“I couldn’t believe you accepted his invitation, Latrice Faith!”
“I just wanted to see his Mama; it’s been a while since I’ve last seen her. You see, she’s been so nice to me. Besides, I’ll be going with you.
“Tell me. Are you still in love with that guy?”
“C’mon! What are you talking about? NO!”
“Then why did you accept his invitation?”
“Manuel, I already answered that. I don’t see anything wrong with that. They’ve been a family to me once, and sharing a dinner with them after a long time is not a big deal at all.”
“Are you hearing yourself right now?”
“Please Manuel. Let’s not fight over this one. I don’t have any other reason of going there than wanting to see Auntie Esmeralda. Anyway, You’ll be there. You will not let me be hurt, right?”
“Exactly! I don’t want you to be hurt that is why I don’t want you to go there!”
“I won’t go alone. I’ll be with you. We are not going to fight over this one. We are going.”
“Latrice Faith! You’re unpredictable!”
“Stop uttering my full given name just to show that you are irritated of me. Trust me on this, please.”
I did not bother to respond on that.
“Are you going to use the bathroom? Go ahead.” I told her
“Ok. How about you?”
“After you, Dear. Not unless you want us to shower together.” I smirked at her. She threw her slippers to my direction and marched into the bathroom.
When she got out, she was already dressed up. She was wearing a black cardigan on top of a yellow floral dress; she was wearing black flats; she has also French-braided her hair. She looked beautiful and stunning!
“Is she trying to convince Francis to get back with her?”
With the thought, I irritatingly took a shirt from my luggage and went to the bathroom. I stayed under the shower than usual so F would have to wait longer. I thought Latrice would be annoyed because an hour had already passed, but she was still looking relaxed on the settee.
I continued moving on a slow phase in fixing my hair and wearing my shoes.
“Stop playing your games on me, Manuel Rodrigo! Hurry up! Or else, I’ll leave you here and I’ll go by myself.” She said in a firm voice. Afraid to be left by her, I wore my shoes and fixed my hair at the same time
“Shall we, Your Highness?” I mockingly said.
I entwined our arms together and opened the door. Francis was already in the lobby and boredom could be seen all over his face. But that expression faded away the moment he saw us – the moment he saw Latrice. He headed us to his car. He opened the passenger seat for Latrice, and I had no option than to assist myself at the backseat.
The house of the man speaks of modishness; I can see that the family of F is affluent, too. His mother welcomed us; she is good looking and refined.
“How have you been, Hija! I’m glad to see you after a long time.”
“I’m good, Tita. By the way, I’m with my best friend – Manuel.”
“Good evening, Ma’am.”
“Hijo. You look familiar. Your family name is?”
“Manuel Rodrigo Selegña.”
