79 Chapter 79: Switch gears (2/2)

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Finally a moment of peace. Laurice was somehow relieved or perhaps not. A plate of Filipino dishes was served per person and it was nearly a satisfying meal for Laurice only if not for the curious stares she had been receiving for awhile now. It made her feel slightly awkward and anxious that she could hardly chew on her food. And she can almost grasp what was going on in their heads.

As Laurice grumble on the inside, a relative finally broke her silence. But Laurice started to broke out in cold sweat upon hearing the question. Well it wasn't necessarily a question. It was more like an affirmation.

”I've heard your father was painter.” A middle-aged woman who was doning an elegant dress muttered in a rather questioning tone. Her name was Cameron. She was of American descent and was her supposed aunt by marriage, the wife of her first uncle. The woman's voice maybe soft and not arrogant at all as Laurice perceived, but the mere mention of his father and his occupation still left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She intended not to answer but she can't not speak.

Camilla on the other hand remained unfazed as if she wasn't affected by the sudden change of topic.

”Yes.” Laurice confirmed briefly suppressing the foreboding surge of emotions. She did not feel the need to go into details but the others went on ahead as they take turns to getting to know her as it appears to be on the surface but were just basically interrogating her and her past.

”You must have acquired the same skills. Did you not make a career out of it? I've heard you were an outstanding arts student.” A firm but poised voice of another woman stated unceremoniously.

Laurice's ears perked up.

Also heard? Cut me some slack. You all obviously had my background checked. What else is there to say?! And what was the woman insinuating anyway? That she might as well just become a painter? She may not sounded like it but her words left her with an impression that the woman herself wasn't quite simple. She was Fely, her second uncle's wife. A natural born Filipino like herself.

Oh how Laurice missed the states and the people around her while she was living there. Her comrades may be foreigners of different backgrounds but they were undoubtedly way kinder and more reasonable than most of her own kin.

Switching gears for a moment, Laurice forced a mouthful of rice down her throat before responding with a nod and concealed the sudden sharpness in her gaze as she lowered her head.

”I'm not that capable.” Laurice humbly declared in a solemn and low voice. Well it wasn't really because she lack the skills and talent but it was more like she wasn't particularly interested anymore.

”You're still young. There's still a lot of room for progress. Don't lose hope.” The woman replied thoughtlessly.

Don't lose hope?

Does she look like it? Like she was hopeless?

Laurice snapped.

'Well excuse me for my lack of enthusiasm. But it's none of your business.' She almost blurted it out but stopped herself immediately. Laurice did not want to appear as sarcastic as the woman was. It will be a shame if she stoop down her level.

Gritting her teeth inconspicuously, Laurice said instead, ”Thank you for the encouragement. I appreciate it.”

Appreciate it, my foot.

Laurice harrumphed inwardly sighing helplessly.

Somebody help her.

She really wanted to leave this place in an instant and head straight back to where Sid and Little Louie was. She was quite missing them now oh so terribly.