No Ordinary Love - Chapter 4

After lunch, I went with Joanna. I walked with her towards the concert hall.

“Joanna,” I called.

“Yes,” she answered.

“What is your punishment?” I asked.

“Well, I guess we should wait for the summer to come,” she answered back and continued walking.

What is it? She’s really so clever. But whatever she says to the Prince, I still don’t care. As long as everything’s okay between us. At least my burden is lessened.

When I went to get my car, I saw Raven leaning on it. My heart beat faster and I felt my blood came raging through my veins, my feet suddenly moved and walked by itself towards him.

“Hi best!” he greeted. By the time I’m close enough to him, I gave him a hard slap on the face. He was shocked, so was I. I didn’t know I would be able to do that. Silence fell between us. I looked at my hands with an unknown expression. My eyes started to water and my heartbeat is still beating fast.

“What’s that for?” he asked in a low voice. He seemed to be mad or disappointed. Then, I started crying.

“I’m… I’m… I’m sorry,” I said in a shaky voice and went in side my car. I then hurriedly look for my car keys. But before I could find it, Raven opened my door. He pulled me out and he is taking me somewhere I don’t know.

He deserves to be like this after I slap him. But I guess I deserve to slap him, after what I heard before lunch. I don’t think I overreact. I was betrayed, by my very own best friend, how could I not react to it?

We arrive in a bench located between two trees. He is still holding my hand but we are looking away from each other. He pressed my hands and let go of it.

I heard him sigh and said, “Now tell me, what is that for?” I didn’t give any answer. I keep silent. I don’t know what to say or how to say it.

“Tell me!” he shouted but he didn’t bother to face me.

“You lied to me!” I shouted back and tears started to fall again but I’m not looking at him.

At the sound of the word lie, he push me to face him, “Lied to you? What do you mean? I’ve told everything to you, how can I lie?”

What the? How could he be like this? He doesn’t know what I’m saying. And he is saying that he have told me everything? I don’t think he did.

“Told everything?” I said giving him an angry look and added, “are you sure you really did?”

“I… I… I…” he started but it seems that he can’t utter his words.

“I what?” I asked and added, “I-betrayed-my-best-friend-and-made-an-agreement-with-this-girl-just-to-win-her-heart. Is that what you’re going to say, huh?”

He looked at me in puzzlement. He’s shocked.

“You know where I got to know about this?” I asked. He wasn’t able to say a thing. He just looked at me wide-eyed. After examining his reaction I said pointing my forefinger, “I heard it from you!”

“M… m… me?” he stammered.

“Yes! From you! I overheard you and this girl. I saw you on my way to meet my friends and invite you to have lunch with us. I was about to approach you but I noticed that you are talking with somebody. I was curious what you two were talking about so I hide and so I heard what that brat girl had said. I heard that you want to be closer to me to win me and that she wants Dave and that she does not care what will happen to me,” I said to him and I cried. Tears come out of my eye.

“I’m sorry,” he said and added, “I didn’t mean to do that. It’s just that it’s the only I know to win your heart. And—”

“If you really love me, why are you hurting me? Why? Come on, tell me! Why?” I cut in.

“It’s because that’s the way I love,” he reasoned out.

“The way you love?” I said, let out a big sigh and added, “Excuse me? Are you saying this is the way you look at love?” He didn’t give any response. I then said quickly, “if that is so I suggest you change the way you look at it because I don’t think any girl will fall into that.”

I didn’t wait for any response and hurriedly went back to my car. I leaned my forehead on the steering wheel with tears still falling from my eyes. I don’t know how to react. I don’t know how to deal with it. I then throw myself on the car seat heads up. I let out a big sigh and started my car engines.

When I went home, mom and dad are already having dinner. They were, as always, sweet and romantic. I wish they will not notice me and I wish they would continue being like that until the end of time. But unfortunately, Dad noticed me.

“Hi there sweetie,” Dad greeted before drinking his juice.

“Hi dad,” I greeted back and started walking towards the dining table.

“Hi honey,” Mom greeted when I’m already six steps away from the door.

“Hi mom,” I greeted back and sat on my usual seat.

“So, how’s the guitar strings going on?” Dad asked with enjoyment.

