How Deep is Your Love?

10 - Natalie

“Are you crazy?” I asked as my eyes widened when I saw him get out of his car right in front of Arya’s family mansion. “You really came all the way here for what?”

“We’re going home.” He answered seriously.

“I don’t want to go home and I’m completely fine here with my friends!” I said quietly loudly and pointed at Arya and Belle behind me, watching the scene unfold.

Brian just looked at them seriously before turning his gaze on me.

“Then they’re not good friends.” He commented and his pout deepened. “Good friends will never allow you to get so drunk and spend the night with a guy you barely know.”

“What?!!! What are you even saying?????” I was yelling now hearing how ridiculous were his words and what he’s doing.

“Ehem. Excuse me but we’re actually good friends and we were just enjoying the night.” Arya interrupted as she steps forward. “And the guy you’re talking about is my brother.”

“I don’t care if he’s your brother or not. I’m taking Natalie home.” Brian answered sharply as he turned to Arya.

“And who are you to just take her away??? Huh?” Arya dared. “Plus, Natalie is an adult who can absolutely make decision for her own life.”

“I don’t care. She’s still coming with me.” Brian answered sternly.

“No. I already committed to Belle and Arya that I will be staying here till Monday.” I interrupted.

“No way. You will come with me now.” He declared quite loudly.

“Excuse us for a while please.” I said to my friends and nodded. I really feel embarrassed of Brian’s over reaction. I didn’t know he is this petty and over protective.

Then Belle and Arya nodded before going back inside the mansion. I pulled Brian a little bit far from the main door and gazed at him sharply as soon as I was sure we’re quite far.

“I have already asked Tita Lorie and Tito Philip and both of them agreed for this weekend’s getaway. Plus, my dad knows Belle for many years and Arya’s her best friend and so I am perfectly okay here and there’s absolutely nothing for you to worry about.” I carefully explained emphasizing each word.

“You are still coming with me.” Brian said sternly like my explanation was just nothing.

“What is really wrong with you?” I asked and looked at him like he’s grown two heads. “We were just having fun. Haven’t you ever heard of a girl’s night out? It’s just the same thing. We didn’t even go to a club or anything like that. We just partied here in the comfort of Arya’s home. And I admit we had too much to drink but we’re safe here so I don’t know where you’re coming from??? I don’t even know why I’m explaining myself to you. I’m a grown up now and I don’t think I needed your approval for the things I do and wanted to do!”

He looked quite shocked with my outburst and I saw him swallow hard as his jaw clenched. If this was before, maybe I would have run away and hid myself from him. Or maybe I wouldn’t even have the strength to tell him what I think and would just follow him right away, without any questions.

 “Why are you so stubborn now?” He blurted out, frustration in clearly visible in his handsome face. “Is this what LA did to you? You only stayed there for a couple of years and now you’ve completely become a different person!!!Where is the obedient Natalie who hates drinking and partying???”

Yes, things change. And I changed, for good hopefully. And it was because of him. He changed me.

“She’s dead and I buried her, okay??? And what does LA even have to do here???” I answered back, looking at him straight in the eye. “It’s not as if you wanted that Natalie anyway.”

I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes but it was immediately covered with frustration and anger.

“UGH!” He shouted and rubbed his face with his hands.

Why does he look so angry?

It’s not as if I said something wrong, I reasoned. “Go home, Brian. I’m staying.”

Then I started walking back to the mansion when his big calloused hand hurriedly held my arm, his grip was tight.

“If you’re not coming with me then I will sure make a scene here.” Brian threatened and frustratingly groaned once more. “They’re not good friends for you.”

“They are!” I defended immediately and turned to him. “You don’t even know them!”

“I will not go anywhere until you come with me.” Brian added.

“You’re so annoying! You don’t have any right to tell me what to do! I have even lived years without you as I am perfectly capable to do –“ I started when he suddenly pulled me over and what I was saying was interrupted with a kiss on my lips, my words disappearing nowhere.

Brian’s kiss was light and quick as he pulled away right after realizing what he’d done, breathing heavily and quite blushing. I knew I was so red at that very moment too. Not very sure what to do next. Awkward silence surrounded us.

