Together but Separate

Chapter 18: Time Together

Kate Rojas

"Bye! Take care you both. Please drive safely, okay? And don't be in a hurry to go home. Your dad and I are fine here."

Tita Jasmine was waving at us as we drove off. She looked so happy as she waived goodbye. Tito Niccolo was just smiling at us. He was standing next to tita.

I felt weird today because of the series of things that happened since I woke up. First, I woke up and went downstairs to find that the breakfast was ready. The table was set up so nicely. It was like we were having a formal breakfast. I was told that Nicko prepared everything. Secondly, the Tita Jasmine gave me a really cute dress to wear for today. I told her that I did not need to wear such a nice dress because I was just going out to buy a gown for the event. Last but not the least, Nicko was so extra in being a gentleman. He pulled a chair for me to sit down during breakfast, made me a fresh coffee, and he offered to wash the dishes. He even assisted me to the car.

I straightened the skirt of the dress that I was wearing. It was a beautiful wool dress that was fit for the cool weather. By the looks of it, it was worth some fortune. I did not want to wear it, but I did not want to make her sad. She put an effort to buy me this dress. I had to appreciate that.

To be honest, I was still so overwhelmed every time I was reminded that I belonged to a wealthy family. Even though the Ferragnis' were so simple and down to earth, they still overwhelmed me in some ways. I could not get used to it.

"That dress looks good on you."

Napalingon ako kay Nicko nung nagsalita siya. He was driving, but he glanced at me and smiled. I felt like I skipped an heart beat because of that smile and how handsome he looked in his navy blue shirt.

"Thank you. Your mom gave it to me. She spoils me with so many dresses."

Nicko chuckled.

This guy did not know the effect he had on me. I had to distance myself to him, but he kept breaking the wall I had put up.

God, help me.

"Please understand her. She had been wanting to have a daughter that she could dress up with, and you are the closest one to that. You are like a daughter to her."

Since I came here in Italy, tita and I had developed a close bond which I loved. I used to think that she did not like me because she was putting a gap between in the beginning. But after spending few days with her here in Italy, I could tell that she loved me. She treated me so well and had been very thoughtful to me. I had actually found another motherly figure in her.

"I don't mind her dressing me up, but I hope she is not spending too much money. Geez. I feel like this dress alone costs too much money already."

"Well, welcome to the Ferragni's," Nicko said and chuckled.

Natawa na lang din ako at napailing. I did not know if I wanted to get used to this lifestyle. It was too much but what could I do? I could not change something that they already had even before I came in the picture.

"Malapit lang ba ang pupuntahan natin?"

"Half an hour drive."

Napatango ako at napatingin sa labas. There was a moment of silence between Nicko and I. Why did it feel so good to be around him? Even though we were not talking, I felt content just being next to him.

I was sure that my feelings toward him continued to grow. It was crazy to think that all he needed to do was to breathe, and that would be enough for me.

Nicko was the kind of man who was not difficult to fall into. I could name all the reasons why it was so easy to like him but the first and the one that stood out to me the most was his dedication and love for his family. It would be no wonder if he would become a great father someday. His future children would be so blessed to have him as their dad. I just knew.