Sweetest Lie

Chapter Seven - Saturdate

Karina’s POV

"We should go here more often. Let's go! We should try the Space Shuttle." Katrina said before headed to the waiting line of thrill-seekers.

Joy was written all over my sister's face. Katrina always loved theme parks because of the extreme thrill rides, one of the fewest things we didn't have in common.

Ethan smirked before he winked at me. "Your sister seemed to be enjoying our date more than you do. I thought you love roller-coaster rides? You mentioned it to me before."

Oh-ow!

I smiled to hide my nervousness. There's no way I would be riding a roller coaster. That would be the end of me. But Ethan had been very attentive and sweet. He's the perfect date and I played the role flawlessly. I couldn't afford getting caught. It's too early for my Saturdate to end.

We never expected it would end up like this. All Katrina wanted was for me to get to know Ethan better. However, he mistakenly thought I am Katrina. At first, I didn't know how to react. When Katrina played along and pretended to be me, I had no choice but to go with the flow.

"Yes, I love roller coaster!" I tried to sound excited.

I walked past him and tried to pick up Katrina's pace. "Kari, wait. Aren't you hungry? Do you want to eat first?"

"Later. You don't eat before you ride or you'll throw up." Katrina scolded me.

Unbelievable! Katrina forgot about my fear of heights. I caressed my neck as my anxiety started to build up.

"What am I going to do?" I asked myself.

"Scared?" Ethan asked her.

"Yes!" My inner self answered.

"No." I lied smiling. "I'm just hungry that's all."

"Karina's right, you'll throw up if you eat now. After this, I won't stop you. Eat whatever you want." Ethan smiled.

Instead of enjoying this moment, fear was starting to overwhelm me. Is this the price I had to pay for pretending to be Katrina?

"Yes!" Katrina exclaimed. "We’re next."

Hearing the screams of the people riding it brought chills to my spine. I swallowed twice. To act like everything's okay was way, way harder compared to pretending to be Katrina. Deep inside, I am already screaming my hearts out.

Katrina was standing in front of me while Ethan was at my left side.

The door opened and soon screaming and laughing patrons came out. My heart stopped beating, then stillness and finally...

When I saw Katrina stepped forward, I felt a hand pulling me away from the crowd. I firmly squeezed the hand holding me as if my life depended on it.

"Finally, we're alone," Ethan said.

I looked at him gratefully. "Yes finally!" I remarked. "My heart beats again." Unconsciously I uttered it aloud.

"For me?" Ethan teasingly asked.

Immediately, my cheeks burned. I bit my lips to punish it from uttering words that were not meant to be heard.

"Don't do that..." Ethan's eyes focused on my lips. "Not in front of other boys. They may not have that much of self-control. I, myself is having a hard time fighting the urge to claim those lips."

I could feel her cheeks reddened more and automatically I covered my lips with my right hand. I didn't know what to say. How am I supposed to respond? It’s my first time to hear those kinds of confession.

He wanted to claim my lips, meaning... he wanted to kiss me?

I swallowed as the anxiety inside me was starting to build up again, not of fear but because of anticipation.

"I'm sorry." Ethan scratched his head. "I never should have said that. Forgive me but I can no longer suppress my feelings for you. I know we barely know each other and my plan was to court you once you turned eighteen. But now, I want you to know that my intentions are true."

I couldn't contain my happiness, it showed on my smile.

"The first time I saw you and your sister, I was fascinated. Not every day I get the chance to see stunningly beautiful twins. But every time I see you smile, I'm starting to realize I like you more. I was mesmerized by your smile. My heart chooses you, Katrina." Ethan continued.

Katrina?

Oh, I forgot, Ethan was confessing his love not to me but to my sister. I tried to maintain my smiles and held back my tears. That's the sweetest and at the same time the most painful confession I’ve heard.

"I think I'm falling for you Katrina." Ethan paused. "There's no need for you to respond now. I am more than willing to wait. I love you Ka--"

I couldn't bear to hear my sister's name anymore. Without thinking further, I tiptoed, put my hands on his shoulder and planted a kiss on his lips. I closed my eyes and when my lips touched his, I wrapped my arms on his neck. He didn't move and I felt him stiffened.

With more courage, I ended the kiss and put my hands on my sides. I never felt so insecure. Maybe he didn't like the way I kissed him. I avoided his eyes and looked at my feet.

Ethan raised my chin using one finger. "Are you mad because I didn't respond to your kiss?"

"No, I understand if you don't like it."

"You're right, I don't like it," Ethan confirmed.

I turned my face away.

"I love it. I love you more for kissing me." Ethan continued. "I cannot describe how happy I am right now."

"It's just that I am not a good kisser?" I asked again.

"I didn't return your kisses because I don't want to take advantage." Ethan held my hand and pulled me close. I am leaning on his chest but he’s not embracing me. "In time, I will kiss you properly and I will teach you how to kiss me back. But for now, holding hands will be enough."

I smiled and with my free hand, I touched his face.

"Having you is enough," I confessed. "Ethan, from now on, you are mine."