CHAPTER 4 - Same

CHAPTER 4 - Same

"Aki, dear, what are your plans right after college?"

I looked at the old man with no hint of interest. Maybe he noticed how unwanted and disgusting this conversation is for me. And heck no, I don't want this date. Effing no!

I admit, my dad's a big time asshole, it's given. But sometimes, I'm still left in deep contempt that he can easily use me on these things just to satisfy his thirst for power and money.

"I have a boyfriend," I coldly said for the millionth time.

In fact, it's what I always say if I am arranged in a date with business tycoons. Even sometimes I date a fifty-year old hunky I know deep down they are junky. The heck! Who on earth with a right mind would want to marry a woman same age as their daughter? It's all those bastards I came across with in this table. Yuck!

Maybe next time I'll suggest to install a name plate in this high-end table. I'm a frequent customer here.

Dad's caprices really are annoying but I can't do anything about it because I love him.

He took heed of how I responded to everything he says and his dismay was so evident. Maybe he was expecting I'll tame as the conversation took longer. I'm sorry, grand daddy. Am not really into oldies. We sat here for almost one hour already and he was still hitting good topics to jive with me. Sometimes, I cringed every effing time he tries to touch my hand that I immediately remove with pure disgust.

"So grand pa—ow I mean, Mr. Carbal, why don't you try this food I'll order," I smiled sweetly as I call Ella, a waitress I've known here for long and winked at her. Since I've been here for a lot of times already, it's impossible I won't be able to gain personal public servants. Without his approval, I ordered. Happily.

"Hi Ella, can I have one of these, please," I said sweetly while pointing a Chocolate Millefueille for Mr. Carbal when Ella come near with a wide smile on her face. She knows why she's called. Money. This scene isn't knew to Ella and me.

It's me and Ella against all the horny and filthy rich oldies my eyes had ever laid inside this expensive restaurant.

"Coming right up, ma'am,"Ella grinned at us before living graciously while holding firmly on the menu.

"Sweet," as my gaze went back to him, I said. Then it automatically vanished when Mr. Carbal also smiled from ear to ear. I smirked within. Enjoy your time, grandpa. Your time is almost up.

"You do know her," he said. It's not a question, it's a statement.

"Yeah, dad and I used to eat here," Dad and I, we've never been here for eight years. Things aren't the same anymore. This place, which I once valued become like a hostel for me.

The idea that any moment from now he'll be leaving this date earlier than he expected uplifted my mood so I decided to talk to him. Until the food was served and I forgot what is in it because he's not that bad to have a conversation with. I noticed how lively his vibe is and he knows how to keep the conversation lively. I learned that he built schools for street children and home for the aged. I was in awe because of him and the rest of his good deeds. In fact, he is running for politics next year.

"So maybe we can call this a night?" He suddenly said.

Though deep down I was sorry for him, I still wanted out.

"Yeah, sure, I'm hanging out with my friends tonight also," he stood as I stood and he was stopped in mid-air while holding his stomach. "Hey, is everything alright?" I'll definitely be receiving my Best Actress Award tonight if there is.

"Yes, yes. I'm fine," he raised his hand showing that he is fine while the other is supporting him. "I think I ate a lot with the food you ordered. It was phenomenal!"

"It is," I grinned. He'll be much phenomenal in his house's comfort room..

"Let's go,I promised your dad I'll drive you home."

"No need!" I immediately refused. "I called dad, he said I can come home late tonight with my friends. They're outside. You know, girl's night out," I lied and picked up my clutch. I texted Seven already that he should fetch me here around 11:00 tonight.

Plus, I missed him. Damn much!

"Are you really sure about that? Maybe your dad might get mad at me."

"It's super-duper ultra-mega fine, Mr. Carbal. No worries, I gotta go," I kissed his cheek goodbye and as a sign of respect for being a good man. I was sorry about judging him.

