Chapter 20
2157 Words
CASSIDY POV
“Cassidy...”
“Yes, Kay?”
Kay is the private nurse hired by Alexander.
“Your mom wants to talk to you.”
“Okay. Oh! Let me turn this off first.”
I’m currently making a soup for mom.
I went here after I visited Anj. I already called Alexander, but he didn’t answer. Instead, I called Almira. I left a message to her and a voicemail in Alexander’s number. Almira told me his mom had gone to his office earlier. I kind of feel at ease that I haven’t met her by the time I visited Alexander. I know meeting his mom is inevitable, but I should have a mental preparation for that beforehand. Though I should have prepared myself by now.
“Hey, mom.”
“Come here.”
“K.”
Sitting on the chair beside mom as we stare over the beautiful view of Charleston skyline. This townhouse is in the higher place so we could see the entire trees and other houses from here.
“This is really beautiful. I can’t stop, but keep in awe every time I sit here.” Adoring at the sight in front of us, as I tell mom.
“Yes, it is. Your boyfriend is right. This place helps me. The environment is serene. The fresh air here is so good, too.”
Smiling at my mom as I look at her.
“Cassidy.”
“Yeah?”
“How’s your relationship with Alexander?”
“Great! Uhm, we’re doing fine, mom and he’s the best boyfriend I could even ask for.”
“You know, I just couldn’t erase this in my head. Forgive me if I am going to say this but, I think you and Alexander are not good for each other.”
“Mom!”
“I know he’s a good man and so generous to let us use this house for free. Even our expenses, having a private nurse and more are all thanks to him. But--- his status seems far from ours. I’m afraid people will have some say about your relationship especially his family.”
I don’t know if mom has yet to see the news about him. But I know eventually she and my brothers will find out.
“Mom, don’t worry about me. Alexander will not hurt me.”
But he hurt me in a good way. Then suddenly, the memories of our first night together resurface again.
Shaking my head while holding mom’s hands.
“Mom. I know what I am doing. I am an adult now and If I get hurt because of him? Just let me, so I would learn. I am strong, mom. Am I not?”
Mom smiles at me. “Of course you are. You are the strongest woman I’ve ever known, Cassidy. You are our source of strength, me and your brothers.
My eyes mist by her words. “Aw, thank you, mom. Right now, all I could say is I am happy with him. He’s been so sweet and thoughtful, so don’t worry about me. Okay?”
A heavy sigh came from mom. She taps my hands as she smiles and nods.
“Anyway, I made you soup. Don’t forget it, okay? I’ll tell Kay to not forget too.”
“Okay. I won’t”
After our mini talks, I head back inside. Mom wants to stay outside for a moment, so Kay goes out to check on mom, too.
“Hey, bro.”
“Hey, Cassidy.”
Brix has a cardboard in his left hand.
“What is that for?” I ask.
“Oh, this? This is for my class project.”
“Okay.”
Brix goes outside and Charles just comes into view. Then I remember about the woman Anj was talking about.
“Hey, Charles. Come here.”
“Sure.”
Sitting on the sofa as we face each other.
“So, how’s my sister?”
“Good.”
“Looking radiant. I’m sure your boyfriend has to do with that.”
Smiling at him as I say, “I’m always radiant, Charles, even before he came.”
“Hahaha! Nope. You looked awful before.”
“What???” About to smack him, but he retracts his words.
“Fine! Fine! You’re the most radiant, and beautiful I had seen before!”
Laughing at him, so does he.
“So, I have heard you’re dating now. Who’s she?”
“Dating?”
“Uh-huh! Anj saw you the other day.”
“Ugh! It’s not like that. We’re not dating. We’re just.. Uhm, she’s just helping me. That’s all.”
“You’re lying. So who’s she?”
“Fine. She’s, she’s my schoolmate and we’re just getting to know each other. Not the actual dating yet.”
“Does mom know?”
“No.”
“Charles, you’re young. Don’t fall in love hard. Okay? I don’t want you to get hurt and don’t hurt her, too. You two should have mutual agreement if you’re going to break up.”
“Cassie! We’re not dating yet. We’re still getting to know each other.”
“Yet, you’re still going there. So take my advice and study hard.”
Excusing myself and go out when my phone rings.
“Hey.” Smiling while talking to Alexander on the phone.
“You said you’re just visiting your cousin.”
“Yeah! But I changed my mind. I wanted to talk to my brother about something.”
“Did Reezo drive you there?”
“No. His daughter is sick, so I told him to take a day off.”
There’s a few seconds of silence before he speaks.
“Are you going back now?”
An idea came to my mind. “No. I’ll stay here for two days.”
“Two days??!”
“Uh-hmm... I miss my family, Alexander. I want to spend time with them. If you don’t mind.” I make my voice more believable.
“Baby, you just went there the other day.”
I love how he calls me his baby. It feels real.
“Because they are my family, Alexander.”
“And I am your boyfriend.” He whines. My smile wider.
Haha! He sounds like a five-year-old kid having tantrums. That’s new for a man with a bulk built.
“I know. I still want to stay here for a couple of days and I know you understand me because you’re an amazing boyfriend. I’ll see you in two days, okay?”