“Oh it’s fine, really. Actually we’re going to have a soiree next week for our department,” I answered and help myself with the meal.

“That sounds good. And who will be your date?” Mom asked.

“My friends,” I casually answered.

“That’s not what I mean,” Mom said.

“Oh you mean a date like with a guy or something?” I asked her and she nodded. I examined her face and said, “I don’t have.”

“No way,” mom reacted as if she is a teenage gal.

“Yes way,” I answered back.

“You’ve got to find one,” she suggested, no, it was an order, I guess. She didn’t wait for any response from me and hurriedly said, “Why not take Raven?”

“Mom, I’m sure he’s going to have a date,” I defended.

“How ‘bout your cousin?” she asked.

“Cousin who? Mom, I only knew a few,” I said.

“Well, how ‘bout the closest one,” she said playfully.

“The closest one?” I asked curiously.

“Raven,” she answered casually.

“I think he already have a date,” I answered. But the real thing is, I want Dave to be my date on the soiree.

“Did you ask him?” Dad asked.

“No,” I answered and added, “But he always goes with this girl whom I don’t know. And mom, dad, we all know who I like the most, right?”

“Well, why not take him?” Mom asked.

“Well, we had a little conflict to solve,” I answered.

And the chitchat goes on and on until the washing of dishes. Mom went to their room while Dad went to his study. And I went to my room.

After taking the shower and putting on my sleepwear, I grab my laptop and started blogging and chatting with my friends. Ten o’clock and my friends started to fall asleep. So I stopped chatting but I received this IM from Dave.

‘Pick you up at 9. . . Pls. don’t 4get. . .(‘,’)’

It’s just a reminder. I thought he’s going to apologize or say something. And I don’t know what he is into. I sent a group message to my friends asking for their advice whether to go or not. I sat on my bed thinking about this. After moments of thinking over, I decided to take a rest. Who knows, the answer will be in my dream?

I walk up early that day. It was still 6 in the morning but I still feel sleepy. So I closed my eyes again. But I can’t sleep. My dream did not help me decide on what to do. I look up at the ceiling thinking whether to go or not.

If I’ll go, there is a possibility that he would apologize but there is also a possibility that he would just talk as if nothing happened. But if he will do that, why would he send me a reminder. But we’re not alone, how can he possibly do that? I guess I really should go to check it out for myself. But… But… But… Urgh!!! I don’t know!

I grab my laptop to check for new messages and updates. My friends send me messages of encouragement to go and messages to be sure of my decision. I also received Raven’s usual morning greeting and another reminder from Dave saying:

‘Hope u will go… (‘,’)’

Oh my! Will I go or not? I let out a big sigh and said, “I’ll go. No matter what will happen. Well, I wish everything will be good.” And I started preparing myself.

I put on my usual get up and prepared the stuff I want to bring fro that day, my laptop (to write songs or poems when I had the idea!), iPod (in case I feel bored on our way there!), digital camera (to capture moments!), video cam (to see it all), a book (for me to read whenever things get worst!), cell phone, wallet, palm organizer, music notebooks, pens, extra clothes, slippers, and my oral-hygiene kit, and put them all in my roomy messenger bag.

Thirty minutes before nine, I went down for breakfast. Mom and Dad are already having their breakfast. I went to the dining room and gave both of them a kiss on the cheek and my morning greetings. I sat on my usual seat at the dining table and put my messenger bag on the seat next to me.

“Where are you going?” Dad asked.

“I’m going out with my friends,” I answered casually as I reach for the peanut butter and a slice of the loaf of bread.

“Oh, the thirteen of you again,” Mom said.

“No, it’s not them this time,” I corrected while spreading the peanut butter over the slice of bread I lay flat on my plate.

“Well who?” Mom asked confused.

“My co-majors,” I answered as I took a bite of sandwich I made.

“Oh, I see,” Dad answered and added, “are there boys?”

“Yes,” I answered while chewing.

Mom and Dad looked at me in silence. Then Dad said, “Do I know these boys?”

“I guess so,” I answered and told him every detail of the boys we will be going with.

“It’s good that I’ve known of them and their families,” Dad commented.

Just after I finished my breakfast, Ana, our servant, called upon the arrival of Dave.

