FIVE: Rain or Bowen?
1121 Words
The thought didn't leave my mind even if we got busy talking to different people. I can't help but steal glances at Bowen. Especially now that he seems to have become brighter and a little more confident. Not to forget the fact that he looks handsome.
I sighed for the nth time today. 'Since when did I learn to appreciate a man's appearance so much that it won't even get off my mind?' I thought as I stare at Bowen who is busy eating his lunch. My forehead creased as I watch him. He seems a little manly today. Unlike these past few days. His movements now are tougher compared with how I usually see him.
"Hey, Bowen!" I called softly in which he immediately responded.
"Yes, Aidan?"
I swallowed. Why do I like it when he says my name? Another question that adds to those that are already bothering me.
"School's about to start. Have you registered?" He looked at me like I was speaking gobbledygook. I waited for him to answer but he just stared so I snapped my fingers in front of his face.
"I don't go to school." He finally said with an awkward smile. "We are not allowed."
"Whoa! Your previous pack is really unbelievable." I shook my head in disbelief. Bowen just shrugged.
"Would you like to go to school with me?" I asked.
"I'd love to." He replied quickly then covered his mouth with his hands. His eyes are wide.
I chuckled at his cuteness. "Alright then, I'll see what I can do."
He put his hands down and smiled. "Thank you."
"Sure!" I replied and went back to eating.
We're about to stand up after finishing our lunch when I heard a familiar girl's voice calling my name.
"Aidan!"
I looked behind me and saw Rich and Fama with Bridget, Rich's cousin, and the girl whom I flirt around with since last year.
"You!" Said Bridget while frowning at me. "You've been here for a week and you haven't even contacted me."
I smiled apologetically. "Sorry! I'm just really busy."
"Tch! Whatever!" She pouted and looked at Bowen. "And you are?"
Bowen looked at me as if asking for permission to speak. It must be one of the stupid rules in his previous pack again. I'm pissed but hid it and just smiled and nodded at him.
He cleared his throat. "Hi! My name is Rain Bowen Alvez, and I am new to this pack."
Bridget looked him up from head to toe and admiration was evident in her eyes. "I'm Bridget Enriquez. Nice to meet you." She offered her hand and smiled seductively that I almost rolled my eyes. She seems to have found her new target.
Bowen smiled and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, too!
"And these are my friends. Rich..." I butted in while pointing to my chinky eyed, athletic, and smiley buddy. "...and Fama." I am now pointing to the bulk-bodied hunk beside Rich.
"Hi, guys! I'm Rain Bowen."
"Rainbow?" Asked Rich.
Bowen laughed. "Yeah! I guess that's where my mom got my name."
"I think it's cute." Bridget chimed in. All smiles at Bowen.
"Tch! Everything is cute to you." Fama spat at her but Bridget just rolled her eyes. One of my brow shot up. Well, this is new. Fama seems oblivious of Bridget before. I think this is the first time I heard him made a comment of what she says or does.
"Are you guys here to eat?" I asked.
"Yeah! We were at the mall earlier." Rich answered.
"I see. As much as I wanted to stay with you but we need to go. We still need to be somewhere." I explained glancing at my watch.
"It's alright, dude! We know you're busy. We'll just drop by your house before school starts." Rich said.
"Yeah! I'll see you guys around. Bye!" I replied before gesturing for Bowen to come.
He nodded and turned to my friends. "Nice meeting you all. Bye!"
"Yeah! Same!" Said Rich and Fama together waving their hands. Bridget just nodded and waved with her eyes on Bowen. We left and went to our next destination.
It was almost dusk when we finally finished the last transaction for the day.
"Are we going back to your house?" Bowen asked as I ease the car into traffic.
I glanced at him. "Yeah, why?"
"I need to prepare for your family's dinner." He sounded worried.
I gave him a small smile. "Don't worry too much! I'm sure my mom will have something ready for dinner. She's the one who cooks for us."
"Yeah! That's what she said when she asked me to help you at home."
"She's the one who asked you?" I was surprised.
"Yes. She visited my family when we got here. I was the one who prepared the food and she said that she liked it. Then, she asked if I want to work for her as your family's chef."
I nodded. "My mother is very meticulous when it comes to the food we eat. She must have really liked your cooking."
"I guess so."
"Do you personally like cooking?" I asked. Eager to learn more about Bowen.
"No!" He sighed. "I was forced to learn because that is the only thing that I can do. According to my pack, I am wolfless so I am worthless."
I looked at him and saw how painful it was for him to talk about this. I felt the sudden surge of anger again. Anger for those who run the pack where they use to belong. But I tried to calm myself and apologized to Bowen."Sorry for asking."
He gazed at me and smiled though it doesn't reach his amber eyes. "It's fine. I got over it. In fact, I love cooking now. Especially for your family."
"Glad to hear that," I said then we became silent.
We are almost to my garage when Bowen suddenly called my name.
"Aidan?"
I turned to him in a flash. "Yes?"
"Ahm!" Hesitation glinted in his eyes.
"What is it?" I asked kindly.
"It's just. You've been calling me Rain these past few days. But today, you are using my second name."
"Uh-huh?"
He swallowed. "Can you tell me why?"
"Hmm! Let me see!" I parked the car first before turning back to him. "When I first saw you, I thought you were a girl." His eyes widened and I grinned.
"Yup. You look really girly and delicate that I was confused when Adeline referred to you as him." He bit his lower lip and I find it hot. I cleared my throat before continuing. "Today, however, you seem a little more manly than you used to be. But I am not sure why I called you Bowen. It was instinctive, and even I was surprised."
"I see." He nodded.
"Why?" I grimaced. "Don't you like me calling you by that name?"
"No." He replied quickly while shaking his head. "Actually, I liked it. You can call me Rain or Bowen whenever you feel like it." He smiled.
"Cool!"
- Writer