“What? No, I haven---“
“You’re the best, Alexander. Bye.”
Disconnecting the call while I’m grinning and staring at my phone.
“Oh, shoot! He’s calling. Haha!”
Not answering. Instead, I go back inside. I was only kidding when I told him I’ll be staying here for two days. I only meant two hours by that. I still have an hour before I leave.
“Cassidy, what’s this?” Brix says while looking at his phone with his brows furrow.
“What?”
I walk over and check his phone while sitting on the couch.
“Why? What’s in here? Oh---“
“Care to explain?”
“What is that?” Charles is curious as well.
“He is Alexander, my boyfriend. You don’t remember his face?”
“Cassie, you know that’s not I mean.”
“Wait, what’s wrong? What about Alexander?” Charles is now beside me. He is such a nosy male being.
“Well, he’s on the headlines and I am part of it... so what’s the big deal?”
“Cassidy, you’re dating a billionaire! Isn’t that a big deal for you? Why you didn’t tell us he is a billionaire?”
“Hey, guys. In case you don’t notice me. But I’m here! Can someone explain to me what’s going on? What are you talking about Alexander??!” says Charles.
“Our sister is dating a hell of a billionaire, Charles. She didn’t even mention that before.”
“A billionaire??! Whoah!”
“Did you sell yourself to him?” asks Brix.
“What?! No, of course not!”
“But how did you meet him?” Charles asks as well.
“In my previous job. We instantly got attracted to each other, and I agreed to be his girlfriend.”
“Just like that??”
“No, there’s more to it. But I would rather not to discuss it to my brothers.”
“Cassidy, your face is all over the internet. Mom would find out about it, eventually.”
“Guys, if you think I am a gold-digger, better not! You know me!”
“Right. Our sister knows what she’s doing, Brix. Besides, don’t you see her right now? She’s in love. We didn’t see this side of her before. She looks even more beautiful.”
Aw, thanks Charles.
“Yeah, and it makes sense to me now. This house, the hospital bill, and our school fees, all had taken care of because of him. Everything he did for us was just a piece of cake for him."
“Believe me, I insist not to, but he already did before he told me.”
“Whew! You got a big fish in the---“
“Shut up, Charles!” Me and Brix say that in unison.
“Fine! Fine!”
A few minutes later, I ended up confessing to mom about who Alexander really is, including the news. I told them everything from the start but excluded the part about the contract.
It’s already past seven, so I told them I’m leaving.
“Call us, Cassie.”
“Of course, mom. I will.”
“See you again soon. Bye.” I kiss mom, and about to leave her room but Brix walks inside.
“Your boyfriend is here.”
“Alexander?”
“Why? Do you have another boyfriend aside from him?” He’s teasing me.
“Ugh, whatever, Brix.”
What is he doing here? I thought while going to the living area.
“Hey! What are you doing here?” I kiss him on his lips.
“I’m picking you up.”
“Ahem!” Charles clears his throat.
Oh! I didn’t know Charles is still here.
Wait, if he hasn’t left his seat, then he’s been sitting here for roughly an hour already. He’s not even watching TV or using his phone. He’s just sitting. Weirdo!
“Hey, Alexander.”
“Yeah?”
“Mom wants to talk to you.” says Brix.
“About what?” I ask Brix.
“I don’t know. She wants to speak to Alexander.”
“Sure.” says Alexander as he leaves me and follows Brix to mom’s room.
Then a few moments later, Brix comes back, sitting in between me and Charles.
“Guys, I made a Chinese chicken salad. Who wants some?” says Kay. She just comes out of the kitchen.
“Me! I want that!” says Charles. He quickly gets up and scampers towards Kay.
He’s weirdo!
“How about you Brix? Cassie?”
“No. I’m good, Kay. Thank you.”
“Okay.” Kay nods and follows Brix, who also goes to the kitchen. The dirty kitchen and the dining area are just connected.
“What took them so long?” Generally talking to myself.
Fifteen minutes is too long already.
What else are they talking about right now?
Mom had only seen Alexander once. It was when we transferred mom here. Another minutes past and Alexander goes out of the room.
“What did she say?”
“Nosy, aren’t we?” He pokes the tip of my nose as he smiles.
“Uh, yeah? Come on, tell me.”
“Baby, it’s just between me and your mom. You won’t get anything from me.”
“What? That’s unfair. Wait! Was she mad at you? Did she ask you to stay away from me? Did she- Mmp-“
My remaining questions have drowned by his lips when his lips connected to mine.
“Hey! That’s unfair!” I pout.
He chuckles and sits on the couch, which I also follow.
“I’m tired.” He’s pressing his forehead with his fingers.
“Do you want me to massage it?”
“No. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay. Are we not leaving now?”
“We’ll stay her for tonight.”
“What?”
“I want to spend time with your family too, moya printsesa. I want to know them.”
Staring at him with disbelief.
“Are you sure you want to know them?”
“Yes.”
“Just so you know. They are all crazy. Do you still want to know them?”
He snorts. “Baby, I could tell they all just get their craziness from you.”
“What?!”
- Writer
