Detour

43: I'm Home

I don't think I'll make it until tomorrow for having this crazy heartbeat.

I.have.to.calm.down.

I cleared my throat and started eating. The tension is hanging in the air, ready to fall on my face any minute now.

I saw a lot of dishes in front of me, but what I can't take my eyes off, is the way Naomi glances at Cole, and how Vince stares at Cole that long! Is there something wrong? I don't think he's giving a friendly look right now.

After being literally shock in front of Cole, I stammered a little after saying his name—and to my surprise, he just gave out his boyish grin while grabbing my hand, and squeezing it gently while my heart started melting ten times than the usual. I was left speechless so Mom have to nudge me to gather my senses and introduce Cole to Vince and Naomi. The foods came seconds after so we decided to sit down and start eating.

And now what's happening?

"I've never been to Amsterdam. What's it like there?" Thank God for Harry's senses! "Jess never told me anything..."

In the corner of my eyes, I think I saw Vince murmur "Same" before rolling the pasta with his fork and eat it.

"Except..." Harry continued, "for telling me tulips became her favorite flower and the sceneries there are picturesque."

Cole gave a short smile before looking at Harry. "It is, Jess came there in its best season, which is between April to May, where temperatures on the rise and tulips in bloom." He suddenly look at me and I have to look away to cover the reddening of my face by pretending to focus on my food. "But unfortunately, we forgot to visit them."

I instantly shift my head to him. "I know right?" My God, I can't stop grinning!

"Say no more, Cole brought it here to you." Harry replied, referring to the flowers wrapped in pink and violet papers. The flowers are so many, it looks like a garden. I literally feel like a girl, and not one of the boys they always say. So overwhelming.

We started eating silently again when I glanced at Mom and he's talking to Vince. Vince is in front of me, while Naomi's in front of Cole, and Mom's at the end of the table while Harry is at the other end.

"How is the food, Naomi? You don't seem to talk much. Please, don't be shy, we don't bite." Mom butt in.

"Only Shay." I look up to see Vince with a smirk on his face.

"Thanks, but I'd pretend I didn't hear that since Mom and Harry are Shay too." I continue eating and saw a curve was drawn in Cole's mouth.

"It was good. I love the steak." Naomi chirped with her angelic voice.

"That's good to hear." Mom paused for a while before turning her head to Cole. "By the way, how's Astrid? I heard she wants to shift into a new course?" I wish I have a good memory like Mom's. I was told by Astrid, in which I told Mom about, that she's deciding to shift Medicine because she saw Jay (our childhood friend) one day and found him really cool in a white gown while wearing glasses. She's crazy and I recommend her to think thoroughly since one year from now, we'll be graduating too.

"She can be a bit impulsive. I told her to finish her course first, hoping she'd make a good decision." Mom nod at Cole, agreeing.

Vince glance at me. "Astrid? Your childhood friend?" Then he glances at Cole.

"Oh, Cole and Astrid are siblings." Mom answered on my behalf and Vince looked a little shock and a little disappointed before he drink his wine while Naomi leaned to him to say something.

I feel bad once again for not telling Vince about Cole, and Cole about Vince. I feel the need to really apologize to them later.

My shoulders sagged when a hand came on my lap to assure me.