The Sight of Tomorrow

Chapter 4

Pagudpud Sterling Mall was right behind the City Hospital, a few kilometers away from the Police Station. From afar, the northern Seaborg could be seen, and the nearest Bus Station to Vigan was there as well.

Sitting in the long bench, in the middle of the circular alley of the mall, Audrey and Ian took a spoonful of ice cream and swallowed.

“When I was a child, my father would always bought me an ice cream whenever I felt bad;” Audrey said, without looking into his eyes. “Or whenever I got a good grade from school;” she added. “And every time my family and I go out of town for a stronger bond. It’s always this cold-flavored-ice that went through my childhood.”

“Well then, you might be some sort of rich . . . or something?” Ian asked attentively.

“No, we weren’t.”

“So, what do you mean?”

“My father even begs for that,” she said with a smile. “He only worked at a farm.”

“Cool,” he laughed.

“Yeah, he’d always been cool.” She took another spoon of ice cream and looked at the clear sky. The mall had a clear ceiling, and from her direction, she could see how the sky looked like. It’s clear and overwhelming; as it always been. “But he’d been in a coma for almost a year.”

The images began to form in her head, and she could see herself a young, little girl again. Beside her mother’s lap, she could see her father in a hospital’s nap, tubes all over his body.

Ian turned his head toward her. “What happened?” he prompted.

“He’s gone by hit and run,” she answered.

Ian’s eyes widen as she looked at Audrey seriously.

“What?” he prompted.

❧

Ten years ago, in a warm summer evening of May 1996, a call from a co-worker summoned Audrey with her older brother and her mother to the hospital immediately.

Once there, a shocking news conjoined the breeze of heaven and the warmth of hell. Nothing could believe what happened, and only cry could relieve the pain.

“What happened?” Audrey’s mother asked the doctor, leaning on the floor with her hands on him. Her tears were flowing down her cheeks, and she couldn’t feel her body at the moment. She felt numb, and at instance, she could feel her soul out of her body as well. The weight of the world felt heavy, and the pound and force of gravity intertwined. “Doctor . . . please, tell m-me what hap-p-end to my husband,” she cried as she begged for answers. She continued to hiccup as if her breath was stuck in, and there’s no way of letting it out.

In Audrey’s position, she couldn’t understand what’s happening to her. She could feel the unbalanced nature of the place, and she could see how her world turns slowly. It isn’t true, she told herself.

“He’s hit by a ten-wheeler truck.”

“What?”

“And unfortunately,” the doctor said, “he’s in coma as of the moment.”

Mother screamed, and her tears flowed in river. But Audrey couldn’t respond anything but a sob. She held her brother’s arm, and slowly, like her world as of the moment, her tears drawn a mark on her face, and she began crying as well.

“But don’t worry, we’re doing our best to save his life. And it’s a miracle that he has survived. His head was severely damaged, but I think he has the urge to go back. I think it’s because of you.”

“Don’t say that’s it’s a miracle!” Mother shouted. “It’s like you’re trying to imply that he should’ve died!” Her tears flowed in ocean, this time.

“I’m sorry.” The doctor stopped for a moment. “We’re just going to tell you if there’s a sudden improvement. Please excuse me.”

❧

“I’m sorry to hear that . . .”

“That’s fine, it’s not your fault after all,” Audrey said. “I think I just need someone that would listen to what I have to say. I mean, to comfort me whenever I am sad or angry.”

“So tell me,” he paused. “What happened to your father after that?”

“He was coma for almost a year, and we almost screwed and gave everything up. You know, to see how my father ended up like that without someone to look for responsibility.

“In that point of time, my elder brother almost went to suicide because of stress, and as a child, of course, the circular motion of that matter didn’t really get to my system after all. And I’ve always been eating ice cream, whenever I see my family being drowned with that problem.

“But do you get the point of what that ice cream does?

“Its cold? And the way it took every pain temporarily?

