Crossing Paths

CHAPTER 12

"Do you have what you need?"Clem asked as she zipped my bag for me. I looked at her, gave her a sad smile, and nodded.

She sat down beside me and squeezed my hand, "Do you want me to call mom and make an excuse?"

Clem calls my mom 'mom' too since we have been friends since we were small. She lost her mother when she was a baby and her dad is not exactly an ideal father figure. Yes, he was supporting her financially but that was it. That is why my mom treats her as a daughter, and I as a sister.

"Nah. I think I can handle dad for two whole days. He is the reason why I'm going home anyway. I'll be back before Monday if everything goes well. I hope."

I picked up my bag and hailed a cab. It is going to be a long ride...

An hour later, I tried to catch some sleep but every time I closed my eyes, the conversation I had earlier with Aiden kept on repeating in my head.

"Thank God you finally picked up your phone! I tried to go after you buy you're gone in an instant, are you home right now? Should I--"

I interrupted him, not letting him finish his sentence, "Yes, I'm home but don't come here. I don't think I'll go out and see you even if you go here. So, why did you call?"

I heard him sigh on the other line, "I'm sorry. I should have told you about the interview but it totally slipped my mind. I wasn't able to meet her for the actual interview, the next thing I know is that she's dragging me to the library when she accidentally found me."

"Ya, I bet you do. So, how was it? Seems like you're enjoying it. She even got all touchy with you and it seems like you have no plan on keeping the distance until the moment you saw my text."

"Oh no no no. Daina, please. There's nothing going on between us. You know I wouldn't cheat on you. I was about to remove her arm when you texted. Please believe in me, baby. Please," he implored.

With everything he said, the only thing that registered is, "baby?"

"Yes, baby?" he repeated.

I don't know if I should punch him or kiss him for being adorable.

"Hello. Are you still there, Daina? Baby?"

I bit my lips upon hearing it again. "Yeah, I'm here." And there goes my resolve for staying mad. Ugh. I just couldn't!

"I'm sorry, okay? Please don't be mad anymore."

"Okay. Forgiven." I could not help but smile to myself. "But is it over? The interview I mean."

"Oh, definitely! I'm really sorry about that but you know," he paused then laughed before continuing, "You're cute when you're jealous."

"I'm not!" I said, denying it.

"If you say so." Then he laughed once more. "Can I go there now to your dorm? I wanna make it up to you."

I shook my head before I realized he can't see me, "No. As much as I want to kiss you right now, I actually have to go back home. Mom called me earlier and she already planned a surprise birthday party for my dad."

I took a deep breath, convincing myself that I really have to even if I do not want to see my dad. At least mom would be there.

"Well to be fair, I just have to be there to eat dinner and stay with them for a while."

I can hear the sadness in his tone when he asked the question, "When are you leaving?"

"Tonight, 30 minutes from now I guess? I still have to pack some of my things."