YOUR HEART KNOWS IT

PART 43

Peeking her head out on the door Clover stopped me from crying my eyes out while I fail to notice that I fell emotionally invested recounting my memories of my late father. God, I miss him so much it stings my heart.

She shyly came out of the dressing room and I could not help but be in awe, I know I only met her but I can tell that she's going to be a fine young lady someday of course setting aside her bratty attitude. But like I said before we all have our moments, I too will not deny that I don't act like my age sometimes.

"You look awesome. Is that for your finale?"

"Yes. Do you mean it?" She said shyly

"Aha, It looks good on you. I love it! you did not need me here, after all, whether it's Daphne's choice or yours they all look beautiful on you but this one is my favorite "

"Really?"

"Yes! I wouldn't flatter you, you've got a very nice gown here Clover I mean it"  

"Thank you," she said in a low voice
" But Ate Rachel, Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead," ah, why do I feel like this is going to be awkward?

"Do you not like my brother?"

"Huh?" I said, swallowing my saliva.

"Aren't you attracted to Kuya Flute" yes I heard you the first time.

"Why the sudden question?"

"Nothing" said Clover.

"Oh okay. Can we not talk about that? We are here for your gowns fitting remember?" I said while showing her my innocent smile.

"Yeah, sorry" she mumbled and pretended to check herself in the mirror.

"Darling, you don' have to worry about me and your brother okay? We are still friends" I clarified because I can tell that I disappointed her with my answer.

"Really???" She said, her excitement suddenly displayed on her reflection.

"Yes," I said forcing a smile.

"But I saw you guys earlier it looks like you have not made up yet"

"Ah well, that's nothing for you to worry about, what you need to worry about is yourself. Look where your diet led you to, too much adjustment on your hips and waistline. You know being skinny is a good thing but I think you'll end up in the hospital if you keep that up"

"I know. My brother said the same thing" she said smiling.

"I did too," Dee said out of nowhere I didn't notice she was heading our way.

"I'll leave Clover to you since she has requested for you so badly, I won't be far I'll be right there" Dee said pointing at Lorraine seated in her desk.

"Haha, alright," I said. Dee and Lorraine are actually high school friends I don't know how Lorrie ended putting up a gown shop but I heard their relationship was deep, they coincidentally met a few years  ago after a long period of time when Dee was planning her wedding.

"You and Kuya will be fine right?" The kid interjected as soon as Dee made her way .

"Clover, let's not talk about that again, please?" I saw Dee already at the counter talking with Lorraine as if they have not seen each other last week. Psh! Come back here, I thought to myself. How can I avoid this teen's questions?

"Okay, I just hope you forgive him whatever it is that he did" I only gave her a smile and I thought that was enough but I guess she wouldn't take no for an answer too.

"Will you?"

"We will see about that" I said.

"Please? I know him very well. He must have been hurt" I can only give her a smile again since I hate making a promise that I can't keep. At least I won't break anything in case I still won't talk to Flute. Some might think that what he did is not a big deal but to me it is.

"Dad told me they are supposed to play golf today but I guess that was canceled"

"Did your Dad say so? I mean did you text him?"

"No but most probably Kuya Flute canceled it since his car is still there, they usually meet each other very early and I have never seen them leave the city later than 8am" she said looking at the white Honda parked outside beside Dee's car.

"Ah well, maybe your brother has other plans today"

"Maybe, but I doubt that. He never leave my Dad hanging, he knows how sentimental our father is when it comes to spending time with his family" why do I suddenly feel like my conscience is talking to me. Like its my fault? Ha!!

"Oh, but that has nothing to do with me. I was actually surprised he was here I thought you guys invited him" I'm not quite sure if defending myself is doing any good to the kid because her expression really knocks me out.

"I did not and I'm sure ate Daphne didn't either I told her I only want it to be the three of us. He came here just to see you I'm sure."

"Ahh well--" I found myself muted all of a sudden

"Dad was looking forward for today you know, playing with Kuya Flute is one his joys especially that he wasn't around for a long time" Clover said, her tone tells me that she's really sad. Is she? Or is she not?

"Argh! Did your brother put you into this?"

"No!" She said in defense " why?"

"Because its working. Fine, I'll go talk to him now okay?"

"Thank you!" Clover hugged me joyfully and now I think I easily fell in her trap.

"Oh my god, were you just acting all this time?"

"Noooo,  maybe?" She said giving me the sheepish smile I have ever seen but whatever he'll keep pestering me about it anyways.

"Go get changed then. I think Lorraine is waiting" waving my hand showing her that I'm irritated of what just happened.

"I will" the kid said happily, running back to the fitting room like a flash.

Tss! What did you eat this morning Rachel? I can't believe I'm doing this for the kid, but is it really for Clover? I asked myself. I noticed the smug on my friend's face when I walked past them. I pushed the door open and a sudden question popped in my head. Will you really forgive him? YES! my mind answered. As in now? YES! It answered back. Okay, so maybe I wasn't angry at him at all. It was the thought of someone paying the bill for me when I did not asked him to. Some people might not understand and  I don't care. If you think this a problem on my side or perhaps it is what you call pride then fine I will acknowledge it. But this is the kind of matter that will forever haunt me something that I'll never let go of.