12. Treasured Box
1184 Words
I WAS FROZEN.
The moment his eyes lies to me, and he smiles meaningfully, I became cautious. It is like I was hypnotized by his gaze for a moment and unable to process everything.
It is weird because I wasn’t even sure if he meant for it to be something nor if the someone he meant was me or someone else. I was being both delusional and hesitant because, knowing him, it could be just his usual flirting tactics and is just trying to mess up with my mind. Whatever the case, none of it was good.
We were once in this kind of this situation already, and I was the one who left in pain more than him and it was a moment I would never forget. I know that what happened was just right and it should be that way, but facing the reality of him just setting me aside still hurts. Having to compete with who is much important between you and his best friend, it hurts.
“You mean someone you just mess with last night.” My brother sarcastically said, earning a glare from me and our parents while Ezekiel covers my daughter’s ear.
I slap my brother’s arm. “We have a child here, for goodness’ sake! Keep your mouth shut, will you?!” I scolded with brows furrowed.
He glances to my child and only noticed his mistake by then. He looks at me this time and smiled awkwardly, distancing himself from me as I can only shake my head in return. What did I even expect? He might be the best uncle and brother, but it is no doubt that he can be careless with his words.
“Okay, everyone! That is enough.” Mom says in between, chuckling softly while watching me and brother, exchanging glances still. “Let’s just eat. I’m sure everyone is hungry.”
Almost everyone followed my mother in the dining while I walk towards my child who is busily admiring the huge doll that Ezekiel got her. I smiled approaching her silently and kneeled next to her. She looks mesmerize by it that she didn’t even notice me sticking next to her.
“Do you like it so much, honey?” I softly asked, caressing her soft hair.
She nods in return then glances at me. “This is my favorite gift now, Mommy.” She exclaims with so much excitement.
There is a spark in her eyes as if she just received the biggest gift she could ever have in her entire lifetime. It is amusing for me because it wasn’t the first time she has received such extravagant gift, but she looks at this one as if it’s the most expensive she ever had. At this point, I think my brother was right when he said that Gael could take Ezekiel’s action and his closeness with Kathleen wrongly, and I can’t blame him for it anymore.
“You should eat for now, baby. Put down the doll first so you can eat properly.” I told her as she nods and follows right away.
I look at Kathleen and saw her innocence. I wonder how she will react once she finds out that we won’t be living in the same roof as his father anymore. Will she be happy living with me? Or will she be sad and will have tantrums once we separate with her father? I know she will be happy with me, but I also know that the time will come that she will go and look for her father once again then wonder why we aren’t together.
It is not avoidable. Maybe now, she won’t understand the reason why a separation is needed, but I know that she will understand it in the future. Nonetheless, I hope she wouldn’t take it so bad that this is what will happen to her family now.
“Overthinking during the Christmas Eve?” I look to my side, bringing myself back to senses, only to see Ezekiel approaching me. He shakes his head, jokingly. “Not so ideal.”
I roll my eyes on him and took a step back to create a gap between us as soon as he stops just few inches away from me. “Leave me alone, Ezekiel.” I only exclaim.
“You are too hard on me, Kenny. I just gave your child a huge gift!” He defended, making me scoff in disbelief.
“Did I ask you to do it?” I sarcastically argued.
He didn’t answer and just kept his mouth shut, standing next to me. I wanted to walk away and leave him alone, but I know that once I did that, he wouldn’t leave me alone the entire night because that is who he is. It will be much worse to watch him staying on my side than to get him to leave me purposely.
“I hope you don’t mind me giving your daughter a git.” He exclaims, carefully.
I look at him, hesitant and can only release a sigh in return. “It is Christmas, so I don’t mind.” I said before turning to my side to face him. “But please… be mindful of what you give her. In case you aren’t aware, my brother’s eyes are on you. He’s been watching you like a hawk and have no intention to stop.”
“Maybe if you tell him about the divorce, then he wouldn’t have to watch me like a hawk.” He suggested like it is so easy.
“And what does have something to do with this?”
He took a step forward, smiling. “It is because he thinks you are married so he wants me to stay away.”
My brows furrowed as he reaches for his pocket and took out a long box then handing it to me.
“What is this for?” I questioned, not taking it.
“A gift… for you.” He says, simply.
I was hesitant to get it, but it will be too rude to not receive it as well. I took a deep breath in return and look around before taking it from his hand. Before I could even put it down, he gazes me an eye, almost telling me to open it right away., which I did because it looks like he wouldn’t leave me alone until I do.
As soon as I open it, my lips parted, and eyes lit up a bit upon seeing a shining silver bracelet inside it. It is a Cartier Love Bracelet. I can easily recognize it because one of the employees under my department has it and it came from her boyfriend. So, I instantly closed it an attempted to return it but he was quick to push it back for me.
“Keep it.” He only said before walking away, leaving me alone.
What is it that he wants? Why does he keep messing up with me when my life is already as confusing as it is now?
- Writer
