Chapter 9: Right beside Me

Tiffie removed her eye mask when she heard the clock alarmed from her desk. It’s still 5 in the morning but she could hear the Latin music coming from the pool side. Maybe, Bobby was already practicing steps for their dance. She removed her night robe and put on her slippers. Then, she was combing her hair neatly when she heard her phone was ringing. She decided to hang it up. When she saw her big brother’s picture in the screen, she did not have a choice but to answer it.

“Tiffie, you need to go back to the mansion for a day.” Levi said while she could hear her grandmother shouting in the background. “Mamita wants you to accompany her to the Metro Asia hospital for her executive check-up. The chauffeur will pick you at 7 in the morning.”

“Okay.” She answered lazily. “I need to take some shower.” She laid the towel onto one of her shoulders. Slowly, she opened the bathroom door. Sleep tried to invite her back to her bed. Though, a cold shower might help to suppress the dizziness occurring in her. She turned on the water faucet and splashed the cold water from her face. Then, she’s about to rub her face with a liquid soap when she saw a manly figure behind her. It made her scream out of her lungs.

Bobby quickly covered her mouth to prevent on disturbing their neighbors. Because of his quick response, he forgot to see his bath towel fell from the floor leaving him wearing only his boxers with leopard print. He removed his hand when Tiffie bit one of his fingers.

“My!” He glanced at his swollen finger. Good thing, there’s no blood that dripped from it. “I guess that I need to have an appointment with my physician.”

“Next time, you better lock the door.” She rolled her eyes and threw the soap in the sink. Then, she took a glimpse of him from head to toe. “Did I buy that boxer?”

“No.” He put his both hands to cover the middle part. His newly-erected thing became a bit visible that made his cheeks turned red.

“Don’t worry.” Tiffie patted his shoulders. “I had already seen that in the past.” She took her toothbrush and toothpaste from the glass. “You better hurry because I need to use my “bathroom” after five minutes.” Then, she gently closed the door. Tiffie had no choice but to use the sink in the kitchen. Slowly, she pushed the gel out of her toothpaste. It made her disgusted when there’s nothing came out. She whispered Bobby’s name followed with a s-word.

Tiffie put her headset on while waiting for her turn. She read the middle of the chapter of a romantic novel that she’s holding into. Then, she closed the novel and it slipped through her hands. It made her to decide what could be her perfect breakfast. Quickly, she opened the refrigerator door and inspected every shelf of it. None could ease her hunger. She decided to open her cereal box. The smell of moth balls coming from the cabinet counter made her sneezed. The appearance of the cereal was kind of unpleasant. She pulled one of the wooden chairs and sat on. Her fingers playfully twisting the strands of her coffee-brown hair while looking at the bathroom door. It made her kept on glancing on the bathroom while waiting for Bobby to come out.  It took Bobby an hour before he opened the door. The scent of eucalyptus and lemon zest lingered in the air.

“What will be our breakfast for today?” Tiffie asked in a cheery manner. Then, she secretly threw the cereal box in the trash can near her.

“Oh, you better not to throw this food.” Bobby stopped from rubbing his hair with his towel. Then, he picked the box and took a quick glance inside it. “Dear… There are already growing molds inside here.” He checked the expiration date. “I guess we need to eat outside. The last time I check the refrigerator; there are only few vegetables and no milk.” He sighed. “Are you coming with me in the grocery store?”

Tiffie kept on looking at her nails. “No. I need to paint this with pink and violet for my next live stream.” She lied. Bobby held her hand and stared at her eye to eye. “What now?”

“It’s your turn to take a bath. I’ll go back to Café Amore today.” He took his towel and stood from his chair. Tiffie held the edge of his towel. He gave her a glare. “I don’t want to play games today.” He could hear Tiffie’s long sigh. His towel landed to his face when Tiffie let it go. He gave her a long sigh while staring at her for five minutes. Tiffie’s beauty really made his heart pounded fast. For him, she’s his rare jewel. “I’ll just make an incredible one out of these things.” One by one, he took the remaining ingredients from the refrigerator and kitchen drawers. Then, he put on his cupcake apron. “The breakfast will be served after you take a bath.”

“Aye!” Tiffie gave him a hand salute. Then, she snatched his towel and walked to the bathroom.