“We’re going home. I will be waiting for you and your things in the car.” Brian then said after a long while and I didn’t say anything as I was rendered speechless. “That’s final.”

Then he let go of my hand and walked straight back to his car, I sighed deeply and calmed my nerves as my eyes just followed him.

What the hell was that?

Did he just kiss me?

I chuckled upon remembering how Brian put a fit a while back about my weekend getaway in the hacienda. Yes, I was really annoyed at first but seeing him do all the things he did just to get me home, I just thought it was kinda sweet and funny now. Actually, it ignited something from deep within me that I thought I had already buried deep enough to ever come back. I blushed once more as I thought about the unexpected kiss.

Why did he kiss me?

Does it mean something?

Silly heart, are you hoping for something more now?

I looked out the window and chuckled slightly once more.

“He’s really so into you.” Arya teased as she bumped herself with me.

“Shut up. He’ll hear you.” I said right away and Belle just chuckled.

“I agree with Arya. He wouldn’t be here if not.” Belle also commented as I was busy packing my clothes.

“I don’t want to keep my hopes high. I’ve been through that stage already.” I said and sighed while both of them giggled. “What?”

“We you two kissed.” Arya answered frankly with her teasing smile and I turned crimson red right away.

“That was nothing.” I defended and tried to suppress my overwhelming feelings.

“Naaaah. That’s clearly not nothing, gurl! And don’t let him just do that for nothing!” Arya blurted out and Belled nodded in agreement.

“But-“ I started.

“Hope is in the air, Natz. You’re just frustrated that your vacation here was cut short.” Arya replied and smiled cheekily. “Just update us, girl.”

“I’m still not keeping my hopes high.” I said but deep inside hope is already instilled like it was automatic.

Damn feelings. I thought.

I chuckled once more which finally made the man seating beside me react.

“What’s funny, Natz?” He asked, he looked a bit tired and so I’m guessing he went straight to come pick me up from his business trip. “You look like a psycho chuckling by yourself.”

“Some lame joke.” I reasoned and immediately, I acted like I was browsing my phone.

“There’s nothing funny.” He said seriously.

Is he still mad? I thought.

“Are you still mad at me?” I asked, letting my own thought control my mouth.

“For the nth time, Natz. I’m not mad at you. I’m just tired, okay?” He said and closed his eyes.

“Looks like you are. I already told you. The guy you spoke with was Aciel, he’s Arya’s big brother and he was just taking care of us three after we partied.” I explained and his eyes opened, sharp gaze darted at me.

“See. You finally admitted that you got wasted. The heck! You should be more responsible with yourself, Natalie.” He blurted out.

“See. You’re still mad.” I replied and he sighed heavily.

“I’m done with this conversation with you.” He finally said and I pouted.

“You decided to just barge in and ruin my weekend getaway, get what you want, bring me home and now you just start a conversation whenever you want to and dismiss me when you don’t. Ugh! You’re annoying.” I commented and turned myself to look out the window once more.

We’re currently seated on a plane going back to the estate now.

I was just kinda happy earlier. Why does he always have to ruin the mood?

“You’re the one who’s mad.” He then said which made me look at him, his eyes still closed. And as he opened them, he looked at me intently. “Aren’t you mad for what I did?”

“Of course I am. It’s frustrating being treated like a child.” I answered and pouted at him.

“I’m talking about the kiss, Natz. Are you not mad that I…kissed you?” He asked bluntly, moving his face closer to mine.

“I…I’m…” I stuttered and scolded myself inwardly for it.

I was caught off guard and didn’t think he’d want to talk about the kiss.

 “Fine. I’m sorry.” He said while looking into my eyes directly, then he sighed deeply before leaning back on his chair once more and closed his eyes.

“What did you just say?” I asked, still not totally catching up.

“I said I’m sorry.” He answered.

Is he sorry that he kissed me? I thought and that gave me a flash of hurt.

“I was just trying to make sure you’re okay. Alright?” He replied, his eyes still closed. “But I’m not sorry about the kiss.”

 A smile crept on my face right away.

“Apology accepted.” I responded and widened my smile.

“Good.” He said and a corner of his lips also went up like a small smirk.

“Brute.” I commented and he finally chuckled as he opened his eyes to look at me.

***