by Yuriko Hime
“Maybe.”
“Oh? Won’t you tell your Peter Pan?”
I smiled coyly. “Only if Peter Pan strips.”
She was startled. “You mean now?”
I placed the flower on the nearest sink and looked back at Glace. “I’ve always wanted to try it inside the bathroom. Let’s do it quickly in one of the cubicles.” Glace gulped loudly. She was staring at me like I grew another head. “Strip,” I commanded.
With a nod of her head, she reached out to the hem of her dress. She was serious about this. “Stop.” I guffawed. “Oh my God. Stop Glace, I was just kidding.”
“I can’t believe I fell for that,” she complained. I laughed while she shook her head.
“Sorry. It was the perfect opportunity.”
“I’ll get you for this,” she warned. Glace moved to tickle me. I ran to the other side of the bathroom with her in pursuit. We were like children playing and screeching with delight, uncaring for anyone who could possibly hear us. It was nice to laugh again after weeks of going through so much. “You have nowhere to run.” Her eyes gleamed. My back was pressed to the wall.
“I won’t surrender.” I turned the faucet on to my left and cupped a small amount of water on my hands. Before she could react, I was already spraying her. She did the same move to get back at me. We did it repeatedly while laughing hysterically, until we heard someone knock on the door. Fudge. Glace had a baffled look as she straightened her dress. It was too easy for her to maintain composure when she opened the bathroom door. If it was me, I would have looked guilty as hell.
Mom, Henry, Patty, Tim, including Eris went inside and closed the door behind them. Woah. The whole gang was here. “We were looking all over for you,” mom said to Glace. Her tone wasn’t scolding. She even had a small smile on her lips. She must have heard us laughing. Glace’s hair was also dripping wet.
“Sorry Andrea,” Glace mumbled. “I just wanted to make Dulce happy before we go outside and get swarmed by the fans.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
Eris joined the conversation. “Someone conveniently leaked out that today was your graduation.” She pointed to Glace and me. “The fans and paparazzi are already gathered outside to have a piece of you. It’s war out there.”
“But it was so quiet when we arrived. Only the guests and parents were here.”
“That’s because we came early sweetie,” mom said. “And Violet here helped cover up the whole thing from the paparazzi.”
Eris waved her hand, blushing. “Please don’t call me that Andrea. I told you that everyone refers to me as Eris around here.”
“Violet.” Glace snickered.
“Shut up Frio.” Eris scowled. “Anyway, Kitty Galore and I came up with a plan.”
“Wait. Who exactly is Kitty Galore?” Henry asked. Tim raised his hand slowly with a sheepish expression, causing Henry to chuckle.
“Now that we’re all up to speed,” Eris continued. “We have a plan to get you out of here without the fans or anyone else knowing. We’ll tell everyone that you’ll have a meet and greet, sort of like a press conference. While people are focused on the front of the building, Pillow Princess will meet you with the getaway car out back.”
“I’m not even going to ask who the pillow princess is,” Henry muttered.
“What about our parents?” I asked.
Eris smiled at my question. “You’ll be using a van to fit everyone. The destination is Frio’s house. Kitty Galore and I will catch up. We need to make them believe that you’ll have a conference first.”
“But everyone will hate you when they find out you’re lying,” I said, concerned for my friend.
Eris pointed to herself smugly. “You forgot who you’re talking to Dulce. I’m the top model remember? Everyone loves me. In worst case scenario, I will remove my panties and toss it to the crowd to shut them up.” Patty growled beside her. “Which won’t happen babe,” Eris said. “So are we ready?” Everyone nodded. “Wait here until Tim calls for you.” The two, together with Patty went out in a hurry, leaving the rest of us inside the restroom.
Glace squeezed my hand. “This is all my fault. I should have protected you better.”
“Stop saying that. If anything, it’s Denise’s fault.” Glancing at Henry’s direction I said, “No offense.”