Bobby mixed the eggs and flour in the plastic round bowl.  Carefully, he laid each scoop inside the waffle maker. He took a glimpse at his watch then he glanced at the bathroom. It let him smile when he remembered the silly face of Tiffie before she went to the bathroom. Then, he turned on the coffee maker while waiting for the waffles to be ready. After ten minutes of waiting, he wore his mittens to secure his hands from burning. The waffles were perfectly placed in each white ceramic plate. And, Bobby playfully showered the maple syrup container in each waffle before he set the newly-fried bacon in each side. He glanced again at the bathroom and at the clock. Still, there’s no sign of Tiffie. Maybe, she’s not yet done. Bobby decided to read his old food magazines.

  It’s already half past 6 in the morning. Tiffie did not come out of the bathroom. Bobby knew that Tiffie usually took only thirty minutes to finish. He decided to bring out the keys from the kitchen drawer. Adrenaline rush went to his nerves while trying to find for the right key. Sweat drops began to form from his forehead. Then, he kicked the door and ran towards the shower room. Still, there’s no sign of Tiffie. He decided to open Tiffie’s bedroom. Her sweet scent of perfume lingered in the air. Tiffie glanced at him while standing near the mirror.

“What is it, Bobby?” Tiffie asked while fixing her hair.

“I just…” Bobby rushed to her side and hugged her from behind. “I thought that you had already left me.”

“Well… I have to go at 7 but…”

Tiffie could taste the bitterness of the morning cup of coffee as Bobby kissed her. His lips were softer than her pillows. Slowly, she opened her mouth to allow him to slip inside her. Their tongues tangled and went to a war with their locked mouths. Their kiss didn’t last long. Their lips got separated when they heard the car honked twice near the house.

Bobby swept off the velveteen curtains to have a glimpse of the visitors outside. There’s an old woman holding her wooden cane coming to their front gate. She was being accompanied by Atalia. Then, he hurriedly snatched the keys from Tiffie’s pocket and went to the gate. Tiffie followed him.

 “Good morning, abuela. Hi, twin.” Tiffie waved at them.

The old woman whispered something at Atalia. “Grandma said that we need to go back to the mansion right now.” Then, the old woman looked at Bobby from head to toe. “She also said that your boyfriend shall come with us.” Bobby and Tiffie looked at each other.

They left with no choice but to come with them. Atalia presented herself to be their driver. Tiffie sat in the front seat while their grandmother sat between Jake and Bobby. Then, Atalia pushed some buttons inside of her SUV. The temperature grew colder and the romantic blues played along. Tiffie secretly glanced at Bobby’s side.

‘When I’ll confess my feelings… I hope you won’t change… I shall say it silently…’

“When are you going to marry my granddaughter?” Her grandmother said while staring at Bobby. They could hear Bobby coughed hardly. In order to make him relieved, Tiffie passed him a water bottle. “During my days, I had already two children when I was on your age. Now, I’m contented with my wealth and beauty. When are you going to prepare your marriage, Tiffie and Atalia? Don’t tell me when you are already forty! I am not already living by that time.”

“Oh dear…” Tiffie sighed while rubbing her forehead. Too bad, her grandmother cannot be stopped from talking unless they will do something unusual.

“Why don’t we buy some groceries before we’ll stop at the hospital?” Atalia suggested.

“You’re right. I need to pee.” Her grandmother took her handmade fan out her clutch bag. “Better hurry, dear.” They heard a loud sound coming from her. They could hear her chuckle out. Because of the stench smell, Atalia rolled out the windows. “You just need to park the SUV there in that gasoline station. I couldn’t hold it anymore.” Tiffie almost bumped her head when Atalia suddenly stepped on the brake.

 “Can you please drive slowly, Atalia?” Her grandmother whined out then she glanced at Tiffie. “You might hurt my Estefania. Here you go, dear.” She reached out Tiffie’s hand and put a small bottle to her palm. “Better rub the oil with your both hands. Don’t forget to sniff out the menthol scent. It will ease down your headache.”

The two boys glanced at each other.

“For your information, that is Tiffie’s real name.” Atalia said while turning off the engine. “Tiffie, please buy me some potato chips and soft drinks.”

“Do not buy it, Estefania. It’s unhealthy. Switch your potato chips with a loaf of bread. I had a sandwich spread inside my bag.”

     Bobby brought the basket for Tiffie. They began to search for the beverages. Tiffie picked the coldest soda cans while Bobby took at least three water bottles. Then, they went to the potato chips. Tiffie remembered her twin sister’s favorite- potato chips with sour cream flavor. Accidentally, the potato chips landed on the floor instead of the basket. Bobby picked the chips for her and put it inside the basket. Then, he wrapped his arms around her waist. His lips trailed from her lips to her neck. Tiffie closed her eyes as she felt something different. They quickly parted when they heard somebody’s going to their direction. It was no other than but Jake.

