Forgotten warmth

"That's important to me, Enzo. That was Dad's last gift to me before he died. That's what I use often."

"Hey. I hope you just opened it."

"I'm free the whole day so why should I open it?"

He was about to speak again when he saw something at my back. He snorted and stood up, without a word returning to the bar counter. I turned around and was a little excited to see the person who had just entered the bistro.

I looked back at the mango shake and felt Rustov approach. It was only then that he was looked at as he sat across from her. I suddenly got conscious after I scanned him briefly. He did it but I think it's more haggard to look at?

I don't find him handsome at all. I have another definition for that word. My handsome is a man with angelic face, soft features and the mestizo type. And I'm sure it wasn't him. His features killed the word angelic. All of him looks hard. There is no trace of tenderness, even in the eyes. He looks like he doesn't have weakness at all, which I'm sure is impossible.

"I thought you weren't coming," I said sarcastically.

"I told you I would take long. Isn't it?"

"Do you have a practice game?"

"No. We're preparing for the event for college students on Monday. So, shall we leave? It's afternoon. You might be late."

He stood up first. I said goodbye to Enzo before we left. By the way, I couldn't help but be stunned to realize what vehicle we were going to take them. It's his damn big bike again!

Fortunately, I don't have a skirt anymore so it's not too hard.

"If you don't want to ride here, just walk," Rustov said stubbornly when he noticed my artistic look at the motor.

"Did I say I didn't want to?"

He smirked. "You don't have to say anything. I can see it in your face."

"Whatever. I have the helmet."

He got on and I followed immediately after putting on the helmet. I was relieved I wore jeans. I sit easier and more comfortable. So I wasn't so scared anymore. Besides, looking at him, he doesn't seem to be the type to slap anything. Though that's quiet unrealistic, he really has that air like everything will be under control. That idea somehow consoled me.

When we stopped in front of the old house with the picket fence, I immediately knew it was their house. I know since Janice told me once about it. It also passes through us so I see it often.

The old house is all hard wood. The paint is a bit faded and even the sliding windows are obviously old. I heard, this house dates back to Rustov's mama's parents.

Like us, it was a bit far from the town of Vida Riqueza itself. There are houses around, not really somewhere. Beyond the house, a small coconut plantation lies. I doubt it,

that's their small business.

"You're just here, I'll take you inside," he said.

"Am I not allowed to go inside? Or maybe you don't know the common etiquettes? You should at least invite me."

He turned to me, frowning.

"I thought you don't like places for the poor?" he asked with obvious mockery.

I get it. The whole school knows a lot about me. One of them is that I am so poor that I don't know who spread it. I'm supplanted to anyone when I'm not close. So maybe they assumed I'm thinking too high of myself I don't bother looking at the people lower than me.

"One more thing, why are you going into a garbage house?" he asked a bit coldly.

I opened my mouth. What? He hasn't forgotten that yet?

"Don't tell me you have some grudge against me because of that?" I laughed.

"You take your sharp words so lightly as that, huh?" His expession was serious.

I was a little nervous.

"I was angry then, Rustov. You see, I am very impulsive when I'm mad. I can only say and do what I can. And by chance you intervened to protect that woman. I was so mad at you then. "

He looked at me for a long time. But before we could speak again, a noise from the gate turned us there.

I saw a middle-aged woman. I immediately recognized its face. Graciana Montilla, his mother, once worked in our factory then so familiar to me. Her gentle eyes darted and Rustov first, eventually went to me.

"Rustov, you have a visitor. Why don't you let me in?" She looked at me more. Later on, as if realizing something, her eyes widened a fraction. "Audrey Escareal?" startled question.

I smiled. "It's me, Tita. I really want to come in for a while, in case the child doesn't want to–"

"Ah, he's here to get the handkerchief I found for him, Ma." Rustov looked at me sharply.

"Are you both from school?"

"No. Audrey is still in senior high."

I stared at Rustov.

"In that case, come inside first and have a snack. Wait, I'll just get ready. Rustov, let Audrey in."

I saw how he sighed deeply after his mother turned away. He hated my presence that much, huh? Was it because I injured him and said trash? Other than that, I don't remember any arrears with him.

I passed in front of him, but before I could pass he grabbed me by the elbow. He looked at me darkly.

"Please don't give rude comments when you're talking in front of my mother," he warned.

"Are you saying I will offend her with my words because I don't care about other people's feelings? Come on! Is that how you feel about me?"

He did not say a word, remained staring.

"You think the worst of me, huh ..." I smirked bitterly.

"But it's okay. I don't care what you think about me," I said coldly once parting his hand.

And without a word, I made my own way towards their house. I hate Rustov. But I like the warm welcome his mother gave me. It reminded me of the feeling of the warmth from a family. A feeling I can hardly remember.