Payback

Chapter 14: It's A Yes

"The purpose of life is to be happy." -Dalai Lama

Never let anyone take away your sunshine. Always be happy, Gabrielle. -H💋

☔︎・☔︎・☔︎

"Let's go out," I told Xander immediately when he answered my call. Today is Saturday and a few days have passed since Dad told me that I can be Xander's girlfriend. I tried finding a perfect moment to tell him but I failed. We were either interrupted or the timing isn't right.

"Are you seriously asking me out on a date?" he asked.

I chuckled. "Yep."

"Isn't that against the rules?"

"Will you tell my dad?" I asked. He didn't answer. The line just stayed silent. "Hello?"

"I probably would," he answered.

My eyes widened. I did not expect him to answer yes.

"The f*ck? You should've answered no!" I scolded.

"I don't want to get into your dad's bad side. I need his approval," he answered.

I shook my head. Oh, dear Alexander, you already got it.

"Just pick me up and tell Dad that you asked me out and not the other way around," I instructed.

He sighed. "Alright. Where are we going?"

"Well, I want to see a movie and eat at the diner across the street right after watching," I answered before looking at the red box on my bedside table. I'm planning to give it to him after we eat at the diner.

"Hmm... that plan sounds oddly familiar," he said.

I giggled. I can't believe he didn't forget about our sudden hangout because we both got stood up. Faith canceled on me and his sister which was Maddie didn't show up. It's funny how he was my secret admirer back then and with the way he acted, it didn't feel like he had feelings for me at all.

"I'll pick you up by 5. Is that okay?" he asked.

"Of course," I answered.

"See you later, Brielle," he said.

"See you later, Xander," I replied before ending the call.

I bit my lip to stop myself from smiling before walking over to my closet to decide on what I will wear later.

☔︎・☔︎・☔︎

"Ah, Xander," I heard Dad say from down the stairs. My eyes widened. He doesn't know that I haven't told Xander of his approval.

"OMG! Please don't say it," I said before running down the stairs. I almost tripped on the last step. Good thing I held on the railing for support.

"Be careful, Marina," Mom told me.

"I'm alright. Sorry," I answered.

"Are you really that excited to see your boy–"

Dad wasn't able to finish his sentence because I glared at him. He furrowed his eyebrows and mouthed, "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"I'm taking Brielle on a date, Sir. I hope that's fine with you," Xander politely told Dad.

"Why are you–"