|Destined With You|

Chapter 3.

Catalina

"Alexander Ace Wilson? And he lives in New York City?" She asked me again as I tuck her in the bed.

"Yes, darling...Why do you need to say it everyday?"

"I like it...the thought of him. Why is he always on missions?"

"I've told you several times, right?" I stroked her hair, trying to get her to sleep as quickly as possible to avoid her curious interrogation. "He is busy. He has to save the world."

"Like superheroes?" Her eyes started to glint in the dark.

"Yes...just like the superheroes John and Mark talk about. He's fighting to save the world," I whispered. "that's why he can't be with us. Superheroes heroes don't reveal identities, do they?"

"No, they don't." Her eyes softened and I caught them droop for a second. "Where do you think is he right now?" I felt my heart drop at the proximity that he already is or might be here after some time.

"You should sleep now, sweetie..." I smoothened her hair and slept on the other side, hugging her closer.

"But where?" She urged.

"I don't know...somewhere...saving the world?"

"My dad's a superhero." She whispered before finally sleeping, allowing me to envelope myself in darkness with tears.

×■×

Alexander

"So, you've sorted everything out in New York?" My mother asked as she sat opposite me, sitting with a cup of coffee.

"Everything's sorted out there now. Need my help with something here?"

"Actually we were thinking..." Dad walked from behind, placing a hand on Mom's shoulder.

"Yeah?"

"We think it's time." Mom said, partially cringing. "We should give it over to you."

"You want to give the company over to me at the most crucial of times?"

"Alex...will you at least listen." Dad's voice softened, trying to force me to give in. "See, my taking care of it has also not been of any good use. It's been six years, six years is a long period. Who knows, maybe your influence could give it a direction."

"Well...if that's what you want..."

I haulted, even though I've wanted to do this since years, prove myself. I don't understand what all of them think of me. Why can't they trust me? I have wanted to prove myself to them since years, show them that a businessman lies inside this good for nothing Alex. And if the time is now, then why not?

"We'll call the advocate then." Mom placed her hand on Dad's which had moved down from her shoulder to the table.

"Fine." I shrugged nonchalantly.

"Go take some rest for now, freshen up."

She smiled getting up and I got up as well. As I walked to my room upstairs, Dad stopped me by placing his hand on my shoulder.

"You'll do great young man."

"Thanks Dad." With a smile in his direction, I walked my way to my room.

I think I shouldn't do it.

A weird thought crossed my mind as I opened the door to the bedroom. I mean, I'm doing this to prove myself to them. But what if, I'm actually not so great with it myself. What if, for the same of proving myself, I end up changing directions. What if-

My thoughts were cut off by a call on my mobile phone. An unknown number. I picked it up anyways.

"Hello?" I was greeted by a voice pure and gentle, a little girl.

"Hello? Who am I talking to?"

"Daddy!" I heard her giggle.

How can a person's sound itself
make me feel all alive and aware?

"Umm...daddy who?"

"I know it's you. Mommy says you are a superhero. That's why you are not revealing your idenity."

"It's identity, right?" I tried not to act rude to the kid yet correct her.

"Whatever." I could actually sense a sassy look on the other side of the mobile phone. "Why don't you come to see us?"

"I'm sorry?" I cringed at the fact that I was intruding in somebody else's life.

"You should meet us here, in Sea Turtle."

"Sea Turtle?"

"Yes, in Washington."

"Oh...so you mean Seattle?"

"It's one and the same thing." She grumbled and after what felt like ages, I felt surprised on recognising the sound of my own laugh.

"Yeah...well we live in the same place, don't we?"

"You're here?" I heard her shriek and then quiet down in the next second.

Don't tell her, you don't even know the kid. Stop fake promising.

"Yes, I live here."

"Then you could-oh no! Mommy is here. I'll call you later." She whispered and hung up.

"Later it is." I smiled at the screen of my mobile phone.

What had I been thinking of a minute ago?

***

Walking out of the room after getting dressed,I made myself ready for another lecture by my parents. God knows what they are up to now. As I walked down the stairs, what I did not expect to see was my fiànce sitting along with my parents on the leather couch.

"H-hello?" I greeted to no one in particular.

"Alexander! Look who walked by to meet you." Mom stood up and pushed me on the couch where she had been sitting earlier.

"Hello, Hannah." I smiled looking at her, not knowing what to do, I sniffed the familar scent of Chanel-the one I was forced to gift her by Mom.

"Hey..." She raised her hand up, trying to wave and then looked down blushing.

"So, we were wondering..." Dad spoke up. "Why don't we make not just one, but two announcements together."

Hannah's cheeks turned a deeper red as she squirmed deeper in the couch. Her thighs accidentally came in contact with mine and she almost jumped up, a squeak erupting from her throat while I, as usual, felt no signs of contact.

"What are you trying to say, Dad?"

"Alex, sweetie..." Mom interrupted, trying to cool me down and persuade me as usual.

"Mom...there is no need to sweetie me right now, will you please just tell me whatever is going on. Stop confusing me."

"What we are trying to say is that, if we make two announcements together, it would be easy to cope up with everything. We wouldn't have to worry twice in a few weeks' or months' span."

"Mom...please be clear."

"We think...we want you to make the engagement public."

***