I could afford to cover the entire bill and even give him some extra money.
“Hey,” I called out to him again, but he didn’t respond. I pouted.
He stopped when we reached the front passenger door. Opening it, he gestured for me to sit. I didn’t dare defy him. I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of him again. After closing the door, he made his way to the driver’s seat.
Climbing in, he started the engine. “You didn’t come back earlier this afternoon. It’s not good to skip meals,” he suddenly remarked.
I glanced at Japen. His expression was serious, like he meant every word. I turned to look out the window, avoiding eye contact to prevent any more embarrassing thoughts from popping up.
“I enjoyed being by the sea,” I replied softly, still gazing out the window. My eyes swept over the nipa huts as the car exited the parking lot. Once on the highway, the car steadied its speed.
“You can go back there anytime you want, Azora.”
“Hmm… how much was the total cost of our visit?”
“One thousand five hundred.”
I looked back at Japen. “So you paid three thousand?” Reaching into my wallet, I pulled out a five thousand bill. “Here, take this as reimbursement. I don’t want you starving.”
To my surprise, Japen chuckled, grinning. “Put it on the dashboard.”
Despite my curiosity about his laughter, I placed the money on the dashboard. Tucking my wallet back into my pocket, I leaned against the passenger seat and looked out the window.
The streetlights were on, casting light on the establishments and homes along the sidewalk. People walked by, children played at the sides, and others chatted. It seemed like nighttime brought life to Badian’s streets. I didn’t say anything, just enjoyed watching the world outside the car window.
After a while, the car pulled up at a fast-food chain. Japen got out and headed to the front. He might have intended to open the door for me. I quickly opened the passenger door and stepped out before he could do so. I didn’t want him to open the door for me. I noticed him pause and sigh. Closing the passenger door, I walked toward the entrance of the fast-food establishment, Japen following closely behind.
We ordered food and sat at a table next to a glass wall. From where I sat, I could see the city lights. I remembered the first time Japen and I ate at a fast-food place, also seated by a glass wall.
“Azora,” Japen called out.
I looked at him. “Did you say something?”
His brow furrowed, but his expression softened. “I’m ready to listen if you have any problems.”
“No,” I quickly declined, blinking. “Let’s not talk about what happened earlier.” I sighed. “Forget what I said earlier, okay?”
He stared at me longer than usual, then looked away without saying a word. I looked down, staying silent. Soon after, a fast-food worker brought our order. We ate in silence, which put me at ease. At least he didn’t bring up that incident again.
After a few minutes, we finished eating. We returned to the car and drove back to Naga. The drive was quiet, which suited me just fine. Eventually, I was lulled to sleep.
When I opened my eyes, I saw Japen’s face. I realized he was carrying me in his arms as he climbed the stairs. Looking around, I spotted the familiar chandelier of Dad’s mansion. Simmy’s voice reached me.
“Is she drunk?” she asked.
Japen glanced down at me. Our eyes met, and I held my breath. Why was he looking at me like that?
He shook his head. “She just fell asleep in the car.”
Then I saw Simmy’s face peering at me. When she saw I was awake, she smirked.
“Put her down now. She’s awake, and your arm might go numb,” Simmy told Japen.
I furrowed my brow. How dare she speak to him as if she were his employer? But she had a point, so I prepared myself to stand up if Japen decided to put me down.
I was surprised when Japen smiled at Simmy and shook his head again. “I’ll take her to her room.” Then he walked past Simmy.
I couldn’t help but suppress a smile. No, I couldn’t let Japen see me smiling, or he might think I enjoyed how he defied Simmy. While I knew I should respect Simmy as an elder, I couldn’t give her my full respect because she constantly interfered in my life, acting as if she were Mom and Dad’s wife. It was frustrating to have someone replacing Mom in that mansion.
Clearing my throat, I said, “The key is…” I pulled the key from the pocket of my white dress. “… here.”
Japen nodded. I was the one who inserted the key into the lock and turned the doorknob. The door opened, and Japen walked inside, still carrying me in his arms. He gently laid me down on my bed.
My lips formed a thin line. “I’m awake now. What was the point of laying me down here?” I asked.
Japen looked at my face, chuckling. I gasped when he lifted me in his arms again and walked toward the open balcony.
“I thought you might enjoy the city lights,” he said as he sat me down on a chair on my balcony.
I nodded softly and gazed at the city lights. Dad’s mansion stood far from other residences, so the city lights were distant yet captivating.