“That’s the part where it did its work. Temporarily, it took all the pain away as if it had never existed. It returned all the happiness that I’ve never experienced in time, and manipulated my mind in the illusion that illusion itself made up. But the truth is, it never really go away. It’s just hiding in the smoke of ice, waiting to show itself up once the ice-cream-effect had vanished.

“It’s a metaphor, was it?” She took a spoonful of the cold desert and fixed her hair into submission.

Ian nodded. “Yeah . . .” He took a deep breath and held her gaze. “I’d never thought that you’ve been drowning to that sink hole for the past years. But I guess, I was wrong. Don’t worry, whenever you need me . . . I am always here for you. What’s that friends are for, right?”

“Right,” she agreed.

At the same time, they took a spoon of ice cream, and as weird as it could be, all for a sudden, a laugh took its place. They looked at each other, and laughed again as if nothing had happened.

“You know what,” Audrey said. “You made me happy.” She smiled at him. “And with that, I owe you something.”

“Really?” Ian responded in a jam of excitement.

“Yep,” she replied. “I’ll buy you new clothes.”

His eyes widen. “Wow, I can’t believe this . . . I’m getting rid of these clothes. It sucks! Really.”

“Hey!” she cried. “Have you been complaining now?”

“O-oh,” he whistled. “No, you’ve heard it differently. I mean I’m grateful that you’re about to buy me clothes. And that would be good because I’ll have new collection aside your grandfather’s . . .” He looked on the side, avoiding Audrey’s gaze. You should’ve shut your mouth! i***t, he told himself. “Right?”

“Aish, you just rephrased it with smoother sound. Nothing’s changed to how it meant. Idiot.” She rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“I’m sorry.”

“Never mind, let’s go!”

She pulled him from the bench and wandered around.

❧

Ian’s clothes were finished and all paid off. And this time, it’s Audrey’s time to have her own. However, this time doesn’t mean any present at all. Standing behind the post outside the Clothes Line boutique, Ian was leaning on it with boredom all over his face. It’s been three hours since they began to search for new clothes that would suit her, but they haven’t found at least one yet! It’s like Audrey’s taking grudge for what he said, or otherwise for treating with the clothes? But it doesn’t seem to have connections, he told himself. She told me herself, he convinced.

“Ian!”

He shook his head organizing his thoughts into submission.

“Why?”

“Come here.” She waved him a hand, calling him to come.

“Why?” he asked again once he reached her.

Audrey was holding two blouses with same color but different in designs. “Which one do you think is good?”

Ian analyzed the two, thinking what should fit Audrey. To be honest, for his opinion, both were good, but he preferred the first one. Because of its simplicity, it would fit the simple but fiery character of Audrey. “No one’s good,” he joked.

“Hey!” she complained.

“Just kiddin’,” he said. “The first one’s good, you should try it,” he said.

He watched Audrey as she walked slowly to the fitting room. He didn’t knew what feeling that struck his body when he saw the perfect curve on Audrey’s waist. It’s sexy, and he couldn’t remove his eyes on it. From her smooth thighs and firm butt, he could say that she’s very much beautiful inside and out. He couldn’t stop his rapid breathing until Audrey got inside.

Penny of thoughts; sure it was. Mortified and embarrassed at the same time? He didn’t knew how it happened that way. He shouldn’t be peaking on women, but what could he do? It’s like he could control his inner badass, anyhow? He just couldn’t understand why he seemed very attracted to her. Yeah, she’s beautiful, check; she’s a good person (surely), double check; but lastly, she’d been in total pain, so it wouldn’t be best if he does peak on her at any matter. Although he’s still a man, right at this moment, Audrey’s a girl. And a girl should be cherished and cared, not to be sexually harassed.

“You okay,” she said that interrupted Ian’s thoughts—daydreaming to be specific.

“Yeah,” he said. He released a deep breath and looked at her clear eyes.

“Is it okay?” Audrey turned and asked.

“What?” Ian asked inattentively.

Audrey grimaced. “The cloth?” she asked.