“None taken,” he replied. Everyone knew that what I said was true. But strangely, I was neither mad nor irritated at Denise. Yes she sent the picture to the paparazzi and yes there was no turning back now, but still. She was Glace’s sister. Someone knocked on the door before I had more time to think about Denise. It was Tim. This was it.
Lady luck was on our side. We pulled off the stunt quite effectively. Compared to the time that Tim and I escaped from my house, no one saw us take the back door. We arrived in Glace’s home, safe and sound. Tim and Eris followed soon after. For the first time in weeks, we had the opportunity to talk, eat, and act normal without any distractions. There were no paparazzi threatening to take my pictures. No fanatic guys and girls screaming Glace’s name. No scary strangers. It was just us and our family.
“Take care of her for a while,” mom said, staring at Glace while standing by the front door. It was hours after the party. Everyone else has already left except for her and Henry.
“You know I will Andrea.”
Mom turned to Henry. “Shall we go?”
“Yeah, I need to get my present for Denise. It’s a new car.” The two went on their way, talking about their jobs as they left the property. Now there was only Glace and me. Perfect!
I guided her to the bedroom. We have been staying here for a week. It felt like we were playing house instead of living a rather chaotic life. It was a dream come true. I sat on the bed and patted the space beside me. “Come here you. I missed you all day.” Though Glace followed my wishes, she did so impassively. Her thoughts were occupied by something else. How Glace's mood would shift from bubby to unpredictable in a second was still a mystery to me.
“No I love you’s? No, you’re beautiful Dulce?” I asked playfully. That look on her face was too bothersome. I wanted it gone.
“I need to tell you something,” she said.
“What is it?”
“Andrea and I have been talking," she said reluctantly. An abrupt pause. I sensed that she was afraid to tell me about it. My heart skipped a beat. What was going on?
“And?” I prompted.
“And we both agreed that it would be best if you leave the country for a while. It will only be for college. You want to take culinary right? France is one of the best destinations for that. If you learn there, you’ll have a bright future in that career.” She said it in such a hurry like I was a ticking time bomb, and I would explode when the seconds ran out.
Her words didn’t sink in. “What?” I asked in a barely audible whisper.
She took my hands and kissed it. “Baby, as long as you’re with me, you’ll never have a moment of peace again. You do realize that right? You won’t have a normal college experience. That’s why we want you to study in France.” She sighed. “There, you will have the best chefs teach you. There, you can go anywhere you wish without being bothered. There, your dreams will come true.”
My breath caught in my throat. All the happiness from today's celebration left my body like I was a deflated balloon. “Are you coming with me?”
Glace couldn’t look me in the eyes. “No,” she said with a slight tremble in her voice. My heart sank to the ground. “If I go with you, it will defeat the purpose.” Her eyes rose to meet mine. “But it will be perfect there. We contacted a famous chef and found a great place for you to stay.”
I stood up. I was having a hard time finding words to explain how disappointed and confused I was. “But you won’t be there. How can you say that there is perfect when the meaning of perfection is right here in front of me?” I paced the room back and forth, biting my lip as I tried to hold the crushing feeling in. Was this real
ly happening?
“Please think about it Dulce. This is the only way we know to make you happy. To make your dreams come true.” Her voice was pleading. But I was too mad to listen to her words.
I stopped walking and looked her in the eye. “I just got you back Glace, and now you’re telling me to go away. I mean it's ok if I go to another state. But France? That's too far.”
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I know that Wendy. But to be happy, sometimes you need to fly on your own.” She swallowed hard, looking like she was trying not to cry. “This is for your happiness, your dreams.”
“Don’t Wendy me,” I snapped. “My happiness is not for you to decide. Neither does my mom.” Her mouth opened to start another argument but I cut my eyes at her. They betrayed me. They wanted me gone, I thought bitterly. How could they? It was my decision to make. Wanting to break something, anything, I searched the room frantically. My eyes landed on the black jewelry box.
“Don’t,” she begged, knowing what I was about to do. I still did it anyway. I shattered the box in an enraged fit on the floor. Its single content bounced, then rolled away from us.