Before I pave my way outside the restaurant, I secretly went to the ladies room. I already knew who's waiting for me there.

"Hello, madame, long time no see," Ella almost kissed me. She was obviously in a hyper-mode..

I rolled my eyeballs and I took out my wallet then handed her a five thousand bill.

"Thanks for always knowing the drill," I halfheartedly smiled at her as I fixed my hair on the mirror.

"You are that supernal when it comes to you, your excellency! But wait, that was too old." With mouth hanged open she remembered the old man again.

I smirked. "He is still filthy rich and we both know if he'll notice you, you'll definitely go all the way," I folded my arms on my chest and stared at her bottom to top.

"Wow! How do you know that fact, madam?" Her laughter echoed all over the room. " You knew me too well! Why don't you introduce me to him next time?"

I rolled my eyes. "You know what? You're full of demands," Ella pouted. "You looked like a gold digging whore still. Don't forget that." Her heart sank and she hid it behind her smile because I know she's afraid I'll get the money back. " I gotta go," with brows raised I left her tapping her shoulder.

"You haven't changed a bit, madame, you are still heartless!" That was her exact words when I went out of the building.

I know Ella wanted to bark back because of my rude remarked but she just let it slipped for the money. And I am fine with that.

I checked the parking lot and the surrounding first if there was no trace of Mr. Carbal. Gladly, there wasn't.

My ears wanted to clap because of excitement. My calloused heart knows one person it wanted to see right now. And I can't contain my happiness.

I opened his message and looked at where he is waiting. I was brisk walking as I was near him. I wanted to run to completely see him. I'll admit it or not, I badly wanted to see him.

As I arrived at a darker side of the road, my eyes automatically scanned the whole area my bare eyes can see.

There he is, standing simply perfect on the other side of the road, the man who give me emotions I choose not to name.

I started to walk to get near him and a car almost hit me just because I can't take my eyes off of him. He grabbed me by my arm with force and gentleness when I got near.

Brows furrowed. "What was that?" He was mad. "Are you planning to kill me of worry?"

Probably the effect of my two-hour date tonight, his image became a refreshment.

Everything slow moved and the only thing that took my breath away and kept me alive is the way his lips moved, his forehead creased, his Adam's apple glided, his eyes mad that fell perfectly on its rightful places I can't get enough. My hands softly took its way to reach and touch his hair.

I wanted to effing kiss him. Right here, right now.

Help me. I can't take my eyes off of him.

"Achaia!"

Before I could even avoid it, the dirty and muddy part of the streets swooshed over our direction, mostly on me when another car passed by. It hit my branded floral dress until my waist. I was left in awe. Because the heavens have heard my prayer when I asked for help.

The answer was too fast!

I looked at him again and he was effing mad now. I can't help but laugh.

"You're laughing now." He stated seriously and checked my whole self after that.

"Nothing," I sweetly replied.

He was shocked. Maybe he was expecting that I'll raise hell because of what happened.

Nope. Right now, I am just too... Happy. That he is here.

"I'll drive you home," he softly pulled me to draw close to his bicycle parked not far away from us.

"Don't. Dad and I could just probably fight," the thought quenched my heart.

"Huh? Why?" His face contorted in confusion. But the heavens must have gave him good looks massively because it didn't deduct his glorious peculiarity.

Good heavens. What am I even saying?

"Bring me home," out of nowhere, I said.

"That is why I need to bring you---"

"No. Your home." I cut him off.

He was silence for a bit longer. He was thinking deeply, I sensed. He's really is a good man af.

"Why my house and not yours?" Seriously he asked. Sensing the idea of us both alone bugged him.

Is he worried about something? Cute.

I took a very deep breath. "Because I know it'll be a better home than mine. Our house a mess. And also, if dad's at home, we'll probably fight over something nonsense. Okay, fine! We'll do nothing if that is what you are worried about." Goodness, is he thinking about dirty thoughts? Ow? A smile crept my face.

