The Billionaire's Daughter

Chapter 22: Friends

I woke up at five am still feeling sleepy. I went home late the previous night when I visited Franco’s

mother. She was still demanding that I force Franco to go to San Francisco with me but knowing his

son, once his mind was made up, no one, not even me can change that.

Good thing I already packed my things the day before and now I am all set for the one and a half hour

flight to San Francisco. The school adviser called me that I will meet the new delegate later at the

airport and I am feeling nervous. What if I will not be comfortable with him or her?

My mother insisted that I use the Limo on the way to the airport and I was already halfway to the airport

when I found out I forgot to bring my cellphone with me. I left it on the charging station at my room. I

called Franco’s phone from the Limo’s phone line.

“Hello?”

“Hi Bestfriend. I am now on my way to the airport.”

“Why are you using another number? Where is your phone?”

“Well, that is why I called, I forgot it at home and I would be late for my flight if I will go back for it. So I

guess, you won’t be hearing from me for four days and three nights huh?”

“Oh God, just thinking about it makes me want to fly with you.”

“Really? You can still go you know.”

I heard him sigh at the other line.

“I want to but you know I can’t.”

“I understand.”

“Promise me you’ll take care? Now that you don’t even have your phone with you, you can’t update me

with your activities and if your safe. I just have to take your word for it.”

“Yes I promise. We’ve been discussing this since last night.”

“Yes, but last night, I didn’t know you are dumb enough to leave your phone behind.”

“Hey!”

He chuckled with my protest.

“Just please stay out of trouble?”

Hearing his worried and pained voice made me want to just go back home.

“I will, don’t worry. I will call you from the hotel room once I have checked in.”

“Alright. Have a safe flight.”

“Duh! It will only be a one and a half hour plane ride.”

“Still, be safe.”

“Ok. Bye Bestfriend, say hi to your mom for me.”

“Bye.”

After checking in and boarding the plane, I still did not see the other delegate. I was so sleepy that after

placing my hand carried bag at the overhead compartment, I went to sleep. I was woken up by a very

strong turbulence.

“What’s happening?”

“Just some turbulence. Get back to sleep, we still have thirty minutes before we land.”

I was surprised that I recognized that voice.

“Rob?”

“Hi Saphira.”

He gave me a sweet smile and for a moment I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes.

“You’re the new delegate?”

“Well, yeah I guess. Why do you look so surprised? I’m a straight A student just like you though I am

busy with Basketball practice so I don’t really attend the classes daily.”

“Sorry. I was just . . .”

“Don’t worry about it. Do you want anything to eat? The stewardess served snacks earlier but you were

asleep. I can call her if you want.”

“Thanks. But I am fine. Just a bit sleepy.”

“I will just wake you up before we land.”

“Ok. Thank you.”

I was somewhat relieved that it was him who accompanied me. At least he was nice to me.

Rob woke me up when we were about to land. He even carried my luggage for me. He looked so at

ease and confident in his every action. The girls at the airport are all gushing at him.

Well, who wouldn’t? He was 6’5” in height, with a body to die for and a handsome face to match. He

actually looked like the Captain America actor, just a younger version.

I can’t help but feel smug that he was giving me all the attention but I also felt the intense hatred the

girls were feeling towards me. The way they were looking at me from head to toe like I have some

contagious disease.

“Saphira, I asked someone to pick us up if it’s alright with you?”

“Sure.”

“Here, I guess they’re here.”

“That’s your ride?”

“Yeah.”

I saw a Red Ferrari followed by a white van driving towards us.

“But, are you even allowed to drive?”

“Yes, legally I am and this is my baby.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll tell you on our way to the hotel. Come on. Someone will take our bags to the hotel. We just have to

ride this red baby right here.”

“Oh I forgot to mention, someone from my parent’s security team will be going with us though I am not

sure where they were.”

“Don’t worry, they’re with my guards. Come on, hop in.”

He was opening the door to his red Ferrari and I can’t help but smile. This will be my first sports car

ride. My parents detested sports car. They said it was too fast and dangerous.

“So, do you mind if we go have breakfast first? I’m starving. I know a good place here that serves the

best meals.”

“Nothing fancy I hope.”

“Nah. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“How come you seem to know a lot here? And you have a car here?”

“I grew up here and my parents are still living here. We own a chain of hotels here in San Francisco.

Actually, the hotel we are going to stay in and where the conference will be held is one of ours too. So

that is also one of the reasons why the Principal chose me to join you.”

“Oh.”

“So care for some breakfast to celebrate our friendship?”

His smile was infectious and I can’t help but smile at him in return.

“Ok.”

We went to a place called Sweet Maple, which is a 30 minute drive from San Francisco International

Airport.

It was a comfortable ride and Rob was constantly asking me questions about myself. We covered even

the most basic questions such as my favorite color, flower, past time, movie genre etc. It was like I was

answering a slum book and I didn’t mind. To be polite, I also asked him several questions about

himself.

During the sumptuous breakfast we were laughing along to some pick up jokes he was telling me.

“Are you a camera?”

“Why?”

“Coz every time I look at you, I smile.”

“If you were a vegetable, what do you think you will be?”

“What?”

“A cutecumber.”

“Did we have class together?”

“Ah. . . no?”

“Really, coz I think we have chemistry together.”

With that last line I decided to change the subject.

“I didn’t know you were funny. I thought you were all sporty and stuff.”

“Nah. I am funny with my close friends especially my team mates.”

“You seem rather friendly. Me, I only have one friend back home.”

“Ouch. You hurt me. Am I not a friend now?”

“I guess you are now.”

“Come on, we have to go or else we will be late for orientation.”

“Okay. Thanks for breakfast by the way. You should have let me pay for my food.”

“What kind of knight would I be if I let the lady pay?”

And he said that with an English accent while bowing like a knight.

I find him fun to be with just like Franco. He is also a gentleman like my best friend.

I was mentally scolding myself for always comparing them but I really can’t help it. Franco is my

benchmark for a man to trust and I know I have to be careful since I still do not know Rob that well.

Nevertheless, I am glad to have found a new friend since I am miles away from my best friend.