  “Guys, are you not going to pay the groceries? Atalia’s already waiting for us.” When he walked over Tiffie, he could smell the sweet scent of her shampoo. He realized that if Bobby was not with them. There will be a chance that he can win her heart again. He didn’t waste any time. His hands grabbed a chocolate bar with hazelnuts. “Tiff, why don’t you take this with you?”

“Thank you.” Tiffie politely answered.  

---~~~--

Bobby stopped in the middle of the hallway. Then, he rested his hand on the top of his chin while staring at the huge old family portrait standing on the wall. There was Tiffie’s grandmother sitting on the chair made of narra. The two young couple was standing behind her. The young Levi was on the left of his mother while Atalia was standing at his opposite side. He was wearing a red and white checkered long polo sleeve. Tiffie was sitting on her grandmother’s lap. Atalia and Tiffie’s beauty had the same resemblance of their mother. They had both coffee-brown hair and dark brown eyes. The twins also wore the same pink tutu dress. The only different among them, Atalia was wearing a red roses flower crown while Tiffie was wearing blue orchid flower crown. He could even identify Eriana in the picture. Eriana was wearing a white flutter-sleeve dress. She’s shyly holding Atalia’s arm.

“Is Eriana connected with your family?” He asked out of curiosity.

“Yes, she is. She is my second cousin and the only granddaughter of my grandmother’s big brother.” Levi replied. “Why don’t you follow me, Mr. Bobby Flurry? I have something to show you.”

“How about he?” He pointed at Jake who’s sitting on one of the couches in the living room.

“Let him stay there. Atalia’s there to entertain him.”

At first, Bobby did not trust Levi. In order to get closer to Tiffie’s family, he needed to act friendly and to accept his invitation. They climbed to the second floor of the mansion. Levi twisted the door knob of the second room near the staircase. The Venetian door slowly creaked opened. The butler who’s standing at the bar counter greeted them while pouring the sauvignon de Blanc in each wine glasses. Levi told Bobby to sit beside him. Then, he asked the butler to give them something unusual drink. The butler agreed.

“So, tell me, are you really damn serious with Tiffie?” He asked while pouring the whiskey on the shot glass. Bobby did not utter any word. “Well, I hope that is a yes.” Then, he handed the shot glass to Bobby. “Let’s have some cheers.” Both of them raised their glasses even the butler joined them. They quickly drank the white liquid inside their glasses.

Bobby closed his eyes and made a frown after tasting the bitter after taste. It made Levi laughed that lingered in the four corners of the room. “Sorry, I am not used to drink this.”

“Well, you have too if you want to belong with my family.” He asked the butler to pour one another round. “You know what…” He gently tapped Bobby’s shoulder. “I think that I’m beginning to like you. But, please take care of my dear sweet sister. My grandma, and my twin sisters are only my treasures. Without them, my whole world will shatter.” Bobby remembered his sister Elaine. “I cherished them more when I lost our dear parents from that damn air crash…” Then, he talked about the remaining memories about their parents. “Our Tiffie loved violet color and Hello Kitty. Have you seen the violet cattleya bloomed on the wall? That’s where her bedroom located.” Levi stared at his reflection for a while. “I don’t know the reason why my sister decided to leave us in order to live with that random guy.” The random guy was pertaining to Jake. “By the way, Atalia had yearned for the klutzy archaeologist from Egypt. That damn archaeologist had no time to go back for her.” Levi asked the butler to pour another white liquid.

They were about to drink the third round when they heard a knock. Tiffie appeared from the door. Her arms were at the both sides of her waist. “There you are!” She shouted.

“Here, I am!” Bobby raised his hand while his vision was getting blurred.

“Grandmother was already waiting for the sauvignon de Blanc.” Then, she glanced at Bobby’s drunk state. “Oh dear, what have you done to him.”

“Well, my dear sister, you need to take care of your sweetheart.” Levi tapped Tiffie’s shoulder. Then, he stood up as if the alcohol had already subsided inside him. “I’ll just ask our royal butler to send your dinner on your room. I better go to the dining table to check upon Atalia and Jake.” He emphasized Jake’s name on his sentence.

Tiffie had no choice but to grab Bobby’s arm. She could even hear him laughing while his eyes closed. Tiffie tried not to feel nauseated while smelling the strong scent of alcohol coming from Bobby’s mouth. She succeeded to pull him out from the winery room. However, she lost her balance because of his heavy weight. They both fell to the hallway. Bobby laughed again.

