CHAPTER 12 – I’m Falling For You
1811 Words
Simon’s POV
Driving back to the condo, I can’t help but be frustrated on how my ‘date’ with Ela ended up. It wasn’t a formal date since I caught her by surprise. But it could have been special if the rain just didn’t ruin it.
Why of all days did it have to rain today? I prepared everything for her. She wan’t even able to taste the food I woke up early to cook!
I know it’s no one’s fault, but I can’t avoid blaming myself for being negligent. I should’ve checked the weather. One good thing though, we were able to get really close... literally.
Her skin against mine, made me feel at ease. I feel safe and at peace, like I don’t have any care on this world. Her hair that smells like lavender. I don’t want to let her go. I want to keep her with me forever.
When I walked her to her door, I wanted to tell her something. I don’t exactly know what, it left me speechless. But I wanted her to know that rain and all, I enjoyed today. How I wanted to sky pour on endlessly so I can continue embracing her.
Her voice when she sang was like an angel lulling me. Her smile makes my heart melt. I love everything about her.
Shoot! That’s it! I should’ve known sooner. I’m falling for that girl. I’m falling in love with Gabriela. My Ela. But how can I tell her?
She hardly knew me besides from what’s in the internet and what I’ve told her so far. We had coffee. We call and text each other almost every night. We had a one-night stand.
That can be counted, right? But not a good reason. And today may be considered as a date. But how will she react if I confess? She might be taken aback. I don’t want to waste what we already have.
I guess, I need to take things slowly. She might take my being a celebrity as not a big deal, but what about all other things that come with it? She might think that I’m just playing with her, especially with our ‘first meeting’. I almost lost control of myself while we were inside the car a few hours ago.
I shake my head to get rid of the idea. I drove the rest of the way home looking forward to seeing my girl again. Yes, she’s my girl alright. I can’t wait, I miss her already.
Hell, I really got it bad, big time!
***********
Upon reaching my pad, I walked straight to my room and flopped myself on my bed. I just lied there staring at the white ceiling. I have to do something.
I can’t hide this feeling anymore. Whether I confess now or later, will change how I would act in front of her. Now that I’m sure that I love Ela, she would eventually notice something.
I flipped my phone open and called the person I know can definitely help me. Good thing he answered only after a few rings.
“Yun ho, what’s up?” he seemed to be lazing around again.
“Yeah, Tae Yoon, I’ good.” I answered, going straight to the point. “You have time? I need your help with something really important.”
“First Ji Won, now it’s me. User-friendly?” he feigned hurt. “Let me guess, it’s about Gabriela, right?”
“Okay, you got me. But I know I can count on you more than him” I said in desperation. “But please don’t tell him what I just said.”
“Of course, bro.” He chuckled in amusement. “So how can Love Doctor Tae Yoon be of service?”
“It doesn’t suit you, man.” I laughed at that. “Seriously though, Ela and I were already able to talk about what happened between us. Though we don’t have any closure regarding that, but we’re now friends.”
“And so?” was his short response, urging me to go on.
“So I took her on a friendly date today, but the rain messed it up.” I continued, making sure not to give much details. “Though, it helped in some way since we’re able to become closer.”
“Wait! Don’t tell me you took advantage of the situation again and ---“I cut him off.
“No of course not! I won’t do that to her.” I exclaimed in defense. “But I won’t deny the opportunity it provided. Understand what I mean?”
“Okay, okay. I get it.” He acknowledged. “Dude, you’re not usually like that. It’d obvious that you’re already head over hills for the girl.”
Bull’s eye!
“I know. I’m going crazy!” I admitted. “We just started being friends. I can’t just drop up to her doorstep and pour out my feelings, can I?”
I let out a deep sigh of frustration. This is the first time a girl made a huge impact on me after just a few meetings.
I’m completely whipped!
“Honestly, if I’m in your place, I won’t know what do either.” He finally said after being silent for a while.
“As hard as it may seem, you just need to wait for her to feel the same way. There’s nothing you can really do, but continue being a friend. And hopefully, you can bring your relationship to the next level.”
