"Kismet, do you really want to go home or explore the city a little more?" he asked.
"Okay, okay! Hold on… I choose the latter but that doesn't mean it's a fucking date, a'right?" I said. My voice raised up a little as I shoot daggers to him.
He chuckled and shook his head slowly. "It's up to me if I consider this thing as a date."
My forehead creased. He was so stubborn that I cannot argue with him anymore.
So, I just slumped my back on the seat and crossed arms.
Our next stop was the restaurant.
"Reservation under Kean Davidson, please," he said to the attending crew.
It was my first time to hear his surname and I didn't expect this to be three syllables.
The crew smiled and led us to our table. "This way, sir."
He then handed us the menu when we get settled. The restaurant was quiet and only music played.
I ordered the most expensive thing the restaurant can offer and see if Kean's face would grimace. But I was disappointed because he didn't even care about it and ordered the same thing as mine.
"So, you are Kean Davidson?"
"Yes, nice to meet you!" he replied with a playful smile on his lips.
"Where is my father?" I can't help but to ask the question. It's been swirling on my mind ever since I got to his house.
"He is safe," he said.
"Please," I looked at him straight to the eye to show that I am sincere and desperate. I really wanted to know where my father was and why I am here.
"Kismet, he is safe. And also you are here with me to be safe."
"That's not what I needed to hear right now, Kean. Why? Why are you doing this to me?"
"Stop acting like a brat!" he whispered.
I was about to sneer at him when the waiter arrived and set our orders on the table. I pursed my lips and cleared my throat. Kean always infuriates the hell out of me. He also has the last say of everything.
I focused my annoyance on the mouthwatering food. Manang Rosing always prepared me foods that were suitable on my taste. And I look forward to what Cris delivers every mealtime comes.
"Are you upset?" he asked in the middle of our meal.
I looked at him like he has two heads. I put down the spoon to my plate. "No! I'm acting like a brat!"
He wiped the sides of his mouth with the napkin and chuckled. "Now, you're acting like one."
"Shut up!" I talked back.
"20 questions," he replied.
My eyes went straight to his. "What do you mean?"
"I will allow you to ask me 20 questions only during your stay with me. So use it wisely," he said.
"Hold on! What the fuck are you talking about?"
"19 left."
"Shit!"
"19 questions left. Ask me anything and I'll truthfully answer."
I wiped my mouth with the napkin indicating that I'm done eating. He never let himself lose in any conversation that we had. I heaved a sigh.
"Where is my dad?" I asked cautiously.
He cleared his throat and leaned his back. "He is in jail and safe."
The words shocked me. Kean would never lie about it, right? He said he'll answer my questions truthfully. I waited. I waited for him to laugh like he always does but minutes passed, he wasn't even chuckling. He just stared at me and not doing anything. And I don't like him being like that.
That was when I started to believe him. I never thought my dad would be in a place I can't imagine.
How can he be safe in a jail? And what did he do to be in a place like that? What did my dad do wrong?
I wanted to ask him questions like that but it seems my strength jumped out of the window.
I laughed but tears started to fall. "E-Excuse me… I'll just go to the toilet."
He gestured his hand in the direction of the comfort room and I take that as a signal that he is letting me.
When I get there, I saw two girls putting make up in front of the wide mirror. I didn't mind them and entered at one of the empty cubicles and leaned on the wall. My heart felt as if it was ripped and constricted. I gasped as I went after my breath.
The tears were falling nonstop.
"Dad…" I whispered.
My legs were shaking and they didn't keep me up from standing. I sat down and bend my legs. I rested my forehead above my knees.
I didn't like my dad but that doesn't mean I wanted him to be in that kind of situation. I dislike him but still I wanted what was best for him. I can't help but to think that this was my entire fault. If I just go with his decision and inherit the company, he wouldn't be where he was now. If only I scheduled my flight a little early, I would have the chance to see him and know what he went through.
A knock on the door got me on myself. I wiped my tears and held my sob.
"Yes?"
"Are you done?" Kean's voice was soft and mellow.
I cleared my throat. "Get out. It's women's," I said.
"I know. But there wasn't any person here."
"Oh, okay!" I slowly got up. I put my palm on the wall for support because I think my legs would give up any time. I opened the door and saw Kean leaning his back on the sink and crossing his arms.
I went to him and opened the faucet to wash my face.
"Are you okay?"
I just nodded. I was taken aback when he pulled his handkerchief on his pocket and wiped my face. I groaned and forced to dodge.
"Stop moving!" he said.
He held my nape on one hand so that he can access my face. He used his other hand to wipe. Feeling weak and defeated, I just closed my eyes and stopped moving.
"Stop pretending that you're okay. How can people help you if you won't even show what you feel? Not all people have the talent to guess if you're okay or not."
"Stop…" I muttered as tears started to fall again. My lips quivered as I held back my sobs.
"Kismet, I would take you to your father but now is not the right time, okay?"
I nodded. "Hmm…"
He sighed and pulled me close to him. My cheek was on his chest and he wrapped his hands on my head and waist. I can hear his heart beat. With the comfort I felt, my sobs and tears were unstoppable.
"OMG!"
We were startled by a girl's voice and a purse dropping. I pushed him to see her but he held me tightly.
"Get out!" Kean said to the girl with his voice dark.
"S-Sorry," she replied and hurriedly collect her purse and walked outside.
I punched him softly on his shoulder. "Why did you scare the shit out of her?"
He chuckled. "Can that question be subtracted on the 20 questions I gave you?"
"What? That's unfair!"
"Just kidding, can you let me go now? I think you have been enjoying this position of ours."