"So, it is a deal then," he said then smirked.
I have no choice, looks like Sonia needs to wait. She might get angry knowing that a moment after I pushed Henry to her, here I am letting this man court me. His eyes are twinkling at what I just said.
Cristel made a fake cough to get our attention. I immediately step away from Henry and faced Cristel with a big teasing smile on her face.
"I think we should go," I said to her then looked at Henry. "Thank you, yes, it is a deal. See you." I pulled Cristel's hand then walked away.
When we finally halfway through Dela Fuente's mansion, Cristel laughed and stop for a while.
"What's with you two? I thought Henry is courting Sonia then here you are, permitting him to court you too? What is happening?" she said then laughed, hysterically.
I sighed. "I have no choice but to do that. If I ask him for a favor, he will ask for something in return that can benefit him too. I know that this is a bad idea, I need to do this. When the right time comes, I will tell you what is really happening, and I hope you will believe in me. Do you trust me?"
She looked at me with that worrying eyes before she nodded and smiled. "I guess, I don't have any choice but to trust you. I know you know what you are doing. Sonia's family is powerful too, her father almost won in the election of being a leader of this town. If they found out that Henry is messing with their only daughter, they will get furious and will plan to get revenge to the Dizons and on you too. And because will let you live with us and they consider you as our cargo, we will get affected too. That will be a huge problem, Aliyah. Please, don't let this get there."
I-I didn't think of that. I think I did a very desperate decision.
"Is that really bad? What can happen if your family and that two families’ clashes?" I asked Cristel.
"They will be probably a big war. You know, Dizons, Dela Fuentes, and Marquezs have their clans, groups, and supporters. Do you think a little misunderstanding can't cause chaos in this whole town? The government might punish my father if that happens," she answered.
What did I just do?! I am such an idiot!
"Do you think Sonia will understand if I tell that Henry doesn't want to court her anymore?"
She shook her head. "I think, she will not understand. First of all, you are the one who pushed her to Henry, Second, she will not listen to you because she doesn't even know you. And last, I think she's desperate too to get Henry back again to her and she used that opportunity you gave her. So, overall, she will never let go of Henry now. Probably her parents knew about them. So, it is really big trouble."
I sighed, heavily.
"But, if you really want to do it, you know, for the sake of your plan. Henry can court you at the same time he is courting Sonia," she said then raised her eyebrows.
I winced. "That's not a very good idea of yours, Cristel."
"Of course, it is. While Henry is courting Sonia outside, he will court you inside. It means, he will court you secretly." She clapped her hands as if she is proud of her ridiculous idea.
Now, I'm thinking. Is this what you call hitting two birds at one stone? Her idea will probably be going to work, but... Fine!
"Okay, you convinced me of your idea." I bit my lip while thinking how Henry will gonna do that.
"Or no more courting for you." She smirked.
I creased my forehead. "Huh?"
"Just tell him you are into him, too. I can see that Lieutenant Henry is really into you. He looks so worried a little while ago while you are crying," she said while both hands were in her chest and her eyes are twinkling.
What the heck?!
"So, you are suggesting that I consider him as my boyfriend, already. You want him to think that I am that easy-to-get girl and I so whipped on him?" I raised my voice.
"That's only a suggestion, Aliyah. It is still up to you. If you don't want to do it, I'm not pushing it." She shrugged her shoulders.
I rolled my eyes. "I little time of courting will do, silly. Two days, what do you think?"
"I agree!" She raised her hand.
"I second the motion." I laughed.
We are both laughing while having our way into their mansion. And before Cristel can open the gate...
"Cristel!"
We both looked on where the voice came from. I saw Cristel's cheeks immediately turned red, it was Alfredo who called her. The young soldier is carrying a brown paper bag while running toward us with a big smile.
I hide my smile. I know I must not ship these two but, I can help it. I'm so sorry, grandma.
"Alfredo, why are you in a hurry?" Cristel calmly asked when the man was already in front of us.
"My mother baked cookies and she wants me to give it... To your mother," Alfredo said while giving the paper bag to Cristel.
I was surprised on how Cristel managed her emotion. She was not even shaking. Does she keep her feelings for a long time that she learned to control them?
"Thank you, say to your mother that Mama really likes her cookies. I like them too," she said then flashed a shy smile.
His eyes twinkled. "I am very glad you liked them. And your mother, too."
Hmm...
"Uhm, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" Alfredo asked.
Oh, my!
Cristel looked at me. I just nodded and gave her an approved sign.
"I don't have, I'm just staying in my room," she answered.
Alfredo touched his nape. "Can I come here tomorrow?"
I bit my lips. Is he going to court her?
"What? Of course, you can. But why?" Cristel can't hide her smiles, anymore. She is so adorable.
"I just want to see you. I-I mean..." He cleared his throat.
Cristel blushed. "Huh?"
"I bought some books that I think have your interest. We can read them together," he said then smiled, awkwardly.
"S-Sure, no problem. You can come anytime. I am very free." She was smiling, ear to ear. Even her eyes showing great happiness.
"So, see you tomorrow, then," he said then looked at me. He smiled shyly before he left us.
So, that's how my grandpa got the girl.
"I think I just died!" Cristel said after we entered her room.
"You are overreacting, girl!" I tapped her cheeks.
She looked at me. "How's my looked a while ago? Do I look like a tomato?"
I laughed. "You are not, you acted so calmly. I wowed me!"
She sighed in relief. "Thank goodness! I still can't believe he will go in here tomorrow! What should I wear?! What meal should I prepare?"
I held her shoulders. "So, this is the aftershock." I laughed. "Relax, be yourself. Alfredo likes you like that. You don't have to be so prepared. Just act normal."
"Alfredo likes me?" she asked.
I smiled. "I can see it in his eyes." Although, I don't want you to be together. I am sure fate will do something, just enjoy it for now.
"A really like him. I like him a lot, Aliyah. This the first time he noticed me. I am very happy," she said then hugged me.
I am torn now! What should I do?