Chapter 13

"Um... Mum, we really are dating. What makes you doubt us?" I ask, my hands turning clammy under her stare.

"Neither of you mentioned anything about this before. You've been friends for so long, is it possible for you to be in that kind of relationship after refusing the idea for so long?" She says seriously.

Her words are true but right now, we are in no position to admire my mother's honesty.

"Of course we thought like that too but after we realised our feelings, we found that we could make it work." I say, trying my best to keep a smile on my face.

"I really love her Aunt. I was stupid to not notice my real feelings earlier." Seb adds.

"How many times did you rehearse?" She asks, raising her eyebrows. She is indeed my mother.

"What do you mean Aunt?" Seb suddenly turns to face me, "Sorry, the only way I can prove it is..."

My breath halts as I am suddenly met with a close up of Seb's handsome face.

"Play along." He whispers quietly before leaning further and placing his lips on my cheek.

I hold in a gasp as I sit still on the chair. We haven't discussed actions we would need to do to convince my mum.

My hand reaches up and I touch my cheek where he just kissed me. My heart is thumping erratically.

"I think I should leave." My mother seems flustered as she coughs and stands up, "Take care you two. If I realise that you lied to me, I won't let you off easily. Eva, I will start arranging dates for you again, twice a month."

I quickly nod but inside I am shriveling up. She is threatening to double the amount of dates?! Is she the reincarnation of the devil?

"Don't worry Mum. Why would we lie to you? Right Seb?" I chuckle nervously.

"Of course not Aunt. I love Eva, there is no need to worry." He almost sounds honest. How long has he practiced? He must have some inborn talent for acting.

A knock on the door, makes me furrow my eyebrows. Who could it be? Opening it, my eyes widen in horror. Talk about bad timing!

"Sorry, I'm not interested in your sales." I say quickly through gritted teeth.

"Wait, I've come to drop the baby off–"

I will have to apologise later for being rude to her but for now, I can't let my mother find out about Miracle or she will never stop interrogating me.

The sudden cry from outside, causes Seb to run to the door and open it. I bite my lip as he takes Miracle from the neighbour and brings him inside.

"Th-this is–" I start to explain as Mum stares at us.

"– the neighbour's baby. We agreed to babysit." Seb finishes, smiling innocently at Mum.

I glance at him in admiration with a small smile. He knows when to save me.

"Both of you must be pretty busy and still babysit? It's good to be young. I admire your energy." Mum says seriously. "I'll be going now. Take care of him properly Eva." She says pointedly.

I nod sheepishly, "Of course Mum. Take care."

Once we make sure that she has left, I spread myself on the sofa and sigh loudly. Seb grins as he carries Miracle and walks towards me.

"You alright Eva?"

I nod, "Why does everything happen at bad times for me? We almost got found out and Mum saw Miracle too. Thanks for saving my ass there Seb."

He chuckles and sits next to me with Miracle on his lap, "I deserve a reward."

Snorting, I stare at his eager face, "You're not a child Seb, you're almost thirty." I say, rolling my eyes at him.

"Aw, don't remind me like that Eva. Have you forgotten that we're the same age?" He grins.

I groan, "How can I forget that that is the reason my mum is desperate for me to get married?"

"I have an idea of how you can reward me." He suddenly smirks and a cold shiver runs through me. Don't tell me he is scheming something.

"What is it?" I mutter.

"This." Seb suddenly leans forward and I feel his warm and soft lips against my cheek.

"Wh-what the hell?!" I exclaim, my face heating up as I jump away from him. I scrub my cheek with my hand. "You don't have to act like my boyfriend when it's only us." My heart is beating loudly.

"Oops, I forgot." He shrugs, the grin still plastered on his face.

He is definitely teasing me. I really want to beat him up.

"You're such an opportunist Seb!" I shout before walking to my room and locking the door. My hand subconsciously touches my cheek and I blush. What game is he playing and why do I not hate it?

My phone flashes and I check the message. It's Jason asking whether I am free. I smile and call him.

"I'm free right now." I say. Maybe spending time with Jason will make me stop thinking about Seb and his kisses.

After changing outfits and wearing some makeup, I step out of my room. I'm meeting him at the park. I fix my scarf around my neck since it is cold outside.

"Where are you going?" Seb sounds annoyed as he glances at me.

I shrug, "Meeting a friend."

"Rina?"

I shake my head.

"Male or female?"

Rolling my eyes, I huff. "Why? It doesn't matter to you who I meet anyway. I'm going. Look after Miracle for me."

"Wait Eva. It hasn't been long since your mother left. What if you bump into her? It won't be good if she sees you with anyone else other than me."

"Are you seriously worrying about that?" I laugh. "She has probably reached home already. Don't worry Seb, I won't forget our act."

"Why don't you sit it out for today?"

Angrily, I step towards him. Why is he bothering me about meeting a friend?! "You're not my parent Seb. I am old enough to go out for goodness sake! Why are you being annoying?!"

"Annoying?! Can't I worry about you Eva?"

Eyes widening and my heart suddenly racing for some reason, I stare at him. "W-what? Don't joke around. I'm going, look after Miracle and call me of you need anything." I say quickly, a little flustered as I leave.

Why is my heart going crazy? I need to see a doctor.