He’s My Mother

CHAPTER 9: A place like home

Shania’s POV

I still couldn’t believe it.

From what Duke told me, I can’t help but be curious with George in an instant. He seemed to be nice for me...I mean, for a girl’s perspective. I wanted to give him a benefit of the doubt since I was the one who personally talked to him. It makes me think that Duke is just telling bad things against George because he’s being overprotective to Caelen.

For me, it’s unfair to other people to be judged that easy when the only basis for it is the gossips of the people around their workplace. For me, it’s not a rightful thing to do.

I am smiling as we are walking on the sidewalk near my house. The night’s activity is really great I can’t believe that I was able to convince Duke to ride a jeepney, a public transportation popular to the Philippines. This public transport was inspired to those US military jeepneys that once dominated the country a long time ago.

He hated it so much but because was able to convince him to try it, he was left with no choice. It’s a good timing too, that his car is having some issues that’s why he can’t use it for this day.

“You’re alone in your house,” I can see a worried look from his face as we stopped at the doorstep of our house. I smiled as I pinch his cheek.

“Like I always do...why? Are you going to spend the night here? I won’t mind.” I cheerfully offered him. I can see his face brightened up.

“Well, you’re going to sleep to the room next to mine, of course,” I added as I avoided his gaze. He chuckled as if knowing what I am thinking right at this very moment.

“I am not going to do what you’re thinking, okay? Unless you’ll allow me to..” He bit his lip, teasing me. I was able to cover my palm on his face as I laugh hard.

“You are really terrible!” I can’t help smiling and laugh at the same time. I pulled him as I opened the door inside our house. I can feel the cozy, comfortable atmosphere as I pass by my living room, still pulling Duke’s hand.

He is just looking at me as she smiled. “You sure you’re not drunk?.”

“No! Look at me! I am still beautiful, right?” I put my hands on my cheeks and blink several times, looking at him. Although a bit tipsy, I can see that he's smiling at what I told him.

“You’re not drunk. I can’t hear that line when you do. I’m sure right now.” He replied. He seemed like very amused of the way I will appear to be conceited, referring to my physical appearance. I know he doesn’t object because he also finds me interesting somehow. He really knew me a lot.

I opened the door to my room and he was able to guide me to sit down on my bed. As soon as I unclasp the buckle from the strap of my heels, I was able to kick it on the left side of the bed and it slightly bounced the wall. I can feel that my feet are terribly hurt because the heels are killing me as well.

Duke was able to make fun of me. He grabbed those and tried putting on my heels and walked like a duck around my room. We’re able to laugh at the way we make each other happy in an instant. He was able to rest by lying on his back on my soft bed. I was able to snuggle beside him, too. He’s looking at my direction, trying not to make a sound.

“What’s your plan?” I said, close to whispering. He chuckled, looking at my reaction.

“I don’t know.” He whispered back at me as he faces me. I jokingly frowned and unconsciously it made my forehead furrow my brows meet. He touched my hair and praised its softness.

“I want to be alone in my room. Go to the guest room now and --” I was cut off when all of a sudden, he was able to tickle my waist. I was able to make a sound as if shouting because I got surprised by his playful fingers around my body.

“Stop right now! Please!” I was able to stop him by trying to stop his hands but he was stronger than me. I can’t stop laughing. When he saw that I am getting annoyed, he eventually stopped and hugged me as he pulled me close. I was able to close my eyes and feel his warmth.

This is the moment that I wish the world will stop and not move. This is more than magical and I can be contented all my life with Duke by my side. I suddenly remember what George told me...we both look good together.

Maybe that’s also the reason why I like George because he knows my soft spot. I don’t know why I am feeling ecstatic when somebody will tell me that I can be a suitable woman for my best friend. I am feeling very proud of myself. It makes me possessive of him more. I feel like I’m the luckiest woman alive.

Who else in the world can’t appreciate someone like Duke? He’s one of a kind. He’s the son of Mr. Rene Santillian, a promising politician and a senator in the making. His mom is Lilian Santillian, the CEO of Santillian Jewelries, a popular jewelry brand with having different store branches all over the country. Who would not want to be a part of this perfect family?

But it’s not their title or wealth that I am attracted to. I am much impressed with how they handle their life low key that many people are very proud of them. Above all, Caelen and Duke, their children possess all the qualities of a man and woman of simplicity, wherever places they will go to.

Caelen is just boarding an apartment near my house and when I became Caelen’s buddy five years ago, I was able to meet Duke, too. I am just too lucky I am one of their good friends. A good friend that they can trust the most and I am very much thankful for it.

I found himself snoring beside me. I chuckled as I touched his nose. He’s really handsome. But I love his heart more. The love that he can ever give to someone.