"G-Gray?" I stuttered as if I didn't expect to see him here.
Did he come home here in the Philippines? My childhood friend slash crush is here! I was dumbfounded by staring at him. He's handsome and he is taller than me now.
What is he doing here? I confessed to him and I was 17 years old at that time. We both know each other because our parents also know each other. Many years had passed but why does he suddenly appear in front of me now? He's my first ever crush. How did he know I was here and where am I studying right now? We even don't communicate. I'm confused by what is happening.
"I missed you, Clairey," he smiled and suddenly hugged me.
Eh, I'm so fragile. I never heard that nickname for the past years.
"H-How did you k-know t-that I'm here?" I looked at him and I noticed that we were very close to each other.
"Tita told me about these things," he seriously said.
What? Wait, where is Kuya Caius? He's supposed to get me.
He probably noticed, "Kuya Caius told me that I'll take you home because he has overtime at work."
I can't move.
"A-Ah eh, I'm surprised, Gray. I didn't know all along. We lost communication for about 4 years and now you're here in front of me. I can't process. Wait," I touched my head and looked at him laughing.
"What now? It's your fault," I just stared at him.
He pinched my cheeks, "You're so cute. Now, let's go. Maybe your mom will find you."
He gestured me to the parking of his car, and wow he got his car now. I think?
"This is yours?" I said in amazement and just stared at the car.
"Yeah, it's a gift," he smiled and sat down in the driver's seat.
I would have open the back seat door but –
"What are you doing there? Sit with me in the front seat. Don't you miss me, Clairey?" Woah. Just wait, my heart is pounding.
"Eh s-sorry."
I don't know what to say, stupid.
I opened the front seat and sat down while he's just staring at me.
"You're so pretty, Clairey. That's why I fell for you before," he seriously said.
I suddenly looked at him, "W-What?"
He just smiled and started to drive. I've been so quiet on the ride and I just watched him drive. After few minutes, we were here in front of the house.
My older brother immediately met me at the gate and raised an eyebrow at me.
"Why are you both late? What time is it? Gray?" I turned to Gray who was just getting out of his car.
"B-Because-"
I was cut off by Gray.
"We just talk, Kuya Caius. Besides I missed her so it took us a while," he said as he walked beside me and wrap his arms around my waist.
My older brother looked at Gray's hand, "Let's go inside, they are waiting."
Gray and I entered the house together and I was shocked because Gray's mommy and daddy are also here. What's happening?
"Oh! Here they are," Mommy said while still not sinking into myself what's happening.
I smiled at them, "Hello mommy, daddy, and to the family of Gray."
"Hello, Claire. You're a fine young lady now and such a beautiful girl," Gray's mommy smiled at me.
"Claire, nice to see you again. Son, you're making a move," Gray's daddy said, laughed softly because he noticed that Gray was still holding my waist.
"How are you and it's been a long time," I smiled at them and they gestured us to seat on the couch. Gray and I were seated beside each other.
"We talked about that we're going to have an arrangement," mommy said with a serious face.
"W-What arrangement?" I asked nervously to all of them.
"We're going to arranged you and Gray for our business, my dear. I know it's too complicated to explain but that's the only way," said daddy as he spoke seriously.
"What? Why did you not tell us earlier? Gray and I? But dad, I thought I'm going to finish my study first," I told them in tears.
It's too hard for me. Yes, I admit that I have a crush on him but that was before. I don't have any feelings for him at the moment. I hope they won't force me on this.
"Hush, Clairey. It will be okay. We're going to fight until the end, right?" he comforted me.
I turned to him. What the hell is he saying? That I will agree? No way!
"Sorry, but I disagree with that decision. I have my brain and heart. I don't want to be submissive and I don't like this arrangement. Sorry."
They were all surprised at my reaction, "No, Claire. Wait-" I never let them finished talking.
I immediately got up and ran upstairs to my room.
I closed the door and climbed into bed. I just cried and cried and mumble inside my room.
Why does this have to happen? I thought the business was okay or are they lying to me all the time? Of all the people, why Gray? I have my own heart and I know my heart is no longer beating for Gray. I'm sure. One day someone will love me too, the one who's not mixed up, who is real, and will appreciate all of me.