Aiden's laughter died in his throat. He glanced around the silent cabin, his face heating up as the realization hit him: everyone had heard him, and now he knew exactly who "The Smiths" were.
"What the Smiths? You mean?" he stammered, his eyes darting to Damian, who remained fixed on his computer, though the silence felt heavy.
"Yes, The Smiths—I mean Damian". Aiden quickly brought the video call to an end.
"Hey, let's finish this convo later".
"Hey! Hey!" Justine yelled on the other end, but the call was already disconnected.
Meanwhile, Justin, back at the university cafeteria, reluctantly returned to the table where his crush was waiting.
"Sorry I kept you waiting, there was no empty cubicle," he lied, trying to mask his panic over Aiden's abrupt disconnection.
"Thanks for the lunch. About the..." The woman paused, her sly smile intensifying.
"Oh yeah, what made you ask though?" Justin prompted.
"Well, they are my favorites, I love them," she replied, her eyes bright and focused. "So I was delighted when I was told to tell you about it. I thought maybe I can get to see them".
He was close to them, she pointed out, even connecting his friend with them. You are really close to them, you even connected your friend with them.
"Oh, I see. That is the reason why you wanted to have a talk with me so you can use me to get to the Smiths," Justin focused on her.
"No, not at all," she lied, fighting the urge to fidget.
"I just used this medium to get close to you more. I have been wanting an excuse to meet you".
She blushed, and he muffled a quiet 'What a goat' as he bit his lower lip. Oh my gosh, he thought to himself.
"Can I have your contact so we can talk more? My class is holding soon". Justin and the lady exchanged contacts.
_____
Aiden stood up and bowed deeply to everyone in the plane, his face scarlet.
"I'm really sorry everyone". He quickly walked away, noticing Charlie smiling at him.
On the way to the waiting car, Aiden's luggage was already being loaded into the trunk of the same vehicle.
"I'm really sorry about the other time. I didn't realize that I was in a crowded space," Aiden mumbled, apologizing for his earlier lapse.
"It's no big deal," Charlie replied, driving carefully. "It is I who should be sorry for what my family caused you. Please pardon my brother, he is very cold and doesn't even have empathy for people". Charlie paused, his tone shifting to something more serious.
"But notwithstanding, your stake is high".
Aiden's confusion was evident. "What do you mean by 'My stakes is high'? I didn't understand that part".
Charlie offered a cryptic smile. "Don't worry, you will very soon".
"Hum," Aiden nodded, still lost in confusion.
"We are arriving at the school residential area. Where do you stay off campus?" Charlie asked.
Aiden whispered the crucial question he hadn't dared ask on the plane. "Did Mr. Damian hear all I said?".
Charlie nodded slowly. "He did," he answered simply.
Aiden's head dropped. "Oh my gosh! What to do? Hope we are too".
"Don't bother yourself, go and make yourself comfortable. We have few hours in here," Charlie comforted him slightly.
"Charlie, drop him off on your way to your apartment," Damian ordered.
"Aiden, off we go," Charlie grabbed the car key from the driver.
few hours later....
Meanwhile, Justin noticed a white Porsche parked in front of their new home.
"Who is this?" he wondered. Just then, he saw his 'lost friend' Aiden coming out of the front seat, followed by another guy (Charlie) walking to the trunk to retrieve luggage.
Before Justin could get a clear look at Charlie's face, he was already back in the car.
Aiden retrieved his bags from the side of the road. "Thank you, Senior".
"Just call me Charlie like before," Charlie replied.
"Okay. Please don't tell anyone of my new place, and I think this will be our last meeting—take care".
Charlie smiled, a hint of foreboding in his words.
"I doubt that, but bye". Charlie drove away.
"Welcome baby girl," Justin greeted Aiden with a hug.
"Thanks, Mama," Aiden replied playfully, and they both burst into laughter