Although it's the First Time

Chapter Sixteen: Look at the Stars

Dinner time.

After studying, Vincent and his parents and I left for dinner at my place.

When we arrived, Mother was almost finished setting up the ingredients for Hotpot. She nudged me towards my room and told me to put on some decent clothing.

I sighed and left the kitchen to go change for the third time that day. I slipped into a casual white long sleeved chiffon dress with Mother's help pulling my broken arm through the sleeve. After giving my hair a final brush, I returned to the dining room.

To my surprise, Suzy and her mother were also at the table. She sat across from Vincent with an nervous gaze.

"Hey," I greeted her with a tiny smile.
She brought her attention towards me and smiled back, showing me her pearly white teeth. She wore a simple mint coloured dress that complimented her contrasting bright red hair.

Vincent turned his face around to face me, his mouth slightly open.

"Well, don't you look lovely?" He mocked. He patted the seat next to him and I hesitantly sat down.

The broth was boiling and the ingredients were mouth watering. As soon as Dad and Mother sat down, everyone began grabbing food with their chopsticks and dipped it into the broth.

Just as I was going to grab my own chopsticks, Mother stopped me and handed me a fork. I chuckled and took the fork, thanking her softly.

Even with the fork, I was having a hard time enjoying my food. I felt like a helpless child. My left arm was killing keeping my stomach away from digesting food. Eventually, I just gave up and asked Mother to scoop up a bowl of broth for me.

Curse the people who caused my right arm to break! I thought to myself as I sucked on the broth like soup and listened to the conversations around me.

Mrs. Roberts was busy getting aquatinted with Mother and Ms. Jenkins. I remember Vincent's mother was so excited to meet with Mother. Dad and Mr. Roberts were discussing business at the company.

As I brought my soup spoon up to my mouth, a piece of beef dropped into my spoon. I looked over at Vincent and watched as he chuckled and added more cooked food to my plate.

"Thank you," I mumbled and slowly began eating. I looked up and saw Suzy glaring at Vincent. He slowly brought his gaze up to her and returned the expression.

I felt the tension between them rise as I chewed on my delicious, well cooked beef. At the time, I felt like I was watching an intense soap opera and the camera man zoomed into the eyes of the rivals.

I laughed to myself and began choking on my food. I quickly grabbed my glass of water and chugged it down. Mother began patting my back in attempt to sooth my coughing.

"Are you okay, Violet," Vincent's mother asked. I nodded and gave her a thumbs up.

"You really do look like your mother," Mr. Roberts softly sighed. Mrs. Roberts nodded her head in agreement.

Setting my empty glass down, I looked up at Mr. And Mrs. Roberts. Waiting for them to elaborate.

Instead, Dad began talking. "Kiddo, I don't think you remember, but you met Mr. And Mrs. Roberts at Mom's funeral. They gave you lollipops."

I shook my head to indicate that I didn't remember them. I looked from Dad to Vincent's parents and gave them both a genuine smile. "Thank you for being there."

Mrs. Roberts' eyes became teary. "I'm so sorry you had to lose her at such a young age," she sniffled. I nodded and handed her a napkin. "Well, at least you have a new beautiful mom who I'm sure loves you very much."