THE PRINCIPAL'S PROPOSAL

CHAPTER 4

A few weeks had passed. Timothy started to join us every Sunday. We eat lunch to our house or to theirs. I met his parents. He has a younger brother who is a year older than me. His name is Odin. With that short period of time, Odin and I became close. He is as handsome as his brother but he looks more approachable.

Today is one of those days where we will spend the Sunday to their house. I am wearing a mom jeans, a white plain shirt and an espadrilles. On the other hand, Hilda and Trisha are both wearing full glam attires. They look like they’re about to enter a fashion show.

We are welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. Beside them are their two sons. I waved at Odin and he did the same thing. I caught how Timothy rolled his eyes at me. I noticed that this past few days, his mysterious smiles fade out.

Tita Maribel hugged Hilda and Tricia but the cringe from her did not pass my eyes.

“Looking good, dear.” Tita Maribel (Odin and Timothy’s mom) said to me.

“Well, you look stunning, Tita.” I replied at her compliment. I hugged her back.

I did the same thing to Odin. Time went by slowly when it’s my turn to greet Timothy.

“Hey.” He just said and offered a hug.

“Hi.” I said and awkwardly received his hug. I hope he can’t hear the pounding of my heart.

I let go of him quickly. We had a small talk before they led us to their garden. Their house is huge.

I sat in the wooden chair for a couple of minutes then Odin asked me to do the grilling with him.

We are laughing because of his corny jokes. I am a home girl but I don’t mind being with other people if I’m with Odin.

“Are you sure you don’t have a boyfriend?” He asked in the middle of our conversation.

“I think so.” I jokingly said.

He said something inaudible. I just shrugged it off. His phone rang. He excused himself to answer the call and left me there alone. I didn’t notice that I am smiling without any reason. It just fade when someone that I forgot that exist went beside me.

“Don't be fooled. He's known for being a playboy.” Timothy said.

“We’re friends.” I answered. I don’t get his attitude. Sometimes he'd smile sweetly but most of the time, he's grumpy and he just keeps rolling his eye like a girl.

“That's not what he thinks.” He said that made me look at him.

“That’s what he said.” I equalled his look at me.

“You don’t know him.”

“You're backstabbing your brother.”

“I’m just protecting you.”

“From what?”

“From being one of his toys. I know him.”

“I know you too. I saw how you go out with different girls.”

“Why do you sound jealous?” he said smiling.

“Excuse me? Why would I be jealous?” I answered back.

“You tell me.” He said and leaned close to my face. This man is unbelievable. He is so full of himself.

“You’re too old for me.” I blurted out without thinking. Instead of being offended, he seem amused.

“Baby, I don’t know how to shut that sweet mouth of yours.” He said looking at my eyes. I don’t know what to process first. The fact that he wants me to shut up or that he called me Baby.

He left after saying that and just in time, Odin is back. I did not dare tell him what his brother just told me.

We gathered in the dining table. I sat beside Odin. Timothy is across me seated beside Tricia. I feel uncomfortable because of his presence. I think he can see it on my face because he can’t stop looking at me. Someone should warn him that were not alone here.

We started eating and the parents talked about business stuff. I never raised my eyes to anyone because the moment I do, I know I’d meet his eyes. The conversation suddenly shifted to us.

“What do you want to take up, Addison?” Tita Maribel asked. I stopped eating and looked at everyone in the table who’s waiting for my answer.

“I want to pursue teaching, Tita.” I proudly say. It’s an ideal profession but it is my passion. I saw how shock crept on Timothy’s eye for a second and it turned into amusement and/or excitement.

“That’s good.” Tita Maribel exclaimed. She looked at Tricia. “ How about you?”

“I’m still thinking about it, Tita. I think I’d give it up and focus on my modelling.” She proudly say but Tita Maribel is not happy with her answer.

“Dear, you’d be a great teacher. Right, Timothy?” Tita Maribel said looked at his son.

“Of course, mom.” He said and looked at me with sincere eyes.

“It’s good to know that youth still consider teaching as their dream. It’s fascinating.” He added.

“You sound like an old man.” Tricia said with tone of flirt.

“I am old.” He answered.

“Yeah. Tricia, fancies old boys. I mean not too old. Just as mature as you.” Hilda said. She really likes Timothy for Tricia.

“I should avoid my husband from you then?” Tita Maribel said jokingly but everyone knew it is not a joke. They know that Hilda is just a mistress.

“What do you mean, Amiga?” Hilda said trying to suppress the anger inside her.

“I don’t mean anything, Hilda. I thought we're friends already. I didn’t know we can’t throw jokes at each other.” Tita Maribel said.

“I’m just slow at jokes. Pardon me.” Hilda said.

“Anyway, who’s excited for the trip?” Odin said trying to shrug off the tension that’s building up.

“What trip?” I asked.

“Hilda didn’t tell you, dear? We are going to a trip to Palawan, Philippines. Your classes will be in a month now so we have to go for a trip before all of you gets busy.” Tita Maribel said.

I did not want to come but I had no choice. One night I am trying to convince everyone that I will not go with them but here I am. Dragged in the plane with Odin beside me we're off to the Philippines. It is a two week vacation. I’m looking forward for great memories with the fam. (note the sarcasm)