In fall, I found you

Chapter 07: The Beginning

His world, With you

"Sorry, Ren, something happened. We can only return when school starts," Lucas said through our video call. "No worries. It's been so long since you returned home right?" "Tch! I would rather play with you," Bea commented. I chuckled upon her remarks.

"So, what things do you want to tell us?" Lucas asked. I've been expecting to meet them this week, to tell them the news, but they couldn't return this time. "I'll tell you when you're here," I told them. I didn't want to share the news over the phone.
"You know how to make us curious," Bea smiled. "Well, tell us the first thing!"
"For sure," I said.

I could hear a distant noise at their side, followed by someone speaking foreign. "Huft, we need to go now," Luca sighed. I could see Bea mumbled and stood up from where she seated. "See you then," I waved at them before the calls ended.

I slumped back to bed. Staring silently at Tabby who made my pillow her napping bed. Dozing off, smiling every time she reacted whenever I touched her tail or paws. Feeling sleepy.

A knock on the door and someone opens my room. I looked towards the door and saw dad standing at the doorway. "Ren, Dan is here," dad said.

Upon his word, I jumped up and looked at my phone. It was four twelve. I remembered we had an appointment at four. It was then that I realized that I put my phone on silent and there were actually three missed calls and two messages, one of which told me that he's arrived.

I walked to the window and saw the familiar car parked in front of the house. Grabbing my phone and my jacket, I immediately went down.

.

Daniel was sitting in the living room. I approached him silently from behind.
"Hi, Daniel," I patted his back and greeted him. He looked back and smiled at me. "Hi, Ren," he greeted me and gave me a light kiss. We smiled at each other.
"Ren, you should return no more than nine!" Gina's voice interrupted us.
"Oh, and turn on your location sharing," Rey's voice added. 

I sighed and looked behind. The twins were at the doorstep, looking at us, squinting their eyes. Annoyed.
"Dan, do you want some tea before you leave?" Mom stepped in, pushing the twins aside.
"Thank you, Clara, but we're about to leave," Daniel said as he stood up.
"Ren, you're going to Dan's place right? You should bring something for them," dad said as he handed me a bag. Inside I saw an unsealed wine bottle.
"Oliver, you don't need-"
"Please, accept it, Dan," dad insisted.
Daniel sighed before he nodded as I received the bag from dad.
"We'll be off then," I said, opening the door.

"Ren, your GPS!" Gina warned again as I was about to leave.
I clicked my tongue before I pulled out my phone and turned on its location. I wave the phone at her and then leave.
"Don't forget! Nine! Or I'll immediately come for you!" I heard Rey's shout as I climbed up the car.

Inside, I gave a long exhale as Daniel started the engine. Finally, we have some quiet time.
"Sorry about the twins," I apologize for their behaviour. Daniel only chuckled and smiled towards me. "It's not your fault."
"Still..." I sighed. "By the way, we're going to your place, right? Is it okay for them to know?" I asked. Turning on my GPS so that the twins could track me means I'll share Daniel's location to them. I don't know. Is it okay for his family?
Daniel didn't immediately answer, still putting on his smiling face. "It's okay. If that means I could gain their trust," he assured me.
I smiled at him and we took off.

.

"It's been so long since I've felt this nervous," I mumbled. We entered the front yard of this huge building. Somehow I knew the inside would be even bigger. Dan parked on an empty spot in between other cars.