Two Faces of Love

Chapter 4: Exchange

“Tell me.”

“What?”

I am still at Tristan’s room, eating the breakfast in bed they prepared for me. There’s a mini ding table placed facing his bed. His room is almost as big as an ordinary house you could accommodate almost everyone here. I just can’t believe things like these exist in real life when I can see the same things on television.

“The favor! At least I could pay you back from all these things you did to me.

“I said I’m not even asking for anything.”

“It’s me. I’m asking for anything.”

He looked at me, “why?”

“Because! Because I don’t want to owe anything to anyone. So tell me now what is it that you want and I promise I’ll try to give it.”

“Do you hear yourself, Alyson?”

“Huh?”

“Anything? Really?”

“Yes, why?”

He smirked. “Then let me think about it.” He continued watching tv while seated on his sofa bed.

“Tristan,” he pretended not to hear me so I called him again.

“Hey Tristan!”

“What now?!”

“Ah, I need to go home. We still have classes tomorrow remember?”

And so, he called his household staffs and told them to send me home by one of their cars. I actually felt for once that I was a princess being guided and guarded by men in suites, carrying all my stuffs and really did send me home straight. It was like a dream, a scene you could only see on Korean dramas and such. There are indeed people who are born so lucky in this world, and one of them is Tristan Johnsohn.

“Ah, sir,” I called the old man who went inside Tristan’s room a while ago. He also accompanied me on my home. We are still inside the car when I decided to ask him about something.

“Cho Niko,”

“Huh?”

“That’s what they call me at the mansion, madam.”

“Oh. Well then, I’ll just call you uncle Nikko, if you don’t mind?” He smiled.

“Do you need anything maám?”

“Why call me ma’am when you’re the one who’s older than me?”

“That is how we call other people ma’am, specially that you are our boss’ friend.”

“But we’re no longer inside the mansion.”

He just smiled again. I suddenly felt shy. It’s just so formal taking to them and I’m not used to it. It literally feels like a drama on tv!

“Pardon ma’am Aly.”

“Never mind then.” I just took a deep breathe and asked him again.

“But, I’m just curious, is Tristan really that kind to all of you?”

“You mean sir Tristan?” he smiled again before speaking. He has been smiling all throughout, maybe that’s still how he is in the mansion and part of his job, but I can also feel that he is a warm and nice person. “Why did you ask? Aren’t you two friends?”

I’m not sure if he is being sarcastic or what when he said that, but I just answered his question.

“Oh no! Not at all! We are just classmates. We’re not that close. To be honest, today was the longest I was able to talk to him alone.”

“Ah, really?”

“It’s true! That’s why I’m curious to know if he really is nice in real life.”

“I’ve been working with the Johnsohns for 30 years now. His father was still single, I am already working as sir Tristan’s grandfather’s household caretaker. Until he got married and madam gave birth to sir Tristan. Ever since he was little, he was mostly let alone at the mansion by his parents. Most of the time, they fly back and forth to London to take good care of their family business, specially when his grandfather died and all these were handed over to his father who happened to be an only child too, just like sir Tristan. Sir Tristan is just a quiet little boy. Aside from sir Mart, John and Alex and ma’am Jane, he had no other friends. That’s why we were in owe to see that he had brought you home at the mansion because that only means, he also treat you as his friend.”

“Really? But we’re really not friends at all! Just civil. He is actually not that approachable at school! He is a bully!”

“Unapproachable?” he laughed suddenly and then continued talking. “That’s just one of his characters. He just doesn’t want to mingle to so many people and prefer few friends than crowd. But once you get close to him, you’ll know that he is just as soft heart.”

This time, I was the one who smiled. I just realized that no mater how hard and difficult a person is, there is still kindness and goodness inside them hidden in their hearts, just like Tristan.

“What about you ma’am?”

“Hmm? Oh me? My story is just as boring. And also, not worth calling maám at all! You can just call me by my name, Alyson.”

“It’s not true. Everyone has their own story that’s worth sharing.”

“How can you say so?”

