Chapter 81: Chapter 81

Andrea

No, no, no, no. This can't be happening. I fidgeted as I wrapped my sweaty hands around my purse to hide its trembling.

I can't meet Lucas. Moments ago, I had been excited that I wouldn't have to see Lucas, and now he wants to introduce us.

I quickly regained my composure and asked, “You mean right now?” I asked, and he nodded. 'Think, think, think.’ I hurried my brain. I have to think of something—an excuse or whatever to get myself out of this.

I shifted in my seat.

The car stopped in front of another. Alejandro turned to me as we waited for the red light to turn green.

My eyes quickly moved to the car in front of us. I couldn't hold eye contact with him. “Well, I would love to. That would be great.” I said and laughed half-heartedly.

“I know, right? Lucas would love to meet you.” He said.

Trust me, I am the last person he wants to set his eyes on. I said inside my head.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down. It seems Alejandro has already made up his mind, but I have to convince him otherwise.

“That would not be so great. His mom is in the hospital. I don't think he would want to see his Dad's girlfriend.” I said a bit to change his mind, and I was right. No matter how I thought of it, he wouldn't be pleased if I was in his shoes; I wouldn't be pleased either.

“How about we arrange for some other day? You should spend time with him today.” He started driving again.

I held my breath as I awaited his response. I silently said a prayer, hoping he would agree. I knew it would sound suspicious if I kept trying to change his mind.

“You do have a point.” He said, and I released my breath.

“But I'll have to see him at the hospital before taking you home.” He said, and I nodded. I could stay in the car. I do not need to go with him.

The car soon stopped in front of the hospital, and he gave me a quick peck before stepping out.

I sat inside the car, looking around as people streamed in and out. The weather was nice. If it was some other days when I knew Lucas was nowhere close, I'd have stepped down and taken a walk around.

After some time, Alejandro walked back. “I won't be able to take you back home. But I called Sam, my driver.” He looked around, “he should be here somewhere.” He said.

Just then, Sam walked towards us. He bowed in respect, “Sorry for the delay.” he apologized.

“I'll text you when I get home,” I said, and he gave me a quick kiss before I stepped back into the car.

The car zoomed off.

My hands remained on my chest until I got home.

PRESENT

“Nothing happened, Alison,” I said, standing up. “Come back here. We aren't done talking,” Alison said as I walked with my purse in one hand and the glass in the other.

Alison walked beside me. She grabbed my hands and linked our hands together. “You aren't going to keep me outright? How could you do this to me.” She whined.

“Fine, I'll tell you. Let me go first.” I said, shaking off her hands, but she held onto me tightly. “Fine.' she said and reluctantly let me go.

We walked to my bed, and we both sat at the edge of the bed, as I recounted the day's experience to her.

“You mean you are officially dating?” She asked, and when I nodded, she jumped down and danced around. That got me wondering if she had not listened to the entire story and how Alejandro had almost found out about everything.

“Did you even listen to me?” I asked, touching my neck, which was low and empty. I had removed all the accessories I wore.

“I did.” She replied, sat back down, and placed one hand on her head. She must be feeling dizzy after the little dance.

“So why are you bothered?” She asked.

“Lucas. I met Lucas in the same hall Alejandro was in.” I said, emphasizing the last part of the sentence so she would get the message.

“Do you think I made a mistake by not telling him?” I asked her.

“It's not as if you can change it now,” she said. “But it would not have made much sense to tell him immediately after he confessed that he is in love with you.” She said, and I nodded. Just what I was thinking.

“But now the chances of him finding out has increased.”

“That is why you should tell him soon.” She said.

“I know. I just couldn't find the right words. Should I have said, ‘’Hey, I dated your son?’ or ‘I approached you on purpose just to get back at your son for cheating on me?’”  I passed a hand over my hair and blew the hair on my face with my lips. “I don't even know what to say. I don't know how to begin.”

I raised my head to Alison, “what should I say.” I asked.

“I'm thinking about it too. You know the perfect way to begin.” She said, one of her hands held the other. I rolled my eyes. She wasn't helping.

“How about you enjoy the new relationship now and set the date you want to tell him, then we can carefully come up with something for you to say on that day,” Alison said.

That night, as I lay on my bed, I thought about a million ways Alejandro would react.

Would he yell at me and tell me never to see him again?

Would he be angry for a while but forgive me after some time?

My phone beeped, breaking into my thoughts.

It was a message from Alejandro, “Love, did you miss me?” He asked.

I rolled to the other end of the bed, temporarily forgetting what bothered me.