As Nico said, we went to my house directly. My parents weren't at home that time, only Xavier was. He greeted my brother, and sat on the living room. I told them I'm calling everyone, since Nico had something to say. Xavier got a gist on what's Nico's about to do, so he smiled teasingly my way.
"Nico, I heard you got fired." Xavier asked out of curiosity.
"That's true, they found out about the fight I had with a student. Because of that, Nyx's name got dragged in. I don't want her to suffer because of me. So, I let the school director take action. It was me, who told him to just fire me instead. If he didn't, I will resign anyway."
"Is that how serious you are with Nyx?"
"Yes, that's how serious I am, when it comes to your sister. Nyx has become someone special to me. And I don't want her slipping away from me."
Xavier patted Nico's shoulder, he was glad to hear that someone will treat his sister with love and care. I came back after calling everyone else. They said they'll be back before dinner.
"Nico, it seems like you'll have to wait a bit." I walked towards them, and leaned forward in between them. I deliberately sat in between them. Grinning at my brother. He understood and changed seats.
"It's alright Nyx, I can wait." I offered him some snacks, and a drink to go with it.
A little while later, Xanayah returned home, followed by my parents. They went to their rooms first to get changed. One by one, they took their seats and got this expressions on their faces, like they're expecting some good news.
"Nyx, so why did you want to talk with us?" Xanayah, teasingly smirks, as she nudged me a bit to hear my response.
"Actually, Nico wants to talk with you all." I playfully pinched my sister's side. She just giggled.
"And what do you want to talk about Nico?" My father asked this time, his voice was firm.
"Mr. Blake, Mrs. Blake, Xanayah, Xavier. I will tell you why I'm here directly. I, want to court Nyx." Nico's face was so serious, not a sign of going back on his words. He looked them in the eyes, one bye one, asking for permission.
"Nico, we will allow you to court Nyx. But it will be Nyx who'll decide, and have the final say in this. Before anything else, you're still courting right? No secret relationship with her yet?"
"Papa!" I exclaimed.
"Just wanna be sure, he told us before that he's gonna ask permission to court you first. Not permission to be in a relationship with you."
"Does that even makes sense?" I rebelled.
"Hey, Nyx calm down. I fully understand why your father wants me to clarify this." Nico grabbed my hand, and put it on top of his leg. Pressing it gently and assured me that everything's gonna be okay. He smiled gently and sweetly before facing my father again.
"So, what is it then?" My father crossed his arms, as he relentlessly shaking his foot. I know he just wanted to make sure that I won't fall into the wrong hands.
"Mr. Blake, as promised, we stayed as friends, a close one at that. I told you before that, if I ever court Nyx, I'll be asking your permissions first. That's why I'm here. I want to move forward with Nyx. More than friendship. I'm asking for your permissions, all of you. If you would allow me to love your daughter. And I'll respect Nyx, love her, and care for her, more than what she's already been given. I want to stay by her side, be her shield, and warmth, during her struggles. If you allow me to stay by her side, I won't waste the opportunity I'm given." We heard a vow instead of someone asking for permission. It felt deep and sincere, that tears fell down my cheeks. Not only me, everyone felt it. Nico's words made everyone feel assured that he would never hurt me.
"N-Nico---" I sobbed, and he embraced me lovingly.
"That's my son!" My father blurted in happiness.
"Hey, I am your son!" Xavier reacted, just to ease up the mood. Everyone laughed. And I was the happiest at that time.
"Nico, you have my permission." Xanayah said, wiping off her tears.
"Mine too." Xavier seconded.
"Also my permission." Mother gave him a gentle embrace.
"Alright, Nico, welcome to the family." My father happily hugged him, and patted his back.
"Honey, he was just asking for permission, not yet in a relationship with our daughter ." Mother pinched his ear. But he just laughed it off.
"I know, I know. But is Nyx really gonna reject him? Look how happy she is." Everyone looked at me. My face flushed in embarrassment.
"Papa! He didn't even confess yet!" I blurted out in response without even thinking. I covered my mouth just afte realizing what I said.
"Oho! Someone wants a confession." Xavier teasingly poked my side. Nico smiled widely, staring at me, like he just found something adorable.
"Well, since I'm here, and your family will become my witness." He gently took my hands, and he kneeled on one knee in front of me. He gazed into my eyes, with full of love.
"Ayeeiiii!!" Xanayah couldn't help but squeal in the situation she's witnessing. Mother pulled her hair, but she too felt just as the same as Xanayah.