“Because you were able to catch sir Tristan’s attention.” I laughed at what he just said. Catch attention? Like a puppy or something?

“You’re funny, Uncle.”

“Oh no, I’m not joking ma’am. You’re actually the very first girl he ever let inside his room.”

“For real?!”

“Yes.”

“What about Jane? Aren’t they close friends?”

“Yes, they are, but not as close as he is with the boys. For him, he just sees ma’am Jane as his friend because he is sir Alex’s twin.”

Wow really? And Jane was acting as if she was some kind of a bestie best friend to Tristan when she is not even ‘friend friend to Tristan’. And why am I even affected over it?

We arrived home safely and early and I thanked Uncle Nikko for coming even if he didn’t have to. When I went inside the house, aunty nonstop bombarded me with a lot of questions like where did I go and so, I just told her every detail of what had happened so she felt more intrigued of my story. But then she did not force me to elaborate every detail. Aunty is very understanding and told me that I ca tell her everything when I’m ready and if only I’d like to. That’s why I’m so lucky to have her and his family. The next day, I left early for school.

“Aunty, I’m leaving!” and then I opened the gate. But just when I was outside, I saw this familiar car parked right in front of my aunt’s house. This is one of Tristan’s, why is it here? Before I could even take a step, one bodyguard came out of the car and opened the car door on the passenger seat. I waited for someone to come out again but nothing, so I asked the guard.

“What’s going on, sir? Where is Tristan?”

“It was his command to fetch you here and send you off to school, miss.”

“What?!”

No matter how much I complain and reject the offer, the guard had no choice but to force me to go inside the car to ride. I was not hurt at all but still uncomfortable. They told me that if they don’t do it, Tristan will get mad and might fire them. Like for real?! That’s just too much!

When we arrived right in front of the university’s main gate, I almost don’t want to go out of the car. I just know what exactly will happen if I do and al the students will gossip and wonder what in the world am I doing inside Tristan Johnsohn’s car.

I saw from the car window that almost everyone is approaching near the car, including Tristan’s friends. And then behind the car I was in, was another car who arrived and parked and there came out Tristan. How many cars do they even have?! He looked at the car I was in and walked straight to the passenger door where I was seated. He knocked on the car window twice and suddenly opened the door so to my shock, I grab my bag immediately and cover myself to hide my face.

“Are you going out or what?!” he shouted.

“Are you shouting at me?! Why are you even waiting for me? You can go ahead!” I was still covering myself with my bag but he grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the car. I heard everyone around us murmuring and were all shocked to see Alyson Li coming outside o Tristan’s car.

Even his friends could not believe what is happening. But I just bowed my head, feeling embarrassed. Stupid Tristan, just what exactly are you doing?! I shouted to myself out of anger.

“What are you doing?! Can’t you see everyone’s looking at us?!” I shouted to Tristan but in a low voice.

“Alyson?” John, Mart at Alex calling my name altogether.

“That girl?! What is the meaning of this Tristan?!” it’s Jane.

I could no longer take all the attention and spotlight the people are giving me so I decided to run away from here. Before this guy could grab and pull me again, I removed my hand from his and escaped as fast as I could. While I was running, I heard Jai and Mai calling me but I just looked at them and gave them a sign to follow me inside the building. I just hope this wont ever happen again or else I’ll be on the headline soon.

And yes, I was not wrong after all. I may not have been on the headline just yet, but my two best friends indeed keep on asking and squeezing me for some news when we were already inside the classroom.

“You know you can start explaining friend.” Jai said.

“I’m not in the mood.”

“Oh wow, you just rode off a very expensive car owned by the university owner’s son and now you have no mood to tell what exactly is going on to your best friends?” Mai teasing me.

“Because!” right when I said that was exactly the moment Tristan and his friends arrived at the room too.

“Oh friend, your boyfriend is here already. You’re saved for today.”

I looked at Jai seriously. These two really love to tease me on situations like this.

