I could feel the puffiness under my eyes. I gaze around the room and all I could see is a white wall with the combination of sky blue. The sheets were blue and smells like someone's perfume, mint. This scent never gets out of my head. I don't know why and I know this belongs to Malcolm; the first time we encountered was the same scent he used. I suddenly realize this doesn't seem my bedroom. Last night, I certainly remember being overactive like a stray kitten. I deeply sigh in frustration when I remember what happened. This day couldn't be better.
I swing my legs off in his bed and unwrinkle his sheet and comforter with my own hand and then decided to go downstairs.
I startle for a moment when he suddenly appears in front of me—holding a mug in his right hand and almost get spilled. He jump slightly in surprise. I feel like my soul left my body. I don't have much energy today and I get startle easily. Probably due of stress, or maybe about my dad.
"Oh! You're awake" Malcolm took a one step back. He looks flustered while giving me the mug. It smells milk and it literally contains milk.
"You shouldn't have bothered, I can make my own" I smile slightly "But thanks"
"It's fine, it's just a milk—easy to make" he shrug and scratch the back of his neck.
"Thanks for your effort" I took a sip. It's delicious and warm. "Where's your mom?" I ask curiously when we walk downstairs and head toward the kitchen.
"She left early" Malcolm said while taking the eggs out from the pan, placing it on the plate.
"What are you doing?" I frown and wonder why he bothers to cook when it's my responsibility as a cook.
"Let me do that" I tried to take it but he refused.
"Just sit okay, I can do this" he reassures while placing the plate on the table and pour the fried rice into the bowl.
"No—I can't just sit here watching you, that's my job" I muttered.
"Just shut your mouth and sit there, I can take care of this" he sternly commands.
I chuckle "Okay, I guess I'm sitting here as a guest" I settle a seat on the chair while amusingly watch him. I haven't seen him like this. He looks so adorable.
"I didn't know you can cook" I chuckle in amusement for what I'm gazing.
"I have my special abilities dorky" he winks
"So, why did your mom hired me if you can do it yourself?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Because she can't rely on me and I'm an indolent person" he rolled his eyes.
"Well, obviously you're always getting up late" I laugh
"Right" he put the bowl on the table while his face is only a few inch away from me. Our eyes lock into each other. I can't help myself to imagine what we did last week on the beach. I gulp and look away. I can't really bear staring at his charming face because I don't know what should I do next. I'm acting weird.
I clear my throat "By the way, what time is it?"
He brush off her hands and look closely to his wristwatch "it's quarter to 10"
"What? Really? I slept that much?" I gasped.
"Obviously" he simpered.
I sigh "By the way, I am sorry for being such a crybaby last night"
He shook his head "Don't say that, you're not a crybaby" he giggle "What happened was reasonable" he stated.
"Do you think my dad came back for a reason?" I raise an eyebrow
"You know dorky—everything happens for a reason and maybe your dad needs an explanation for that"
"I don't want to talk to him ever" I scoff
"I understand what's inside you dorky. I know it hurts. I know how it feels" he caress my cheek "but your dad—is still your dad" he sigh "you can't change the fact that you're still his daughter"
"So, whose side are you on?" My eyes widened at his statement.
"I don't take anyones' side dorky" he waves off
"But you sound like you're taking my dad" I hissed.
He put away the ladle and settle a seat beside me. "I truly understand you" he threw an arm around my shoulder. "You need time to think before you decide-and you can stay here one more night if you'd like"
I put away his arm "I appreciate your kindness but I think I am bothering you for my situation" I look at him. "Maybe I'll stay with Zia for a while until I'm fine"
"You're not bothering me, even my mother knew you're here"
"What? Oh shit that's embarrassing" I gasp
"I'm here for you-we're friends right?" I slightly wince for a moment. I know I am glad to be his friend but I don't know why there's an ache when he said that.
"T-ha-nk you" I shrink from my seat.
"My pleasure" he smile adorably.
"But I don't have clothes-can I at least borrow?" I puppy eyed and pouted.
"O-okay, not a problem for me" he stuttered.
===
I just took a shower from his bathroom. The towel is wrap around my body and I seek a t-shirt in his closet. My phone suddenly vibrates and I decided to take a look. My heart skips for a bit when I saw my mom called many times. 40 missed calls. I feel so sorry for my mom. I heave a sigh and ignored. Just give me some time to initiate mom. Just a little.
