Time

chapter 22

Jorge's pov

*I arrived at the restaurant where Stephie's party is taking place. I went in and looked around. Men and women in formal clothes, white walls with golden pictures and a giant crystal chandelier upon my head. I walked further to see if I recognise anyone here.*

S: Jorgie!

*I turned around and faced Stephie in long, pink dress*

J: Happy birthday, Stephie

S: Thank you! Ah, you took your guitar with you?

J: Yes, you wanted me to sing for you

S: Amazing! Place your instrument here and come with me for a minute

J: Okay

*I placed the guitar on the chair and Stephie dragged me somewhere towards a group of adults.*

S: Mum, dad, this is Jorge

*Two adults were looking at me happily. Before I could say anything, her mum embraced me and her dad shook my hand*

Sm: Finally we can meet you

Sd: Stephie told us a lot about you

J: Really?

S: Yes, I told them how perfect you are

J: No, that's too much, I'm just an ordinary guy that likes to sing

Sm: We heard that you're a musician. Could you please sing something?

J: With pleasure

*I went back to take my guitar and stood up on the stage. Everyone looked at me, stared me down with their posh attitude. Now I know why we never perform on formal upperclass events.*

J: Hello, I will sing a song to celebrate Stephie's special day. Please enjoy it

*I started playing the guitar with my shaky hands and sang the Happy Birthday song. After my performance I did get a round of applause and wished Stephie happy birthday again. I sat in my place at the table, everyone had their name on a set place. I was sitting next to Stephie. Of course, the host prepared the seating order. They gave us the first meal and we started eating. Fancy dishes.*

Sm: Congratulations to your performance Jorge

S: You are so talented!

J: Thank you

Sd: Of course he is talented! We wouldn't let our daughter marry just someone average

*I was so shocked that I almost choked on the water I was drinking. I looked at Stephie whose face wasn't any different from mine. She looked like a deer caught in headlights.*

J: What? Mr. Camarena, you said marry?

Sd: Yes, you two are old enough and Stephie said that you have been dating for almost three years, why don't you make a step forward?

*I noticed how Stephie is trying to stop her dad by bad subtle gestures, but he wasn't reacting to her signals. No way I am letting her get away with this.*

J: I am sorry to ruin the mood but first of all, we aren't dating and never have. This is the first time I have heard such statement, Mr. Camarena.

Sd: Excuse me?

J: And second, I don't want to offend you but I already have a girl on my mind.

Sm: How is that possible? We were so happy to welcome you in the family and you mean to tell us that it has all been a lie?

J: I apologise for creating a misunderstanding or making Stephie believe that we had something but we are truly just neighbours. I did accept this invitation to make her happy on her birthday. But I suppose your daughter has a different mindset. Thank you for having me, I shall go

S: No! Where are you going Jorgie?

J: I'm going home. Happy birthday.

*I stood up, took my things and left. What the hell was that. Stephie told her parents that we're dating? No, that we have been dating for three whole years? Did everyone in the room think so too? I understand that she likes me but this is too much.*