"Nyx, in front of your family, I promise to treasure you, love you, care for you, and fill you with compassion and devotion. I'll be loyal to you. And be the bigger person, whenever fights breaks out between us. I'll respect you, and your decisions. Support you in what you want, your dreams, your passion. So, Miss Nyx Blake, will you be my girlfriend?"
My heart couldn't contain the happiness I felt. So instead of giving him a reply, I kissed him on the lips. I totally forgot that we're in the presence of my family. Even they were shocked by what I've done. But, they're too happy to even scold me.
"Nyx, I'll let this past just once." My father tried to composed himself. I felt all my feelings overwhelmed me, Nico, also couldn't believe that I kissed him first. And in front of my family at that. He was smiling from ear to ear.
"S-So you're answer Nyx?" He was still kneeling.
"YES! I'd be happy to be your girlfriend." He stood up and hugged me tightly. Now, Nico and I, we're officially in a relationship. The age gap wasn't a problem. Him being on the process of divorce, doesn't even fazed me at all. All of this, my family accepted him. Nico as Nico. Not some guy who's have a sob backstory. They never criticized him. But accepted him for being him. And Nico also proved to them that he's genuinely in love and serious about me.
We celebrated the moment with a heartwarming dinner. He helped cooked in the kitchen, and even I was at lost for words seeing this side of him. He looked good with an apron. Even mother got to learn new recipes from him. He's a perfect husband.
The dinner was satisfying. I got to eat Nico's cooking. He even served food for my family. My father, now declared him as his child and threatened him that there's no way out in this family. He's wide beaming smile, captivated me even more.
"Finally, you're smiling freely Nico." I whispered to him, as he helped me wash the dishes.
"It's all because of you Nyx. You reached out to me, without judgment, nor simply our of pity. But you held on to me, and gave me a reason to stand back up again."
" I did nothing of the sort. You helped yourself Nico. This is all you, I won't take credit for the happiness you felt."
"You're really such a humble being Nyx. I guess, that gene is common in this family. I love the atmosphere, and the vibe here. Makes me feel welcomed."
"You are welcomed here Nico, even father claimed you're his son." We both laughed by how silly my father wa sometimes.
Nico didn't stay late, he said I needed to rest since I've got classes tomorrow. I accompanied him outside to his car, and gave him a kiss before he left.
That night, I slept like a baby. With a smile on my face, unbothered of what tomorrow might throw at me.
As I woke up the next morning, I rolled out of bed, fixed it, then head to the bathroom, and took my bath. Chosed what clothes to wear, put them on, and grabbed my bag. I was still yawning as I went down the stairs. To my surpirse, Nico was there, prepping breakfast. My father in the living room reading his mewspaper, while mother, vacuumed the floor. Xavier on the other hand, started eating first saying they have a band booking a bit far away. So he needed to leave early. Xanayah, brought her breakfast made by Nico upstairs saying, she needed to meet the deadlines.
"Hey! What do you think you people are doing?!" I went to the kitchen , and helped Nico.
"Well, he arrived here so early and didn't want to wake you up. He offered to cook some breakfast." My father casually said.
"He's not your cook okay?" I could hear Nico's laughter.
"It's alright Nyx, It's not like I'm doing this because I'm forced to. I want to prepare your breakfast."
"Hey Nyx, stop being so clingy. You don't get to enjoy such delicious food yourself. He's my son now too remember?" I looked at mother's way with a confused expression.
"Since when? You always scold papa when he acts like that. Now you're into this son thing too?" I crossed my arms like a nagging wife.
"Chill Nyx, I'm happy seeing your family happy. So, just let me do this okay?" He gave me a kiss on the cheek. This time, no one reacted. Seemed like, our relationship was something going on for years when it was just yesterday.
"Since you say so, I won't stop you. But be sure to keep it at minimal or they'll abuse you." I glared at them.
"Says the one who just wanted to monopolize his boyfriend." Xavier snickered teasing me every moment he got an opening.
"That's right. He's my boyfriend and he's mine, and mine alone. What you gonna do about it?" I grabbed a fork and stabbed the bacon on his plate and ate it.
"Hey, I was saving it for last." Xavier complained.
"No worries, still have more bacons here." Nico gave him a few more bacons.
"Oh, so nice having a big brother."
"You're such a baby!"
"Hush now, babies or not, you need to eat. Or you'll be late." He pulled a chair for me to seat in, and prepared my food. Mother and father joined us, and we all had our breakfast.