It was wonderstruck, addition to a hit of lightning itself; a beautiful human being, standing across him who was stunning enough for others to look at her as well. She’s wearing the blouse and an above-knee-level black skirt which he didn’t knew she picked.

“Yeah,” he said, looking at her eyes seriously. “You’re beauti—uh, I mean . . . It’s beautiful”

“Thank you,” she said with a smile. She didn’t knew why it felt that way. She had no idea, but she could feel how her blood pulsed through her veins. It’s just a simple smile, by the way. But it was different, for her opinion, it was majestic—and humiliating for some reason. It’s like as if she had that feels for Ian, but it’s just the way he complemented her, it’s just it. No doubt, that it would be. And the way he twitched his lips as he spoke each word out, the word beautiful . . . the affections she had . . . it’s completely irrevocable.

She never heard such a word from anyone, for years and years—and especially coming from a man. It’s just—God! She’s being confused with her thoughts now. This couldn’t, and shouldn’t happen. Not with Ian. There’s no time for infatuation right now. And if she’s going to be head over for anyone, or for someone she means it, it should never—and never be—Ian.

She didn’t want to take advantage for him staying in her house. It’s annoying. And still, she didn’t know him surely. He’s just a complete stranger right now who’s wanting for his past back. Plus, what if he has someone there? Or worse, he’s serial killer? She didn’t knew, and that comes first anyway. But why she couldn’t control her feelings? Neither Ian.

After a moment of silence, Ian replied. “No worries. It really does fit on you.”

“Sure?” she asked.

“Yeah, and, I think . . . if you’re gonna ask me to buy one for you . . . it would be that dress,” he said with a smile, and turned away for seconds. Was he shy? He wasn’t sure himself, either.

“Okay, I’ll take that from you.” Then she slowly walked back to the fitting room, still her steady gaze on Ian. She formed a shrimpy smile on her face, and she couldn’t explain that overwhelming feeling that she had when she looked at his eyes. The pure sincerity, it was how she could explain what she felt.

Audrey continued to walk, but unexpectedly, she bumped stacks of boxes. It startled, and when Ian’s eyes dropped to the box which was about to fall directly on Audrey’s head, both world’s turned slowly. Ian ran to Audrey’s direction, but even he try to run fast, he couldn’t. It was slow motion, and in every step that he took, it’s pounding. The weight of his steps, it was more than he imagined. He ran and run, as if he was a flash that could flicker in a blink of an eye, but more than he noticed, he’s now leaning exactly against Audrey’s smooth skin. He could smell the compelled smell of caramel and floral; and the warmth they shared is turning Ian on.

Audrey didn’t knew how to respond. It was a total emptiness that shattered her thoughts in the ground, and she didn’t knew why she couldn’t move from that position as well. As if she’d wanted this . . . as if she dreamed of this.

But in that moment, neither of them could tell how they felt.

❧

“I’m telling you this, I’m confused!” Audrey exclaimed through her lungs as she put down the stack of tray beside the cash register.

“So, you’re telling me that you have been finding that Ian guy interesting? Is that what you think?” Emily jumped off from her sit and faced Audrey.

“What?” Audrey asked.

“What? Seriously, is that what you asked me?”

“Yeah?” Audrey’s face drew a masochistic face in it.

“You know, what . . . you’re depressed!” Emily shouted. “Am I right, Victor?”

“Yeah!” A voice box sound came from the kitchen. Victor was a chef, and as a matter of fact, he’s also Emily’s boyfriend—for four years. They’ve met on the employment agency, and that’s where their relationship started.

“Victor!” Audrey grudged with a shout. She rolled her eyes and looked at Emily.

“See.” Emily shrugged at Audrey. “It’s just a man you know, but you’ve been fascinated a few times. Which shouldn’t really matters, right?”

“No, Emily, you don’t get it,” Audrey hesitated. “The fact that Ian’s staying in my house, this would always happen. Ian’s presence is not good for me.”

