Dream Date

by Ivan Kendrick

  “Someone sent a couple of thugs after her. When we went to question him, he seemed to be telling the truth. So Grayson is now trying to find out who sent them.”

  “I hope it doesn’t become too dangerous.”

  “Me, too.”

  Kellan sighed, wishing Amanda were safe.

  “Okay, Mr. Hughes. I’ll let you go.”

  “All right. Take care, Ms. Velásquez.”

  “I will.”

  “Have a good day,” Kellan replied, and hung up.

  Kayla woke up, finding herself still at the bed in the hotel room. Dazed, she yawned and wondered what time it was. Then she realized Nathan wasn’t lying next to her.

  Where is he?

  Standing up from bed, Kayla put on her clothes as she walked by them on the floor. She sniffed the air, hoping that Nathan was just making her breakfast. Last night had been like a dream. Kayla felt like there was still a possibility she and Nathan could remain together.

  Kayla walked through the living room area, seeing that everything was as it had been last night. She looked at the clock on the wall. She had half an hour to get to class.

  When Kayla looked over at the small kitchen in the side of the room, she saw Nathan wasn’t there. She frowned, wondering where he’d gone to. Kayla then went to check the bathroom. It was empty.

  He can’t possibly have left me here by myself as if I were nothing but a one-night stand.

  Kayla returned to the living room, starting to fume. She squinted as she scanned the room, and her eyes fell on an envelope on top of the coffee table.

  Walking warily towards the envelope, she opened it and unfolded the letter.

  Dear Kayla,

  I would like to thank you for every happy moment that you shared with me. Ever since I met you, I knew we would be special in each other’s lives. Your beauty captivated me right away. When I got to know you better, I started falling in love with you. You made me happy when I thought that nothing else could.

  Please don’t hate me for having to say goodbye. I can’t love you the way you deserve. I need you to understand that. We can only be friends now. You deserve someone who will protect you, and cherish you, and love you unconditionally.

  There will always be a special place for you in my heart. Always keep that in mind.

  Love, always

  Nathan

  After reading the letter, Kayla almost broke down right then and there. A powerful wave of sadness overcame her. The words hurt like a knife in her chest.

  Last night’s efforts were for nothing. Nathan chose Amanda after all.

  Kayla crumpled the letter in her hands. She fell to her knees, her back hitting the sofa. She covered her face with her hands, starting to cry uncontrollably. Kayla had never felt the awful pain of a broken heart. She collapsed on the floor, completely forgetting that she was going to miss school. Kayla felt so bad she wouldn’t have minded to die at that moment.

  About an hour later, Kayla woke up. She had cried herself to sleep. She straightened up, looking at her surroundings. And that’s when it hit her again.

  Yeah. It wasn’t a bad dream. It’s real.

  Kayla stood up and went to the bathroom. She cleaned herself thoroughly, not wanting to look like the broken mess she was inside.

  Once she was ready, Kayla grabbed her things and left the hotel room. She made sure to clean up everything, including the rose petals. As for the expensive lingerie and shoes that she’d been given money to buy, Kayla abandoned them both. Whoever booked the room next could have them. She almost couldn’t resist taking the shoes, but they’d remind her of the night that she failed to recover Nathan.

  Kayla drove to her new apartment, having no intention to attend classes. There was only one thing left that gave her the strength to keep going. Kayla walked to her study. It was a section of her bedroom where she had placed her desk. On top of it was her laptop computer. She switched it on, wanting to start working on her next project. Kayla felt glad to be a novelist. It allowed her an escape from reality whenever she needed it.

  As Kayla planned what to write next, she was glad that her broken heart wasn’t inhibiting her talent. Nothing could take away her passion for writing. She opened her note-taking application and then got an idea.

  Am I seriously willing to do this?

  Kayla paused. She didn’t know whether she was emotionally ready to work on the idea she’d just had.

  Let’s shelve that for later. I’m too hurt right now.

