Fire And Flames (Under major Editing)

II. Planning!

I pushed him aside and walked inside, without greeting him "Hey. What are you doing here?" he asked impatiently while closing the door. His voice sounded sleepy.

I went and plopped myself on the beige sofa before facing him."I was at home all alone and needed some company." I said in my cutest voice, pouting.

I think he woke up just now and let me tell you he's not a morning person. He gets cranky when someone disturbs his sleep. In this case, it's me.

He groaned and ran his hand on his face. "Athena, you could've asked Kyle or Logan why me?" he whined like a baby.

I chuckled and looked around the place to find the TV remote "They stay far away and the only person who could understand my situation is you."

He furrowed his eyebrows as he asked "What situation?"

"First go wear a T-shirt, then I'll tell you," I said in a lazy tone as I eyed him head to toe. Lazily!

He smirked and moved closer to me "Am I that distracting babe?" he leaned closer and wiggled his eyebrows. Here comes the playboy Derek, he used to have a crush on me but I always friend-zoned him. He still tries to joke around but I know it's not serious. I hope!

I groaned and got up from my place "Eww Derek, you look like an idiot, I said that cause it's cold, and I don't want you catching a fever."

"Awwe my baby cares about me," he said letting out a throaty laugh while ruffling my hair.

"Hey don't touch my hair" I swatted his hand away.

"Okay okay, I'll be back in a minute" he smirked and walked towards his bedroom.

I sat on the couch and turned on the TV, playing Accidentally in love on Netflix. Yup, I'm a C & K drama fan. Awwe, they look so cute like real-life dolls.

"Now tell me," he said, sitting on the sofa beside me while leaning on his elbow and giving me his full attention.

I cleared my throat and looked down at my hands resting in my lap, "Something that happened at dinner last night, and I need to talk to you about it." My voice was soft and fragile.

"What happened? Did your parents yell at you? Did you finally agree to be my girlfriend?"

I looked at him in horror before throwing the cushion on him that he managed to dodge.

"NO! You idiot, this is serious. And no, that is never going to happen." I glared at him pointing a finger between us.

He laughed and held his stomach "You... should've seen..your face" he said breathlessly between his laughs

I huffed "Will you listen?" I yelled at him, which still didn't stop his outburst.

After sobering, he looked at me intently saying "Go on"

I took a deep breath and explained everything.

******

After I told him about everything that had happened last night,  We went to one of my favourite cafés in Lower Manhattan, 'Baked'. To say that he was pissed about the whole situation was a gross understatement. Thankfully, he supported me and promised he'll do anything to help me stop this.

We ordered muffins and coffee while discussing what to do next. I looked at him, and he looked lost in thought as he peered outside at the bustling city, while the orange hue of the setting sun made his face glow. We spent almost six hours talking and catching up in that cafe.

"What are you thinking?" I asked, taking a sip of my coffee.

He turned to glance at me, his brows knitted "So you're not interested in taking over the company right?"

I groaned, this is the ninth time he asked me this today "For the millionth time, I said 'No'!" I deadpanned rolling my eyes.

"Why don't you tell your dad you need some time. Like a year or two?"

"Hmm, I don't know. He never agrees to what I want, so he may not agree to that either."

"If he doesn't, then you should tell him that if he doesn't agree you will not agree to get married at all."

"Even still, after the time is over, I would still have to get married and I don't want to do that! If I ever get married, I want it to be because I love that person and they love me. Not because I was ordered. I feel like he thinks that we are living in a time where I could be sold to the highest bidder for some sheep or something."

"Maybe you'll find someone during that time and then you can tell your dad that you are in a relationship and unable to marry the man he chose for you. I'm sure it isn't his intention to hurt you."

I rolled my eyes. My father only cares about himself. If he did care about me, he would've asked what I wanted to do

"I don't think that will work at all. He will just make me break up with whoever I am with and force me to marry the man he promised me to."

He heaved a heavy sigh, "I don't know what else to do."

I leaned back into my chair and sipped the coffee. The bittersweet taste wasn't helping me calm down my nerves and frustration.

I wanted to join a culinary school and I have one in mind but it's in France. I would love to join that school and my best friend Ruby also lives over there doing her internship in fashion designing.

I groaned and put my cup on the table. "I wish I could just run away from my house!" I muttered frustrated.

Derek looked suddenly at me with wide eyes. "What did you just say?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking of running away." I chuckled at my silly thought.

"OMG! You are a genius, Athena, just do it. It's time for you to live your life as you want" he smiled and held my hands.

I frowned "I don't think that is possible. Plus, my parents would be devastated if they found out I ran away."

"Just think about it. Your parents may not understand right now, but I think that they will eventually. Plus, your brothers are almost nineteen and in a few years, they will graduate and then they can take over the family business. Surely your father can wait a few more years to retire."

I looked at him stunned by his words. "Whoa, is this the same Derek? What happened to the playboy who jokes about everything and doesn't give a damn about what anyone thinks?"

He rolled his eyes and huffed, "Hey!"

I laughed and pinched his cheeks "Aww, don't be angry. You'll always be my playboy Derek."

He gave me a lopsided grin before sipping his coffee.

****

I reached home a few hours ago and sat on the garden swing which hung from the willow tree. This was a silent place, serene and calm. The sky was tinted blue and purple with birds and the rustling of trees acting as the background music. It helps me think. Derek's words kept repeating in my head.

Just Runaway!

Easier said than done, but I'm going to try. I hope it works. Now all I have to do is make a plan. I smiled inwardly before getting up and walking towards my bedroom.

I sat at my desk and took out a notebook to draft my ultimate escapade. After craning my head for over an hour, I finally finished it. I took my book and admired my finished work.

Ultimate escape!

*****

Poor Athena, she doesn't know that her life is just to become a hell lot harder.

Hehe, see ye next time ;)

Thank you for reading 💖🥰🥰