Chapter 5 Cold Feet

• My mind must have been playing tricks on me cos I couldn't stop staring at his number on my hand like a teenage girl in love, I dialed it on my phone to avoid losing it.
• But do I want to see him again?
• A door creaked then a scream resonates from it. Someone pulled me into a hug. It occurred to me at that moment.
• I'm home.
• " Mom, Milena is here" Isabella squirmed. Oh was she that excited to see me?
• " My baby is home," mom said with open hands which I didn't hesitate to accept.
• " Welcome home sweetie. Your dad is in the study room waiting for you" I hummed giving her a peck then ruffled Isabella's hair. She whined like a child-like she always does.
• " I know you're nervous. So let's get you settled in before the big step" Isabella suggested. I just love her so much. My baby sister.
• " What can I say, you know me too well" Isabella smiled then dragged me upstairs ignoring my protest.
• It took me a while to get myself when I saw my room for the first time in many years. Nothing has changed. Everything was sparkling clean.
• " We figure out you'd need your room someday and I know how much you love it pink. So who is he? If I was impressed before but hearing her words kinda ruined it.
• So, I ignored her for a change of clothes, and damn I do need a bath.
• " C'mon. Who is the lucky guy that's going to pop your cherry? She is curious about my virginity? Like seriously? Speaking of that, I was going to give in to him a few minutes ago. He just had to stop.
• Am I disappointed right now? Who wouldn't?
• " C'mon, I'm your sister" she coaxed helping me with my zipper then handed me a bathrobe.
• " Who is he? she asked for the umpteenth time grabbing my hands to see ten figures written in blue ink.
• " He's so romantic" she sounded dreamy. What am I going to tell her? Nothing happened between us if only he wasn't such a gentleman.
• " Just someone I met on the plane. Nothing more" she hummed staring at me.
• " Why do I get a feeling that it's More than that? I have to get this over with Isabella was getting suspicious.
• " Because he's not my type. He's not from our world. So, nothing is happening" her eyes fell but recovered quickly.
• " At least he attempted. How long are you staying? How do I tell her that I came because my dad won't stop messaging me? I have a flight in a few days too. I can't afford to miss it, I'm at the peak of my career.
• " I need a bath, Isabella. You can pick an outfit for me" she smiled widely at my request. She just loves getting me all dressed up.
• She did it once when I was in high school crushing on a certain boy that I soon forgot within a week. That spooky cutie: Trevor. Now that I am thinking about it he was my only boyfriend. Oh, now I know why Isabella is worried for me.
• I don't have a love life. Just great.
• Though she doesn't know this no one seems to be good enough for me. Dad always says that.
• " You know I love that" and that's the end of the discussion cos she was rummaging through my wardrobe for one of her skimpy outfits. I shook my head and entered the bathroom.
• Here I am in a short and a tank top with hair up in a ponytail. I exhaled then cleared my throat before breathing out.
• Yeah, my dad was that scary.
• I can't delay this further, so I knocked on the door.
• " Come in Milena" I hear him answer then stepped in. He was behind his desk checking some papers with glasses on. He had fringes of gray hair beside his ear. It's been long I really saw Dad. I can't believe he's getting old.
• " Would you stare all day or you'll sit down and let's get it over with? I cleared my throat and took a seat in front of him.
• " Good day sir" I greeted. He finally raised his head to look at me. I saw a glitter of pride in his eyes. It's like he was happy to see me.
• " Welcome home Milena. So, what do I owe this visit? I arched my brow so he could see that I'm confused then he chuckled.
• " Come back home, Milena. Your place is by my side in the company. You have achieved your dream. Congratulations you're a pilot" I wasn't surprised he said that. It's his usual line.
• " You know I can't do that. Isabella is there. She loves that company. I know I'm your heir and yes I'll take over someday but it's not now Dad. Not when I'm at the peak of my career. All my life I've done what you asked of me. Will it hurt to listen to me? I left the air force for you. I had those degrees for you. This is the only thing I want for myself. Are you going to stand in the way too? Anger flashed in his eyes then remorse. He stood up from the chair and sat beside me cupping my cheeks.
• " And you are almost there. You can do it, honey. I need you here" is this the price I'm paying for being a girl? I wish mom had a boy instead but he just had to die.
• " I'm not asking you to quit your job but to partake in my business as well. Go there take a look, meet the investors. Get to know the basics" he has a point. It's my responsibility.
• "Fine. I'll go with you tomorrow. I don't want you to overwork yourself. You're growing gray hair Dad" he scoffed.
• " I'm getting old and soon I won't be here to guide you. This is the reason I'm pushing you" he explained back to his seat now. I nod in understanding.
• " Well, you got it. I'll see you at dinner" I gave him a peck then stood up to leave.
• " You look lovely by the way" I smiled and then checked my outfit. Isabella should be a fashion designer.
• And that was it for the day as I lay on my bed caressing my ink-stained arm reminiscing about Julian, the kiss, and the promise. He could have asked for my number.
• But do I want to meet him?
• No, I can't. He'll end up getting hurt. My dad will never accept him. It's better this way.
• That's it about the Adonis. Time to focus on my company.