by Pia Marie
I posted my new photo on my Instagram account and shared it on Facebook. I slipped back my pad inside my bag when I saw my baby back ribs arrived. Yum! I placed the cigarette in the ash tray and started salivating.
I heard a beep and a little vibration inside my bag. It came from my pad. I opened it while taking a piece of the ribs I just sliced.
JEA25 just started following you. It’s my Instagram notification. JEA25? James Ervine Aguilar and his basketball jersey number 25. Definitely him. I suddenly remembered his plate number. But why? I closed the cover back and ate. Following me? Why? Oh I hope it’s not just on Instagram . . . She wished and she was hopeful it will come true.
I heard another beep from my pad and saw the notif again. JEA25 liked your photo. 2 seconds ago. Hmm . . . I wonder.
I looked up at my plate and started slicing my ribs again. I looked around at the almost empty row of restaurants and saw one familiar bulk sitting at the coffee shop beside where I am. He looked up at me and confirmed my suspicion when he smiled and stood up to approach me.
“Hi,” he said sitting in front of me.
“Where’s Christian?” I asked acting calm since I knew they were together when I left them at the parking lot.
“With Lyn.” He said so natural.
“You know already?” I asked surprised.
“Yeah. He told me over lunch.”
I just nodded and went back to eating as I don’t know what to tell him anymore. A few minutes ago I was thinking about him, then a few seconds ago, he started following me and liked my photo. Now he’s here in front of me watching me devour my ribs.
“James! Please don’t stare!” I pleaded.
“Conscious?” he asked with that handsome smile.
“It’s rude to stare at people while eating.” I rolled my eyes.
“I’m not staring. I’m just watching you.” He said as if there was no difference in the effect.
“Who gave you the right to watch me eat?” I declared annoyed.
He didn’t talk and stared back at his iPhone and typed.
My pad still beside me beeped again. Another notification. This time from Facebook.
James Aguilar posted on your wall.
I looked at him and he smiled at me again. So devilish. So deliciously handsome. I shook my head at my thoughts.
I opened my Facebook and checked my wall.
Chilling at the mall with Tara Salvador.
“What?” I asked him.
“I see you’re still my friend in Facebook,” he said teasing.
I rolled my eyes one more time and then immediately unfriended him and showed it to him.
“Happy?” I asked.
He looked sad after what I did. But maybe not. It’s hard to figure him out.
“We need to talk.” He said now in a serious tone.
“We are talking!” I said, my voice rising a bit.
“You know what I want to talk about,” he said seriously this time.
“Not now James. I want some quiet time.” I replied to him a little snobbish.
“OK. I’m sorry. I’ll go in now. I need to check something.” he said and stood up. He didn’t even wait for me to answer.
I looked at him and he never glanced back. I tried finishing my meal, but I already lost appetite. Not because James is not a pleasant thing to see, but because I am confused. What does he want now?
I told the server to wrap the food and I asked for the bill.
I went to the coffee shop and ordered for my favorite coffee. Once I again I find myself looking for a vacant table at the smoking area and finally found one. It has always been full. I’m so lucky I found a seat.
I took my pad out of the bag again and started playing Candy Crush. I wanted to relax and I enjoy playing this game so much.
“Excuse me,” a familiar voice caught my attention.
I looked up and saw him smirking down at me with a coffee cup in his hand.
“What do you want?” I asked him.
“The tables are all occupied so I’m wondering if I could share with you?” he was trying to look cute though he naturally is already.
I looked around and saw what he meant. I just nodded and he sat down.
I went back playing on my pad without looking at him. Then I grabbed my coffee cup without looking. I know where I placed it so I just searched it with my hand.
I looked up surprised when I touched another hand. He was holding my coffee.
“Why are you holding my cup James?” I asked him puzzled.
“Nothing. I’m just curious what coffee you like to drink.” he grinned that boyishly handsome smirk.
I slapped his hand lightly to tell him to get off my cup and he did. I took a sip and then put it back at the table.
What is he doing here? I keep asking myself. I am losing my 3 lives in candy crush because I am too preoccupied with this gorgeous guy in front of me.
My pad vibrated while I was playing so I exited and checked what it was. Another Instagram notification.
JEA25 mentioned you in a comment: @tarsalva Perfect Caramel Macchiato Couple. I checked the photo and saw our two coffee cups together. In both cups are the letters CM in black ink. The other cup with his name and the other cup with mine.
I rolled my eyes and took out my cigarette case and got one stick. Before lighting it, I glanced at him to see his reaction. He was just staring at me with a look that could kill.
“If you dare light that in front of me,” he started to threaten me, “I won’t hesitate savaging your lips here in front of all these people.”
I glanced around as my cheeks start to burn. His words were so strong and intimidating but it sent shivers to my spine. I was actually caught in the middle of two options. I wanted to light it up to see if he would do what he forewarned me about, aside from the fact that I would like to kiss him too. But I didn’t want to be embarrassed in the coffee shop.
I placed the cigarette back to its case and stood up and grabbed my cup.
