CHAPTER 4

I didn't know daddy was here. He also did not text me, so I wondered why his secretary was still waiting for me here. It seems essential that my father and I talk about it. He should have told me so we could just talk about it at home. Or maybe he heard that this is what I would wear in the office?

"Yes, Miss Sofia. Sir also has a guest. You just came in." He told me before he finally left me.

I kept walking and did not pay any attention to our gossip employees.

"She's beautiful."

"She seems to have an attitude, sister."

"She's in a bad mood because her forehead is furrowed."

"This is the first time I've seen her wear shorts here in the office." A gay man noticed what I was wearing.

He was really in front of me. I glanced at him, which caused him to immediately look away. I just passed them because daddy might get mad at me if I talked to that gay man.

"Hi, daddy." I greeted him warmly when I entered his office.

Immediately my eyes widened at the two-familiar bulk of people sitting in front of daddy. Why are they here in daddy's office? What is the reason why they thought of talking here in daddy's office? As far as I know, they never seem to talk here in the office, usually outside.

"Mom? Dad?" I called the two daddy's companions, who were smiling happily at daddy.

They immediately turned to me and smiled at me to the fullest.

"Hi, Sofie!" They greeted me at the same time.

I approached the two of them and kissed them as a greeting. I also kissed daddy on the cheek because I used to do with daddy and mommy.

"So, what's brought you here?" I asked the two after I sat in the vacant seat in front of them.

Dad and mom looked at each other before answering my question. So, I almost raised an eyebrow at what I noticed.

"Business matters, and aside from that, we just want to talk a little bit with your father. Your mom found out you were coming here, so we waited for you too." Dad answered my question.

I looked at them earnestly as if suspecting what they had brought here to daddy's office. Because I don't really believe in their answer to me.

"If you say so." I just said with a smile on my face.

They continued what they were talking about before I arrived. Based on my father's and his friend's faces, that seems they are talking about something serious, and sometimes they ask me for my opinion, so I answer even though I am still a little clueless on the topic. I have not been able to follow.

I looked around at daddy's office, and the first thing I saw was our family picture, and the others were a picture of my sister and me. But the portrait that I was wearing our jersey shirt way back in college caught my attention.

"By the way, daughter. I'm sending you here for two reasons." Suddenly daddy told me.

I immediately turned my attention to daddy as he turned his attention to me.

"What is it?" I asked and turned my gaze back to my portrait.

I wonder why my picture is here. As far as I remember, daddy doesn't want to put the informal picture because it's an office. It's not fair to look at.

"We will build a resort, and you will be assigned to do that." He said without hesitation.

I frowned at what he said. When did I become an engineer, anyway? Why do they tend to assign me anywhere? Is it a punishment for my sudden departure?

"What are you looking at there?" I then looked at him when he asked me.

He seems to be wondering why I just look at the picture of me hanging in his office. I also noticed the smile on mom and dad's lips because of that. So, I just scratched my eyebrow in embarrassment.

"Nothing," I answered immediately.

I just don't want them to put an issue on what I'm staring at.

"You're so cute there, Sofia." Mom praised what I was looking at.

I just smiled at him, but I was nervous when his smile changed. He also gives a different look to me, especially the two men with us now.

"Number 14." Daddy said briefly, but it had a massive impact on me.

I wonder why in all my pictures wearing our college jersey, why is it number 14? That jersey's number is not mine. Besides, the last name on the jersey I was wearing was not Andres.

"So, what's the second reason, daddy?" I will change the topic because the three of them will hot-seat me in the upcoming matter related to the pictures I was looking at a while ago.

I heard daddy and dad giggle and mom smiling foolishly at me, so I just bowed down out of embarrassment. I just can't really stand the looks they throw at me.

"What?" I asked innocently.

"You've changed. You're a grown woman now. Do you have a girlfriend yet?" Dad asked me directly.

I got a fake laugh because of that. No fuss, girlfriend really asked immediately. Can't they ask first if I have a boyfriend? After all, they know I sway both sides.

"I thought about the resort you are going to build the reason I am here," I answered his question, so they laughed immediately.

Looks like they tripped me up. Daddy and his friends also seem to want me to admit to the things they notice about me.

"Witty, huh?" Dad noticed because I answered their question.

