When Stars Collide

Chapter 12: Sleepless

Alexia couldn't sleep... 

She's tried everything. Hot herbal tea, hot herbal soak in her personal bathtub,  sitting for an hour in her balcony's herb and flower garden...

Still, she can't shake the image of the tall good looking and tanned gentleman who practically spent more than 12 hours with her that day.

Or was it yesterday already? Damn, my digital wall clock just turned 1 AM. Yes, today is a new day and my thoughts are still on Professor Emmanuel Antonio. Damn it, why did I even agree to meet him yesterday? And why can't I stop thinking about him?

Then the voice in her head answered back...

Because he's one amazing guy who's the total opposite of your lanky, pale, and metrosexual boyfriend. And he's intelligent, charming, and caring. And he totally respects you as a woman, mom, and even businesswoman. Come on, Alexia. he even went as far as requesting your input for his undergraduate business classes' curriculum and subject requirements. How can you not be thinking about him?

Alexia sighs, Yeah, you're right... but he has someone else...

On that cue, the still wide awake woman stood up from her bed and went straight to her mini-study which is an integral part of her bedroom. She turned her desktop on, an AMD Ryzen rig that her son - a computer tech grad who now has his own online and onsite computer store - put together for her birthday three months ago. 

Marc was very specific with his instructions before setting up the computer in her room: This stays here mom or I'm taking it back. So no matter how much JM demands you to bring it to his place, you say no, or I'm locking this remotely when it leaves this house. And I can mom so just don't do it!

Alexia shook the memory away and opened a browser to check her emails, chats, and some of her clients' websites for customer feedback and chats. She ignored a specific messenger notification since she didn't want to deal with anything stressful or anyone toxic. 

Eventually, she moved on to the real reason she went online on her computer and not her mobile...

The sleepless lady with the long tousled red hair checked her favorite social media sites and pulled up someone's twitter account: 

Twitter: Found out something special today. It's priceless so I can't take it home with me.

On f*******:: Sundays should be spent with family. Thank you Dean @Elle Molave for the introduction. 

On IG: A meme with the picture of a broken lipstick smashed on the floor. It says, "No amount of make-up can ever hide your hurt or help you fake a smile." 

Alex's puzzled expression stayed on her face as she downloaded several pictures of the man who had exchanged social media info with her and demanded that she add him to all of them before he left their home. 

He really is handsome, especially when he smiles with that carefree expression. I mean he can still get me hot and bothered when he suddenly becomes intent and serious, like when we were discussing his curriculum upgrades. but there's just something about him laughing and happy that makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over. 

She sent the pictures to herself via Messenger for her to download on her phone later. The still restless and curvy female immediately turned off her PC then returned to her bed.  Within a few minutes, she's already browsing the pictures on her messenger. 

What the heck is wrong with you woman? You've practically known each other for just two days! Just stop that, recharge your phone and go to sleep!

+++++++++++++

Can't go to sleep now. Need to finish my research. Not that I'm sleepy, anyway. If I'll be honest, I  keep thinking about today that I doubt if I'll even nap!

The good professor has been online intensely stalking several social media accounts for the last two hours while he's hoping he didn't have to deal with Zee when he got home. That's one extra hour that he wished he could have used in this little side project of his.

Just remembering what happened still sends chills up my spine... 

+++++++++++++  

Three hours ago, as soon as he entered his condominium building's lounge area, Zee practically puts herself between him and the reception station. 

"Pumpkinpoo, my mom hurt me because I defended you. See?"

"Really? Last time I checked with your mom about one of your bruises, I got into trouble for it because it's actually not as bad as you made it look, Alicia."

"But she really did hit me this time, Emman! Go ahead and check it. This isn't makeup this time!"

Just at that moment, a few other condo owners passed them by on their way to the elevators. 

Damnit, that's Mrs. Concepcion, the head of the Homeowner's Association of this building and the biggest gossip in the whole complex. Need to bring this elsewhere or they might start thinking I'm an abusive boyfriend.

"Fine, let's go upstairs and treat that."

And as usual, they ended up having s*x which to Emman is starting to become repetitive, boring, and a chore. But there's just no way around it...

Eventually, after Zee left, he takes a shower again. He realized that he didn't want her cloying cologne sticking to him while he was busy with his secret mission. Besides, the way she smelled is a constant reminder to him of her little dramatic episodes to get his attention. 

Imagine making it look like that her mom gave her such a strong slap some skin came off her face! God, she must really think I'm that stupid not to know that she probably continued hitting herself with a belt or its buckle just to make the bruise worse. I swear, she's this close to becoming truly mental.

+++++++++++    

So presently, he's hot on the trail of a certain someone that he felt should be put in line. With the help of his new friends, Alexia's children, he knew he can make a difference with his poor abused student's situation.

I may not have the right to be more than a friend to her but at least I can do this for her as her professor, in the interest of seeing her complete her class with me. Hopefully, even with flying colors.

Despite these thoughts, Emmanuel decided to download as many pictures from Mae's, Marc's, and Michelle's social media accounts. He can't help but smile at the newly uploaded pictures of yesterday's impromptu mini-family get-together that he was a part of. 

His smile spread wider upon viewing some of the shots that featured only him and Alex while at work with his curriculum changes.

Those kids are really like their mom. She's raised them well. And thanks to them, my mission will be a lot easier...  

Before he turned off his laptop, he sent a few chosen solo shots of one of the most intriguing women he's ever met to his email and downloaded them on his phone. Still smiling, he wondered how fast things have happened and is quite amazed that he didn't seem to mind it at all. 

I'll deal with my other research materials tomorrow.  Oh wait, it's already 1 AM and it is already tomorrow! How time flies when you're having fun.

The content and almost sleepy Emmanuel jumped onto his comfy and plush bed, his happiness reflecting in his childlike behavior. He allowed himself to bounce a few times before settling into his blankets then looked at the new downloads he had on his phone. 

I need a bit more info before I can see this plan through. But so far, so good. I can even get the ball rolling as early as later this evening. Hopefully, I can help her get a new life again, even if it's not with me.