Thirty Four

•DEMI•

(POV)

"You do know my mom's birthday this friday, right?" Luke said on the phone. "Don't tell me you'll bail on me again?"

Crap.

I looked at my watch to confirm what day today. Tuesday, 17th of november 6:23 in the afternoon.

I totally forgot about it. I was preoccupied by the shop, my unfinished painting and my never ending visitors from the city.

The first week after Bright went back to work. His Uncle Kik and his mom surprised me at my house with bunch of shopping bags and groceries made for a i think a few months worth. They even offer to help me take care of Mace for a day. I didn't know what to do.

I was overwhelmed by their kindness i never experience before. i was beyond nervous but in the back of my mind i felt like i won the lottery to be treated nicely by Bright's family. I'm still feel the butterflies about that day.

I message Bright after that day thinking it's his idea but turns out Uncle Kik spill the tea to his mom about visiting me. Bright call me back in panic knowing his mom was there with me. But I'm grateful to know he cares for me, deeply. And Oh! Win's right about the food Bright's mom make. Her food was to die for.

Then days after Charlie went back to get Mace and gave me a box full bribes–i mean goodies. Fresh new paints, brushes and 2 bottles of wine.

A few weeks after, some of his friends and Kai visit too. I never felt lonely during my first few weeks at the countryside. Thanks to Bright.

I scratch my chin embarrassed as i bite my lower lip .

"Why would i forget Auntie Yna 58th Birthday, Phi. You're being silly" as i laugh bogusly.

"I know you Dee. I'm still not happy about the last time" Luke said with a warning

Right. What is that about again?

Seminar? or was it a conference?

"I know. I know." I bite my lower lip guiltily " i'll be there. Don't worry"

I said full of promise.

I heard a chuckled and he said

"I'm counting on you. You know my mom, Dee. She's expecting you there."

"And i shall be."

"You should. Oh! gonna go. My boss's calling me"

He ends the call in a rush.

I sighed loudly at my backyard. I was waiting for my fresh pots from the furnace to be cooked. Tapping my phone repeatedly in my forehead.

Auntie Yna is my grandma's friend and my mentor who i have a huge debt for helping me become who i am today and my freedom.

Luke don't know about this but his mom has these fantasies about him and i. She said i'm perfect to be her daughter-in-law which I always dismiss every time cause i know Luke is like a brother to me. I wondered where did she get that idea from?

I winced, distressed about the upcoming event.

What a scatterbrain. How could i forgot about her birthday!?

Then the devil's intrusion in my mind sudden attack.

You would. if perhaps you stop obsessing over Bright. You couldn't even admit to yourself you're getting attached to him. You IDIOT!

I shake my head and sighed.

I should think about auntie Yna. What should i give her? I only have few days before her birthd–

Then i heard a loud rustle somewhere that made me stop my trace. I put my phone in my back pocket of my denim short and I looked around me and up the man made fence for something.

Weird. P' Beam left an hour ago after delivering my ordered clay.

I smell something burning. Then I remember. My new pots that i was cooking inside the kiln.

"Sh*t! the Kiln!"

—

•BRIGHT•

(POV)

"Phi, did you found out who's been sending you the those creepy mails"

Win suddenly whispered on my ear that made me wake up from my thoughts and remember we are currently at a conference room at Off's building for our monthly meeting. I'm Off's silent partner in one of his bars he own and Win is now our new stock member.

Off is the most hardworking man among the rest of us. He has a 2 bars and their family own chain of restaurants in and out of the city. People didn't know any of it. He's our ace when it comes to business and Tay was the second.

I gave hit the side eye and with a smirk a little then mouthed him "later"

He pouted and slouch on the chair looking bored.

Off notice Win's lack of interest; Off said

"Win, seems to have an idea for the design."

With a grin. "Care to share, Win"

I hide my smirk to Win's surprise caught reaction. His face looks so funny. I want to laugh.

Win quickly glared at Off for putting him on the spot. He lean forward, coughed, tilt his head sideways and said

"Is a matter of fact, i have something to say..."

he smile widely, holding both hands on the table. "when will this meeting gonna end?"

Off was embarrassed and was caught of guard ; he looks like his brain was about to blow up. The other member shake their head by Win's antics and disarming ability.

I was shaking, trying to hide my laugh by covering my mouth by scratching my nose with my hand.

You'll never have a dull moment with Win; As expected.

With wide eyes, Win continues

"I mean. I don't want to be rude but we've been discussing this repeatedly for hours now and people here.. seem to be deadly hungry to even think."

Off looked at his watch then closed the folder and sighed. Giving Win a deadly glare.

"We resume after an hour. You make take your break now."

—

Off tap the folder in Win's head that made his flinch as i chuckle by his side.

"Phi, i'm sorry. I am really REALLY HUNGRY." Win explain pleadingly. Pouting like a kid.

He shake his head to Win's pleading.

"My secretary already prepared our lunch in my office. I was about to say it but you caught me first."

Win smile widely. "Thank you pops."

He hug Off's arm lovingly. "You're a heaven sent"

Off tried to push him away but with no avail as we walk toward his office. Off remember something and asked me

"Nong, what was you want to discuss with me?"

My face turned serious and looked at Off

"It happened again, Phi"

Off stop his track and looked at my worriedly while Win cluelessly looked both of us.

"It's better to discuss this inside my office."

—

Win taps his leg anxiously after hearing about what i said while Off looked at the photo from my phone and sighed

"Are you sure she's behind all of this?"

I shake my head disagreedly "i'm not sure yet but all of our investigation results have the same pattern from a year ago."

Off had dating scandal with an idol singer before because of an obsessive boy fan post a picture in social media. He's the only person i know who could help me.

"The problem now, This is much more worst" Off added

Yes. It is.

With Demi's involved and her family.

"Should i talk to dad about this, Phi. He can help us" Win asked

I ruffled Win's hair.

"No Win, Don't worry i have a plan."

I smirk at them.

"As for now, She already fell from my trap. But i need your help"

—