Royals in Toledo

Chapter 12

Aaron looked so handsome with his casual clothes and messy hair. I like him better dressed like this than when he's wearing formal clothes. It's as if in the state of our lives right now, we are equals.

"Are you going to open the door or stare at me from the window?"

I didn't notice him approaching me. Just a while ago, he was walking while his friends were left in the car. How did he get here so fast? I moved away from the window and walked towards the door. I opened the door for him.

"Are you staring already? I was just looking out the window," I reasoned with him.

It was lame, and he was probably right– I was staring at him, but I won't admit that to his face. Besides being embarrassing, he will become even more conceited.

"You know it's okay to look at me. I won't charge you a fee for it." My lips dropped open at what he said, but Aaron just laughed. "I'm kidding. Will you let me in or should I stay out here?"

I unlocked the door and let him in. "Sorry. Our place is small."

If you were to inspect it, our entire apartment is about the size of his room. At first, I felt cramped too, but as time went by, I got used to it. Now, I realize that as space gets bigger, so does its content. I have so many things in my old bedroom that I don't really need. They were just there for the heck of it. To make the room pretty, that's all. But it doesn't really do anything for me.

Aaron didn't say anything and plopped down on the sofa, grabbing the TV remote control. He sat comfortably as if he lived there with us, even though it was his first time visiting.

"You might grow roots if you keep standing there. Sit down." He patted the empty seat beside him, and I saw myself walking towards it. It was like I was under his spell.

Where is Maya? She should have been ready a while ago. I didn't want to keep Aaron and his friends waiting.

Aaron didn't seem to mind though. He's serious about watching TV and the show is a documentary. It's not my favorite, but I don't have the heart to change the channel. I have no choice but to watch it too.

I didn't notice that he raised his arm and hung it over the back of the sofa. If you look at us, we look like a couple.

"So, do you have plans to go back to school?"

I furrowed my brows at his question. I'm close to finishing college and- Oh, right. I'm just his maid, and he doesn't know that I'm studying.

"I want to finish school, but I have to save up first."

"I know someone who offers scholarships. Do you want me to help you?" he asked.

I suddenly choked with my own spit. If I apply for a scholarship, they will have to check my credentials. Again. I wonder why the HR department that hired me hasn't called yet. I used my old fake ID. I know it's wrong, but I don't have any other choice. They won't hire me if they know I'm a princess.

"Thank you, but I don't think... it's the right time."

Aaron stared at me, and it was as if he was determining if what I said was true. I'm sure he heard me correctly. He just looks at me differently. It's as if he's telling me that I'm lying.

"Do you have a family?" he asked me a few minutes later.

I nodded. I am not going to deny that. "I do. I have a sister and my parents are still living."

"Then why don't they send you to school? You should be studying instead of working for me." His focus is now on me, instead of what's playing on TV.

I have to keep my lies to a minimum. It will be hard to remember everything I said because some of them are not true. Isn't there a saying that when a person only speaks the truth, they don't have to worry because they won't forget anything? They won't say anything wrong because there are no lies to keep up with.

"My family is... struggling. It's best that I work at the moment to help my family."

"Where are they?"

"La Rioja." I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to say where I was really from. I figured he would know if he ever asked Maya.

"That's quite a distance. When are you going to see them?"

I shrugged. "I don't know yet. I have to save up for the bus fare. It's going to be a return trip and I want to bring some food, so it might take a while."

"Maybe I should just drive you. It can be a road trip for the five of us."

"Five?" I asked him.

"You and me. Maya, Lionel, and Carlos. Five."

I couldn't smile because he was getting too close to finding out who I really am. Where will I take him in La Rioja? To the palace? This is maddening. I still don't know how to face my father when I come back. And besides, I can't go back until the year is over. That is if I survive this.

"I will let you know."

When Maya arrived, Aaron was the first to get out of the house. I locked the door and was surprised to see that he didn't go to the car yet. Maya already left us and now talking to Carlos.

"You didn't have to wait for me," I said to Aaron.

He walked with me. "It's not a big deal."

It wasn't a big deal until I saw his friends with Maya staring at us. Their eyes and smile were teasing, and all I could do is give them a glare. When we reached the vehicle, I was prepared to sit in the back, but Aaron called me.

"What is it?" I asked him.

I saw Maya already went inside, followed by Carlos.

"Sit at the front," said Aaron. He was holding the door for me.

I heard a chuckle as Lionel took the last seat at the back. I guess it's me and Aaron sitting together in the front.