Chapter 28: Beneath The Surface
The drive to Lucas' parents' house was heavy with silence.
The occasional honk of distant cars and the soft hum of the engine were the only sounds filling the space between them. Lara kept her gaze fixed outside the window, watching the city lights blur into a haze as they moved through the streets.
It took nearly half an hour to reach their destination due to the traffic, but it felt both too long and too short at the same time.
When they finally arrived, Lara noticed several cars already parked outside. A sign that many guests had already arrived. As Lucas pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine, she reached into the backseat, grabbing the gift box she had prepared, and stepped out of the car without waiting for him. The cool evening air brushed against her skin as she straightened, adjusting her dress.
When she heard the driver's side door shut, she moved toward him, slipping her hand around his arm. Her fingers barely gripped him, her touch light yet deliberate.
Without looking at him, she murmured, "Bear with me,"
Her voice was steady, but inside, she felt numb. She didn't want to pretend, but she also didn't want Lucas' family to suspect anything. His parents had always been kind to her, and she had no intention of ruining Evelyn's birthday with whatever disaster her marriage had become.
Lucas remained silent. He didn't pull away, nor did he acknowledge her words. He simply started walking, and Lara followed his lead.
Lara took a deep breath, preparing herself.
It had been a while since she last saw Lucas' parents. Evelyn, her mother-in-law, had always been warm toward her, doting on her like the daughter she never had. While Arthur, Lucas' father, was kind in his quiet, reserved way. And then there was Lily, Lucas' younger sister, who had always been sweet and affectionate toward her. The thought of facing them tonight, of pretending, was exhausting. She could only hope they wouldn't ask too many questions about their relationship, as they often did.
As they stepped inside the house and moved toward the backyard, the sound of lively chatter and soft music greeted them. The party was set in the expansive lawn behind the house. It was beautifully set up for the occasion. Strings of warm fairy lights were draped around the tall trees, casting a soft golden glow over the well-manicured lawn. Small round tables were scattered around for guests, each decorated with delicate centerpieces. The air was filled with the rich aroma of grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and fresh pastries from the buffet table set up near the patio, and to the side, a small makeshift stage was set up where a karaoke machine was already being put to good use by an enthusiastic guest belting out an off-key song. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, filled with laughter and lighthearted chatter.
Lara barely had a moment to take it all in when Lily's excited voice rang through the air.
"Kuya Lucas! Ate Lara!"
Almost immediately, several heads turned in their direction. Lara smiled as they approached the family, her grip on Lucas' arm unconsciously tightening for a second before she let go.
"Lara, sweetheart!" Evelyn beamed, pulling her into a warm hug. "I'm so happy you made it."
"Happy birthday, Mom," she greeted warmly, handing Evelyn the carefully wrapped gift.
Evelyn took it with a delighted gasp. "Oh, sweetheart, you didn't have to! Your presence alone is more than enough. But thank you, this means so much."
She hugged Lara once more before turning to Lucas, who handed her a small gift box he pulled from his pocket.
"Happy birthday, Mom," Lucas said, pressing a kiss to his mother's cheek.
Evelyn gasped softly. "Oh, Lucas. You always know how to spoil me. Thank you so much, darling." she smiled warmly, touching her son's face.
Arthur, Lucas' father, then approached Lara, giving her a light hug and a warm smile. "Good to see you again, hija."
"It's good to see you too, Dad." Lara replied with a small smile.
Before she could say more, she was suddenly enveloped in a tight hug.
"I missed you, Ate Lara!" Lily exclaimed, squeezing her tightly. "You should visit more often."
Lara chuckled softly, hugging her back. "I'll try."
As she stood there, surrounded by Lucas' family, a bittersweet realization settled in her chest. They had always made her feel welcome, always treated her as part of the family. And yet, the one person she wanted to feel that warmth from had never given it to her. She shoved the thought aside, not wanting to dampen the moment.
The party was an intimate affair, filled with close family and friends. Lara was pleasantly surprised to find her own parents there, already seated at one of the tables. She made her way toward them, settling beside her mother, while Lucas followed suit, taking the seat beside her, but they barely spoke. It was easy enough to avoid each other with so many people around, and for that, Lara was grateful.
And despite the ache in her chest, she found herself enjoying the celebration. The simple gathering, the laughter, the casual conversations—it was nice.
At some point, Lily dragged her away to join their cousins and friends at a separate table. The group was lively, taking turns singing karaoke and clinking their glasses together in celebration.
"You're drinking with us tonight," Lily declared with a mischievous grin.
Lara hesitated. "I don't think—"
"Please, Ate Lara. Just one drink!"
Lara had really no intention of drinking, but after much persuasion from Lily and the others, she finally relented.
One drink turned into two, then three. Before she knew it, she had lost count.
She hadn't intended to drink much, but the night swept her up, and by the time she realized how much she had drunk, the alcohol had already taken its toll. A pleasant buzz coursed through her veins, her body warm, her mind slightly hazy. She wasn't entirely drunk, but she was definitely tipsy.
Meanwhile, Lily and the others seemed unfazed, still drinking and laughing like seasoned pros. Lara found herself in awe. How were they still standing?
She placed her glass down, realizing she was getting too drowsy and leaned back in her chair, deciding to focused on watching the others sing, laughing at their exaggerated performances instead.
Lily must have noticed because she leaned closer, concern flickering in her eyes. "Hey, you okay?"
Lara nodded slowly. "Yeah. Just a little dizzy."
Lily frowned. "Wait here. I'll get Kuya Lucas to take care of you."
Lara's eyes widened. "No, wait—"
Too late.
Lily had already disappeared into the crowd.
She groaned, pressing her fingers against her temples. The last thing she wanted was for Lucas to see her like this. Especially after what happened the last time she got drunk.
Determined to avoid him, Lara pushed herself up from her seat, planning to slip inside the house before Lucas arrived. But the moment she stood up, a wave of dizziness washed over her, making the world tilt. She stumbled slightly, bracing herself only to feel a firm hand catch her waist.
"You're drunk," Lucas' voice came from above her, firm yet laced with something she couldn't decipher.
She tilted her head up, blinking through the haze. His forehead was creased, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Lara frowned, trying to regain her balance. "I can walk," she muttered, pushing weakly against his chest.
Lucas didn't budge. And before she could protest further, he suddenly swept her up into his arms.
She gasped, hands flying to his chest in shock. "Lucas! Put me down! I can—"
"Stop moving before you fall," he interrupted, his tone clipped yet patient.
Heat crept up her neck as she felt the weight of several amused stares. Lily and the others were grinning, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
"Oh, God. This is embarrassing," Lara groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Please, put me down. I can walk just fine."
"Bear with it," Lucas muttered before turning to Lily and the group. "I'm taking her inside."
"Sure, sure. She's all yours, Kuya," Lily teased with a wink.
Lucas ignored her and turned toward their parents. "She needs to rest. I'll take her upstairs."
Evelyn and Arthur simply nodded, though their knowing smiles made Lara want to disappear.
This was humiliating. Not only was Lucas carrying her in front of everyone, but now their parents were watching, too.
She clenched her eyes shut as Lucas carried her inside, his arms steady, his scent familiar yet distant.