  Kayla decided to start working on the sequel to the novel that she would be publishing soon. As usual, she started brainstorming ideas for the story. As she wrote, Kayla began to lose herself in her work. It was one thing she loved about it: that it kept her mind busy.

  During lunchtime, Nathan searched for Amanda. He had to apologize to her for having stood her up the previous night. They’d been supposed to go on a date.

  As he walked by the library, Nathan ran into Ashton.

  “Hey, bro,” the latter greeted. “What have you been up to these days?”

  Nathan smiled sheepishly. He hadn’t seen Ashton much since he’d moved out of their dorm. Plus, Nathan had been too busy settling things with Kayla and Amanda.

  “Just busy. I’m looking for Amanda. Have you seen her around?”

  “Yeah, I ran into her on the hallway while I was on my way from my third class. She looked pretty upset.”

  Nathan frowned.

  “What? Upset?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  I guess she didn’t take my absence yesterday well.

  “Do you know where she went?”

  “No. Our lunchtimes coincide a bit, so you might not have much time left to find her.”

  That didn’t make Nathan feel hopeful.

  “How’s your new apartment, by the way?” Ashton asked. He knew Nathan had moved to Lansing West.

  “It’s great. The apartment’s cozy and spacious. It’s not in the same building as Amanda’s, but it’s something.”

  “You’re a lucky bastard.”

  “Yeah, I got lucky.”

  “Just so you know, I would have kicked you out if you hadn’t left,” Ashton said. “We’re in our third year. Girls get suspicious of two guys living together.”

  “I know,” Nathan said with a chuckle. “Oddly, neither of us has been able to find a steady girlfriend to move in with.”

  “I hadn’t even been looking for a steady girlfriend in the first place.”

  “Hey, about that. Have you made up with Grecia? I thought you would take the opportunity to have her move in with you.”

  “I haven’t seen her lately. Frankly, I’m afraid to walk up to her. Grecia’s not a girl to cross, that’s for sure.”

  “How do you feel about her?”

  Ashton sighed, thinking for a moment.

  “I think she may be my Mary Jane. But I fear that I’m not enough for her. She deserves someone better.”

  Nathan shook his head.

  “You finally find your match, and you are reluctant to date her. Unbelievable.”

  “It’s difficult, man. I’m not doing a good job showing her that I can handle commitment.”

  “Up your game. When it’s your true love, you have to be willing to do even the impossible,” said Nathan.

  “What do you think I should do?”

  “I don’t know. What do you think?”

  Ashton shrugged. Nathan got an idea.

  “You know…you could buy concert tickets.”

  Ashton’s eyes lit up.

  “Dude, that’s a great idea! I think Grecia will love it.”

  “You know which bands are her favorite, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then search the Internet and find out which one is playing nearby soon. Get the tickets, and take her with you. You can spare a weekend.”

  “I’ll figure it out. Thanks, bro.”

  “No problem.”

  Ashton nodded.

  “Okay, I should
go now. You still need to find Amanda, and you have class soon.”

  “See you,” Nathan said, and Ashton walked away. The former continued looking for Amanda. He was pondering whether he should go look for her at her apartment.

  Less than five minutes later, Nathan finally saw Amanda. She seemed to be walking towards Emmy’s dorm. Nathan advanced towards her.

  “Hi, Amanda.”

  Amanda halted in her tracks. Then she turned to look at Nathan. His expression became concerned when he saw the look on her face.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, walking towards her. When Nathan reached her, Amanda slapped him so fast he almost didn’t know what hit him.

  “Go away!” Amanda yelled, looking close to tears. “I don’t want to see you.”

  Nathan looked at Amanda with utter shock.

  “What the hell have I done to you?”

  “You think I’m a fool or what? I won’t fall for your games, Nathan. I thought you were serious.”

  “What are you talking about? I’m serious about you.”

  “No. You just want me because you think I’m prettier than Kayla. But you know what? I’m not a freakin’ trophy.”

