Chapter 5:

Getting back into the house is a huge surprise. We only had a half hour outside, but everything went absolutely sparkling and organized.

The tables and chairs were entirely repositioned, the floors were heavily swept and vacuumed, not a morsel of dust could be spotted on the cabinets, and the dishes were completely back in their place.

It must have been a work of fairies, but it's utterly just Mom who was being a clean freak when visitors came around unannounced or planned.

Everyone was gathered around to settle a long discourse with Arren Bane. But the shocking sight that they're beholding right now has created a troubling confusion on their long unsuspected faces.

There was an interval of silence and processing of what had actually transpired. And I cannot blame them for having this reaction, because a half hour earlier, Arren came here in his fancy Cadillac, well-dressed, perfect, and composed.

Yet now, well, he is still handsome and cute, but he's completely turned into a good-looking Frankenstein.

"Um, what exactly happened to you two?" Dad confusedly asked.

"It's such a long story, but, um... Poppy has been a very nice dog." I replied with a discreet sarcasm.

"Did she?" Dad followed.

"Oh, yes she is, Sir." Arren backed up with a fake bright smile.

"That's odd, because she's never been a particularly nice dog." Dad suspects.

"Woof!" Hup-Hup pulled a cute face.

"Well, aren't you a good girl, Poppy?" Dad unknowably praised Hup-Hup, as I coughed to bother.

"(Coughs sarcastically) Yeah, she sure is. Well, aren't you the nicest overweight obese dawg, Poppy?" I glared at her.

"Arf!"

Hup-Hup barked at me and scram towards Dad for back up. She whimpered for a pat, and Dad let her have it too. I was so annoyed that she even stick out her tongue to mock us how untouchable she is.

"(Clears throat) So, as we were saying..." Mom started the discussion as she put on that hypocrite face and smacked Dad's thigh to remind him of their plan.

"Ah, yes! As we were saying, we cannot let our daughter have a boyfriend yet, Arren. Both of you are still young to be so concerned about this matter. And it's best that both of you focus on your studies first until you graduate with a degree and get a high-paying job. Then, if fate permits, that's the right time that we'll give our blessings to allow you two to work on your relationship." Dad calmly explained.

"My, I know it's a hassle on your part, Arren, to have gone this far and yet this happened, but, we're very sorry to tell you that we absolutely cannot allow our daughter to have a boyfriend yet. As parents, we truly care for your futures and having an impassioned relationship right now would be a distraction to your studies. And I'm sure that Madam Principal and Mr. Bane, your Mom and Dad, won't allow this either. Nonetheless, we truly appreciate your admiration of our daughter. But, please understand our sound advice and we will still have a fruitful relationship after this. You got my point, right Arren?" Mom added.

"Yes, of course, Teacher Rachel. And I am convinced that taking your sound advice is the wise decision to take. But, um... Argh!!! (Hisses in pain) I'm sorry. Argh!!! My head. Argh!" Arren hisses in pain.

My, now what is he playing? Hey! You think they'll fall for that!? What a psycho.

"Argh!" he continues.

"Hey kid, we understand that you're hurt about this, but please drop the act. There are still so many girls out there who are willing to date you." Dad affronts him.

"Count me in!"

Danica shamelessly interjected that Dad glared at her and shut her mouth.

"Sorry." She humped down.

"Arren, Danielle is out of your league. And you're way too popular to attract any girls you want. But, Danielle- Danielle is not just the dead end for you." Dad continued while Arren went on with his act.

"Plus, your Mom and Dad won't agree to this. Don't you think that'll be a problem on your part?" Mom keeps up.

"(Hisses in pain) (grunts) I'm highly aware of that Teacher Rachel, but, Argh!!! It just hurt so badly." Arren furthered his act.

"Ok, that's enough son," Dad reprimands him.

Arren ignored Dad and the drama went over-the-top until suddenly...

"(Gasps) Y-y-you're bleeding. Honey, he's bleeding!" Dad cried.

"What!?" Arren checked on his nose and...

"Argh!!! My head! My face! My legs! Sir Donnie, what am I going to do? If Grandpa finds this out, your Governor, what do you think he'll do to you? Teacher She, Help! Argh!!! If Dad and Mom find this out, I'm sure they'll fire you off from the academy. Argh!!! Help!"

Arren went all out and threw himself on the floor while continuing the dreadful act. Mom and Dad quickly ran towards him to help him get back on the sofa and comfort him. It was so intense that Arren continued with his painful grunts and groans, which fooled Mom and Dad into bursting into panic.

Aish! What a crap!

"(Sniffs) Mom and Dad were even excited about this. But now, how am I going to face them, Teacher Rachel? (Groans painfully) I even told my grandfather today, Sir Donnie. And he even let me drive his Cadillac here. I really wanted to be with your daughter, Teacher Rachel. That I waited for four long years to court her. (Sniffs) but what can I do about it? It was a bust. Argh!!!" Arren continued.

"It's OK, Arren. We're right here beside you. You've got this, ok?" Mom consoled him.

