43 For the Future Part 5.5 (2/2)
”Of course, it's natural for me to take care of my subordinates. Now then, we're here to celebrate and have fun. You're free to get any food you want or do anything you enjoy, so please do.”
The two expressed their sincere gratitude and went to go ahead to grab some food.
”It appeared you are looking for Hazel.”
Vincent was surprised at what April said. Not because she mentioned Hazel's name, but on the fact that April knew exactly who he was looking for. Vincent wondered what gave her an idea like that. Or perhaps because she noticed.
Then April continued.
”Worry not sir, we just texted earlier, she said she's on her way.”
”R-Right, thank you, April.”
April smiled in amusement.
”Now please excuse me, sir.”
Then April went to her family.
”Hazel? Who's that?”
Noah asked behind him.
”Isn't it the other maid?”
Matthew said.
”Hoh? Vincent, you didn't tell us you were having a love life.”
Mars said, and they chuckled.
”A-Ah, hmm, I wouldn't say it's on the point of love.”
”What are you saying Vincent? Everyone started that way, right guys?”
Matthew and Mars agreed on what Noah said.
”A-ah, hm.”
”HEY GUYS! I'M HERE!”
All of them immediately looked at the entrance. In that tone alone, they knew who that was.
”Fred is here.” Noah said.
Frederick approached Vincent, with his kids and grandkids in tow, also there was a woman beside him.
”Oh, hi Uncle.”
Vincent shifted his sight on the woman beside Frederick.
”Good evening Auntie.”
”Good evening Vincent, it's nice to see you again.”
”It's nice to see you too Auntie, it has been a long time.”
”You've grown into such a handsome man.”
”Thank you Auntie, I'm quite flattered.”
”So? You seemed to be happy about something, what were you talking about?”
”Oh! Vincent is having a love life!”
”Mister Mars! No need to say it that way, it's embarrassing.”
”What?! Why didn't you tell me!? I'm happy for you kid, hahaha!”
”Uncle… it's… it can't even be called love yet.”
”Well, you like her, don't you?! Also, I'm sure she'll come to like you too.” Frederick said.
”He's right. Besides, everything starts with something like that, so it's a love life.” Vincent's Auntie said.
”Yeah, that's what I said, but he still doubts it.” Noah said.
Frederick looked behind him and saw that his family members are still there.
”What are you guys still doing here? Go and have fun or something. No need to be embarrassed.”
”I'll come with them, you hang out with your friends here. I'll tend to our kids and grandchildren.”
”Alright honey! I'll leave them to you.”
Then they left and Frederick stayed with Vincent and the others.
”So all that's left is Benjamin huh.” Matthew said.
”What? That guy's late?! That's a surprise!” Frederick said.
Then Noah noticed someone on the entrance and he said.
”Well, speak of the devil.”
Everyone took a look and saw Benjamin, with a lot of his family members.
”Woah, it really is a lot.” Mars quietly said.
Benjamin and his family approached Vincent.
”Hey Vincent! Sorry If I brought a lot of my family.”
Vincent smiled and chuckled.
”Think nothing of it, I did tell you guys to bring all of your family if you can. Besides, there's plenty of food for everybody, so no need to hold back. So, please, do enjoy.”
Benjamin signaled his family that they can go. With it, bright smiles from the people and children made Vincent happy. This was one of the things he wanted to protect.
Frederick patted Benjamin's back with force and laughed.
”Haha, that's what I like about you, you don't hold back.”
Then amidst all that, someone called to Vincent.
It was April.
”Sir?”
”April?”
”I've come to let you know that she has arrived.”
”Really!?”
Vincent immediately turned to face the entrance and filled with anticipation, excitement, and he was a bit nervous.
Then shortly after, he unconsciously lost his breath. His eyes widened in astonishment.
A lone girl gently walked and Vincent felt like she was heading towards him. His heart began to pound greatly. She was so beautiful.
She had a fixed long golden hair which seemed to glitter and shine under the illuminating lights, and her deep green eyes seemed to trap Vincent. She wore a beautiful yellow dress with the mix of the color white, it was simple, yet, for Vincent, it was breathtaking. She was beautiful, so beautiful, as she has always been, but currently it was more than before, he could call her perfect.
”Wait, isn't that her?” Mars asked.
”Yeah, that's her.”
Frederick placed his hand over Vincent and pulled him.
”U-Uncle!”
”This is your chance kid. Don't waste it!”
Frederick pushed Vincent all of the sudden, due to that Vincent lost his balanced but immediately he regained it.
Then, Vincent slowly approached Hazel.
On the other, Hazel saw Vincent approaching her, due to that, a feeling of nervousness instantly struck her and she was like frozen stiff. She didn't know what to do. Thus, all she did that time was stand, and gaze at Vincent and wait for him to reach her.
”It's nice to finally have you here, Hazel.”
”Ah, thank you for inviting me, monsieur. I'm sorry I'm late.”
Hazel was late because she was fixing herself to the max, trying to look good as possible and made sure there was nothing improper. Due to that, she never noticed what time it was.
”It's fine, think nothing of it. What's important is that you're here.”
”I-Is that s-so.”
Hazel couldn't keep eye contact because she was so embarrassed, and also shy.
”I don't see your father.”
”Ah, actually, he wanted me to deliver his apologies to you.”
”Hm. What do you mean?”
”Well, he has an appointment to go, for his business just started to grow, he can't miss that deal.”
”I-I see.”
Having an appointment in early evening surprised Vincent quite a bit. Perhaps the reason her father still has an appointment was because the company where he was going was still not closed.
Vincent felt quite relieved, after all, meeting the parents of the one you love is scarier than facing against a group of undead. Yes, even with Vincent's kind of life, he still felt like that.
Hazel looked around and she began to look upset.
”Everyone brought their family, huh.”
She quietly said, of course Vincent heard her words.
”Don't be upset.”
Vincent grabbed her smooth hand then he continued.
”You won't be alone. I'll be by your side.”
Hazel was speechless for a few seconds, then shortly she forced herself to speak.
”R-Right. T-Thank you, monsieur.”
They gazed passionately at each other for a few moments until Vincent spoke.
”You look more beautiful than ever, Hazel.”
”Really?”
”Really… Also, I hope you'll call me by my name tonight, Hazel. You're not on duty anyway. So please, call me by my name.”
Hazel was reluctant. Of course, she would be, she never called Vincent by his name alone. So, it was like a big change, and also embarrassing. However, Vincent asked for it, so she must at least do it, at least for the night.
”V-Very well, Vincent.”