by Abby Osuna
was intruding, I closed the drawer, then stood back up. Out of habit, I stretched again but this
time, I yawned too.
I trudged to the bathroom door. Like the rest of the house, the guest room bath was also well-
kept. It was a large room with the usual facilities, only a bit glamorous than normal. Good thing I only had to stay here only for a couple of hours (a couple of hours? forty-eight?). If not, I would start to think I'm a princess of some sort. Not only think that I'm one, maybe I'll even enjoy it.
Rinsing off the dirt and stress of the day, I emerged from the bathroom ten minutes later feeling
refreshed and renewed. I didn't care that I was sharing the room with Anthony tonight. It's not
that I'm going to get myself killed anyway. Embarrassment won't kill me. I winced. Just close to
death, maybe.
I found a fresh set of clothes waiting for me on the bed when I got out of the bathroom. Maybe
the maids put them here. I went inside of the bathroom again, trying to make sure that I'd dress
in a safe place.
I was halfway tugging the baggy shirt on when I heard someone open the bedroom door
outside. I could hear muffled voices, but I couldn't be sure if how many were there. I yanked the
sweatpants on and quickly arranged my hair. I didn't even bother checking my reflection in the
mirror because the voices started to get louder. I opened the bathroom door, unsure of what to
expect beyond it. When my eyes landed on Anthony, who shot me a worried look. He turned his
gaze to someone by the door. I followed his eyes and I saw Carley leaning by the wall near the
door, wearing an expression of delight. Whenever I see that look on her face, I feel nervous.
Before I could think of what Carley might be planning, my attention was caught by the man
standing by the doorway, close to Carley. Anthony's good looks had me the first time I saw him
but this guy's features were very fine and beautiful I could've believe he was just a mannequin.
He had an amused smile on his face, (probably because of their topic before I came out) and
his eyes were piercing but had a certain gentleness in them. His posture was good, though he
didn't show even the faintest sign of effort in maintaining it. When our gazes met, his smile
when from amused to a kind greeting. I shook off the expression I had on my face. Whatever it
was, I know it was harmful to what's left of my pride.
"You must be Drei?" The guy spoke.
I nodded stupidly. "Yes."
I think I saw Anthony scoff at Carley before coming to my side. "Uhh Drei, this is Zed. Carley's husband. Zed, this is Drei."
Zed reached his hand out and I clumsily held out mine. He took it and gave it a gentle shake.
"Nice to meet you." He said, flashing a good set of teeth.
"So, what can you say about my prince charming, Drei?" Carley suddenly chirped.
"Oh." I broke free from my trance. "Just like what a princess like you deserves." Finally, I managed to get used to things in here. It felt like I was in a fairy tale.
"I think you should spend some time alone now, Carley," Anthony suddenly was by the door, where the beautiful pair stood.
"Oooh." Zed and Carley cooed at the same time.
"It's not what you think!" Anthony suddenly looked uneasy, while he tried to get the pair out.
"Okay okay Anthony. We'll get some time alone now. Just like you and Drei." Carley teased, grabbing her husband's arm. "Sweet dreams, you two." Zed teased.
I sighed heavily. I felt tired all over again.
Anthony finally managed to get the door shut.
"Sorry if they're teasing us." I said.
"I should be the one saying that. They're a handful." He leaned against the wall, the spot where Carley was a few seconds ago. He rubbed his head, like a little boy.
Smiling faintly at him, I ran a hand through my wet hair. I realized how big of a mess I looked
like when the too good to be true pair saw me. I reached for the drawer, trying to find a hair
brush.
"Here," Anthony was suddenly on his way to give a hair brush to me.
"Where'd you get this?" I asked him.
"Carley told the maids to give us the necessary toiletries." He said as he handed me the comb.
Having nothing else to do, he sat on the small couch by the bathroom door.
"Promise me something Drei." He suddenly grew serious.
"What?"
"Don't ever feel guilty."
I looked at him straight in the eye. "About what?"
"Promise me first."
When I realized what he was about to say, I immediately refused his request. "No. If you're
thinking of sleeping in that little couch, I'll totally feel guilty."
He sighed, flopping himsef in the couch.
I almost let out a loud awwww at the sight. Anthony who was always prim and proper at school,
the always composed and cool guy who never showed even the slightest hint of anything but
perfection was now showing signs of being 'normal'. That he too was affected by frustration.
And I couldn't help but enjoy that I was the one making him feel that now. I shook my head. How
sadist.
"We'd think of a better way than that." I assured him.
He lifted his face so that he could look at me. "Like what?"
I fiddled with my fingers. "Let me think."
I continued to brush my hair and he straightened himself up. I realized he hadn't taken a shower
yet. His clothes were by the door, lying neatly at the top of a small table.
"I think you should freshen up."
He looked at me, as if having trouble digesting what I'd said. When they finally sank in his
drained mind, he nodded. "Right."
