THE PRINCIPAL'S PROPOSAL

CHAPTER 3

I went home after I calmed Lucia down. I am about to park my car when I noticed that there’s a car parked in the vacant house beside us. I just shrugged it off.

I opened the door and found dad and a guy having coffee and talking about something. By the look of it, the guy is in his mid 20’s. He has strong features from his perfectly sculpted jaw, chiseled nose, bushy brows and perfect lips. The only gentle feature is his blue eyes which are almost covered by the thick long lashes.

“Timothy, I’d like you to meet my daughter.” Dad said which made me back from my senses.

“Hi, I’m Timothy.” He said and offered a hand shake. I don’t know but I have this thing about a guy’s arm. I’m attracted to the veins in it and this guy has it.

“Stop staring, miss. We can talk about it outside your house.” He whispered enough for me to hear. He even winked.

“I’m not interested.” I said and shook his hand.

I did not waste any moment, I hurriedly went up in my room. I cannot deny the fact that I was attracted but it vanished because of that sheer arrogance. It is partly my fault because I did stare at him. How can I not?

I rolled over my bed because of my embarrassment. I've never been embarrassed in front of guys. I slept at that thought.

I am awakened by the knock on my door.

“Addie, I know you're awake. It’s dinner time.” It’s dad. I weighed the consequences if I will or will not and I think it’s better to eat then starve here. I will just close my eyes so I cannot see the witches in the table which make my stomach turn upside down.

I saw them in the dining table. I seated in the right side of dad. Hilda and Tricia is in his left side. I can see that that they ordered from a restaurant because the food is drooling to look at and this is something that Hilda cannot cook.

I started to take food and put it on my plate. Before I got down from my room, I vowed to not talk to avoid any unwanted conversation to any of them.

“Honey, is he one of your clients?” Hilda asked to dad.

“Yeah. Aside from that, his father is my friend since high school.” Dad answered.

“Is he a bachelor?” Tricia asked with a visible sparkle in her eyes. I think I know who are they talking about. The guy named Timothy.

“Dear, a guy like that is surely a bachelor. You should befriend him. He will be joining us next week.” Hilda said to her daughter.

“I will mom.” She eagerly said.

“Guys like that is suitable for you, darling.” Hilda said and caressed her daughter’s hair.

“I agree. Bobby is not the guy for you.” I blurted out without thinking. I face palmed myself in my mind because I just broke my vow. Now, all eyes is on me.

“Who's Bobby?” dad asked seriously. We had an agreement to not have a boyfriend unless it is “dad approved”. It was nothing to me because I never had one but Tricia had a bad thing on it.

“I-I don't know what she's talking about, dad.” She stuttered.

“You're unbelievable Addison. You’re taking your wickedness too far. I know my daughter. She is true to her promise.” Hilda said

“She’s not.” I just said to end the topic.

Tricia started to cry and I know it’s fake but it’s working because dad seems disappointed at me again.

“Tricia, shut the crap. You went out last night and you were with Bobby. Bobby is Lucia's boyfriend. I went to Lucia's house earlier and Dad, you should’ve seen how miserable she is. She told me everything Tricia.” I said. I can act too, you know. I can see that my acting is more effective because he looked furious. Dad is very fond of Lucia because of her humor.

“I’m very disappointed, Tricia.” Dad started. Hilda looked at me like she's about to grab my hair from where she is seated.

“I did not know that you’re capable of lying to me.” He added.

“My love, let her explain. We don’t know the truth yet.” Hilda said trying to convince dad.

He's about to answer but a knock on the door interrupted him.

“Tricia, you open the door.” Hilda said to save her daughter from dad's final judgement. The usual punishment is being grounded.

It took a while before Tricia came back and she's with Timothy. He is holding a Tupperware which seems like a food. Tricia, on the other hand, forgot about her trial because of Timothy’s presence.

“Good evening. I just want to bring this here. Mom cooked this.” He said.

“Take it, Addie. Put it on a plate so he can join us.” Dad said without asking if I want to do it. But I obliged.

My heart is pounding wildly. I don’t know why. I took the Tupperware from him and I was electrified when I slightly touch his fingers. I turned around immediately to prevent him on seeing how he affects me.

“Take a seat, Timothy.” I heard Hilda say before I reached the counter . I placed it on a platter and took a plate, spoon and fork for him.

I was surprised when I saw him seated in the chair beside mine. I awkwardly placed the food, placemats and the set of dishes in front of him.

“Thank you.” He said in a very low voice. Spare me when I say that I am turned on by that. I just nod and seated beside him.

“Timothy, this is my daughter. Tricia.” Hilda said like selling her daughter to this man.

“Yes, ma’am. I met her awhile ago.” He answered as he place food on his plate.

“Drop the formality, dear. Call me Tita.” (Tita means Aunt) Hilda said. He just smiled.

“I’m glad you made it tonight. What about your parents? Ricardo is such a busy man but he needs to loosen up a bit.” Dad said looking at this man beside me.

“It’s my pleasure. Mom and Dad just left for their vacation.” He answered.

“I’m dying to meet them. We're be good friends, your mom and I.” Hilda stated.

“She might think so Tita.” He replied.

“So, what do you do?” He asked. I do not know to whom it is aimed. I just focused on eating.

“Addie, Timothy is talking to you.” Dad said which brought me back to earth.

“Sorry about that, what is it?” I asked which made him laugh a bit. It sent butterfly on my stomach.

“What do you do?” he asked looking at me.

“I-I am a student. I don’t do much.” I scold myself for stuttering. He nodded at my response and he smiled when he bent down to eat his food. He seemed amused.

“I am a student too, Timothy. But I am a model. I do freelance modeling for some brands.” Tricia said even if no one asked her.

“That’s great.” Awkwardness is visible on Timothy's voice when he said that.

“A lot of brands want Addie. Big brands actually, but she turned them down.” Dad stated.

“I’d like to know why.” Timothy said looking at me like he's so interested on whatever I will say.

“I just don’t like the idea of it.” I said plainly.

He just smiled. I don’t what for what are those smile but it did not leave his eyes until that evening ends and it did not leave my mind that night.