Page 51 of Chasing Mr. Prefect

“Okay!” I said, jerking myself back into the present. “Late na. Let’s go.”

I ran off to the front door with my thoughts jumbled, heart still pounding, and nerves on end.

Lagot, sure na.

CHAPTER 21

As we were on vacation already, I did not have to go to class. Dinners were a bit awkward having everyone there but at lunch times, Liana and I took our turns in the kitchen when the parents went to work.

On the night of the twenty-third, our parents brought us to a buffet. They probably sensed something was going on. I tried to beg off and reason that it was a poor idea as restaurants would likely be full but Dad said he had a reservation.

I sat beside Dad while Liana sat beside Cris. I avoided everyone’s eyes and just quietly sat there. Our parents kept exchanging glances, as though asking each other what to do, because I just knew they put this together to force Liana and I to talk again.

“Ah-hem,” my dad pointedly said because we got to dessert with only him and Cris speaking. “Anything you want to do this Christmas, kids?”

“Nothing, really,” Liana said.

“Not a thing to do but I found out Cholo’s alone at home this Christmas and I asked him to have Noche Buena with us. I hope that’s okay?”

My dad turned to face me with a confused expression.

“My chairperson-slash-boss at DMC. The one who helped with your bags at the airport?” I offered.

“Okay?” Dad said, remembering now.

“He lives two streets away and I offered the house because I felt bad. All he has is the cat. His family’s abroad for the holidays. Long story.”

“Oo naman, I think that should be okay. Our table at home has eight seats, anyway,” Cris said.

“Hmm,” Dad said and I could tell he was going to ask me more questions when he catches me alone. “Si Gian ba, Liana? We can invite him, too, if you like.”

Liana stopped slicing her food.

“Um,” she said, clearing her throat. “He’s—he’s flying out. His parents have a thing somewhere in the US. He’ll be there until New Year’s.”

Liana caught my eye for a moment before looking away again. Our parents exchanged glances.

Uh-oh.

I got nervous. Liana was trying not to show it in her expression, but she had always been transparent. From the looks of it, things were not okay.

I texted Cholo on the way home.

I think they fought :|

Cholo Valiente

Oh? You’ve talked to Juliana?

Parents did over dinner. I listened in

Gian’s flying out daw tomorrow.

Oh, parents said you could come over :)

I know that’s your main concern, LOL

Cholo Valiente