Chapter 7
1495 Words
“Here.”
I looked at the bottle of cold water. Tristan opened it for me. I drink it straight.
“Better?”
He smiled, a comforting one. I didn't know that he was still there. I thought he was gone.
“Yeah, thanks.”
We both didn't say a word after, for about 30 mins. I like that he didn't try to comfort me with words because I feel like no words could ease my anger right now. I appreciated the silence more. I breathed out loudly.
“Let's go back inside?”
“Yeah, let's go.”
We just walked side by side. I saw Tito Jovan’s worried look. I just smiled at him then walked towards my parents, who were still talking to Tristan’s parents. Granddad and Lala walked to us.
“Russia, I want you at my house tomorrow. I would like to talk to you. I also want you to know that I'm not asking right now.”
Granddad said to me. He looks mad. Maybe he already knew what happened. When it comes to our mistakes, Granddad will always be the fastest to know.
What would I expect, right? He is freaking Granddad!
Lala looked at me apologetically. I assured her that it was okay. I hugged her and said goodbye. They’re both going to head home already. I still hug Granddad. I’m not rebellious or resentful. They left with their personal bodyguards and nurses.
Tito Jovan and his family are the next to bid us goodbye. Ate Europe hugged me again, Asia and Tita Andrea also hugged me. Tito Jovan also hugged me, but he was tighter, he even gave me a soft pat on my back.
Then Tita Angeline and Tito Joseph followed. They hugged me as well. Tito Joseph can't look me in the eye.
Too guilty?
The other guests all went home while we were outside sorting the mess. Only Tristan’s parents are left.
Tristan and his family were about to bid farewell when Mom received an emergency call from the hospital.
“Don't worry about me, Dad. Just drive Mom to the hospital, the patient needs her. I can just book a ride from here to our home.”
“Are you sure, Princess?”
I nodded at Mom.
“Or Tristan could drive her, since he brought his own car.”
Tristan's Dad suggested. He looks genuinely worried about me. His Mom backed him up.
“Is it okay for you, Iho? Aren’t you tired? Our house is out of the way.”
“It’s fine, Tito. And if you're worried if I had alcohol, rest assured that I just had a glass of champagne.”
“Then, I’ll leave my daughter to you. Just for tonight, okay?”
I just felt embarrassed about what my Dad just said to Tristan.
“Mom and Dad just go. The call was an emergency, right? Shoo!”
Mom and Dad hugged me first before they left in a rush. Me, Tristan and his parents walked out together.
“Have a safe ride home, Tito and Tita.”
I said to them when they got inside their car.
“You too, Iha. Tristan, son, take good care of her because we can’t replace Russia if she gets endangered.”
My smile reached my eyes this time. I like his father, he is funny and a good man.
“I will, Dad.”
Then Tristan closed the car’s door for them. He then guides me towards his car. Before opening the passenger seat for me, he removed his coat and made me wear it.
So he can be a gentleman if he wants to?
I sat inside his car. I saw how he placed his hand on top of the door, so I wouldn't hit my head. I smiled at the gesture. He closed the door then ran to the other side. When he started the car, I told him our address.
“By the way, thank you for everything you did tonight. I appreciate it.”
I smiled at him genuinely.
“It's nothing, it's what a gentleman should do, you know?”
He winked after he said it. I lightly laughed.
“You're still a flirt, though.”
“At least I made you laugh.”
“Right. So thank you again?”
We laughed. Actually, he's not bad for a guy.
“Don't worry, I won't talk about what happened tonight. I know when to shut my mouth. And I won't ask questions you're not ready to answer. Whatever I learned tonight, it’ll be safe, so rest assured.”
You’ll sometimes know if the person is smart by how he talks. I like how he is a combination of flirt, intelligent, gentleman and mature.
“I know, don't worry, I trust you.”
It surprised me too with how true my statement was. I really do trust Tristan. When he said that he wouldn’t talk about what happened tonight? I didn’t even feel an inch of doubt.
“By the way, your Mom is so beautiful.”
I said to him, admiration was shown in my face.
“She'll be super happy to hear you say that. I think she likes you, she's giving me looks earlier.”
“What look?”
“Like why the hell won't you get a girlfriend like this girl or just get this very girl.”
“I don't think that’s what your Mom is thinking, I think what you just said was your own.”
He laughed, like he already expected me to say it.
“Frank as always, but no. It's not just mine, my Mom is really giving me that kind of look.”
“Whatever. You look like your Mom, by the way.”
“So I’m handsome?”
He flashed me a teasing smile. This guy is really handsome, the kind of face that will give butterflies in your tummy. And why am I getting comfortable with his presence?
“I did not say that.”
“You said my Mom is so beautiful, and you also said that I look like my Mom. Do I need to say it again?”
“Fine, you're handsome. Happy?”
“Very.”
His smile got bigger while looking at the road.
“Are you an only child?”
“Nope.”
“Then why are you the only one who accompanies your parents tonight?”
“I’m really not supposed to be with them tonight, but when I learned whose party they were going to attend, I insisted on coming.”
“Why?”
“Because I missed you.”
He winked at me again. I just rolled my eyes at him.
“Oh please, stop flirting. I’m on the verge of believing your words, you might not be able to face the consequences.”
This time, it’s me who gives him a wink. Does he think I can't play the game he's playing?
“Why? What are you going to do? Will you claim me yours? I’ll like that, though.”
“My Kuyas’ won’t.”
He didn’t answer. I only told the truth.
“But I’m really glad that I went with my parents tonight, I was able to hear you sing. I didn’t know you could sing.”
After a long silence, he started a conversation again, but I could see the glint in his eyes. He's obviously teasing me.
“Oh please don’t tease me. I already hate singing in front of a crowd and yet you’re going to tease me about it? I’m really not going to sing again.”
“What? Don’t you know that you have an amazing voice?”
“I don’t believe you. Are you the eldest or the youngest?”
I changed the subject. He laughed but he let me.
“Youngest. I have an older sister. She's a medical scientist, a nerd. Her life only revolves around doing research, she doesn’t look human at times. She’s like a test tube with a face. She’s the head of the research team of our company.”
“Wow, she must be super smart and patient.”
“Yeah, she is.”
I can hear proudness in Tristan's voice.
“How old is she?”
“Same age as your Kuya Arzt, they were classmates during high school.”
“Really?”
I had thought of something that I know would annoy Kuya Arzt. What if I matched my older brother to Tristan's older sister? Hahaha.
“Why?”
“Nothing. Just focus on driving.”
I tried not to show my goofy expression. He might think I’m crazy.
I feel my eyes getting heavy. I adjusted my body and allowed myself to lower my guard around him and sleep. Before my mind traveled to Dreamland, I felt my seat was getting adjusted into an ideal angle for sleeping, which made me smile in my sleep.
- Writer