“So, you want that Ian guy out of your house?” Emily stroked her neck with his thumb and acted like choked up.

“Enough of that “Ian-guy” already! I don’t want that to happen, and the fact that he has nothing live, I just can’t,” Audrey explained. “Ugh! I just don’t know what to do!”

Emily put her arms across Audrey’s shoulders, and said, “I have a plan.”

❧

Mrs. Claire Mason was a few meters away from her restaurant, Casa Montero, when she saw the rapid appearances of men in her restaurant. There were lines formed in the street, first coming from her restaurant up to the next street. It was unceasing, and in every step she took a few men came to the line in addition.

She wondered what’s happening.

Mrs. Mason walked even faster to reach the lane. The tackles of her shoes could be heard as low as the ground, while her face was covered with ultimate wonder to what was happening. She surely had no idea.

Mrs. Mason, was a forty-seven-year-old widower who owned Casa Montero and the shopping district four streets away. She has her long hair braided into a coil, and her spectacles, dangling on her arms, neck, and ears.

Once she reached the crowded space, she exclusively made her excuses on the way in. She pushed the glass door, and once inside, a total shock strapped her with confusion. What happened? she asked herself. All the tables were full, and Emily herself was in a total rush in serving. She didn’t seem to understand why? Her restaurant hadn’t been this far, she couldn’t understand. And to this she was sure, There was something weird is happening.

She mid-run to Emily’s direction, who’s serving a few men in the table, and asked, “What’s goin’ on?” Her pixie-like voice tangled in the midair. “Why are there so much . . . men in here?” she added.

“Uh,” Emily moaned, searching for the right words to explain.

When Mrs. Mason dropped her gaze on the corner, she jolted her head in disagreement. “You have some serious explaining to do.”

“O-oh,” Emily whistled, displeased.

❧

Even Audrey didn’t like this idea at all. For several hours she’d been like a mascot that endorsed the sake of their sales. And for her, mascot was a way better than being a date for different guys. It’s just a thanks for Mrs. Mason appreciation of her case, this insanity would be stopped at last.

She still couldn’t believe that Emily could come up with this she called a “great idea”, which of course in her meant wasn’t great at all. Seriously enough, this was how she remembered things beforehand:

“What are you writing?” Audrey asked Emily as she wrote Audrey’s name on a piece of paper.

“Endorsement,” Emily simply said.

“Endorsement?” Audrey asked in return.

“Yep,” Emily snorted. She leaned on the counter’s panel and grabbed a picture of Audrey on her bag next to the container. It was the picture she took of her on their summer camp at Baguio two years ago. “Since you have that doubtful thought of Ian, I think of this as a way—I mean, an excuse for that feeling.”

“What are you trying to do?”

“I’m getting you a boyfriend?”

“What?” Audrey exclaimed in a jam. “You’re kidding me, aren’t you?”

“No. I’m not,” Emily retorted. “I’m just pushing a way for your case. And I think if you’ve had a boyfriend, that strange feels for Ian would step aside of the way.” She clapped her hands, and formed a wide smile in her face.

“Stop that, okay? I’m not planning to get a boyfriend.”

“No, you are. Plus, this would give both of us dibs. I’m not just getting you a boyfriend. Of course, there’s a deal. Before they could get a step near you, they have to at least buy one of our best sellers,” she explained. “Great idea, isn’t it?”

“Great idea, your face!” Audrey shouted. She turned away, and walked to the counter. “It’s not going to happen. It won’t, without my permission.”

“Oops, I think it will.”

Without any notice, Emily had posted the poster outside already. Audrey could see Emily pouted at the glass wall, making fuss to annoy her.

“What the f—Seriously?” Audrey grimaced and formed her hands into fists. In embarrassment, she walked toward Emily and formed a hideous expression in her face. She couldn’t control herself now, at any moment she could burst out. It’s mixed of embarrassment and annoyance to be specific, and what Emily’s doing would only make it worse. Anyhow, she didn’t have to do this.

