New Life: A Second Chance

As expected, her decision to move out to live by herself was met with opposition from her parents. It was bad enough that Kyle was moving out, now she was, too?

At least, Kyle had a reason whereas all she could say was that she 'needed space'.

Not a good thing to say to your parents who doted on you endlessly.

Kay felt like a headache was coming on as she watched her mother cry, sniffling away, "But … so … you're saying that you feel stifled here? That I control you, is it? You can't be free to be yourself?"

Kay g.r.o.a.n.e.d inwardly.

Emotional blackmail.

Mothers are so good at that.

Worse, sons seem to be able to get past that and coax them while daughters are left with the short end of the stick. 

I mean, come on - Kyle could disappear to another country for two years and their mother wasn't this emotional at trying to keep him by her side. 

Kay wondered whether this was just her family, or whether it was a common thing throughout. Kyle was, after all, extremely charming and knew how to get under the skin of a mother - him having been one before, after all.

Taking a deep breath and trying to remain calm, Kay said, "It's nothing that you did, Mum. It's just that no matter what, this is your house. I just want a place of my own …"

"This is your home!" Delilah cut in, hurt apparent in her eyes.

"Yes, it is," Kay said, still keeping to her patience and sanity, "This is the place I grew up in and it will always be my home but it is not the same. And may I point out that this isn't the house you were born in either."

"That's different," Delilah sniffed, "I got married. Are you getting married? No, right? As long as you're still single, you are our responsibility and should live under my roof."

"But don't you see, Mum?" Kay pleaded, "That's the whole point. You say this is my home, and it is, but you also say that it is 'your' roof. Your rules, your decisions. I am an a.d.u.l.t now, Mum. It's not like I'm leaving the family. I just want my own space. Where I can do whatever I want, decorate however I like … and not just my room."

"You're a girl!" Delilah began and Kay looked at her in exasperation.

"Mum, really? You, of all people, would say that?" 

Delilah waved her hands in front of her, her face stern, "No, you know that is not what I meant! It's more dangerous for a woman to be living alone. You know that. No matter how capable you are, a lone woman living by herself will be a constant target. Especially one as striking as you."

Kay took several deep breaths to calm herself down before answering, "I know that, Mum. I wouldn't be silly enough to think that the world is a safe place. I will be careful."

She took her mother's hand and looked up at her with sincere eyes, "If I am to be bundled up in cotton all the time, how am I supposed to grow? I've come to realise that I've lived my life as Kyle's shadow, and as your daughter. I'm the Smith Princess and Kyle's twin. I just need my own space, Mum."

It took a bit more persuasion but finally, her mother relented. Kay felt immense relief over that, and she compromised by discussing the place that she would be getting. At least, her mother could be assured about the security and location, so her heart would be better at peace.

It was in a prime area, of course, and near the Smith Industries HQ. As such, it was deemed to be in a 'safe' zone. In addition, one needed a security key card to enter and there was a receptionist / doorman near the entrance towards the elevator. 

Kay couldn't move in immediately though, as she not only needed to get furniture that was more suited to her taste, she wanted to renovate it a bit to suit her needs. Plus, she would require a good security system and a peephole on the door. 

Another compromise Kay did with her mother was that the door had triple security. The door was changed to a heavier set one that would not easily be smashed into. 

There was the normal deadbolt, a sash jammer, and a strike plate lock. 

A strike plate lock had a similar concept to a chain lock that one normally sees at hotel room doors. However, it was sturdier and safer than the former. Its bolt was more secure and its design created a sort of locking mechanism from the doorframe to the door (like the way a Tupperware locks its lids) and it has a chain that ended in a huge ring to loop over the doorknob.

It would take a normal person about 20 minutes or so to smash through and even using a sandbag weighing 90 pounds wouldn't smash the door down (unlike if one used a normal chain lock).

In addition, even though she was on the 20th floor, Kay had all her windows fitted with the sash jammer.

After all, Kyle would be able to get in if he wanted to from the window, so Kay wasn't going to take things for granted. Better be safe than sorry.

The best thing was, her apartment wasn't that far from where Sayuri and Kyle were staying, so she could easily drop by for a visit when she got a bit lonely. She would enjoy the solitude and independence but heck, she was going to be an Aunt!

Luckily for Kay, her brother had even more drama unfolding, which diverted her parents' attention away from her when she moved out. 

Kay had approached her mother first to get her permission to move out, and when her father found out, he wasn't too keen. However, he couldn't very well override his wife as there was a tacit agreement that once a decision was made, the other would not go against the other.

The only way was to convince the original 'permission giver' to take back the permission.

Kay had no doubt that her father would have managed to persuade her already reluctant mother to change her mind, so she was really grateful for Samantha turning up with Kyle's "son".

That had been a truly epic moment at home, too.

She had been with Sayuri when Kyle contacted her about it. Seeing her getting all worked out to defend her territory aka Kyle, made Kay both happy - and jealous. At least, Sayuri could openly do so.

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The days passed by quicker than Kay realised.

Living by herself truly was a liberating experience.

She could walk about the apartment without wearing a bra, for one. She didn't need to brush her hair before going out of the bedroom. She didn't need to worry about coming down for breakfast and dinner with the family, and could eat whatever she wanted and at whatever time she felt like it to be.

Of course, Lance would have to be a regular visitor at her new apartment.

Right now, he was on the sofa, lounging and complaining to her, "Oh man, Kay. Why? Why? I was so looking forward to it, too!"

"Auw, Lance," Kay said, shuffling over and ruffling his hair, "I couldn't predict my brother would knock up poor Sayuri now, could I?"

Lance snorted.

"It's Kyle Smith," Lance said with a dramatic flair of his hand running through his hair, "Everything about me is potent, especially my seeds."

"Ew, Lance!" Kay said with a shudder, "This is my brother we're talking about. Please. Keep it PG please."

Lance laughed heartily. 

"After the birth, we shall go then, okay?" Kay said.

"You promise?" Lance asked, putting up his pinkie finger.

Kay hooked her finger on his and they tapped their thumbs together, "I promise."

"We can use the time to plan where to go, and how long, and what we'll actually do!" Kay said excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

"Aren't you going to 'find yourself'?" Lance asked, putting up two fingers to 'quote' and unquote' the words 'find yourself', "If you make such detailed plans, how would that equate to you achieving that?"

"You have a point," Kay said, "So what do you suggest?"

"Go backpacking," Lance said, "Rough it out. Go from one place to another to explore, but not in luxury."

Kay looked at him with wide eyes.

Putting up her finger, she waved it left and right, saying clearly, "No. I want to find myself, not torture myself! I do not need to do all that to know that I quite enjoy my life of luxury and comfort, thank you very much."

"It's a start," he said with a grin, "In knowing who you are."