Living With Him

Sixteen: How I Met Your Brother

I've been sitting on one of the benches at the side of my fake-boyfriend's-parents' beach house for quite some time now since lunch ended. I offered to help clean after we ate—being the good natured person that I am—but they refused because I was a visitor. I think it impressed my overly pretentious boyfriend though.

Maybe he thought I wasn't the type to clean things. How would he know? He leaves after eating and I'm the one to clean after we eat.

My Grammy didn't raise me to sloth off.

I can marry now, if I want to and I sure won't disappoint my husband.

I was busy with my thoughts when I noticed Andres walk by. He's still in his earlier attire but I wish he'd take off some few layers since we're at the beach.

For crying out loud, show us some skin!

I nodded at my subconscious' demand—it's a reasonable one.

I don't even know where he's going, he's just walking there...in his perfect state with his hair gently swaying with the breeze. I so envy the breeze. And I so envy his skin. I know mine will burn if I dare walk out there at this time of day.

I just hope his skin won't melt off with my eyes and the sun staring down at him.

Hmm... I wonder where my sugarplum is.

Missing him already?

No I'm not! I just haven't seen him for a while now. Maybe he's still mad at me for plucking his throat when he told me to kiss him. Asshole. Why would I even kiss him just because he told me so?

Because you promised to do anything to convince everyone in here that you're in a legit relationship with him.

That's not even justifiable. Just because I said that doesn't mean I'll have to follow his every wish. I have to act like myself to sell this. If I fake my personality, it would be too obvious and I'm sure Michael will notice.

"Are you and Andres friends?"

I jumped at the sudden question and turned to a laughing Mrs. Elizabeth.

"I'm sorry I startled you" she chuckled.

"Its okay" I smiled. "I think we're friends—he's a nice person."

"He is" she smiled softly. "Just like his father."

"You know his dad?" I asked and wondered if I should've asked that way because I think I sounded like a fangirl finding out what's Theo James' biggest secret.

She nodded. "He used to be Will and Adam's driver. When he got sick, Andres went home, told his dad to retire and took over."

Will? Is that Mr. Northman Senior's name? Maybe it is. So Andres is basically family then, right?

"Michael and Andres grew up together though they didn't get along too well. My Michael's the carefree, loud type while Andres is the silent type. He only talks to people he feels like talking to. I'm glad you're friends."

I just smiled and nodded, not knowing what to say.

"He knows how to be like Michael though," she thoughtfully said after a few seconds. "I guess he finally outgrew his shyness."

I smiled at her image. It's like Andres is also her son, the way she looks at and talks about him.

"There you are."

The two of us turned to face my giant walking teddy bear and I smiled as if it was Jared Padalecki walking towards me.

"Where were you?" I asked as he enveloped me in his arms.