The Howards

Chapter 12

Today is Randall's birthday party. Michael Bubble — Today is a beautiful day is playing when Karina and I linked arms, walking down the steps in S.Angel.

Karina picked out my light pink satin dress and it reaches the floor. The back of my dress is decorated with diamonds. A simple silver headband is my only accessories. These heels are killing me.

Karina decided on a long lilac dress. It was the perfect dress for her.

Rick looked uncomfortable in the crowd, maybe because he doesn't know anyone there. All attention snapped to us when we walked down the stairs. Rick beamed and his mouth agape.

Randall turned away from whoever he was conversing with and had the same reaction as Rick. I blushed under the lights. Karina squeezed my hand, "Chin up. Smile. You are doing great."

Gemma met us downstairs with a proud smile, "Ladies. So beautiful,"

Birthday boy is blushing when we approached him. Karina hugged his brother and passed him a small gift box, "You need cuff links. Happy 21st birthday, brother,"

"Thanks Rina."

I lifted up my dress and gave him a hug. He relaxed in my arms, whispered in my ear, "You are beautiful."

"Thanks," I whispered back and gave him my present, a painting of the four of us standing in front of the cottage, "I didn't see any painting in your office, so I thought you can hang this up in your office. Happy birthday, Randall,"

He chuckled, "This is a perfect, El. Thanks."

••••

After showing up about thirty minutes, I sneaked out to the balcony. I took a deep breath of the cold air. A warm suit covered me and the owner stepped beside me. Randall smirked, "Enjoying the party?"

I sighed, "I miss my jeans."

He laughed, "It will be over soon."

"Doubt it. Rick and Karina are having fun though."

We both went silent for a few minutes. He looked at me, "Can I ask for a present?"

I raised my eyebrow, "I gave you..." Before I can finish my sentence, he grabbed me towards him and placed his lips into mine.

I relaxed against his touch, returning back the kiss. He broke the kiss first, "Eleanor..."

"What the fuck are you doing?"

We turned to the door to find Rick standing there. I've known the Howards for years now and I have never seen a furious Rick, ever. He grabbed Randall away from me. He pulled his arm back and swung it at Randall. Randall shoved Rick away before Rick can destroy his face.

I stood in between them, my blood turn cold, "Stop!"

The two of them looked at me, they are breathing heavily.

Rick glared at Randall, "We talked about it, Randall! You said you got over it. What the hell?"

"I can never get over her, Maverick. I am allow to feel too!"

I have really no idea what the two of them are talking about. I closed my eyes, "Randall, get in. It's your party,"

Randall looked at me, his eyes filled hurt. "What? Are you seriously going to choose him over me again?"

I refused to look at him, "You are the birthday boy today. Get in. We will talk later,"

Randall grabbed his suit on the floor and stomped back into the house. Rick punched the railing and looked at me, "You enjoy it, don't you?"

"What the hell is wrong with you, Maverick Howard!" I snapped, "He's your brother for fuck sake!"

"And you are someone I love, Eleanor. Why can't you just look at me like how you look at Randall? Are you really that stupid that you can't see what we are doing for you?"

I stepped back. Ouch. Rick softened down and he stepped forward, "I'm sorry, El. I was pissed and I..."

"That's enough Rick," Karina stepped in and took my hand, "Let's go in. It's cold here,"

I nodded, looking at Karina. I am so grateful for her. Karina guided me all the way into the kitchen for drinks. I saw Randall looking at us but he turned away when I looked straight into his eyes.

My mind is going overdrive. Repeating what had just happened. From the conversation, I pieced everything together. Rick and Randall talked to each other. Randall just kept pushing me away. He made his decision.

I just feel like I swallowed a lemon. My heart clenched. Randall doesn't want to build our relationship. He gave Rick ample chances. He was the one pushing me away.

••••

After few shots of Tequila, the both of us stumbled back to Dream Lake and opened wine for ourselves. We changed into comfortable pyjamas and went to the terrace.

I lay down on her lap and sighed, "What should I do, Rina?"

Two brothers or two best friends.

Karina sipped on her red wine, "Choose one."

I hesitated, "What have I gotten myself into? How can I fall in love with two of them?"

Karina soothed my hair, "You must like one of them more than the other."

"I do," I mumbled and thought of Randall, "Randall pushed me away, again and again. He gave Rick chances. I saw the turmoil in his eyes. He decided for me."

Karina didn't answer. We remained silent, listening to the music in S.Angel. Then we heard Diana's scream.

Karina said, "Diana never left, you know."

I nodded. Diana has never left anyone. She made her decision of staying around. Karina continued, "One of them won't stop waiting until they got a clear answer. So you have to decide, El."

We continued to hear the sound of the cougar until the music covered away.

I have to make my decision.