282: RECALLING LUKE’S POV Staring at the phone in my hand, my mind was somehow in a state of chaos. Well, I wasn’t panicking, but this was somehow crazy, like crazy. The caller ID showed Tiffany’s name and her face–the face of this woman who once had feelings for me. I couldn’t tell if those feelings were still there. But she did have me feeling guilty. And yes, she did carry our child. A child we never got to meet because she miscarried. I can actually remember that moment back then; it was really painful when she told me that she didn’t want me in her life anymore. But what could I do? I didn’t want to be with her; it was something I wanted, but at that time, I felt kind of broken–just for that moment, though. And while these thoughts continued to process in my head, a voice broke through my trance. It was Daniella. “Uhmm, excuse me?” She vocalized. “The phone you’re holding belongs to me. I think it must have fallen on the ground when those boys were harassing me.” “Oh really? This phone belongs to you.” “Yes, it does. Please hand it over, that call might be important.” “Oh, sorry about that.” I apologized and walked to her, handing her the phone. “Thanks,” she said softly, and her eyes went straight to the screen. “I know I’m not supposed to ask, but who’s that person calling?” I threw up the question. I couldn’t help it. I knew it was Tiffany, looking at that screen. But who was Tiffany to her? “It’s my elder sister, Tiffany,” she answered. My curious face changed into a confused one. “Your sister?” “Yes, do you perhaps know her?” Daniella asked, giving me a slightly puzzled face. I hesitated for a moment, not sure how to answer. I didn’t want to lie to her, but I didn’t want to reveal my past with Tiffany to a stranger. So I simply shook my head and muttered, “No, I don’t.” “Your expression says a different thing, Ariel chimed in. “No, I was just kind of…” I trailed off, letting out a sigh. “Never mind, let’s just take her home. I walked to the car, settling in the driver’s seat, and I closed my eyes as I took a deep breath again. Ariel got inside, and so did Daniella. “Luke, Luke,” Ariel called my name. I opened my eyes immediately, staring at her. “Yes?” “Is something wrong?” “Something wrong? What do you mean by that?” “Your face changed the moment that phone started ringing. So tell me, what’s the problem? “Nothing’s wrong, okay? Let’s just get Daniella to her house as soon as possible.” “Hmm, okay, if you say so.” Ariel took her eyes off me and set them on the road. I shook my head and started driving, I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I had no idea why my mood changed after seeing Tiffany’s name on the screen. It wasn’t like I was in love with her or something. I drove while Daniella was giving me directions. I didn’t say anything; I just acted like I knew nothing when I clearly had an idea of the directions. But why would I say anything. now? So, after what felt like hours, we finally arrived at Tiffany’s mansion. I clearly remembered the last time I came to this place, and all of those scenes were still stuck in my head. The moment we pulled up to the gates of her house, Ariel’s jaw dropped in surprise. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was clear right here. “Is this your house?” she asked Daniella, her eyes wide. Daniella nodded, looking a bit embarrassed. “Yes, it is.” “Wow, I never knew you were going to be this rich.” “Well, I am,” Daniella’said before leaving the car. “Thanks for everything.” She closed the door, smiling at the both of us. turned my face away. “We should get going now, “We can’t leave yet. Aren’t we going to meet her parents? Tell them what happened, how we saw her, and how we saved her from those kids,” Ariel, It’s really late. She’s home now and completely safe. I don’t see the need for us to go to her house and get into more conversations.” “I totally understand, Luke. But you need to understand me here, too.” “I get you, Ariel. And I’m in no mood for arguments.” I drove off after that. When we arrived at my house, I didn’t say anything, and Ariel didn’t, either. The silence between us was still there, and I didn’t like it one bit. “So, what’s going on?” I asked, almost inaudibly. Ariel didn’t shoot a glance at me. “I should be the one asking you that. What happened back there?” “I don’t know, I don’t know. I guess I’m sorry.” “I should go now. Good night.” Ariel left the car, and I didn’t say anything. I didn’t stop her; I didn’t move. I was just sitting down, still processing what had happened. I didn’t know, I should just tell her about my history with Tiffany. Why was I hiding it anyway? It wasn’t like we were dating. Before I could burst out of my car, Ariel had already gotten in hers and drove away. The night was ruined. There was no need for conversations on the phone right now. I should be hoping for a better tomorrow. So that was it. That was how things went between us. So the night went on, and I slept, not settled, hoping for the next day to be better than this.. I woke up the next morning, looking around the room. I could hear the birds chirping and the sun’s light coming right through the window. With my eyes partly open, I sat on the bed. Kneading my head, I remembered what had happened last night between me and Ariel. I quickly grabbed my phone and wanted to call her, but I stopped suddenly. I didn’t know what came over me. I let out a deep sigh, still staring at my phone. And I wanted to know if I should call her or not. But then my phone started buzzing; Jack was the one who was calling. I could only wonder what he was about to tell me this time. I answered. “Sir, I just got a call from the CEO of Texas. The company would like to discuss a new project with Reynolds, so they want you to be at work as soon as possible.” “Great news. Don’t worry, I’ll go take my bath now.” “Okay, sir,” Jack said, and then our conversation ended. I dropped my phone on the bed, and I got up. I moved my hands down my face, took some steps, and transposed forward to the bathroom. But then I heard a knock on the door. I stopped, trying to see if I was just hearing things. Or, perhaps, that knock was real. I may have been thinking too much lately. But the knock came again, and I had to go open the door. I saw my mother standing right there. “Mom? What are you doing here?”
