Chapter 4 emergency meeting

Chapter 4

"Let it go, bro. It's just this once," said the General.

"She passes by the milk tea shop every day, McLlonard. It's not just once," my father replied to his friend.

"You're being dramatic, bro. Let her be. Your wife's going to be late," Kuya Lauter added.

"I want a healthy body, Lauter. Don't teach me otherwise!" my father snapped at his twin brother before sitting back in his chair.

"Let's share," I said, trying to convince him. I drank half of the milk tea and handed him the other half along with his tumbler. I kissed him on the cheek before excusing myself.

"Thank you, General," I said again, then left my husband's office. I left the three of them behind since I was running late. I hurried to class because there were only 15 minutes left before one o'clock, and class was about to start.

I entered the classroom and sat in the last vacant seat, which was the only one left. I settled in just as our math professor arrived.

Before starting the lesson, our professor announced that he would divide the class into two groups. I wasn't surprised when I ended up in the second group, as my last name is Reyes and those with surnames starting later in the alphabet were placed in that group. My new schedule was set from 5 PM to 7 PM-pretty late.

I raised my hand because I preferred the current time over the 5 PM to 7 PM slot, which was too late for me.

"Yes, Reyes?" he asked.

"Can I stay in this time slot instead?" I asked, hoping he would agree.

"What's your reason, Reyes?" he asked seriously.

"It's already late, sir."

"Time isn't a hindrance when you're determined to finish, Reyes," he said meaningfully. I had no choice but to accept it.

I understood his point, but I wasn't sure if Baba would approve of the schedule change. It was up to him now. There was nothing I could do since the schedule had already been set.

Our class ended, and Jon and Alexa left ahead of me because they had somewhere to go. I decided to stay behind because my companion wasn't there yet; they were probably still in the office.

I decided to go to his office so we could leave school together. There probably wouldn't be anyone left, so I figured it was okay. When I arrived at his office, I walked in without knocking since I knew he didn't have any visitors.

"Baba?" I called out because he wasn't in his office.

"Baba," I called again, but there was no response. I sat down on the couch to wait for him. He might have just gone somewhere.

I glanced at my wristwatch, and it was almost five o'clock, but he still wasn't back. I wanted to call him, but I saw his cellphone in his desk drawer. I had no choice but to wait.

I lay down on the couch to rest, planning to take a nap while I waited, and I closed my eyes.

I was startled awake by a gentle tap on my cheek, so I opened my eyes.

"I'm sorry."

"Did you wait long?" he apologized before kissing me on the lips.

"Where did you go?" I asked sleepily as I stretched my arms.

"I had to call an emergency meeting. I couldn't tell you because my phone died," he replied. I nodded and hugged him, burying my face in his shoulder since I was still drowsy.

"Let's eat out since it's already 6:30 in the evening. Plus, we still have to go home," he said.

"Okay," I replied sleepily.

He carried my bag and locked the office. We walked hand in hand out of the school towards the parking area. He opened the car door for me and helped me in before heading to the driver's seat. He used a different car to pick me up today than the one we used yesterday.

"Can I nap again?" I asked him, feeling really sleepy.

"Okay," he answered and adjusted my seatbelt before starting the car.

"Can we stop for milk tea, Baba?" I asked, remembering I had only drunk half earlier. He didn't answer, which probably meant he didn't want to.

"Let's share again," I coaxed.

"Christian, milk tea isn't good for you all the time," he said.

"It's not like I drink it every day. Besides, what you said earlier was wrong," I replied, because it was true.

"Yesterday, milk tea. Today, milk tea. What do you call that?" he asked seriously.

"I only had milk tea yesterday, Baba," I answered.

"Are you sure?" he asked. I smiled, realizing it had actually been two days in a row.

"Are you keeping secrets from me?" he teased, so I looked at him. I didn't end up napping again. He's good at keeping me awake when he wants to.

"I'm not hiding anything," I said.

"Are you sure?" he pressed again. I didn't answer right away because I wasn't sure what he was really asking about.

