya. I won't tell this to your father."

Raising my head, I nodded wearily. "Okay..."

"The next time you involve yourself in any illegal activities, you'll not be able to get out of the cell, Aya. I'd tell, remember that."

I chuckled then, leered on the table and my eyes glued on the chocolate bar laying there. I peered at my Uncle and smiled shyly. 

"May I?" I pointed to the chocolate by pouting my lips.

He just rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Take it and go home."

I smirked and quickly grabbed the chocolate and walked away. My heels ticked on the marble floor with every step I made, the red spaghetti romper I'm wearing shouts dominance. Some officers turned their heads in my direction as I walked past them.

When I got out of the police station, I wore my glasses just hanging around my neckline, protecting my eyes against the blazing sun. 

I bit the inside of my cheek. I got jailed, again. Shaking my head, I took my phone out of my bag and swiftly dialed a friend's number.

"Hello..." I greeted the moment he answered. "Can you pick me up? I'm just nearby, waiting outside the police station under the sun."

I heard him snort in the other line. I'm sure he knows what happened.

"Today's first day of November. Instead of lighting a candle for those souls we have lost, you chose to sleepover in that stinky place..." I could imagine him rolling his eyes.

"For experience, Sid. Also, I found a new friend." I shrugged, remembering the old woman inside the prison.

"As usual, Aya. As usual..."

I let out a giggle. "Of course, make the best out of it. Who knows? I might plan to sell illegal drugs inside. Connection, Sid." I jokingly said.

I closed my mouth tightly when the officer who walked by glared at me. I just showed him a peace sign and laughed at my silliness.

"Come on, Sid... Pick me up, my tummy's been growling and complaining since last night. I haven't eaten a portion of decent food