“Althea and Vladimir, Jackson and Allyson are here. Dinner is ready so come down now.” I heard Nana shout
“I thought you said that Nana isn’t here yet,” I said to Vladimir
“It’s almost 7 in the evening that is why she is home already,” he answered and pointed at the clock on the wall
“So she came home with only the two of us inside the house?” I said panicking
“You don’t have to panic. She was the one who told me to bring you inside your bedroom when she saw me watching TV while you were sleeping on the sofa.”
“Did she ask any questions by the way?”
“No. She knows that we are friends so why are you so nervous.”
“Nothing. I was just overthinking I guess.”
“She asked me to wake you up for dinner.”
‘Don’t ever mention that something is off today. I will rip that mouth of yours if you do.” I warned him
“Come on, sit down and let us have dinner. Allyson said that he will drop by tomorrow to talk to you since he needs to be home.” Nana said
I sighed when I saw where Jackson was seated. He was already sitting beside Nana and I would still be facing him. I wanted to sit down in front of Nana but Vladimir who was following me sat down immediately. I don’t have a choice but to sit down directly in front of Jackson.
“Did something happen in school? Why is every one of you quiet? You’re not like that normally.” Nana asked
“Umm no. We were just tired.” I answered
“Oh. The silence is too deafening that it is making me wonder if something is off.”
“I wanted to tell you something,” Vladimir said
I immediately threw him a threatening look to stop him from babbling. He smiled at me before facing Nana.
“Is there something that I need to know? Do you need to tell me something, Althea?” Nana asked
“What? No! What should I tell you? I don’t have anything to say.” I answered back
“Then why are you feeling restless? Did you finally get in trouble? Did you get in a fistfight again?” she looked at me with a stern look
“Fistfight? Like exchanging punches?” Vladimir asked
“Oh, she didn’t tell you the story yet. My bad.”
“Nana, why would you tell them that story? That happened when I was in kindergarten. I don’t do that anymore.” My face flushed in embarrassment as Vladimir and Jackson stared at me in awe
“Okay, okay. Sorry for that. I thought that was the reason why you were not yourself today.”
When Nana’s phone rang from the living room, we were already done eating. She stood up to answer it as we cleared up the table. Jackson just sat down on the table uneasily while watching me and Vladimir moving around.
“Vladimir, is your phone not with you? Victoria called and said that your Dad is looking for you. He must have been worried that you are not home yet.” Nana shouted
“Oh, I forgot that Dad was coming home today. I should go home now or else I might get in trouble,” he said
“I should also get home now. I have a game early tomorrow.” Jackson said
“Oh is that so. Oh, the car is here. I will ask the driver to send the two of you home. Drop by again next time.” I heard Nana say
“I’ll talk and see you again tomorrow. Don’t be late because I will fetch you.” Vladimir said before kissing me on the cheeks
“Gross! Will you stop doing that? I am not your girlfriend and who the heck started doing that anyway.” I said
“See you tomorrow. Have a good rest and dream of me.” he winked
“Get lost! I am washing the dishes.” I said
“Good morning. You are late by 20 seconds. You should wake up earlier next time.” Vladimir said as soon as I get out of the gate the next morning.
“Oh! We have this annoying creature again. It’s too early in the morning.” I whispered
“Did you bring all the things that I asked you to bring as your master? Here, you should also carry my things.” he threw his bag to me
I just smiled as I held into his bag. He keeps on reminding me that he is my master like it is the most important thing right now. My heart is still heavy from what happened the day before so I don’t want to go watch the games.
“Did something happen yesterday?” he asked before grabbing my bag
“What do you mean?” I asked trying to sound innocent
“Pretending again huh? And why is your bag so heavy?” he asked
“Why are you asking me that question? You should know the reason why? You wanted me to act as your assistant, I mean your maid today.” I scoffed
“Good job! I will check on the things that you have as soon as we arrived at school. Remember to always stick close to me.” he said as he walked backward so he can face me
“Yes, your highness.” I rolled my eyes
“Roll your eyes again and I will kiss you,” he said joking
I wanted to answer back but I saw Jackson and Allyson standing apart from each other. I linked my arm with Vladimir since I felt uncomfortable. He looked at me and smiled as if it was a normal thing. Jackson and Allyson walked with us quietly. I can’t understand where they both got the nerve to walk with me after what they did yesterday.
“Umm guys, I am sorry but Althea has to follow me around for today. We will drop by and watch any of your games if we have time.” Vladimir said as soon as we arrived since they are already announcing the first games
They smiled weakly before nodding their heads. Allyson walked away first without saying anything.
“I’ll call you later since we need to talk,” Jackson said before leaving with his shoulder dropped
“I know that something is off with all of you. You can share it with me if it will make you feel better. We are close to each other but not that close for you to link your arm. You only do that with those two or with your best friends.” Vladimir said
“Aren’t you going to warm up? They just announced the last call for your game. How can the team captain be late for the first game.” I diverted the topic
“I will get back to you later. Take your time and follow me at the baseball ground,” he said before running
“Is Vladimir your boyfriend?” Allyson asked as he suddenly appeared
“Yah! Are you a ghost?” I said jumping in place
“As you can see, I am a person,” he said while raising his right eyebrow
“I know that you are a person. How many times do I have to repeat to myself that I don’t like being surprised? I almost punched you in the face.” I said holding my chest
“So, is Vladimir a special person? Why were you linking arms with him?” he asked expressionlessly
“Why? It doesn’t have anything to do with you.” I ignored him
“Wow! So you are ignoring me now that you have a boyfriend?”
I stopped walking and faced him. I crossed my arms and looked at him from head to toe. I shook my head and raised my right eyebrow as I stared at him stubbornly.
“What do you want?” I said in a bored voice
“I seriously hate that directness of yours. Can I talk to you?”
“As far as I remember, we don’t have anything to talk about. You started it first so bear with it.”
“I know that I have been ignoring you every time our paths crossed and I am sorry for that. God knows how I wanted to talk to you but I chose not to since we have different lives now.”
“Okay, I understand. You already said it yourself then why are you following me around. Just leave.” I said
“Oh gosh! I know that we are both stubborn that is why I am approaching you first. Why can’t you just listen to what I need to say?” he said, frustrated
“Fine, talk.” I acted uninterested
“Can we go and sit somewhere else? I am still hungover and I haven’t eaten anything yet.”
“Was it my fault that you are hungover? You shouldn’t be drinking in the first place. You are still underage and you know too well that alcohol is not supposed to be in your option.” I said
“I know what I did and you don’t have to remind me again,” he whispered
“Are you saying anything? I think I heard you whisper something.” I glared at him
“I did not say anything. I must be out of my mind if I tried to joke around,” he said pursing his mouth and then zipping his mouth.