His Unobtainable Mate

Chapter 4: Art of Kiss

Weeks passed since our last overnight and it was almost time for our prom, yikes. It was Friday so we went to our abandoned building again, replacing the unpleasant memories that Finn brought.

“I… have… some… something... to say…”

We were all stunned by France as I think for the record, it was the first time he did speak in front of all of us.

“Woah, that is some revelation, France my boy. I actually do have something to say too but you go first.”

El-Jay then gestured at France to go ahead and say what he wanted to say.

“I… thought… about this… so hard… and I finally… finally have the strength… to say this… because one person here, always told me… to be brave and follow my heart… and that no love should ever be hidden.”

Wait, he is referring to Lylia, right?

“Lylia… before you go… I want you to know that… Lylia I… like you, ever since I met you… you took care of…”

Geez, he just confessed at Lylia, way to go. El-Jay then began to jump in.

“Woah wait, France bro, stop there.”

I looked at Lylia sluggishly shaking her head.

“What I was actually going to say earlier, is that Lylia and I are now dating.”

Everybody was silent and probably in shock at just what happened.

“I… Uh…”

France looked so distressed about the shame he brought onto himself. Consumed by embarrassment, he fled off the scene hurriedly.

“El-Jay…”

Lylia spoke in her soft voice.

“What? Did I do something wrong? The guy was just confessing his love to you, what did you expect me to do? You’re my girl now.”

“Still, shouldn’t we feel sorry for him?”

“He’ll come around, what’s important for now is that you guys all know, that we are together now, and we are going to the prom as a couple.”

As much as I wanted to be happy for these two as we have been speculating them the past few days, I too, feel sorry for France. He gathered all his courage to admit his feelings, probably he was going to ask Lylia to be his date in the prom, then bam, if I were in his shoes, I would bury myself six feet below the ground.

“Congrats!”

“Congratulations, I guess.”

“Why the hell did it take this long for you to finally date? Especially now that Lylia is about to leave this town.”

“It was the waking call for me, maybe like France, I was scared, but then knowing it’s now or never I risked myself in love for Lylia and I guess I won. We already talked about her departure, LDR is hard but we will try our best.”

“But first El-Jay, we have to make it up to France.”

“If you think that, then okay, I guess he is really important to you Lylia.”

“He is also your friend El-Jay.”

“Of course.”

Destiny is really twisted sometimes huh? Couldn’t we all just have our love story without plot twists, heartbreaks, and such? Love is such a game of risks, some got their happy endings, while some only got their hearts broken.

“How about y’all guys? You already have dates? Or are you planning to go in groups or solos?”

Feya raised her hand.

“I’m going with Dex!”

She then looked at Chad subtly, god, she is so obvious.

“Except if there is someone here who also likes to go with Dex at the prom, I’m open for competition.”

“There is none Feya, you and I are going together, period.”

Although at my heart I badly wanted to have Chad as my date, we can’t. There are these homophobic idiots in school plus, what if the news reached his Father, that would only be a disaster.

It was a calm afternoon as we enjoyed ourselves, everything seemed peaceful, or so as we thought.

One afternoon, Feya and I decided to buy clothes for our upcoming prom night, we wandered through the Star Mall to find me a suit and a dress for her, my date.

“Are you sure Chad doesn’t want to take you? I’ll be fine Dex.”

“Feya, he doesn’t like me, that’s the end of the story, drop all your hopes.”

Feya has been bugging both me and Chad to be together, saying we are her dream couple. I just couldn’t get her to stop but I also couldn’t tell her the truth. Our love should be secret and that is all that there is.

While Feya was browsing through the elegant dresses, I saw a familiar face, is it… she gave me a smile. Oh, it was the girl from Chad’s home, Tanya, right? I also pulled out a smile at her.

“Look who’s here.”

I looked to my left and saw Xandra smirking at me.

“Oh, Xandra, what brought you here?”

“Just checking out new shirts, by the way, I am with Tanya, have you met her?”

“Not really.”

Xandra then called Tanya to introduce us both, imagine how devastating this is, finally meeting the girl that the love of your life is going to marry, in my eyes she is the luckiest.

“Tanya, this is Chad’s friend, Dex... ter.”

“Yes, I remember him the other day, that’s why I smiled at him earlier. Nice to finally meet you Chad’s friend!”

“Nice to meet you too, Tanya.”

She was so far from what I imagined, I thought of her as like something like Cherry, the b***h type. But finally meeting her, part of me was happy, knowing someday this will be the sweet girl who will take care of Chad and grow old with him.

