The Perfect Imperfections

Chapter 17

Dinner was.... awkward.

To say Elizabeth was stunned was an understatement. It's been thirty minutes since the announcement and she hasn't said a word. I don't even think she even blinked.

"So... How was college?"

Nobody moved at that question. Apparently Casper knew nothing about the breaking news that's been broadcasted around the country. The murder of the beloved heir to Forxe's weaponries.

"College is good." The smile on my face faltered at the depressing reminder. Noah's death combined with Jacob's disappearance put everyone on the edge. Word about what happened to me at the party got out and now people are blaming me or finding a way to link me to the crimes assuming I was the root of it all.

They ran around social media making up different stories and scenarios about how it happened most of which drove my name through the mud. It took all the strength in the world to refrain from replying to the comments. I wasn't stupid, giving some kind of retort to these baseless accusations is the worst thing to do in this situation.

"And who are these gentleman?" Papi removed his fork from the pasta and waved it in Sid and Chase's direction when they were just about to take in another mouthful. This act made everyone look up especially Lizzy.

"Uh Papi this here is Sid-" I touched his shoulder and pointed to Chase "-and this is Chase. They're here to spend Christmas with us." Sid carefully placed his utensil back on the ceramic place while Chase's fork dropped on his meal.

"Nice to meet you sir." He held his hand out in front of me halfway to Casper for him to take it but Casper remained immobile not regarding his gesture.

"Don't you have families to spend Christmas with?"

"Dad!!"

"Papi!!"

"Casper!!"

The three of us voiced out protests but Casper waved us off and concentrated on them as if there was nothing wrong with his statement. Surprisingly so did Sid.

"Both our parents went on vacation." He said confidently, definitely not intimidated by him.

"So you decided to come to another state with two beautiful young ladies?" He scoffed "Do you think I'm stupid?"

"I know how this looks like, but I assure you we just came here for vacation and of clear intention."

"That sounds ridiculous!" Casper was gradually becoming agitated, Mary who was to his right placed a comforting hand on his arm and started stroking it.

"That's not the only ridiculous thing I've heard of today" Liz chimed in bringing the whole table to an eerie silence.

"Hija-"

"When did this happen" she stared pointedly between her parents. "If I remember clearly the last time you two were both in the same room you couldn't stand each and now suddenly you're in a relationship. Another relationship!"

"Elizabeth calm down-"

"Don't tell me to calm down mom!"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Casper yelled soo unexpectedly that we all couldn't withhold from flinching. "Don't ever use that tone on your mother!" Lizzy dropped her head in resignation and sniffed. From here the tears in her eyes glistened with sorrow and embarrassment.

After a few sniffles and Papi eventually calming down Elizabeth apologized timidly.

"I'm sorry." She abruptly stood up and ran out of the room.