Living With Julian De Vizio

Chapter Thirteen

"I like you for my son." I remember Mrs. De Vizio saying that to me. Is she even serious? I mean... Oh I don't know! All I know is that I have been comfortable around Julian. I sighed and took out the form from my bag and then mum came into my room.

"What's up?" Mum asked. I handed her the form and she carefully read it. She looked at me, "Okay. You can come." She said.

"Really?!" I said with a delighted tone in my voice. Usually, mum never allows me to these retreats or whatsoever. Yeah, I know it sucks but I know that she's just worried about my safety.

"Yeah. Hannah, you're already 16 and I know that you can already take care of yourself. And besides, the girls are sharing rooms with girls, right?" She said.

"Yeah." I said and then she already signed my form. "Thanks mum." And then I hugged her and then when she was just about to leave, I asked her, "Mum, how do you know if you're falling for a guy?"

"Well, that guy makes you smile brightly, makes your heart race, you see the good in him, you accept him for who he is, longs for his hugs and touch, supports him in every little way, believes in him... Wait, why are you asking me all of these?" She said. "Are you falling for a guy, Hannah?"

I blushed, "No! No! Uh... I just want to know what it's like... Um..." Fudge! What a lame reply!

"Tell me, is it Julian?"

"No! Of course not, mum! He's not my type. And I'm too young for these things."

"I'm glad that you know that. Now, do your homework."

And then she left. I don't have any homework so I just took my guitar and started strumming a few chords. I wonder what time will Julian arrive. I hope he makes it before dinner time or his dad would be crossed with him once again.

Just then, my phone rang and saw a message from an unfamiliar number.

Hey, it's Julian. Just got your number off Shona.

Ugh! Sometimes, Shona can't just keep things to this guy. What can I do? She likes him for me.

What do you want? I texted back. Yeah, I'm a little bit of a snob today.

You. :) ;) He replied. I was about to reply when suddenly another text from him came on. Just kidding.

You're such a jerk. - Me.

Aw... My bub's angry at me. I'm sorry. Don't worry, when I get home, I'll give you the tightest hug ever. -Julian.

Aren't you supposed to be helping Travis with his project? -Me.

Nah. He can manage. -Julian.

I rolled my eyes and put my phone down and started playing 'Domino' on my guitar.

I was on the refrain part when my phone rang again and a message from him came up again.

Are you coming to the retreat? -Julian.

Yeah. My mum already signed my form. Are you? -Me.

Yes. Wherever you are, I'll always be there. Xx. -Julian.

Lol. You haven't even had your form signed by your mum. - Me.

Trust me, she will. ;) - Julian.

Yeah right. -.- -Me.

He didn't reply after that. I continued playing 'Domino'.

Hannah, do you like someone? -Julian.

My eyebrows furrowed and here my heart goes again. It's beating so fast. My cheeks grew hot. I inhaled and exhale and then leant back on the headboard of my bed while looking at his text message.

I think I do.

I typed up. Well, do I really like him? I sighed and erased the message and then typed up another one and sent it to him.

No. -Me.

Then he didn't reply. I stopped playing my guitar and put it back in its case and then decided to get out my notes from my Geography class and started reading it but I struggled to concentrate as for there is a question that has been lingering in my head now.

Why did he ask me that?

My phone beeped and it's a text message from Julian. Again.

I'm on my way back home. See ya. Xx -Julian.

I don't know why but I felt this relief and happiness wash over me. I want him to come home now. I want him to be here.

Could it be that I'm falling for him?

It was dinner time when Julian came and so his dad gave him a sermon about coming late at dinner.

"Jeez dad... I was like only late by a few minutes! Chill out!" Julian said as he sat beside me.

"Julian, how many times would I tell you that you should be home before dinner?" Mr. De Vizio said. "Where were you anyway?"

"I went to Travis's house to help him with his project."  He said.

"Why? Can't he do his project alone and he still has to ask help from you?"

"Dad, Travis is just a human. He has his own limitations!"

"If he wants to finish it, he can do it with his own determination!"

"Far out! I'm so done with this!" And then he stands up from his seat and goes upstairs and into his room.

"That kid... He already changed." Mr. De Vizio said.

"He changed because of you." Mrs. De Vizio said in a mocking tone. "I've lost my appetite." And then she turns to mum, dad, Adrian, and I, "Sorry about that. Just continue eating your dinner." And she, too, stood up and went upstairs.

And so, we ate dinner in silence. After dinner, I sneaked some food for Julian. I knocked on his door and fortunately, he's still awake. How did I know? Well, he just opened the door for me.

"What are you doing?" He asked me, slightly annoyed.

"Uh... I'm being kind so I brought you some food? You didn't have dinner with us." I said while carrying the food tray for him.

His face softened and then he smiled at me, making his blue eyes shine. "Thanks." He said as he got the tray from me. As he was getting the tray from me, our hands touched and there's this electrifying feeling running down my spine. I actually love it... I like the warmth of his hand on mine.

He laughed, "Do you want me to eat this or not?" he asked. I quickly returned to my senses and let go from the tray.

He put it down on his table and then I was about to leave his room when he called out to me, "Hannah..." He said and I turned around.

"Thank you." He continued and flashed his genuine smile at me.

"No problem." I say and then out of nowhere, he hugged me tightly. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going back to my room."

"Please stay." He whispered. I looked at him and I can see his eyes, pleading...

I grinned at him, "Okay." I replied and shut the door behind me.