“You two seem close huh, I mean I also saw you two together at your residence.”

“Of course, we grew up together, anyway, catch you later, Dex.”

“Take care, you two.”

The two then left the clothing store, they were so close, and I am here wishing I could be Tanya, even for just a day.

“You know that two girls?”

Feya walked up to me carrying a red dress.

“Kind of, one of them is Chad’s sister, but wait that dress is slaying, you should buy it.”

“That was Chad’s sister?!”

“Uhm yeah, why? You know her too?”

“I… I, can we grab something to eat first then I’ll tell you.”

We brought our prom clothes and headed to Caleb’s Diner.

“So? What was that Feya?”

“The day I found out about Finn, I went to the Town’s Night Bar, alone, because we still weren’t okay at that time.”

“Geez, you could have called El-Jay, he would have come with you.”

“I wanted to be alone too, you know, it hurts.”

Gosh, that is exactly what I did when Chad said he only kissed me because he was drunk, we really are best friends.

“So this is related to Chad’s sister because?”

“I saw them together, dancing.”

“So?”

“Wha… it was something else Dexy! Like sexy dancing s***h flirting, I would not forget that pink highlights on her hair, and actually, I was staring at them because I thought to myself, what if I just love a girl instead since all boys are jerks.”

Woah, I think I need some time to digest this, Xandra and Tanya, are they really?

“Wait are you certain about them?”

“Yes Dexy, they are totally lovebirds.”

Geez, the girl that Chad is supposed to marry, is dating his sister? I’m sure Chad doesn’t know about this but I wanted to talk to Xandra, I needed to know if all of these were true.

“Well, let them be, though I can’t believe you considered being a lesbian just because Finn screwed you, hahaha.”

“Hahaha, that was probably just the alcohol taking effect.’’

“Don’t ever go there alone again Feya.”

“Pfft, I can perfectly handle myself.”

“Whatever.”

After we ate, I asked Chad for Xandra’s number and texted her.

“Hi Xandra, this is Dex, can we possibly meet tomorrow? Just the two of us?”

“Mountainside, after your classes.”

It seemed she already knew what I was going to talk to her about. Still, I have to do this, I don’t want to leave any mysteries inside my head.

The next day, I told Chad I got something else to do then went straight to the mountainside, where I first met Xandra, and she was already there.

“Hey.”

“What is it?”

“Why did you accept me and Chad?”

“Duh, because I love my little brother.”

“I think it’s more than that, I think you understood us because you knew how it felt.”

“What are you saying? Get straight Dex.”

I saw her eyes glow in yellowish color just like Chad’s.

“Xandra, I’m not your enemy, I want to talk it through with you, because I know it’s hard, it’s painful to be in this kind of situation.”

She looked away at me.

“How did you know?”

I did not want to associate Feya with this.

“I… I saw you two at the Night Bar.”

“Damn, when we thought we were finally safe and free… But hey, why the heck are you interested in us?”

“Because seeing you two together yesterday up close, I knew it was love.”

“Fine, I love her.”

So it was really true, Xandra and Tanya are in love. Maybe that’s really why Xandra got along on our whole charades, and about the things she said, about how special it was but it won’t last forever, she lived up the nightmare before us.

Her face was painted with sadness so I walked towards her and comforted her.

“I want to be here for you Xandra.”

“My little brother can’t know about this Dex. They need to be married, that’s their destiny.”

“Then how about our destiny?”

“Our destiny… is to accept theirs.”

We let out a small sigh, feeling each other’s pain.

“Promise me Dex, Chad will never know.”

“I promise.”

“Thank you.”

I offered a hug and I was surprised she took it, I often looked at her as a very strong girl but then every one of us has this layer of what really hides inside us, and that the truth is, behind our every smile, lies some untold agonies.

“Would you mind telling me the good things? I mean, how it started with Tanya, she seemed nice.”

“Maybe some other time.”

That time I felt an instant connection with Xandra, we were both in love with the people who weren’t meant for us, we were both outplayed by destiny.

Days passed until it was the time everybody was waiting for, the prom night. Before I suit up, Chad called me.

“I don’t want to come.”

“What!? Why?!”

“Because you’re not my date.”

“But we would still see each other there, with our friends.”

“But I want to dance with you Dexy.”

“Chad, get prepared and move along now, you can’t miss this night.”

“See you.”

“Yes, I’ll see you.”

I went to Feya’s abode to fetch her then we headed to the school together, as we reached the scene, everything was just so loud, there were romantic lights and candles but the sound was just so upbeat.

