You, Me, and Her

Verse 13: Sweet Creature

Eurig had always been upfront with Hal. As a matter of fact, a lot of people had always been upfront with Hal. But what they didn't understand was that Hal did confess to Aidan, and no, it wasn't just a simple "try" it was a full-blown confession that the man simply ignored and that Hal, being Hal, never dared repeat the same mistakes again.

He knew it was suicide to go through with the pretense but for some unknown reason, Hal couldn't stop the moment they started. And he would lie to himself if he said that a part of him didn't like it. Of course, he wanted it. He needed it. There was a part of him in the past that clung on to that tiny bit of optimism that if he stayed beside Aidan more and more, he would understand he meant those words he said.

"Hal," Eurig, who was driving him back to his house couldn't help commenting, "If going on that date will only upset you---"

"I'm fine," Halwyn quickly cut him off. He knew Eurig's means well but he was not about to take the discussion further with him. "That Owen guy caught your eye, huh?"

"He is good-looking."

"He is more than good-looking."

A small smile crept on Eurig's face. "He is very perceptive too. I think I'll date him."

Halwyn knew Eurig's personality from the back of his hand since his college years, but he was still left speechless at his braveness. "Wow, you decide fast."

"Have you thought about what you're going to do with your date with Aidan tomorrow?"

Hal looked away and turned to watch outside the window instead. "Not yet. Should I think about the activity?"

"It's up to you."

"Well, he's the boy and I'm the girl. As a potential suitor, he should be the one making the itinerary to surprise me."

"Has he contacted you?"

"We only communicate through email."

"Just a suggestion though," Eurig made a quick U-turn before continuing, "If you plan to go through all this idiocy, may I suggest you get a phone? You can install a simple voice changer if you worry that he might recognize your voice."

He couldn't help but snort at that reason. "The man couldn't even recognize me underneath the wig and make-up in person. What makes you think talking to me on the phone would change that? Also, is that what you really think?"

"What do you think I think?"

"What I'm doing? You call it idiocy."

Eurig drew a deep breath before replying, "If it isn't, then what would you call it?"

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Once Halwyn was back inside his private haven, he immediately went to the kitchen to get himself a cup of coffee. He usually drinks tea but at the moment, he prefers caffeine. As he leaned on the counter thinking about Eurig's suggestion, his iPhone which was on the table vibrated. Putting the cup down, he took the phone and saw his sister calling.

Hal answered, "Sia, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Hal. Did you receive it?"

"Receive what?"

"The invitation."

Furrowing his brows, Hal took the cup of coffee, walked back into his living room, and sat down on the couch. Putting the cup down on the center table, he went through the stack of papers and bills and saw a neat, yet extravagantly designed card embossed in gold letters.

Save the Date! Raven and Chloe's wedding

Hal sighed. "She's going, isn't she?"

"She's our mom. Of course, and she wants me to come with her."