I looked at him expectantly, as if saying he should get up from where he was slumped. He eyed
me, and I could tell he understood what I was implying. Usual y, he’d just do what he was
supposed to but this time he surprised me. He frowned mockingly, very not like his usual self,
and he continued to lie there, like a spoiled little child. I almost gawked at the gesture. What was he trying to do? Look cute? He already is!
I continued to stare at him, expecting him to cut it out, and just take a shower. Shrugging, I
opted to brush my hair while he was regressing to his childhood years. I heard him move. I was
about to sigh in relief since I thought he finally realized what a matured guy like him should do.
But to my dismay, he just continued to lie there, giving in to stubbornness.
“When do you plan to have a shower?” I asked him impatiently.
He shook his head.
My face turned to disgust. “Ew. If only your thousands of fans know how their idol looks like at
night. Al dirty and stinky.” I mocked him.
His head turned so he could glare at me. “Ha ha.”
This was all so new. He never argued before. Not in this playful way, that is.
Finishing up my hair, I got up from where I sat on the bed, and decided to tug at his limp arm
dangling by the edge of the couch.
“Get up, stinky.”
He shook his head. I slightly tightened my grip on his arm. He tried to wriggle free from my
grasp. But I didn’t give in. He shifted in the couch so that his other arm could help in freeing the other which I was holding. He was now lying on his back. I was playfully tugging at his arm, my
eyes scanning the room, thinking of a way for us to sleep with the less awkwardness possible
when suddenly I felt a poke at my side, sending me not only freeing his arm but also falling right
on top of him.
I didn’t dare look at him while we were s
uch an awkward position (like in those lame cheesy
movies) but instead tried to get up, but failed to do so since there was something keeping me
down. Having no other choice, I looked at him. He was staring at me. Curse this close distance.
I could melt right now.
“Are you okay?” He asked, his gaze locked in mine.
I managed to nod, and my vision searched for the thing that was keeping me down. When my
efforts didn’t show any progress, he spoke again.
“Relax, maybe I should get up so you could too,” with that he had his arms on my back,
assisting me as he straightened up. When I looked down at my shirt, I realized what kept me on
him. It was the teddy bear design in the front of my shirt, caught up with the button on his shirt.
He followed my gaze and he realized what I was thinking about.
“Sorry,” we said at the same time, looking away immediately.
This sure is a long night.
***
Chapter 23
The rain drizzled softly outside. The guests must’ve gone to bed since the hal s were now silent.
A few minutes ago, music was blaring from somewhere near the living room. Good thing they
finally realized it was already late. I was in the middle of my little tour in this large mansion
Carley calls her home when suddenly my phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Drei? Where are you? Is your phone dead? I’ve been trying to call you but it seems your out of
coverage or your---“
“Hey Drew, calm down.”
“Right. Is Anthony with you? Are you fine?”
“To both questions, yep.”
“Whew. Thank God. I’ve been worrying all afternoon.”
“Didn’t Jonathan tell you?” I rounded a corner and saw a bench. Deciding that it was clean, I sat
down on it.
“Apparently not. I haven’t heard from him.”
“Oh.” I scratched a portion of my forearm that suddenly grew itchy. Stupid mosquito. Even
mansions like these have pests.
“Just remember that spot where you are now, okay? So you can reach me any time.”
“More like so you can reach me,” I chuckled. I miss teasing my uncle in person.
“Say what you want. Just don’t be so complacent about this whole situation.”
My heart dropped to my gut. “Right.” I suddenly remembered how dangerous it was outside.
Someone was out to hunt me down, and here I am, stuck in a mansion for a hiding place. This
sure is fancy and cozy compared to all those hiding places in movies but stil , I’m at risk. Al this glamour doesn’t make it any less dangerous.
“Drei?”
“Yea?”
“Sleep well, okay? Or else you’l look awful.”
I chuckled. “Sure will. You too, Drew.” I suddenly felt homesick. “I know it’s too soon, but I think I miss you already, Drew.”
Just then someone emerged from the corner I’d taken a while ago, which was very close to
where I was sitting right now. I shrieked at the sudden movement, but quickly relaxed when I
realized it was just Carley.
“Is everything okay?” I heard Drew from the other line, his voice thick with concern.
“Yea, I’m fine. I just got a fright. But I’m alright. I think I need to hang up now. Good night,” I said to the receiver, my eyes still not leaving Carley who was now eyeing me suspiciously.
“Good night Drei. I miss you too. See you soon.” With that, he hung up.
I stuffed my phone inside my pocket just to get away from Carley’s gaze even for a few
moments.
She cleared her throat and neared me. I glanced up at her. She smiled gently, then sat down
beside me.
“Who was that?” There was something else in her voice aside from curiosity. Doubt? No. What
would she doubt? A hint of accusation? Maybe that’s it.
I straightened up in my seat. She was really tall and she sat very straight. I cleared my throat. I can’t tell her Drew was my uncle. We don’t know if we could trust her. Even if Anthony
was guarding me, stil I shouldn’t easily give my trust to anyone. I shouldn’t be complacent.
