Reaching The Brightest Star

CHAPTER TWO

Chloe

The Necklace and The Memory

I woke up the next day from the disturbing alarm of my phone. I corrected the time on my phone and followed the Manila timezone. In favor of wanting to divert my attention, I arranged my phone settings. I want to at least lessen the anxiety I am feeling.

It is seven o'clock in the morning and it is my first morning here in the Philippines after six long years. It was nice to be back home. I still don't have any plan on what to do today. My clothes are yet to be transferred to my closet and that's what I will do first. My goal is to finish that today; to pack out my things and maybe go to the mall after. Buy groceries and sort. I rose to my bed and folded my sheets. 

Our brain loves to have achievements even if it is small things. Starting your day with a small achievement will make your mind at ease and focused. Afterwards, I went straight to the bathroom to bathe. Skin care is really important for me. It is a must for my lifestyle. 

Because I believe in less is more.

I focus more on taking care of my own skin rather than putting makeup on. A light coverage concealer to correct the blemishes all over my face is enough, filling my brows naturally, adding some cheek tint or blush and lip tint and a powder will do. Especially when I am still in Oslo, it has four active climates so that my skin tends to react frequently. After my skin care, I brushed my teeth. I am still not used to it even though I grew up here. I really have to make adjustments.

I unpacked all my things, I layed all of them on my bed for me to see which one I should start from. I started folding my pajamas and nightgowns. I didn’t bring much because I don’t want to have an issue at the check in counter. I placed them at the bottom of my cabinet. I also folded my outside clothes such as casual wear, formal attires and shirts. I placed them on top of my folded pajamas. All the clothes that need to be hanged are already placed at the clothesline. I folded all my undergarments and placed them in the mini cabinet beside the hangers between sliding doors. I only packed five pairs of shoes; sneakers, pumps, flats and flip flops. For the bags, I only packed six bags including my luggages; two handbags, one gym bag, two clutches, two backpacks, one duffel bag, two satchels and two suitcases. I'm a little careful on bags. Compared to clothes, they are more delicate as some of them cannot be folded so it takes a lot of space. After the bags I arranged my shoes in the separate drawer in the cabinet as well.

All my toiletries and makeup are kept in the bathroom. Yes, I brought all of my skincare products because my skin got used to it more than any products. And all my jewelries are still laying on my bed. I kind of have a habit of collecting watches and I only stick on four colors; black, brown, white and silvers to make it universal. I have five kinds of watches, the leather type, the stainless steels or golds and sport watches. I maintain it as small and as little detail as possible.

After arranging my belongings I thought of taking a bath. I looked in the mirror and combed my hair. Brushing my hair helps to entangle the strands. Hair cells are more alive when they are combed, so the shampoo and treatment used can be easily absorbed by your hair which gives me the effects that I want. 

I noticed the gold necklace around my neck. I still have it and I can't get rid of it. It’s also been on me for a long time, I don’t take it off because I feel lacking when I’m not wearing it. Maybe it's because I'm used to seeing it on my neck.  I caressed the pendant and stared at its reflection in the mirror. It doesn’t grab much attention and it just seems simple and cheap. Because of its simple detail, it is not noticeable to others. The thin chain is kind of easy to break. It was my only memory of him aside from our previous messages that we have shared long years ago. 

When I removed it, it was as if I had let him go that easy.

I still can clearly remember the day I agreed to date him and this is what he gave me.  I feel the clouds touching my heart every time he touches me. And my heart was overjoyed when I saw that he was happy with my answer.

His eyes… His eyes glow every time I see him. And I want to see them again.

I sat on the bench in the Science Park while reviewing my notes. Finals are quickly approaching so I have to study everything. Lunch today so I have free time to read for my review quiz later. I finished eating my lunch, fried chicken and rice.  I took my water and drank first. I could almost swallow what I was drinking because of what startled me.  I looked at him sharply before swallowing the rest of the water inside my mouth.

"Really?! Are you going to kill me in a panic?" I was so angry and annoyed that even his smile did nothing to erase it.  He stood up and took his place behind me.

"I don't have time for your tricks Marco! I have an exam later and you're bothering-" I didn't finish what I was about to say when I felt the cold metal that wrapped around my neck.  I looked at it and was amazed at the simple design this necklace has. I caressed it and my fingers felt the roughness of that metal.