“Oh, he’s here, want to see him?” I asked as I stood up and grab my messenger bag. Mom and Dad followed me in the main door. Dave wore this printed white shirt, stonewashed jeans, sneakers and skater boy cap. He was leaning on his car. He immediately straightened himself when he saw us. He smiled when our eyes met but I gave him a disapproving look in return.

“Good morning Mr. & Mrs. Vance,” he greeted to Mom and Dad who came after me. Mom gave a wave while Dad gave a smile.

“So,” Dave started and added, “ready?”

“Yes,” I said coldly.

“Dave, please take care of my dear daughter,” Dad cut in.

Dave smiled and said, “I assure you of your daughter’s safety Mr. Vance.”

“Oh, stop calling us as Mr. and Mrs. You can call us Aunt or Uncle,” Mom told him and gave me a wink. He just smiled.

“So we got to go. The other guys are waiting for us,” Dave said. I then gave Mom and Dad a goodbye kiss. He opened the door of the front seat for me. Well, that’s so polite.

While in the car, we are both quiet. I took out my iPod and listen to some slow music. I comfortably lean my back on the seat with my eyes looking away from him.

After several minutes on the road, I began wondering where the other guys are. I took off my earplugs and asked, “Where are they? I thought we’re meeting them.”

“Haven’t you heard what I just said?” he asked.

“I’m sorry, but I did not,” I said and added, “I’ve got earplugs on my ears, remember?”

“Oh, I just said that they’re already on their way at the place and that we’re just going to meet them there,” he explained with eyes fixed on the road.

“I see,” I said and lean back on the car seat. Silence then fell between us. After a few moments, I want to break the ice between us but I can’t. I gathered all my courage but I can’t. So I just let myself sit here and let the time do its thing.

“You know what—” we both said in unison. We both sighed and looked away from each other.

“I just—” we did it for the second time.

“You first,” I said.

“No, you first,” he insisted.

“Okay,” I answered let out a big sigh and added, “Now, tell me, how is it going between you and Sandy?” I said. He just looked at me, blankly, and went back to the road. He didn’t even bother to say a word.

“Okay. I guess, that’s my cue not to ask about that,” I said awkwardly and look around and added, “Uhm… How far are we now from there?”

“Nine to ten miles, I guess,” he answered casually. Silence then fell again. And we went back to our usual businesses. I went back to sight-seeing and listening to music from my iPod while he went back concentrating on his driving.

Urgh! I want to beat him up! He’s so insensitive! Urgh! How could have I liked him? Is this what they call love? Oh man! It’s so stupid! This is a stupid thing! Urgh!

“You know what?” he suddenly said and added, “I don’t have the slightest idea of how you’ve known of Sandy.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I mean, only four of us knew about Sandy and then suddenly there you are asking me questions about her. So, tell me, how you knew about it?” he said.

“Marivic told me,” I quickly answered him.

“What?!” he smiled and added, “I mean, how come?”

“I don’t know how,” I answered.

“But—” he started.

“But, I really don’t know where she got that, understand?” I cut in.

“Okay… Okay…” he gave up. Silence fell again between us.

“Uhm… Are we there yet?” I asked with my eyes still locked on the outside.

“Not yet,” he answered.

“Okay. How long will this take us on the road?” I asked. I’m being impatient.

“Maybe fifteen to thirty minutes more,” he answered casually.

“Oh, I see,” I answered back and find a comfortable position on the car seat where I was sitting.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m looking for a comfortable place to sit,” I answered and finally found a comfortable position. I soon doze to sleep.

I was half awake when I felt something warm touch my face, twice and I also felt a something soft and comforting over me. I didn’t bother to check it, because it’s so comforting. So I decided to continue sleeping.

When I woke up, I was covered with Dave’s jacket. I can smell its manly scent. When I straightened up myself in the car seat, I noticed we were on this road. Cold and shady are, but there are rays of light coming through between leaves and branches of tall, huge trees on the sides of the road whose shadows covers the road. The road is very long. After minutes of unknown quantity, we stopped in this huge gate. It’s a wooden gate, made from branches of trees, artistically designed for a place like it.

“Is this it?” I asked as we went inside.

