CHAPTER SIX – A Little Help From My Friends
1507 Words
I woke up today looking at the alarm clock on the side table. It was already 10:30 AM. I can't remember what time I slept last night due to over thinking about her and where could she be. Gabriela. Are you still in Korea?
I just spoke to Ji Won yesterday and unfortunately, he doesn't have news yet. I was quite annoyed with how long it's taking him. I know I shouldn't, but I just can't help it. I barely know her, but she's already doing this to me. Why?!
Realizing that lying around waiting for something to happen, won't really make any, I decided to go my own way of finding her.
I pushed my self out of bed, took a shower, put on some clothes, and got the key to my car. I'll just grab some food on the way. Besides, it's a long drive to Incheon.
***********
It's supposed to take only about an hour or so for me to reach my destination, but it felt like I've wasted my whole afternoon being stuck in traffic. What day is it today? It's like everybody decided to go out and bring their cars on the streets at the same time. Great. Just Great!
I chewed on the remaining piece of the donut I bought with the green tea at a local coffee shop few blocks away from the condo. I finished everything in a short period of time. Then seeing an open garbage can nearby, I three-point shoot the trash from the window of my car.
"Aja!" I cried together with a punch in the air. I must've caught attention for what I did. Good thing, I brought my shades with me and put it on, to somehow cover my identity. Hopefully, it works.
I concentrated on the vehicles around me, still no budge. Times like this, one can't really help but get irritated and lose their sanity. Damn it!
I don't know why, but my phone appeared to my vision, and it hit me. I have her number. Why didn't I try to call her all this time? The solution to my problem is right in front of me all along! That's it, I'm such a moron!
Luckily, I stored the digits already, so I scrolled for it and dialed, praying to hear her voice again. I think I looked stupid for being excited to talk to her. I can't erase the smile that seems to appear on my face as I listen to the rings on the other line.
After what seemed to be a hundred rings, a woman's voice came. "Hel-"
"The number you're calling is either unattended or out of coverage area. Please try again later."
What?! I looked at my phone like it suddenly asked me where Lady Gaga was born. I almost thought it was her. Stupid voice recordings!
I tried calling again and again, but the same thing happened over and over. By the tenth try, I guess, it's finally a busy tone. What the hell?!
She could've taken it as an emergency call and answered it. But why didn't she? What is she doing? Wait! Maybe she doesn't have her phone with her. But no, no one would do that! No one would ever live without a phone. Oh God! What am I thinking?!
All these things keep running on my mind. How pathetic of me! I threw my phone on the passenger seat and let out a sigh of defeat. Being upset won't do me good. I need to focus and stay positive.
Hearing my phone ringing snapped me out. Maybe she thought of returning my call after all! I answered immediately, not looking at the caller ID.
"H-hello!" I sounded like a kid having a surprise birthday party.
"Yo, man! Why sound so excited?" I heard the annoying amusement on his tone. He must've noticed my reaction for I didn't say anything.
"Okay, I'm just joking." Him, being serious now. "But I guess, you should really be excited."
"What do you want? I'm driving. I can't stay on the phone for long." I replied replacing my disappointment with irritation.
"Cool down, will you?" he said. "I actually have good news for you. It's about this Gabriela."
What he said felt like music to my ears. I can't wait to hear more. Though, he really didn't say much. Instead, he blackmailed me on giving the details if I agree to go out with him and Tae Yeon again over the weekend.
Of course, I gave in. I don't have any choice anyway. Besides, it's been a while since the last time the three of us had the opportunity to relax and have a good time. We've been busy from the time we somehow made it big in the entertainment world. In some ways, I missed our get-together's too.
Park Tae Yeon is, in fact, an actor too. We were like "batch mates" in showbiz. We even had the chance to work together in a mini series. He and Ji Won had with each other too. I actually hoped that three of us would be able to do a movie or something together, maybe like 'The Three Musketeers". Haha!
***************
Weekend came. I arrived at JJ's Lounge Bar earlier than usual. I can't hide the fact that I'm really looking forward to this day ever since Ji Won called me. He'll be arriving with Tae Yeon, that's what he said.
Not much people go to JJ's at this time of day, that's why we prefer to meet here to avoid being devoured by fans and paparazzi. I can't blame them actually. It's hard to ignore three famous good-looking guys in one place at the same time. Ha! Me and my ego again!
I tapped my fingers on our usual table as I wait for the two of them to arrive. Soon enough, I saw the two of them enter the bar and walk my way. We made our fists slam and taps on the back greeting that we always do when we see each other.
"What's up dude? I heard that you're going gaga over a girl." Tae Yeon was the one to start as they settled on their seats. "Sorry to say this, but... It's not you, man."
I glared at Ji Won, who's talking to a waiter, for spilling the "special assignment" I gave him to our friend. The telling should come from me. But as I've said, he's our friend. Sooner or later, he'll know about it, too. Ji Won must've got it and gave me an apologetic look.
I turned back to Tae Yeon. "Yeah, I know." I can't help but scratch my head as I continue, "I don't really know what got into me but let me just tell you how it started."
I told them everything, from how I met Gabriela, up to asking Ji Won's aid on finding her.
"You slept with a random girl?!" Tae Yeon exclaimed shaking his head, "Wow, I don't really know what to say... But one thing's sure. She's no ordinary woman to do that to you."
"I guess so."" I admitted. "That's why I turned to Mr. Spoiler here," motioning to Ji Won, "so I could somehow get to know her"
"C'mon, Yun Ho, I already told you I'm sorry." Ji Won finally spoke sounding sincere. Then he shoved an envelope to my direction. "Anyway, I think this would help."
I opened it and found my self looking at a pile of papers with information about Gabriela. I felt my heart do a somersault as I read through.
The same waiter came back with our orders. Since we're regular customers here, they already know what we'll get.
"How'd you get all these?" I know it's not impossible for Ji Won to do it. Well, that's the reason why I asked his help in the first place. I just don't know what to say.
'I think you already know the answer to that, my friend." He replied with a chuckle. I'm aware that I look like a fool now. "But I want to say sorry again. You see, I looked at it before I gave it to you."
What?! No, forget it. He's the one who got it first anyway. 'Okay, whatever. It doesn't matter." I shrugged. I'd get back to him next time.
"In that case, can I look at it, too?" It's Tae Yeon turn to speak again. I gave the papers to, looking at his reaction as he reads, sipping on my drink. "Filipino-Canadian English teacher... Quite unique."
I just smiled. That's not the only thing unique about her. I just knew. Now that that I got what I need, I'm more determined to find out more.
"Thanks, guys, for being here." That's all I can say to them. The two of them just nodded in response.
We proceeded to enjoy the rest of our boy's night out, though I have another thing in mind the whole time. It's called Gabriela Mitchell.
- Writer