"Do you like it?" He sat down next to me and set my belongings on the side. He closed my notebook and covered my ballpen. My throat was dry with the variety of emotions that were building up in my heart. I just nodded and suddenly, the anger I had nurtured before disappeared. This is not the first time he has given me a material object as a gift.  But the only thing that annoys me is the price of it. 

He is willing to throw cash just to buy me expensive gifts. Even though he didn’t tell me the prices of them, I knew it was expensive because of its brands. I surfed the brands online and saw the exact design of those. It cost a fortune, for Pete's sake!

"How much is this?" I asked. With just the kind of metal and the feel of it on the skin I knew it would be expensive.

"It is a secret," he whispered. I turned my gaze to my belongings with a sad and pouty mouth. He never really wanted to tell me the price of it, or even the brand of this jewelry, so I could search for it online. 

"Are you still mad?" He sarcastically looked at me as if challenging and waiting for whatever I had to say.

"Do you think I'm materialistic? That you'll get just because you gave me something? I'm sorry, but I won't answer you. Stop flirting with me." I got up and took my things.

Is it bad if I ask the price of his gifts? I know it's expensive but I just want to know. In return, I will make it hard for him. I can't think of anything else just to reciprocate everything he gave me. I don't have flowing cash at the bank so I can't match what he gives. 

I have an idea in my mind. If I do that, he might be happy. Yes! I can imagine that he will be very delighted, as if I gave him millions even if he doesn't need it.  I walked away going back to my classroom. He stopped my arm causing me to face him.

"I'm sorry, I know you're angry because I surprised you. I'm not saying that you're only after material things from me. I gave it to you because I want to. You didn't ask for that and I gave it to you voluntarily. Please, I'm really sorry." He touched both my elbows to get me closer to him. I struggled to pretend I was still angry.

"Let me go. I'm going to be late if you don't let me go!" I was still struggling and his grip on my elbow was getting tighter. The other students looked at us, but they seemed to see nothing but me. He doesn't care if we're already the center of attraction. He couldn’t even look back at them because I was the focus of his eyes.

"Take back what you said first. That you won't date me. f**k! I am willing to give you the moon just to prove how serious I am." He squeezed my waist and one hand was still on my elbow.  I just kept on struggling so he wouldn't notice that I was slowly giving up.

"You're so old! Think of something new!" I slapped his chest causing him to partially release me. His chest was hard, he must have been working out.

Damn!  Chloe, what's that excuse?

I looked sharply at him as he stared at me seriously. His hands were on my elbows and no longer tight. I had the chance to free myself now that he was weak but I didn't. I was so overwhelmed by his stares.

"You know what?" He said suddenly.

"What?" My forehead furrowed because I didn’t know what he was referring to.

"I should not get another star or moon. You yourself are the star of my life. That is all I know, all I need to know and all I wanted to know. If this is a dream, please... Don't ever try to wake me." He said without blinking an eye. With those serious piercing eyes. 

He really said that! He's really willing to do what I wish him to do.

The pace of the movement around me got slacken. I feel like I am floating right now. Few words and he already earned me. Simple words with deep meanings that pierced through my heart. 

"You are the star of my life," he added. Stop already, I am nearly begging. 

I took a deep breath and bowed. I shut my eyes tightly before finally looking up and facing him. Here it is, this is the only gift I know I can make him happy now.

"You want an answer? Maybe I should say yes." My cheeks heated up from what I said. I seemed to tremble at my own words. He could not speak immediately. His mouth was open and he seemed unable to move.

Speak up man! You shouldn't leave me hanging like this.

In my annoyance, I turned and walked away. Did I just think I would make him happy when I said the answer he was waiting for from me? He's not even speaking! I was only three steps away and he reached my arm again. It was soft and full of care while he caressed my elbow. One of its hands traveled to my cheek.

"That's the prettiest words I could ever hear from today," he kissed my forehead and hugged me lightly. My heart leaped when I heard his heartbeat as my ear rested on his chest.

"I reached you," he added. I felt the vibration of his voice.

"I will promise to make you happy even if the world does not want to. I will promise to give you everything even if I suffer. And I will promise to make you feel beautiful every single day even in those days that I can't see you." I looked into his eyes and held his face. My full attention is on him. I also don’t care about the people watching us.

I don't want to ruin everything. I don’t want to break the joy in my heart right now.

"I love you." 

"I love you too."

That day, I made him happy.  The happiness that he could always wish for.

That memory brought me so much happiness.

