It Started with a Blind Date

Eight: Affection

-Jeremiah's POV-
My thumb hovered over the number the girl gave me in Chad's party.

Should I call?

I know; I have a girlfriend. But she wasn't a real one. She would eventually dump me.

Or I'll dump her.

My thoughts shifted over to the memory of our kiss. It's been one month and I haven't done anything other than go dinners together and holding hands. And of course, occasionally kissing the cheek. Just for show of course.

But...as I thought through about what had happened since, I couldn't help feeling something for her. Something good. Yeah, she's a good student with over the moon grades but I knew she wasn't the snobby, rude person who looks down at the weak students (like me). She had a good heart.

Hell, even my grades are improving because of her. All the teachers are starting to ship us (I'm still in shock over that) and giving us ship names like Jeremisa or some other crap name.

But that's not it...it's like I want to be in her company and not just for show. Sometimes, I catch myself smiling when I think of something that we spent time together with; like the Teddy Bear she rewarded me with as she won the archery game in the carnival last week (when me....you know, the 'L' word) or the way she would laugh as I told her one of my lame jokes.

My phone pinged, breaking my train of thoughts.

I glanced down at my phone. It was a text from my sister, Penelope.

Hey, big brother! Just want to let you know Daddy's ordering everyone to come over Tirana Hall this weekend. And, he wants to meet your girl. And before you can reject, let me warn you that I have said you will come. You are welcome, my dear brother, and yes, I love you too."

I groaned. She knew me too well.

Time to invite Louisa to the family.

***
Louisa smiled as she said, "Hello, Mrs. Tirana. Thanks for inviting me."

My mother smiled and replied, "Not at all! Welcome to Tirana Hall. The food is already set at the table. Jeremiah, son, why don't you bring her in?"

I put my hand on her back as I guided her through the mansion. She looked fascinated at what she saw. I gave her a sly grin and said, "Careful; someone's drooling."

She smacked my arm, "Your house's beautiful. I love the style." I glanced around at my mother's design of wood and beige theme. I have grown up with all these and it still leaves me in awe of my mother's hand in all this designing. It gave an aura of calm and simplicity. Simplicity is the key, that's what I'll say. "It's alright, I supposed."

"So who's coming tonight?"

"My mother, father, my sister Penelope and...my younger brother...Valentino. My elder brother, Fernando, won't be here tonight because he is busy with...uh, his wife."

She laughed at my not-so subtle hint of Fernando's reason of absence. "Come on, I'm starving."

***
Family dinner was okay.

My father said very little except to welcome Louisa while my mother talked animatedly to her. Penelope, though, nudged me and smiled slyly when she notice I glanced at Louisa, way too many times (according to her).

"Stop staring at her! It's cute but I want to eat my food and not vomit it out later."

I rolled my eyes. My sister can be so annoying at times. "Where's Valentino?"

Penelope suddenly turned sober, "He's...upstairs. He's more tired and weak than usual so he's resting. But he already ate.." My sister's eyes were filled with tears as she told this to me.

I patted her hand. I hated seeing the vibrant and ever joyful Penelope lapsed into silence only we can understand.

"I'll go see him now."

***
He was sleeping below the thick blankets.

He looked calmer and more peaceful than usual; his breathing gentle. My heart constricted; knowing that my brother's condition was just brimming below the surface. The whole calming look was a lie.

I approached him slowly, sitting himself in the wooden chair and ruffled his brown hair, the same shade as mine, gently, careful not to disturb the sleeping Valentino.

After awhile, I heard a slight noise behind me and turned around, facing a sympathetic Louisa.

She patted my shoulder reassuringly, "It's gonna be okay."

No, no it's not. I know it never will be. Valentino will never be okay...but I did appreciate her trying to console me about it. From the expression on her face, she too, knew that nothing she could ever say or do will make it ever so slightly better. "Hey, don't cry.." I touch my cheeks, not surprised that I found them wet with tears. My brother cannot be dying; he doesn't deserve any of that.

"Time to go home, Jeremiah."

I kissed Valentino's forehead and left, closing the door softly. As I walked down, I impulsively took Louisa's hand into mine, somehow needing some support. She doesn't say anything or tease me about it though and for that I'm extremely grateful. I did not want to explain my feelings about my brother now. She pat our entwined hands. I stared at her, feeling that something rising again.

What was that something? I struggled to find an answer but I could not. Another day perhaps.

And maybe on that lucky day I'll find my answer.