Chapter 23: Path

"Maybe I had girlfriends and I am aware I'm just after the pleasure it brings,"

My cheeks reddened. What kind of pleasure? You mean, uh… I don't want to act innocent here. In fact, my mind turned green right after what he said. I know he's that kind of guy. I've seen it in him.

I've also heard it from a lot of people. But hearing it from him first hand, is kind of awkward. And why is this our topic, anyway?!

"Love will happen if you'll wait for it," that's all I ever said before opening my drink. I looked up again after. He didn't respond at my statement so I added a nonsense one.

"Your sister is really pretty, right?"

"That's why I really need to keep an eye on her. She has a lot of suitors now and I'm not up for it," I heard him chuckle.

So he's a protective brother, huh? I'm sure Maristella won't really run out of admirers because of her beauty. She's like a daughter of a goddess. Well, their mother really looks like one. I've seen her in pictures and in person but that was ages ago.

"You mean protect her from guys like you?" I teased. He wore a mocking smile.

"From boys who are far worse than me,"

"Wow. I didn't expect someone will dethrone you?" we laughed at that.

I feel contented and at peace. I feel light while hearing our laughs harmonizing under the beautiful night sky. I couldn't ask for more. I only hope that time will freeze but I know it's impossible. So instead, I seized every moment of it.

And that reminds me about their topic at dinner.

"She's interested with your business?"

"Yup. She really liked that field ever since," he said as he chewed on some more skittles. He offered me the cup and I ate some too. My face soured at the taste.

"Hmmm… So you mean to say, you don't like it? I raised my brow in anticipation.

"Nah. It's not my thing," he answered.

"What do you want to be, then?"

He looked at me. His eyes were unreadable so I can't tell what he's thinking or at least feeling about it.

"A pilot," he said and returned his gaze on the sky. I saw full passion on his eyes. Maybe he's dreaming of flying a plane as he looked at the night sky.

I was amused by it. I can only imagine him flying an aircraft while very close to the clouds, the stars, and the moon. I can only imagine him sporting its uniform and it makes him look even more attractive. I can only imagine the flight attendants or even passengers drooling over him.

"You?" he asked me back.

"Architect," I simply said.

His eyes remained on me. I met his beautiful orbs. His expression is still the san, though-unreadable. That's why it took me long enough to let go of our stare. Because I was trying to read his eyes but he won't allow me.

"Following your family, huh?" he said that casually but it didn't escape the bitterness of his tone. My forehead wrinkled. Am I really sensing something wrong or am I just imagining things? I shook my head.

"That's what I really wanted," I said.

"If you chose to be someone out from your field of business, will they allow you?" he asked.

"You mean like to be a doctor? Or a model? Anything?" he nodded.

I don't know what to answer. I didn't tried to dream of any other profession than architecture. My parents have nothing against of being who I want to be. At least, that's what I know.

Now I thought of it. Maybe they support me because architecture is in our blood? It is under our field of business. Now what if I chose to be someone not related to it, will they agree? Maybe? I really don' know. It didn't mattered to me because it is what I want from the beginning.

"Maybe? I-I don't know. I never dreamt of any profession than that," I said carefully.

He didn't talked so I looked at him. He's looking at the stars, still but his expression changed. Even though he's not facing me totally, I can see it.

He looked pained. When he turned to look at me, I saw sadness, bitterness, and sorrow in his beautiful eyes.

And all I can do there is sit and stare at him with equal shock and curiosity. What's with his questions? What's with the topic?

So I asked him one question I could ever think of as his reason for having that feeling.

"I-It's good that your parents allowed you to be a pilot?" he took a deep breath and tore his gaze.

There. Maybe he wasn't allowed to go on the path he wants. Maybe his parents want him to study their business. After all, he's the only heir and to think of it, Maristella can't do it on her own. And lastly, maybe it's to continue their bloodline.

But does it matter? Would we be happy if we choose the path that others want us to choose? Would we be happy if we choose the path that we know we didn't want from the very beginning? Of course not!

Especially if we know what we really want for ourselves. We always want to fulfill our dreams and our passion leads us to dream that dream.

Nothing's more important than choosing the path of our choice.

My friends were all so noisy for they are laughing about something while I was beside Cole while sketching quietly.

Yup, the boys joined me and Allanis today. I just don't know the reason for it and their girl friends aren't trailing them anymore.

It's actually good to have them around. Besides the fact that they never failed to make me laugh with their stupid and sometimes witty jokes, they're also true. Every word that comes out from their mouths were real, even if it costs you being insulted or whatever.

I then accidentally lifted up my gaze to a bunch of people walking not so far away from us.

I saw Lucas smiling from ear to ear while talking to his boys. I smiled when I remembered our conversation last night.

Then his eyes met mine.

His smile became wider.