After washing the dishes in the kitchen's sink, I used a napkin to wipe off the oil stain on the counter, and ensured the kitchen was clean. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I gulped its content down my throat, threw the empty bottle into the trash can, then made my way out of the kitchen.
Getting to the living room, I scanned my eyes around, searching for the rest of my family. Only ten minutes ago, they had been here. Where had they gone to?
Leaning into the couch I settled to sit on, I shut my eyes, and sighed. I let the serenity around me manifest into my senses. The room was completely silent, only the sizzling sound of the air conditioner making a faint sound.
Suddenly, a sad feeling brushed through me. Here I was, jobless and hopeless. Mom and dad weren't complaining about my joblessness, but I felt like it was important to cater for them. At twenty six, I still stayed in my parents' house. I couldn't live like this for too long. They had no problem with it, but I had to do something with myself.
Thinking about that, the thought of Ryan's kiss popped into my head as well, making my eyes bulge open. Being frank, I would never forget that kiss. It was bothersome. I really couldn't fathom the reason behind it.
I raked my fingers into my hair, bit my lower lip, wrinkling my face like a child who was about to cry. Ryan was going to make me go giddy. He had changed in a couple of days, which got me thinking in different ways.
Wait, was he the one who had installed a camera in his house, because he had wanted to get me framed on purpose? Like, it was really weird for someone to have filmed us that night. We had been the only ones in there, so I really didn't think anyone could have done it.
Alright, I'd just have to brush that thought off my mind. Ryan wasn't a bad person, I guessed.
"What're you thinking about?" Vicki appeared, beaming as usual.
I sighed. "Girl, you startled me. Where did y'all go?"
"Was in my room." She threw an apple at me, and I caught it easily. Settling to sit on the couch beside me, she set her gaze at me. "Tell me, what's going on in your mind? You're thinking about the guy who came here last night, right?"
I scoffed. "No. He was my boss. And wait, why do y'all think I like him? He's just—"
"Hello." She waved her hand at me, that sinister smile on her lips as she ate her apple. "Didn't say you like him. Guilty conscience, huh?"
"You're silly," I remarked.
She wrapped her legs over each other, propped her elbow on the armrest of her seat, cupped her chin in her palm, her eyelashes batting at me.
"Serene, tell me more about that hot guy. Yeah, I'll confess, I was peeking at you guys. I saw him kiss you. And damn!" She chirped, which made me flinch. "I was so happy. I'd thought you wouldn't ever move on. But now, I can see that you've got a new prince charming."
"Shut up!" I wanted to slap her head, but she dodged my smack, and laughed at me. I frowned playfully. "Did you really see that? To be honest, I don't know why he did it."
"He likes you, dummy." She poked my arm, her tongue tucked in her cheek, as the corner of her lips curled in a simper. "I know it. I've got a boyfriend. And, unlike you, I started dating at sixteen. I'm experienced in dating-hood."
I giggled. "You're silly. Trust me, Ryan can't like me. I worked with him for about a year, so I know the type of ladies he flows with. I'm definitely not his type. Don't worry, I know his plan. He's trying to create a hookup. But bad for him, I'm not that type of person."
"I keep on wondering why you're still a virgin. Who in the world remains a virgin at twenty six?" She sputtered.
I squinted my eyes at her. "Baby girl, don't tell me you've let a guy touch you."
She laughed. "Too bad, my cherry got popped yesterday."
I gasped. "Oh, no! You shouldn't trust a guy you aren't married to. Guys could be dicks, just like Ralph."
She wiggled her hand at me, apathy running in her eyes. "We got engaged yesterday's evening. I was so excited, so I gave in."
"Men, you're engaged? How come I know nothing about it?" I blinked in surprise.
"You were in a bad mood, remember?"
I sighed, and tweaked her cheek. "Congrats, girl. And see, I'm sorry the needs of this family will be borne on you. Don't worry, I'll try as much as possible to find a job. Bear with me, please."
"I'm fine with that." She gave me a warm smile. "And, that's the reason I've gotta show you something."
"Hm?" I raised my eyebrows at me.
She leaned back, clapped her hands. "Come on in!"
Saying that, she stood up. Creasing my brows to express my confusion, I turned to the staircase behind me, only for me to see mom and dad hopping down the stairs. I was completely dazed.
They were both dressed as clowns, dad playing a flute, mom jingling a tambourine. I stood up, smiling at them. My parents never stopped being funny.
When they reached the living room, they turned on the speaker, and began to do the Mexican hat dance. I smiled even wider, feeling so good to see them do something this weird. They knew how to do the dance, since they lived in Mexico for about two years, just when they had gotten married.
Vicki laughed at them, I smiled heartily at them.
They continued to dance, Vicki and I clapping in order to create some more fun. Dad pulled my wrist, forced me to dance. I did some kind of crayfish dance, laughing at myself. Soon, the dance ended.
I let out a shaky sigh, grinning at them. "I love you both."
"We love you too." Mom cupped my jaw in her palm. "My dear, we really don't want you to worry about us. All day, you've been moody, so we decided to do this."
"Aw… thanks."
"You're welcome." She pecked my cheek. Ah, shit, the color on her face had stained my cheek. "And, to be frank, we don't care if you stay with us for a longer period. Take your time, okay? Also, we'll help you in seeking a new job."
"Thanks so much." I felt very emotional. Their love never seemed like it would end. Indeed, they were the best.
The doorbell sounded, which made me squirm my neck around. I decided to answer the door, knowing that Vicki had probably ordered my favorite meal. I wanted to be the first person to see the food package.
Excited, I opened the door, only for me to see… Ryan. Good Lord, my heart rapidly slipped to my stomach. The memory of our kiss rambled back into my head.
He smiled, his eyes glinting in excitement. "Hey, Serene. Wanna go for a walk?"
I gulped. This was crazy, but my heart was really going to burst. What was with me?
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