LOVED BY STEPDAD

[8]

“Tedy asked you out?” asked Jillian in an excited tone. “Oh my gosh! He really likes you!”

Susan was silent, trying to enjoy the piece of cake she ordered. She wasn't interested, but what could she say when Tina invited her to stop by a coffee shop not far from campus. While waiting for class time in the last hour.

“You know, while you were away, I don't know how many girls approached Tedy. But I heard that Tedy rejected them all!” Tina said enthusiastically. “Oh my, he was waiting for you.”

“I've said it clearly, he's a boring young man.”

“But you enjoyed your time with Tedy at first,” Jillian sneered. The iced Cappuccino she had ordered was almost gone. The fries and meat sandwich she had also devoured. She said she was hungry. “I wonder what part of Tedy is boring?”

“I heard that his parents have some influence in the ranks of the campus rectorate,” Tina informed. “But I didn't really find out. It seems like Tedy is also trying to cover up his family. Maybe he doesn't want to be the center of attention.”

“Maybe,” Susan said in a quiet tone. “But when he talked to me, he told me a lot about his family. As I recall, his brother worked for the Ministry of Commerce. Her father was a textile businessman. And well... you're right, her mother is a regular donor to the college.”

Tina and Jillian looked stunned at Susan's words.

“And you say Tedy is boring? Oh my! He's a popular young man!” Tina looked hysterical. “I didn't expect Tedy to hide that so well. Usually a kid whose parents and family are influential on campus would be proud of himself and show it off to others, you know, thinking he deserves more respect. And I don't have much respect for people like that.”

“Take Cassandra for example. Macroeconomics student. I heard that her brother graduated top in this college and now works for one of the biggest companies in the city. Her mother is also one of the donors to this college,” Jillian sneered. “But we can see how Cassandra acts. Arrogant and haughty.”

Actually, Tedy was the same. It's just that the young man was good at covering up his boastful ways. And Susan had proven that so she said honestly that Tedy was boring. Indeed... his face could be considered handsome and like other young men his age, energetic and full of enthusiasm.

But...

“If I were you, Susan, I would love to date Tedy. When else could I have a boyfriend as popular as Tedy.” Tina said with her eyes deliberately blinking repeatedly. “Ah... lucky you.”

“You're right,” Jillian said. “I won't refuse whenever Tedy asks me out. I'm always available. Do you need some help with your makeup, to at least not look dull in front of a man as handsome as Tedy?”

Along with Jillian's words, Susan's cell phone rang. A message came in and left her stunned. Her eyes focused on one word after another on the screen. The message from Lucian couldn't distract Susan easily.

“What happened?” asked Tina curiously. Because since earlier, Susan had only been silent and now she was looking at her cellphone as if something had happened.

“Ah, nothing.” Susan smiled immediately. Putting her cell phone back and thinking, she should not reply to Lucian's message. Over the past few days since the incident that happened to them, Lucian had been so busy taking care of her.

Susan didn't want to be a burden to Lucian. Especially after she found out that her relationship with Yossie was just that of an adopted daughter. It also made it clear to her that Lucian didn't need to bother taking care of her. There was no obligation for Lucian to take care of her. After all, Lucian must be busy working and taking care of things, especially the case involving his name in the police. Susan didn't want to cause him any trouble, she had to be independent and try to accept whatever was destined for her. Susan just needs to live the life she has already lived well.

Although... heavy. Very heavy.

Her cell phone rang loudly. Making Susan jump in shock. And when Susan glanced at who the caller was on the screen, she quickly got up from her seat. “Excuse me.” Leaving Jillian and Tina who were still giving her surprised looks.

If Lucian had called her, there was no reason for Susan to ignore. She quickly swiped the green icon on the screen while making sure she was out of reach of her friends. “Yes, Dad?”

“Why aren't you returning my messages, Susan?”

Susan closed her eyes tightly. “I've already eaten. Thank you for worrying about me.”

“Is my question just about eating?” asked Lucian on the other end. His tone sounded displeased as well as a bit intimidating which made Susan look uneasy.

“I got home on time but apparently, I have to catch up by copying a lot of notes in the library.”

“Can't you do it at home?”

“I don't think so, Dad.”

“I see,” Lucian said with a sigh. “All right. I'll pick you up right at 4. I think that's enough time for you to catch up on your notes?”

“No need,” Susan said immediately. “I don't want to inconvenience you, Dad.”

“Do I get the impression that you're avoiding me, Susan?”

“N-no,” Susan replied mischievously. “I really don't want to cause you any trouble.”

“Not at all,” Lucian said with a laugh. “Never mind. Tell me honestly, when are you coming home? Or is there something you want to do after class?”

