C1 Chapter One

Hi! I'm Marty Munroe, 19 years old, and I'm studying at Churchill University here in Scotland. I speak in British English. I'm single since birth. Crushes? Yeah, a lot. My type are usually matured guys with big loads. You know, I don't want to play around with boys, and I want a serious relationship.

You want me to describe my looks? Well, I have curly blonde hair, amber eyes, fair skin, and average height. I have the looks, you can say, and a lot—I mean, really, a lot—of guys want to date with me. But as what I've said, I don't like boys. None of them really caught my attention, so I'm just focusing on my studies right now. I believe that the right one for me will arrive when the time's right.

Currently, I'm sitting on the couch, watching the Romeo and Juliet movie while eating popcorn. It's the part where they are about to kiss when someone knocked on the door. I immediately turned the TV off and checked who it is. When I opened the door, I saw Mom standing right in front of me.

"I miss you so much, sweetie," Mom said. She hugged me so tight. She has curly blonde hair and fair skin like me—no doubt where I inherited this beauty of mine.

"I miss you too, Mom. So, how's work?" I asked.

"Exhausting, as usual," Mom sighed.

"And who's that guy?" I asked when I noticed the guy who's standing behind Mom.

Mom stepped aside. Goddammit! I think this is my Romeo. He's so handsome! He has emerald eyes, black hair, a tall nose, and a sharp jawline. He's wearing a businessman attire: a suit, black pants, and shoes. He looks perfect.

"Marty, this is Clark. Clark, this is Marty—my daughter, your soon-to-be stepdaughter," Mom introduced us to each other.

"Stepdaughter? What?" I exclaimed. I didn't know that Mom is planning to get married again. It has been five years since my dad's death. She didn't even mention once about having a relationship with someone else. I wonder if she still loves Dad.

"Did I hear that right, Mom? Do you mean the two of you are dating?" I asked, couldn't believe.

"Don't flatter me, Charlotte," the man tittered. A sweet smile appeared on his face. He's so handsome and attractive. No wonder why Mom fell in love with him. Seems like Charlotte, the fisherwoman, caught a goldfish in a pond.

"I and Clark have just started dating a few weeks ago. He's my coworker, and he finally had the courage to ask me out after a very long time. I don't want to get into a relationship without telling you, Marty, so I brought him home. You're my one and only daughter, so you have the right to know," Mom said, putting her black duffel bag on the couch.

"But how about Dad? Don't you love him anymore?" I asked.

"Your dad—of course, I did love him, sweetie—but it's time to move on. It's been five years already since his death. I'm sure he'll understand. Look, I know you're surprised by this, but I don't want to be lonely, Marty. A life of a widow isn't easy. I hope you understand," Mom said.

"And I'm here to offer your mom good company," the guy interrupted. "I'm glad to finally meet you, Marty Munroe. Your mom has mentioned you many times." He winked at me, and I don't like it. He held Mom close to his side.

"Alright, alright. Why won't we talk about this over lunch?" Mom suggested. She walked toward the kitchen. "I'm starving. I'm sure you are too."

We went inside the kitchen. I helped Mom prepare the table since I knew she's tired from work. I hate it when Clark keeps flirting with her as if I'm not around. How I wished I could date someone as handsome as him too.

"Come on, Marty, let's eat," Mom said.

I sat down on the chair. I caught Clark staring at me, but he quickly turned his attention to Mom. I don't know why my heart feels a little tight inside my chest. Gosh! This isn't right anymore. I shouldn't have a crush on this guy.

"So, I have one important question for you, sweetie. The reason why I brought Clark here—" Mom said in a serious tone of voice. "Let me go straight to the point—would you mind if I start a romantic relationship with him?"

I swallowed the food in my throat. I didn't expect that coming. I watched as Clark held my mom's hand and looked at her affectionately. They clearly want to be in a relationship, and who am I to disagree? Mom deserves to be happy again. I've seen her crying in her room for a very long time. I can't be a hindrance to her happiness.

"I have no objection, Mom," I replied.

"Oh! Thank you so much, sweetie!" The tense expression on her face was replaced with a bright smile—the same with Clark. The two of them looked perfect for each other.

"I know you deserve to be happy again, Mom, and just a warning, Sir Clark—don’t you ever hurt my mother, or you’ll taste my punch," I said.

"Don’t worry, Marty. I’ll always love your mother—more than how your father used to love her," Clark replied. He winked at me again.

I feel a little ache in my heart. I don’t know why, but I don’t like the way Clark said those words. Even though Mom loves him or whatsoever, he shouldn’t just say such things about my father. It’s really disappointing. It’s difficult to understand why Mom likes him in the first place.

Perhaps first impressions aren’t always right. I really thought he was nice, but it seems like I misjudged him. Outside appearances don’t justify that a person is good. Or maybe I judged him too early? I really haven’t known him that much. There must be something special about him. Aside from his big loads and pretty face, there must be another reason why Mom is so in love with him.

"Sweetie, you okay?" Mom asked. "You didn’t touch your food. Aren’t you hungry?"

"I’m sorry, Mom, I’ve lost my appetite." I stood up. "Also, I have something very important to do at school. I’m really sorry. I have to go now. Bye!"

I didn’t wait for them to say anything as I immediately went to the living room and grabbed my backpack before going back to Churchill University. I met my best friend Suzanne Winters in the corridor, and I told her about Mom’s new boyfriend.

"So you’re telling me that Aunt Charlotte found a hot sugar daddy?" Suzy asked with a little sarcasm as we walked toward our classroom.

"Yeah, that’s right," I replied.

"You really have a bad taste, Marty. There’s a lot of boys who want to date you, and yet you’re interested in older men. And what I couldn’t understand is why it has to be your mom’s boyfriend," Suzy said.