I went back from his closet and I was about to open when my towel slid down around my chest. I look at my breasts and gasped. I am lucky no one is here, I should be more careful. I was about to wrap when Malcolm suddenly move the door open. My eyes grew in shock and my chest starts to palpitate.
"Oh my God... I... I am so sorry" Malcolm's eyes widened while staring at my breasts? He quickly turned away. I quickly wrap my towel and crooked my shoulders in embarrassment. Did he just look into my chest? OH MY GOD!
"Shit, why didn't you knock the door? " I wailed
"S-orry... I just... have to check since it's been an hour" he stammered.
He took a glimpse and I threw him the clothes while he pitily cross a shield in his arms to defend himself. "Get the hell out!" I wailed.
"Okay... okayyyy I'll close the door" he waves off mischievously while he shut the door. Oh my god. What just happened? I hastened and lock the door knob instantly, leaning against the door still palpitating. What just happened? I was so clumsy! I can't forgive myself for this.
I hurriedly wear a shirt in black with a written designed'wild thing' and wear my cycling short which I worn last night. Hope it won't stinks.
I finally walk downstairs and search my contacts on my phone attempting to call Zia but she didn't answered. I saw Malcolm on the couch, watching TV while gripping the remote with his both hands.
"Hey... Uh-mm sorry for-" I cut him. I don't wanna talk about it. My heart will thud so fast and I can rarely breath.
"It's fine. Forget it" I make face while scrolling through my phone to try to forget my clumsiness.
He smirk "Nice boobs though" he suddenly commented and I felt a sudden heat in my cheeks. I try to hide my face with my hair to hide my embarrassment while I took a seat beside him.
"Shut up"
"What are you wearing?" he snorted
I finally look at him "Obviously you're shirt" I rolled my eyes.
He scoff "My shirt only? It looks like you're not wearing your bottom"
"I'm actually wearing my cycling duh!" I scowl
"Don't be like that" he pleaded.
" Why?"
"Nothing" he look away quickly trying to control something.
"What?" I curiously asked.
"You do have an alluring thighs, I can't keep my eyes off" he trailed off while staring at me. My heart race and I control not to show my smile. Stop it. I don't want to feel something like this. It felt edgy.
"If you're not comfortable, I'll just leave" I stated.
"No, I-"
"I changed my mind" I heave a sigh
He properly sits with a serious face "Sorry I should not supposed to do that"
"No, not about you" I sigh "About my dad-I think we desperately need to talk. I think you're right" I trailed off.
"Oh-yeah that's a good decision dorky" he softly smiles.
"Can you walk with me?" I pleaded.
"Sure" he nodded and we stood up from the couch and started walking. The surroundings were dim. Only the street lights gives bright and reflects our silhouettes as we walk across the street.
"Thanks, I really don't have the enough courage to face my dad" I fidgeted.
"Don't worry everything's gonna be alright okay" he reassures. I inhale and exhaled before I try to knock at our house. Gaining the courage and confidence inside me. The door creaks open and my mom instantly hug me. She cries. The cries that I witnessed after my dad left. My heart breaks into pieces. I cannot let my mom to feel sorrow like this.
"I'm sorry mom" I sob and hug her back. I could feel the comfort when my mom embraces me. I feel like I'm always be her baby.
We parted our hugs when Mario approach me, restraining the tears that were about to fall in his eyes. He didn't succeed. He embrace me with so much love that I had never felt for long years. The emotions and sympathy arises when he begin sobbing.
"I am truly sorry my dear" he said with full of sentiment that cause me from bawling. This is the moment I''ve so much waited. Me, mom, and my dad; being together and complete is irreplaceable even the most priceless thing.
We parted from our hug while looking into each other's eyes "I'm sorry" I murmur "I want to talk to you" I trailed off.
"I am happy my daughter finally talked to me" Mario weeps.
"Sorry dad, I was in shocked and that didn't process easily" I sigh
"I will tell you everything dear" Mario caress my cheek and I smiled weakly. I look from behind and I saw mom wiping her tears. My eyes widens a bit when I also saw Malcolm sniffed and walks away.