With Me

After an hour of waiting in the bus, Nicholas and Adeline were finally able to arrive at their home.

"Thanks." Adeline brought out the key to the main door. "I'm going in. Good—"

Nicholas flicked her forehead. "You're forgetting something, silly."

"Well don't expect me to remember it."

"It's my birthday tomorrow. Don't you think we should celebrate together?"

Hearing Nicholas say that, Adeline's eyes widened. She planned on telling him her feelings the next day, but how could she say such a thing on his birthday? She had already gathered up the courage to do it, however she felt like turning back now.

"Adele? What are you thinking about?" Nicholas brought his face closer.

"No-Nothing."

"We've all been occupied these past few weeks and I don't mind if you forget it, so it doesn't matter if you didn't prepare anything. What matters is that you're here to celebrate it with me."

"When we were young, you always got angry at me for showing up at your birthday party without even giving you a present."

"Like I said, I only need you."

Adeline turned her back, hiding her red cheeks. "Get some rest now. My parents are waiting for me."

"I'll meet you at six in the evening." Nicholas smiled. "Don't forget!"

When Adeline opened the door to the house, she saw her father, Dave laying in the couch while reading a newspaper.

"Dad!" Adeline hugged him.

"Honey? You're finally back! It's been such a long time since your mother and I last saw you. You've become more beautiful." Dave stood up and poured her a glass of water. "We're sorry if we weren't able to attend your graduation, but I just wanted to tell you that we're so proud of you."

"Thanks dad. Where's mom?"

"I'm here." Carol, Adeline's mother came out of the bathroom, brushing her hair.

"How have you—"

"Adele, we're glad your back, but your father and I need to tell you something..."

"What is it?"

"We decided to—"

"Nothing." Dave interrupted. "You're back and we've prepared some of your favorite dishes. Let's not delay the celebration!"

Carol glared at him. "We'll just talk about it some other time. Shall we start eating then?"

Adeline nodded, giving them a suspicious look. "What's going on?"

"It's nothing serious. Don't worry about it."

The following morning, Adeline woke up to the rays of the sun streaming through the slats on her blinds, stretching her arms. She rolled out of the bed, grabbed her robe, tied her long brown hair, and opened her bedroom door. She then raced downstairs to see what her mother had cooked for breakfast like she always did.

"We've got some eggs and bacon." Carol came out of the kitchen, wearing an apron. "What do you want?"

"I'll just have a bowl of cereal." Adeline opened the fridge.

"When did you start living a healthy lifestyle? Do you not like my cooking anymore?"

"I just don't feel like eating it. I'm sorry, mom."

"You're such a picky eater."

"I've always been." Adeline sat down beside her. "You told me that you were gonna ask me something."

"Where do you plan to work?" Carol took a sip of her coffee. "Don't you think that you should work for Nicholas' parents?"

"What are you talking about? Didn't you tell me before that I'd be working for dad's company?"

"Honey, the thing is..." Carol touched her shoulder. "The business had already closed down... Your father lost a lot of money..."

"What...? Then how did you get to pay the electricity—"

"We owe Nicholas' parents."

"You borrowed money? How much?"

"It's been a year since we started doing so—"

"Mom! How much is it? Stop beating around the bush!" Adeline's mouth dropped, her eyes flashed angrily. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"We didn't want you to worry." Carol looked away. "We owe them ten million dollars..."