One

I kept honking the horn of my car. What the heck! The owner of this parked vehicle in the middle of the subdivision road has no shame. I'm late! Just one minute late! I really don't want Grandma to get mad at me because I was late for her 68th birthday.

Since there was no one passing by, out of frustration, I got out of my vehicle and approached the obstructing car. A red Maserati. Its owner seems rich. Maybe? Not sure.

As I got closer, I forcefully banged on the driver's door. "You foolish person! Get out of your car in the middle of this road!" I yelled with all my strength, simultaneously hitting the car's windshield.

It took me six bangs and six yells before the driver's window opened. A person who looked like he just woke up greeted me. He was squinting, trying to get rid of something on their face. What the heck? Was he sleeping? In the middle of this road! For how long? Why didn't anyone notice?

I examined him. He was a good-looking man. His deep brown eyes stared at me. He had perfectly arched eyebrows and a face with a slender, long nose and slightly thin, pinkish lips. He had a well-built body. His chocolate brown hair was a bit messy. He didn't look like a mugger or a killer. After a few seconds, his sleepy expression turned into surprise as he continued to gaze at my face. Was he mesmerized by my beauty? If you are being too hopeful, Casslie.

"Hey! Mister, who are you? Please move your darn car aside. I can't get through because of your car. Have you ever thought about sleeping somewhere else—" I was interrupted when he said something strange and chuckled with amusement.

"What perfect timing! You've really changed!"

"What's funny?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Don't you recognize me, Cairen? Hey! It's me, Zach. Your classmate from high school. Where's your home? Do you live here? I've been wandering around this subdivision looking for you. Someone told me you live here, so I just wanted to see you." He smiled as if he were a toothpaste endorser. I didn't understand what he was saying. Wait! Zach? Don't tell me he's...

"Zachary Archer Mendez?" I wasn't sure if I said it correctly.

"Yes, it's me. Did I change that much?" He sounded flirtatious. Ugh! I didn't like him. Is this the guy Cairen's friend had a huge crush on?

"Uh, not really. What do you want from Cai—from me?" I felt annoyed, I don't know why. He was the guy who was Cairen's friend ultimate crush back then, right? Yes, it's him. I couldn't be mistaken.

"Just checking on you. How are you?" I noticed the two dimples on his face when he smiled. "Why are you staring at me like that? Even if we weren't friends back in high school, we were still classmates, right? I'm getting hungry. Where's your house?" The smile vanished from his lips. The way he looks now, he seems hungry. Well, I'm kind and Grandma taught me good manners, so it's alright to have a visitor and he was my high school classmate. I can ask him about Grace. I want to know how she's doing. I also want to see her and give her a hug.

"Okay, follow me. Kindly move your car away from the middle of the road," I said before returning to my sports car, the vehicle Grandma reluctantly gave me even though I didn't really want to have one, but I couldn't refuse her insistence.

After getting into the car, I waited for him to leave first. I started the car once he was at the side. Sucks! One minute and thirty seconds late! I accelerated the car, knowing that he was following closely behind me. It took me one minute to reach Grandma's house. The two guards opened the large metal gate. I stopped between the gates and rolled down the driver's window. I turned my head towards one of the guards

"I have someone with me, please let him inside along with his cars. Don't worry, he's a good man," I informed him about my companion.

"Okay, madam," he nodded. I closed the window and entered the premises. I saw three parked vehicles. I suddenly felt happy when I received a text from my cousin, Mikaella. She said that my parents are here. Oh gosh! I'm finally going to see them. I wonder how they look now. Are they old? Do they have a few strands of white hair? I quickly got out of the car once I parked it in the garage.

I walked straight towards the front door of the house. I paused when I saw Zach waiting for me. I hate his smile. Well, he looked nice in his half-sleeved polo shirt, black crisp jeans, and those branded shoes. Why did he want to see me?

"Let's go inside," I said as I walked past him.

"Sorry if I'm being a bother," he apologized as we entered through the door.

"It's okay," I said while waving my right hand. I adjusted my silk shirt and fitted black jeans. I tied up my long blonde-brown dyed hair.

"Don't get too comfortable, it's not my house," I said to him, glancing around. Grandma's house was incredibly beautiful, a classic house. The floor was made of expensive tiles, a faded pink shade. The walls were a royal yellow color, and there was a large chandelier in the middle of the living room. Grandma loved paintings and antique items. Two maids greeted us.

"Madame, they're waiting for you in the hall room," one of the maids said, bowing slightly.

"Thank you," I smiled at her. I pulled Zach, who was staring at a painting to our left. I noticed the surprise on the faces of the two maids when they realized I had a male companion. They seemed curious about why I had a man with me. If they even dare to think beyond that, I will fire them immediately.

