A Little Too Dark

Andrea's Realization.

Andrea had to lie to the others. She had to make up a story just to get out of Craig's house. So, she lied to everyone that she threw up and wasn't feeling very well and wanted to get home. She felt awful as everyone grew very concerned for her, but she didn't have any other choice. Lorenzo hasn't returned to the table yet and Andrea simply wanted to leave before he does. Andrea was so frantic that she didn't realize that Gus was not around either. Craig was concerned for Andrea and so was Farrah and Kevin, they had believed her. After all, she did look paler than usual, she was shaken and her eyes were glossed. "Come on, let us take you back home." Kevin offered but Andrea was quick to decline. "No," she shook her head. Kevin brought his eyebrows together – Andrea offered her a weak smile and added, "You don't have to drive me back home. I will call an Uber."

Craig shook his head, "Nonsense, you shouldn't be alone when you aren't feeling well." He said as he passed her a glass of water. The more they show their concern over her health, the guiltier she felt. She wiped the sweat beats off her forehead, "Mr. Carlos, I am fine." She tried to explain. Kevin and Farrah were discussing something about the wedding with Kevin when Andrea rushed back – prepared to leave as quickly as possible. She hated asking Kevin to drive her back when he was there with his father. Craig opened his mouth to oppose when an unexpected voice decided to speak.

"I will drive her," Everyone looked at Rose, who sat on the chair farther from Andrea. She offered without even looking at any of the people around. She drank water and made casual eye contact with Andrea before she wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin. "I have to leave early anyway." She added. Craig smiled at his daughter, but unapprovingly Kevin interjected. "There is no need for that," He hasn't told their father about Rose bullying Andrea before and he doesn't want those events to repeat so, with his eyebrows pulled together he added, "I and Farrah will drive her back home, and maybe we can discuss everything later," He asked him father, who wordlessly nodded his head – sensing a little discomfort among his guests, but he didn't dare to question them – not even his son and daughter.

Andrea looked at Kevin, who was not even done with his food yet before her eyes went back to Farrah – who was so looking forward to tonight. The guilt was digging in deeper for Andrea, she swallowed uneasily before she glanced at Rose and heaved a sigh, "If Rose has to leave early then maybe I should go with her. You both stay," She said as she looked at Kevin and Farrah. The couple looked surprised by Andrea's suggestion. She, of all people, has been ignoring Rose ever since she was bullied by Rose at Kevin's Halloween party. Kevin frowned – he didn't feel like it was a good idea, but what does he know? Andrea preferred Rose's bullying and taunts rather than seeing Lorenzo again – especially tonight. Andrea felt like her heart was beating in her mouth. She was scared that he would walk back to the table any moment that she agreed on a ride back home with Rose – alone.

Farrah, who was quiet for a while, looked at her sister concernedly. "Are you – are you sure about it, Andrea?" She asked her softly. Andrea curled her lips in a small smile and nodded her head, "Yes, I will be. Don't worry." She nodded her head – assuring her sister, who didn't seem convinced. Andrea looked at Rose smirking at her while she heaved a sigh. She would do anything to leave – even if that means bearing with Rose.

Lorenzo was having a hard time comprehending what happened with Andrea and him just a few minutes ago, while after a consideration, Gus decided to have a chat with his half-brother – something that doesn't happen often. Lorenzo was looking out of the window with a burning cigarette in between his fingers. Gus saw how the cigarette was just dying in Lorenzo's hand without being smoked. He twisted his mouth and heaved a sigh to catch his brother's attention. Lorenzo side-eye glanced at Gus before averting his eyes back out of the closed window.

Lorenzo and Gus's relation isn't what people would call a strong one. Since the day they found out about each other, there has been a restrain between them. They don't argue or hate or yell at each other – they just aren't close – not even after a year and a half. Where Gus knew about his brother's existence – Lorenzo wasn't even aware that his mother had a child with another man. It was hard for him to fully grasp the concept of an actual sibling – but he tried, he still does. "What are you doing here?" Gus's words sliced through the silence. Lorenzo glanced at him and without any words showed him the cigarette. Gus snickered, "I thought you were trying to quit?" He recalled his brother's word from months ago. Lorenzo wordlessly shrugged and kept on looking out of the window.