The fact that he probably loves me and will do everything for me is heart -warming. Unknowingly, the hot tears I had been holding back ran down my cheeks. I immediately wiped them away while the ensuing tears were dripping like a faucet.  My wiping had no effect because it was immediately replaced by another drop. That memory still makes me sad even though six years have passed.

I went straight to the bathroom and took a bath. With the flowing water on my body, I just hope that all the feelings I have will go with the flow of the water.

I just hope that pain is like mud. When wet, the water will automatically drain into its flow when you want to remove it from your body. When you are disgusted. When you are overwhelmed. 

I have to entertain myself. I have to be busy so I can’t bring back the memories that cause me pain and extreme sadness.

Wearing a black off shoulder top paired with faded skinny jeans and a white sneakers. I combed my black wavy hair after I blow dried it. And put some minimal makeup, a cheek and lip tint. I grabbed my bag and the keys of my condo and car.

I plan to buy a new cell phone, because the phone I'm using now is not open. That's where Tita calls so I can't change the number.  Unexpectedly, that number still has a signal here.  It's not registered here so it's interesting that Tita can still call me at that number.

I went to the mall near my condo. It’s lunch now and I haven’t eaten yet, so I chose to eat at Jollibee. I really miss the food here. Ever since I was a child, Mommy and Daddy have taken me here.

"One order of C3, no soda, make it water. One order of Y2, do not add the drinks and add a chocolate sundae." I missed it so much so I ordered a lot. 

I promised myself then that I would eat everything I wanted to eat when I got home.

I waited on my order and for fun, I went online on my social media accounts. I don't really like f*******: but since I haven't visited it for a long time, I get a lot of notifications, friend requests and tags from friends and acquaintances. I can't sort it out because it's too much and I'm just too lazy. 

I also opened my i********: and looked at my profile. My profile photo is quite old and I want to change it. I searched my gallery for a profile photo.  After I changed it, I browsed the news feed. I saw posts from friends. I saw a post from Marco. There is nothing in his post but my heart is beating so fast. We didn't communicate before.  Even when I left he didn't even show up to me.  He didn't even take me to the airport. 

Only 'Waiting' is written in his post with a black background. He's quite famous. Perks of being in a rich family. Lots of comments even if it's just a simple post.

Who are you waiting for, Architect/Engineer?

Ms. Dorothy Salazar, Mr. Gomez is waiting for you. That name was mentioned.  Who is that?

Are you waiting for me?  Where are you?  I am coming.

Engineer, we are waiting for your new post.

Those are just a few of the comments I’ve seen. I didn't last long because so many questions flooded my mind.

Out of my curiosity, my hands brought me to his profile. I looked at all his posts, he is not fond of social media so there are only five posts left on his profile. 'Waiting' is still the latest and only thirty minutes ago.  He also has many followers, reaching hundreds of thousands and only fifty following.

My order had arrived and I could no longer concentrate on the food. His post confuses my mind, as if he is saying something and he wants to convey that to someone. I just don’t want to assume but that’s how I feel.

While eating I received a message to a number not registered in my contacts. I opened it and read the contents of the message.

Unknown:

Good afternoon, Dr. Madrigal. This is the hospital that sent you the email of our request weeks ago. I hope that you already read the content of our request. We will be happy if you join our department. We heard of your arrival here in the Philippines and our head officer wants to book an appointment with you. We are hoping for your kind consideration. Thank you.

"Which hospital?" I asked myself. 

Which hospital? I can't remember. With most of the messages in my email account, I haven’t opened them all yet. I put down my cell phone and resumed my meal. Then I have to think about those offers.

"I'll check it out later," I said while referring to my emails and text messages I have received. 

To whom is he conveying that message? He is waiting for something. Is he still waiting for me? Does he already have a new girlfriend or is he already married?

Shit! Even thinking about it pains me. The veins in my heart seemed to be tearing and slowly shrinking. 

I finished my meal and no doubt exited the Jollibee and went up to the second floor of the mall. I went to the cell phone stores and looked around to see the great designs and specifications. I picked up Samsung’s latest phone and that’s what I bought. Black is my chosen color to be different. I also bought other necessities for my new cellphone.

When it was over I went down using the elevator to the parking lot.  The lady guard searched me and they looked at my bag, after which I walked to where my car was.  I opened the engine and I couldn't wait to get out of here so I drove the car until I got away from that mall.