20 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

A Week At Nana's

Theme Song : I Hate You,I Love You by Oliv and Gnash

We alighted the bus and began walking down the block. I was very sure Chase had me mesmerised. When he called,he pleaded for a kind of distraction. And me being,well,me,told him to pack a few clothes.

Deb frowned at the idea of been with Chase for a week when we hadn't talked about her but he needed it so I pleaded. That could wait,so could work and well for school,it doesn't hurt missing classes. I could always catch up but Chase needed me right now.

I was supposed to be mad at the 'Alicia' stuff but he could be my friend even though we can't date.

"What're you thinking about?" He asked as we took a small turn. We were heading to Nana's.

"If Nana's cat is still alive." I lied. He laughed. "You know,I'm a very bad caretaker. Nana left me once overnight and I couldn't feed the poor thing. I woke up to it staring at me. Since then,I've been scared of it. I feel it's gonna take its revenge one day." He laughed harder.

"I have a dog." He blurted out.

"I didn't see one when I was at your house. Where's it?"

"Its at my sister's. Her name's Mila. A big white Caucasian Shepherd. She grew up with me. Well,not really. I had her when I was 18."

"How old are you now?" I had always been curious but it never seemed fit to ask.

"Twenty six by November 19th."

"No way,I'm the nineteenth daughter of November! We share the same birthday." He smiled but it wasn't deep. Wasn't he supposed to be happy?

"I know." I rose a brow. "Your work file." We got to the steps of Nana's house then.

I used the bell and as though she were expecting me,the door flung open.

"Hello Nana" I gave her a huge Cheshire cat smile.

"My baby!!" She almost screamed in delight as she pulled me for a hug. "I missed you. I never knew you still remembered my address."

"Oh come on Nana." I reproved. "I brought Chase,my..." Who was he exactly to me now? My smile upturned at the thought and I looked at Chase for help.

"Her friend,ma'am." He stretched his hands for a shake but Nana pulled him for a bear hug.

"I knew it would come to this....oh my,where are my manners? Do come in lovelies" Nana ushered.

"Where you waiting on someone?" I asked as we walked into the small parlour. It was still the same lil room I remembered. Small and homey with family portraits hanging here and there.

"Yeah,darling. Billy went to get groceries. I'm craving sweets,you'll think I'm younger than twenty." Chase chuckled. The sound of the front door opening filled the parlour. Speak of the devil. "In here Billy boo!" Nana screamed and winked at me. Ew.

"Didn't see any slim milk so bought-" Billy eyes met mine and a huge smile appeared on his face. "Cupcake!"

I literally ran to him for a hug. He pulled me into his arms chuckling.

"I missed you Billy." And I really did. Billy was a really sweet man,I wondered why he had trouble with his daughter. He had given Nana her glow back and I couldn't help but thank him for that. "Whatchu get?" I pointed at the groceries.

"Introduce him to me first,will you?" He asked with his eyes trained at Chase whom stood up immediately.

"I'm Chase Hilton,sir. Regina's friend." He shook hands with Billy. I didn't know why but there was a hollow feeling in my chest when he called me 'friend' again. I mean,the kisses,the babe,the woman,the girl. What happened to all that? I pushed him to kiss me though. I was the one who initiated it. I couldn't help but feel silly for that stunt. What came over me that night?

"I'll take our luggage upstairs." I barely muttered as I moved to the stairs dragging the luggage behind me.

"Show Mr Hilton to the guest room,Regina!" Nana shouted after me and I nodded though she couldn't see me.

***

What do you do when your gran is acting all lovey dovey? Especially when you're sporting an heartbreak?I don't know either. All I could do was focus on my food. Well,not really mine but Chase's. He had eaten quite well and Nana served more. I played with my fork on the potatoes. Nana didn't say a thing probably because she knows I was the picky type.

We were having potatoes,salmon and salad for dinner. Quite the wholesome food.

Chase. He was the cause of my appetite loss and I was angry he could eat so well when I couldn't.

All I could see on my plate was a certain silver haired girl holding a black haired man. They suited each other. Okay,I'm officially insane. I sighed.

"Do you need help eating your salad,Regina?" The source of my unhappiness asked.

"I'm good." I forced a smile and he rose a brow. Could he see through my facade?

"You're sure?" Nana now.

"Super." I replied.

"I could grab some milk or grill some steak for you,whatcha say?" Billy is the sweetest and presently my favourite person.

"What can I do without you Billy?"

"Prolly nothing. But I'm making you no steak. Shove that broccoli down your throat,will ya?" We all laughed.

"You're the best,Bill" I threw him a kiss and winked at Nana who wore a smile. She loved it when we act this way. And same here. It didn't hurt bonding with him each time.

I stabbed a piece of salmon. I looked up and Chase was staring at me. I avoided his gaze and continued my meal happily. I wouldn't let anyone dictate my appetite.

"Is this your favourite?" He popped up soon.

"No." I stated matter of fact.

"Her favourite is chicken nuggets." I frowned at Nana who let out that piece of information.

"What's yours?" Billy inquired. I sighed. They were giving him too much love. Well,that was why I brought him here. He needed the distraction and so did I.

"I have no specific preference. I eat all." He's so weird. Nana gasped.

"Surely,you must prefer one food over the other!"

"Well,not really."

"Sweet,spicy,sour or bitter?" Nana asked him and he granted her an amused look.

"Sweet,of course."

"Chicken pie or Chocolate cake?"

"Chocolate cake"

"Chocolate cake or Raspberry vinaigrette?"

"Chocolate cake"

"Chocolate cake or Crunchy biscuits with vanilla topping?"

"Chocolate cake."

"So be it. Chocolate cake is your favourite now." He laughed and Nana shared a smile with Billy. Whatever the hell they were thinking.

"So,do you have a special someone in your life now,Chase?" Billy asked over a slice of potato and I froze. Looking up,his eyes were on me but only for a spilt second. The vision of a silver haired girl reappeared. I clenched my fork.

"Well,I have someone really close to my heart and-" I slammed my fork on the table making all heads turn to me.

"I'm just gonna use the restroom or something." I left the table. I didn't wanna hear about her. Not yet. I wasn't prepared for the impending heartbreak. Especially when this time,it was all my fault.

I didn't even use the restroom. I went straight to bed.