“A family friend.” There’s that excuse again. He’s family! That’s it!
She nodded meaningfully, as if lost in thought.
I fiddled my fingers nervously. What would she say? Would she be convinced? She should be.
Anthony was.
“You sound so close to him.” She smiled. That was a relief. At least she was back to old
cheerful Carley.
I smiled worriedly. I hope she wouldn’t notice. “Uhh yea. I practically grew up with him, since my
mom was always away.”
Her expression suddenly grew soft, as if I’d hit a nerve. “Real y? That’s why you sound so
attached to him.”
Attached? Of course I’m attached. He’s my uncle! “Uhh. Yea.” I unconsciously rubbed the back
of my head, like an ashamed little girl.
“But I stil hope that Anthony stil has a place somewhere in there,” she poked her slim finger on
the left of my chest. I suddenly grew embarrassed. Boy, how many emotions would I feel when
she’s around?
“I think I heard my name. Mind telling me about the topic?”
We turned and saw Anthony leaning by the corner. I felt relieved and nervous at the same time.
Relieved that now I have someone to share the teasing with and nervous that he saw Carley’s
gesture. That was pretty difficult to deny. Our topic was obvious.
“Oh. Speaking of the devil,” Carley taunted.
Anthony scoffed. Wait, did he just do that? That was so unlike him. “Right. Changing the topic.”
I cleared my throat nervously. “That was---“
“About you,” Carley finished for me, much to my discomfort.
Anthony eyed her suspiciously, though from the look in his eyes, I knew he believed her. “Is that
true, Drei?”
“Uhh, I---“
“Of course, don’t be sil y. Now get the ladies a drink. That’s the least you could do to make up
for interrupting conversations,” she shooed Anthony with her hand. For a split second, I thought
Anthony wouldn’t move but when he did, I tried my best not to let out a relieved sigh. I don’t
know what’s with these people, but they sure are a handful.
“Stupid guy,” she shook her head, smiling.
I tried to smile, but I wasn’t sure what slipped to my face.
“So, where were we?”
I blinked. I totally forgot what we were talking about.
She laughed at my expression. “Okay, okay. So I guess we both forgot about it.”
“Right,” I muttered. I was finding a way how to tell her that I wanted to go to my room already
but I was unable to form a decent getaway.
“Did you see the signs already?” she began chatting again.
I tilted my head in confusion. Did I miss something? “What…signs?”
“I’l take that as a no,” a smug expression flashed across her beautiful features.
“I think by now, you’re familiar with Anthony’s life as a basketball…” she seemed to be finding
the right word.
“Star?” I supplied for her.
“Precisely,” she smiled in acknowledgment. “Now, like any other star, there are also some
controversial news about him going around.”
Controversies? About Anthony? What would those possible be? He’s a good basketball player,
good at his academics, in fact his vying for honors, he hasn’t played with any girl so far. What
negative would there be?
“I k
now you’re confused since he seems so…perfect,” she said thoughtfully, “but there are some
issues about him that also puzzle me too.”
What?
We were both silent for a few seconds. I’ve never seen Carley so serious. Does this have
something to do with the murder of his uncle? The one my Dad witnessed? What negative
impact would it have against him?
“Drei?”
Her voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“You look funny. Are you okay? You look like you’re about to faint,” she chuckled.
“I’m fine,” I lied. I was suddenly nauseous.
“Wel , I better tell you before he comes back,” she whispered. “We think he’s gay.”
My jaw literally dropped.
“I don’t know if he’s confused or what, but some signs are quite disturbing.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. That’s why he’s so vain, he’s doing good in his studies, he’s so
gentle… That’s why he still doesn’t have a girlfriend.
“Are you okay, Drei?”
That voice wasn’t Carley’s. I snapped from my trance, realizing it was Anthony’s.
“I guess I’l leave you two, now,” Carley got up from her seat beside me.
“Night Carley,” Anthony greeted her, taking her place.
“Sleep tight, you two,” she winked at us then disappeared around the corner.
I stil couldn’t believe it. Why him? There are other guys out there who could be gays but why
him? A polite, prim and proper, boyfriend material guy like Anthony be one of them?
Before I could stand up to start for our room, a loud thunder boomed overhead. It gave me a
start, but I was still able to stand up. I glanced around at Anthony, and almost gawked at him
when I saw him cupping his ears. Now I see the signs, Carley.
But even if he was real y gay, I couldn’t deny the fact that he is real y cute. Especially when he
acts like a little boy.
“Let’s call it a day, Anthony,” I motioned for him to stand up, but I think he didn’t hear me since his hands was still on his ears.
I poked his arm. He jolted. I tried my best to stifle a laugh, so I smiled instead. “Does it scare
you?”
He glanced up at me, still in the awkward position. Slowly, he nodded.
I wanted to awwwww at the sight of him doing that but I mentally scolded myself.