On the way to the table, we saw a beautiful couple, El-Jay and Lylia.

“Matching colors huh, why didn’t we think of that Dexy?!”

“Because we’re not a couple Feya, we’re besties.”

To think of it, El-Jay and Lylia were in the nominations, if they win, we would all be so happy.

“You are both nominated for prom queen and king, right? I hope you two win.”

“The competition is tight Feya, I heard Cherry and Finn is on top.”

Ew, El-Jay and Lylia surely deserve the title better than that two garbage, what a prom nightmare.

“Well, good luck to the both of you!”

“Good luck!”

“Thank you, guys.”

I was seated in my seat when Feya pinched me to look at someone.

There he was, my definition of perfect. I was just staring at him as he slowly walked towards our table, if only I could shout to everyone how much I love this fine man, I would.

How could you look so flawless Chad Andrews?

“Oh my God Dex, you’re so thirsty for him.”

“Shut up, Feya.”

We were all together as friends at the same table when the program started, and I just couldn’t help but gaze at him, he was very well-groomed.

After the formal greeting from our school staff, it was time to meet the possible prom queen and kings, and when it was El-Jay and Lylia’s time, all of us shouted at the top of our lungs.

“Go guys!!!”

“We love you so much!”

We badly wanted them to win it, considering Lylia will leave this school next month. We all took part in their campaign agendas, Chad and I even skipped some afternoons at our tree just to help them, I just hoped it will be worth it.

“And now… the moment we’ve all been waiting for, the announcement of prom king and queen this year…”

I couldn’t quite hear the emcee because of the cheers and shouts in the surrounding.

“Since ladies come first, our prom queen is our very own student council member… Ms. Lylia Evans!”

Lylia stepped forward to the stage and I was just like yey! I was so happy for her, she really deserved the title, she’s all a girl could ask for, beauty and brains. I can evidently see the dismay on Cherry’s face, loser queen bee haha. Now, we just all hope the El-Jay is the prom king, please, please, please.

“So congratulations Ms. Evans, as for our prom king, to share a special dance with our queen… is, of course, the Mayor’s son… Mr. Finn Callego!”

What the heck, I think this was totally planned even before the contest started, geez what could we expect? The Mayor sponsored some of our expenses, but still, that was so unfair.

We just all decided to let it pass because we can’t do anything about it, but then, that jerk…

“Excuse me but I’m not the dancing with that girl, I want my partner, she’s the one who really deserves it, not that nerd.”

Oh my, you did not. He’s really straight trash.

“What the hell?”

I can see that Feya is also mad at Finn now, who wouldn’t be?

“But Mr. Callego, Ms. Evans won… she should…”

“I don’t want her, she’s definitely not my type.”

“Please don’t make a scene here, just dance with Lylia dude.”

El-Jay tried to act calmly but I know he just wanted to punch Finn’s face, I do too.

“It’s either Cherry or I won’t accept the title.”

I saw El-Jay tighten his fist, so I joined in before El-Jay does something he might regret. I was in the front row of the crowd so I was easily noticed.

“Then don’t accept the title, you don’t really deserve it, you didn’t even give efforts to campaign for it.”

“You again gay kid, you want some huh?”

“Just dance or leave, it’s that easy, you choose.”

“And if I don’t’?”

“I’ll tell everyone here what I saw in the dumpster.”

I gave him a threatening look, I am not joking, I really will expose him and Cherry if he does not stop.

“Wha… It was you, it was f*cking you!”

“So what happens now pretty boy?”

“I am not done with you homo, you better watch out.”

Finn then stormed out of the scene with Cherry following him. It was a very big commotion, luckily our dean is very kind and just ordered us all to stay put.

“That was an unfortunate turn of events, but let us not ruin the spirit of this night, since our original prom king is not interested, we’ll crown the runner up instead, and it’s no other than Mr. El-Jay Alonzo.”

The mood for our squad suddenly shifted on that announcement, it was perfect, now they both could have that romantic dance. After they were both coronated, they elegantly marched towards the center and had their dance everybody was wishing for. It was a romantic scene plus the choice of music was perfectly made.

Heart beats fast

Colors and promises

How to be brave?

How can I love when I’m afraid to fall?

But watching you stand alone

All of my doubt

Suddenly goes away somehow

Everybody then took their partners to dance along the newly crowned couple, so Feya and I joined in, and I was here secretly looking at Chad, wishing I could dance with him on this very special night. The surrounding was sincere until El-Jay stopped, and brought Lylia to France, who was standing alone in the corner.