While the class is going on, I was blankly staring at our teacher pretending as if I am listening when a lot has actually been going on my mind. I’m still thinking about what exactly is going with Tristan and what is it about with all the free ride from his car? What? A sudden change of mood and character? The beast suddenly became so nice? But why? I mean yes he did save me from the other day but giving me new uniforms and stuffs is already too much! Or maybe this the exchange I was asking from him?

“Aly.”

I just busy thinking when someone keep pinching me from my back. At first, I just ignored it but then it was Jai who called me again for about three times so I got annoyed and to everyone’s shocked, I stood up from my seat and shouted out.

“What?!”

The whole class stared at me, including our teacher.

“Alyson Li. Again.”

“M-mam—”

“I’ll see you in my office after class.” And turned her back to face the board and continued her discussion. I apologized and sat on my chair.

“What’s happening with you?”” Jai asked.

I did not answer her. I looked at Tristan and catches him looking at me as well so I immediately looked away. My heart was suddenly beating fast as if I’m nervous and I don’t know why. I put my hand on my chest and wondered to myself what exactly is happening.

That afternoon, after being called out by our teacher, I immediately went to the faculty room. It’s not like I was scolded or something, I was just told about how and what I was acting lately during classes as if I’m no longer paying attention. Even I don’t know what’s happening with me so all I just did was apologize to our teacher and promise that it wont happen again.

“Sorry again ma’am.”

“Okay then, you may go.”

When I went out of the office, I was shocked to see Alex fast approaching me.

“Aly? What did the teacher say? Did she scold you? Are you okay?”

Before I could answer him, I saw Tristan and Jane on the corner as well. What are they even doing here?

“So, are you going to be expelled? “Jane excitedly asked.

“Sis! What are you saying?” Alex stopped his twin. I just took a deep breath.

"What are you even doing bro?! I'm your sister, you should be on my side!" I then interrupted them.

“Sorry, but I’m not going to be expelled.” I told Jane sharply,” but you know what? I don’t know if I’ll be touched that you are all here for moral support or something, waiting for me here outside the faculty room. My best friends are definitely going to be jealous about this.” I joked.

“Feeler!” Jane shouted, but I ignored her and continued talking.

“You know what? Thank you.” I said sarcastically. “But can I just ask a favor from you for the last time? I beg you guys. Well, we all know we can not just avoid each other no matter how much I wanted not so see you but because we are classmates then can we just at least be civil with each other? I’ll really take that as a very big favor and a help as well, specially you Tristan. It I really do hope that it all ends here. Let’s just do our best as students and let this whole school pass peacefully and graduate.”

“Wow! Pretty much easy as pie! As if we are chasing after you specially my boys! Don’t be too proud of yourself because you’re not even pretty! Don’t worry, we are not going to disturb you so don’t disturb us as well to be fair. Actually, it was you who started all these. Let’s go guys!” they started walking away. But then Tristan remained there blankly standing. What is his problem again?

“You forgot something.” He said, leaning on the wall and looking at me intently.

“Huh?”

“The exchange you said. Remember, you owe me one and I did not force you. You insisted it.”

Oh snap, I remember. I still asked him ‘that’.

“Then what is it?! Tell me now!”

“Later. Before you go home. I’ll wait for you.” Then he left. He really love to suspense things and put other’s hopes up. I just took a deep breath and walked my way to the Publication room. As usual, I saw kuya Art inside.

“Hi kuya!” I greeted.

“Hey, Aly.”

“By the way, here are my write ups for this week.” I handed him the papers I was carrying.

“Oh okay. You can put it down there on the side desk.” I then did what he told me and fixed my papers on the side desk along with other articles written by our other group members.

“And Aly, you haven’t told me,” he suddenly said, as if he was about to start roasting me.

“About?”

“About you and the son of the owner of our school.”

To my owe, my mouth just opened involuntarily. I can’t believe that even kuya Art already heard about the gossip!

“Oh well about that, it’s nothing really. What you heard is not true at all!” I immediately cleared things to him even though he hasn’t said further details. I know I like kuya Art, and as if he will me back, when he actually already has a girlfriend but then I suddenly feel like telling him that there is really nothing going on.