Nico drove me to school, he parked his car in front of the campus gate. Everyone knew what car he drove, so they we're eager to know why his in front the gate. But hey, they never expected me to be treated like a princess. He unbuckled my seatbelt, got out first, and opened the door for me. He then fixed my clothes carefully, and even reminded me if I have everything inside my bag. He gave me a kiss on the forehead, amd waited for me to enter the school premises, before leaving.
I could feel their stares at me. Murmuring, whispering. I knew they weren't good talks. But who cares, why would I be affected, when I did nothing, nor break the rules.
When I got to my class, one of the professors called me, and told me to go directly to the Dean's office. I got an idea as to why I'm being called. I went there immediately, fully aware, and prepared to what might come.
Inside the office, I saw a familiar silhouette sitting in front of the dean. It was Kayla! She looked my way as I entered the office.
"Good morning Dean Carlos, you called for me?"
"Good morning Miss Blake. Please have a seat first." He pointed out on the seat next to Kayla's. I sat there and composed myself.
"This here is Mrs. Stratford, Mr. Nico Stratford's wife. She came here asking for help, regarding Mr. Stratford's situation." The dean for sure emphasized Kayla's surname for a reason.
"May I know what situation you're referring to dean?" They thought I would just sit still and do nothing, but sorry, I won't let anyone trample me.
"Mr. Stratford and Mrs. Stratford are on the midst of fixing their marriage. With tha being said, she heard about what happend to him, that he got fired from being a professor in this school." I glanced on Kayla's side, and she's on full actress mode. Wiping tears elegantly like she didn't do anything bad at all. Like she was the victim. My blood boiled, but I tried to remain composed. If I lost my cool, and let my emotions get the best of me, then this will be a losing battle on my end.
"I never heard anything from Nico about fixing his marriage with Ms. Kayla. What he told me was the opposite. He already filed a divorce, and that she refused to sign them." I could see Kayla's gaze peirce through me. She's furious.
"Miss Blake, you should address Mr. Stratford formally." Seemed like the dean was already on Kayla's side.
"I'm sorry dean, but I got full permission on using his first name. He even said he preferred it that way. And also, I'm not breaking any rules here. He's no longer tied to this school. " I never flinched even once, and stayd firm.
"Miss Blake, if I may ask, how are you related to Mr. Stratford?"
"He's my boyfriend, since just yesterday. After he was fired." I even smiled, trying to make them lost control of their emotions.
"Miss Blake, this is so unethical." Kayla stood up and slammed her hands on the Dean's table.
"Unethical? If me being in a relationship with him is already considered unethical. The how about someone who cheated on someone not just ones, not twice but thrice at that. Is she considered ethical then?." I glued my eyes on her. Ahe flinched, and sat back.
"Oh, dean, look how this student insult me." She began sobbing, fake at that.
"Insult? I'm sorry dean but, did I ever mentioned that it was her?" I showed no change in emotions, and hold as poker face as much longer as I can.
The dean was taken aback, can't rebut what I just said. Kayla, embarrassed, started sobbing even more loudly. The dean stood up and caressed her back. Like, what the hell? Is he another man Kayla played with me? And he's old and grumpy. She seemed too used to manipulating others.
"Miss Balke, this is unprecedented! You should apologize to Mrs. Stratford at once!"
"I don't have a reason to applogize. I came here out of respect to your position, and not being trampled on. If you have a problem with that, then feel free to expel me. I don't really mind transferring to another school at this point." I stood up, and was about to walk away, when Kayla caught my hand and grabbed me.
"You're not going anywhere!" She pushed me on the floor, and got on top of me. Slapping me left and right. At the heat of the moment, even the dean wasn't expecting Kayla to do that to me.
"Mrs. Stratford, stop!" The dean managed to pull her away from me. My face was swollen, my cheek got wounded when her ring managed to land on my face.
I stood back up, grabbed my back, and walked out of the office. The students I passed by wondered how I ended up looking that way. Nico's substitute teacher, Professor Agnes, witnessed me going out of the office looking pale. She also saw Kayla being held by the dean. With no hesitation, she called Nico and told him about what happened.
Nico hurriedly went to the school, but he saw me on my way out of the gate. He was just nearby buying groceries my mother asked him to. He pulled the car over and rushed out.
"Nyx! Damn it! That woman crossed a line she shouldn't have crossed!" He was trembling in anger, but I stopped him from going inside.
"Nico, let's leave for now. This isn't the right time for this." His expression shattered right in front of me. Like watching me hurt was hurting him even more. I could see it in his eyes—how his heart was breaking just from witnessing everything. Like my pain was echoing inside him.