Chapter 27

"Why are you so quiet?" Alec asked once we were on the road for about five minutes now.

I fumbled with my fingers before looking at him a little nervous.

"I'm fine." I mumbled quietly looking outside to distract myself.

He was silent before asking, "Are you nervous?"

I was still looking outside.

"Yeah." I whispered.

I was nervous. I was nervous to meet her after these weeks. After not seeing her for almost this long...I was excited but at the same time, very nervous too.

All sorts of questions were running through my head. What am I gonna ask her? What will I tell her? Will she be just as happy to see me as I will be? Will she have that spark in her eyes which she did before?

I felt Alec's hands hand on mine. I turned my head to look at him surprised but he was already staring ahead while driving. I felt him squeezing my hands lightly in reassurance.

"Trust me. It's going to be alright." He said taking a turn to the right.

I nodded my head lightly, "I hope so."

He looked at me momentarily, "Anytime you want to leave or if it gets overwhelming...just know, that's why I am here."

I opened my mouth to say something when I felt the vibrations of my phone ringing in my pocket.

I checked the caller before picking up.

"Henry?" I asked.

"Hey!... Where are you right now?" He asked.

"I am going to the hospital to meet my mom." I told him, "Why?"

There was silence on the other end.

"Henry?" I asked to make sure he was still listening.

"What happened to your mom?" I could hear panic in his voice, "Is she alright? Why is she in the hospital?"

How could I forget? I still haven't told Max and Henry about my parents divorce and that my mother was now working as a nurse.

"Calm down." I said with a smile on my face even though I knew he couldn't see me, "She is fine. She just works there."

"She works?... Since when?" I was pretty sure there was confusion etched on his face.

"Just a few weeks. I'll tell you everything tomorrow, okay?"

It was just time that I told them about it. About my parents divorce. I just wish they don't hate me for hiding it from them but at the same time I will understand if they get mad at me. It's their right.

"How long before you get home?" He asked.

"It will take a while. Why?" I asked curiously.

There was definitely something he had up his sleeves or he won't be asking me such questions.

"Nothing much. You'll know."

"Okay?" I said unsure.

"Trust me." He chuckled, "It's nothing.... I'll call you later, okay?"

I hummed before hanging up.

"We are here." Alec said the second I put my phone back inside.

I could feel my heart racing while he parked the car. Once he was done he turned towards me and looked at me concerned.

Don't ask me why I was so nervous. Even I don't know. It was just so overwhelming for me to see my mom after all these weeks, to remind me that I still have someone who loves me and is doing everything for me.

"Whenever you are ready." Alec gave me a small smile.

I looked at him and wondered...if it wasn't for him, I still would have been at home alone.

I couldn't help but look at him with adoration.

Why are you doing this for me? You have enough to deal yourself then why me?... Can I finally let myself feel your special someone?

"Serene?" He asked breaking me from my train of thoughts.

I cleared my throat, "I am ready. I really want to meet and talk with her."

I could see a proud look on Alec's face as he nodded his head at me.

"Let's go then." He said opening the door from his side. Before he could get out I grabbed his wrist making him sit back in the seat. He looked at me in a questioning way.

"Thank you." I said sincerely.

I could see Alec staring at me before his eyes softened. He slowly, lifted his hands up trying to reach out and touch my face.

I could feel the warmth of his skin. Just before the contact, he retrieved his hands and looked around trying to avoid looking at me.

What? You don't do that! How can you do that to me.

He finally looked back at me as I stared at him in confusion, "Let's go?" He asked. I could see him trying to stifle a laugh.

Oh how much I hate him right now.

"Sure." I pursed my lips and smiled at him.

••••

"You said you are looking for Ms Halls, right?" The man at the reception counter asked us.

"Yes." Alec said.

"She is with a patient in room 402, right now...you can meet her once she is done with them." He looked up and passed me a smile.

I couldn't help but smile back because he wasn't much older and had quite a looks too.

I could feel Alec's glare on my face. I turned my head to find him squinting his eyes at me.

"Serene, let's go... We are here to meet your mother." He stated.

Was he jealous? Was he really jealous just because I smiled at the reception guy? Oh my god, why is he so adorable?

Wait a second, he has the right to get jealous when he is literally in love with someone, and I don't? That's unfair.