“Where are you going?” he asked and stood up too.
“Home” I grabbed my bag and sling it in my shoulders.
He followed me to the parking lot.
“Why are you following me?” I asked as I continued walking to my car.
“I’m not. I’m going home too and my car is parked here.” He pointed at his car which is parked beside mine.
I don’t know if he remembers my plate as it is not personalized, but I feel for a fact that it is not just coincidence.
I saw him taking a picture of our cars as I slid inside the driver’s seat and started my engine.
“Go away!” I shooed him.
He moved a bit and then hurriedly rode his car.
I heard another beep on my pad and checked it again before I drove off.
Instagram notification. JEA25 mentioned you in a comment : @tarsalva his and hers? The photo was of our two cars. His black Montero and my white Montero.
Urgh! Is he annoying me? Is he making sure I will never bug him again? What does he really want from me? THIS side of James is difficult. I prefer the angry James that’s easy to predict!
Oh no! I take that back. I don’t want him to hate me again. But, wait! Who the hell told me he doesn’t hate me anymore?
Now I’m scared. What other punishment does he have in mind?
I started driving in traffic of the highway to our house. I can see James’ car trailing behind me. Is he following me?
The slow pace of the cars is getting me fidgety. I hate traffic. Most especially now that James is just behind me. I wonder what he thinks of my driving. Does he think I am a stupid girl driver?
I get interrupted in my thoughts when I heard a car beep and looked beside me. It was James. His passenger window was lowered down. I rolled down mine too when he signaled me to do so.
I looked at him.
“Traffic!” he shouted.
“Obviously!” I said and rolled my window back again.
Our car
s are moving very slow in the direction of our village.
My phone rang and I got it. It was an unregistered number but it looked familiar.
“Hello?” I answered the phone.
“I’m bored.” I heard James from the other line.
“Urgh!”
“I should have asked my driver to pick the car from the mall and just rode with you. So you can just drive for me.”
“Haha” I said sarcastically.
“What time are you going to school tomorrow?” he asked. We don’t have classes anymore. We just have to pick up our graduation togas and some other stuff.
“I don’t know.”
“Can I just ride with you?” he teased.
“No!” I shouted.
“Awwww . . . what do you have to yell for?”
“I’ll talk to you later, I’m driving.” I said without thinking and then hung up.
Traffic is slowly easing and I am already in the entrance of the village when I saw his car still behind me. I parked at the side and waited for him to overtake me. To my surprise he parked at my back and went out to walk to my car.
I rolled the window down.
“What’s the matter?” he asked worried.
“Are you following me?” I asked.
“No! In case you forgot, I live here too.” He pointed out.
“Tssss!” then I rolled the window up again and sped off.
When I got to the house, of course, he’s not behind me anymore.
I went straight to my room and told the helpers not to disturb me as I am not going to have dinner anymore.
After watching TV, I decided to take a shower. I was heading towards the bathroom when my phone rang. When I looked, it was James. Yes, I saved his number again. I don’t know why. I just hope I don’t get itchy fingers like before. I deleted his number after that punishing kiss at the parking lot and now that he’s the one who called first, I saved it back in my contacts list.
I answered the phone wondering what he wants. “Yes?”
“Hi!” he said cheerfully.
“Why?” I asked snobbishly.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Why do you answer me with just one word?” he sounded hurt. Or atleast perhaps pretending.
“What is it to you? Did you hear me complain when all I heard from you before was, pfft, grr, urgh, hmp?!” I asked throwing back all my angst at him.
“Sorry.” He said then remained quiet.
“Why did you call?” I questioned.
“Uhm, you said you’ll talk to me later.”
“What?” I frowned at what he said.
“In the car, when we hung up, you told me, you’ll just talk to me later,” he said.
“That? I didn’t mean that!”
“Oh,” sounding hurt again. Is he serious?
“I’m busy James, I’m going to take a shower.” I tried to brush him off.
“Can I come?” he says seductively.
“WHAT!!” I exclaimed. Pervert!
“Kidding. Okay. I’ll just call you again.” Then he hung up on me.
This guy is so weird. I went to the bathroom and showered and was done in 30 minutes. I usually take long showers in the evening to calm my nerves.
When I went back inside my room, I heard my message alert tone.
James possibly. Hopeful and somewhat expecting.
I opened my messages and saw a long chain of his text messages.
ARE U DONE? 9:10
CAN I CALL NOW? 9:11
HELLO? 9:12
WHY ARE U SO LONG? 9:13
ARE U STILL IN D SHOWER? 9:14
DID U SLEEP ON ME? 9:15
TARA! 9:16
Then my phone rang. And guess who?
“What do you want?” I asked irritated.
“Glad you’re okay! I thought you drown in the shower!” James said in an exaggeratedly relieved voice.
“Haha,” I laughed sarcastically.
“Are you going to sleep now?”
“Yeah.” I faked a yawn.
“Can you come down for a sec?”
“What? Why?” I asked so puzzled, then went out of my room’s balcony. It’s in the second floor and I instantly saw his black Montero parked across my house.
