Tulips

12. Freen's Becky.

Becky.

I went upstairs and took a bath after I closed my shop. After changing into my pajamas, my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi Angel..." I smiled as I heard my dad's voice.

"Dad!"

"Angel, did you just closed the shop?"

"Yes Dad."

"How's business going?"

"It's doing great. I have 2 wedding projects for this week. I'll be finalizing it tomorrow before I could give Richie the order."

"That's good to hear, angel. Your mom was right you two does have a knack for business."

"We got it from you two... Let's cut the chase, why did you called dad?"

"Well, I just want to ask you a favor."

"What is it dad?" How cute his voice becomes whenever he ask us a favor. He is such a softie.

"Well. After yesterday's massage my back feels better. So I thought why not proceed with our hiking plan for tomorrow."

"That's great. I'd prepare my gear then." I suddenly felt excited. It's been half a year since we last went hiking together.

"Great!...Honey she said yes!" Dad said to mom. I heard mom saying something. "Not yet... Uhm angel, will you drive?"

"Huh? Dad why me. Richie always drives us."

"Richie can't make it. When I canceled he made plans with the ',friend', so he says..." Someone's face suddenly appeared on my mind's eye. "Do you know the girl he's courting?"

The excitement evaporated quickly.

"Yeah dad. I've met her before I learned he's courting her."

"Oh she's your friend?"

"Not really a friend. I just know her..." Do I know her? "I mean not really know like 'know her' I just met her a month ago..."

"So how is she? You think our boy have a chance? I bet she's pretty. My boy knows how to choose."

"Yeah..." As if her face was in front of me, smiling. "She's really pretty and smart too."

"That's great. That makes me want to meet her more. Honey! Angel here knows the girl. She said she's pretty and smart." I heard mom said something then I heard a little noise.

"Hello, angel?" Mom said. She took the phone from dad. "Your dad is super curious about the girl, that he forgot he called you late. Get your things ready then go to sleep okay? You need your energy for tomorrow."

I smiled. "Yes mom. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night mom."

"Good night. Love you angel."

"Love you too mom, tell dad I love him too. See you all tomorrow."

After I packed my bag. I went to bed. Her face appeared in my mind again. So she's with Richie tomorrow. I wonder where will they go. When I realize what I just thought, I shook my head and told myself that's none of my business.

The next day....

I drove to my parent's place early. We then left after a few minutes. I drove dad's jeep Rubicon. Good thing I'm used to driving this, if not it'll be hard.

We reached the stop over to buy food. I told dad to buy me a burger. I then dropped them off first before I park the jeep. Mom waited for me at the side of the shops. When we turned into the corner I thought I see someone who looks just like her. But then I saw Richie not far from her.

Oh shit, she's here. Then her eyes met mine. She looked surprised as well. I am panicking inside but I'm frozen in the outside. I snapped when I heard dad called me and asked what I want to get. I gave her a quick glance before I went to dad's side so in that way I won't face her.

"Uhm, yeah. Uh..." Damn I'm stuttering. It took me a while to choose what I want.

I quickly greeted her before I sat at the end of the bench opposite to her. Mom caught on as she called me Becky.

"I just thought Becky fits her more."

As soon as she said that her voice echoed in my head remembering the last time we talked about her calling me that. "Then let me be the only one..." She said that and then kissed me.

Oh shit! This is not the time to think of that! Get a grip Becca! You're family is here with you!

She keeps staring. Am I just imagining it or is Her eyes really are following me. It's making me feel conscious. Isn't she afraid to be caught specially to be seen by my brother. But then again how would I see she's looking if I wasn't looking at her too.

Damn Becca why can't you control yourself. Stop looking at her!

I kept quiet the entire time while I'm trying to concentrate not to look at her. I put my headphone on, played some music, get my book and began reading.

It's been 5 minutes since I started reading yet I'm still at the same page. I kept starting all over the same sentence for I'm distracted. I may not be looking at her but I'm full aware of her from the corner of my eye. I can even see her glance my way thrice.

What the hell Becca, concentrate on the book,! A few minutes more still nothing happened for I'm still stuck on the same page. I could see mom and dad was talking to her. I became curious so I lowered the volume of my headphones.

Mom and Dad were talking about how they met. Dad boasted what he did just to make mom love him. He said Richie should learn from him.

Looks like mom likes Freen she even told her about my brother's good points. This embarrassed Richie. But what happened next shocked me.

"It's okay Rich, she's right anyways. You're the kindest guy I've met." Freen said making me snap my head towards her to look.

She smiled at my mom while mom and dad cheered. Meanwhile Richie was blushing hard.

I suddenly felt out of place that made my mood drop even lower. Like why am I even here? I think I'm starting to regret saying yes to this hiking.