was it ever real?

25. third time's a charm

at my dad's kitchen table, i sit there letting the tip of the pencil lightly trace on my sketchbook paper. in front of me, vinnie sits as well, sketching in his book.

but from time to time i catch vinnie's small glances and looks of concentration as he studies my face.

"what is it?" my head tilts and i can't stop myself from smiling.

"nothing," the corner of vinnie's lips remains upturned and he slightly shakes his head.

"what's up with you two?" amorah squints her eyes in suspension. aaron's also looking at the both of us in suspension.

we haven't had time to talk about this morning but when the other two were woken by the alarm, we made up a lie.

now we're at my dad's while he's making us pancakes and fruits for breakfast. later on, i was hoping i could get his birthday gift somewhere in the mall. they also have a fabric store i'd love to check it out. amorah also suggested the four of us have a night out.

a club maybe?

"aunty!" solana rushes down the stairs and right beside me to hug me, saving me. nano's ears prop up and he's laying underneath me.

"hii sweetie." I pull her in for a hug. she feels soft like shea butter and she even smells like it. hugging her is like hugging a teddy bear.

so comforting.

"papa doesn't get any hugs either?" dad turns around from flipping the pancakes to face her. his head tilts and he slightly frowns. the spatula's in one hand while the other hand is on his hip.

"sorry papa," she removes her little arms from my leg and sprints to hug both of his.

"anything i can help out with?" jamila appears from the doorway of the kitchen. solanas towel is draped on her mother's shoulder, and both of her hands land on her hips.

suddenly, lana's eyes get wide and she rushes towards vinnies arm. "woahh these are cool! can i color in them?" she asks him, referring to his tattoos. he glances at jamila with a brow raised, but then he nods his head. her face glows and her twinkle before she rushes up the stairs and then comes back with a bag full of markers.

lana pulls his arm close so she can color within the lines, but the whole time she's smiling so cheerfully with her dimpled smile. she asks him about the meaning of the tattoos here and there, but as they're conversating, he's still peeking at me with a smile.

still unable to talk about this morning...

"so what's on the agenda for you troublemakers? when's the wedding? where is it located?" dad's head cocks and his lips curve into a quizzical smile.

do we have to talk about this right now?

"oh uhm, we haven't thought about that yet."

"why not? it's never too early to plan ahead." jamila adds. but that isn't enough. right now just seems like an interrogation party because dad continues to question, "y'know, i never hear your opinions vincent. what's your idea on the wedding?" dad inquires while passing us our plates. solana snaps her markers shut, and jumps to the table to get her food. and when she thinks no one's looking, she slides a piece of her pancake off the table to give to nano.

crap...we didn't talk about a cover-up story for that.
he's about to say the most random shit i swear.

"i feel like it would be cool to hang out with family, but afterward i kinda want it to feel like a date. i know it sounds silly, but i want the both of us to just enjoy each other's company. we don't need a big wedding, the city hall will do." he says, sounding confident in his answer.