5 "Ruthie - Kiara's Worries"

"Thank you again. You should not have bothered walking me here," I said to Carlos with an ear-splitting smile as we stood opposite the mansion's gate.

"This is not a big deal. I am more than happy to do this for you."

My heart is beating crazily in my chest again. Carlos is so sweet. I have been biting my tongue to control the excitement I was feeling so that it would not show too much on my face.

We suddenly turned to Ernesto, who had a teasing look. We did not notice him right away because we were on each other’s full attention. If he had not whistled, we would not have noticed him at all. Ernesto is a bit of a spoiler at the moment.

"Hey, Ruthie, I did not know you had a boyfriend."

"Oh, no. W-We are not!"

"Ah! A suitor?"

"No. We are just friends."

Carlos just laughed at Ernesto's teasing while I was red-faced with embarrassment. After a few minutes, my mom came out and approached us. Carlos politely greeted her.

"Good evening, Mrs. Bernaldez!"

"Go-Good evening! Your name is Carlos, right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Thank you for taking my daughter home. Y-You should not have bothered."

I frowned slightly at my mother. I expected her to scold us because we stayed up late or at least scold us because we made her worry. But it seems that is not the case.

There is a strange fear on her face, and she seems nervous. I notice that her fingers are trembling despite her wide and calm smile. I feel like something is wrong here.

"It's fine, Mrs. Bernaldez. It is only right that I walk Ruthie home. It is my fault anyway. I promise to bring her home earlier next time we go out."

"Oh, is that so? You're so kind. I'm glad my daughter's new friend is a sensible person."

"The pleasure was mine," Carlos said, then glanced at me for a second and smiled. "All right, I don't want to bother you anymore. I will be taking my leave."

"Wait!"

We were all surprised when mom suddenly grabbed Carlos' arm. Even Ernesto, who was quietly watching at the gate, was stunned.

"M-Mrs. Bernaldez? I-Is something the matte—"

"You can sleep here! It is already late. There are no more cabs at this hour."

Carlos awkwardly smiled. "It's okay. I can walk to the terminal."

"No!"

My mouth dropped open in shock. I stepped forward and removed my mother's hand, which was tightly clinging to Carlos' arm.

"Mom! What are you doing?!"

I glared at my mother. I could not help but get angry because what she was doing was embarrassing. Did she plan to scare Carlos? I will lose the only friend I made after many years if she continues this.

"Are you all right, Mrs. Bernaldez?" Carlos asked worriedly.

Mom was startled. Her eyes widened when she realized what she had done. Her lips trembled as she stepped back.

"I... I-I'm sorry. I-I am just worried because the road from here to the terminal is dark. And it is quite a distance. You can spend the night here. I'll let our master know."

Carlos looked embarrassed when he glanced at me.

"I-It's really okay, Mrs. Bernaldez. Thank you for being so concerned, but I'm fine. If I can't find a taxi, I'll call my older brother. He has a car, and he is a cop. So you don't need to worry too much about me."

Mom loudly exhaled. She looked relieved then she clasped her hands.

"Perfect! Can you call him now to pick you up? We will wait here until he arrives."

"The-There's no need, Mrs. Bernaldez."

"Or do you want me to call him instead? What's your brother's number? Wait, I need to go and get my cellpho—"

"Mom!" I shouted.

I can no longer stand and watch this. What is the problem, and why is my mother acting like this? She is being too paranoid! Does she intend to embarrass me in front of Carlos?

Mom looked at me as if she had no idea why I called her out.

"W-What?"

"What are you doing?!"

"What do you mean? I am just worried for your friend."

I glared at my mom, then turned to Carlos and forced a smile.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for this. My mom was just a little overwhelmed and excited because it had been a very long time since I had a new friend."

"No worries! I understand."

"You may go now, Carlos. Please be careful on your way. Call me later when you get home."

He nodded. "I will. You should sleep and rest now."

"Yes. I promise I wil wait for your call tonight."

My heart skipped a beat when I saw his cheeks turn red.

"All right then. Goodbye, Ruthie." He turned to Mom and bowed politely. "Goodbye, Mrs. Bernaldez. Have a good night."

"Goodbye, Carlos!" I replied.

He hurriedly walked away before mom could stop him again. When he disappeared from our sight, I dragged my mother inside the mansion. Then I immediately interrogated her. She was lethargic and looking down as if deep in thought.

"Mom, what was that? Why did you act like that in front of Carlos?"

She did not answer. There was a dark expression on her face. She seemed to be drowning in whatever was running through her mind. I shook her arm to get her attention.

"Mom? Are you listening?! What was that?"

"You should not have brought him here," she murmured.

"What? Wha— You are making me worry! Why are you acting like this?!"

Finally, she raised her head and spoke. She looked straight at me with a serious expression.

"Ruthie, my child, how old is Carlos?"

I blink at her sudden question. She is really weird right now.

"Ah, uhm, we are the same age. He is only a few months older than me."

"Where does he live?"

"In the next village. Why are you asking?"

"Does he have a family?"

"O-Of course! He is living with his parents. But his older brother rents an apartment near the police station."

Mom's face wrinkled, then she averted her gaze.

"Oh, poor kid… I would not have allowed you to go out with that boy if I knew you would be taking him here," she said, almost whispering. "You sounded so excited and happy I couldn't say no...."

My brows furrowed. I am bewildered right now. What is mother talking about?

She walked to the window and looked up. She stared at the moon for a few seconds and then turned to face me again.

I stiffened when I saw the grim expression on her face. Her lips trembled and opened as if she wanted to tell me something, but then she closed them.

I frowned. "What is it, Mom?"

"Go to your room, Ruthie."

"What?"

"Go and get some rest now."

"What? No! We are not done talking. What is happening to you?"

She sighed. "Don't worry about me. I'm just tired."

With that, she turned and walked away.

"No, Mom! Wait!"

I followed her, but she ignored me. She kept pushing me back, and then she scolded me. I could do nothing but give up. I will just ask her again tomorrow. I am sure there is a good reason why she acted strangely tonight. I hope it is not too troublesome.

I lay down on my bed while holding my cell phone.

Is Carlos home yet?

I bit my lips and hugged the big pillow next to me. I could not help but be skittish as I recalled the date we had earlier. I rolled over on my bed until I suddenly remembered something.

I got up and quickly left my room. I took quick steps up to the third floor. I could not wait to tell Dyrroth everything that happened tonight. I will also make it clear to him that he was wrong about Carlos.

I stopped in my tracks when I reached the front door of his room. I was surprised to stare at it as if waiting for it to open. He usually greeted me before I could get near his room.

I swallowed and knocked on his door for the first time. It is kind of weird that this door is closed on me. It was always open for me before.

"Dy? Are you inside?"

No one answered. I am sure Dyrroth is awake because he does not sleep at night. But why is he not responding? Did he finally go out?