CHAPTER 21: SWEET PEA

ZANDER

My dad shoulders all of my school expenses in college. He wanted me to come and study in Australia. They migrated there with his second wife after I graduated in senior high school.

I talked to my mom about with my dad's plans for me. She said yes, she just wants me to finish the course I love to take. That's why I grabbed the opportunity. I want to be successful.

I told Shay before leaving our town. My heart was bleeding. Seeing her cried in front of me. A little bit sad because ours will going to be the end.

She was so young at that time. It was really a wrong timing. But like I said she was special, the one that got away for me.

My old phone was lost and I cannot retrieve any contacts with my old friends. I got lost communication with Shay few years ago. And that was the last time I keep in touch with her when I left for college. It stopped without noticing it. I have been busy in my school and parties too.

I decided to go back and start my own business in the US, a construction firm together with some friends I met during my stay in Australia.

We have the same goals and they agreed to be a part of my company. I got the highest share and my three friends got 10% each.

Our paternal grandparents died when we were in middle school. They left my sister Zia and I their properties and money. I just got it after I graduated my college. We divided it into two and that was I got my own capital for the business.

So far, my business becomes known a little since we started last year. I have not been to my hometown. I am always busy managing my firm. Mom came to me sometimes.

She got married too, with Cain. They worked the same hospital. I am not against it because I can see my mom is very much happy. She gave birth to my little brother Zion. Yap, another Z in the family. Obsessed with that letter.

I got a call from my cousin Royce, two years younger than me. My maternal cousin was studying in Cambridge School of College. He was telling me to come to his birthday party since I was just few minutes away from my place.

His parents were out of the country and invited few friends from his school. Since it was weekend. I agreed to come and meet him. I went home and took a bath first before heading to the said event.

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I parked my car outside the house. I can hear the loud music from the inside as I locked my car. I walked to the open gate and there were a lot of people scattered outside making out.

There were wasted as I can see. I shook my head knowing that his few friends invited things was just a lie. I proceeded inside the house looking for my cousin. Their house is spacious inside and outside, it can occupy many people.

There were some women clinging on me as I enter. I just smiled, ignoring them. I looked for him until I found him with some girl in his arms.

I approached him. "Hey," I said and Royce stood up.

"Hey, cousin, thank God, you made it." We do fist bump as a greeting.

"Yeah, what a party!" I asked. "Is this what you called few friends invited?" I added.

"Yeah, invited few friends and they even invited few of their friends. You know what I mean when you are in college thing." He smiled wide.

We continued talking until I caught my eyes on a beautiful creation in a far. She was not walking straight as she came from the kitchen.

A guy with him was assisting her and she slightly pushed him. Her face was red like she was drunk.

The guy never keeps distant and I did not take my eyes on them until they reached stairs. The guy was grabbing her waist to bring her upstairs.

Royce keeps on talking to me and I did not even listen. My heart was beating so fast when I saw drunken girl's face nearer.

"Shayla" I said and Royce looked where I was staring.

"You knew her?" he said and I left him. I walked towards them and held the guy's wrist away from Shayla's body.

"What are you doing with my girlfriend?" I asked angrily. I do not know why I say that but I do not think Shay knew this guy because the way she pushed him away. I can sense she drank something in the kitchen.

"Your girlfriend?" he asked doubtfully.

"Yes, my girlfriend." I said firmly. Luckily, Shay lifted her face and saw me. "Sweet pea." Caressing her cheek.

"My Finn." She said, cupping both her hands to my face and kissed me. I know what's wrong with her, she was drugged. I stared at the guy angrily.

The guy raised his both hands in the air for surrender and walked away. Royce stood beside me.

"Come on let's bring her to the guest room upstairs." I carried her in a bridal style and follow my cousin upstairs. Shay was not in herself.

"I did not know that you knew each other." He said wondering.

"We grew up together and she is my best friend's sister." I replied. Royce opened the door and helped me with Shay as I settled her in bed properly. "How did you know her?"

"We were classmates. I invited her because we are close since freshman and this is her first time going to a party after many times, I invited her. I never imagine she was drugged and that guy was an assh*le." He exclaimed. "Good thing you are here and saw her. Shay might be in bad situation."

"Next time, do not let her come to any party because she is not used to it," I said in a warning. He nodded and left us.