“Nothing.” Susan was defeated. “I get off at 2. The last lesson starts in fifteen minutes.”

“Okay. Wait for me in the campus lobby.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

Susan stared at the phone that returned to the homepage. Where she had a picture of her and her mother as wallpaper. They were smiling happily as they held up the lollipop they had just bought. Set against the big Ferris wheel that was the centerpiece of the fair that took place in RushCity one year ago.

The moment Susan experienced was so pleasant and she also knew, who took their photo at that time; Lucian.

“Mom, how are you?” Susan asked softly. But she can no longer be sad especially now that she is at the nearest cafe from campus. Soon her lecture hours would begin. It would be strange if Susan's eye bags were swollen again.

“Come on, let's go back,” Tina said as soon as she saw Susan approaching their table. “Let's not be late for Mr. Gilbert's class. You know, he's a real pain in the ass when it comes to punishment.”

***

One hour with Mr. Gilbert who was giving a macroeconomics lesson did feel very slow. the tall and large man's explanation was detailed but his voice was not very clear which made Susan a little overwhelmed. There were some parts that she missed to listen to.

“Do you need help?” asked Tedy which made Susan jump. Susan almost ruined her notes because of Tedy's voice that surprised her just now. “My brother gave me a lot of notes on his lessons. And they're very useful,” Tedy said as he showed off a book that looked shabby but was full of small notes in several corners. “You'll definitely need it.” Without Susan's consent, Tedy gave the book to her.

Forced, Susan smiled. “Thank you.”

“You didn't forget about our date, did you?”

Susan didn't know what to say. Just when she needed to concentrate on listening to the lecturer, Tedy interrupted her with a remark that she didn't think was important.

“I can't wait to take you somewhere.”

“Mr. Auxford,” Gilbert called as he adjusted his glasses. “Would you like to take my place in class?”

Almost all pairs of eyes were on Tedy but as usual, Tedy just smiled broadly. “There's no way I'm replacing you, Mr. Gilbert. I just told Miss Susan a little bit about the best part of your class.”

“I hope you can calm down a bit.”

Tedy chuckled. “Yes, sir.”

Meanwhile, Susan really had to think about how to get away from Tedy. At first she felt lucky to be approached by a man like Tedy, but now... it felt like she regretted ever having such a lucky feeling.

Not long after, the class was over. Unfortunately, Susan was completely stuck with Tedy. The young man continued to follow her every move. While talking a lot of things that Susan didn't think needed to be talked about. She didn't want to respond but Susan couldn't act like that. In the end, she was forced to listen to all the talks with Tedy until ...

A red sports car was parked in the lobby. A man wearing a black shirt with buttons that had been undone a few places above, and sleeves that had been rolled up at the elbow, seemed to be waiting patiently. His eyes occasionally glanced at the clock encircling his left arm. Until the moment the man's eyes came to a corner, where he finally met the awaited figure, his smile began to appear.

Susan, meanwhile, looked flabbergasted. Normally, she wouldn't be so fascinated by the man waiting for her. After all, she was used to seeing Lucian's appearance, from when he was still neatly dressed in a tie. Or looking as disheveled as he does now. But this time Lucian looked different.

More... handsome?

Oh my! What's on your mind, Susan! She cursed to herself. And without even realizing it, her steps immediately approached the man who did not let go of her gaze. But Susan forgot someone who had been walking with her; Tedy.

“Who is he, Susan?” asked Tedy which made Susan realize that she had not been walking alone since before.

“Um...” Susan was confused, what was her relationship with Lucian now?

“I should be the one asking,” Lucian said with a suspicious look. “Who is this young man, Susan? Your lover?”

“No,” Susan retorted immediately. “I don't have a lover.”

Tedy was stunned but what Susan said was true, so he couldn't deny it for now.

“I'm Lucian,” Lucian said, extending a hand towards Tedy. “I guess you know that if a guy picks up a girl, what is the relationship between them? Right?”

Tedy blinked in disbelief but couldn't help but accept the hand that was already in front of him. “I'm Tedy. Susan's classmate.” He was a little misty-eyed. “Alright, Susan. I think our lesson discussion can be postponed.” Tedy chose to step aside immediately.

Leaving Susan who looked stunned in disbelief, although part of her heart felt grateful and she should express her gratitude, right? But... “What do you mean by saying that, Dad?”

“Why?” Lucian looked at Susan with an astonished look. “Am I wrong?” He opened the car door for Susan.

“You made a very ambiguous statement,” mumbled Susan who quickly got inside. thanking him even though slowly, hoping Lucian wouldn't hear but apparently, they were close.

“Which part is ambiguous?” asked Lucian while holding the car door. “Your male friend should realize that if an old man like me picks you up, it means you're my daughter, Susan. Did I say something wrong?”