Chapter 3
I was dreaming of my 9th birthday when I felt a nudge in my ribs. The present came washing over me. I open my eyes just enough to see my surroundings. The plane had stop moving and Alex was trying to wake me up.
"Are we here?" I ask, putting away my CD player away.
"Yup, we just landed. Which part of the airport are you meeting your father? I'm not sure you can find your way around here, it's pretty big." Alex suggested. I wasn't sure whether this was a flirt or if he was really trying to help.
"The East exit."
We waited until we could get out and take our belongings out of the compartment above our seats. Once we had everything, we walk through the tunnel that leads from the planes door to the airport.
Dad seemed like a normal father to me, but I never was sure what his job was. The only thing I know is that my dad moved here with his job, then got a promotion about two weeks later. I was looking for him once we reached the East exit. There was no sign of him until he drove up in an expensive-looking black cobra mustang.
"There he is, would you like to meet him?" I ask Alex while trying to get Dads attention.
"Your dad is General Juan?" he asked, "I already know him, but a quick reunion can't kill me, hopefully." I was a little shock that Alex knows who my father is. Plus, he gave me a clue what's Dad's job is.
"Saphire, Alex!" asked a distant voice. I turn to see Dad walking over to us with an enormous smile, arms spread, and ready for a bear hug. When he reaches us he swept me into a tight hug. At last, he let go and shook Alex's hand.
"Good day, sir," Alex said like a trained actor, saying his lines perfect and on queue.
"Alex, my good boy, I'm guessing you've already met m daughter." Said 'General' Juan.
"How do you guys know each other?" I asked, puzzled. Dad usually does not talk like that to other people.
"My dad goes fishing with him."
"Speaking of your dad, Alex. He wanted me to drop you off at his office. If you want, we could go pick him up and have dinner together. It's your choice, and it would be a good time for you to meet him, Phire."
"I'm okay with that, are you?"
"Sure."
We reach the lawyers office to pick up Alex's father. He was an older taller version of Alex, but with black eyes and straight black hair. I got into the back seat so Mr. Johnson can sit up front. Dad introduces us and started up the car. Mr. Johnson and Dad talk about things that I ignored.
"Where are we going for dinner?" I asked Alex. We haven't talked since Dad picked us up.
"I think we're going to the Steak House."
"Ew, meat. I hope they have salads." A disgusted face crossed into mine.
"You're a vegetarian?" stated Alex, surprise.
"Yeah, but I'm not against meat-eaters." I added, hoping that he won't be offended. Alex didn't show any emotion.
"When we reached the Steak House, I could smell the cooking steak.
"We're here," said Alex. Thanks for stating the obvious, I thought. Dad and Mr. Johnson were still talking.
"They do have salads," I jump at the voice of Alex behind me.
"Good," was all I could manage to get out. My face must have shown shock, because he did a little chuckle under his breath.
"I have a strong memory. And I pay attention. Unlike most high school guys do." Amusement twinkling in his eyes. There was something else hidden in those deep blue pools of eyes.
We got inside and were seated right away. I look at the menu and found the soups and salads. There were many good selections for salads, but most of the soups had meat. The waiter came up and took our orders. Dad got a medium-rare rib-eye with a beer, Mr. Johnson dot a full rack of ribs with a beer too. Alex got the same as his dad but had a Pepsi instead of a beer, and I got a ceaser salad with a Pepsi. Dad and Mr. Johnson were still talking, even after the food arrived.
"You weren't kidding when you said you're a vegetarian." Alex said, looking at my plate.
"Nope. Most people thing that I'm joking when I tell them that. I'm not taken seriously because of my blonde highlights.
"That shouldn't be good enough reason to not believe." Alex took a bite of his food.
"You know," I started, "you're not like most guys. You're more sensitive about other people's feelings, and you don't act as though the world revolves around you. I respect that, it's creepy, but sweet." Boy, that sounded corny, I thought. And took a bit of my salad.
"Uh, thanks." He was a little shock by my praise.
We finish dinner and head on out to drop off Mr. Johnson and Alex at the office so that Mr. Johnson can get his car.
