Chapter 13

I'm still wondering why Auntie didn't get angry about Alzid's visit. But I didn't bother to ask her since she's already mad at me, so I decided to keep quiet.

The next day...

"I'm leaving now, Auntie," I said as I left for school. She didn't say a word—I know she's still mad at me. I didn't expect to see Alzid in front of the house. I looked at him, puzzled.

"Let's go, I'll take you," he said and opened the car door for me in the front seat.

"You don't have to. You know, Auntie will really get angry with me because of what you're doing," I said, annoyed, but it seemed like he didn't care.

"I need to fulfill my duty and responsibility to my girlfriend," he said authoritatively. It would have been romantic to hear those lines if it were Keivan saying them. Ugh, he's in my head again. I couldn't do anything but get in his car.

"By the way, don't you have anything better to do than keep bothering me? Are you even studying?" I asked him while he was driving.

"Yes, but I can do whatever I want. I don't need to study seriously; I'm sure I'll pass all my subjects even if I don't attend classes," he said. I wish I could be like him, but I can't—I have to work hard just to get through school.

"That's how it is for the rich, huh," I said, shaking my head.

"I don't mind neglecting my subjects as long as I don't neglect my girlfriend," he said, and I turned to look at him with wide eyes. Then he winked at me and smiled broadly. I know he likes to joke and tease, but would I be flirting if I admitted that I felt a thrill?

"Tsk... you're crazy," was all I could say as I looked away, afraid he might notice I was getting carried away.

Alzid is so different from Keivan. Alzid never runs out of schemes, cheesy lines, and corny jokes, while Keivan is the serious type and not very expressive. But when we were still okay, I still felt that he loved me deeply. I wish it were still like that, but I guess it was only meant to last that long.

"Oh, why do you look so serious all of a sudden? Don't tell me you're falling in love with me?" he teased, and his annoying, playful smile never left his face.

"What? No, of course not! I was just thinking about something," I replied. Where did he even get that idea? Sure, I get carried away sometimes, but it doesn't mean I'm falling in love with him. Keivan is still in my heart—I know that, even if I deny it. My heart would just betray me.

"Who? Him?" he asked seriously.

"No," I said, not wanting to discuss it further.

"By the way, how are things with your mom? She might have me killed out of anger," I joked, changing the subject.

"Haha, don't worry, she won't kill you. Well, she's like a monster when she's mad, but she won't go that far," he laughed, so I laughed along.

"So, how are you? Is she still angry?" I asked again.

"Yes, and I can't blame her. She really wants me to marry her business partner's daughter. That's why she's still mad," he said. I could see the sadness in his eyes again. He didn't notice a dog crossing the road.

"Hey, Alzid, stop! You're going to hit the dog!" I shouted, panicking. He quickly hit the brakes. I could hardly breathe, unsure if the dog had been hit or not.

"Stay here, I'll check," he said, opening the door and getting out. But I wanted to see too, so I got out of the car as well. Luckily, the dog was safe. If I hadn't shouted, he would have run it over. The dog was so cute, small with thick fur, looking like a stuffed toy. This type of dog is expensive because it's a breed. It probably escaped and ended up on the road; poor thing.

"It will be dangerous for this stray dog if we just let it wander off," Alzid said. It was getting annoying how often he was speaking in English today.

"Yeah, look how cute it is," I said, picking it up.

"If I could, I'd bring it home, but my aunt would get mad at me again," I sighed, feeling helpless about the poor dog.

"I'll take it," Alzid said, and I turned to him, smiling widely.

"Really? That's better. Please take care of it. It's so pitiful," I said, almost hugging the adorable dog.

"Take it with you... let's go, or you'll be late," he said, and I followed with the dog in my arms.

We arrived at school, and I got out of the car. But I didn't want to let go of the dog, so I picked it up again.

"Hey, you really want to be late, huh?" Alzid teased me.

"I feel like taking this dog with me," I said, but Alzid just shook his head, amused.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of our baby," he said with a teasing smile.

"What baby are you talking about?" I asked, annoyed.

"The dog... from now on, it will be our baby," he said. I knew he was teasing. This guy's crazy; his mind is all over the place.

"Ugh, you're really nuts," I said, annoyed, and placed the dog on the car seat.

"I'm going now... take good care of it!" I reminded him.

"I will take care of our baby, my wifey," he said, smiling at me and looking me straight in the eyes. I glared at him, but playful as he was, I couldn't help but smile when his car drove off. I couldn't understand my feelings—I felt like I was floating. But I tried to calm myself down. I knew he was just teasing me because he's such a prankster. I won't fall for him. Never.

The prom is approaching; it's happening next week. My classmates are excited, except for me. Well, it's not like I'll be dancing with Keivan, so what's the point, right?