The Waiting Game

THE WAITING GAME - 30

FEBRUARY 2021

NEW YORK, USA

"Ariana, there are so many empty seats you can sit on. Traver's legs will be numb if you keep using him as a chair." Joan sternly told her daughter who is sitting comfortably on Traver's lap with her head laid on his shoulder as they watched a movie.

"I'm comfortable here, mom." Ariana replied, tightening up Traver's arms around her.

"Being here makes me feel so alone... Excuse me for a while, I'm going to call my boyfriend." Frankie said before leaving to go to his room.

"Joan, there's a problem with the sink." Edward said with a grimacing face as he emerged from the kitchen.

"What happened?" Joan asked.

Edward scratched his head. "I think there's a leak or something."

"Well, I don't think there are available plumbers at this hour." Joan frowned.

Traver sat up straight, making Ariana look at him. "What?" She asked with a pout, ready to complain.

"I can help fix your sink." He said while facing Joan and Edward. "I have tools in my car. I'll go get them." He looked back at Ariana and motioned her to sit on the couch so he could get up.

Traver stood up and grabbed his coat from the rack. He wore it and quickly walked outside to go to his car. Ariana, not wanting to be separated from him, followed behind him like a tail. She mimicked his steps, not letting much distance in between them. Like there is an invisible string tying them together.

"Ari, it's cold out here..." Traver worriedly said once he noticed Ariana following him. He quickly grabbed his toolbox from the boot of his car and held Ariana's hand.

The two walked briskly back to the mansion.

"Oh, dear! Are you sure about this? It can wait until tomorrow. You are a guest! You shouldn't be doing-"

"It's fine, Momma G. I'll be glad to help. I can't just sit there and do nothing when I know I can do something." Traver responded while hanging his coat back on the rack. Ariana quickly took his free hand in hers and intertwined their fingers.

"Ariana, sweetheart, I'm sure Traver is not going to suddenly disappear." Joan told her daughter after seeing the latter's eagerness to be attached in any way to the guy.

"He's keeping me warm!" Ariana reasoned out. "Right, baby?"

Traver smiled at her nodded.

"Well, we have a fireplace. You can keep yourself warm there. Let the poor man breathe." Joan argued, earning an eyeroll from Ariana. She shook her head. "Come on, dear. I'll show you the kitchen."

Joan walked ahead while the two followed closely behind her. The kitchen in that mansion is spotless and massive. It is the kind of kitchen wherein you would love to cook because of the complete set of kitchenware as well as the beautiful interior. Its space also allows a family to bond over cooking.

Traver pulled a kitchen stool and tapped it. "Sit here, love."

"Thank you, baby..." Ariana giddily responded and kissed Traver's cheek.

Traver pushed the stool lightly towards the countertop and pulled another one for Ariana's mom. Joan thanked him and sat down on the stool.

"I already turned off the water meter and shut off the water valve." Edward announced as he stepped in the kitchen himself.