Chapter 28: Chapter 28

"You should see how you look when frightened." Carl teases as he takes me away from the terrifying trip to a...zoo as he'd call it.

Along the way home in Carl's car after the zoo's visit, I received a call from Shade saying that she's helped me drive my car home and I have to thank her, and apologize for me a nerd back at school, and in the process, she asked about what happened. Having no choice, I had to explain the little myself knows which, as little as the info is, Carl didn't approve of it, but then, does he have a choice in it? Nope.

At last, the drive comes to a stop and I glance at the house from across the street with the help of the evening, sun-less sky.

"Thanks for today and for making me horrific."

"Which was enticing though." I send him a dagger-shooting-glare. "I won't try it again."

"Better. See you later, uh?" I ask. While waiting for his reply, I get out of the car.

"Yeah, perhaps tomorrow. But I'm not sure if I'll be at school." He pauses. "Rayne, do think about what I told you, you know, that I like you." He adds, almost stammering.

"Carl, I—yeah, I will." I give him a smile and turn to face the house. Releasing a heavy breath, I make my way to the front door. Getting in, I see no one but with the lights on and aroma coming from the kitchen, I better know that something's up.

In the kitchen, I see Mom in her cooking outfit, making dishes. I wrinkle my forehead, confused as to what occasion we have in the Miles' house today.

"Evening Mom." I say, still in shock. She turns to me, obviously had not had realized that I'm around due to the conjoining music that seem to blend in with the mood she's in — delighted.

"Hey, you're back." She gives me a side hug so she wouldn't dirt my cloth with the stains on her kitchen wear. She releases me, just to wear a baffled look. "Why are you this late?"

"Actually, I went to a zoo." I say mildly, deciding to leave the part where Carl comes in. I know what my parents could start.

"That's nice. Will you help me set the dinning table? We are having a family dinner."

"Okay, where's dad?"

"In his room, packing away his foul-smelling shoes." Mom laughs which I follow suit.

I drop my bag in my room and walk over to the dinning to set the table. With little time, dinner's prepared and we're all seated. I, on Dad's left while Mom takes his right.

"Who, apart from me loves the way our family is now? I mean, when last have we had a family dinner?" I ask, causing Dad and Mom to wear a sorry type look.

"Well, as for me, I love it." Mom says cheerily, and Dad makes a sharp hum.

"So, how's your vacation coming Dad? Are you still planning to sticking more?" I throw the question at Dad, making him stop chewing his food for a moment before he continues.

"Yeah, but I'll need to visit a friend this week or the next, I'm not sure yet." He glances at me, who's looking back at him intently. I don't know what prompt it, but asking him that question scared me. I don't want his vacation to end so soon. Was it so soon? He's stayed with you for a while now which hasn't happened before. I push all thought away, deciding to just enjoy the moment. Even if he leaves for work anytime from now, at least I enjoyed every moment with him.

"So, how's the lad doing?" Dad's questions which is directed at me calls me back to earth.

"What lad?"

"The Wildlings boy. Carl, his name is?"

"Yes. And he's doing fine."

Dad waves me off with a flip of his palm. I look over to me to find her enjoying the torture Dad's gradually inflicting on me as she has those amused looks, glinting on her brown hazel eyes.

"The lad seems to be into you." Dad presses.

"No, he was just been nice."

He respond sharply. " Guys don't act so nice to girls unless they like them. I'm not saying he's trying to play you, or something, I'm just opening your eyes to see that he's into you." He shakes his head in an astonish way.

"Damn, my daughter is beautiful. Extremely beautiful." He adds

"Sorry to interrupt, but remember she takes after my beauty." Mom boast, blowing her hair to make it hop.

"Never will I argue on that." He shift to me. "Anyway, do you like him in return?"

"Oh, no. We are not having this discussion." I sound intensely uninterested. To my disadvantages, my parents doesn't buy it.

"Like seriously Rayne, I've never seen you with a guy since Junior school...unless that guy...that hot-looking guy from the hospital. I forgot to even bring up his matter." Mom says, referring to the dickhead Nicklaus. Dad gasp, childishly, certainly interested in the new topic.

Matter-of-factly, I kind of like that Mom admires Nicklaus as well, and how she describes him. Even his good looks charm works on married women. For a moment, I feel not-so-good that he's so attractive to everyone, and that other girls will be admiring him as well. I beat myself inwardly, realizing what stupid, jealousy thought had crossed mind. Didn't I just loathe him hours ago, but now I feel pulled to him again?

"I just forgot I have an assignment. I've missed out on school's work since I didn't take class for about two weeks." I slide out of the chair, feeling hotness from inside despite the cool air, passing by.

"What? You haven't even eaten much." Mom exclaim.

Maybe I'd have eaten much if only you and Dad will just shut up on match-making a boyfriend for me.

"Actually, I'll pass. And thanks for the chat."

"You're welcome sweetie." Dad calls after me as I rush upstairs to my room.