Whisper Destiny

Chapter 4

 
  ~Natasha~
 
  As I made my way through the bustling airport, the throbbing in my head seemed to intensify with each step. I can't wait to be home, and be in the comfort of my bed, away from the chaotic rush of travellers around me.
 
  Amid the sea of people, I spotted my mom searching for me from the arrival gate.
 
  Her present was unexpected, as it was usually our family driver, John, who picked me up. As she finally saw me, I quickly walking towards her. She enveloped me in a warm hug, something that I missed but I will never admit it.
 
  "Why did you come? You could have just asked John to pick me up," I questioned.
 
  "I missed my daughter, that's why." she replied with a smile.
 
  "And you mentioned that you would be bringing someone special with you."
 
  She scanned the area, expecting to meet the 'someone special' I had mentioned last week, over the phone conversation.
 
  "Hello, Mrs. Grayson..." Chase greeted my mom eagerly, and she reciprocated with warm words and a hug.
 
  "It's just us, mom. Let's go. I'm exhausted" I replied wearily, hoping to end the conversation.
  
  My mom just looking at me and Chase alternately. Chase simply shrugged, and she chose not to press further.
 
  The journey back home was filled with lively conversation between my mom and Chase. They were catching up on each other's lives, and it was evident that they had a great connection.
 
  However, I was not in the mood to participate. I couldn't shake off the worry about Nick, he hadn't responded to any of my text messages since yesterday, leaving me both annoyed and worried.
 
  Upon arriving home, the festive Christmas decorations around her home immediately lifted up my spirits a little bit.
 
  As we entered the house, I inquired..."Where's dad?"
 
  "I think he's in the home office with Cate" my mom replied.
 
  I just rolled my eyes and swiftly made my way upstairs to my room.
 
  I could hear my mom's voice asking, "Don't you want to greet your dad and Cate?" I just brushed it off. Clearly not in the mood to deal with that woman right now. All she wanted is to have her impending sleep.
 
  ********
 
  I woke up with my stomach rumbling, urging me to fill it with foods.
 
  "What time is it? How long she has been asleep?" As i wondered about the time, I suddenly remembered leaving Chase alone.
 
  However, I didn't worry too much because I knew Chase would be just fine. Besides, my mom would keep him entertained.
 
  I headed straight to the kitchen in search of something to eat.
 
  My maid greeted me and suggested that I sit in the dining room while they prepare something for me. I requested them to deliver it to the garden pool instead, which is my favorite spot among the many places in my house.
 
  I dialled Nick's number again, hoping for him to pick up my call, but once more, no answer. I let out a heavy sigh, feeling a mix of frustration and worry.
 
  Suddenly, my father's voice broke through my thoughts.
 
  He approached me and pulled me into a tight embrace, offering the comfort that I desperately needed in that moment. As i leaned into the hug, my worried seemed dissipate, for now.
 
  "How are you, my darling. Is everything okay." my father inquired with a little bit concern tone.
 
  "I'm good, dad. As you can see." I replied as I broke away from the embrace.
 
  "Tell me about school. Any plans to fail another semester?"  I roll my eyes at my dad's comment.
 
  "I think I'm done with school, dad. No more failing for me."
 
  Despite my reaction, I could see the pride in his eyes as I assured him. Sometimes, I miss this banter between me and my parents.
 
  However, it's hard not to notice the stark difference in attention and the way my parents behave when Cate is around.
 
  It's like she effortlessly becomes the center of their world, and everything somehow revolves around her. They can't help but draw comparisons between us, constantly highlighting how they wish I could be more like her. It's no wonder I've developed a strong aversion to Cate.
 
  As we were chatting, I noticed Chase approaching us with a plate of sandwiches.
 
  My father excused himself and let us know that he would see us at dinner later tonight.
 
  Chase hand me the sandwich.
 
  He just silently looking at me.
 
  "Spill it out, Chase" i demanded. I knew he wanted to talk about what I shared with him yesterday.
 
  "Nat, I seriously don't like him. I didn't like him before, but after what he did to you that night, I dislike him even more," he began.
 
  "Can't you see it, Nat? He's not good for you." He continued.
 
  "He promised it will not happen again, Chase. And I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. This is the first time he's done something like this. He's never make something that I'm not comfortable with before." I reasoned.
 
  "There's always a second and a thousandth time after the first..." he spoken slowly enough, for me to almost miss it.
 
  I choose not to comment on it and eat my sandwich quietly.
 
  "You're such a stubborn, you know that Natty? I just want to make sure you realize that. But at the end of the date, it's your life. Please be careful okay?" I smile at his remarked.
 
  "And if he ever does something like this again, I definitely kill him" he glared at me.
 
  "Noted bestie, I understand you. Thank you for watching out for me. Did I ever tell you that you're one of my favourite people in this whole world." I said.
 
  "You did, but I'm pretty sure a second later you'll say the same thing to that dick" Chase replied, rolling his eyes.
 
  We shared a sandwich and discussed our plans for the next days, which obviously involving a lots of wild parties.