I just bowed again because of the discomfort I was feeling. I feel, and I know that my cheeks are red and warm because of my answer. I also don't want to answer the question myself because I also don't have a girlfriend. Nothing, and I will never have.

"And I want you to be good to your partner in building our resort, my dear daughter." Daddy said while smiling with a hint.

"I'm kind. I'm not a witch, my dear father." I just answered, daddy.

The three just shook because of my answer and seemed excited about what would happen that I did not know why. I didn't really follow what daddy was talking about. I mostly focused on my portrait earlier.

Don't tell me the three of them have mischief again? I was nervous.

"I have to go." Letting them know.

I decided to just leave because I will be preparing for my things. I will also get a haircut because it is too long, reaching to my waist. It's been too long. It's also dull to fix when it's really this long.

"Take care." They said in unison.

I was about to open the door when it opened and spat out someone I did not want to see in this situation and place. Why did this person still come when I was about to leave. Can't she just come later when I'm finally gone?

"Hi," She greeted us briefly.

She immediately approached her parents and daddy. I just followed her with my eyes, and my mind seemed to float again because I saw her also.

"She's really handsome." I did not realize that I had just said that softly enough that someone had heard what I said.

"Inherited from me." He laughed at the same time, so the girl turned her attention to me.

I looked away when my dad heard what I said.

'Good heavens! Don't look at me like that, Tine I might grab you with a kiss.'

I do not know, instead of avoiding her because my life has never been better because of her. But, here I am, like former Sofia Lorie, who is still dead set on her. I think I'm getting worse, but I'm trying to put myself in the right place in her life. Especially since she doesn't remember me anymore. She only knew me because of what our friends told her and maybe what our family was told. Who knows? And she has a girlfriend now.

"Dad?" She asked her father in amazement because of what he said.

I looked at dad, hoping he wouldn't say anything he heard from me.

"Nothing, child. Your mom and I are referring to Sofia, so be good to her, okay? Take care of her like we take care of her." Mom told her, which made me wonder what she was saying.

"Why?" She asked her parents in surprise.

"Because I am Sofia Lorie Andres." I just answered suddenly.

The three adults laughed because of my answer, so Kristine frowned even more.

It's adorable to tease my bhe. Bitter here.

"What's the connection?"

I smiled broadly at her question and looked at the portrait I had been looking at earlier. I turned to her again, but her eyes were already staring at my picture.

"Why are you wearing that jersey, and why Aragon?"

And because I was flirtatious and because I wanted to tease her, I was thinking of something.

This is also a way, guys. Somehow, I could make her feel a significant loss that she had forgotten about me. Wahoo! Drama, Sofia! Drama!

"Because you're head over heels with me that time, and you always tease me to wear that jersey because you will also wear my jersey, so that's it. Cute, right?" At the same time, I smiled broadly at her as my eyes narrowed.

"You're kidding, right?" She asked almost in a whisper.

I want to burst out laughing because she really looks like she saw a ghost in her reaction. I just feel sad that she does not remember even one incident that I was with her.

"She's not, daughter." Mom replied that she also accompanied my teasing.

That's why we get along with her parents because they love to tease and trip.

"But why can't I see you--"

"That's your problem." I cut to what she would tell me.

Why is that, Kristine? Why don't you remember me? All of our memories are buried in oblivion as you recover from the accident you were involved in.

And before I could cry here, I thought of repeating goodbye. I also need to leave because my phone has been vibrating for a while. And for sure, Ella is just texting or calling me again.

She will accompany me to the salon and wander around as well. She agreed because she said she knew me very well. Even if I don't say it, I will also spare food to her to the point that her pants' buttons will explode.

"Bye," I said goodbye and kissed Kristine on the cheek.

I do not know what evil spirit joined me why I put my mouth to her earlobe once lick it before moving away from her ultimately.

"See you around, hottie," I said while laughing at her before finally leaving.

***

"I'm tired, baby Sof," Ella said tiredly while holding on to her knees.

We've been wandering around the mall for a while, and we haven't bought anything yet because everything is lovely and we want what we believe, that's worth it to buy.

"Let's eat first? It's noon already."

I saw the corner of her lip rise. Madame Ella is pleased because we are going to eat. Food is life to her.