"Donnie! We're giving our blessings, right!?" Mom suddenly changed her decision.

"What!?" Dad exclaimed.

"Just say yes, damn it!" Mom snapped.

"But, we already talked about this, Rachel!" Dad asserts.

"Yes! But do you even have a choice?!Or would you rather deny ourselves 50 years' worth high-paying jobs than swallow our pride and let your son-in-law be happy?" Mom pressed him.

With all the panicking, Dad finally made his decision.

"(Exhales deeply) OK. (Clears throat) Arren... we are very sorry about what we said a while ago. And now, we, um... we... (clears throat) (gulps) We allow you now to be girlfriend and boyfriend." "Dad declares.

"(Grunts in pain) Does that mean we are official now?" Arren clarifies the announcement.

"Yes, your relationship is now officially on." Dad cleared up.

"NO!!!" Danica whined.

But this time, both Mom and Dad furiously glared at her that she intuitively shut her mouth up to avoid getting into trouble.

Meanwhile, the distressed overdramatic Arren suddenly stop the act, sat straight, fixed his coat, and brushed his hair up.

"(Clears throat) It is an honor to have your blessings. I promise that starting thereafter I am going to act as the man that you wanted for your daughter. Rest assured that my PARENTS and my GRANDFATHER will know all about this. And guarantee that your positions will be safely secured and highly-compensated, Mom and Dad." He happily professed.

(Chokes) Mom and Dad?!? The audacity!

30 minutes later and finally everything calmed down. The drama went a bit far back there, but, right now, they're unbelievably discussing like a happy in laws. Whilst I, joined Mom in the kitchen helping to prepare our dinner.

I'm surprised that we prepared a lot of dishes just for that dumbass actor. Usually, we prepare one viand in every meal, yet now is entirely different. And to be exact, it's like a celebration on a New Year Eve in the 31st of December.

More surprisingly is, all the expensive tableware, utensils and mugs that Mom have been kept hidden and used only for a special occasion were audaciously displayed on the table today. The preparation was so extravagant like as if an actual Prince is going to have dinner with us tonight.

Annoyed by the fact, when I turned my eyes to the other side of the corner, there I spotted Danica anxiously perfecting her looks and outfit for the upcoming dinner. Snapping out of it, I decided to take the trash in the bin bag and went out from the back door to dispose it. Hup-Hup went after me and together we throw the garbage on the garbage container outside and inhaled for a fresh air.

Shortly, we went back inside through the back door still to join them for dinner. Arren sat beside Mom, while Danica and I settled on the other side of the table, and Dad on the center aisle. Arren was next to the other side of the table but it annoys me that he steals a smirk from time to time like he was showing off how good he is at dealing with Mom and Dad.

Ooh, just wait until we get out of here, dumbass.

There have been a fruitful conversation on the dinner table and I'm amazed that he's so experienced at entertaining Mom and Dad. Well, Danica have become surprisingly diligent on going back and forth refilling the dishes like she wants to flex it to Arren how obedient she was in front him.

(Scoffs) My, how I wish it was always like that. Except however that, that stupendous psycho is out of the picture.

Well, in fact, he was the reason why this family suddenly turned out to be very hospitable. And my life would have been a heaven if Danica really changed into a responsible angel. Well, what am I thinking? Everything was just a show anyway. And plainly, they're just playing two-faces in front Arren so to put up a good impression.

And I hated it.

"Hey, Danielle." Dad called.

"Huh?" I replied out of my senses.

"You seemed out of your senses today, Sweet Pepper. Are you ok?" Dad asked in concern.

"Ah! (Laughs forcibly) I was just… left in a trance listening to your wonderful conversation and stories, Dad. And besides, I am enjoying the delicious food prepared by Mom. I really hate spoiling it by talking over the food." I made an excuse.

"Yah, you're right. I was meaning to talk about this earlier. In fact, this was one of the most delicious food I've ever tasted. Too bad, my mother can't cook like this. You're a talent, Teacher Rachel." Arren added.

"Aw! Thank you Arren. And you know what, I would really appreciate it if you would address me by my name as Mom." Mom thanked him.

"Ah, yes. Then so be it, Mom." Arren replied.

"My, you're so attractive Arren! Now, go on, finish your plate."

Mom flattered Arren with a bit of honest compliments from here and there while he just smiled back as he finishes his ration. An hour later, the dinner finally ended. Mom left the chores to me, excused herself to her study room, and Danica was ordered by Dad to go upstairs and do her homework.

So I cleaned the table, washed the dishes, thrown the leftovers, fed Hup-Hup, and dried the plates. Whereas Dad and Arren went over to the dining hall to continue their conversation while the TV was on show. And with all the chores that I had to get done immediately, I didn't have the chance to overhear their discussion.

However, I had the intuition that they have been discussing things seriously. And I really want to get a hold of it. So, I hurriedly finish my task and went my way to the dining hall. But when I am about to join them in their stimulating discourse, they suddenly stand up.

