Disgrace

Chapter 12: Layover

hi! sooo, we all know that The Clandestine Affairs Series is not for the faint of heart. They tackle dark themes and are 
not your typical romance. That said,  I'd like to reiterate  that Disgrace is a dark romance. so Mason will have reasonings and actions that WILL deviate from a typical boy-meets-girl stories. The reason why I am bringing that up is I feel like some of us are  forgetting that fundamental element of this book,
that's all.

thank you and happy reading! 💛

***

Katrina

"Everything okay?" I asked Theo as I approached him at his study table. When I entered his room, I let out a breath when I saw that Mason was in his bathroom.

Ever since dinner time and my little encounter with his best friend in the kitchen, Theo's been working on his school stuff, which makes me really proud of him. With achievement or not, a kid prioritizing his school is enough for me. Don't need those fancy medals and certificates, because once they graduate all that matters to the employers is the fact that you either have a degree or you have the license. You will get paid the same as the Valedictorian in your school. Which is why I hated academic pressure, it causes nothing but unnecessary anxiety and stress to a student in my very, very humble opinion.

"Yes, Tita, I'm almost done." He said as he looked at the screen with some physics stuff on it. I glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was nine p.m already.

"Okay. You're a big guy, you know what to do, but don't stay up too late. It could actually cause hormonal imbalance and cognitive decline." I said.

He pouted and I chuckled as I reached for his hair to ruffle it like I always do with Gabby.

"And I am not saying that because I am a grumpy old lady, I am saying it because it is true and I care, okay?"

He sighed softly and gave me a small smile. Gosh, he has Ate Di's almond eyes and that adorable smile.

"And you can fact check me because remember? Doctor?" Pabiro ko pang itinuro ang sarili ko na ikinatawa niya.

"Yes, promise, I will sleep around eleven p.m. It's not hard for me because I use white noise to help me sleep."

I nodded.

"Really?"

"Yes. When I was sharing rooms with Gabby, he hated it because it's loud."

Tumawa naman ako. I didn't know that about him, I don't hear it at night, maybe because my condo's walls are made of solid concrete.

"Well, good thing you and Gabby have separate rooms here. Eleven p.m's the deal, alright?"

"Yes, Tita. You're the best."

Napalunok naman ako. I couldn't help but feel guilty because of what I have done and been doing behind his back.

"Mama's very happy to have you around." He said as he looked up at me. My heart felt full.

"Is she?"

He hummed as he nodded.

"You're chipping away at the guard she built around herself, trust me."

I smiled.

"Love you, kiddo. Good night." I pressed a kiss onto his hair. When I turned to my heel, his bathroom door opened and I saw Mason with a cloud of steam behind him, dressed in a gray sweatpants and a t-shirt. His dark hair was wet and disheveled. Theo's keyboard is still click-clacking.