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“<span class="mu-i">Secrets</span>, huh?” You caress your chin like you’re deep in thought. “Did I ever tell you about my family?”
“I have heard some juicy details here and there from other people but not from your lips.” Kata is very open about being a gossipy lady. “So I’m very interested in taking your veil of mysteries off...”
“Right, it’s not really noteworthy.” You don’t think it adds to your allure.
“There has to be a story behind your last name. You are neither Tomah nor Oka.”
“Tomah? Eugh, no.” You’re glad you have never been legally related to that scumbag Joel. “I’ve been always Ando since I can remember. I think I was Oka until I was like 5? It’s hard to remember.”
“Who can blame you, handsome? Those aren’t the kind of precious childhood memories people always rave about.” Kata giggles. “It’d be nice to forget them like that. Tell me more, we’re scratching the surface. Why the name change?”
You explain to Kata the strange deal your dad <span class="mu-i">Stan Ando</span> and your mom had. The one that says that if you changed your last name, he would take care of you if something happened to her. You don’t believe there was any legal document binding it, but at least your dad kept his word for some reason. The deal ended up being worth the hassle…
But the story doesn’t stop there. You had to explain the difficult relationship you have with your actual dad. How he always acted like having you around was a prank that backfired, and forever resented you for it. He was loud, obnoxious, cruel, and uncaring. Never spore a moment for you, not even one attempt at bonding or knowing who you are. But you would’ve taken apathy in stride, but in the little time you spent together he belittled you and treated you like you were beneath him. Despite everything, you learned to stand each other, trying not to bother each other if possible. In truth, you never cared for Stan, not to the extent of hating him, he was annoying but it wasn’t the end of the world.
Deep down, you wonder what’s worse… Thinking it was possible to bond with your new father in a way you never did with Joel, but ended up being denied; or that you had two fathers and none of them wanted you. The only comfort you have is that you never thought of yourself as likable, so it was fine to be alone. It still is.
“Sorry, I got a little long-winded there…” You gave her what she wanted, but you are not the best storyteller.
“Don’t be silly. Never make those types of apologies to me ever again.” Kata shakes her head, all upset. Your response angered her a little. “I’m sorry you had to go through all that. It wasn’t fair to you.”
“Eh, it’s nothing.” You shrug. You’re happy he’s gone doing whatever he’s doing overseas. “Did that quench your curiosity, madam?”