But Emily, on the other hand, couldn’t get that point. She really wanted to push the fact that Audrey must have a boyfriend. Which of course, in her idea would be a greater help to what she’s dealing right now. She’s her friend, and she only had one wish if she have: she to be happy.

And for the rest of the hours, several men arrived, and Audrey’s worst dream became real. She dated a few men, and she didn’t expect it to be that confusing. Afterward, the lanes formed outside the resto, and she didn’t knew what to do. She wanted to call Emily, but how, she couldn’t. Emily’s busy serving fellows. What could she do, Emily wanted it in the first place. Plus, she had nothing to do to stop this anyway. The only way was that, she had to wait until costumers fouled not to arrive.

In the modest form of her existence, she tried to be nice to all of them. But there are instances that she couldn’t. She met some men whose names were weird, and some of them were ex-convicts. As she tried to remember, there were only a few men—could be count in one hand—were decent and good looking. And in that part, however, she could only summed up to remembering some of their names. They were the only ones she knew would be a good person in entering a relationship—George Trover, a twenty-seven-year-old (same as her age) architect, whose family are in the same neighborhood of the US Ambassador; Lance Rivera, a professional singer, twenty-nine, and has a degree of Bachelor in Science, Major in Physics; and Harold Mason who owned a brand of heroine perfume, and a sophisticated tycoon in the name of business—but she knew as well that they weren’t for her. And in her case, she would be more grateful if they choose to find someone else rather than her. She must’ve been rude but this was the only way to get rid of them. But how come that in her rudeness they could still bare that in the name of love?

She scratched her head in a moment, and until her eyes dropped exactly on Mrs. Adam’s eyes. She could see the fury that had been summoned from the deepest part of earth. Mrs. Mason’s braided hair fell into cushion, and her eyes turned into a dark sight that you wished you never had seen.

Right at the moment, Emily and Audrey were summoned inside the stockroom with the fury of Mrs. Mason.

“What do you think both of you are doing? What’s that poster out there’s about?—Tell me!” Mrs. Adam’s pixie-like voice echoed inside the dark room.

“Ma’am, let me explain every—” Audrey wasn’t finished with her words yet when Emily interjected in one hand.

“No, let me.” Emily reached for Mrs. Mason’s ears and puked some words that Audrey wished she could hear. But in lonesome, she couldn’t. But—

Audrey chased her eyes and scratched when she saw Mrs. Mason drew a big smile on her face. She scratched her eyes again, but nothing had changed. Mrs. Mason seemed to be happy to what’s Emily was squeaking in her ears.

One time, she caught Mrs. Mason laughed through her lungs, and clapped her hands in enjoyment. “Very well . . .” Mrs. Mason took a very deep breath. “Then we’ll—”

Audrey drew a wide smile in her face. Even Audrey didn’t like this idea at all. For several hours she’d been like a mascot that endorsed the sake of their sales. And for her, mascot was a way better than being a date for different guys. It’s just a thanks for Mrs. Mason appreciation of her case, this insanity would be stopped at last.

“—continue this,” Mrs. Mason continued.

Maybe not.

Audrey’s jaw dropped all at once. She couldn’t believe that this insanity would grow bigger as this. It’s all Emily’s fault! That scumbag, she thought.

Then all she knew afterward was that, she’s sitting with one of the tables and a few other men began to arrive as well.

Mrs. Mason called some of her employee’s which should meant to be working a few hours after this, but because of this big-event she called, they had to come. Kim and Joy, were one of them, they were employed a few months after Audrey did. Although they weren’t that stick to each other all the time, Audrey had made their ways through each other.

Kim and Joy were twin sisters, whose ages were years younger than Audrey. So, most of the time, they followed Audrey’s orders as a sign of reverence and manner.

They moved inside very smoothly serving all the costumers around, and once in a while, they cast a smile on Audrey, which in the very least, lessened Audrey’s peripheral views on everything. But on the other hand, whenever Emily or Mrs. Mason does, she just ignored them with mix of annoyance and smirk.

