Dave
Who? I turned around to see who it was the next second. And saw Sarah standing behind me.
She looked at me puzzled.
“Sarah? You? I was looking for you a second ago. Where were you at?”
“Looking for me? Is that why you looked so stressed? That’s nice to hear.”
“Uh, no that’s not”
“Actually, I was waiting for Lancey, you know as usual. But, she was nowhere to be seen and then I heard she had an emergency at home. She can’t come to assist me. So, I had to get ready myself and started greeting guests. A then”
“Wait, you were saying something right? Go on. And where is your family by the way? I don’t see your wife and daughter anywhere. Did you meet your dad already?”
“Yeah, I did. And don’t get me started on him. I’m actually looking for”
“Aileen, right? Who else would you be looking for, if not?” she teased.
“Yes, I’m looking for Aileen. I actually saw her heading somewhere with a boy. I believe she’s in danger. And I could like to”
“You saw Aileen with a boy? How’s that possible?” she chuckled. “Never in a billion years, I believe they may dream of doing something like this.”
She’s making fun of me, fine. Go ahead and laugh as much as you want to.
She was trying her best to muffle her laughter but it was useless.
“It’s not like I can believe it as well. But, it’s the truth. I saw her a second ago even though she’s not picking up her phone.” I replied.
“Oh…is that so? Then…. did you ask your dad for help? Go to the security room to see any footage from one hour ago. Then maybe it’ll be easy for you to search for her, right?”
“I didn’t even think about it. Thank you, Sarah! You saved me!” I gave her a quick hug, pulling away.
“So, where are you headed to right now?” I asked.
“Uh, to have a drink and look for your dad. By the way, I forgot to ask you about something.”
“Ask what?”
She smiled playfully and turned around in a whirl. I was puzzled by her actions.
“How do I look? Do I look pretty today?”
“Oh…that….” I examined her clothes and everything carefully first. She was wearing a red dress with straps and a slit in the middle. As always her dressing sense is quite good.
She knows what would flaunt her features the most.
“You look fabulous. I don’t understand why you are dating that father of mine in the first place.”
Her expression goes down the very minute.
“Uh…you know we are married.”
“Yes, and that’s why I’m saying. You can find many men of your caliber who’ll value your potential the most. Why stick to that piece of old wood? He’s as finished as ash.”
She bursts out in laughter the very minute. “Now, that’s going a bit far don’t you think? He’s still alive. Don’t kill him off like this.”
“This is the only respect he’s getting after marrying my ex. I’m sorry.”
She went silent the next minute, lost in her thoughts.
I placed my hand on her shoulder, “What’s wrong?”
“You know, after your marriage, you have come to compliment women better than before. That looks like a good sign that you are heading in the right direction. Whose effect is it?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at me.
“Uh…” Aileen was the only one I could think of at that moment. I hardly compliment Emilia. But she never cares that much about it.
But, when it comes to Aileen I can’t help but say what’s on my mind I think about her.
So, the habit must’ve come from her.
“When we were dating, do you remember how you used to compliment me?” she teased. “Whenever I asked how I looked you always replied with hm…mmm, alright, looks good only. Guess marriage really changes people. It’s easy for a woman to change a man more than anyone.”
“Yeah, I think that as well,” I replied. “But, it’s not just married men only. Men who are in love will come to learn how to compliment their women whether they want to or not.”
“Oh….” She moved close to my side, peering straight into my eyes. “So, you are in love now? That’s why you are so are so happy all the time, right? Whenever I see you, you are always cheerful and ready to face challenges. It’s because you are in love.”
“Uh…I guess so. Everyone finds the love of their life once in their lifetime. And my time is now. That’s why I’m happy.”
“Yeah, I can see it in your eyes. They are sparkling as you are talking about the woman of your dreams,” she replied, smiling.
“They are? I didn’t realize it myself. If we think about it, you have always been good at analyzing people than anyone I know. So, I need to believe your words.”
“Thanks for believing my words.”
And right when we were talking, I suddenly noticed her eyes widened in shock.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I turned behind me to see Aileen standing. And she was right next to the boy I saw her disappear with.
