When Stars Collide

Chapter 11: Family Day

That was a memorable lunch for Emmanuel. Not only did he realize that Alexia was quite talkative when she's nervous, he now knew why she acted like a deer in headlights at the end of their first class.

What he can't understand is how can this woman, who had everything going for her, would allow herself to be placed in the present situation that she's in.

But then again, I have the Zee problem so who am I to judge? 

As a matter of fact, his annoying girlfriend kept on messaging him all throughout the time he was with Alexia and Elle. Even tried to call him several times. Good thing he had his mobile on vibrate mode. Eventually, he just turned it off so he doesn't get distracted.

I'll just tell her that I forgot to charge my phone again and it shut down early in the day. I really don't want to deal with her right now.

After the meal, all he did was just listen silently to the Dean convince Alex to go back home to her "real" house. That took two more hours before she finally agreed. 

All in all, they stayed in the condo for almost four hours plus an hour of travel time.

Which is fine by Emmanuel since it is Sunday and he can't think of a better way to spend it than helping out Alexia and getting to know her even more in the process. 

The thing is, the same can't be said about his present partner.

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Zee looked at her mobile phone's screen in anger. As usual, the man she calls her BF isn't answering her calls. And now, she can't even reach his mobile.

It's been like this for so many months already! What the hell is his problem?

"Alicia! What are you up to? Is that Emmanuel again?"

"No, mom! It's not! Why the hell are you always up my ass about Emman?"

"Your language little lady! My goodness, where are you picking up those horrible swear words? Please remember that your father is the Vice Mayor and people expect us to be above the average Joe. Ever since you've had that Emmanuel as a boyfriend..."

"Will you just stop blaming my babykins for everything I do wrong! I'm in love with him mom, ok? Live with it! Nothing will change my mind about him! And I'm no longer a kid so stop nagging me about my f*****g life!"

Zee's mom, also known as a well-known personality on radio and TV for her wholesome family advice programs, rushed towards her daughter with an arm raised...

Slap!

"How rude! I will not have you ignoring my orders, young lady! You are still living in our house so you still live by our rules! Now, you are to go to your room. I will call for you when I am cool-headed enough to accept an apology from you!"

Alicia rushed up the large curving mahogany staircase of their large family house - which was an elegant villa that was originally her great grandparents' - while faking a crying fit. 

Hah, thanks for the slap mom! I'm going to use this to get Emman's attention. And yeah, stay in my room? You've got to be kidding. The minute you and dad go to bed I'm off to his condo! You won't even know where I came from once you wake up in the morning!

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"Yes, darling I'll be home in about fifteen minutes... Of course, I'll tell her...  I'll tell him, too. And yes, will pass by the bakery for your donuts... love you, bye."

"That was Jake, right?"

"Yes, gently reminding me it's a Sunday and I promised him donuts. You just gotta love a guy who doesn't get angry at you at the littlest thing."

"I totally agree with you, Dean Molave. I mean that's how a true man really loves his woman, right mom?"

"Mae... please. Can you not put me in a spot while we have guests? I get it that you're now a young adult with her own business but..."

"Oh sure, no problem mom. I'll just ask Sir Antonio the same question, hahaha!"

"MAE!"

"It's fine, Alexia. And yes, that's how a true man should and would love his lady."

"See, told you mom."

"And on that note, I've already got myself a Grab and will be headed home in a bit."

"What? But I thought I was your ride, Elle..."

"Initially, you were. Please go ahead and stay with your student, Professor. You did say you had something academic to discuss with her and I did most of the talking in the last six hours that we've been with her. Sorry about that."

"I'm not sorry. But are you sure I'm not taking up any precious family time by staying here, Alex?"

"Oh my gosh, no Professor Molave! My mom hardly had anyone here other than her horrible BF. It's actually a miracle that she managed to find herself with two guests right now. And without his knowledge, too!"

"Mae..."

"Yes, ok. No putting you on the spot. Got it. But please Sir Emman, do stay."

"Fine, I will. I did want to discuss a few things with her about my class curriculum. I'll just get my documents from the car. Forgot to bring it with me when we went up here."

"Good, you can see me to the building's door then, Emman. Bye for now Mae. And call me later Alexia, alright? Love you both."

As soon as the Dean and the Professor step out of their three-bedroom unit, Alexia's phone starts to ring...

Mae takes one look at her mother's face as she reads the mobile's screen and the doting daughter practically sprints from the door - where she was escorting her guests out but wasn't able to close it - to her mom's side in mere seconds.

As Alexia presses the accept button, her eldest daughter grabs the mobile from her hand.

"Hey, b***h! My mom's not available right now because it's FAMILY DAY! And we've kinda not considered you as such for quite a while now. Not our fault but hey, I'm sure you have your own version of THAT story!"

It took half a minute for JM to respond to Mae's snarky statement, her fury still very evident even if it was through a phone call. 

"Well hello, true b***h. I see you've sequestered my girlfriend today without even letting me know."

"Nope, she's my mom before she was even your girlfriend, asshole! So who sequestered who without permission, really?"

"Alright, you've made your point. Now, can I talk to Alexia?"

"Not during our time with her, you don't. And please remember the next time you try to tell her not to go home to us on a Sunday, I'm calling the cops on you, kapish?"

"I don't think you can make your mom testify against me, Mae."

"I won't need her to, believe me, fucker. And if I find out that you hurt her due this phone call, it won't just be the police busting your door, got it? Goodbye!

Mae ends the call then faces her mom whose face was already pale with anxiety and fear.

"Mae, you shouldn't have done that..."

"Or else what mom? He'll hurt you again? As if your make-up covering those new bruises can fool me..."

"We've had this conversation before, child! He's the one that helped me through the difficult times I had dealing with your dad. If not for him, I would have probably have killed myself back then."

"And I'm eternally thankful for that but this does not give him the right to hurt you, physically, emotionally, or even mentally! I'm sorry, mom but I'm your kid so I'll protect you even from the very guy you think you owe your life to."

"B-but..." 

"No buts. I'm not exactly a minor anymore and I have a say now since I'm paying for this unit alongside you. Now, settle down or else that hot Professor might get turned off and not come back here again."

"Huh.. h-hot professor? What has Sir Emman got to do with this?"

"Oh, so you do admit he's hot haha!"

"Mae for God's sake..."

"Come on, mom! Just let me be happy that you're not blind and can still appreciate a hunk when you see one."

"I'm sorry Mae, I don't think you should go there. My professor has a girlfriend, alright..."

"Sure mom, and he's not with her during a Sunday. Her's HERE with you... with us. Anyways, let me get dinner ready. I've got a feeling your Prof will be staying longer than he originally intended."

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Actually, Emmanuel was already outside the slightly still open door when he heard the very loud discussion the two women were having inside their expansive and expensive three-room condominium unit. The good looking Professor stayed there silently listening to every word they were saying...

And he can't help but smile to himself...

You're right Mae. I do intend to stay for as long as I can.