“Y… You don’t mean Skyler is involved in all of this, do you?” Xyler mumbled after a few seconds of silence.
“Well…” Aiden shrugged his shoulder.
“Hold on, so you approached us because of your revenge? You can’t tell me it’s a coincidence,” Aiden raised his brows.
“I approached Declan because of it,” Xyler bowed with a sigh.
“I knew it. Dude, you gotta stop acting kind at times. Don’t be a good boy that could fall for cooked-up stories. Don’t be bad either. I’ve told you this before,” Aiden lectured.
“Who’s good? You know I’m the baddest amidst us, you know.”
“Well, I don’t. You act all tough, everyone thinks you are. You are not. You believe lies that people tell you. That’s why I’m not a good guy, neither am I bad. This way, nothing will hurt me. Do you think I was hurt when I caught Xyler with Vanessa? No, I was only disappointed for I loved her with all of my heart.”
“How do I get to the bottom of this? I need to know whom to side with,” Xyler exhaled.
“All we need is to come up with a plan. One that would make him say everything to you,” Aiden rubbed his temple.
“What is the plan?” Declan asked.
“I don’t know. You guys should think too,” he shrugged his shoulder off and grabbed his phone.
“Àsshôlé,” Declan hissed.
==
After school hours…
Aiden dropped Tiffany in front of the sandwich bar, got down from his bike, and took her hands in his.
“Don’t lose your temper at all. When a customer gets annoying, it’s better to leave him or her unattended to lose your temper. You know how dangerous it could get,” he said.
“Okay, sir,” Tiffany smiled.
“When it gets too tiring. Just take a break. Don’t overwork yourself, okay?”
“Okay, daddy.”
“Are you having fun? I’m serious right now,” Aiden faked a frown.
“I’m serious too… daddy,” she giggled.
“Go inside already. I’m going to see my dad, I’ll come back for you, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Take care, and I love you,” he kissed the corner of her lips.
“I love you,” she smiled.
“Go inside,” he said.
“No, I have a few minutes before I start working. I’ll see you leave,” she declined.
“Okay,” Aiden smiled and then pulled her into a hug.
“Get going already.”
“I’m already missing you,” he mumbled.
“I know, just leave,” she disengaged from the hug and waved her hands at him.
Aiden walked back to his bike, got on it, started it, gave her a heartwarming smile, and then drove off.
Tiffany smiled, held her backpack tightly, and then turned to enter the sandwich bar.
As she placed her hand on the knob, the door opened and Amelia walked out, not sparing her a glance.
Huh, what’s with that look?
Tiffany wondered.
“I see your vacation is over,” she stopped behind her which made the lady turn to face her boss.
“I am…”
“What did you take this job for? A joke? You know very well that I don’t spend the afternoons at the bar. You stopped coming for a few days and even turned off your phone. Do you think I am a Joke? I almost lost my job because of you!” She snapped, pointing her finger accusingly at her.
“Huh?”
Which job?
Does she have a job apart from owning a sandwich bar?
She wondered.
“Oh, you probably think that I run just this place. Does it never occur to you that I have some other things to do apart from this? I work as a civil servant and I start work from five. If you had known that you couldn’t handle working very accurately, you should have told me, not choosing to be a burden to me!” Amelia snapped.
Tiffany inhaled and then exhaled. She had never seen her boss get so mad like this.
“I am sorry, I…”
“Just keep your apologies to yourself. I did what I want to already,” she moved away from her and tore the paper that was plastered on the glass.
Wait… What?!
Tiffany widened her eyes, part-time wanted?
“Miss Amelia, why…”
“Your work here is done. In less than three hours that I pasted this, I have three people that were interested in working here. I got an employee, and not a part-time worker,” she snapped.
“Y… You can’t do that to me, please. I am sorry, some stuff came up and I needed to…”
“There’s no way I would tell the worker to quit. Look, he started working already… diligently at that,” Amelia said, walking past her and entering the bar.
Tiffany stood still, there was no way this was happening.