Tears blurred my vision as I saw the small plastic ring I gave her long ago on the floor. Glace moved to rush to my side. “Stop,” I said hoarsely. “I don’t want you near me right now. I’m so mad at you and my mom for making this decision for me.” Her shoulders sagged. Before I could do or say anything to hurt her, I walked out, leaving the door wide open.
The music room was where I ended up in. I played a sad song on the piano. The tone reflected what I was feeling. Unable to keep hold of my emotions, I cried silently, biting my lips as I did so. I choked on the burning sensation at the back of my throat. Though it was painful, I welcomed it like an old friend. It was a better alternative than being separated from Glace.
“I don’t want to sleep next to you,” I said as Glace carried me back to the bed that night. I must have fallen asleep after playing. She didn’t listen to me. I was still mad at her, but when she set me down on the soft mattress and lay beside me, I cuddled to her chest.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered next to my ear. I remained silent. “You don’t know how desperate I am to keep you beside me. If it was only up to me, I won’t allow you to leave. I love you too much,” she said bitterly. “But your mom wants the best for you. And I agree with her.” Her hands tightened around my waist. “I need you to fly. To do what you want. If I keep you from your dreams, someday you will look back and blame me, and end up hating me. But if I give you the opportunity now, hopefully someday you will fly back home to me.”
“Is that what you really want?” I murmured. Sadness didn’t even cover what I was feeling. It was more like I was dead inside. How could she even think that I would survive years in a foreign country, separated from her?
“It’s what you will want.”
I squeezed my eyes shut. “Give me time to think.”
Chapter 32. Decision
Dulce
Ever since our little spat on graduation day, Glace and I haven’t talked about the subject of studying abroad for college. My decision hasn’t been made yet though one week has passed. She didn’t dare ask me about it or even had the guts to bring up the topic. I think she was as scared as me. Afraid that we’d be separated, but more frightened of holding me back from my dreams.
I have never thought of going to college somewhere far. Before this whole chaotic business about the fans and paparazzi came to be, I’ve envisioned myself attending the nearest culinary school, not going to France to be trained by a famous master chef.
Glace and mom were also right. If I went to school here, I wouldn’t be able to concentrate or make friends like normal people did. I’d spend my days hiding from the paparazzi and fans. It was for these reasons that I needed time to think things through. Not only for me and Glace at present, but for our future in general. I needed to be rational about this.
Poking my head in the kitchen, I saw my girlfriend, clad in jeans shorts, a red tank top, plus apron while she prepared pancakes. She had her back to me, giving me the opportunity to lean on the door frame and stare at her. Glace loved to hum to herself while cooking. She was doing it now. Her sexy butt moved sideways in a rhythm, oblivious of my presence behind her.
I couldn’t help but laugh when she changed her humming to beatboxing. She rocked her head back and forth. She had many talents that I wasn’t aware of yet, even whilst I’ve known her for the longest time. Glace turned in my direction with a smirk when she heard me. “It’s always great to hear you laugh so early in the morning.” She raised the spoon she has been using to whisk the batter.
I walked inside the kitchen and sat on one of the stools in front of the black granite counter. “I didn’t know you’re talented at beatboxing.”
She shrugged, turning back to the mixture. Glace poured it on the pan. “I can do a lot of things with my mouth.”
I went behind her stealthily. “I know. You showed me last night remember?” I whispered near her ear. The small hair at her arms stood to attention. Smiling to myself, I slapped her behind and went back to the chair. “Cook me bacon?”
She tried to recover her voice by clearing her throat. “Sure. Anything for my Dulce.” Later, we sat side-by-side on the kitchen, eating pancakes and bacon, my favorite breakfast. “What are your plans for today?” she asked after sipping on her juice.
I stabbed the bacon with my fork. “Why do you think I have plans?”
