Just For You

Eleven

I started speaking as Josh nestled me in his chest.

“I had a boyfriend in college named Victor. We were close before I started freelancing and he started working in Manila. Back then, I used to live in Vigan City. I loved him so much, he was then the man of my dreams. But soon I realised that he was acting weird. He often used to take money for some or the other problem and never return it. It was surprising as he was paid way more than what I used to earn. One day I received a message from him that he was in a car accident. Naturally, I was worried for him and he asked for some money for his rent and expenses. However, this time I decided to visit him in Manila.”

“So, when I enquired about him in the hospital, they didn’t have any record of him. So, I called Yasmine and Nicolas and they advised me to confront him on the phone and not send any money. I was scared because somewhere at the back of my head I didn’t want him to be wrong. I loved him so much. ” I sniffed.

“If you want we can talk later, Love. It’s all right.”

“Nah! I am okay. So, anyway, I decided to talk to him.”

Flashback- Two Years Ago

I looked at his number and decided to send a text.

I have arranged money but we need to talk.

I didn’t wait long till my phone beeped.

Sure, all though I need this money to cover my bills so please send it fast.

Well, I called Yasmine yesterday and she decided to visit you with Nicolas in the hospital. Turns out there is no one named Victor Hugh in that hospital. Care to explain that?

I waited. I waited a long time but he did not reply.

I need an answer Vi. I trusted you and at least you can be honest with me. You never return me back but I never said that. I always believed that it wasn’t important but why did you lie to me? I need an answer Vi.

I have lost my job and I am due on my bills. I am trying to find new work and till then I didn’t want to say anything.

Why would you lie to me about something like that? You should have told me. I could have helped you.

How much? Lee, you have helped me enough and I don’t want any more favours. You have no clue how it feels to be the short end of the stick. You got everything on a silver plate. I had to work my ass off to reach where I am. It’s crude but not everyone has a life like you Lee.

Tears filled my eyes as he said that. I knew that he was insecure but I never thought he would be so blunt. I never disrespected him or anyone in my life for their ‘status’. I never believed in that bullshit. I love Vi regardless of everything. He made me happy.

My phone beeped again.

I am sorry, but I need that money. I will tell you everything later but I have an urgent business. Please Lee. You have to help me.

I started thinking, it is going to be 7 o’clock and if I book a cab I can reach his apartment around 20 minutes. Yasmine was against me going alone to meet him, but I need to see the truth. What I am thinking is dangerous and foolish, but I need to.

Okay. I am trusting you for the last time. But I need explanation Vi. Also, I don’t have money with me right now. You need to wait till next morning.

Can’t you ask your friends or family to give you some. Lee, I am desperate for it. You don’t understand.

I asked my brother and he doesn’t have any. My friends won’t lend me anything especially after the stunt you pull.

No reply for the past thirty minutes. I am sick of this act. Whenever I refuse him anything, he ignores me. At first I used to get desperate and start apologizing while giving him whatever he wanted. Now, I am not going to give in. I booked a cab and decided to confront him. I am not even sure whether the address he gave me is right or wrong.

After a while, I stepped out of the building and went towards his apartment. A creepy feeling settled in my stomach. This is by far the most stupid decision of my life. I am overwhelmed and nervous to confront him. What will I say? What will he do when he sees me alone? I want to back out but curiosity kills the cat, right?

Meanwhile, I decided to text my brother about my hotel’s location and Vi’s apartment. I told him that I could not go right now as I had to meet a client and Vi was working overnight, and I will move in the next morning. I wanted to text Nicolas, but he will tell Yasmine, and I don’t want to explain my logic behind my move.

Soon, the cab reached outside the building. It wasn’t in best shape but I can understand why he chose it. I decided to walk inside and analyse my surroundings. To my dismay, the elevator was out of order. I think he lives on the second floor. I decided to cross check, I knocked on one of the doors, but no one answered. Apparently it’s more secluded that it looked. That made me feel more anxious but at this point I am too deep to get out. I walked upstairs towards the second floor. I could see three doors and I went through my phone to see what the apartment number was. Apparently it was 18.

I saw the door and decided to eavesdrop to get the scene. It was low but I could definitely hear some small sounds. Not able to understand any further, I decided to push the door open. peeking inside the door, I saw. The man whom I loved so much. The man with whom I decided to spend the rest of my life with. The man who was above everything, my best friend.