This was her only hope of survival.
How could the little luck she had on her side leave?
“Shît!” She bit her lower lips till she tasted her blood on her tongue.
She stared at the new worker through the glass and hissed. Who does he think he is, shining his teeth like that?
“Fûck!” She screamed, which attracted the passerby to look in her direction.
==
Tiffany entered the corridor that led to her apartment slowly. She wondered what the time was as the sun was already setting.
That should be the case though, she was sure that she had spent over an hour walking home as she had practically walked as slow as she could.
She stopped in front of her door and frowned at the notice plastered on her door.
“Due to some personal reasons, the demolition of this area will have been scheduled to take place in two weeks. You’re advised to move out before then…”
“Didn’t they say two months? What’s with the personal reasons!” She yelled and kicked her door angrily
“I’ve lost my job, and I’m about to lose my house!” She screamed.
“Jeez, this is…” She was mumbling through gritted teeth when her phone vibrated from her pocket.
She hissed as she removed her phone from her pocket and frowned as she stared at the unknown numbers.
She picked it up, placed it on her ear, and waited for the caller to talk first.
“Tiffany?” Came the deep voice of the person she was unsure about.
“It’s me, y… your dad.”
Senator Han?
“Oh, hi,” she answered curtly.
“I collected your number from Aiden. How are you?”
“I’m good,” she dropped her bag at her doorstep and sat on it.
“I’m relieved to hear that. Do you have time this evening? I would like it if you could join us for dinner,” he asked, pressing his lips together.
“Er… Yes. I’m free,” she answered on a second thought.
“Really? Should I send a driver to come to pick you up?”
“That’s not necessary. I can…”
“You can’t possibly find your way here on your own. Tell me the place and I’ll send someone to come pick you up,” he insisted.
“Oh, okay. What time should I get ready?”
“I’ll be glad if you’re ready before 8 PM.”
“Okay,” she answered.
“Take care of yourself, okay?”
“Okay.”
==
Wesley’s residence.
On the balcony, Aiden and Theodore sat side by side on a long bench. While Theodore stared at Aiden, Aiden stared at the sky.
“You’re going to make a hole on my face with your eyes,” Aiden joked and Theodore laughed.
“I feel so glad to see you. It’s as if I’m seeing a younger version of me.”
“Really? Do I look so much like you when you were young?” he glanced at his father.
“Yes, you do,” he nodded his head.
“I see,” Aiden smiled and leaned forward to pick up his glass half filled with wine on the table in front of them.
“I am sorry, son.”
“Why?” Aiden raised his brows after he had taken a sip.
“I wasn’t there for you while you grow up. I’m quite sad that I didn’t witness you take your first step, and others,” he smiled sadly.
“It’s fine, dad. You do not need to be sorry about it, you didn’t wish for this to happen. No one wished for it,” Aiden said.
“Thank you.”
“I’m sure you’re greatly surprised at how mum had become like this, right?”
“You have no idea how much I’m trying to keep it in. I know that eighteen years have passed, but Martha had grown greatly. Back then, we used to run a gadgets company and men’s underwear together. I was the chairman and she was the chairwoman. But now, she owns tons of companies in her name and has hundreds of staff. I’m truly impressed, so impressed,” he smiled.
“I’m glad you are,” Aiden nods his head.
“How do you think she is? Her personality seems to have changed, or is it just me?”
“Mum is still the same as you’ve known her. I’m sure she’s just worked up because of the party that was coming and that I didn’t even show up.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Aiden… That girl, Lawrence’s daughter…”
“Tiffany?”
“Yes, Tiffany. Do you truly love her? I mean, after what you saw that day, it’d be understandable if you leave her,” he picked on his nails.
“Dad, do you hate Tiffany?” Aiden asked instead.
“No, I do not. I’m just worried. That demon in her would…”
“Don’t worry, dad. Okay? I love Tiffany and I wouldn’t leave her for anything in the world. I knew about the demon before I saw what happened. I know, so I’m cool with it,” he smiled.
