Through The Fire

EPISODE 6: Aki's POV

We were all just hanging around in the living room when Anne and Gail went out of the bedroom.

Gail look stunning even on a simple shirt and short, how can someone be that beautiful in the morning? I thought to myself.

I'm going to cook pancake for breakfast guys, just stay here. Anne said.

Gail volunteers to help her and followed her in the kitchen.

Few minutes later, we are now all sitting in the dining area enjoying our pancakes. Faye got a phone call so she quickly excused herself and stands up to answer it. We were all laughing at some of Mich's corny jokes when Faye returned to the table with a worried face.

Hey, is there something wrong Faye? I asks.

I just spoke to my mom and she said that my brother is in the hospital now due to a motorcycle accident.

Oh my God, is he okay? Mich asks.

Yeah. My mom said it's not that serious, just a few cuts and bruises luckily. Although I have to go now, my mom needs me at the hospital. I'm sorry guys, I can't drop you off.

No it's fine, we understand. We can just take the bus or subway later. I assured her.

Faye left immediately after saying goodbye.

Hey Gail, do you think you can drop them off later? Anne asks. I need to prepare for my flight, so I can't do it. Would that be okay with you? You can just use my car.

I was just about to say that there's no need for them to drop us off when Gail immediately speak up.

Sure. I would love to. She said with a smile while looking at Anne.

Great! Thanks. Anne replied.

I tried to object with that idea, but Anne insists, so I just gave up and mouthed a quiet thanks to Gail who just smiled at me.

I suddenly felt nervous knowing that we will be left alone in the car since Mich's place is nearer that mine. The idea of being alone with the person who make you feel a lot of emotions is really mind-blowing, and I don't know how I can survive that long ride.

After breakfast, I went to the bathroom to freshen up before we leave. I need to mentally prepare myself for what's about to happen later. I keep telling myself to relax but I'm really nervous.

An hour later and both Mich and I are ready to leave. Gail decided to just use her own car to drop us off.

I walk towards Anne to give her a hug.

Thanks for having us here Anne. I said.

Oh, come on, you guys are always welcome here. She happily answered. By the way, are you still seeing that girl? She asked me out of nowhere referring to Steph.

Yep. Occasionally. I responded sheepishly.

She just shakes her head with a playful smirk.

Who knows, maybe she's really the one for you? She teased.

Haha. So funny Annie. I said while faking a laugh.

Gail is standing just a few meters away from us fumbling with the keys in her hands while waiting, I know she can hear what we are talking about.

Our setup is clear, Annie. As long as we're both having fun, then we're good. I'm sure you can relate to that. I said to her playfully referring to her situation now with Gail.

Shut up. She said as she gently hit my arm.

We gave each other one more hug before I made my way to Gail's car. Mich was already seated at the back, so I have no choice but to be at the passenger seat.

The ride home is not that awkward considering that Mich is still there. The three of us talk about random stuff and shares different opinions when it comes to politics and religions. Gail is a very opinionated person, she's really smart and eloquent when talking. Can she be more perfect? I thought to myself.

We reached Mich's place in no time since it's Sunday and there's no traffic. She thanked Gail for the ride and gave us both a hug before going out. I suddenly felt nervous again the moment Mich went out of the car. The thought of being alone with Gail is making me anxious. I tried to compose myself by checking my phone. I need to calm down.

Gail decided to put some music on to cut the awkward silence. We listened to the song Through The Fire by Chaka Khan and it somehow calm me down.

I look in your eyes and I can see

We've loved so dangerously

You're not trusting your heart to anyone

You tell me you're gonna play it smart

We're through before we start

But I believe that we've only just begun

When it's this good, there's no saying no

I want you so, I'm ready to go

Through the fire

To the limit, to the wall

For a chance to be with you

I'd gladly risk it all

Through the fire

Through whatever, come what may

For a chance at loving you

I'd take it all the way

Right down to the wire

Even through the fire

I can hear Gail singing along with the music, and her voice is really good.

You've got a really nice voice. I said complementing her.

Thanks. She smiles.

So, Anne once told me that you're a volleyball player back in college? She asked in an attempt to start a small conversation, I thought.

Yep. But I'm not that good, though. I replied.

Oh, come on, she claimed you're the star player. She said laughing.

I laugh at her while still trying to be modest. Nah, I'm just average, I said still smiling.

Our ride going to my place becomes less awkward since then as we talk about different stuffs. She's really good at handling conversation that I didn't realize that we already reached my place.

I remained seated though because I don't know how to say goodbye to her, I realize that I am being rude by not even inviting her inside. My mind is not functioning well at this moment.

Do you want to come inside? I finally asked.

Sure. I need to use the bathroom actually. She replied.

Once inside, I showed her the bathroom.

Can I offer you anything?

Water is fine. She said smiling.

Got it. I immediately replied.

Having Gail inside my apartment is filling my mind with naughty thoughts. If there's a woman in my apartment, it usually leads to one thing. The bed.

But not this time, she's off limits. I sadly thought.

I quickly grab a glass of cold water and drink it myself. I might need a cold shower later too.