“Only the entrance,” he answered as we went in more. A large estate welcomed us. There were large trees and flowers. I can breathe clean, fresh air. I then saw a gray Honda civic and a Porsche car parked in front of this large kiosk where I can see the other guys in there. They wave their hands and watch us went out of the car.

“Hey, lovebirds, how’s the trip?” Bar asked.

“Bar,” I gave him a warning look as I went nearer in the kiosk.

“Just kidding,” he answered in a mischievous tone and smiled.

“So, how was the trip?” Mari asked eagerly when I went to them. Ross and Marivic came closer.

“The trip was good,” I answered back and the girls gave me a ‘what-else-happened’ look. I then said, “Okay, he covered me with his jacket while I was sleeping and nothing else, okay?”

“Okay,” they said in Unison but is wearing smiles of I don’t know. A few moments later a car came from what seemed like the main road of the estate. Dave went down to meet the car. It stopped in front of Dave. A man in white shirt and pants went out of the car.

“Hey kid,” the man greeted Dave and shook hands with him.

“Hey Pete,” Dave answered back.

“The houses are ready for you,” he informed Dave.

Houses? What is waiting for us here? What are his plans? I say it’s intriguing.

“Oh great, Thanks a lot Pete!” he answered and added, “You’re the man! By the way, meet my friends.” He then led him inside.

“Guys, I’d like you to meet, Pete,” he said and added, “He is our OIC in this place.” He then introduced us to him, one by one. He shook hands with the guys and wave at us. He then said that we will go to the venue proper. We went back to the cars. I went back to Dave’s car.

While we were in the car, I asked, “What are we going to do here?”

“Well, let’s just wait and see,” he answered. I did not bother to say another word. I just studied he place. This is a romantic place. It has a large flower garden and a fountain at the center. Wow, this is so cool. After the flower garden, a maze followed. But we did not play with the maze; we went through the center isle where there is a straight road. After that, another garden followed, but smaller than the first one and, at last, the big house. It has a large entrance. When we went in, it looks like a hotel. In front of the door were sofa’s arranged accordingly for the guests and a big painting on the wall. On the left side, there is a small bar with a pen and a book. We found out that it’s a guest book. We all signed in.

Dave took the lead. He opened this door on the right side which is, I think, the waiting room for VIPs. It has a modern style of interior design with a big plasma TV inside. We sat in the couch and he settled his things in the room and opened this small cupboard. It contained keys inside of I-don’t-know-which-doors. He took out many keys with labels. He then called somebody on the phone. We were chatting while waiting for him. I was making an entry in my blog. The entry goes:

Two weeks ago, he asked me for an out-of-town jam with our friends. I did not go for a ‘no’; instead I said a ‘yes’. I was so excited for this day to come. I was expecting he’ll do something romantic. But one week after, I heard about the shocking news. You know how much I was hurt. I was really badly hurt. And so too was my pride….

I wasn’t able to finish my blog entry because Dave called us up. He asked Bar, Hugh and Kareem to get the car. Dave, Kareem, I and the other girls went into the door leading us to what seem like road going down the little forest they got. The other side of the road is a very wide lawn with small huts on the side. After a few moments, the cars arrived. We rode back to where we were riding when we got there. Dave and I took the lead since he’s the one who knows the place.

We went through the thickness of the little forest they got. I can see big trees and little huts scattered all over the forest.

“Your place is interesting and mysterious,” I commented and added, “and I like it. Those are my type, interesting and mysterious.” I stressed the phrase ‘interesting and mysterious’ to give him a hint. But I guess that did not work. He just looked at me, smiled and went on driving.

Then we arrive in this place in the seashore. It’s a private beach resort of Dave’s family. We all went out of the car and had this similar reaction of the spectacular view in front of us. I can feel the cold breeze from the sea under the clear blue sky. There are small cottages lined up a few meters from the shore. I believe those were the houses that Pete mentioned.

“Wow, this is so, so cool,” Ross said in amazement.

While we, the three girls, let out our feelings of amazement, I overheard Hugh asked Dave, “So, what’s the game plan?”

Game plan? What could this mean?

We continued chatting and chatting until the boys were ready with the baggage and all that to proceed to the cottages.

