Chapter 6 I HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY

(Elian Montrose)

The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows across the room.

I sat in front of the mirror, fully dressed, staring at my reflection with a sense of unease that I couldn't shake.

The shirt I was wearing felt too tight, the collar constricting around my neck as if it were a noose.

I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to push away the knot in my chest that seemed to tighten with each passing second.

Finding out about April, Seraphina's son, had had me rethinking my choice since days ago.

A son I had to take in as mine if I was to keep playing along?

It was beginning to feel like a difficult game altogether. Just like Evander had warned.

Seraphina's face flashed through my mind. Her smile, her laughter, the way she'd looked at me.

Her eyes had held so much hope, so much trust, but now? Now that hope felt like a weight I wasn't sure I could bear.

What could even possibly go wrong? I asked myself, but no answer came forth.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting me back to my reality. It was then I realized I had been fumbling with one of the buttons of my shirts all these time.

I picked up the phone, almost relieved to have something else to focus on. A message was displayed across its screen.

"I hope you have a good day"

Attached was a picture of Seraphina, sitting in a café, a warm cup of tea cradled in her hands. She looked beautiful as always, her eyes sparkling even in the low light. It sent a pang through my chest.

Her smile.

It was so genuine, so innocent. It made me feel like I was drowning in something.

My face dissolved into a soft smile almost immediately. I traced invisible lines of the picture, admiring her charming elegance.

In that moment, I made up my mind. Nothing is going to stop me. As long as she continued to love me, I would continue to love her.

I wasn't going to allow fear or uncertainty stand in my way of experiencing the pleasure of loving Phina.

Whatever came with loving her, even if it meant loving her kid too, I was doing it. As long as she kept smiling like that, I'd find a way to keep up.

I looked at the picture again, zooming in more on her face and planting a kiss on my screen.

Then, undoing a few buttons on my shirt, I sprawled leisurely on my bed and opened my camera.

I took a picture, making sure to allow the skin under my undone buttons show.

I checked the picture I had just taken to confirm how good it looked. It was perfect. Flirty. Just enough to evoke the thoughts I wanted it to.

Then, confidently I hit the send button.

Typing speedily on the keys of my keyboard, I returned her greetings, attaching a red heart emoji.

I waited some minutes for a reply.

None came.

As I hurriedly retrieved my watch and car key from the table, I whistled along to a music only I could hear.

I was already late with meeting up Becca, but at least, I wasn't confused about the situation anymore.

I had asked Becca to meet because I wanted to discuss the situation. I was eager to know what she thinks about it all and what she feels I should do.

But having made up my mind, I didn't think I wanted to sit through the conversation anymore. I had to go though. It was too late to cancel.

Becca was already at the bar when I arrived. Of course she was. Perched on one of those high stools at the bartender's table, legs crossed, sipping her cocktail like she owned the place.

Her face didn't scream "happy to see you."

"I was late again", I said as I walked over, sheepish smile in place.

"Do I know you?" she snapped, eyes slicing right through me.

"Ouch", I chuckled and reached to tug her knee playfully.

"Relax. Something came up", I made an attempt to pacify her.

But she stood, grabbing her purse like she was about to storm out.

"I need to get out of here"

She was pissed. Becca hated being kept waiting.

I dropped into the seat beside hers, folding my hands and offering the most apologetic look I could manage.

It worked.

She didn't walk off. She didn't even take any step forward.

"You'll never change. Even Phina complained", she muttered, flopping back into her seat and tossing her bag down.

My smile twitched. My mind skipped a beat and my expression tightened, assuming a more serious look.

"Phina? She said something to you?"

She arched a brow.

"Is there something you want to say to me, oh Great Lord of Tardiness?"

I sighed and dropped the playful act. Becca Jones was a tough one. Her walls so high and hard to break.

"You sounded serious when you texted", she said, sipping her cocktail like it was water. "Was it a joke?"

Contemplating heavily between letting her in on my lies to Phina or just keeping things private, I stared at the bartender behind the counter instead.

"Something strong, please"

He nodded and turned toward the shelves. My palms were cold. I rubbed them together and looked back up, only to meet Becca's glare.

She wasn't letting this go.

"I didn't know she had a son" I finally said.

Quiet.

"Okay?"

Just that. One word. No reaction. Like it was supposed to be nothing.

"Come on, Becca. You should've told me", I twisted my wristwatch absentmindedly.

She opened her mouth but paused when the bartender returned with my drink.

"Enjoy your mix", he said, sliding the glass across.

"Thanks", we both muttered.

"It slipped my mind", she said finally, softer this time.

"You're right, though. I should've mentioned it. Sorry", she continued, tilting her head apologetically.

"It just... hit me. Harder than I thought it would", I rubbed my forehead, then downed the drink in one go.

She looked at me, all cool and serious. "So... do you really mind her son?"

That question punched me in the gut.

I swallowed again. Harder than the first time.

She continued, impatient about waiting for an answer to her first question.

"Did you meet him yet?"

I sighed as I made to grab my glass again, but it was empty. I clicked my tongue, withdrawing my fingers which were already wrapped around the empty glass.

"I heard about him over a phone call with her by chance"

"What was your reaction?" Becca continued.

"Seraphina wouldn't think twice to remain with you if you showed the slightest sign of not wanting her son"