CHAPTER 9 – The Closer I Get To You
1748 Words
Weekend finally came. Yey, rest day!
I was still sleeping when I was awakened by my phone ringing. Nope, it’s not the alarm.
It’s Saturday, for crying out loud! Give me a break!
My eyes were still half closed when I decided to get over with the call, so I can go back to sleep. “H-hello? W-who’s this?”
I noticed that it’s already 9:30am, but I don’t care. I want to snooze all day.
“Annyeong Haeseyo! How’s your sleep?” said the familiar voice on the line.
“Still sleeping... Call later...” I absent-mindedly replied, turning off my phone and lying back on the bed.
Then it hit me. OMG! It’s him!
I wiped the drool on my face while sitting up instantly, like he can see my horrible state. That is one hell of a wakeup call!
After a few seconds, I hear Rachel banging on my bedroom door.
“Hey wake up sleepyhead!” She yelled on the other side. “Your boyfriend’s outside.”
Now I’m surely wide awake. He’s been outside all along.
Not wanting to give Chel any false idea, I shouted back, “I have no boyfriend! You know that.” I stood up, fixing my bed hurriedly.
“That’s not what I see with that guy.” I’m glad the door’s locked, or she’ll pest me with a lot of questions. “My God, Gabby you didn’t tell me it’s him? I’m your best friend!”
I can already see her angry face, but surely she’s excited with disbelief.
Oh crap! He really IS here. I shouldn’t really let him know where I live.
“Fine! Let him wait. I’ll be out in 15 minutes.” I told Rachel as I grabbed the first set of clothes my hands got hold of, and went straight to the bathroom.
********
Upon making sure I look presentable enough, I went out of my room and immediately saw Rachel standing by the living room with arms crossed and a demanding look.
“Sorry I didn’t tell you about him. I will eventually.” I apologized right away. “But just to clarify, he is NOT my boyfriend. Okay?
She just waived her hand, shooing me away. “Yeah, right. Go now, the poor fellow’s been waiting so long.”
I know she already forgave me. “Thanks Chel. I promise to tell you everything soon.”
She gave me a knowing wink before I stepped out of the house to greet my early visitor.
*********
I almost lost my self when I saw him standing by his car. He was wearing a pair of faded ripped jeans and sneakers. He has a cap on that complimented his perfectly sculptured face.
God! I can just stare at him all day.
I tried to compose my self as not to make my ogling noticeable.
“Hi there! What are you doing here this early?” I asked upon reaching him. “You never told me you’re coming.”
His smell makes me want to hug him, and just bury my face on his chest. Control yourself, Gabby!
“I’m sorry. I was just a little excited that informing slipped my mind.” He apologized immediately.
He looked at me from head to foot, which made me conscious of how I look. I’m wearing a light denim mini skirt, long sleeved shirt that match well with my bottom and sneakers. If one would keen enough, it would be noticeable that our outfits match in some way.
“By the way, everything’s ready.: He broke my musing. “All you have to bring is yourself.”
Huh?!
“What do you mean all’s ready? Where are we going anyway?” I shoot him with questions.
My being unprepared is somehow overshadowed by my anticipation.
“That would be a secret.” He replied with a wink. “I’m sure you’ll love it. Get in.”
He really knows how to poke on my curiosity. And it seemed that Rachel was already briefed about this surprise. That girl!
“Enjoy yourselves!” speaking of the devil with the same smile on her face while waving at us.
The whole thing made me feel a bit scary but thrilled at the same time. I went inside his car, which I didn’t notice before, was a jaw-dropping, black Ferrari Enzo.
*********
I usually sleep while travelling, but the fact that Simon is only a few inches from me, kept me awake.
We’ve been silent for a while. Upon reaching the highway, I tried to make conversation. “Are you really into unannounced road trips?”
“Well, not really.” He side-glanced. “most of the time, I only hang out with Tae Won and Ji Won. You know them, right?”
“Of course, I do.” I nodded. Who wouldn’t? Everyone knows you’re the Three Musketeers of Korean showbusiness. Duh?!
