Chapter 18

All through the drive, I said nothing. Ric knew something was up as he kept asking what he did wrong. He was confused and asked if he said something or did something wrong. I said nothing and after a few minutes with no responses, he gave up.

He turns the radio on and 'Dilemma' by Nelly and Kelly Rowland plays. While I listened to the lyrics I couldn't help but wonder... They say artists write songs based on what they are going through what they are surrounded with. But this song- it was like it was about me! Have you ever listened to a song that told your life story? That's what this song was doing with me.

I turned the radio down, expecting him to turn it back on but he didn't, instead, he stopped the car.

"I don't know what is wrong with you! If you won't tell me what the fuck is wrong with you, we won't be leaving this place any time soon!" It was obvious he was pissed off.

I didn't know how to react or know what to say. In all honesty, I'm not mad at him, I'm mad at me!

"I'm okay," I tell him, trying my best to calm down. I need Juli. She's the only one who would be able to make me feel good right now.

The only fact I can process is that I'm hurt. The reason is complicated because this is all new to me- liking someone and stuff.

Ric tapped on the wheel, his jaw clenched signaling that he's pissed off. But why the hell is he pissed off at me?

"I'm sorry if I did something wrong, I knew this would happen sooner or later, I just didn't expect it would be so soon." He spoke.

"What are you saying?" I asked confused.

"You know why I wanted to go on this trip? You wanna know why?!"

"Liliana, I guess you haven't noticed, but after that kiss, things have been different," he spat out. "That kiss shouldn't have happened, now look at this mess. I told you not to fall for me! I meant everything I said. I knew things would end up-"

"What are you saying? Are you insane?! Why the hell would I fall for a hopeless romantic like you?!" I fired back with anger. "And why do you think it's about you? Guess what? It's not!'

He couldn't just squeeze my heart and then call me weak.

He sighs, "Thank God!"

"Do you mean that's not the reason for your silent-treatment?" He asked.

I promised to never curse, but fuck you, Ricardo! Fuck you for making me feel this way! Fuck you for- for... It was obvious, the pain I felt now was worse than before. Is this how it feels to be rejected? It could be anyone else but not him, it's...

"Lily," he calls my name, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"That's definitely not the reason," I replied.

He sighed, "I don't wanna lose your friendship Lily, it means a lot. You might not have noticed it but aside from Richard, you are the only person I have been entirely honest with. I cherish our relationship,"

"I'm glad you left wherever you came from to New City, you are a... very special friend."

Awwww, that's so sweet. I'm glad he considers me a special friend. But what does it still hurt to be called that?

"Thanks, Ric, you've also been a wonderful friend. It's easy to talk with you. I wouldn't wanna lose our friendship, it's very important to me too."

"I'm glad it's settled then. No more secrets and no more complications."

"Can we go home already?" I asked.

He chuckled, "Yes ma'am,"

He's back to the Ricardo you once knew, not the stupid one you started imagining after that kiss.

When we got back home, an unusual car was packed in front of Ricardo's house. A 2019 Volkswagen arteon! Wow! I'm really good when it comes to cars and I haven't seen this one before.

The lights to his house were on, people were in the sitting room. I looked at Ricardo only to find a blank expression covering his face, it's obvious he recognises the owner of the car.

He got out of the car and I followed suit.

Suddenly people started filing out from his house. I could see five men all in suits, while in the middle was an older version of Ricardo.

He was dressed in a grey suit and just as handsome as Ric. He looked young and strong, standing at 6'2.

Close to him was a grey-haired man who was about 5'10 with some documents in his hands.

"Rodrigo you can't do this!" A feminine voice demanded from behind, Ricardo's mom.

"You can't take him away from me, he's mine too!" She yelled, stalking closer.

"Oh sweet, Margaret, I have given you an ultimatum already, you either take it or leave it." The look-alike spoke in a deep, suave voice.

Ricardo's jaw clenched while he watched the scene. His fists were clenched and it was obvious he didn't like the scene.

I entwine our hands together, soothing him by rubbing his palm softly.

"What stupid ultimatum?!" His mother yelled. She moved toward him, pointing an index finger at him, "I'm not backing down without a fight, I promise you that." She warned but his father wasn't moved by it. Instead, he found it sweet as he smiled.

"You and I both know that there is no winning against me. You know better than anyone Margaret... I always get what I want." He smirked.

Margaret dragged the documents from the grey-haired man and tore them to pieces. While the stranger had a very annoyed look on, Ricardo's father had a smug smirk.

"You look beautiful even with this attitude of yours," Rodrigo said.

He tried touching Margaret's face when she pushed his hands away.

"Don't touch me with those nasty hands of yours!" She spat out.

"Easy lady, easy... how are you pushing the same hands you once adored?" He smirked.

"Keyword— used to. And I regret it all now!" She spat.

"If you regret it, that means you regret having... our son." His voice and face became dark and serious.

Margaret was quiet for a second. I turned to look at Ricardo and saw his pained expression. He was also eager to hear his mother's answer.

I faced Ricardo, standing on my tippy toes and using my hands to cover his ears.

"You don't have to listen to all of this, you know? Even the Bible says it, everyone was born for a reason." I tell him, hoping to ease his pain.

I removed my hands from his ears and grabbed his wrists, planning on taking him away from the scene, but he refused. He shakes his head, telling me he wasn't going anywhere.

"I... don't regret having Ricardo. In fact, I'm proud to have had him!" Margaret declared.

Rodrigo chuckles, "Then you definitely don't regret that night then." He said confidently.

"Shut up you piece of trash!" She yelled, hitting him on his chest.

He firmly grabbed both of her hands.

"You and I know the truth about that night. Even if you try to deny it Magaret," Rodrigo tells her.

"You don't know shit, you bastard! You liar! I hate you! I hate you! And I swear, you won't get your way this time around." She threatens and walks past him.

Rodrigo huffed, he straightened his suit and continued on his path. He stopped when he saw both Ricardo and me. He smiles.

"Hello father," Ricardo greets, still having a blank expression on.

His father nods his head and turns to look at me, then back to Ricardo

"Liliana, meet my real dad," he spoke.

"Hey, Mr. ..." I trail off. I don't even know if he bears his father's name or Mariana's, father's name.

"Me. Jackson," he chimes.

"Mr. Jackson," I said, trying to give the best smile I could.

"Te conseguiste una hermosa," his father spoke in Spanish.

You got yourself a beautiful one.

I blushed because I understood Spanish but regretted it after what happened earlier.