“Because your hair is wet. Which means you took a shower already. Without me,” she added meaningfully. Ever since I’ve started sleeping here, Glace always found every excuse to bathe with me. Not that I was complaining. “You also changed your clothes,” she said. I glanced down at my jeans and blue tank top. The observation skill of this one was astounding.
“Yeah about that.” I took a bite of bacon. “Can I borrow your cap if you have another one? And sunglasses too. I want to go to the park.” Chewing slowly, I waited for her to digest the information I said.
“Sure. I have lots of that.” I was waiting for her to ask me questions. Other people would interrogate their girlfriends about where they were going, who they were going with, and what they would do. Glace wasn’t like that. She was contented with what I gave her. And because of that, I loved her more.
After eating, I took one of her cars and drove straight to the park alone. Truth be told, I wasn’t meeting anyone. I needed time for myself. Time to think about my future. At the park, I sat on a bench underneath a large tree. I leaned comfortably on the metal seat and stared at the clear sky, enjoying the sunlight as it touched the leaves of the oak.
A mother with a toddler passed by. Compared to what people have been doing the past weeks, she didn't even glance at me. It must have been because of the disguise I was wearing. If only I could wear it every time, I thought sadly. But it was impossible. What about in college? People would definitely recognize me when I show up for classes. I’d never make friends at school who I could trust. At the back of my mind, I’d always wonder if everyone was befriending me because of my relationship with Glace.
Aside from that, Patty and Tim wouldn’t be able to have my back all the time since they were going to different universities. Tim wanted to be a lawyer like his parents, while Patty was aspiring to be an editor. They couldn’t protect me in college even if they wanted to. The same goes for Glace. Sooner or later she would go back to shooting movies, and I’d be left alone with no career and nothing to prove for myself.
Even if she did turn her back on being a celebrity, I wouldn’t want her to be stuck with someone who had nothing to offer. Like it or not, I was nothing yet. A nobody. Though Glace was head over heels for me, I wanted something more for myself. Something of my own. Something I could be proud of.
On the other hand, being apart from Glace would kill me. The separation would eat me alive. I wasn’t sure if I could handle it. Plus, my mom would stay here because of her job. I’d be alone
there, having a fresh start without all the people I loved.
Culinary would take two to four years to finish. Even if I took the shorter route, training under a mentor and building a name for myself would take a year or so, maybe more. It would take a lot of guts and inspiration for me to face all those challenges without the usual support system.
Sighing, I looked at the sky again. Glace told me to fly on my own to be happy, and return to her someday. Was it the right decision? Could I leave her for four years more? I needed to talk to someone, anyone besides Glace and my family. A person came to mind. I swiftly took the phone from my pocket and dialed her number. She answered in a few rings.
“I never thought you’d call.” She sounded out of breath.
“Meet me at the park. I’m here right now, in one of the benches near the hike trail.” I said my goodbyes and ended the call.
Twenty minutes after, Denise walked confidently to me, wearing her usual skirt and fitted top. “Babe I didn’t mean for any of that to happen,” was her form of greeting after sitting next to me.
She was about to say more but I cut her off with a shake of my head. “I didn’t ask you to come here for that. It’s too late for regrets Denise. Everyone knows about me and Glace.” She swallowed hard, looking like she wanted to crawl inside a hole. I removed my sunglasses to take a better look at her. “Do you know that I had the biggest crush on you for the longest time?” She shook her head, confused.
“Well I did. When you enrolled at our school in junior high, I literally thought that Barbie came to life.” She burst out laughing. At least her sadness was gone. “Yeah I know it was stupid of me,” I continued. “But something was different about you.”
She raised an eyebrow, a very Denise move that I honestly missed. “What?” she asked.
“I knew from the start that you were lesbian,” I said. “And knowing that someone as cute as you was like me, I wanted to get closer. That’s why we became friends.” I shielded my eyes as I stared at the sky. “When you turned me down when I told you I liked you, I was so disappointed, embarrassed even. To think that a pretty girl refused me kind of bruised my ego.”