VIRIDITY • jb

twelve.

I was in a deep, dreamless slumber. It's only gonna be few hours till our flight back to New York. I don't know why, but I like being awake during the plane ride and watch the clouds or something like that because it rarely happens to me.

My beauty sleep was intruded by gentle taps on my arm and the voice of Wilton. "Hey, I have a good news for you."

"Wil, can't this wait? I'm sleeping."

"Your dad's here."

My eyes shot up together with my whole body, not caring if it'll hurt my head so bad. "What do you mean he's here?"

He says nothing but pointed at the door of our room, making me see a man who grins awkwardly at me. I didn't even bother to slip on my slippers and ran into his arms. "Did you sneak out?"

"Yeah. Wilton was saying you want me to hang with you guys before you leave."

They gave me time to change my clothes and I didn't take my precious time because of my overwhelming excitement for tonight. Dad said he'd bring us to the place he used to take us when I was just a little girl.

Our ride on the way there is a noisy one. Full of laughter and small talks. We even sang along the radio station that was playing modern songs. It was funny to hear them struggling in between their own lyrics.

The place where we are going is a beach that has their small arcade beside it. There's also a food park there where we could eat our favorite snacks together again. I didn't know that place still exist after all these years.

"I can't believe you just defeated us! Me! I was the champion," Dad exclaimed, putting his hands up and the air because I just had the highest score in the basketball game. "You've grown so much, sweet cheeks."

"It took a lot of practice dad," I said humbly. "Promise me you'll defeat me again someday."

"You know I'll do anything for you my daughter," he kissed the top of my head. "Let's go try bowling down there!"

Unfortunately, Wil's still the champion in bowling. I'll give him that, no one has ever defeated him in bowling ever. I think it will hurt his ego so much if someone could.

"How about we eat something already? We've been playing non-stop," Wil suggested, eyeing the milkshake of the woman who just passed by.

The woman whispered something to her friend while emitting those girlish giggles and I whistled. "He has a girlfriend, ladies. Too late."

I wasn't sure if they heard me because the three of us ran to the pizza kiosk. Like the usual, we ordered three different boxes of pizza and three large vanilla milkshakes. It almost teared me up when I saw 'our' seats on the corner of the food park.

That booth has the prettiest view in the place. It's the best place to watch the sunset. But unfortunately, sunrise is coming not long from now and I guess we're not gonna witness it.

"So... my brother Wil's got a girlfriend now huh?"

"To be clear ladies and gentlemen, not yet."

"Next time we talk, please introduce that unfortunate woman to me," dad let out a laugh as he earns a nod from uncle. "How about you, any boys?"

I swallowed the whole large piece of pizza crust and smiled innocently at him. I was about to answer but my uncle decides he should be the one to talk. "She's seeing a guy."

Dad was a little taken aback, expecting I was not seeing someone. "What does he do?".

"Dad," I began, laughing nervously. "I am not seeing anybody."

"Stop denying it! Tell us that you like him."

Their stares are making my palms sweat. "Well, I... I think I just find him attractive and that's it."

"Look at me, Olive," Dad said, and I easily complied. "Promise me you'll keep me updated."

--

I fell asleep during the flight. No regrets though, because I just had the best night in so long. It was hard saying goodbye to Dad though. I was hoping that after all if these problems with Mom, I would be able to bring him here with us in the big apple.

"Hi babe!" Iris greeted, side hugging me as if we haven't seen each other in so long. However, I wanna slap her face when she started batting her eyelashes. "Did you get me anything?"

"Really, bîtch?"

Wilton rolled his eyes in amusement and walked through the exit of the airport. Kenneth's probably waiting in the car and maybe that explains why she's alone. There's one thing for sure: Iris's weakness is being on her own.

She was clinging onto my arm as we walk to somewhere, but I can't see any trace of Kenneth or even his car. I was about to ask where we're going until I saw a manly figure leaning against a car, his bulging arms folded on his chest while he watches us get closer through his long and thick (*clears throat*) eyelashes. If I said he looked good under the moonlight, he's looking glorious underneath the sun. It's aggravating.

Hmm, some part of that sounded a bit dirty.

"Iris, you did not..."

"Hey Justin!" Wil automatically sticked his hand onto Justin's and stimulated a handshake that men always have. I wonder if they plan about handshakes or they just happen...

His eyes never left mine though as they greeted each other, but it ended once I received a wink. Since I wasn't in a very good mood because my sleep was cut short, I waved it off and put my luggage in the trunk before hopping into the car.

I almost groaned in annoyance when the car smelt so much like Justin. Don't get me wrong, I know he owns the car, but everything about him just annoys me right now. And I need a really long sleep after this.

"Hey are you mad? I invited Justin because Kenneth can't leave his job at the moment and you know me, I-"

"Not mad, just tired," I shrugged. "Does anyone have any handkerchief there? The sunlight's blinding me."

We're in the middle of the usual traffic, and Justin took it as an opportunity to pull his black handkerchief out and folded it just like how I would, but messier. He hands it to me with a wink again.

"Thanks, I think the car in front of you is already moving."

It didn't take so long to reach uncle and I's apartment. At least I think so, because I kind of dozed off on the way here. Already making my way out of the car, Justin's voice rang.

"Can I please take Olive for a cup of coffee?"

--

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