  “I never said such a thing,” said Nathan, trying to close the distance between them. Amanda took a step back. “I told you how I feel about you.”

  “Too bad your actions say otherwise.”

  Nathan frowned, confused.

  “My actions? What do you mean?”

  “Can you at least have the decency to admit it? You’re making me feel like your toy.”

  “I may be many things,” Nathan said, his voice bordering on the edge of fury, “but never a player,” he said. He then cupped Amanda’s face in his hands. Nathan saw tears starting to fall down her cheeks.

  “Liar.”

  “I love you, Amanda! I’ve told you that.”

  “You don’t. You still love Kayla.”

  Nathan blanched, shocked.

  “What?”

  “I’m not a fool. I caught you last night with her.”

  Nathan dropped his hands. He staggered back a bit, stricken by fear.

  “How did you—?”

  “Why did you track me down to my apartment to tell me you love me when you and Kayla are still together?”

  “We-we’re not! Kayla and I broke up.”

  “Oh, you broke up? It didn’t look like that to me. You obviously couldn’t resist her.”

  “It’s not what you think!”

  “Yeah, they always say that. Excuses, excuses.”

  “Amanda, I’m in love with you!”

  “Don’t say that! You’re just like the rest of them. Men only show interest in me because of my beauty.”

  “That’s not true. Not with me.”

  “Stop lying! I don’t want to see you again,” said Amanda, turning around to walk away.

  “Wait! How did you end up at the hotel room?”

  “Don’t play the innocent. You asked me to be there.”

  Nathan’s mouth formed a large O.

  “I did not!”

  “At least have the decency to admit it!” Amanda shook her head before continuing, “I thought you were different. But I was wrong.”

  Nathan’s brain scrambled for more to say. He took long enough for Amanda to take a few steps away.

  “I—I can explain what happened.”

  Amanda didn’t stop walking as she answered.

  “There’s nothing to explain. I saw everything.”

  Nathan walked forward and grabbed Amanda by the arm. She spun around and slapped him. When he turned to look back at her, his expression was gob smacked.

  “Stay away from me,” Amanda snapped, shaking her index finger at him. Then she turned around and hastily walked away. Nathan stood there, watching her leave. Fear suddenly coursed through him. Nathan really didn’t want to lose Amanda. He couldn’t.

  Being in love with someone so unreachable is tough, Nathan thought to himself, clenching his fists. But she’s damn worth the fight. I won’t give up on the girl of my dreams.

  As Kayla was walking back to class, the guy who’d spoken to her the previous week intercepted her. She stopped, looking apprehensive.

  “What do you want?” she asked.

  “You haven’t done what I told you. Nathan is out there madly in search of Amanda.”

  “Listen, I don’t know who you are. And I don’t care what you want from me. If you really want Amanda, why don’t you talk to her yourself?”

  “You were supposed to make Nathan stay with you. He stands in my way.”

  “I won’t force him to love me.”

  “You have to.”

  “Excuse me?” Kayla said, placing her hands on her hips. “You better tone it down a tad. I’m jumping to some conclusions here you wouldn’t like to hear.”

  The guy just stood there in disbelief, watching Kayla leer at him.

  “What happened? Weren’t you in love with him?”

  “Very much. But like I said, I’m not going to force him to be with me. You want Amanda, go win her heart by yourself. Aren’t you a big boy?”

  Kayla turned on her heel and walked away, shaking her head.

  Amanda vehemently avoided Nathan at school the rest of the week. She kept her mind busy with schoolwork, modeling, and browsing the Houzz Web site. She was fascinated by the inspiration that the design ideas gave her. She was hurting a lot because of what Nathan did to her, but Amanda wasn’t the type of girl to sit around and cry when things went bad.

  As she looked at a bedroom design she liked, Amanda heard her doorbell ring. She didn’t react, letting Hughes answer the door. He came into her room seconds later.

  “Judith and Emmy are here to see you.”

