Chapter 6.

It was hot and seeking. Each motion of the lips was accompanied by a burning desire to want more. Want. That was all I realized there was. Irrational want. It wasn't feisty, but it was deliberate and sensual. I hated myself for liking how it felt. And how it made me feel.

We detached for a while and stared at each other.

Slowly panting due to the hot breath between us. Damian instantly had a baffled look on his face. He looked at me like he was trying to figure out something.

He took a step back and watched me as I gaped at him. I grew too uncomfortable after realizing what transpired. I walked over to where Treasure lay and carried her. I turned to leave immediately. "You're just going to leave again? You're just going to leave me behind just like you did years ago?".

I stopped in my tracks. He knew. Of course, he remembered. We were finally about to have the conversation I'd been wishing for. But not like this. Not after that passionate moment. I needed to gather my thoughts. I could barely speak at that moment. I turned to look at him and left the house.

I was disappointed in myself. Why didn't I just push him away? I knew he was gonna do it. Was it curiosity? Was it want? Or simply lust. I hated having unanswered questions, and thanks to Damian, I did. I thought about leaving Wrightwood before things escalated. I erased the thought instantly. I resolved that I wasn't going to run. I came to Wrightwood to achieve a purpose and I was hell-bent on doing that and nothing else. If Damian decides to get in my way, I'll have to take care of him.

I had to do something to take my mind off things. And cooking, of course, did that.

Luckily, I had a kitchen fully stocked with groceries. I was going to cook the hell out of my kitchen. I opened the door to my room and I was stupefied. "Can my day get any worse"? There they sat. My mother and father. Sipping a glass of champagne, looking unbothered even after noticing my presence. "What are you guys doing here? How did you get here? And most importantly, 'Why are you here'?".

"You keep proving how much of a disappointment you are to us. That is no way to address your Parents who just came for a visit". My Father snapped.

"Oh sorry Father. I am so sorry that I couldn't prepare a great welcome speech for a visit I knew nothing about. And, I wanna say thank you for barging into my room ever so sweetly".

"Enough with the sarcasm young lady". My mum retorted.

"Fine. What is it this time?".

"A little birdie informed us that you're about to do something stupid in another city". He stated.

"You'll have to be a specific father. I have done a lot of stupid things. A few minutes ago, I was passionately kissing a man in his house.

Their stunned expressions gladdened my heart. "Why do you have to be so reckless Diana. You have a family name to live up to. Don't you dare tarnish our name!".

"That's all it's ever been about, hasn't it? The Rodriguez family name. The things I should do to build up the family name. But what about me? Hell, you never asked me what I wanted to do. I had to figure it out all by myself. And when I did, you tried to pull me down because you didn't approve of it. I was still 6 when you made me read your company documents. Who does that?". I yelled.

"This is the thanks we get for raising you into what you are. All the money we spent on you?" My mother questioned.

"I am not a money-making machine, I'm your daughter!". I fought back the tears." I have feelings and emotions and I get hurt by the things you guys say to me".

"We never said anything we shouldn't have said. We were only being truthful". My father stated with a smile.

"Gosh, that hurt even more". I cried. "So, the truth is that you think I'm a total failure? Is that it?". I sobbed heavily.

They didn't reply. "I guess I have my answer now". I wiped the tears off my face. "Your mother and I will be leaving now. You need more time to meditate on your life choices. If you're going to be reckless with the family name". He stepped closer. "Change the name of your restaurants". They turned to exit the room.

I cried more. It hurt a lot. Treasure ran up to where I was seated on the floor, And snuggled close to me. There was nothing else I could do to please them. I named the restaurant 'Restaurante De Rodriguez' because I thought it would please them. All my hard work was to go to their name. But still, it yielded nothing.

I got up to wash my face. Roberto and Fernando called and I told them everything.

"They what?????".

"Sorry, you have to go through this Diana. It must be devastating". Fernando said to me with a sigh.

"So what are you gonna do? Are you gonna change the names?". Roberto inquired.

"I'm not sure. I'd have to have a replacement as soon as I change it. And I can't think of anything right now".

"You know what Diana? Roberto and I can't erase all the hurtful things your parents said, but we can help you take your mind off it for a while. We'll get on the next possible flight tomorrow to Wrightwood. You need to enjoy the company of people who love and value you". Fernando stated cheerfully.

Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Don't cry, Diana. You know we can't stand it".

"I'm not," I said as I cleaned the tears.

"That would be lovely. Thank you so much ".

We said our goodbyes and ended the call.

"Let's go take a walk Treasure". She ran up to me and led the way. Wagging her cute little tail as she went.

The terrace was cool enough for a sit. I closed my eyes, reclined on the seat, and sighed as I took in the cool breeze. "Excuse me? I opened my eyes and a billion curses filled my mind. "What is it?". I managed to say. "It's me, Peter Phillips. From last time?". He smiled. "Oh hi". I rolled my eyes. "Okay. Are you..?"

"Hey! Get two bottles of liquor and a bucket of chicken. I'm going to drink my worries away". I yelled at him. He said nothing as he left to get it and I drank to a stupor.