If Only

Chapter Fourteen: At Fall

JADE

Today marked the official end of summer, a fact undeniable on the first day of school. Groaning into my pillow, I reluctantly accepted that there was no escaping the reality.

Parting ways with Lizzy was a somber affair. Despite her desire to linger, school beckoned her back to the Philippines. Tearful goodbyes were exchanged a few days prior to the start of school.

In the dining room, my mother, though elegantly dressed, showed no intention of venturing out.

"Good morning, sweetie," she greeted, planting a peck on my temple as I attacked my pancakes. Glenda kindly slid a cup of tea my way.

"Where's dad?" I inquired through a mouthful.

My mother, settling into a seat at the expansive table, glanced up from her laptop, her expression sympathetic. She called for Glenda to prepare a steaming cup of coffee.

"I'm sorry, Jade. Your dad had to leave early for some business matters."

I simply shrugged, feigning indifference. In truth, despite my occasional frustration with my father's strictness, I yearned for the fatherly presence that some kids took for granted. It wasn't every day that he'd have his arm draped over my shoulders, guiding me home in the dead of night, like that one time I nearly got caught and had to spin a tale about wandering with the horse.

Those were the moments I cherished.

"Where's he off to this time?"

"Asia. I believe he mentioned heading to Cebu in the Philippines for a major charity event. You know the organization raised a substantial amount this year, so your father decided to allocate a significant portion to the people there," my mother explained, delving into other topics before focusing on her laptop, her fingers flying across the keys.

The remainder of the morning passed in quietude, my mother engrossed in her work while Glenda bustled about attending to various tasks. When it was time for me to leave, I approached my mother, planting a kiss on her cheek.

She furrowed her brows, glancing at the silver wristwatch my dad had gifted her on her last birthday before returning her gaze to me, a questioning look in her eyes.

"It's not even 7:00 yet. What's the rush, honey?" she asked, her eyes trained on the laptop screen as she spoke.

I scrambled for an excuse to hasten my departure.

"I'm... I'm walking to school," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

Glenda shot me a skeptical look, one I avoided meeting.

Admittedly, my statement was a half-truth. I was indeed walking to school, and it was still early. However, my first destination for the day wasn't school. It was Gramps' house, where I was due to meet Jared. He was probably already there, awaiting my slightly 'late' arrival. This was one instance where I appreciated my dad's absence. It meant I could see Jared without my father's scrutinizing gaze.

"Walking? It's the first day of school, honey. I could have Chandler drive you," my mother suggested.

At the mention of Chandler, my head snapped in her direction, repeating his name inquisitively.

"Chandler? What do you mean? Is he our driver now too?"

She shrugged. "It seems so. I think your father sees something in the boy and has entrusted him with certain responsibilities. Shall I call him to drive you?"

I declined. I didn't want anything or anyone disrupting my plans for the day.

"Besides, I'm eighteen and perfectly capable of driving myself. Thanks for the offer, Mom. I'll walk," I assured her, planting another kiss on her cheek before making my exit.