When did they come? How did they manage to find me here?
I didn’t know how to react. Aileen looked a bit upset and surprised at the same time.
“Aileen, come here! I was looking all around for you,” I called.
She nodded and came to stand right next to me with the boy behind her as well.
“How did the two of you manage to find me here?” I asked, glancing over at them.
“We searched for you and saw you standing here. So, I came to see you right away.”
“I…. see…” And here I was the one searching for them like crazy and found no traces.
“Who is this woman you are talking with right now?” she asked, looking at Sarah with a puzzled face. “I never saw her before.”
“Oh, I forgot to introduce you two. This is your first meeting with each other. But before that,” I looked at the boy she was with.
“Do you mind telling us your name or anything like where were the two of you at? Cause, I’ve been searching like crazy yet I couldn’t see any of you.”
He looked at Aileen and came forward.
“My name is Skylar Clark, and I’m Aileen’s classmate and friend. And today I’m here to attend the party on behalf of my cousin’s brother who wanted me to be here.”
“Clark? Do you mean the young master of the Clarke Family? You are that boy?” Sarah inquired, looking a bit impressed.
He felt a bit awkward about her question. He scratched at his cheeks and replied shyly, “Uh…. yeah…I’m from that Clarke family. And please don’t call me the Young Master in public. I haven’t done anything to bear my family’s name when all the work is done by my cousin brother and dad.”
“So, what? They are your family. You deserve the fame of their contributions as well, don’t you?” Sarah replied, patting her on his back. “Don’t be ashamed of your family name. The Clarks are very popular as well. Be proud of yourself.”
“Thanks for your kind words.”
“So, had the two of you been at?” I asked, clearing my throat to come back to the main topic. “Did Dad bring you to meet him as well? And then you decided to go somewhere alone?”
Aileen and Skylar’s face goes pale the next second by my question.
“Dave!” Sarah yelled, coming over to my side. She grabbed me by the arm whispering lowly with a smile on her face. “You are surely overprotective, aren’t you? Should you be really poking your nose into your adult daughter’s matters? And more when it’s involving a guy as well? There may be something going on between them that they can’t tell you. Don’t be such a meanie, leave them alone.”
“Unfortunately, I need to know the truth. So, I can’t listen to you,” I replied, pushing her hand away. “So, you two. Tell me where the both of you have been to. I need to know about it.”
“Ha ha ha, he’s just joking kids,” Sarah chuckled, covering my mouth with her hands. “You don’t need to tell him anything. He just likes to joke a little bit often. It’s nothing serious.”
“Are you sure? He sounds pretty serious to me,” Skylar asked.
“Yes, I”
She kept my mouth covered so I couldn’t get my words through.
“Yeah, I’m absolutely sure. He loves to joke with everyone. Such a funny character he is. Right, Dave? See, he’s saying yes.”
When did I say yes to it? I really want to know about their whereabouts.
“He sounds so serious even though he’s being funny. I like it,” Skylar comments, looking at Aileen shyly.
This won’t work out. I can’t ask her anything in this situation. I need to ask her where she was when we were alone.
Yeah, that’s better.
I removed Sarah’s hands from my mouth and fixed my clothes.
“Anyway, let’s drop that topic for now. Aileen wanted to know this woman I was talking to. Let me introduce the two of you.”
“Sarah, this is Aileen, my daughter. Meet her.”
“Uh, nice to meet you, Aileen. I’m Sarah,” Sarah introduced, holding out her hand with a smile.
“Aileen, this is Sarah, my new Mom. Meet your grandma.”
“Grandma here!” Sarah added with a wink.
Both Aileen and Skylar were dumbfounded to hear that.
“Grandma and her? She barely looks my Mom’s age,” He murmured out loud for us to hear.
Aileen stood still making me worry.
“Aileen, what are you standing here for? Shake her hand.” I said, bringing her back to reality.
She nodded and came forward.
“Nice to meet you, Granma Sarah,” Aileen replied, shaking her hand. “Should I call you Miss Sarah or something?”