Chapter 3: The Cupid Arrow

Present Time

Ryker's POV

"Happy Birthday, sis!"

On this day, an important day is upon us—a celebration of my beloved sister's birth. She is 19 years old and hasn't changed much. Our parents considered going out to eat to celebrate because everyone has been so busy these past few months. Since that fateful night four years prior, my entire world has changed, yet time has stood still for her. The arrow of Cupid found its mark, and now every aspect of her being resonates within me with heightened sensitivity.

Claire embraced Russell. Later, she also hugged my mom and dad. She came up to me just as she was about to embrace me. But it was as if time had stopped for a second. I never had a chance to talk to or see her much because I hadn't caught up with her at school when I picked up Russell. Sometimes she's on her way home when she visits the house after I arrive. Henceforth, a curious sensation of nervousness and excitement overtakes me whenever she directs her gaze toward me. I'm ready to feel her warm skin and the hug I last felt four years ago, but Russell stops her.

"Please take a seat here." Russell gently guided Claire to sit beside me, settling in closely on her other side.

She changed a lot! I won't be surprised at how many fights I've started due to them.

"Hi." With a subtle movement of her head, Claire directed her gaze towards me, her lips curling upward in a gentle smile. "You look good now, like you've gotten over your ex."

"Yes, it's been a long time. Four years had passed since that moment," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"That's a good thing," Claire said. "Hmmm, I see another playboy coming."

My eyes flickered towards the restaurant's entrance, and there I beheld Daniel making his way inside.

"Happy birthday!"

Upon receiving the flower bouquet from Daniel, Russell's face fell into a frown. Without hesitation, Daniel took a seat right beside me. "Dude, you make it," I said.

"Of course," uttered Daniel, his gaze fixed on Claire. "Hello, my dear. How are you doing?"

Claire gave a smile. "Do not succumb to my charms," she quipped.

"It is impossible; I am enamored with another," Daniel confessed.

"I thought it was just the family. Why is there an outsider?" Russell was annoyed.

"Daniel is not an outsider, hija. He's part of the family," my father said.

Russell whispered, "I will never accept him as a family member."

Upon hearing Russell's words, my gaze shifted toward Daniel. Russell's utterances failed to leave a lasting impression on Daniel. Perhaps he had grown accustomed to it, much like myself. The evening meal transpired without incident. As we regaled each other with tales and humorous anecdotes, Russell's countenance remained solemn, mainly when Daniel spoke. Our parents also noticed this behavior.

"Dad," she exclaimed, "such a statement cannot possibly be true. Even if it snows here in the country, I won't forgive him. He ruined my prom," said Russell. "Like Claire, she has a special memory from prom. Envy and remorse consumed me as I pondered my decision to select Daniel as my companion for the evening. Hmph!"

My gaze briefly shifted towards Claire, but she seemed to be either avoiding eye contact or giving me only fleeting glances. After the passage of four long years, I first heard of the indelible impression left on her by that fateful prom night. Is it because she got her first kiss that night?

When Daniel's phone rang, he stood up and apologized to us. He then walked away and stood near the bathroom because it was raining outside.

"Is it true that prom night was memorable to you?" I asked Claire.

"Indeed," Claire replied, her lips curling upward into a smile. "Do you recall Fabio?"

A furrow formed between my brows. The name sounds familiar.

"Because of your anger, I could not dance with him that night," Claire said.

"Is Big B angry with Fabio?" Surprised, Russell asked, "Did you hit Fabio, and he suddenly avoided me as if I had a virus?"

A soft, melodious giggle escaped Claire's lips. "It is not because of that. He found out about your scene with Ryan on the side of the hall, so he knows he has no hope for you."

"Ah, that's why you got his attention. Like exchanging messages and calls," Russell uttered.

I frowned at the conversation between the two. "Tell me, is Fabio trying to get close to you?" Russell asked. "Is he courting you?"

A soft chuckle escaped Claire's lips. The memory of that gentleman has resurfaced within me. I should have punched him before.

"I excuse myself to the washroom," Russell said. She rose from her seat and turned her gaze towards Claire. "Would you come with me?"

Claire shook her head. "Nope, I'm still enjoying souffle."

"Very well," Russell uttered. She then turned her back on us and walked to the washroom, where Daniel was on his phone.

"Is that man pursuing you now?" I asked Claire.

Her gaze met mine, but only for a fleeting moment. "Why are you curious?"

"I am merely asking," I stated. "You know I'm looking out for you like I do for my sister. You're like a sister to me, remember?"