He is a man after all.

Obviously, he was unsettled with my answer. He wanted to ask more about it but he kept his mouth shut. Maybe he felt that my personal space about it is really important for him. I could sense he knew I didn't come from a girl's night out because what I wore was too formal for a bar. I won't tell him anything specific about me. That will ruin my plans.

And there are so many things I want to get done. I'll get it done step by step. And tonight, is the best night to get this shit done.

We rode into his bike and I sat on the front space. He made a Do-It-Yourself seat at his front's bike to make me sit comfortably. The cold, late night breeze automatically hugged the deepest of our nerves as we travelled along the peaceful streets.

"We need to buy a drink," what I said stopped him from stepping on the bike's pedal and rested his legs on both sides.

"What? What for?"

"I want us to have fun, idiot. Stop asking too much."

He nodded with double-mindedness but he obliged. Afraid of me too much, huh?

We came across the date spot where we used to near the seashore. It could be a perfect place tonight, but it's not the perfect time to stay. I want to see their house, too. With our three-month relationship, I haven't been into his house. I wanted to know Seven more. Before I took up my revenge for Oric.

"Where were you?"

I rolled my eyes like he asked me about it for the millionth time. It's for the second time by the way. "From a girl's night out," I lied. The wind blew my hair and I clipped it around my ears.

"Was it fun?"

"It was a waste. Better if the time spent is with you." It was purely honest, no issue.

He laughed heartily and became speechless. Muted mode? Fluttered? I secretly chuckled.

The night carried us away into silence as the breeze got deeper into the air. I have a lot in mind I wanted to spill and let him know. Things I don't want to do but I need to. For my soul's peace. I am not dead yet, physically.

Only… it is his presence that kept me sane and alive.

"We're here. This isn't a mansion, but in here, you are my princess."

My heart warmed. This fu cking idiot knows a lot, huh? Dang it! I need to lip bite my lips to stop myself from smiling. When we stopped, I got off from the bike.

"Are you fluttered?" Seven asked as he tried to look into my face. I looked away and I hated myself for it.

"Nope." I inhaled deep and tried so hard not to effing smile.

He smiled at me and I punched his upper arm and I couldn't help but laugh. I'm effing fluttered! The heck! I have called all the saints I know not to lose my poise.

"Let's go," He took my arm and hold it tight. The bottle almost fell. But I giggled excitedly and started walking.

Then I stopped. I realized the house isn't the Gomezs'. The house in front of me doesn't scream money. In fact, it is just a medium one-story concrete house which is obviously fully furnished. This house could even pass my taste for simple living in a simple dream house. I suddenly feel the want to live here.

Okay, I wasn't expecting this.

"Who's with you living in this place?" I tried to sound casual trying to hide my ulterior motive and the reason I stopped walking out of nowhere.

"Now, just me."

Him? Alone? My forehead creased. "Where are they?" The Gomez? What about his mom and dad he grew up with? Siblings? Where's that fu cking douche bag named Oric? Gosh! My mind's in turmoil!

"Why don't we get in first," we drew near a shiny Philippine narra-made door. Seven pulled the key from his pants pocket without letting go of my hand. When we get in, I was expecting he'd pull for a wild kiss but all my hopes vanished when I remembered I am in a relationship with a boring nerd.

I was left in awe when I saw how the simplicity of the house accentuated the elegant touch of all the interior designs. Everything fell on its rightful places and the colors kissed a minimal style. Cozy, manly yet beautiful.

"Impressive," I wanted to start a conversation as I was referring to the house. Well, also to dig. Facts and information.

"This house is the only thing my mother left… Mr. Gomez just did some a little beautification."

Mr. Gomez? He isn't calling him his own father. Maybe they aren't in good terms yet. And where is his mom again?

"You better get change. I'll just get you something in my mom's closet."

