On Love Potions and Charms (Slow Editing)

Chapter 30: Talk Lemons To Me

*Chapter Thirty*

(*‘-‘*) Annie's POV:

              “How did you guys discover this place?” I asked after swallowing Marzia’s mashed potatoes. It was still lumpy and lacked a bit of salt. Sweet lemons! Just the way I like it.

                “We didn’t. Vincent introduced it to us.” Raven said and took a sip from his soda. Vincent? Oh no. I can’t talk to him. No matter how much I want to know their backstory of the place’s discovery, I can’t let myself talk to him.

                “What?” Vincent asked from his place, “Aren’t you going to ask me?”

                “How did Vincent discover this place?” I directly turned to Marzia. Thank goodness, I didn’t make eye contact with him. Marzia placed her cup down and began answering,

                “Idiota said-”

                “My dad took me here when I was young.” Vincent cut her off. I saw Marzia glare at him for doing so. “We’re planning to buy the lot.”

                “This lot is for sale?” I then jerked my head to Raven’s direction, completely ignoring Vincent in the process. Raven raised his brow. He was confused on what was happening between Vincent and I but decided to just let the whole thing slide. He opened his mouth to explain,

                “Yeah. Vincent mentioned about-”

                “My parents are going to buy this lot next month. It’s as a graduation gift for me.” Vincent again cut off. His voice was turning icy cold. I felt uncomfortable about it but I know I have to do this.

                “This mashed potatoes taste wonderful, Marzia.” I then smiled at her. Marzia was also starting to get weird out about how I was treating Vincent but like a great friend as she always is, she also let it slide.

                “Si. Marzia’s mama helped-”

                “Why are you ignoring me?” Vincent grunted out. He seemed pissed off as it is. Now, I’m scared for my life. He was gripping his plastic fork so tightly in his hand. Is he going to stab me with that? Oh sweet lemon, please no. I still want to get married, have a family, and die in an old age. When it was clear that I wasn’t answering him, Vincent stood up angrily.

                “Hey, Vince, where are you going?” Raven called out to him.

                “Just going to get another bottle of soda from the trunk.” He yelled back without turning. I looked at his back as he was walking away and felt a small pang of guilt in my chest. Okay, fine. A big pang of guilt. But, come one, I’m doing this for Quest. I’m doing something good.

                “There’s still two unopened bottles here though.” Raven muttered under his breath as he opened one bottle. I felt someone tapping my side and so I turned my head to that direction. It was Marzia and she had a sad look on her face.

                “Is there a problema between chica and idiota?” Marzia asked softly. I froze. Although it wasn’t obvious, I know Raven was also listening since he was still turning the cap of the opened bottle for the past minute now. I sighed out and spoke out,

                “Nothing, Marz. There’s-”

                “Is it because he called you my ‘pick-me-up’? Don’t let it get to your head, Annie. He’s a jerk, we all agree to that,” He paused and looked up to Marzia for an agreement. Marzia nodded her head and let out a short ‘si’. He then continued, “But Vincent is also a pretty sensitive guy. I mean, all of us are. So, it kinds of hurt him if you do that.”