“Come on bro, it’s your turn.”

France looked so surprised because it has been days since France kind of disconnected from us, either he was so ashamed or was so hurt.

“No, El-Jay… I can’t…”

“It’s fine for me don’t worry.”

Lylia then offered her hand.

“Please?”

France wiped out a tear before hugging the two thus, whispered to them.

“Thank you…”

France then took his chance, to at least, once in his life, be able to dance with the one he loves, even for just a while. I admired El-Jay in that part, I saw the real meaning of friendships in his actions, he knew France wasn’t a threat and he was still their friend, I saluted him.

El-Jay then strolled toward us.

“Hey Dex, mind if I borrow my coolest best friend?”

“Sure, dance with everyone Mr. prom king.”

Feya and El-Jay seized their turn with France and Lylia on their sides, everybody was having a serene atmosphere. I wanted to at the very least, have a conversation with Chad, but he was nowhere to be found.

I searched around to look for him but he was just gone, did he go home early? I was about to return to my friends when I received a message from Xandra.

“Meet me at the gate, now.”

I went there fast and saw Xandra waiting for me.

“What’s up?”

“Come with me.”

“O…kay.”

I followed Xandra through the back of our school and realized we were heading to the tree where Chad and I always hang out.

“What is this about Xandra?”

“You know, us, werewolves, have a very sensitive hearing, I overheard Chad earlier this evening, that he wanted to dance with you.”

“And?”

“And so, I arranged that special place you two love, to have your dance there, it does not matter if you’re not in front of the crowd, the only connection you need is between the two of you.”

Shit, I love Xandra.

“Oh my God, I don’t know what to say. Why? Why did you do that?”

“For the nth time, I love my little brother and I wanted to thank you, for having my back, it felt nice to have someone know about Me and Tanya and act like it’s perfectly okay.”

“Because it is okay.”

“Go now, I just accompanied you halfway because my little brother kept bugging me, I’ll be on my way, enjoy Dex.”

“Hey uh, wait, do you uhm want to talk later? You said you’ll tell me your story with Tanya some other time.”

“Hmmm… well, do you want to watch the sunrise at the mountainside?”

“I’d love to.”

“Then meet me there after you have your moment with my little brother, just make sure he doesn’t know anything and that he will not follow.”

“Sure.”

Supposedly there’s an after-party s***h sleepover at El-Jay’s house, but I wanted to spend this night with Xandra, she just made my wish come true.

As I reached our tree I silenced my phone as I did not want anything to bother us. Chad was already there, standing, there were lanterns and an old radio.

“May I dance with you, Dexy?”

“Hahaha, you should be thanking your sister.”

“I already did, oh wait, what song do you like? Should I….”

I stopped him from saying anything by kissing him.

“I don’t need anything else, being here with you is all I need.”

We started to sway together, imagining we weren’t in the woods, instead we were up on the stage, just dancing like two normal people who are in love, and that nothing stood against us.

For a moment it felt like heaven, my heart is just so happy I can feel my arteries smiling.

He turned my face facing him as he stared right at my eyes.

“I love you.”

I think I just had a heart attack, it was a perfect time and perfect moment to finally hear these perfect words.

“I love you too.”

Slowly, our lips met again, I will never forget this, I hope he never will too. This kiss was different from the others before like it was the kiss of a lifetime.

People said that eyes are the window to the soul, then I must say, that lips are the door to the soul, because at this moment we became as one, the most connected we’ve ever felt, that’s the art of kiss.

After a while of tranquility.

“I won’t be able to come to El-Jay’s house party.”

“Why is that?”

Sorry if I’m going to have to lie Chad.

“Something came up with my Mom, I need to go home.”

“Is everything fine? Let me come with you.”

“No, no, it’s nothing big, I just need to come home.”

“Then I’m not coming to the party too, I’ll just head home as well.”

“You have to come it’ll be fun.”

“It won’t be if you’re not there.”

“I am here.”

I gently caressed his chest.

“Fine, but text me when you get home okay?”

“Of course, go back to the school now, I can be on my own from here.”

“No, I am going to escort you.”

“Are you saying I am weak?”

“No!”

“Then trust me, I can handle myself, they might be already looking for you, plus they might get suspicious if they found out we are together.”

Just by then I pretended to go in the direction where my home stood but secretly shifted on the way deeper to the woods up to the mountainside.

I checked my phone and was surprised Feya had nine missed calls for me, what the hell happened? After that…

I heard a man’s shout and a growl nearby.