“I love you, Tiffie.” He shouted. Then, he stood up and pulled her up.

They could hear the loud upbeat music coming from the ground floor. Bobby held Tiffie’s hand as they imagined themselves going to an invincible dance floor. They were standing closer while facing at each other. His right hand gently placed at Tiffie’s waist while his other hand was holding her left hand. They swayed their bodies from left to ride as they enjoyed the music. Bobby’s hand slid to her neck as their feet glided with the music. Then, he extended his left hand so Tiffie could turn around. After that, they both clasped their hands as Bobby pulled her closer to him. He let Tiffie turned around again. This time, Tiffie was already in front of him. Bobby’s both hands slid down to her waist. His vision got blurry again that caused him to knock over. It caused Tiffie to fall on top of him.

“Come on, Bobby.” She held his hand. “We need to lay you down on the bed.”     

“I am sleep…” He pressed his hand on her cheeks. “It’s soft.” He smiled and closed his eyes again. It made Tiffie rolled her eyes and pulled him inside her bedroom.

They arrived in the O’ Hara mansion at exactly 6 in the evening. Levi was already waiting for them at the front entrance. He was wearing his black suit and white long pants. Then, he opened the car door and assisted their grandmother to come down from the SUV. He gave each of his younger sisters sweet quick kisses on their cheeks. The old mansion had its own renovations since Tiffie decided to move out. The porch was still there. Even her favorite comfortable sofa near the dining area was still there. The 9 year old brown Shih Tzu happily greeted them. It barked loudly when it ran towards Bobby and Jake. Atalia didn’t have any choice but to carry their pet to their parents’ bedroom.

“This is Bobby Flurry, a chef from Café Amore.” Their grandmother introduced. “And, this is…”

“I have already known him, abuela.” He raised his eye brow when he walked around Jake. Disgust could be visible on his face as he stared at him from head to toe. Then, he gripped the collar of his shirt. “It seems that you have still guts to see our family after you has done with my younger sister!” His eyes grew fiercer than before.

“Levi!” Their grandmother banged her wooden cane twice. “Mind your manners. He is still our guest.” Then, she glanced at Jake who was still busy fixing the collar of his shirt. “I’m sorry about that, Mr. Cooper. By the way, ladies please entertain your guests first. I need to attend other business in the kitchen.”

 Bobby stopped in the middle of the hallway. Then, he rested his hand on the top of his chin while staring at the huge old family portrait standing on the wall. There was Tiffie’s grandmother sitting on the chair made of narra. The two young couple was standing behind her. The young Levi was on the left of his mother while Atalia was standing at his opposite side. He was wearing a red and white checkered long polo sleeve. Tiffie was sitting on her grandmother’s lap. Atalia and Tiffie’s beauty had the same resemblance of their mother. They had both coffee-brown hair and dark brown eyes. The twins also wore the same pink tutu dress. The only different among them, Atalia was wearing a red roses flower crown while Tiffie was wearing blue orchid flower crown. He could even identify Eriana in the picture. Eriana was wearing a white flutter-sleeve dress. She’s shyly holding Atalia’s arm.

“Is Eriana connected with your family?” He asked out of curiosity.

“Yes, she is. She is my second cousin and the only granddaughter of my grandmother’s big brother.” Levi replied. “Why don’t you follow me, Mr. Bobby Flurry? I have something to show you.”

“How about he?” He pointed at Jake who’s sitting on one of the couches in the living room.

“Let him stay there. Atalia’s there to entertain him.”

At first, Bobby did not trust Levi. In order to get closer to Tiffie’s family, he needed to act friendly and to accept his invitation. They climbed to the second floor of the mansion. Levi twisted the door knob of the second room near the staircase. The Venetian door slowly creaked opened. The butler who’s standing at the bar counter greeted them while pouring the sauvignon de Blanc in each wine glasses. Levi told Bobby to sit beside him. Then, he asked the butler to give them something unusual drink. The butler agreed.

“So, tell me, are you really damn serious with Tiffie?” He asked while pouring the whiskey on the shot glass. Bobby did not utter any word. “Well, I hope that is a yes.” Then, he handed the shot glass to Bobby. “Let’s have some cheers.” Both of them raised their glasses even the butler joined them. They quickly drank the white liquid inside their glasses.

Bobby closed his eyes and made a frown after tasting the bitter after taste. It made Levi laughed that lingered in the four corners of the room. “Sorry, I am not used to drink this.”