“Where are we again?” Audrey asked the guy, whose name she had forgotten.

The hours passed way too slowly, and she couldn’t bare all the fuss that she’s hearing. At past eight after the guys stopped to arrive, and exhausted as she could be, she leaned against her chair and yawned uneasily.

She had a mantra in her head: I’LL KILL YOU EMILY! In every guy she had dated all this day, at countless times, she mentioned that phrase.

“Are you all right?” Emily asked.

Plastic, Audrey told herself.

“Excuse me, do you think you’re asking me the right question?” Audrey retorted her with a fishy smile.

“I’m sorry, okay? I know you’re mad, but I’m just trying my best to help you.” Emily sat on the spare chair across Audrey. “So . . . . Please?” She stuttered and twinkled her eyes.

However, Audrey rolled her eyes and yawned again.

“Hey, talk to me,” Emily pleaded.

“No, I won’t. You’ve got into my nerves!”

“Sorry, okay . . .” Emily mumbled. “I won’t do it again.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Okay,” Audrey said. She lent her arms across Emily, and they hugged in a few seconds. “Just don’t do it again, okay?”

“Ai-ai! Captain!” Emily saluted and laughed. “But, hey, have you chosen some—”

But before Emily could finish her question, the bell dangled and made a loud sound. All of them turned to the door. Like a glimpse of heaven came, all of the girls’ eyes widen, as if their eyeballs were daring to escape.

“Oh. My. God. . . .”

“Adonis, take me!”

“Victor, let’s break up!”

“I’m virgin . . .”

The four, except Audrey, mumbled. Their eyes brighten like a star in the galaxy; and as if an UFO in the sky, their mouths were as circular as it was, and their tongues were hangin’ out like a dog waiting for its food. They couldn’t move . . . as the gorgeous man triumphantly took his step toward them, they could feel the tension and the weight of his steps.

Once he reached the girls, he stood confidently and asked, “Is Audrey Calhoun available?” His eyes blinked, and his long lashes brushed to each other.

“Oh! Yes!” Emily replied attentively.

Audrey turned to Emily and hit her hand. “I thought . . . you know?” She narrowed her eyes in annoyance.

“Just shut up, okay?” Emily whispered. “This is Audrey . . . and she’s definitely free.” She pointed Audrey in a hand and made an irritating smile.

Audrey turned to the guy’s direction again and made a fake smile. “Hi,” she mumbled.

“Hi,” he replied back. He twitched his kissable lips and walked near her. “I’m Matt. Matthew Evanson.” He stretched his brawny arm toward her. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Then Audrey reached his arm for a handshake. She met his gaze in a moment. It was deep brown, and the color of chocolate could be seen over his browses. He’s beautiful, in her idea, she’s no more than amazed. From his decent look, she could say that he’s well-mannered and . . . rich?

Emily got out of the spare seat and offered it to Matthew.

He sat on it, and their conversation started off. It was good, and to be honest, for all the guys that she’d had talked to, Matthew was the only one which she enjoyed a lot. Once he’s order got in, he told Audrey a lot about him. About his parents, his business (which she thought right because of his outfit), his two-month leave/vacation to unwind his ambition to be an astronaut once, his Labrador dog, whose name was Sparky; and how he managed to live on his own without his family on his side.

He told her that his parents abandoned him, and since he was twelve he started to live on his own. Audrey, to be honest, didn’t seem to be sympathetic in his case, however, when the words parents and abandoned hit her, she’s never gone off with that word in seconds. It’s like ghost had possessed her, and her past drawn back. But it’s just a step away on Matthew’s case, she’s the one who abandoned them, and not her family.

The rest of the hours that they’ve talked, she could see on the corner of her eyes how the other girls giggled inside the counter. Although she didn’t mind them, when the fact that they’re watching them, it made all very, very awkward. But as ease, she felt relieved when Matthew’s husky voice lingered in her ears again.

