Chapter 17: Big sis

After they had danced, Rex took her back to her seat. She was as red as a tomato when she returned. Tyra's eyes had turned gossipy. She looked at her friend and grinned. Rex didn't bother looking at the two girls that sat with Ariel. When he made sure that she was settled, he walked back to his seat. He sat down, his face already lost its tenderness and gentleness it had some minutes ago. He only had that face for her, Ariel Lorenzo.

The Forbes were looking at him with a 'give us an explanation ' eyes. Rex didn't bother noticing them. Jim was smiling in his head and Malcom was munching away on the grapes that were served.

Mr. Mac looked at the place where Ariel was sitting with a solemn look. He didn't know why but, he felt that his little mermaid didn't need such things in her way. She had a lot in her plate and couldn't ask for more. He called his assistant.

"Sir?"

"Make an appointment with Rex Forbes tomorrow".

The assistant took note and wrote down on his i-pad.

From where he sat, he saw Mr. Mac make some arrangements. A smile marred his face. He looked at Jim who nodded.

The night had gone deeper and the feast was nearing it's end. Ariel looked at the bracelet wrist-watch on her wrist. It was almost three in the morning. She looked at Tyra and Gina.

"I have to go now", she announced.

Tyra and Gina agreed. There wasn't anything interesting going on again so they decided to leave. The trio stood and left their seats. They had just taken few steps when someone grabbed Gina's arm. The young girl's body turned cold. She looked at the person and her eyes widened. It was that handsome man she had seen earlier. Ariel saw what had happened including Tyra.

"You don't want to do that here mister?", Ariel's sensual but clear voice rang out. The man looked at her. The person standing in front of him was quite older than the one he had in his hand. But, she was really beautiful though half of her face was hidden under the veil.

He left Gina and walked towards Ariel. Gina ran to Ariel's side and grabbed her arm. "Let's go big sis", she said, her voice a bit shaky.

Ariel couldn't react for a moment. Big sis? No one had ever called her that. Why did...?

"Big sis!", Gina cried out.

Ariel looked at her and patted her hand. "It's ok. I'm here".