All eyes were on Lyken when he arrived. He was looking gorgeous in his navy blue long sleeves with a hand embellishment.
Looking closely, Jada wanted to roll her eyes when she realized it wasn't just an embellishment. It's a real hand.
Before she looked at the owner, she wished it was Ada but her genie failed her. Walking next to Lyken is a sophisticated-looking woman, smiling at them.
She averted her eyes and focused on the watermelon instead. Jada started stabbing it with a fork as a way of distraction.
She wasn't sure why she's reacting like that. She admits that she's feeling irritated and she couldn't deny that. Despite the weird emotions, she still manages to smile.
Being able to feel irritated at the sight of Lyken showing up with another woman, could only mean one thing. She's indeed human, still human.
The scene hurt her, but she can say that she's already forgiven Lyken for everything he's done. Jada's moved on from the ghost of her past, their past.
Whatever irritation she's feeling at that moment has nothing to do with what happened before. It's something personal and new.
Steve and Robin stood up to give way to Lyken and his companion. Jada was thankful that they didn't sit in front of her or she might end up being a criminal before a maid of honor.
Steve sat on the armchair of the single-seater Jada was sitting on, placing an arm over her shoulder. She tried ignoring everything and eventually, the spotlight moved to Lyken.
"How are you son? It's been a while. You didn't even pay us a visit in the States," Rafael told him, he sounded like he was sulking.
Although they don't see each other often, Lyken always makes sure that he accompanies them whenever they're in the country for a meeting or other business-related events.
They always talk over Skype as well. They'd talk to him more often than their daughter and that's how they grew close to each other.
Lyken smiled awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head. He looked like he didn't know what to tell the old man, so Jada spoke in his place.
"He's busy pa, leave him alone," she told him, stealing a glance at Lyken and the woman he's with.
Still looking uncomfortable, he forced himself to smile, "Sorry Tay, we're a bit busy since Kobe and I are hands-on with the firm," he explained then he turned to the woman next to him. . "This is Josefin, by the way, she's one of our clients. This is Papa Rafael and Mama Risa, Jada's parents."
Jada wanted to say something but she can't think of anything sensible. Instead of trying, she focused on the poor watermelon again.
The woman stood up and kissed the hands of the couple. When Jada looked at them, they were smiling widely at her, as if they have known her all their lives.
"When are your parents coming, Honreta?" Rafael asked.
Honey scrunched her nose after hearing how he addressed her, but she immediately smiled when Rafael looked at her. Kobe and Jada can't help but chuckle as they glance at each other.
"They're here tomorrow, Pa. Mommy just had to finish an order before they could close the shop. They're also planning to go on a vacation after the wedding," Honey informed Rafael and the man nodded at her.
"Edgardo's lucky, he'll have a grandchild soon. I wonder when I'll have one," Rafael stated, glancing at his daughter before laughing.
Steve nudged Jada, teasing, and she noticed Lyken laughing along with her father. She rolled her eyes to no one, annoyed at their reaction, his reaction.
"Are you still not on good terms with Jadanela, Lyken?" Her eyes widened after hearing my mother's question. She can't even force herself to face them.
She continued playing with the watermelon, stabbing it with a fork. A few more stabs and it will soon turn to water.
"We haven't talked about us, Ma," he responded.
Risa tapped Jada's shoulder but she still didn't look at her, "I hope you two can fix whatever problems you have. Don't waste your friendship over things you can just talk about. You've been friends for how long? Ten years? Don't let all those years go down the drain."
She can feel the tension inside her rising. Jada can't even look at Lyken because she might end up saying something and they might misunderstand.
"We'll fix things between us Ma, Pa. Don't worry, we just need time," he answered again.
Jada was thankful when her father's phone rang. It was a client call so he had to excuse himself. 'Whoever you are, you're heaven sent!'
When Rafael went to the garden, she excused herself to go to the restroom. As soon as she stepped in, she started vomiting. Jada threw up everything she ate because of the tension.
She spent ten minutes talking to the toilet bowl before she managed to stand up and face the sink to wash her face. Her lips are pale and beads of sweat are visible on her forehead.
Jada was about to go out when someone knocked so she opened the door right away thinking that someone needed to use the restroom. Wiping her sweat as she opened it, Jada was startled to see Lyken standing outside.
"Ja, are you ok?" he asked, creasing his forehead at her. Surprised by his presence and speechless at how handsome he looks, she can only nod in response. "I was worried, I heard you vomiting, are you sure you're fine?" he asked again.
"Ah yeah, I threw up. I think I ate too much. But I'm fine," then she smiled at him.
He didn't say anything anymore so Jada walked past Lyken but then he called her so she turned again to face him. "Ja, I'm glad you're back," he smiled at her before entering the restroom.
Jada felt ecstatic after that short exchange. She was hopping on the steps as she climbed the stairs. When she reached the second floor, she headed straight to her room.
She just lay down on the bed when the door flew open. In came Honey, she was gasping for air and her forehead sweaty, "Sis, what happened to you?" she asked, obviously panicking.
"I'm fine. I just overate," Jada told her, tapping her stomach and grinning.
"Gosh, I thought it was something serious. Lyken's a bit exaggerated!" she blurted out, slapping her forehead, relieved.
"Why, what did he say?"
"He called me outside, looking anxious. Then he said you were throwing up and you looked pale. He even said you seem to be pregnant then he punched the railings of the stairs. Gauche! Mama Risa was surprised because of what he did, I needed to come up with an excuse when she asked what's happening," Honey narrated.
"What? Pregnant?" She shook her head and giggled, "He was definitely overreacting," confirming what Honey said before they both ended up laughing continued. "You go ahead, I'm fine here. I'll just rest a bit."
Honey tapped her leg as she stood up, "Go, but make sure to come down right after, okay? We still have a lot to talk about," then she turned on her heel, closing the door as she left.