"Food is life." I just said suddenly.

She kept glaring at me because of what I said. I just signed peace with her.

"We're going to eat at McDo. It's boring to eat at Shakey's. So, we can eat another meal. I was purged there." She suggested that I agree immediately because I was also hungry.

Ella and I took a picture with McDonald's to post photos on IG before we went inside to eat. For sure, there are a lot of people at Shakey's today. It might be a reason for us to have a hard time ordering and finding a table.

**

"I'm so full!" She said happily as she rubbed her stomach because of the amount she ate.

I just laughed because she ordered so much for us.

"You look like a child, Ella." I just said it because of what she was doing.

"I'm still young. You really are, baby Sof. Don't go with Alya. She has a bad influence on you."

I winced when I saw Alya standing behind Ella. Ella was stoned in her seat because the person who suddenly arrived was precisely the person who became our topic today.

"And why, Donya?" The newcomer immediately asked.

"No. We're just kidding," Ella answered quickly, still faking a laugh.

"Are you okay? You might vomit in no time there." Den threatens Ella as she hugs her girlfriend Alya's waist.

I was nervous because Den gave her best friend Ella a bad look. Ella just scratches her head because of what her best friend is doing.

"You're serious, best. Why so bad?" At the same time, she pouts because of her best friend's behavior towards her.

"Stop that drama of yours, Ella." Kiwi just shook her head.

And because the naughty seniors are here, our table is full of laughter, and my jaw is really sore from their antics' ridicule. Especially the ones who are sometimes bullied are Ella and Kiwi.

"So, why are you the only ones together, and you haven't invited us to come with you, Sofia?" Greta asked me.

"Because I thought you were busy, so I didn't bother you anymore," I answered directly as they looked at me.

It seems like a sin not to invite them. Next time I will ask them all even if they are busy. It just so happened that Ella and I were the only ones talking, so we could roam today. So, I missed work today. Daddy is in the company, so it's okay for me to be absent. Looks like Ja is gone too. I will complete my wanderings while I am not needed by our company.

"The word busy is really not in his vocabulary when it comes to food." Den teases Ella again.

"Wow! Where Ly is, you should be there too. It's just like food. So, don't say that to me! I'll hit you." Ella defended herself.

Den's cheek turned red, and her face was pressed against Ly's armpit, so Ella was happy because she recovered from what they were telling her.

"Thanks to Instagram because we found out where you are," Fille confessed.

That's why they are here because of my post earlier on IG.

"We're going to the salon. Are you coming?" I invite them.

They raised an eyebrow as if they could not believe what I said. My friends still don't seem to think that I am going to a salon. That's why I invited Ella because she seems to have become too. It just so happened that we really enjoyed looking at the clothes and sports shoes that Ella would have bought, so we did not do what we really intended here in the mall.

"Who are you beautifying, baby Sofia?" Alya teasingly asked me, which surprised me.

"Nothing. My hair is really long, so I thought of getting a haircut. Nothing else." I admit.

"I heard you will be together in the same project with the love of your life."

I was surprised by what Greta suddenly said. It's really confusing why she knows about it even though I didn't tell her.

"Why do you know, Greta? Are you a stalker? Love of my life? No." I quickly defended myself, which put me in harm.

"You admit it too." They all shouted as they laughed at me.

It's really annoying, why didn't I think carefully about what I was going to answer. My friends immediately found out. Greta's questions put pressure on me.

"It's over, Miss Sofia." The woman said suddenly after she cut and fixed my hair.

I immediately thanked her afterward.

I just smiled at her after I saw that the result of my haircut was good. I look young.

"Wow! You're beautiful!" Fille is proud to see the outcome of my hair after cutting.

The others turned to me and smiled really wide. Den shot me immediately, which caused me to close my eyes because I was dazzled by her camera's flash.

"Den, it's dazzling!" I moaned as my hand covered my face.

I was really dazzled by the flash of her phone.

"Haha, you're cute here, baby Sofia." Showing me her new Instagram post at the same time.

I was just distracted by what they were doing. I took my phone out of my pocket and looked at my IG. And the first post on my account was the picture taken by Den that was already tagged on me.