“Are you not afraid that paparazzi might see us and make a fuzz of everything?” I continued. “I’m not a celebrity, and them knowing you’re with a nobody like me would srely make the headlines.”
“I won’t let that happen.” He answered, his face becoming serious. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise.”
Wow. Serious much? I’m just asking a question. But that’s really touching.
I tried to lighten up the mood. “Do you just drive around here? You should spend your vacation in another country.”
“I just came from Japan, remember?” He gave out a weak laugh in response. “I’m tired of riding planes. And besides, I need to practice my driving skills once in a while.”
Practice? This is a practice driving? If something happens will you pay for my burial?
He must’ve sensed my inner panic. “Don’t worry. You took care of me, so I’ll take care of you too.”
That’s really sweet! Would that be the same type of care I gave you before?
I pretended to go site-seeing on the window, to hide the blush I’m sure is showing on my face. Me and my dirty mind.
*********
We parked on a hill overlooking the city. The view is really beautiful, peaceful. The place is quite isolated which made me believe that he has known this place for long.
“How this you know about this place?” I asked to confirm the thought. “It’s far, but very serene.”
He took a basket from the back of the car. I took the blanket he brought along and spread it out on the grass.
“I’m glad you like the place. I go here sometimes, especially if I want to be alone and do some thinking.”
I help bring out the food and place them on the blanket. We got quite a spread here. The place was a bit breezy, which blew my hair to different directions.
Bad hair day! I should have brought something to tie my hair with.
In fairness to me, I wasn’t really able to grab one since I was in a hurry due to the unexpected visit and journey. At least, I was able to brush my hair. He must’ve seen my struggle.
“Sorry. It’s not usually that windy here.” He apologized. “Here. Wear this.” Putting his cap on my head.
“Looks good on you.” He smiled, obviously satisfied with what he did.
“Thank you.” That’s all I can say. And there goes my unending blush again. “We got a feast here. Let’s eat.”
Like on cue, the wind was replaced by drops of water. Only a few second, and it’s now pouring.
Great! Perfect timing, rain!
I can feel my clothes getting wet. The cap can’t even stop the water from seeping into my hair.
With nothing else to do, we ran to Simon’s car to save ourselves from getting soaked.
Once inside, I removed my cap and grabbed some tissue from the dashboard to wipe myself. I passed some to him as well, and end up using all up.
Then I remembered that I have a small towel. I always bring one with me, in case I need it. Luckily, I left my bag in the car.
Here, use this to dry yourself better.” I told him. “You might need to take of your shirt, so you won’t get sick.”
Like an obedient student, he followed the instruction. And I don’t know if I should regret what I said after that.
I feel like fainting at what I’m seeing. Simon is no Dwayne Johnson, but he’s buff. He got all the muscles on the right places. His chest and abs are perfect for his frame.
Can I just ogle at him for a while, Lord? Please?
What he said next stopped my drooling. “Perhaps, you should take of your clothes too. You can get sick too”
What now?!
He might have realized that I’m a girl, so he took back what he said. “But, uh... well... Never mind.”
“Thanks for the thoughtfulness.” I don’t want to be rude. “It’s okay. I have s-strong i-immune system a-anyway.”
That was my lame excuse, though I’m visibly shaking from the cold.
Why did I wear a mini skirt today, of all days?
He might have heard my teeth chattering, so he turned up the heater, then he moved closer and wrapped his arms around me. I was aghast.
“What are you doing?” I said in surprise.
He’s really hot... Literally. I love this type of warmth. Hmm...
“You need to get warm. Your freezing.”
Guilty as charged. Well I guess I don’t have any choice. So, I scooted towards him, to make our position more comfortable for both of us.
Oh, yeah. I can stay this way forever… Earth to Gabby!
Feeling awkward again for the nth time, I tried to break hi embrace. “My clothes will get you wet.”
He hushed me in response. “It’s okay. I told you I’ll take care of you.”
I surrendered. “Thank you.”
I don’t know how long we’ve been in this condition. I looked outside and see all the food and the blanket get wasted by the non-stop rain. Then we both fell asleep waiting for it to stop.
- Writer
