Lost & found: Where did Seb go?

Chapter 2: Tracking the Hugo's (Part 2)

The other party took off but Lola was left standing, staring at the guy who stepped up to help her. "Hey, Lola," he said, smiling brightly. She jumped to hug him. "Cristian!" she exclaimed and hugged him. He was wearing slacks, a white t-shirt, rubber shoes, and a sling bag across his chest. "How have you been? Look at you, looking like a fine man. You grew taller!" Lola said. Her eyes showed how intrigued and happy she was meeting him at that time. "I'm good. It's nice seeing you here. At first, I was kind of skeptical to step in but I recognized you looking like an apologetic puppy who needs help," Cristian explained, which made Lola scoff in disbelief. "Whatever... We should get out of here first. I'm causing a traffic problem," Lola suggested while walking to the driver's seat. "I'm sorry, but I got to go. My class will start in half an hour," Cristian replied. "What? No! I need to talk to you and your brother about something." Cristian opened the passenger seat and entered. "Well, Sebastian was out of town for work. But he'll be home tonight. I'll just direct you to our house first and you will send me to school before I let you know our unit's passcode," Cristian said, trying to negotiate. Lola had no choice. She dropped Christian off at his university. But before she left, she went out to give him a hug. "It's good seeing you again, Cris." Cristian hugged her back and said, "me too, Lola." "See you later," Lola said while waving her hand. She looked like Cristian's girlfriend sending him off to school and acting so proud about it. Lola shook her head to brush off the weird thought.

Lola was walking inside the house, looking around, studying the things she found amusing about the brothers. She went inside Cristian and Sebastian's room. Instantly, she was able to point out which room was Sebastian's. She glided her fingertips on his study table. She noticed a number of books on his mini-bookshelf and everything was all about cosmology. She knew Sebastian loved anything related to stars. "I never knew you would be this curious about the stars," Lola said, as if Sebastian was there.

Lola didn't know someone was standing at the door, leaning on the wall. Crossed arms and legs, he was silently staring at Lola, studying every move she made. Lola tried to reach out for a book on the top shelf. She tipped her shoes, which gave her extra height. But she lost her balance, which resulted in her falling on her knees and having the book fall on her head, as well. "Ouch," she murmured, touching the back of her head. Someone around the corner giggled. Lola found Sebastian, trying to hold his laughter. She was left without a word to say. He was wearing a white shirt, black slacks and shoes, and a little towel hung on his shoulders. He looked haggard with his messed-up hair and sweaty face.

"How foolish you are. Let that book fall on your face," he said without cracking laughter. "I almost called the police, thinking someone broke inside our house," he added. "Seb," the only word Lola was able to react. Sebastian walked closer and took the book that fell on the floor. He then gave it to Lola, who was standing and trying to fix herself. Lola accepted it. "I'm here to talk to you," Lola started. "Okay, let's hear it," he replied. "But maybe once Cristian comes back," he added. Lola nodded and replied. "Right."

Lola could not take her eyes off Sebastian's. He changed a lot, physically. He gained muscles and his features became more sharp. She noticed some traces of sweat on his face but she didn't find it dirty. Lola blinked uncomfortably as she noticed Sebastian feeling awkward with the situation, her staring at him for quite a noticeable few seconds. "I met Cristian at noon. I sent him to his university before coming here. He was the one who gave me the code," Lola said to cut the awkward feeling. Sebastian nodded and replied, "That explains the reason why I'm seeing you here inside." He tightened his lips together. Then he walked outside the room. Lola followed.

Sebastian was surprised by Lola's sudden visit after five years. He could not think of any possible reason except it was a family problem. "So you finally decided to visit after five years. That's odd. I think I already got a bit of an idea why you're here. But like what I've said earlier, let's talk about it later." Lola bit her lower lips and replied, "Yeah, about that. I thought you left and planned to make sure we'd never see each other again." Sebastian turned his head to face Lola, who was standing at his back. His brows arched and he replied, "So what impression have I made five years ago to make you think that I still want to see you?" Sebastian asked and later realized that he sounded angry. "It's not like I don't want to. I just find this... you here, odd," he added. "We're friends, Seb, and what you did, disappearing like that after leaving me a note, made me believe that it's not like what I think we were. I hated you. But I found the letter you gave me the other day and reread it and saw the postal address you wrote. Then, I thought I was wrong about thinking you didn't want to see me anymore. I at least thought you wanted to hear from me through letters," Lola explained. Sebastian shook his forehead and simply said, "I forgot you're an idiot." "Hey. You try saying that again and you're dead," Lola warned, and tried giving him a knock on his head. But she couldn't reach him anymore. He's taller. The two bickered with each other. The awkward feeling a few minutes ago, now filled with argument and laughter.