I smiled broadly there while smiling. I can see my hair up to my arm. What caught my attention was Denise's caption on her post that tagged someone who is not here today. The person who caused them to tease me now. Also, because of what Greta did earlier.

*

New hair of our baby Sofia.

Her Queen will be surprised.

*insert tag @aragontine*

*

My mind went back to the present when they suddenly screamed, and they were still in a commotion while holding their respective phones.

"MY GOSH!!!!! Looking for you, baby Sofia. Reply immediately quickly!" They hurried to me as they shook my shoulder.

"Wait! I'm dizzy with what you're doing." I begged them, and thank God they stopped.

I looked at my phone again, and they were right. Tine left a comment on Den's post that she and I were tagged in. Why is she asking where I am?

"What shall I answer?" I asked them a stupid question.

At the same time, they slapped me lightly on the arm because of my question. My friends don't seem to believe that I will ask them that question.

"Of course, where are we now. Duhhh!" Den answered me irritably.

Others agreed, so I did what they wanted. My reply is also harmless. I was just too nervous.

"Yes," I said immediately.

I would have replied if someone suddenly called me an unlisted number. Kiwi passed my phone and answered my call that would have been for me at the same time pressing the loudspeaker button. I glared at her, but she just smiled at me.

I would have retaken my phone from her hand when someone spoke on the other line, which surprised us.

"Where are you?"

We know very well who is on the other line. Why did Kristine find out my phone number?

"Bhe?" I answered suddenly.

At the same time, they slapped their foreheads because of my answer to the person's question on the other line.

"Bhe? Who's that? This is Kristine." I heard her say. She was obviously wondering why I said that.

I bit my lip when I was able to digest what I said. Shame on you, Sofia!

My companion gave me a confused look, and they mouthed, 'Bhe, huh?' I just bit my lip and turned my attention back to my phone. My heart pounded because of how I feel right now. I'm sweating too.

"Kristine! Why did you get called? Sorry, I was talking to Den. You just heard that by chance." I quickly reasoned when she asked me a question.

My companions giggled because of my lame answer to Kristine.

"Where are you?"

I smiled secretly because of what I heard. Kristine is a very impatient person.

I quickly answered her question. We were surprised that she did not speak again but did not turn off the call. I quickly got my phone from Kiwi and turned off Kristine's call. Rather than wait, right?

"There you are." Suddenly someone spoke behind the seniors.

They were surprised by Kristine's sudden arrival.

"Don't come out of nowhere, Kristine! I'm going to have a heart attack because of you." They complain to the newcomer.

Gossip lovers are really nervous. Good on them.

"Never again." Kristine just said.

I just smiled because of what I witnessed.

"So, why are you asking where I am?" I once approached her and did what I did before I left daddy's office.

But I did not do the part of licking her earlobe. Seniors are watching us. I might receive a pinch from Den when they see what I am doing to Kristine. She already has a girlfriend, so it's not okay to do that.

"Let's go. We might be late for our flight." She said as she looked at her watch.

I wondered why she was in such a hurry to leave.

"Chill, bhe. There are 2 hours left before our flight." I told her.

Our companions quickly coughed because of what they heard from me.

"Sh*t! Baby Sofia's speed. Bhe, really?"

"You mean, flirting!"

"The person already has a girlfriend, and then she is still flirting her. Tsk! Tsk!"

I heard them whisper, so I glared at them.

"Tsk." It was just her reaction that caused me to smile.

Even though I was erased from her memory, she still did not change. She's still the Kristine Aragon that I know. She would no longer be fond of role play. She might hurt the feelings of others.

"We have to go because we have a flight to chase. We will be ahead of you." I teased, so she stared at me.

I'm sorry, Kristine, because Sofia Lorie Andres is different now. I will not stop until you remember me before finishing everything that daddy asks us to do.

"Such a tease." She noticed.

The seniors laughed because of us, and I pulled her out of the salon. I winked at the colleague we left inside.

"She'll remember me soon." I mouthed that they smiled afterward.

As I change, I will remind her of who I am in her life. I will make sure that before the construction of the resort is over, she will remember me. I do this not because I am desperate to be together again for real. I just want to remind her that Sofia Lorie Andres that she hurt before she had an accident 2 years ago and forgot who Sofia Lorie Andres was in her life.