Can't - Mark Tuan Fan fic

26 - It's Surprising How the Truth Surprises You

"Tina." Sean walks towards me with that smile he always had when he saw me back in the days. I thought that once I saw him again after so many years, the hurt he's caused me before would be long gone. But, as I look at him now, all the pain I've felt come back. Maybe because I'm already emotional to start with. My cheeks are still a bit damp and I quickly wipe the last bit of tears away. 

"Sean!" There's no point in hiding now. He already knew I'm here anyway. I don't force myself to give back his smile either. What for? "So, you and Lara, huh?" I ask, without beating around the bush. 

"Hi to you, too!" He shakes his head, his smile still not leaving his lips. "Wanna have some coffee or something?"

Should I? It's still early in the morning anyway. He won't do anything stupid with lots of people as witness, would he? "Sure."

I pick a cafe with lots of people in it, and I make sure to take the outer seat near the door. Just in case...you know. 

"How are you, Tina?" He asks first after we've placed our order at the counter. 

"Same old." I say, thinking of how I can squeeze out some info from him. 

"What are you doing in Michigan? I thought you're in Korea training to be some sort of idol or something." 

"How'd you know I went to Korea?" I raise an eyebrow at him. Of course I know how. I just want it to come from him. 

"I met Lara once." 

Shit this people and their lies. "Don't lie to me, too, Sean. What did you do to Trey?"

He furrows his brows then and the smile he had on since I saw him disappear. 

"Why'd you lock her up, Sean?"

A nervous chuckle escapes his mouth. "Is she here with you?" He looks around, running his fingers through his hair, his hand stopping at his nape, giving it a gentle massage - something he does when he's nervous. 

"Nah," I casually answer. "She's busy filing a case against you." I lie. 

"What?" He leans his elbows on the table, "What for? I didn't hurt her."

"So, you did take her." I narrow my eyes at him. "Why?"

"Shit, Tina. Look," he touches the back of his neck again. "I just....she was taking pictures of me. What do you think would I think? I just panicked, ok?"

"Why would you panic? Just because she took a picture of you and Lara kissing?" I study his reactions intently. The beads of sweat on the sides of her face are now visible, trickling down to his neck. His hand doesn't leave his nape anymore.

"Tina. It was just that one time."

"Stop that crap, Sean. I know you two are going out. How long? Was it when the two of us were still together?" I tilt my head to the side. 

"What? Of course not." He tries to reach for my hand, but I quickly fold my arms across my chest, leaning back on the chair. "It's just that....who knows who she'd tell it to."

"So," I stare straight at his eyes, "are you sure it was just that one time? Are you telling me you haven't met her before or after that?" Of course he'd lie. 

"Yes. Just that. Ok?"

"How's your dad?" 

The sudden change of topic takes him by surprise. "In Brazil." He spits that out and I see he regrets it at soon as it exits his mouth. "I mean...the last time I heard from him, he was taking a vacation there."

"Is Uncle Ed with him?" 

"No." He answers too quickly. "I mean...I don't think so."

"Do you know where he is then?"