Cynthia nudged me when Garren left. "What was that?" "What?" I scowled. "You didn't even look at each other. Are you still in quarrel with him?" I shrugged my shoulders. "Maybe? But I don't care anymore. He can snub me for all I care." That's right. I should fulfill the words I affirmed last night. I almost bleared the boundary between us and crossed it, it's time to clear that line. "Hmmm.... this is interesting." I ignored her and walked towards the kitchen, where I found Greyson and his father sitting on the table. Aunt Cora and Aunt Esther are there too. The breakfast was silent and awkward as hell... or at least for me. The kitchen is spacious, yet I feel like I'm moving through a narrow room and walking on a floor scattered with shattered pieces of glass. It's flabbergasting to think that I suddenly went back to that time when Garren's presence terrified me. The same thing happened during the ride through Greyson's school. I didn't throw Garren a glance or speak to h
"You have to visit here again some other time! You haven't fulfilled your promise to me." I chuckled at Erick's remark as he accompanied me outside the Obsidian. It's Sunday, which means I have no work, so I decided to pay them a visit. I want to do this for a very long time because I kinda miss the exuberant settings of my past job. And I miss my friends here. Erick was surprised when I showed up earlier. He sulked at me because I've been gone for three months, and I felt really guilty. So to make up for it, I told him that I'd treat him anywhere he wants next time if he's not on duty. We talked about the recent events in our life. Erick told me that he's going back to college next school year. His parents finally found a job, so he does not need to work full time. That made me genuinely delighted for him. He have sacrificed a lot for his family. It's his time to chase after his dreams. Needless to say, I wasn't able to escape his interrogation. I chose to tell him everything
"What the hell are you two doing here?" A rush of fear washed over my system when I saw the lethal look in Garren's eyes. "We coincidentally bumped into each other, and she helped me with something," Enzo explained, still smiling. I can't say the same thing with this man behind me, though. He's looking at him as if he's the most insipid and deplorable person in existence. Garren didn't reply to him and instead glanced to me. "Let's go. Greyson is waiting outside. I turned to Enzo. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. It's nice to see you again, Enzo." He beamed heartily. "No problem." He pulled something from his pocket. It's a piece of paper and a pen. He handed those to me. "May I ask your number? I really want to reciprocate the favor that you gave me today. Perhaps we can grab some coffee someday." "You actually don't-" "I insist," he cut me off before I could finish my sentence. I heaved out a sigh. I had no choice but to quickly write my number. I was almost done when some
The day after the unforeseen encounter that we had in the mall, I received a message from an unknown number. And I'm not lying when I say that I almost threw my phone when he introduced himself as Lorenzo. I didn't believe it at first. But when he called me, that's when I was able to confirm that it was indeed him. I asked him how he was able to find me, and he said that he was able to unravel the last two digits of my number despite them being scribbled when Garren yanked me forcefully. "I'm an aspiring doctor. I can read even the nastiest penmanship." That's what he said. He reiterated that he's dead serious when he said that he wanted to treat me as a token of appreciation for my help. Hence he looked for me. And now, he won't stop bugging me. I kept on telling him not to stress over it, but Lorenzo is stubborn as a mule. But I wouldn't deny it, I enjoy talking to him. Lorenzo is hilarious in the most stupid way. I pressed the answer button and put the phone on speaker.