Was he referring to the milk tea or the bullying? I wondered, but only in my head. If it's about the milk tea, he already knows since I always bring home the empty bottles ever since he came back from Harvard.

I knew he wanted to find something out, which is why he was so insistent with me, or maybe he already knew something and just wanted me to say it. It's really hard to hide from Franko when he's around because he can read body language.

"I want to talk to your driver about what he can tell me about picking you up and dropping you off since I've been gone," he said seriously, making me straighten up in my seat and look at him.

"Manong Arman is on vacation, Franko," I informed him, thinking he might have forgotten. He gave him time off to go home and be with his family since we both go to school together every day. Baba is someone who doesn't need a driver, even though he's wealthy.

"I can call and ask him later. It's not a bother to ask," he replied.

"It'll be late tonight. He might already be asleep," I tried to deflect.

"It's already night, Christian," he said, glancing at me, which made me look away and gaze out the window.

"You're hiding something," he said again as he stopped the car and got out. I hadn't realized we were already at the restaurant. He opened the door for me and helped me down.

"Thank you, baby," I said sweetly, because even if he's angry or annoyed, he's still a gentleman.

He is professional in everything, which is why I love Baba. He captured my heart the first time our eyes met. We walked hand in hand into Nehan's restaurant. I didn't say much after thanking him since we only talked about milk tea earlier, but we ended up discussing a lot. He wouldn't ask anything more in public; he'd definitely continue later when we're in the car or at home.

"Oh, kuya?" Nehan said as she approached us, smiling. I just smiled back as she handed us their menu.

"You order, Baba," I said. He knew what to get since he was aware of my preferences. We waited about 15 minutes for our order to be served. I smiled and glanced at him, but he just raised an eyebrow at me. I was excited to eat because he ordered milk tea.

I quickly reached for the milk tea to drink since I was thirsty, but he stopped me and looked seriously into my eyes.

"Eat first, and we'll share that," he said, feeding me. I felt butterflies, but I was genuinely thrilled, so I started eating.

Eventually, we finished our meal and really did share the milk tea. That was fine with me; at least I got my milk tea tonight. As we headed home, the sleepiness I felt earlier disappeared because I was thinking of excuses in case he asked me about school. But I knew I wouldn't have a way out if he talked to my driver since I was sure he would tell Franko the truth.

I took a deep breath as we walked in silence. I didn't want to speak first because the night wouldn't end until his suspicions were addressed.

"Can I borrow your phone?" he said seriously while following me up the stairs. I stopped and handed him my cell phone. He quickly took it and handed me his phone in return because it was low on battery, meaning I needed to charge it.

"Once you change your uniform again tomorrow, Christian Rana, you're really going to be in trouble," he warned as he went upstairs first. I could only look at him before following.

He was probably trying to call Manong Arman but couldn't reach him since it was late. I saw him getting annoyed because his expression changed when I entered the room. I went straight to the walk-in closet and grabbed a towel because I planned to take a shower to avoid him.

"What happened to the bruise on your arm and the back from the other day?" he asked seriously, making me look at him.

"I got hit," I replied briefly. This is what I was talking about, I thought to myself.

"By whom?" he asked again. I didn't respond and turned away.

"Your bullies, but you don't plan to tell me!" he said angrily, standing up from the bed.

"I asked you every night when I was at Harvard how your day was, how your studies were, even about your driver, Christian, you're in cahoots with him!" he lectured me. I knew he was genuinely concerned. I bowed my head and waited for him to finish speaking because I knew him well.

"I let you use my last name, but I didn't allow you to let those who haven't fed you bully you! Where's your brain?!" he asked angrily.

"Baba, I'm sorry," I said, apologizing, but he just brushed past me. I took a deep breath and followed him with my eyes as he headed to the balcony. That's where he usually cools off, and once he's okay, he settles the situation, and we don't go to bed upset with each other.

Yeah. My Baba is mature enough in terms of relationships. There's a significant age gap between us, but age is just a number, and I'm not ashamed of him because Baba is my partner in life.

To Be Continued....