"I like this house," he almost couldn't catch his breath from being amazed. I let go of his wrist when we reached the hall door.

"Introduce yourself to them as my classmate—"

"Your parents know I'm coming here. They're the ones who invited me."

What? So? Then? Do my parents know him? Are they close? Is she close to Zach but forgot to tell me?

"O-okay," I opened the door and we entered. I was nervous. A few people stood in front of me. Grandma was seated in the middle, and I also saw Mikaella, her parents, and my three aunts with their husbands and children. My gaze lingered on the two people I had only just seen. Right here, five meters away from me, were my parents. I took quick steps towards them. They were smiling at me with teary eyes. I received a tight hug from them.

"My beautiful daughter," I heard my mother say after they embraced me.

My father touched my nose, which startled me. "You haven't changed at all, you're still cute, my baby," he said, pinching my nose playfully.

"Stop it, Arthur. You might be hurting our child," my mother scolded my father. I just stared at the two of them, smiling. The corners of my eyes grew warm, and I didn't notice the tears rolling down my cheeks.

"There you go. My baby's crying because of what you did," my mother wiped my cheek. Is this how they love her? If... they knew I wasn't her, would they treat me the same?

"Sorry, my baby," my father hugged me. Is this how they are? How lucky she is to live with them when I'm not.

"It's okay, I just missed you, Mama, Papa," I wiped my tears. My cheeks grew warm, and I took a deep breath. I was embarrassing myself.

"Sigh, this child really takes after you, Cassandra," my father said with a chuckle, causing my mother to give him a playful pinch. I just laughed.

"Zach! You're here. I thought you wouldn't make it," my father exclaimed to Zach behind me.

Zach scratched his head. "If it wasn't for your child, I wouldn't have been able to come here. You know, my phone got snatched," he admitted sheepishly.

"Oh no! Ihjo. I'm sorry about what happened. I told you, Arthur, we should have brought him along," my mother said.

"It's alright, Auntie," Zach smiled. Auntie? How are Zach and I related? Cousins?

"I'll leave you here for now, Mom, Dad, and Zach." I glanced at the guy. "I'll go check on them," I informed them.

"Sure, my child. Zach and I will catch up here!" my father said happily.

"Come back here, dear. We have a lot to talk about," my mother squeezed my hand before letting go. I simply nodded my head.

Zach gave me his charming smile, and I returned it while mentally rolling my eyes.

I checked on my three aunts, my dad's siblings and Grandma's children, and their children. Zenn, Tita Asharon's three-year-old child, was so cute and the youngest among the four of them. Tita Dianne had twins, a boy and a girl, named Shanna and Haze. Tita Victoria had one child, the mother of Mikaella. I greeted their spouses. Wow! They're so wealthy. My parents? They're not rich, just leading a nice, comfortable life.

I kissed my grandma on the cheek. "Happy birthday, grandma," I greeted her.

"Thank you, my sweet granddaughter," Grandma held both of my hands. "Let's start my celebration," she said happily.

"Yeah!" I forced myself to sound excited.

I went back to my parents. Dad and Zach looked so happy. I wonder what the two of them were talking about. Grandma's celebration had begun. We sang "Happy Birthday" and blew out the candles on the cake. I sat next to Mom while we all watched Grandma. We sat at one of the tables. Mom was beside me. Dad and Zach took care of getting our food. I wasn't in the mood to eat. I was already full. I had just eaten at Alice's house. Mom and I chatted while we ate. She's really playful. Grandma was busy talking to her children. It seems like she and Dad still haven't reconciled. I don't know why. Grandma didn't tell me the reason.

"Mama, it's not like that. I don't have, you know..." I felt awkward with Mom's question. She asked me how many, if any, boyfriends I have. I always feel uncomfortable when someone asks.

"Don't be shy, dear," Mom softly said, smiling.

"Well, really, I don't have any. Even if you asked Grandma," I pouted. Despite not seeing or meeting them, I am comfortable with them as though I am myself when I'm not. I avoided eye contact and took a deep breath, blinking my eyes to hold back my tears.

"Why don't you have anyone? Haven't you found anyone you like?" Mom raised her voice, causing Dad and Zach to look at the two of us. Embarrassing! It burned me! Why did they want to know about my love life? Would they give me a lecture if I told them the truth? If I just be myself?

"Uh, it's not that I don't have anyone. I just haven't found someone I like. Excuse me, I need to talk to my cousin. They're calling me, Mom," I lied. I wanted to stay away for now. Maybe Mom would try to persuade me in the end. But Cairen wouldn't do what I'm doing. She's the best daughter they have and know. They don't know me, and it hurts, but it's true. I didn't wait for Mom's response. I quickly kissed her on the cheek before leaving.