The cottage is good for two people only. The first cottage is for Ross and Mari. The second one is for Kareem and Hugh; the third is for Jocko and Donald; the fourth is for Marivic and Matthew; the fifth one is for Bar and Charles, and; the last one is for us, Dave and I. Dave gave them instructions and proceeded thereafter.

“What? We’re going to be in one cottage?” I reacted.

“Unfortunately, yes,” he said.

“Don’t worry, Dave is harmless,” Donald assured me in a teasing tone.

I made a fake amazement and said coldly, “I’ve got no choice.” I then went in the cottage with my stuff. He went in next to me.

The cottage is big enough for two persons. It was perfectly designed. It has a large window revealing a scenic view of the sea. It has a porch both at the back and at the front.

I settled all my stuff on the floor. I looked around and asked, “So, what are we going to do now?”

“What do you mean?” he asked while checking the supplies and stuff in the cabinets and in the mini-fridge.

I looked at him. What the heck was he thinking? Urgh! I’m getting mad about this.

I was kind of irritated by his action and said, “Don’t bother, anymore. I guess it’s too nonsense to talk about.”

“Oh, come on,” he told me, “Just tell me.”

“Nothing, really,” I insisted.

“Okay,” he said. He finished checking things. Then he called the other guys through the intercom. He called for a lunch in the big hall.

“Are you sure you don’t want to say it?” he asked again. I shook my head for a ‘no’.

“Okay, so let’s go then,” he said.

“Okay. Anyways, here’s your jacket,” I said as I took it off. He accepted it and put it in the couch. I grabbed my bag with my valuables. He opened the door and let me out first then he followed.

The big hall is, obviously, big. It’s actually a kiosk like the one in the entrance only bigger. There is a big round table at the center with food in it.

We all go, “Whoa!” in amazement as we drew nearer to the table.

“You really are prepared for this, aren’t you?” Marivic said.

“Yeah, I guess you just did nothing,” I added and we all laughed.

“Oh come on guys. Stop it now. Let’s just sit down and eat,” Dave said. We then all took our seats.

After taking our seats, Bar grabbed the spoon and fork and played as if he is a hungry fat guy and said, “Hmmmm… I’m so hungry. Hmmmm…” We all laughed at this. We then eat our lunch full of chitchat and laughs.

After that indulging lunch, we change our clothes into beach wear. I wore this pair of brown bikini from billabong and put on a knitted shawl over it. We then went to the beachside. I chose to stay in the beach benches under the shades of the tree near the cottages and continue blogging.

“Why not join them?” Dave asked as he took his seat in front of me and offered me a glass of lemonade.

“I want to enjoy the beach in late afternoons rather than at this time of the day,” I explained.

“Oh, a version of late-night party,” he commented and laughed.

“Haha! Yeah! That’s so, so funny,” I said coldly as I took a sip of the lemonade he gave me. Then silence fell.

We stayed there together. We just lay our backs there without saying a word to each other. I was blogging while he watches the other guys playing in the water. There are times that we caught our eyes staring at each other and we end up laughing about it. And I guess that’s so romantic.

After a few minutes of just being there, he stood up and grabbed my hand.

“Com’on, let’s join them,” he said, still grabbing my wrist, as we run towards the shore.

We then had fun playing in the water. We had our own version of beach volleyball, made a sand castle, and did different games on the water and on the sand.

At night time, we had a bonfire on the seashore and had our dinner there. After our dinner we had again chitchats. Then we played several games. We had card games and the invented game of Mari and Ross.

While we are having fun playing, Dave whispered, “Can I talk to you?”

“Yeah, sure. What is it?” I asked.

“Can we do it privately?” he asked.

“Why should I go?” I asked.

“Because it is something that concerns you,” he reasoned out.

“You sure?” I asked again.

“Yeah, more than you think,” he assured.

“Okay,” I agreed.

“Excuse me guys,” he announced as we got up and continued, “Excuse us for a moment.” They then made sounds of giggles and excitement.

We went in this part of the shore where there is a white knitted swing tied around the two trees on each side. It has white pillows and white cover.

“What now?” I asked.

“Uhm… I know that I’ve hurt you and all,” he started.

