14 Summer Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Nah, Just at the Farm)

Karlo's Coven ended up spending the night in the White House. After asking permission from each one's parents for the sleepover, everyone settled for the night. The girls stayed at Justine's room as instructed by Auntie Anita. Alexis gave up his room to Gary who protested at first but Alexis insisted that as the Coven's guest he should receive some special treatment. The rest of the boys camped out at the headquarters. It was adjacent to Justine's room so we girls could hear some noise up to wee hours in the morning. We didn't really mind though. We were also absorbed in our catching up. Mostly they asked me updates about my relationship with Justine. I told them enough to satisfy their curiosity. We also planned some things for the New Yorkers' farewell party. Farewell party. There was a sad ring to it but I brushed them away and still slept smiling, thankful for an amazing night.

The next morning, I found Gary already in the kitchen having coffee. There was a small plastic packet which looked like a medicine holder near his mug. He noticed me glanced at it. He held the packet up.

"Vitamins," he said. I nodded to acknowledge it.

"Good morning!" I said as I poured myself a mug of coffee.

Gary said he was going to say that I was even more beautiful than the morning but decided against it because It might get him in trouble. I laughed at his audacity. I told him that he must like living dangerously. He laughed at his recklessness too. Although he seemed to be flirting with me, I knew it was just a friendly banter. There was no awkwardness this time. I felt relaxed in Gary's presence.

We talked about the workshop we attended two years ago. We remembered common friends and updated each other about them. We exchanged social media accounts. We both admired the view of the farm from the kitchen. He agreed with my observation that the view was breathtaking. He regretted that it took him this late to tag along with his dad. I told him it wasn't really late. That everything in the universe was in perfect timing. We laughed at my attempt to be philosophical.

Somebody approached me from behind. Without even looking, I sensed who it was.

"Good morning, baby,"I said looking up to Justine. He kissed me on my forehead. I hugged his waist.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked Gary while trying to pour himself a glass of juice. Gary helped him to it.

"Yes, I had a good night, thank you," Gary said.

Justine tried to get away from my embrace but I hugged him tighter instead.

"I hope you don't get indigestion from these two," Alexis said as he approached the kitchen table. The rest of the gang entered the kitchen. Melody untangled my arms around Justine and told me to behave. I stuck my tongue at her.

All of us had a hearty breakfast peppered with stories and teasing. Even the adults joined us. Mr. Frederick Huang asked us about the courses we would take in college. He told us if we graduate with good grades, we would be welcomed to work for his company. Grandpa Anton countered that he has the right of first refusal. The local kids were thrilled by this.

"I bet Justine will get to succeed you someday Sir Anton," Mr. Huang said.

"Hmmnnn, only if Justine marries Nina." Grandpa Anton said. This was so unexpected, I covered my face in embarrassment.

"Nina is worth much more than the farm, Grandpa," Justine said.

"Good answer, Justine." My father chimed in. I didn't notice he entered the kitchen too.

I was maybe so red in the face, Justine gave me a glass of water. 'Marriage? I'm just 15 for crying out loud!'

"Maybe we won't get married, maybe we'll just elope." It was my turn to shock the adults. I saw my father's jaw dropped. Grandpa Anton was speechless for a moment but broke out a big laugh. Justine blushed.

"Okay, okay, no more talk of marriage until you both finished college." Grandpa Anton just wouldn't let it go. The gang hummed the wedding march that made the table erupt in laughter. Even the kitchen staff joined in. Auntie Anita had enough of the ruckus and admonished everyone to finish breakfast so the household staff can have breakfast too. Everyone apologized and followed Auntie Anita, even Grandpa Anton. The White House was under her command after all.

Before we were done with breakfast, Mr. Huang dropped the news of the day. To pay back Grandpa Anton's hospitality, he invited us kids to visit the city. He said we could stay overnight in one of his family's condo units near the biggest shopping mall. The farm kids almost jumped with joy. A trip to the city was such a treat for us. Justine and Alexis were amused with our excitement. We pleaded to the adults to let us. 'Please, please, please.' Grandpa Anton and my father said yes. But they both looked at Auntie Anita for validation. She said she'd allow us only if Auntie Aida agreed to chaperone us. Marion ran to her mother to convince her to come. The rest of the kids called their parents for permission. Mel requested Grandpa Anton to ask her parents on her behalf. She knew her parents couldn't say no to Grandpa. 'Nice strategy Mel'

It was agreed that we would leave before lunch time. Everyone left in a huff to pack for this overnight city tour. The girls and I had a tight group hug. 'Could our summer be even better than this?'

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