I nod. When I was left alone in this four-cornered receiving area made me dawned realizations that I can't get my effing plan done tonight and the rests of it will be affected. This is going to be hard, I guess. I thought he was living with the Gomez. All my hopes went down but I don't want it to be obvious.

"This is what I only got," he lends me a Sesame Street cartoon character Elmo design uniform with its top and bottom. My mouth hanged open but I realized fashion's a little bit off in this place.

I excused myself and went to a room's bathroom located near his room. Probably for guests. The room was elegant and so is the bathroom. It has its own bathtub also. One thing that turns me on when it comes to raiding a stranger's room. I want to scream how cheap and yucky these clothes are as I got to wear them completely but I choose not to since they are nice and I know, these clothes are, too.

I went out of the room and found him in the kitchen. I smelled coffee with a harmonious glaze of milk.

"I'm sorry about the clothe," he just took a glance for a bit then continued stirring.

Wait, am I unattractive with these clothes? Why did he react that way? There are definitely two reasons. I could be a turn on or a turn off. Couldn't be the latter, right? Gosh! Why does that even matter?

"Where is she?" I never noticed anyone here.

He inhaled deep first. "My mother's gone. When she died, Mr. Gomez, my biological father, wanted me to live with him and my step-brother. But I grew up here and all the beautiful memories my mom and I had is sealed in my heart in this house. I just want to be here."

I can't deny it. His sadness reflected in me. Well, there are a lot of things that explains a man. He isn't an exception to heartache. My self-centeredness just blinded me by my revenge I hardly know anything about Seven. But what can I do? That's how I grew. To love myself because no one else will.

"Your dad's Mr. Gomez, right?"

"Yeah. But I never felt him like a father on me once."

Oric said his father had been looking for Seven a long time ago. They were dying to meet him. Within those searching years, Oric was so devastated. That's why he almost raped me. His reason wasn't valid to justify what he did. It just made no sense to me up until now.

"I don't want to sound a gossiper but I, I heard they were looking for you like a very long time," my forehead creased as I said that.

"Can I ask a favor?" Out of nowhere he said. I nod hesitantly.

Anything for you, nerd. You're that superior when it comes to me.

"What is it?"

"Can we not talk about it about my life?"

My breathing hitched. There was anger in his voice. That means he is having a negative emotion towards his blood-related family. He is still a human after all. I thought he doesn't know how to be angry. I think when it comes to him, a family is another meaning for trouble.

With that, we have one thing in common. A broken relationship towards our family. It's something we should celebrate about. I went hurriedly to the table where the drink is and opened it.

"Fine. As long as you play with me." I pulled him so we can sit at the sofa. He wanted to bring along the mug with a coffee but I stopped him. "Trust me, this is much better than coffee." I winked at him and grabbed him again. This time, with force.

"W-wait, w-what if we get drunk?" He said hesitantly.

"That's how the fun begins, babe," I giggled as I see how his expression darkened.

"Achaia," with a warning voice, he said.

"Ow, come on, nerd! Don't be a kill joy, tomorrow's a Saturday. You should reprimand me with the part that I choose you over my friends tonight," I reasoned out and tried to look adorable.

Seven silenced for a long time and I don't have forever to wait. I sat Indian sit on the couch as I put the bottle on the table. I glared at him still standing meters away from me. I tapped the space beside me inviting him to sit. When he did, he was hesitant again.

"Okay, tonight, we'll forget the hurt, the reason we cried and who caused us pain." I said the mechanics like I was convincing myself a little bit more. "No space for pass. You'll be given two choices. Drink the beverage or do the dare."

"Err, what's the name of game?"

"It's never have I ever!" I excitedly exclaimed. I played it on wild parties, it's fun. But this time with him, it's like, it's too intense. The feeling is too extreme. The excitement wanted me to dance.

I giddily looked at him and saw he how he is so ignorant about the game my excitement all boiled down to zero. Eff, yeah. I almost forgot! I am going to play with a man who was born centuries ago.

What the actual heck!