“Well, you have too if you want to belong with my family.” He asked the butler to pour one another round. “You know what…” He gently tapped Bobby’s shoulder. “I think that I’m beginning to like you. But, please take care of my dear sweet sister. My grandma, and my twin sisters are only my treasures. Without them, my whole world will shatter.” Bobby remembered his sister Elaine. “I cherished them more when I lost our dear parents from that damn air crash…” Then, he talked about the remaining memories about their parents. “Our Tiffie loved violet color and Hello Kitty. Have you seen the violet cattleya bloomed on the wall? That’s where her bedroom located.” Levi stared at his reflection for a while. “I don’t know the reason why my sister decided to leave us in order to live with that random guy.” The random guy was pertaining to Jake. “By the way, Atalia had yearned for the klutzy archaeologist from Egypt. That damn archaeologist had no time to go back for her.” Levi asked the butler to pour another white liquid.

They were about to drink the third round when they heard a knock. Tiffie appeared from the door. Her arms were at the both sides of her waist. “There you are!” She shouted.

“Here, I am!” Bobby raised his hand while his vision was getting blurred.

“Grandmother was already waiting for the sauvignon de Blanc.” Then, she glanced at Bobby’s drunk state. “Oh dear, what have you done to him.”

“Well, my dear sister, you need to take care of your sweetheart.” Levi tapped Tiffie’s shoulder. Then, he stood up as if the alcohol had already subsided inside him. “I’ll just ask our royal butler to send your dinner on your room. I better go to the dining table to check upon Atalia and Jake.” He emphasized Jake’s name on his sentence.

Tiffie had no choice but to grab Bobby’s arm. She could even hear him laughing while his eyes closed. Tiffie tried not to feel nauseated while smelling the strong scent of alcohol coming from Bobby’s mouth. She succeeded to pull him out from the winery room. However, she lost her balance because of his heavy weight. They both fell to the hallway. Bobby laughed again.

“I love you, Tiffie.” He shouted. Then, he stood up and pulled her up.

They could hear the loud upbeat music coming from the ground floor. Bobby held Tiffie’s hand as they imagined themselves going to an invincible dance floor. They were standing closer while facing at each other. His right hand gently placed at Tiffie’s waist while his other hand was holding her left hand. They swayed their bodies from left to ride as they enjoyed the music. Bobby’s hand slid to her neck as their feet glided with the music. Then, he extended his left hand so Tiffie could turn around. After that, they both clasped their hands as Bobby pulled her closer to him. He let Tiffie turned around again. This time, Tiffie was already in front of him. Bobby’s both hands slid down to her waist. His vision got blurry again that caused him to knock over his consciousness. It caused Tiffie to fall on top of him.

“Come on, Bobby.” She held his hand. “We need to lay you down on the bed.”     

“I am sleepy.”  He pressed his hand on her cheeks. “It’s soft.” He smiled and closed his eyes again.

 It made Tiffie rolled her eyes and pressed the green button into her remote control. The chamber maid from the second floor attended to their side. She assisted Tiffie to carry Bobby to guest room adjacent to her room. Then, she planted a quick kiss before she switched off the light. She turned her back to take a glimpse of him sleeping innocently on the bed. Slowly, she closed the door in order not to disturb him.  

--~~~--

Levi slipped the fork that he was holding when he saw Tiffie’s presence. The others glanced over her direction and curiosity went to their minds when Bobby was not with her. Then, Jake offered her a seat beside him but Tiffie declined. Instead, she chose the seat near her grandmother at the west end of the long presidential table made of molave. Silence lingered between them when the chamber maids placed the silver trays. There was a cochinillo or a roasted suckling pig on the middle of the entrees. Pork adobo, chop suey, and hot beef bone marrow soup were present in there dinning table. For dessert, their chamber maids prepared the bowl of fruit salad and three big oval-shaped molds of leche flans.

“What happen to your guest, Tiffie?” Her grandmother asked while slicing the piece of cochinillo in her plate. “Is he going to join us here?”

“Too bad, he will not.” Levi replied. “Tiffie will just cook the dinner for him.” He thought for a while. “Let me guess… Recipe ala Tiffie, I remember that you almost burned the rice porridge last time.

 Tiffie gave him a warning look. “Maybe, you can prepare the same recipe for him tonight. It could be bland or too much bland.” He chuckled out then he screamed after Tiffie kicked his left leg.

“Enough of the childish acts!” Her grandmother raised her wooden cane at both of them. “Do I need to remind the table etiquette for the two of you!” The two gave her a sorry-look. “Estefania, I’ll talk to the butler to assist you in the kitchen after.”