  “Oh! I’ll see them right now,” Amanda said, and Hughes left. She stood up, looking at herself in her mirror. Amanda didn’t look as frightful as in the morning after the shocking discovery, but she still didn’t look like her usual self. Maybe what she needed was a distraction.

  Without fixing her appearance, Amanda walked to the living room. Judith and Emmy stood in front of the sofa.

  “Hi, friend,” Judith said when Amanda entered the room.

  “Are you okay?” Emmy asked. “We noticed that you’ve been looking real upset today in class lately, and thought we could do something to help.”

  “Thanks, but I’m fine,” Amanda said, sitting on the armchair next to the coffee table and large sofa.

  “Your appearance betrays you,” said Judith. “I’ve never seen you like this.”

  “Tell us what’s bothering you.”

  Amanda sighed.

  “Bothering is putting it mildly. I would say I’m freakin’ disappointed.”

  “In who?” Emmy asked as she and Judith sat down on the sofa. Amanda waited before answering.

  “Nathan.”

  Judith and Emmy exchanged puzzled looks.

  “I thought you two were together now.”

  “He wishes he were that lucky.”

  Emmy raised her eyebrows.

  “What did Nathan do to deserve your hostility? He has been nothing but kind to you.”

  “Emmy,” said Amanda, thinking her words carefully. “There’s nothing kind about rubbing in my face that he loves his girlfriend.”

  “Rubbing in your face? But they broke up.”

  “That’s what he had me believe.”

  “You must be mistaken,” Judith said. “Didn’t you tell me the other day that Nathan declared his love to you?”

  “Cynic bastard. He didn’t break up with Kayla then, and he certainly hasn’t broken up with her now.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  Amanda pondered whether she should share everything with her friends.

  “He sent me a damn note asking me to meet him at a hotel close by.”

  Emmy’s eyes widened.

  “Subtle much?”

  “Exactly what I thought at first. Given what he actually cited me there
for, I wish he’d summoned me there for you know what.”

  “What was it about, then?” asked Judith.

  Amanda sighed, closing her eyes.

  “When I got there, the place was semi-dark. It didn’t take me long to notice a trail of petals on the floor. I followed them to the bedroom.”

  “And he was there?” Emmy prompted, as Amanda had paused to recompose herself.

  “Yes. But he wasn’t alone. He was with his girlfriend.”

  Judith and Emmy looked confused.

  “I don’t understand. Why would he ask you both to be there? In a hotel room, of all places?”

  “To hurt me, of course. I saw Kayla, who was…doing a striptease for him.”

  Emmy’s jaw dropped.

  “You must have been dreaming.”

  “I wish, Emmy, I wish. But I’m not mistaken. The two of them were there. It’s bad enough that she had no clothes on—she had lingerie that could only have been bought someplace expensive.”

  Judith’s expression started to become angry.

  “If Nathan really did that to you, then he’s a big jerk. He doesn’t deserve you crying over him.”

  Emmy put a hand on Judith’s shoulder to try to calm her down. Then she looked at Amanda.

  “Amanda, you have to be mistaken. Nathan is in love with you. There’s no way he’d put on a show like that to hurt you.”

  “I saw what I saw. I was on my full five senses.”

  “There has to be an explanation,” Emmy said. “Maybe you’ve both been set up.”

  Amanda forced a laugh.

  “This isn’t a soap opera.”

  “Yeah,” said Judith, her jaw set. “I can’t believe it. First Ashton plays with my heart, and now Nathan’s doing the same to you. They’re the same.”

  Emmy just shrugged, thinking hard.

  “There’s definitely something fishy. Are you sure the note was even from Nathan?”

  “Positive. I admit I’m unfamiliar with his handwriting, but it looked much like another note he’d given me before.”

  “I don’t know what to think.”

  “Just don’t, Amanda,” Judith told her. “Move on. I have no regrets about kicking Ashton to the curb. He thought it would be fun to make me his latest notch on the bedpost.”