Tulips

16. Take me home.

Becky.

I enjoyed our dinner. Mom and Dad's cooking are always the best. I was helping in cleaning up the table.

"Let me help."

"Oh no dear, we could manage." Mom said.

I took the plates and went over to the kitchen and put it on the sink.

"I insist. It's the least I could do after eating your wonderful dinner." She said.

I was on my way back to the dining area so I turned around but then Freen was there. We almost bumped at each other good thing he was holding tight the glasses. I then stepped aside to let her through.

Looks like mom already have someone to help her so I went to my room. I took some things that I like to bring home. I put it all in a bag and then I went down.

"Are you leaving already angel?" He went to me eyeing my bag.

"Yes dad, I have a shop to take care of."

"Ah. We have such responsible kids." He said smiling while hugging me

"Why don't I go with you since we're both going back to the city. That way Richie doesn't have to drive back late at night." Freen suggest which left me shocked.

What! No! This is me going home to avoid you!

"That is a great idea. Do take her home dear." Mom said.

Mom! What the hell!

"I'm sure Richie would want to take her home himself, right Richie?"

I looked at Richie hoping he insist on taking her home.

"If that's what you want. I'll get your stuff." He said looking at Freen smiling. He stood and when he reached where I was at. "You drive safely. I want my girl to get home in one piece and alive."

"Duh. You're talking to a girl who drove Dad's monster truck up into the mountains. A simple drive home is nothing."

"You better drive extra careful then." He said before he went out of the house.

"See how caring my son is?" Dad said to Freen while winking.

Freen laughed. "Thank you for the dinner. It was nice meeting you."

She offered her hand. Dad took it but then hugged her too. Mom did the same. I hugged both mom and dad and said goodbye.

"Let's go." I said on my way out.

Richie was by my car. I clicked my keys so he could put the bag inside. He did that then went to Freen. I didn't dare to look. I just put my bag in the passenger seat then went to the driver's side and waited inside.

She soon went in the car. I drove off after we wave goodbye to them.

"Can you put your address in the gps."

"Thanks for this."

I just nodded in response. That was the last time we spoke. The car became so quiet. I dare not to speak again nor even look at her.

When I couldn't stand the silence, I connected my phone and played music. Later on I was singing and soon so is she. We looked at each other and she smiled.

"You have a great voice. Did you ever try to become a singer?"

"I did. But flowers is more of my passion. So I just sing in the car, T home specially at my bathroom. You have a nice voice too."

"Oh now you're lying. Never a singer. Nope."

The next song was more lively and we both sang as soon as the 1st verse started. She even danced a bit to it. We looked at each other and smiled while singing.

We were soon talking about songs. Her playlist was surprisingly similar to mine, like we literally have the same songs.

My friend's taste in music is different. I always let them play the songs they want. It's nice to have someone to sing along the same songs I like. It's fun vibing through it while driving.

From songs we talked about movies and books. She doesn't like to read but she does watch movies a lot. She said she had an extensive collection of DVD's before. She also have some stored in her phone. Her friends often can't accompany her in the cinema for they have different taste in movies. I asked her what she usually likes and her favorites. Surprisingly we also have the same taste in movies.

We talked and sang along the way. We didn't noticed the time that we soon reached her house. Or should I say mansion. The familiar house drew nearer. I stopped at the gate.

"Good evening. Who are you looking for ma'am?" A man's voice said through the intercom.

Freen took her seatbelt off and leaned her body towards me so she could reach the intercom. I was so surprised that I instantly leaned on my seat and try not touch her.

"Benny, It's me. Please open the gate."

"Oh good evening Ms. Sarocha." He said then the gate opened.

Freen went back to her seat and smiled at me. I composed myself then drove to her driveway. I stopped the car in front of her door.

Freen weren't moving for a few seconds. She then looked at me.

"Do you want to come in for a second. Have a drink maybe."

I looked at her. Did she really asked me for a drink? She realized what she said and hurriedly added.

"I mean juice or some soda. Or we could just talk if you want. I promise I won't do anything." She said looking at me. Her eyes hopeful for me to say yes.

After knowing we could converse and set aside what happened before, I want to say yes... but I cant. I can't trust us left alone together.

"I can't. It's getting late, I'd better go home."

"Oh yeah. Sure. Well... Thanks for driving me home. See you around."

I hope not. I just smiled at her. She smiled back then opened her door. She was about to go out when she stopped. I was already looking ahead preparing to drive off when her hand went to my cheek and forced me to look at her. As she turn my head, she quickly kissed me by the lips.

I was so surprised that I went stiff.