Russia Ocampo and her choice

Chapter 11

“I don’t want to see you again.”

“Granddad….”

“Your existence is a big mistake.”

I woke up panting. I checked the clock on my bedside table. It was 1:28AM. Because of exhaustion, I fell asleep as soon as I lay on my bed.

Why would I dream that? It never happened in real life and I hope it won’t ever happen. Is my dream a manifestation of my fears and guilt? I shook my head. Let’s not think about it.

I’ll protect this family, no matter what.

Distract yourself, Russia. Find the best distraction, find it.

And like an answer, I heard my phone buzzing. I received a message. I reached for my phone to see who messaged me. Lo and behold, it's from Tristan.

Tristan: You want me to go crazy, don't you?

Me: What did I do?

Tristan: You don't know how beautiful you were.

You made all the men crazy out there earlier.

Me: Why were you mad when you were gone when the show ended?

Tristan: You really want to know?

Me: Not really.

Tristan: Can you give me a response that I'd like? You even flirted with me back there. Is saying yes hard?

Me: I flirted with you? I'm innocent, dude.

Tristan: You're anything but innocent. When I started a fire, you fueled it.

Me: Fine. So, why were you gone?

Tristan: I'm afraid that if I see you up close, I won't be able to control myself. That I might pull you close to me and kiss you hard. But I couldn't do it because Paxton was there and so were the triplets. But that freaking smile of yours? For a moment, it made me want to fight hell.

Me: So being attracted to me is hell?

Tristan: You don't know how much I endured. I wanted to gouge out every man's eyes when they stared at you.

Me: You are too serious. Can't we just enjoy us?

Tristan:So there's an us? Damn, I badly want to see you now.

Me: Why don't you do it?

Tristan: Can I? Your parents and brother will kill me.

Me: Nah, they're not home. Just stop two houses away, I'll sneak out.

Tristan: Are you aware of your actions, young lady?

Me: You don't want to?

Tristan: You're really asking me that?

Me: Hahaha, just come. I kinda want to see you as well.

I know I chose a bad distraction. I know I shouldn’t use someone for something like that. I know I need to think carefully about the consequences. I know all of that but my heart's still pounding from that dream.

I really need to focus on other things. I might burst into tears if I dwell on it. I can’t, I won’t. My family would definitely ask me what’s wrong, and I can’t just make up stories. I can’t lie to them, especially to Mom and Dad. Everybody wants to keep it a secret, so I have to do the same.

I changed into shorts and a shirt. I grabbed my favorite jacket before going out of my room. I listened to the silence before walking towards the front door. I quietly opened the door and ran towards the gate. I also opened it as quietly as my breathing. When I got out, I locked the gate then ran towards a Black Mustang.

“You look like a pro at sneaking out.”

Tristan welcomed me with a warm smile. He opened the passenger door for me. I sat inside while he turned around towards the driver’s seat.

“Quite the opposite, it’s my first time, and it’s f*****g exhilarating.”

I flashed a cheeky smile at him. He just shook his head while smiling at my silliness.

“You're a bad, bad girl. Where did you learn to be naughty?”

“Paxton and Matteo.”

“No wonder. Those two are a bad influence.”

Tristan knows Matteo too. Matteo is also a basketball player from our school, but he didn’t accept any regular position. He said he’ll just play if he wants to. He likes cooking more than sports. He’d rather spend all his free time inventing a dish rather than spend it on practice. But when he wants to play, the team lets him. He's good, even without practice. Basketball is not just his priority.

“Kind of. But when they’re serious, they’re scary, especially Matteo.”

“Yeah, where do you want to go?”

“I want to eat ice cream at 7/11.”

He started the car. There’s a 7/11 store 30 minutes away from our house, so I told him the location.

“You know, this is the most random thing I did with someone.”

“Not going to be your last.”

I looked at him, smiling and eyes twinkling. Totally forgot the dream I just had. When I’m really Tristan, I feel like I’m just Russia. No less, no more.

“Should I be afraid?”

“Nah, you like spending time with me, right?”

“You're taking advantage of me.”

He gave me a judgmental look. I answered with a frown. We laughed at our silliness.

We arrived at the store. He opened the door for me again. When I got out of his car, he put his arm on my shoulder.

“Now, who’s taking advantage?”

He just smiled at me cheekily. He’s becoming smoother as time goes by. We entered the store, ordered and paid. His money, of course. It’s fine he’s rich anyway. Hahahaha.

We sat at the table outside. We sat facing each other.

“So, why do you want to see me?”

I rolled my eyes at him.

“I missed your reaction on my catwalk. I also want to know how your heart flutters when I smiled at you earlier. So, did your heart beat fast?”

I placed myself on top of my hand and looked at him teasingly. I gave him a wink.

“So you deliberately did it?”

“Kind of, did you see Kuya Paxton’s face?”

“My heart, it’s pitiful. Why are you playing with it?”

He pointed to his chest and looked at me like he was the most pitiful person.

“Why? I’m already in your heart? Isn’t it too fast?”

Then I laughed. He couldn’t say anything and just shook his head. We finished our ice creams and hung out more in the park inside our subdivision.

“I’m kind of sleepy.”

“Then sleep even for just 30 minutes. Come, lie down.”

We are sitting on a bench. I moved towards the end, I tapped my lap to tell him to use it as a pillow and he did.

“I’ll wake you up after 30 minutes.”

I started brushing his hair with my hand. He closed his eyes and smiled as if savoring the moment.

“Will you sing for me?”

“Are you a kid who needs a lullaby to sleep?”

“Please?”

“Just this once, okay?”

I started singing my own version of Baby Blue Eyes by A rocket to the Moon. His breathing started to get stable. He looked peaceful, smiling in his dream. His face is so handsome that you could get butterflies in your stomach just by staring at it. I looked up, still brushing his hair. The stars shine brightly tonight.

When 30 mins had passed, I lightly shook Tristan, but it didn’t wake him up. I traced his eyebrows with my finger, then his eyelashes. He blinked, I removed my finger. He opened his eyes and just stared at me.

“You smell damn good, I want to put my nose near your hair.”

As soon as he’s awake, his flirtatious self strikes.

“Like this?”

I bend down until my hair is slightly brushed on his face. He held my chin to steady my face, and we looked at each other intently. I started to get lost in his eyes when he moved my face sideways. He lifted his face then kissed me on my cheek. I feel my face heated up. I abruptly stood up, he bumped his head on the bench because he didn’t expect me to just remove my lap abruptly.

“What? Why?”

I don’t know what to say, my mind is a mess.

“What? Do you think I’m a saint?”

I shook my head, still surprised at what he did.

“Of course I’m tempted if your face is that close to me. Just be thankful that I only kissed you on your cheek even though I first thought of your lips. And a warning, your reaction makes me want to do it all over again.”

He even winked. I feel that my face is super red right now. Damn, I want to be restrained, but my heart betrayed me. I couldn’t stop my heart from skipping a beat and a smile appeared on my lips.

You're in trouble, Russia.