The smile on Claire's lips seemed to disappear after I said that. To speak candidly, I must confess that expressing such sentiments was a mistake, as they do not align with my genuine emotions. The haunting scenario has plagued my sleep since that fateful night, leaving me restless and uneasy. Even to this day, at the mere sight of Claire, that vivid recollection resurfaces within me. That's why I should avoid her and pretend she's my sister.

"I do not recall," said Claire. "Yes, he's trying to get close to me. Why not? He's handsome, from a good family, smart, has a great body, and..."

"Oh, and what?" Anxiety coursed through me as I awaited her following words. Has this man kissed her? Has any other man kissed her lips?

"Tall." A soft giggle escaped Claire's lips.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips upon hearing her words. There was a palpable silence between Claire and me, neither of us uttering a single word. Afterward, Daniel returned to our seats. He said he must depart, for they had received a summons and must arrive at the designated location promptly lest they face retribution. Tonight is not the first time we have been in the middle of the fun when Daniel took a call and left, even in the middle of the night. When he was having fun, he would summon it suddenly. Occasionally, I wondered whether he derived contentment from his job.

-

Daniel left the restaurant earlier than we did. I found out that Claire just took a taxi to the restaurant, and my dad told me to take Claire to her house while they went home.

The sluggish pace of the traffic impeded our journey. The traffic made it possible for me to be with Claire longer, just the two of us. My gaze shifted towards Claire, who was engrossed in her phone, flashing an occasional smile.

"Is that Fabio?" I asked to dispel the uncomfortable stillness within the vehicle.

She smiled, "He sends me the most endearing quotes." Claire showed it to me. "What's with that reaction?"

"What's the problem with my reaction?"

"Jeez, you have no idea what sweet means. I can imagine how Fabio looked as he said this. He's looking into my eyes, and his face is close to mine. His minty-fresh breath touches my face, and..."

Claire fell silent as I leaned over her to retrieve the seatbelt she forgot to fasten. With deft hands, I grasped the thing and deftly moved it to secure the opposing end of the lock. Our faces are close, nearly touching. My gaze settled on her eyes and then drifted down to her lips. I have savored that delicacy previously and can proudly claim to be its inaugural taster. Can I have another taste of her lips now? Isn't it still the same as before?

When a horn sounded, I saw a car approaching behind us. The green light glowed while the cars trailing behind us blared their horns. As Claire emitted a lighthearted chuckle, a sense of shame washed over me. With a swift motion, I distanced myself from Claire and seized hold of the steering wheel. I ignited the engine without delay, punctuating the action with a resounding horn blast.

-

Claire's POV

"Now, are you still hoping my brother will notice you? He only treated you like a sister."

"Ouch, that hurts."

"That guy is a player. Even if he's my brother, he has dated so many women. Maybe he has an STD, and he didn't tell us."

"You're so mean to your brother. Ryker is smart and sweet. Besides, I'm sure Ryker doesn't have an STD."

Russell frowned and then put her hand over her mouth. "No, no, no. You're thinking wrongly. Last time, I saw a package of condoms in his car. So this only means he was careful."

"What if he didn't even use it? It's just for a display?"

"It's impossible. The box is already open."

"Don't tell me..." Russell's eyes widen.

"Yes, I did count the items. The box said there were 12 pieces, but when I counted them, I only found 5." I giggled. "I even took one. Do you think he will know?"

"Oh my god, you are buried with your feelings for my brother."

"You, too, are with Daniel, right? You probably thought I didn't notice how you were looking at him. You're thrilled."

"Excuse me. I only had a crush on Daniel, but that was a long time ago. I only feel annoyed and angry toward him."

"Fine, I still don't believe it." I chuckled.

Russell told me about what happened last night when Daniel called her phone in the middle of the night, and she even heard a gunshot in the background.

I raised my shoulders in a nonchalant gesture. "We don't know, but thinking about it, why would Daniel call you in the middle of a war?"

"Maybe he wants me to be worried."

I smiled and then looked at Russell with a frown. "And he made it?"

"W-what?"

I started teasing her. "Were you worried when you heard gunshots? You were worried about him."

Russell frowned. "Oh, well, you can't blame me. I just woke up, and I heard that. So how do you think I should feel?"

"Couldn't you have fallen in love with him because you hated him so much? I mean, the more you hate someone,

"Even more, I swear. Please stop talking nonsense. I don't like Daniel. I told you I'd never fall in love with a man older than me. A man like him can't understand young people like us. Ryker, you know what he thinks. No, he doesn't understand what I want and insists on what he wants, even though it's out of style and no longer trendy."

"If you don't like him, that's fine, but please don't get in the way of my relationship with your brother. He's my perfect guy, and I'll do anything to keep us together."

Russell grimaced at me. "Don't blame me for making you cry because of Ryker."

I smiled at her like something was tickling me.