"I believe it's getting so late now, son. And I bet your parents are also so worried about you for being so late at this hour. Nowadays, the streets are no longer safe and secured, and it's best for you to go home now. And don't worry, feel free to tell us anytime you want to visit us here again. We'll be very delightful to welcome you Arren." Dad said.

"Sure, Dad. Er… Sir Donnie." Arren anxiously replied.

"(Burst out laughter) its ok, you can call me Dad. I kinda still feel off about it today, but I'm sure I'll get used to it later on."

"I'll surely look forward to it. So… I guess I need to get going now- Dad." Arren bid his respect.

"Of course. Hey, Danielle! Accompany your boyfriend out! He's going home." Dad called.

"Coming!" I replied.

"Hey, Rachel! Your son-in-law is going home!" Dad informed Mom from her study room.

"He is?! Um… could you wait a minute please?!" Mom distinctly replied from her room.

"Sure, Mom! I could wait a minute." Arren assured her.

"So, I left you two at it. Be extra careful on the road, son." Dad bid his farewell to Arren as he left us at the door.

"I will, Sir. Thank you." Arren replied.

As soon as Dad disappeared from our sight, I led Arren to the balcony to wait for Mom. Sadly, until now, he walks like a literal zombie. I assisted him and helped him sit by the wooden chair that was left on the terrace. It went out fine, but I was bothered to laugh seeing him hop on one foot like an injured sparrow full of strappings.

"Pfft! (Burst out laughter) you're so hilarious!" I ridiculed him while burst in laughter.

"Yah, all thanks to you Hulk-Girl!" he gobbed.

"Hulk-Girl!?! Hey! You were the one who stubbornly pulled Poppy from me, idiot. And only if you had listened to me Pretty-Boy, then I shouldn't have ruined your grand romantic gesture!" I spat back.

"Well, I was trying to help you, Cherry Bomb!" He continued.

"Cherry Bomb!?! Is that relevant to our argument?"

"Well, of course. Aren't you a cherry bomb yourself? You're so short with your tempter and suddenly blast like it."

"Hey, that isn't me!" I denied.

"But you are, hatchet. You're just in denial."

Arren hit the breaking spot and there was silent between the two of us again.

"Well… well, at least I'm honest with my feelings. Not some psycho actor who bled his nose just to get what he wanted." I countered.

"But I nailed it didn't I?" he swaggered.

"Pfft! Nailed my ass." I grumbled.

"Hey! Didn't you know that I was awarded as the Best Actor in our theater?" he bragged.

"(Scoffs) Why would I care anyway? It's none of my business."

"Then you should." He insisted.

"Why would I be?"

"Because I am your boyfriend now."

"(Coughs in surprise) my, the audacity. Hey! I didn't say yes, because I was desperately in love with Mr. President-Popular-Perfect-Guy, genius! I said yes, because… because…" I almost spat out.

"Because what?" he inserted.

"Because… I just liked you!" I hastily replied.

Did he saw that through!?! Aish! You blabbermouth! Just why did you brought that up!?

"My, I'm so sorry about the delay, Arren. I just wanted to ask favor to send this forward to your mother later, please." Mom suddenly appeared as she handed out a clear folder to Arren.

"Of course. Rest assured, I will give it to her by tomorrow." Arren assured her.

"Thank you so much, gorgeous." Ma'am gave her thanks with a compliment.

"Nah, it's not a big deal. So, I guess… I need to get going now." Arren bid his respect to Mom.

"Of course! Now, let me help you darling."

Mom acknowledge his request and assisted him towards his Cadillac. And I just then realized there, that his car was so freaking cool. It's dashing blue and it's awesomely modified. He went inside his car and seems to pull something from the back seat.

"(Clears throat) I believe… you forgot about this, Cherry Bomb." Arren went out and gave me the bouquet of flowers and the life-size torpedo shark stuffed toy, which I received back school.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot accept it." I respectfully decline.

"No. You're taking it. Haven't I already fulfilled Rule Number One?" Arren reminded me as he purposely gave out a smirk to annoy me.

(Gasps) oh, blast it!!! Why have I forgotten about that!?

"And, Teacher Rachel." He turned to Mom. "Please have this as a token of my respect."

I tried to look at what he's trying to give out to Mom, and there I found a genuine designed limited edition Chanel bag.

"My, this is too much, Arren." Mom gasped in surprise.

"Like I said, it's not a big deal- Mom." He attacked Mom's weak spot.

"(Laughs gracefully) then I'll generously have it, boy."

"It is my pleasure. So, I guess this is it. Ciao." Arren bids his last good-bye and sprinted back to his car.

"Hey! Hey! You think this was a dowry!?!"

I tried to keep up with him to settle a score. But Mom quickly grabbed me from pursuing further. And Arren just deliberately ignored my confrontation and dashed his Cadillac into the highway, while waving his hand by the open window.

"HEY! DON'T YOU IGNORE ME WITH YOUR FANCY CAR, YOU IDIOT!