Influence (GirlXGirl)

Chapter 16: The Apology

"You know, what you just did on the stage. It was beautiful," my dad babbled. He was complimenting me over and over again.

I smiled, "thanks, dad. You said that many times now."

He laughed, "yeah? I can't express it more. It gives me goosebumps."

"Cathleen," a delicate hand snakes around my waist, which sends goosebumps all over my skin, "that was a marvelous show. Here," she gave me a flower bouquet.

I turned to see Joanne with flowers in her hand and Simon beside her. There's something in his face that screams trouble. I ignored it as I wanted to have a bond with my dad.

"Thank you. Oh, Jo, Simon. Meet my dad. Dad, this is Joanne and Simon," I spoke as my dad widened his eyes to see Joanne's hand still around me.

"Oh my, I'm sorry, where's my manner. It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Everest," Joanne spoke as she hugged my dad, and Simon shook my dad's hand.

Out of nowhere, my dad seems to be interested in Joanne. Somewhere in his mind, he must have thought that she's my girlfriend, which she's not. But, I appreciate Joanne's gesture with a flower. I haven't gotten any flowers from anyone before, even my past significant other.

"What major are you in, Joanne?" My dad asked.

"I'm in Business Administration," Joanne answered proudly.

"A future entrepreneur, huh?"

Joanne shrugged as she laughed, "Guilty as charged."

As I pulled Simon, I let them carry away their conversation, "What's going on outside?" I whispered.

"Elijah and his gang wanted to ambush the school," Simon answered.

I raised an eyebrow, recalling what José said to me.

"he would go to any events that held in Trinity College."

Maybe that's one of the reasons he came here, but the Freshman didn't tell me what his gang would come to.

"Should do something about it," I said to him.

"Like what? Mason is still blocking them, and they're not moving."

Being intimidating won't solve the problem, but an idea is brought to mind.

"I have an idea," I said to Simon.

I want to bond with my dad, but I want to see what's happening outside. I'm sorry, dad, "I'm sorry, I have something urgent to do," I said, turning his attention from Joanne.

He nods. Even if he's smiling, there's a slight disappointment, "Oh, okay."

"Let's have dinner tonight. I'll take you somewhere to make it up to you," I assured him, and he accepted. When I offered him dinner, he looked pleased, "Joanne can take you around the campus."

Joanne was confused at the idea, but I gave her a look that screamed, "Please."

"Yeah, I'll take you around," Joanne agrees, and I thank her.

Before leaving, I hugged my dad for the last time, "I missed you, dad."

My dad hugged me back, "I miss you too, kid. You better tell me everything I've missed at dinner."

I nod after I let go of his embrace. I don't want to let go, but I have to. I can't let Elijah and his gang enter the campus. It's going to be chaos if he enters.

Finally, Simon and I spotted them outside the entrance of the campus. Mason and his group are blocking the entrance road as Elijah and his group is infront of them trying to get in.