I let all that he said sink in. He’s right. I need to be patient until the time that Ela falls for me too.
“You’re actually lucky not to have any competition.” He added.
Oh, yeah. I haven’t thought of that. But she never mentioned anyone. I don’t wanna ask either, she’ll be freaked out. So I just pray that there isn’t.
“Hey, don’t say that. I won’t be able to sleep thinking of another man near her.” I whined. He just sniggered at me. “Are you done making fun of me?”
“Sorry dude, it’s just not like you to act like this.” Trying to suppress his laughter. “Who would imagine a lovesick Lee Yun Ho?”
I’m already getting annoyed with him, but preferred not to say anything. I’m asking for his help after all, so I’ll let him go this time.
“You can still have your relationship go further actually.” He finally said seriously.
Huh? And how is that?
“Well, you can be best friends.” He continued. “That way you’ll be closer, get to know each other more, and perhaps you can finally be honest of your feelings with her.”
I just listened, trying to absorb everything he’s telling me.
“How about inviting her to our next dinner with Ji Won?” He suggested. “It’s one way of letting her feel that she’s not just any other friend. Perhaps you can let her bring someone along, so she won’t feel awkward.”
I suddenly thought of her housemate Rachel, whom she mentioned she’s been close with since college. Maybe I can ask her help to achieve my goal.
“She lives with her best friend. I could tell her to tag along.” I told Tae Yeon.
“That’s great. So next week at 7pm?” Same place.” He recommended.
“Alright, I’ll call Ela and let her know.” I replied. “I’ll give you an update after.”
“Oh, so you already have a pet name for her? Ela is that?” he teased.
“That’s what I want to call her.” I retorted. “And I’m the only one allowed to call her that, understand?”
“Fine, fine. No complains here.” He chuckled. “Just chill.”
I sighed and said, “I’m not used to this feeling man. Sorry.”
“No harm done. Everything will fall through eventually.” He assured me.
“Thanks, bro. I really owe you guys a lot.” I said in appreciation. “I’ll see you next week then.”
“Got it. Bye.” He ended the call.
I stood up and started pacing around my room. Realizing my feeling for Ela is making a huge impact on me, that the mere idea of calling her makes me nervous.
What if she says no? Then call her, you i***t!
I let out a loud exhale, like I’ve been holding my breath for long. Then I dialed her number on my phone that I’m still holding. It’s just ringing.
She must be sleeping already. But it’s not that late yet. I guess I’ll just call her tomorrow or another day. Dinner’s still next week anyway.
I was about to cancel the call, when she finally answered. “Hello, Simon?”
I can listen to that voice all night.
“Oh, uhm.. H-hi Ela! I was just wondering if we can have dinner next week?” I stammered. “I mean, not just the two of, but with my friends. You know, Tae Yeon and Ji Won? They want to meet you.”
Darn it! Why am I stuttering?
“Really? She exclaimed in disbelief. “Why would they want to meet me?”
“You see… Uhm… They helped me find you, so they want to meet you in person.” I explained, hoping she’ll buy it. “You can come with Rachel if you like. If that’s gonna make you comfortable.”
“Oh, believe me. He’ll be very excited.” She seemed to be relived and amused with the idea. I suddenly remembered her friend’s reaction this morning when she opened the door for me. Really funny girl.
Her next response stopped me from spacing out. “By the way, have you eaten? You didn’t eat anything earlier.”
“Yeah, I’m good.” I lied. “Did you like the food I made?”
“Really, you made all those? Wow! Those were really good.” she gasped.
“It’s true. Just kinda sad you were not able to taste everything.” I said with disappointment.
“Hey, I told you it’s not your fault.” She lectured. “That’s actually the sweetest thing someone has done for me so far.”
I can’t help but be proud of myself, knowing that she was happy with what I did.
All for you, my love.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then?” she finally said with a yawn. “I’ll return the blanket as well. Good night. Bye.”
“Yup, see you.” I said not wanting to end the call. “Good night, Ela.”
I love you.
The line was off.
- Writer