Alec put his hands on my shoulders and turned me around.

"Can I get your number?"

I suddenly turned around to look at the guy. Normally, I wouldn't have given out my number but I was enjoying this too much because I could feel Alec's hands tighten around my shoulders.

"Sure." I smiled sweetly. The guy beamed at me before getting ready to note down my number.

"Sorry, man. We gotta go. We'll talk to you later." Alec interrupted us and literally dragged me out of their against my will.

I was enjoying this too much.

I put a serious face on and turned to him, "What?"

He looked at me in disbelief, "Were you really going to give your number to him?"

"Duh."

"How could you?" He asked exaggerated.

"Why won't I?"

"Because I-...." He stopped in between and stared at me wide eyed.

I bit the insides of my cheek. Because he...what? What god damnit?

I could feel my heart racing wildly when Alec took a step back and cleared his throat.

"Let's go and meet with your mom."

I was still in the state, where I was trying to process what he wanted to say. I shook my head to myself.

It was nothing. Getting hopes high for no reason is crazy.

Once we were standing in front of room 402, I saw Alec take a step back. I raised my eyebrows at him.

"I'll wait for you near the reception, okay? You should go and talk to your mom alone." He smiled at me.

He was right. I am meeting my mom after so long, I want an alone time with her. Just to talk.

I nodded my head at him and watching him turn around to leave—the door to the room 402 opened and I swear my breathing hitches the second my eyes laid on her.

I had forgotten how beautiful she was. Even in a nurse dress, she didn't look any less beautiful.

I could see her gasping as her eyes widened.

"S-serene." She whispered lightly with a shaky voice. She was getting emotional. I could feel it till here.

I tried to control the tears of happiness from brimming my eyes as I nodded my head at her, "It's me."

She let out a stifled laugh mixed with cry as she threw her arms around me and welcomed me in those warm hugs I always missed. I missed her. I missed her so much.

A tear of happiness ran down my cheek as I wiped it away and hugged my mom tightly.

This felt like home. I was finally home, into her arms where all the worries disappeared.

She pulled back a little, "I missed you so much." And kissed my forehead tenderly as I closed my eyes to feel that love.

"Me too."

"I am so sorry that we couldn't see each other." I could see her eyes welling up with tears.

She didn't have to be guilty. She didn't run away from the marriage. My father did.

"Let's sit down and talk, okay?" She asked smiling and wiping her tears.

I was speechless. I had so many thoughts to speak but now looking at her...I just wanted to watch her and capture her so that I can remember this moment whenever I want.

"Is he with you?" She asked her voice a little groggy from all the crying.

I followed her gaze and realised she was talking about Alec... He was still standing there. I thought he left, but there he was.

I couldn't pin point it out but something about the way he looked at me was very vulnerable yet I could see a look of satisfaction on his face. He realised I was watching him, so he waved his hands before pointing in the other direction—letting me know he'll see me there in the reception.

Slowly, he turned around before leaving. As soon as he was gone, mom turned to me,

"Did he helped you here?" She asked.

I nodded my head.

"Is-is be your boyfriend?" There was a hint of hope in her voice.

I sighed a deep breath before looking down and shaking my head.

"Well, that's a shame. I swear, I could see the way you both looked at each other."

I looked at her in surprise, "You could?"

"Of course." She smiled, "He seems like a nice guy."

And she just had a small glance at him.

Damn, Alec really be making his first impressions like a beautiful imprint. That too, without saying anything.

"We have a lot to talk about." She took my hands into hers and squeezed it.

"We do." I nodded my head happily.

••••

I saw Alec standing in the reception as he promised. He was on his phone when he looked up finding me walking towards him.

I could see he eyes lighten up as soon as he saw me. He got up from his seat, running his hands through his blonde hair.

"How did it..." he stopped mid sentence when I threw my arms around him—hugging him.

He was taken aback but slowly he reared before hugging me back and laying his chin on my head.

"I really appreciate it." I muttered through the hug.

I didn't have enough words to thank him. I finally saw my mom and had the best time with her in such a long while. It was like reminding myself that I still had a family. A person who loved me.

I don't know what was stopping me from directly coming to her from school...I was just hesitant.

But I am so grateful for him to bring me here.