"As much as I enjoy you staring at me, your boss is really heavy, and I'll really appreciate it if you help me." I gave Theo a disgusted look, which he laughed off. Despite the chilling temperature of the night, I stepped outside and walked towards them. My nose wrinkled when the rancid scent of alcohol reeked from Garren. "Garren has a high alcohol tolerance, but no man on earth would be able to stand still after twenty bottles of vodka," Theo blurted out while we're carrying Garren upstairs. He keeps on wobbling that gives us a hard time. He's also muttering gibberish that is really painful to the ears. I'm not getting paid enough for this. Most definitely, I don't recall having to take care of a inebriated man as part of my job description as a nanny. "Why did he even consume liquor that he couldn't handle?" "Hear! Hear! This bastard should be thankful that he has me," Theo responded, tooting his own horn. We resumed walking and are now on our way to Garren's room. Garren
I looked at Garren in the distance. He's playing with his son in the living room. There's an effervescent smile plastered on his face. It seems like he doesn't remember a single thing about what happened last night. When we came across each other earlier this morning, he didn't ask me anything. He's not acting weird. Nothing changed. He still asked me to make him a coffee and give him medicine for his headache, which was certainly caused by the liquor. Fortunately, he drank the first coffee that I made. He didn't torture me by making me go back and forth to the kitchen just to appease his pathetic demands. I was alleviated. I don't know how to deal with him if he confronts me about the horrendous event last night. But come to think of it. I wasn't the one who put me in that situation, so why should I be mortified? If there is someone who should be appalled, it's him. "He's already melting with your stares." I averted my gaze when I heard someone speaking beside me. And i
"That was without a doubt a failure," Enzo jeered. "I know. You don't have to rub salt in the wound." "I was stating a fact. No need to get so worked up." He picked up the bowling ball and began demonstrating once more. "See how I'm holding it? If you want to have a decent honk, use fewer fingers, exaggerate a cupped hand, and jerk your arm up as fast as you can when you throw the ball." He suddenly went behind me and gave me the ball. He held my arm to guide me. But anyone who will look at us at first glance will assume that he's back hugging me. "Observe those arrows, dots, and, most especially, the foul line. You can use them to your advantage." I could feel his breath fanning on the skin of my neck. Despite our proximity, I didn't feel uncomfortable. Truth be told, I didn't feel anything. Unlike when I'm with Garren. A meter of distance with him is enough to put me on tenterhooks. I don't know if it's because Enzo exudes an amiable aura so I'm at ease with him, or if hi
"You're going out with Enzo again?! Are you for real?!" My face screwed up with Lauren's vehement reaction after I told him that I would meet Lorenzo today. I already mentioned him to her before. I don't want her to nag at me for not telling her the recent updates about my life. "You don't have to scream like an unhinged banshee," I grumbled. She scoffed. "Shut up. But seriously, that Enzo guy is being suspicious as fuck." I knitted my eyebrows. "What do you mean?" "You two only met a month ago, but he's already being palsy-walsy with you. Anyone who's smart enough would know that he's not merely running after friendship. Enzo likes you, Cleo." I could already imagine the sly grin on her face while saying those words. "You know what else is a fact? It's that, anyone with a rational mind would not slag off my affinity with a man," I snapped back. I can't even think of a single proof that Lorenzo likes me. Lauren snickered. "I'm sorry, okay? But you can't blame me. He's reall
Silence hovered between us for a couple of seconds. Nothing could be heard but the silent whisper of the night breeze and the crickets. "Doing what?" Garren asked, breaking the stillness at last. I raised the bracelet he gave. "This. Why are you doing this-""Didn't I tell you the reasons? It was a token of appreciation. I didn't know you could be this-""I'm not merely talking about this bracelet, sir." For the first time, I found the courage to cut him off, knowing how much he loathes that. "You're confusing me."I don't know if what I'm doing is right or if I'm digging my own grave. But I can no longer bottle these up. "Everything about you confuses me."His eyes widened a fraction. I know he's as anxious as I am."Do you seriously think that I didn't notice you'd changed after that day that you brought us to the amusement park? Well, I do. And until now, I still don't know the reason why."I looked at him straight in the eyes. "I didn't confront you because I didn't want to
"Congratulations, baby! You don't know how proud I am of you!" I squeezed Greyson into a tight embrace as we sat back in our chairs. He hugged me back. "Thank you, Cleo." Then he turned to Garren. There's a subtle yet cordial smile plastered on his face. He ruffled his son's hair. "I can't express how happy I am for you, son. You've been working hard for all this day, and you deserve all the recognitions you received." Greyson's eyes glistened with tears, but he quickly wiped them off and smiled heartily at his father. "But I want you to know that with or without these medals, I'm proud of you. You've done great." Greyson hugged him. "Thank you for being my motivation, dad." "What about me? Aren't you going to give your uncle a hug? I helped with your homework," Xavier chimed in. He chuckled and hugged him too. "How could I not forget you, uncle? You were my father back when dad was still bad." Xavier and I couldn't help but laugh while his father was already looking li
