Not Until Then

Not Until Then Chapter 3

I was already lying in my bed with the lights off when I remembered that I haven’t eaten my dinner. But I was too lazy to stand or make myself one. I thought of only one solution: Pizza. So I dialed to order one. Dinner would be here in thirty minutes.

***

I awoke by the sound of the doorbell ringing. My eyes immediate snapped open. It must be the pizza guy. I bolted from my bed and pulled a ten before I got out my room to the front door. I pulled it on open. It wasn’t my pizza. It was Gabriel.

I looked him over, only to see that he was wearing a long-sleeved, blue,  button down shirt—which sleeve is pulled up to his elbows—and dark jeans. Was this he was wearing earlier? If they were, I surely hadn’t noticed how striking he looked in them.

My eyes snapped to his before he could take notice of my checking him out. But they didn’t meet. Mostly because they were raking me up and down. I bit my bottom lip when I remembered that I was wearing lacy pj—one with shorts that’s more like a belt and a tank made of silk. I mentally slapped myself. Why didn’t I go for one of my usual pjs? But then again, I didn’t know someone was coming—other than the pizza guy.

I cleared my throat, making his eyes snap up to mine. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “How did you know where I live?” Or did he get the wrong door?

His blue eyes peered back at me. “I just want to give you this.” He reached to his back pocket and handed me a small box.

I took it boldly, without hesitation, seen as I wanted so badly to go back inside and slap myself for wearing something that left little to the imagination. “What’s this?” I queried, cocking my head to the side.

“Nothing special. I was rude earlier and I figured that you wouldn’t want me to pay you back so, yeah.” He said nonchalantly, with a shrug at the last word.

I pursed my lips. “I shouldn’t thank you, right? I mean, that way, we can call it even.” I smirked.

He chuckled. And I found myself captivated by the sound of it. “I’m not expecting you to thank me.” He said, grinning. He grinned at me? I tried to hold the thrill but it was in vain. To gawk at him was the least I could do to not squeal like a high school-er.

“Okay,” I responded when I regained composure “But I’m still wondering how you got here.” I raised an eyebrow at him.

“I’ve got connections.” He gave vaguely.

I allowed it for now, nodding.

We stared at each other awkwardly for a moment. He broke the silence first, “I guess I need to go.” He said.

I nodded with a tiny smile.

He nodded back and walked off. Did he not bring a car? He disappeared on the curve and I faintly heard an engine start. He did, I thought, answering my earlier query.

Clutching the small box to my chest, I closed the door behind me. I got to the kitchen island and settled it there. Just when I was about to open it, my phone beeped. Apparently, I left it in the middle of the kitchen table. I reached for it. There were two messages. One from Dad and another from an unknown ID. I read the one from Dad first.

From: Daddy

To: Braille

Engagement party in three days. Tomorrow, you help in preparation. You’re on a day off.

With a groan, I responded, tapping rather furiously on my screen.

From: Braille

To: Daddy

No, Dad, I want to work. Can’t I really call the wedding off? I can’t do this.

After sending it, I proceeded to the other message.

From: Unknown

To: Braille

Hey, Braille. Thought I didn’t get your number, huh? Got you there. Are you still awake? ‘Cause I’m feeling kindda bored. Need someone to talk to. :)

Of course. He must’ve texted his number using my phone to get it. Yet, he tested me by asking me to punch in my number in his phone. I shook my head in amusement. No doubt, I must’ve humored him there.

From: Braille

To: Jonathan

No. I’m asleep.

I sent it with a ridiculous grin on my face. Before I could even situate my phone back to the island, it beeped.

From: Daddy

To: Braille

No, you can’t.

I closed my eyes and sighed. It was the shortest message I received from Dad in history. This only showed how he said it in finality. I guess I couldn’t do anything.

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I’ve received really encouraging comments so, what the hell, why not continue the story :))))))

Thanks for the votes and comments! >>:D<< Hope you’d read on.

So there are those who asked me to tell their ages (although I’m pretty sure I mentioned some on the first chapter). Nonetheless, here they are:

BRAILLE MICHAELS – 22

LUCAS LERMAN – 26

DIANE RAMIREZ – 26

JONATHAN RAMIREZ – 23

GABRIEL RAMIREZ – 24

Might there be questions, feel free to ask :)

Chapter dedicated to addylove_dreamer126 because she’s an awesome writer! =))))) Like really. If you don’t check out her story, Escaping Death, you don’t know what you‘re missing out. And don’t go all, ‘oh, she just asked her to advertise her story…’ because she didn’t! I want you to read it ‘cause it honestly is mind-blowing! =) I’m no liar; you should know that by now. XD