I tried to break free from the hug to look at him properly but he held me tightly.

"You're welcome." He said sweetly.

I tried a little harder but he just tightened his arms more.

"Uh...Alec? Let me go?" I said pushing him a little away.

"Huh?" I could only hear his voice, "Not yet. You aren't the only one who is allowed to hug, you know." I could hear the amusement in his voice.

I shook my head to myself before stomping my foot on his—making him jump away from me in pain. He glared at me as I smiled innocently at him.

"Let me get you home now." He grumbled. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Sure." I looked around the reception and saw that guy still sitting there on his seat. Well, can't go before having a little more fun.

"Just give me a second, I'll quickly go and give him my number." I said but I was trying to stifle a laugh internally.

"Sure." I stared at him in surprise as soon as he said that.

Wow. Did he really? Geez. I was really getting ahead of myself after all.

"I-I'll be back." I mumbled.

He waved his hands at me, "I'll meet you in the car."

I mimicked him before rolling my eyes. I turned towards the reception counter and with heavy legs went toward the guy.

"Hey." I said putting my hands on the counter.

He looked up at me before looking back at his computer screen—ignoring me. Great, he ignores me too now.

"My number..." he held his hand out to me making me stop. I looked at him confused.

"I don't want it." He said seriously.

"What? Why?" I asked confused.

He shuddered before looking at me almost afraid. I didn't even do anything! Why was he afraid of me for nothing? It's not like I pulled his hair out.

"You are scary people." He muttered before going back to his work.

I don't know what changed his mind that I was suddenly scary to him, but guess what? It was definitely a little offending.

"I was not willing to give you my number anyway!" I said before turning away and stomping my feet away.

"Whatever." I could hear him say before I left.

Damn him. Damn his reception. Damn Alec.

•••

"My mom didn't like you." I told him looking outside— once we were in the car.

Of course, I was lying.

There was long pause before he spoke.

"W-why? She didn't even meet me." He said sounding concerned.

I closed my eyes and grinned widely—my face still turned away from him—before composing myself, "She saw you. She can judge people the second she lays her eyes on them."

He was baffled for words. I could literally feel it.

"That's not fair! She should at least meet me!" He sounded desperate, "Did you tell her that I was the one who drove you to her?"

"I did."

"She still didn't?" He asked surprised.

I smiled, "No, she didn't."

"Oh my god." I could hear his heart sinking till where I was sitting sinking in my seat.

"It doesn't matter though." I mumbled and putting on a face, I looked at him.

Even while driving he turned to look at me as if I had gone crazy.

"Of course, it does! She is your mother! I want her to like me!"

"Why?" I asked innocently.

He fell silent.

"I just do." He said calmly.

I couldn't help but shake my head at him when I fell my phone ringing. I checked the caller before picking it up.

"Max?" I asked.

First, Henry called me. Now, Max. Something was definitely going on.

"Are you home?" He asked without even saying anything else.

Wow. Pretty straightforward.

"Not yet. Why?"

"How long?" He asked.

"I am almost there. Just pulling in the last street." I told him.

"Okay." I could hear him sigh a wave of relief.

"What's going on, Max?" I couldn't help but ask him. This was making me so curious but at the same time scared too.

"There's a surprise for you." I could hear the excitement in his voice.

I sat up straight, "Really? What is it?"

Before he could say anything, Alec stopped the car in front of my house. The smile on face dropped as soon as I looked ahead. I stared at it. My heart dropped in the pit of my stomach.

"Serene, you are not ready for this! I know you'll be too happy!" I heard Max's voice from the phone which was still near my ears.

But I was too numb to even move. My eyes are lying. I wanted to believe they were lying.

"Serene, what's wrong?" Alec asked noticing the discomfort on my face.

Slowly, I pointed in front of me. At it. At the car. Alec followed my finger before looking at me confused.

"What about it?" He asked concerned.

It was just a regular silver car. Of course. What was wrong with it. Except, I was feeling the sense of running away right now.

"Do you know what it is?" Max was still going on, "Oh my gosh. Henry told me to not spoil it for you but I cannot help it!" He giggled, "Your father told us you guys haven't met in a while because he was busy. Guess who is there to meet you?" There was so much excitement in his voice.

Only, it was dread for me.

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