“Just be careful, okay? I don’t have a problem with that girl, but be careful of what the demon is capable of doing, okay?” He frowned and Aiden giggled.
“Did I say anything funny?” He raised his brows.
“No, it just feels good. Hearing my dad nag at me.”
“You…” Theodore shook his head and they both burst out laughing.
==
Tiffany decided to try Aiden’s number one last time before the chauffeur her dad was sending arrive.
This was the fifth time she was calling Aiden’s number and the latter didn’t pick up.
Was he with a girl?
Didn he say he was going to his dad?
Tiffany sighed as she looked across the street again, it was almost 7:30, the time that she had told her father she was going to be ready.
Her phone was going to off very soon as she was unable to charge it.
Huh, why was she worried that Aiden could get worried when he called her and couldn’t reach her?
At exactly 7:28, A black limousine pulled in front of her and a man dressed in a black, well-ironed suit got down from the car.
Tiffany recognized the man, he came with the senator to her school and back them.
“I’m sorry I kept you waiting,” he bowed.
“No, you’re here right on time,” Tiffany shook her head.
He walked past her hurriedly and opened the door wide for her and waited for her to enter which Tiffany did timidly.
She didn’t like the attention she was getting one bit.
==
Han’s residence.
After the car had halted inside the mansion, the driver hurriedly got down from the car, rushed to the other side where Tiffany was, and opened the door for her.
“Thank you,” she smiled.
As she moved away from the man, she frowned as she saw the senator and Marlie hurry out of the house and then toward her.
“I’m glad you made it,” he grinned.
“Good evening,” Tiffany smiled back.
“I missed you, sis,” Marlie pouted.
“Why? We saw each other yesterday, didn’t we?” Tiffany raised a brow as the girl locked her arm with hers, walking towards the entrance already, trailing behind their father.
“Shouldn’t you have said ‘I missed you too?’ There’s no need for you to act cranky,” she rolled her eyes.
“Whatever.”
*
“I almost thought a president was visiting,” Declan exhaled as soon as Tiffany entered.
“Idîot,” Tiffany rolled her eyes.
“Anyways, welcome, queen of New York City,” he jested.
“Get lost.”
“Let’s leave the pleasantries. Shall we eat now? Dad wouldn’t let us have a drop of water till you arrive,” Marlie whined.
“Really?” Tiffany laughed.
“Yes. So, dad. Shall we move to the dining now?”
“Shall we, Tiffany?” Senator Han asked.
“Whoa, beautiful,” Declan clapped his hands together and walked away, heading towards the dining.
“Wait for me!” Marlie half yelled and dashed after Declan.
“Let’s go,” Senator Han beckoned to Tiffany who smiled at him, nodded her head, and moved closer to him.
“How was school today?” He asked as they strolled to the dining.
“It was fine,” she answered.
“You’re also going for the school trip, right?” He asked.
“I… I don’t think I would,” she sighed.
She needed to get another job as soon as she can.
“Why? Is there a reason you can’t go?” He asked, this time, they had already reached the dining.
“I…”
“What is that? Are you talking about the school trip?” Declan interrupted.
“Yes,” Senator Han watched Tiffany see opposite Marlie.
“She’s going. Aiden is going, Zoey is going, I am going to. There’s no reason she’s not going,” Declan shrugs his shoulder.
“That’s right,” Senator Han agreed and then settled on the chair.
Tiffany exhaled, there was no need to argue with them.
Telling them that she’s not going might even seem like she’s using the pity card.
Well, maybe no one would think that way.
*
Tiffany bore her eyes into the meal that the maids had just presented in front of her.
Come on, this was way too elegant!
It was enough for almost five people.
“Do you not like it?” Senator Han asked as had noticed the look on her face.
“No… That’s not it,” she shook her head.
“What is it?” He asked.
“Nothing. Never mind,” she forced a smile.
“Okay, dig in.”