“It’s okay Aly. You actually look good together!”

“He is not my type at all.”

“Okay, if you say so.” He just laughed at me.

After doing my tasks at the Publication room, I went my way home. Finally, another day is over! While I was going down the stairs of the building, I grasp in shock to see this familiar guy leaning on the wall at the side. Why do he always have to do the same pose and always appear in a very creepy situation?

“You’re too slow.”

“What are you even doing there?!”

“I told you I’ll wait for you.”

Oh snap, yes, I remember what he told me this morning.

“Okay then now you can tell me what is it that you want.”

Instead of answering me, he just started to walk away, so I followed him.

“Hey! Are you deaf? Did you not hear what I said?!” I was catching up his big long steps that is equivalent to twice mine because he is just so tall and has long legs. We just kept walking and walking until I did not notice that he just stopped, the reason why I bumped unto his back and made me stop walking too.

“Ouch!”

“What I want?” he spoke, finally.

“Yes! What is it that you want so that I can already give you and all these comes to an end already!”

He started walking again so I followed him again. He is just so weird.

“Hey Tristan! Tristan!”

Until we arrived at where his car was parked. His bodyguard opened the car door for him but instead of going in, he turned around to face me.

“Can you just please stop joking around and just spill it out already?” I begged him once again. He came closer to me and held my shoulders, then looked me eye to eye intently. I can see how round his eyeballs and his long eyelashes. He is in deep thoughts. And then he just suddenly said those words that made everything around me stop.

"Make sure you won’t regret this Alyson because," he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. I got nervous all of a sudden and my heart started to beat faster than ever. What is he planning to do now? Will I really not regret later on? Should I back out now? Should I just take back what I said?

My thought was in the middle of commotion when he spoke again.

“I like you. I like you, Alyson Li. And I want you to be mine. Only mine.” Right after he said that, his face got closer and closer to mine, and then what he did next made my knee felt weak because he kissed me right on the lips. That kiss so tender you can feel that he really is sincere and is full of love. It took a minute after he let me go, and whispered, “did you get that?” and then went inside his car, closed the door and drove off. Meanwhile, I was left there blankly staring at where he was standing, my heart still beating so fast. What just happened again?

The next day, it’s still early but I am already walking inside the campus.

“Bes! Good morning!” Jai and Mai greeted me joyfully. I smiled back at them.

“What happened to you again? You looked like someone borrowed money from you.”

I just sighed. Like, I have been sighing so many times lately. It’s because I still can’t get off my mind what just happened yesterday. I still don’t get what Tristan said and I don’t understand myself either. Because I’m not sure why part of me feels like it’s okay.

“Friend, you know what? There are a lot of things we don’t know about you anymore. I haven’t told us yet about that car incident with Tristan last time!”

“That’s true!”

“Okay fine! I’m going to tell you everything.”

And so, I told them everything that’s been happening for the past few days. From walking at the hallway until we arrived at our classroom and sat on our chairs.

“” What?! You mean there’s already a lot going on between you and that guy and you have no intention telling your best friends?!” Mai put her bag on the back of his sit with bang, as if being all grumpy and mad at me.

“I agree! What is this? Some kind of Korean drama? Boys over Flowers? Geum Jan Di is that you?” Jai then exclaimed, even comparing me to a character from one of our favorite Korean drama.

“Shut up Jai. He is just so far compared to Gu Jun Pyo! I mean he is handsome but even though!”

“Then what will you do now? I mean, in the first place it was you insisted and demanded that right?”

“True, it’s partially your fault so don’t be so dramatic over there.”

“And Aly, tell me. Since you’re always out spacing there and there are a lot of events going on between you and Tristan. Tell me, do you already have feeling for him?

Mai’s question hit me right through the bones suddenly, although it was not painful or harsh at all. Do I have feelings for him? Or maybe it was just because he was just so nice to me these past few days that I am overwhelmed by what he is doing and what is happening? Or maybe not.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know about what I’m feeling either.”

Mai and Jai just looked at each other after hearing what I said.