Smiles felt bad for him. Derrick is the only one who has been patient and nice to her and now, she couldn't even do him the favor of returning his love to him, how cruel.
She was sucked in by her guilt when his sudden laughter echoed in the restaurant. Everyone's gaze was on them now but they dare not say a word.
Smile's brow twists in confusion as she stares at the smiling man before her. She wasn't embarrassed, but rather, she was scared the staff would ask for fines or chase them out for disturbing the place. She waited patiently for someone to walk in and say those words she imagined but no one came.
Her gaze lowered, staring at Derrick as if trying to read through him. She just couldn't tell who he was. She has this hunch, telling her there is more to what he has presented before her but somehow, she couldn't pinpoint it.
"What's funny?" She asked nonchalantly. Staring at the man with a carefree attitude. She's realized that if she dares take him seriously, she will surely grow mad or burst out in anger one day.
"Did you see your face? So cute, I just couldn't stand it anymore" he continued laughing, holding his stomach. Derrick has always been a carefree man, he doesn't have time for anyone or anything not to talk about what they say about him.
As the son of Simon Wright, and the heir to the Wright's enterprise, he is expected to act as responsible and elegant as his title. But Derrick is not cool with all the rank stuff, all he ever wanted is to live a simple life and that's what he is doing.
Smiley face-palm herself, not believing he would be this funny in a time like this.
"Alright, listen…I love you, that's for sure" he said. She stares at him with wide eyes, not believing he will admit to it.
"But as a sister and nothing else," he continued, and only then did she breathe out in relief. She just doesn't know what it will be like with him catching feelings for her while she doesn't feel the same for him.
She's never had any male friend before and having him by her side is more than what she would have ever wished for in a friend. He's more to her than a friend, like a brother, and she didn't want it to end for reasons unknown to her.
There was a sad look in his eyes when he mentioned the word sister, and that didn't go unnoticed by her.
"What's wrong?" She asked in a soft and concerned voice. He smiles at her, shaking his head. She wasn't a fool not to know he was hiding something but she couldn't insist on him telling her if he didn't feel like it. Trust is earned not taking what she believes. So if she wants him to open up, she has to earn his trust first.
"Can I call you, sister? I mean, that's if it's ok with you but if it isn't then…" he was cut off by her.
"It's ok with me…so much as you want to call my sister, so do I want to call you, brother," She said in an almost teary tone with tears falling.
Smiles are a weak type but always act strong. Knowing she would have someone to call her brother, she was happy, very happy.
She's always wondering how it will feel like to have a family; a brother who will always tease you yet treat you like his favorite little treasure; a father who will always dot on you and provide you with anything you wish for; a mother who will always keep you warm in her loving arms that are always warm and will always look after everyone in the family.
All those have been her imagination till now, she's found a brother. Someone who teases her every time yet treats her like his favorite little treasure, someone who barely knows her life and her past yet still wants to be part of her worthless life.
What more should she ask for? When has all been given to her?
She lowers her head, hiding her face from him. She was crying and didn't want him to notice, beckoning to her he was aware.
She felt it, his warm arms around her. Giving her the comfort feeling she always imagines and more. If only he knew what this meant to her, he would hug her often.
It was the very first time he was hugging her but it felt like it was a casual thing for both of them.
She pulls away and wipes her face, smiling sweetly at him.
"Thank you, brother!" She said that word she'd always imagined how it would sound in her mouth.
"Such a cry baby" He teased. Her red face becomes even redder, feeling embarrassed to cry before him.
"I need to be more responsible now," he said. She frowns in confusion.
"Why?" She asked.
"Because I have a baby sister, hence I need to man up to take good care of her," he said proudly. Feeling happy he finally has a sister.
"You better be, 'cause this sister of yours is such a worry rat," She tells them, and they both laugh.
"I am not better…watch out for my teasing and bullying" he jokes. She puts on her puppy dog eyes pouting her lips.
"You won't bully little Smiles, right? She will always make you smile" she said. He laughs at her naughtiness.
"Sure I won't," he said and she claps, cheering like a kid.
The waiter came with their meal and served it. lunch break was almost over and they were still eating.
Derrick was in no rush, he ate gently taking his time.
Smiles on the other hand as if she's fighting a race with herself. Stuffing her mouth with food, messing up the corner of her mouth.
She can't be late, or else, Keane will punish her, and that she isn't willing to take.