Rhapsody High: The Tale of Super Zero

Chapter 22: Masquerade Date

Chapter 22: Masquerade Date

Ruben has been looking down to the floor from the first time he saw Mr. and Mrs. Collins entering the rooftop. It was mostly dark and he wasn't sure until his father introduced them to him. He went to Mr. Collins personally afterwards, asking him and his wife to keep his last few days in their house as a secret. He was afraid that the Collins may feel offended by his request, however Mr. Collins put his arm around Ruben's shoulder and smiled.

"It's alright, kiddo. I understand how hard it is to go through parents' divorced." He assured Ruben. "Our house is always open for you. Brook's friend is part of our family."

Ruben respectedly thanked Mr. Collin's kindness and went back to her father's side. This is his first time meeting Penelope, his first impression on her was that the tall brunnete reminds him of the Barbie doll coming to life from the movie "Life-Size" played by Tyra Banks. Penelope for some reason didn't seem to talk much. He couldn't decide if she just hated him or she felt it is awkward to meet her boyfriend's son. Either way, Ruben didn't want to think too much.

As everybody went to sit down and the dinner is about to start, two people suddenly run into the rooftop. What first caught Ruben's attention was Brook's body shape with a blonde hair girl. He was guessing it was Brenda, but then again the curvy girl has black streaks on her hair and she didn't look like anywhere near Brenda. She is ... well ... how to describe it? Way more beautiful.

Mr. Collins got up and gestured introduce the two siblings. "This is my daughter, Brenda, and my oldest son, Brook."

Once again, Brenda's usual fashion style doesn't do her any justice, she looks beyond beautiful tonight. She looks gorgeous. Ruben didn't even look down because he felt ashamed that CJ has to attend his father's engagement night, he couldn't look at Brenda in the eyes anymore. His heart skipped a beat and started beating at amazing speed.

"ah, finally. We got to meet everybody. Although it seems we are all a bit EARLY." Benjamin stood up from his chair and chuckled as he took Brook's hand for a handshake. "I am Benjamin, and this is my fiancé, Penelope." The barbie doll got up and reached for both Brenda's and Brook's hands with a plastic smile plastered on her face.

"Finally, this is my son." He added, gesturing at Ruben. Feeling awkward, Ruben decided not to get up. However, Benjamin said, "Come on, stand up." with a hint of irritation can be heard from his voice.

Ruben finally got up after a long moment of hesitation. He let his eyes met Brenda's for the first time. "My son... Ruben."

A wide grin can be seen from CJ's face. It wasn't mocking, it was as if he is proud of him. Ruben shook Brenda's and CJ's hands, "Ruben." He introduced himself.

"Brook. Brook Collin." CJ comfortably act as if this is the first time they met. Brenda on the other hand shows confusion in her eyes.

Brenda sat next to Mrs. Collins, while CJ sat across the table next to Ruben.

"Sorry," Ruben whispered to CJ when everybody on the table was busy eating.

"What for, man?" CJ's raised one eyebrow.

"I don't know. For this."

CJ chuckled for awhile and winked at him. "There is nothing to be ashamed of."

Brenda felt really awkward with everybody on the table talking to each other in such a manner, she even found it hard to choose from all the utensils given on the table. Everytime one food is given she will hesitate for awhile, look around and choose the right utensil as what everybody chose. Ruben didn't even let his eyes away from the blonde girl for a second. After hesitating, he decided to text her.