Chapter 8; Leo or Dave?

Fiori (POV)

The next morning, I woke up late around 10am. I continued to lie in bed lazily and rolled from one side to the other

My stomach growled repeatedly, but I ignored it and continued lying down

The thought of Leo came into my mind. And I wondered what he could possibly be doing by now

Is he still in bed? Or he’s up already

I was supposed to get up earlier and prepare breakfast for both of us. But I was just feeling so lazy

After pondering for a while, I lazily rolled out of bed and strode into the bathroom to freshen up first

I stayed in the bathtub for like a decade before going back to my room to put on one of my simple home clothes

I stepped out after that and headed downstairs to the kitchen but then some stupid idea hit me

I felt maybe I could check up on Leo first before going to prepare breakfast

I wanted to do this silently, so I tiptoed gently to his room and opened the door carefully. But surprisingly, he wasn’t on his bed when I peeped my eyes through the opened door

Being so curious, I walked inside gently and looked around but looked like there wasn’t anyone here so I turned round and decided to go downstairs

Who knows? Possibly he’s in the kitchen trying to find something to eat

But just as I took a step ahead, I heard the door to the bathroom being opened

So I turned slowly to say hi. If not he might think maybe I came to steal something from him

But upon turning, I bit my lowered lip so hard. Maybe I should have just walked away without trying to say hi first

Leo was still dripping wet from head to toe. And he had his towel over his head and face, possibly trying to wipe his hair dry. But he had nothing on covering the rest of his body

He stood naked, with his entire attention on drying his hair

I should have used that opportunity to walk out silently, but I didn’t. I kept on standing there with confused mind

I didn’t even know what exactly to do

And along the line, Leo finally took the towel off his face and saw me standing

He frowned slightly at first, but gradually maintained a calm posture

He started taking steps towards me slowly as I took steps back

I didn’t want to look at his nakedness. So I kept a straight face and stared at his face continuously

Leo didn’t stop until my back finally hit the wall. I tried to go out but he slammed the door shut and blocked me with his arms on both sides of me

He stared down at my lips, and lowered his head slightly to kiss me but stopped at just an inch between mine and his lips

“What are you doing Leo?” I asked uneasily

His stare made me so uncomfortable. But I was curious to know what he was up to as well

“I guess you came to complete what we couldn’t last night” Leo licked the corner of his lips seductively

“What are you talking about?” I asked innocently

I knew what he was talking about, but I didn’t want to give in to it so easily

He’s my cousin. And we’re supposed to respect this relation

“Maybe I can just show you” Leo smiled slyly and kissed me

I tried to push him away, but his strong arms held me tightly against his body

I didn’t like the feel of doing something like this with my cousin. So I used all the techniques I had and bit Leo’s lip hard

“Awch….Fi, what’s wrong with you?” Leo asked angrily

“Are you happy doing something like this with me? I’m your cousin” I explained anxiously

“What if I tell we’re not related in anyway. Huh?”

“What do you mean? Your mother is my aunty. We’re cousins Leo”

“No we’re not. Your mother is just my mother’s old time high school mate. They’re so closed to each other and that’s why they keep on saying they’re sisters!”

Leo’s explanations rendered me speechless

Because my mom always said Aunty Emily is our family member. And that they’re the only sisters remaining from my grandparents children

Why did my mom have to lie if we were no where related to them?

“Fiori, I know your mom must have possibly fixed it into your mind that I’m your cousin, but trust me, I’m not.” Leo caressed my cheeks gently and lowered his head to kiss me again

But I refused

Not because I still believe he’s my cousin. But because a flashback from my memory hit me

Something didn’t look right to me

Nine years ago when Leo visited us for the first time, I remember having this same conversation with him

And he swore we were related as cousins. So that I could take him to where my mom’s treasure was hidden

And today he’s here saying we’re not cousins

I had this feeling of us not being related earlier. But I had nothing to base on. I had to accept whatever my mom told me like that without any questions

But now something didn’t seem right. And it made me feel very sick

I pushed Leo away from my way and left the room

The Leo who visited us nine years ago, seems to be different from this Leo

And it got me thinking over and over again

“Ding….dong” the doorbell rang as I was still heading to the kitchen

I walked to the door and opened to see the person at the gate. Only to find Dave kneeling down on one knee with flowers

He had some people with music instruments playing some cool music. And some other few students from our college at the door

I furrowed my brows slightly and asked “ what’s going on here?”

“Fiori, I’m here to apologise for all the unjust things I did to you in the past. Please forgive me and give me another chance to be a better person” Dave explained with the flowers stretched out to me

“I’m not interested. Please leave” I replied simply and turned to close the door

But Dave grabbed my feet and cried “ please Fiori. Please one last chance. I promise to be a better person”

“Yes Fi, please give him another chance.”

“Yes. We’ve all come to beg you on his behalf. A second chance won’t spoil the game. Please!”

Some of the students pleaded alongside Dave, which gradually softened my heart

“It’s okay you can get up” I held onto Dave’s shoulders and helped him to stand up on his feet

“Does that mean I’ve been given a second chance?” Dave asked hopefully

But just as I was about answering, Leo showed up and stood beside me without saying anything

He stared at Dave fiercely. And this made me hesitant to give my answer

I wanted to agree to give Dave a second chance. But now what do I do with Leo standing here with this fierce look

…..