*
After a few minutes of silence, Marlie cleared her throat and then stared at Tiffany, “Sis, I went to the sandwich bar this evening and…”
She was still saying when Tiffany kick her leg slightly, stylishly signaling to her not to talk about it.
“What’s wrong? Is there something on the floor?” Marlie asked and then glanced under the table.
“There’s nothing there,” Marlie shook her head.
“I met a guy there, and I ask him why he was there and not you,” she said, ignoring the look Tiffany was giving her.
“He said your boss had fired you,” Marlie blurted.
“What?” Declan frowned.
“Why?” Declan asked.
“You should not worry about it, I’ll get another job sooner than imagined. Trust me,” she faked a smile and resume eating.
“Tiffany,” Senator Han called out after he had drunk water from the glass cup.
“Huh?”
“Are you still mad at me?” He asked.
“No, not at all,” she shook her head.
“Did you acknowledge me as your dad already?” He asked.
“Uh… Sure. I wouldn’t be sitting here if I haven’t.”
“Then, would you listen to me if I plead with you not to take unto part-time job anymore?”
“Huh?” she stared at him.
“I know you might be worried about how you’d live if you don’t work, but can you let me as your dad take care of you? It is my responsibility as your father.”
“See… You do not need to be bounded by the responsibilities. I…”
“Can you give me the chance to be bounded by the responsibilities? I really want to. I want to fulfill Nova’s wishes.”
“That… Um…” She swallowed deeply.
“We’ll talk about this later, finish your food,” he smiled as he realized the lady was getting uncomfortable already.
~
After dinner, in the sitting room.
“By the way, I wasn’t there for your birthday, I didn’t wish you a happy birthday either. I’m sorry,” Senator Han interrupted the conversation between Declan, Marlie, and Tiffany.
“Happy birthday to you, Alisha,” he chucked as he mentioned that name.
“Alisha?” Tiffany furrowed her brow.
“Your mother was so much in love with that name that she vowed that she was going name our female daughter that,” he smiled.
“Oh,” Tiffany nodded her head and smiled unconsciously.
“So, tell me. What do you want for your birthday, name it.”
“Tell him you want a car,” Marlie whispered in her ear.
“Tell me anything. I’ll do it for you, I promise,” he smiled.
“I… I don’t want anything. I just want y’all to keep staying by my side,” she said.
“Come on, don’t be boring!” Marlie groaned.
“That’s what I want,” Tiffany smiled.
“Huh, what do I do with you?” Senator Han teased and everyone laughed.
“If that is the case, I have a gift for you instead. Just a minute,” He stood up and hurried away.
“You have no idea how much I want dad to ask me what I want,” Marlie pouted.
” He wouldn’t buy a car even if he had asked. You know that you’re not owning a car till you’re eighteen,” Declan scoffed.
“Tell me something I don’t know,” Marlie hissed.
*
Senator Han returned with a small box, handed it over to Tiffany, and returned to his seat.
“Open it,” he smiled.
Tiffany smiled as she untied the ribbon around the small box slowly and then glanced at Marlie and Declan who looked more anxious than her.
She opened the lid and then creased her brows as she stared at the bunch of keys inside the box.
“What is this?” She raised her brows.
“That’s the keys to your house,” Senator Han smiled.
“Huh?” Tiffany snapped her brows together.
“I bought you an apartment in your name,” he said.
===
Unknown.
“Princess, how are you?” Came the deep voice from the other line
“Dad, I’m ready to return to New York,” she said.
“Really?!”
“Yes, on one condition though.”
“Tell me, I’ll do anything to bring you back here.”
“I heard Western high school is going on a trip. Do whatever you can, I want to join the school trip,” she said.
“You want to go to Western high?”
“Yes,” she answered.
“I’ll do that. I’ll do that!”
“Thank you,” with that she ended the call.
She browsed through her phone and stared at the picture she had taken on the internet.
“I missed you.”
In the picture were Aiden, Declan, and some girls she did not know.
“I missed you so much.”
*
TBC…