CHAPTER 3. A NEW FRIENDSHIP?

We all sat down to watch a movie. I would randomly stare at Nathan and his girlfriend and he would return the stare, then I'd look away embarrassed. They seemed like they were having a great time, besides the rest of us.

“Let's play truth or dare!” Nathan's girlfriend suggested.

“Yesss!” everyone chirped in unison. The house was beginning to bore me out, and poor me had to stay until 6pm before I could leave. This was torture!

“Soo...” Noah said as he reduced the TV's volume.

“I'm already. Who goes first” I said as I stroked a few strands of hair behind my ear. All eyes averted to Nathan's girlfriend, who brought up the idea.

“Okay, okay, I go for truth. This better be fun” I heard her say. Everyone was thinking about what to ask her.

“When was the last time you cried?” Noah finally spoke, as she thought for a while.

“A week ago, duh” She responded.

“I got one. I got one!” Everyone paused to listen to me.

“Have you ever cheated on any of your exes with his friends to get back at him?” She was too stunned to even speak.

“That's a good question, Liliana” She said, chuckling.

“Yeah, that's a good question, Liliana” Nathan added.

There was silence.

“I don't think I've ever” She finally replied with a small shrug. Nathan stared at her blankly, she stared back but quickly looked away.

He got up, excused himself and went straight to his room. She got up too and followed him slowly.

“That question really triggered a lot though” Noah said as soon as they left, scratching his head.

“Tell me about it… It was just a simple question. I didn't know there was much to it” I responded, feeling bad already.

I could already hear heated arguments going on in Nathan's room. It was so audible, but I couldn't get the actual words, then the door bashed open, it was his girlfriend, and then she walked out of the house furiously.

“In summary, last month, Nathan and his girlfriend had some misunderstanding and in revenge to hurt his feelings, she fucked his friend. Actually, his friends” Noah explained. I was dumbfounded. I never should have asked that question in the first place.

“I should go talk to him. Probably apologize or something” I suggested.

“No, I know my brother. Don't.” Noah tried to talk me out, but I ignored him.

The door creaked open. “I just want to be alone, Noah” Nathan screamed from inside his room.

I hesitated before walking in.

“ It's just me” I spoke softly. He was sitting on the bed, I joined him, and we sat in silence. I looked at him, he looked pale. I never, for once, thought I'd see him in this way.

“About that truth and dare thingy, I apologize for triggering hurtful memories” I apologized sincerely.

“It's okay, Liliana” he responded softly. This was the first time he ever spoke in this manner to me.

“Okay ”I playfully stretched out my arms for a hug, but he pushed them away.

“Aww… It's called a power hug. We do that a lot in our house” I pouted. He didn't say a word. He was staring blankly at the wall.

“You know, today while I was cleaning your room, I stumbled across a picture and I immediately assumed it was your dad.” He stood up and got to his reading table and brought out a small picture under one of those books.

“This one?” He said as he handed it to me.

I nodded positively.

“My dad… yeah” His lips stretched for a small smile. A genuine smile.

“I never heard you nor Noah talk about him even for once” I spoke gently.

“Yes, true. He doesn't stay with us. A very busy man, always running and handling multiple businesses and all that, you know” I nodded.

“I only get to see him twice a year, sometimes once a year. There are so many things I would have wanted to do with him. The father and son's thing” I could feel the pain in his voice.

“All these luxuries can't replace that” he continued.

“At least you even get to see your dad…” I said with a small sigh.

“Your parents separated?” He asked. I shook my head.

“He's late… He passed away three years ago” I responded. I closed my eyes slowly. I miss my dad. I miss all the moments we used to share while he was still alive and up to today, we haven't gotten over it. My mom still cries over it, despite my pleadings to move on.

“I do apologize for your loss,” He said, almost in a whisper. I smiled. Nathan wasn't a bad person after all and maybe Noah was right, the closer you get to know you'll know he's a sweet soul. He returned the small smile. I admired the way his lips broke into a smile. I've never seen him smile at me.

I still had an hour left before returning home. The whole of today was just pure drama, but most importantly, I was grateful that Nathan and I were in good terms. I offered to make dinner for them, but they shoved the thought away, asking us to get something from the restaurant instead.

“You know, I've been thinking…” Noah spoke as he broke the silence. Nathan was driving, Noah sat in the front door next to him while I sat in the passenger's seat.

“ After graduating from the university, I don't wish to join dad's company because that is not the kind of life I want” He continued. I didn't say a word because I guess it was a family personal thing.

“It's alright, bro, and hopefully by then you'll figure everything out” Nathan replied calmly.

“Okay, I guess so” Noah muttered until his breath.

I admire the kind of twins they were. They understood each other, always knew what to say to calm the other down.

“Liliana, I heard from mom that you're studying in the university,” Nathan said from the front seat.

“Yeah. Accounting and business administration” I responded.

“Impressive”

The rest of the drive continued in silence. Nathan went into the restaurant to get food, leaving Noah and I in the car. I brought out my phone and was surfing through the net to pass time.

Noah gasped as he shoved his phone over my face.

“You know I am gay, right?” I nodded positively.

“So there's this guy I like, right?” he giggled for a while. I nodded again.

“He's asking me out, and I'm freaking out!" Noah exclaimed.

“Ohh. Say yes, that's if you like him enough” I answered. I watched him type some more, deleted it and typed again.

“I am happy for you both” I said.

“Thank you” he responded calmly like he wasn't the same person acting crazy a minute ago.

Nathan arrived with four nicely wrapped plastic bags. “One for you and the other one for your little brother” Nathan said, handling the bags to me as I took them, then I thanked him anyway. They drove me home and I thanked them again. My brother was doing his homework when I arrived home, while my mom was entertaining herself with the TV.

“How was your first day at work?” My mom asked as she reduced the TV's volume.

“Great. I had so much fun” I grinned ear to ear as I handed her the plastic bags.

“I can see,” mom responded as she opened the bags.

“And that bully of yours, how are you coping?” My mom asked again. She signalled my brother to come over.

“We're doing just fine. He even got me these things"

“Good. First, he stopped bullying you, and now he's buying you stuff, hope this isn't how he lures these young girls” I shook my head as I laughed. It was crazy but funny at the same time. My mom wore a stern look.

“No, mom. That's ridiculous. He's only doing this because we're friends now” I said amidst laughter.

“That's how it all starts” My mom shrugged.

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