“Please?” he pleaded.
“Why are you here?” I asked surprised though I didn’t see him yet, I figured he’s still inside the car.
“Just come down . . .” then he hung up.
I didn’t want to call him back so I descended the stairs quickly and told the security to open the gate. Our guard looked at me questioningly.
“Open!” I widened my eyes to scare him and open the gate. He just followed as ordered.
“What do you want?” I asked when I saw him standing outside the gate holding something behind his back.
“Tara,” he blinked.
“What!” I asked again.
“Do you always wear that to sleep?” he asked with his sizzling eyes burning on me.
I looked down and saw why he was so shocked. I was in hurry to go down that I forgot my robe. And I was wearing my white spaghetti strapped night dress. Definitely one of the sexiest of my priced lingerie collection.
“Oh shit!” I covered my breasts with my arms. I am not wearing any other garment beneath it because I was getting ready for bed. But wait, I have panties on.
He exhaled so deep as if trying to calm himself.
“Why are you here?” I asked frowning at him while covering my top.
He took his hand from his back that held a bouquet of yellow daisies. He held it out to me and I reached for it.
“I just wanted to give you this.” He said while his cheeks turn red. I don’t know if it’s because he’s shy or if he’s feeling hot.
“Thanks. Goodnight.” I turned around still stunned by his gesture.
“I’m not sure if I can sleep at all.” he murmured but I heard. His eyes were still raking all over my body.
I hit him with the bouquet and turned around.
“Drive safe!” I hollered not turning back.
When I entered the gate I scolded the guard for not telling me I’m not wearing decent clothes. He just scratched his head. Maybe that’s why he was hesitant to swing it open a while back.
My fault! I was too excited to see him. I admit. I still have these feelings for him.
I checked the flowers when I got back to my room. It has a tiny card.
I’m Sorry. That was all that’s written.
I looked back at the balcony. His car is not there anymore. I decided to send him a message.
THANK U 4 D FLOWERS. GOODNYT.
He replied. “GOODNIGHT! BUT I DNT THINK I CAN SLEEP WITH THAT SIGHT. O_O”
I know he was referring to my night shirt.
SHUT UP! I replied back.
And he didn’t reply. I tried to sleep, but it was a lot harder. I suddenly felt my aircon was too cold but I’m bothered why I suddenly feel hot.
Chapter 9
GOOD MORNING!
Tara kept blinking her eyes as she reads the text message with one eye. It was from James, and she didn’t bother to reply. She got up, got her robe and went down for breakfast.
“Good morning dad!” she greeted her father as she saw him drinking coffee and reading today’s papers.
“Good morning honey!” her father kissed his favorite daughter. Well, as if he had a choice. Tara is his only child.
“Where’s mom?” she looked at her mother’s empty seat.
“She went to Cebu. There is a big conference held there with a group of environmentalists. She wanted to welcome them personally as it is a big group of 500 packs.” He said as if hotel visitors this big is very ordinary to him.
Their resorts are actually doing well. Everything is very much stable. It has been started by her grandparents by her dad and was passed on to her parents when they passed away.
“Your mom wanted to remind you of your or
ientation at Boracay next week.”
“Yes dad. But actually, I had the orientation already. I left when you were both at Subic. So I’ll be going straight to work after graduation,” she informed him.
“When is actual graduation again?” he asked.
“April 3rd dad.”
“That’s next week. Are you done with your requirements?”
“Yep. I just have to go to school today to pick up my toga and process some clearances.”
“OK.” he took one last sip from his mug and stood.
“You’re leaving already?”
“Yes. I have a meeting at eleven with a prospective business partner.”
“Partner?” she asked bewildered. Tara knew they didn’t need partners. They are very well funded.
“Yes. It’s a new venture actually.” He kissed his daughter on the forehead.
“Take care!” she kissed him back.
This is the problem of wealthy, successful and busy business people. They can’t stay to have breakfast leisurely for more than thirty minutes.
Good thing Tara didn’t like breakfast that much. She just usually eats a slice of toast and a few strips of bacon paired with hot chocolate.
She stood up just three minutes after her father left the table. She went back to her room so she could shower and prepare for school.
She glanced at her phone and checked if she got messages. And she did. Messagessssss . . . from one person.
WHAT TYM R U GOIN 2 SCH?
WANT ME 2 PIK U UP?
R U STILL ASLEEP?
DREAMING OF ME?
WAKE UP!
CAN WE RIDE 2 SCH TOGETHER?
She didn’t reply to any. Not because she was playing hard to get or anything. It was simply because she doesn’t know how to reply to them.
She went to the bathroom and showered. After she was done, she chose her clothes and just decided to wear her skinny jeans and just a normal red tank top.
She applied light make up just as she always do and headed downstairs. She told the security to open the gate for her, and she backed her car out of the garage.
On the street, she found the familiar black Montero parked. She parked her car beside it, rolled down her window and looked at the driver questioningly.
“What are you doing here?” she is still so surprised.
James got out of the car and walked near her.