LAVENDER

Puzzled

Saturday...
The morning is the usual one, I've done my routine and continue making design for advance work.
Jace and Anthony is not home due to undone work that need to finished urgent.
While lunch, Dad told me that tonight we're having dinner with his good friend who visit.
The rest of day I spend time sleeping. Im really a sleepyhead.

Its 6pm when I took a shower then blow dry my hair, style it in high pony with my usual curls in end and strand in sides. I put in my usual make up, just a light eyebrow, mascara and a pink lipstick. I decided to wear a navy blue dress, it is a heart off shoulder style and flitted in waist that above knee length. Put in my lavender perfume then I put in my minimal set of accesories and paired of silver shoes. Grabbing my pouch I headed downstairs, they are all waiting.
My heart beat fast when I saw Anthony. The Greek looked good in his toxedo.
"Enjoying the view?" Jace burst out.
"What ever Jace!" I rolled eyes and I saw him smirking, I saw Anthony staring at me. I felt my stomach is in waves again.
"You look lovelier sweetie." Mom said giving me a kiss on cheek.
"It's because I'm your daughter, Mom." I said smiling, Mom hugged me with the thought.
"Let's take 2 cars, young lady are you going to come with us?" Dad asked.
"Of course not Dad. Sure she'll come with us." Jace said teasing.
I felt my cheek blushing.
Dad chuckled. "Okay, drive safe Young man. I'll see you at the hotel. You know where it is right?"
"Yes Dad, we'll meet you there." Jace said smirking.

And we headed outside, Mom and Dad leave first, then the 3 of us followed. The usual Jace is in driving, Anthony in passenger seat while me in the backseat.
I can see that Anthony look at me in the rear mirror, my cheek heated with his stare.
"Let me remind the two of you that I exist huh!" Jace burst out teasing.
"You always talked non sense Jace!" I said preventing myself to smile.
"This non sense knows everything." Jace said in playful tone.
I paused. Is it really that obvious? Is he going to scold me? Wait... I didn't ask him if it is okay to be close with Anthony. Should I ask him? Not yet.
"Its not what you think Jace." I said timid.
Jace laughed. "If that's what makes you sleep at night young lady."
I chose not to say a word. I need to assure things first. I know he'll understand me.
The rest of the ride is in silence.

When we arrived, Jace drop us in front to look for a spot to park, Anthony help me off the car, I felt shiver when I hold his hands, butterflies in my stomach and heated cheeks. He smiled at me while staring. We're just looking into each others eyes, not saying a word but I felt connections, understanding.
We waited for Jace then headed inside, when we arrived Mom and Dad already sitted, when we came close I saw Dylan. What is he doing here?
"Who's this lovely lady? Oh my! Zoe, sweetie you're so gorgeous." The woman approached me with hug then kiss on cheek.
I didn't say a word I'm confused who are they.
"Young lady, meet Nick and Emma Black, my good friends." Dad said.
I'm bit shocked Oh my! I forgot Dylan told me that his parents are coming.
"My apologies... Mrs. Black... its just that I have'nt met you before." I said timid.
"Call me Emma, sweetie, you've never changed, still the shy and sweet young girl." She said gentle still looking at me.
I just smiled at her comment. I don't know what to say.
Mr. Black just gave me a hug and Dylan just nod at me.
We're on a circle table, Dad besides Mom, me beside her, Jace beside me, Anthony beside Jace. The other side, Nick beside Dad, Emma beside Nick, Dylan beside his mom and beside Anthony. I felt that Anthony is in his usual serious mode.
"It's been ages since we last ate together." Nick said.
"Sure it is. How long you've been staying here?" Dad asked.
"Maybe 3 days is good, we're just visiting our son." Nick answered.
"That's great. You know he's doing good here." Dad commented.
"Yeah I guess he is." Nick said.
I noticed that Nick spoke in a calm but dominated tone just like dad.
Dylan remained silent just listening to the talks, and so the rest of us.
"Zoe do you have boyfriend?" Emma asked.
I almost choke with the abrupt question, I pause hesitated to answer, well I dont have one.
"Ahh... none..." I stuttered, feeling ashamed.
"That's great, I really like you dear." Emma said in cheerful tone.
"Oww thank you." That's all I can say, I know what she's referring. I looked at Dylan still in his usual calm self but Anthony looked pissed. While Jace and Mom gave me assuring smile.
"Well my princess is being picky, I guess." Dad joked just to lighten up the mood.
"She really have to." Nick said smiling.
"Remember on her 7th birthday, Dylan swap their ice cream that made Zoe cry." Mom said.
What? So he's the naughty boy that me cry then. Things seems to be suprising indeed.
"Yes Ver, Dylan used to bully the little girl." Emma said smiling.
"Yes they really good friends back then."
"Maybe Zoe didn't remember, you and Dylan used to be playmates." Mom said to me.
Yes I didn't remember. That's why I easily felt comfortable to Dylan. He's my playmate, like a brother to me.
"I didn't remember a thing." I said timid.
"Dylan's really mad when we leave NY. He keeps on saying that he wants to play with you." Emma said.
"The kids are really adorable. There comes a time that the 3 boys fought who will sit next to Zoe." Mom said.
Owww.. so the 2 boy in our childhood picture is Dylan and Anthony..
"But then Kyler won. He used to push away the 2 boys." Dad said smiling.
"Am I? I guess its a nature." Jace chuckled.
"Look at you now young people, you're all grown up. I wish that you'll be all good together, just like in childhood." Emma said.
"Well Dylan and Zoe used to be good team mate. Right sweetie?" Mom asked.
"Ow.. Yes mom, we're really are." I said timid.
"That's great." Emma said cheerfully.

The rest of the dinner is about catching up. So we're really close before, things are getting more and more puzzled.
After dinner we headed home, I didn't say a word. I'm in deep thoughts. I noticed Anthony remain silent too.
I went straight to my room, I need to look back some matters...

Caleb✍🏻
So he is the young boy whom I loathed. He's really lucky having her company. I remember back then, he used to play with Aella, he always have the chance to come close to her. I envy him, until now he has the most time with her. I know that he likes her, I can see it in his eyes, but just like me, he didn't show it. Sure thing he knows that it will scare her away. Things are being difficult, he's my biggest competitor. I need to find her heart...