“No need, abuela. I can manage it on my own.” Then, she pointed her knife at Levi. ‘Too bad, I did not catch you on act or I’ll skin you alive.’ She whispered. Levi gave her a teasing look.

“Atalia, are you still yearning for him?” Levi glanced at Atalia’s direction. “Too bad, he will not go back in the Philippines.” Levi was pertaining to Christian Thompson. He was Atalia’s first love and an archaeologist. But, he was already busy chasing his dreams to discover for the lost pharaoh’s tomb in Egypt.

“If Bobby wants some coffee later, you may brew the Barako beans in the kitchen.” Atalia suggested. “I placed it inside the small sack bag near the refrigerator. It’s good for easing headaches.”

“Thanks.” Tiffie gave her twin a half-smile.

Tiffie quickly finished her food then she proceeded to the kitchen. She remembered the times when she assisted her mother there. Usually, she made a big mess during their baking session, her mother called for her twin to finish the rest of the baking procedure. Atalia was already busy entertaining Jake on the pool side. Tiffie did not want to disturb them nor their butler. It’s up to her on how she’ll make a better recipe for her Bobby’s hangover food. Good thing, the Barako beans were not that hard to find. Even the recipe procedure was not that hard. Thanks to U-tube, she can manage the kitchen all by herself. Quickly, she opened a loaf of whole wheat bread and put the two slices inside the toaster. Then, she scooped the Barako beans and carefully placed inside the coffee machine. Next, she took the two eggs from the refrigerator. It almost slipped from her fingers when Levi appeared.

“Why are you here?” Tiffie asked. “Are you going to destroy my recipe?”

“Nope.” Levi opened the refrigerator and took the carton of fresh milk. “I’ll just get this and this.” He took the newly toasted bread and placed it on a small plate. “Thanks for this.”

“Hey, that’s mine!” Tiffie complained.

“Not anymore.” He even managed to wave his hand and to make a silly face before he disappeared.

Tiffie had no choice but to put another batch of whole wheat bread slices. Then, she cautiously scooped the rice porridge inside the soup bowl. Next, she sprinkled the freshly cut spring onions. The only thing that she worried about was she knocked over the salt dispenser. Several salt granules spilled inside her rice porridge. Tiffie had no choice but to pour a cup of hot water inside the bowl. After that, she placed the soup bowl, the plate of toasted whole wheat bread slices in the silver tray. Lastly, she carefully fried the eggs and not to break the egg yolks.

---~~~--

Tiffie could hear several flush sounds coming from the guest’s bathroom. When the flush sounds were over, it was the time for her to enter the room. There she could see Bobby lying on the bed with the sweat drops on his forehead. She could hear his heavy breathing and could smell the pungent scent of vomit. Carefully, she laid the silver tray on the desk next to the bed.

“I couldn’t believe that your brother almost wants to kill me in a split second.” Bobby exclaimed. “I wonder what’s inside the shot glass that makes my head shake as if I am out of the world in several minutes.”

“Probably, he challenged you to drink whiskey or vodka. Next time, do not wonder alone in the mansion without my permission.” She blew the porridge twice before handing it to him. “Especially my brother, he’s innocent in the outside but a mystique inside. Several of our suitors do not last long… I mean they decide to go home after the same incident that you have encountered. Only you and Christian manage to survive the night.”

“What happen to Christian?” Bobby asked out of curiosity in the middle of sipping his coffee.

“I don’t know. Atalia did not have a chance to see him again after three months.” Tiffie widened her eyes when she saw the whipped cream stain on his upper lips.

“What? Is there any dirt on my f---” Bobby did not have a chance to finish his sentence when Tiffie brush her lips to his in order to clean the whipped cream. He broke the kiss and placed the cup on the desk. Then, he kissed her lips. “It’s good that you are right beside me. You even take care all of this.”

“How’s my porridge?”

“It’s kind of…” He made an “ok” hand sign and blinked his left eye. “A little bit of salty but I can still manage it. I also love the coffee.” He placed the cup near his nose and sniffed the pleasant aroma of coffee. “This is the best coffee for me.” Then, he planted a quick kiss on her cheek. I just want to say “thank you”, my dearest Tiffie.”

“You are welcome, my Bobby.” Tiffie hugged him.

For Bobby, the two last words coming from Tiffie were the sweetest words that he had heard. He hoped that Tiffie will still tell those two words every time that they’re together not just in the mansion but wherever they will go.