Through The Fire

EPISODE 1

I looked at the clock beside my bed, and it's already 3:30 in the afternoon. It's Saturday, and usually, I only stay in my apartment on weekends to relax after a stressful weekdays working as a sales manager in a five star hotel. But today, I decided to hang out with my friends. I haven't seen them in weeks and I miss them. We all agreed to hangout at Anne's place. Anne is my ex-girlfriend, our relationship lasted for four years or basically during our entire college life. We broke up when she met another woman at her workplace, but that relationship didn't end well. It happened months after our graduation which was two years ago. I was devastated, and I had a hard time letting her go, but eventually, I was able to moved on. It took a while though before we became friends again, but now everything is well between us. She told us that she's seeing someone now, and she wants us to meet her even though nothing is official yet between the two of them.

After an hour, I'm almost ready to go. I put extra clothes in my bag because we planned to spend the night there, knowing that we will all be too wasted to go home. I check my phone and notice a message from Faye, my other friend. She said she's already at Mich's house to pick her up, and they will be here in less than an hour. I sent her a quick reply and played some games on my phone while waiting for them.

I met Anne, Faye, and Mich in the University. Since then, we became best friends. I'm grateful that the four of us remained friends after all these years, and I'm glad that me and Anne were able to save our friendship after our failed relationship.

Half an hour later, Faye sent me another message telling me that they’re already parked outside, I quickly pick my things up and head out. My apartment is on the 2nd floor, so I have to use the stairs. I immediately saw their car once outside. We carpooled since our places are along the way anyway, and I would rather be stuck in traffic with my friends than being alone in my car. I went to the back seat because Mich was already seated in front. I greeted both of them with a hug. We've been busy in our respective careers, so I am really looking forward to spending time with them just like the old times. After a few small talks, we are on our way to Anne's place which is 45 minutes away from my apartment.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After more than an hour, we finally made it to our destination. The ongoing weekend sale of one famous mall made the traffic a lot worst today. We saw Anne standing in her door while waiting for us, she's wearing a pink dress, and she still looks beautiful as always, so feminine and lovely. That's one thing I love about us when we were still together, we are both femme and we love to dress up and impress each other. People wouldn’t think that we are in a relationship unless we tell them ourselves. I quickly walk towards her and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek.

Looking good as always, Annskie. I said. I love calling her Annskie, I’m the only person who calls her that.

You know I always woke up like this Aki. She joked.

We both laugh as she then greets Mich and Faye.

Her apartment is really spacious. It's a one-bedroom apartment, and it has a homie vibe, fully furnished and well ventilated. Anne works as a flight attendant in the most famous airline in the Philippines, she's well compensated, so no wonder she can afford this place.

She prepared delicious foods for us, and the smell of it makes me starving. One of the reasons I fell in love with Anne is because she really knows how to cook. Unfortunately, my tummy has to calm down because we have to wait for Anne's “special friend” who probably got stuck in traffic as well. She said she will be here in a few minutes, so we all hang out in the living room first.

We were talking about Faye's weird obsession with Justin Bieber when we heard the door open.

Anne quickly greets the person on the door with a kiss on the lips.

Standing on the door is probably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I knew Anne's taste when it comes to women, but I never expected her “girlfriend” to be this appealing. She's probably 5'7 in height, her body is so fit, you can tell that this girl loves to work out. Her face and aura are so calming, and those hazel eyes compliments her white complexion so well. She looks like an angel. God, what am I doing? I need to stop.

They made their way towards us for what felt like a slow motion to me.

Guys, I would like you to meet Gail. Anne said.

Gail. I repeat to myself, her name fits her perfectly too.

Mich and Faye already introduced themselves, so it's now my turn. I tried to compose myself and offered my hand to meet her.

Hi Gail, I'm Aki, and it's nice to finally meet you. I said with a smile while trying my best to hide my nervousness. She reached for my hand and beamed at me too.

Hello Aki, it's nice to finally meet you in person, I heard many stories about you from Anne. She replied.

I can't focus on what she's saying because I felt something inside me the moment our hands made contact, something I cannot explain. I just smiled at her and let go of her hand to compose myself.

Oh. I hope it's all good stories. I tried to joke and everyone laughs.

At that moment, food is the last thing on my mind and I forgot that I'm hungry. I'm feeling a lot of emotions right now, and I'm not liking it.