The day that Greyson has been waiting for has finally come- his recognition day. The entire mansion is in chaos in preparation for this day. Cynthia told me that this is the first time this has happened because last year when he graduated preschool, his father only gave me an expensive present. But he wants to make a difference today. Hence, all the maids are busy in the kitchen. And after we leave, they will also redesign the house and put up some banners and balloons to surprise Greyson. You read that right, "we." Greyson insisted that I should come with them. "But I want you to be there too. You helped me a lot in my studies and cheered me up whenever I felt discouraged." That's what he told me when I tried to decline because I thought it'd be weird if me, who's merely his nanny, would come with him for this special day. His father is there, so I find my presence really unnecessary. But when he said those words, my decision changed right away. I was flustered, needless to
From that day, I always feel like I'm in deep water. The air between Garren and me became more asphyxiating. I might be the only one who thinks like that because he's still the same... minus the fact that he always does something that knocks me for six. There's no morning that I don't find flowers in my doorway. Lilies, roses, chrysanthemums, lilacs—you name it, Garren has already given it to me. My room looks like a garden now. But it's not just the mere reason why I've been feeling like a cat walking on a hot tin roof for the past three days. All the stolen gazes, the way he smiles and speaks to me, the way he treats me... everything that he does never fails to catch me off guard. Needless to say, it has occurred to me numerous times to make him stop. He's my boss and I'm his employee. Our relationship should be nothing more than that. I don't know what card this universe played to get us here. But every time I think of doing that, there's this inexplicable feeling that stirs
"What are you guys doing?" My body froze when I heard Greyson's voice. I turned to the side and saw him eyeing the two of us with utter bewilderment. With all my strength, I pushed Garren away. I felt like a huge boulder had been lifted off of my chest after that. "W-We..." I coughed and pinched my arm to calm my raving nerves. "Your d-dad and I-" "We were talking, buddy. I was asking Cleo about something." I'm glad Garren spoke up. It's the least that he could do for putting me in this situation. But Greyson doesn't seem like he bought his father's excuse. With a doubtful voice, he said, "Really? As far as I know, you don't have to be THAT close when talking to someone." I held my breath. Right. How stupid of me to think that this kid would fall for such a lie. He's not that gullible. The corner of Greyson's lips tugged upward all of a sudden. "Were you guys kissing?" My face has never turned red like an overripe tomato until now. I glared in Garren's direction, and
"This is Earth, Cleo." I was pulled back to reality when Erick snapped a finger right in front of my face. I threw him a questioning look. "H-Huh?" He crinkled his nose. "I'm talking here but it seems like I'm with a ghost. Did you call me just to watch you space out?" Guilt struck me. "I'm sorry." This morning, I messaged Erick and asked him if he was free and if he's up to go out. Aside from the fact that this is my way to fulfill my promise to him... I have to take a pause and breathe. And obviously, staying in that house won't give me peace of mind. With what happened last night, I don't think I'll ever keep my heart and mind at bay anymore. Everything is still etched in my mind. The peculiar emotions in Garren's eyes that seemed to stare at the deepest part of my soul. His calloused hands that fondled my skin. The way he held me was as if I were frail glass that he didn't want to break. And those three words... Who would have thought that they could cause pandemonium in my
Silence hovered between us for a couple of seconds. Nothing could be heard but the silent whisper of the night breeze and the crickets. "Doing what?" Garren asked, breaking the stillness at last. I raised the bracelet he gave. "This. Why are you doing this-" "Didn't I tell you the reasons? It was a token of appreciation. I didn't know you could be this-" "I'm not merely talking about this bracelet, sir." For the first time, I found the courage to cut him off, knowing how much he loathes that. "You're confusing me." I don't know if what I'm doing is right or if I'm digging my own grave. But I can no longer bottle these up. "Everything about you confuses me." His eyes widened a fraction. I know he's as anxious as I am. "Do you seriously think that I didn't notice you'd changed after that day that you brought us to the amusement park? Well, I do. And until now, I still don't know the reason why." I looked at him straight in the eyes. "I didn't confront you because I didn
"Why is the mansion silent?" That was the first question that Greyson asked when we arrived home. We exchanged knowing glances. I saw Garren using his phone a while ago. He must have already notified them about our arrival. "They're probably resting," Xavier answered. The child pouted. He's possibly thinking that the others won't be celebrating with him today. Garren stepped forward and slightly opened the door. He turned to his son and smiled. "Go on, buddy." The latter frowned, but he didn't say anything and just entered the house. "Congratulations!" Greyson was startled as all the maids, led by Claudette, surprised him with a huge congratulatory banner and balloons. He hasn't recovered from that when someone emerged from behind them carrying a cake. The smile on my face dropped, but I quickly put it back because I don't want to spoil the fun and cast a shadow over this celebration. "I'm so proud of you, moonpie! Top of your class. You're without a doubt my grandson,"
The day that Greyson has been waiting for has finally come- his recognition day. The entire mansion is in chaos in preparation for this day. Cynthia told me that this is the first time this has happened because last year when he graduated preschool, his father only gave me a present. But he wants to make a difference today. Hence, all the maids are busy in the kitchen. And after we leave, they will also put up some banners and balloons to surprise Greyson. You read that right, "we." Greyson insisted that I should come with them. "But I want you to be there too. You helped me a lot in my studies and cheered me up whenever I felt discouraged." That's what he told me when I tried to decline because I thought it'd be weird if me, who's merely his nanny, would come with him. His father is there, so I find my presence unnecessary. But when he said those words, my decision changed right away. I was flustered, needless to say. Hearing that from him gave me a sense of gratification.