“And?” I asked. All the emotions I got went back to me: hatred, anguish, hopelessness and all that. My emotions towards him also started to over me again.

“And I’m very sorry for that,” he answered.

“Yeah, you should be. I was really, really hurt. One day, you asked me for this out-of-town, then a week later, I heard about this news that you had you’re girlfriend. I was really hurt by that. I felt betrayed. I wished you haven’t invited me for this out-of-town thingy if you are going to have a girlfriend. Then for many days, I hardly see you and even talk to you. And then many things happened between those days. This is because, to tell you honestly, I was expecting something good to happen tonight,” I told him in angry voice putting all my emotions into it.

“Look, I do not really understand how you knew about Sandy. And—”

“And it is true?” I cut in, “You’re a two-timer! I can’t believe you can do that!”

“A two timer? What are you talking about?”

“What I’m talking about? What I’m talking about is that you have your girlfriend and you are now with me. Isn’t that two-timing for you?” I explained tears falling down my cheeks.

“Look, I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” he said.

“Why? Are you guilty?” I asked.

“No!” he almost shouted.

“Then why?” I asked finally crying.

“It’s because Sandy was never mine! I never flirted with her! We are just making fun of her!” he shouted.

“What?!?” I commented, “Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was about to tell you and explain everything to you but you did the first move,” he reasoned out in a soft voice.

I cried. I am guilty! How could I ever do that? I should have listened to him first before I make the first move! I’m so stupid! So damn!!

“I’m sorry,” I said while crying, “I was just carried away by my feelings. I’m sorry. I really am.”

“Hush, its okay,” he told me and calmed me down.

He let me sit down in the swing. Then I told him jokingly that he could sit so he won’t get varicose veins in standing their. He accepted my offer and sat beside me.

“You know what? Because of those things that happened, something good was realized and proved. I realized and proved to myself that,” he took a deep breath and continued, “that I have been so blind in not seeing these things.” He looked at me in the eye and I looked at him back.

“What things?” I asked with my eyes still locked with his.

“These things,” he said smiling still looking at me.

“Specifically, like?”

“Like… Like… Like what I’m seeing now through your eyes.”

“And what can you see through my eyes?”

“The one I never knew that I will be falling with.”

I smiled. At last, he felt it. I thought he’s all this so stone-hearted and all. But, he made me realize that he is not that. He let me into his own world.

“But, then,” he said looking away from me, “I knew will never be mine.”

“Never be yours? What makes you say that?” I asked. I’m confused.

“You already belong to someone else,” he said almost whispering.

“I do? You really think I do belong to someone else? Who told you that?”

“The one who owns you now,” he said.

“And who is this guy?” I asked.

“You do not know? How come you didn’t know about it?” he asked.

“Will I ask you if I know a thing?” I said.

“Are you playing some kind of a trick?” he asked.

“A trick? Oh come on! We’re on a serious conversation; would I try to interrupt it, huh?”

He looked at me, tight-lipped and with brows crossed in confusion. He then look away, “Naah! You’re playing trick on me.”

“A trick? Are you nuts?”

He looked at me again and then he asked, “Are you serious?”

“Of course I am. Now tell me who this guy is.”

“I won’t!” he said teasingly.

“Oh, please! Just tell me who this guy is and this conversation will flow smoothly again!”

He looked at my eyes to know whether I am serious or not. When he realized that I’m eager to know he then agreed and said, “Raven told me that you and he are getting along with each other. And that he is already you’re boyfriend. And he told me to back-off. That’s why I don’t want you to see me for days.”

“What?!? Did I really hear it right? It’s Raven who is saying that we are? Wow!” I said and throw myself on the swing. I look up at the sky and said, “Wow! Great job, Rave! You just won yourself three strikes in days! Wow! I never thought that you’d be able to do that!”

Dave tried to calm me down. He went to get me a drink. He went back with two cans of my favorite soda.

“Here you go,” he said as he held out a can of Cola to me and added, “I hope that would calm you down a bit.”

I smiled and said my thanks. He then sat beside me and tried to change the topic. I too was tired of that stressing thing I’ve discovered so I tried to forget about it. We then talked about the reasons why we had this conflict. We talked until we both doze off.