One time, when her eyes got on Matthew’s dress-up, she was mused when she saw the trace of his muscles. She never meant to be a pervert or something, but it seemed to be that when seeing a handsome . . . well, a man whose body was chiseled and bulk and muscular as it could be . . . she thought of it sexy. You know, she’d been victim for four times in a row. First, his ex-boyfriend who ruined her life and soul; second, Jacob, the police officer who meant no harm but s*x? (It should sound like a question); third, Ian, whose body always drowning him—no, it shouldn’t had been mentioned, so scratch that —; and fourth, Matthew now. And given the fact that he’s a businessman, in the world of money and act of gold-digger, he must be famous because of his built in.

She observed him very carefully. He’s wearing a black coat and trousers, fit for the character of an absolute, out-of-town, sophisticated entrepreneur. Sure he was; ten million a month, all magazines sold worldwide, it’s indeed that he’s very fit in it, with regards of his good looks.

He also had his clean golden hair, whose reflecting the yellowish light from the ceiling. It’s overwhelming, and it suit him very, very well. Audrey didn’t knew how she could criticize him with his almost perfect looks. He had it all, well-built body, s*x appeal, good looks, beautiful eyes, there’s no way to judge him in anyway. Perhaps, why she’s judging him by the way? Like Matthew’s a crazy bastard by any chance.

They continued they’re conversation regardless of the time that passed by.

❧

Emily, Mrs. Mason, Kim, and Joy—in addition to that is bearded, and tall man, Victor—watched how Audrey and Matthew flirt with each other. Yep, it fit the right word, and it fit the right situation. It was obvious enough that they like each other at first sight, and in that perspective, Emily herself was very happy by any chance. For some reason, she thought of her plan accomplished, and her friend would be happy at last. If it’s not for Audrey, she might’ve lost her mind and immediately broke up with Victor and have a night with him. But she’s not that kind of person, she loved Victor, and she always did.

In the corner of her eyes, Emily could trace the silhouette of Victor walking near her. She turned and gave him a smile. And in a second, she took a step forward and kissed him on his lips. She could feel the touch of hair under his chin, and it’s making the sensation better. Their breath exchanged together, and the warmth of their body shivers in every point of their nerves.

Victor, on the other hand, pulled him against his skin, and caressed his breast. His sand-like skin touched Emily’s body, and he kissed her on her neck.

“Uh,” Emily moaned in a moment.

And until they felt that it’s the right moment to stop, Emily withdrew his tongue inside Victor’s mouth and hugged him instead. “I love you,” Emily said in a breath took in a life time.

“Me, as well,” Victor replied with a smile.

Emily looked at his black eyes. “You always say that,” she laughed. She scratched Victor’s bronze hair, and tickled him on his ears.

“Stop it, okay? We might interrupt them.” Victor pointed Audrey and Matthew.

“Yeah,” Emily replied. “Audrey looked very happy.”

“I thought so,” Victor replied back.

“I felt relieved that . . . you know, I have a strong feeling that they’ll be together, so if that happens, I would be very grateful and happy for her.”

“I wish so. A good person like Audrey deserves someone whose agenda is to protect and cherish her.”

❧

Ian clenched his jaw as he moved his legs up and down. He’s wondering why Audrey wasn’t home yet. The clock was about to hit ten o’clock, but still there’s no presence of Audrey had shown. As he observed Audrey in the past few days he spent with her, and also according to the letters she gave him, she should be here by seven or early six. In Ian’s positive speculation, she might have got her over time at work, or otherwise something very bad happened to her. He had no idea. But he wished that there’s not, regarding with the second thought he had.

Audrey’s her friend now, and considering the fact that she’s also a woman, it’s too dangerous staying out with the night all by herself. Of course, as his friend, he’s worried, wasn’t he? What if he’s right in the first place? He just didn’t knew if something happened to her. If he just owned something that would help him know what Audrey’s doing . . . in that way, maybe he could breathe a little, but the problem was, there’s nothing.

In anxiousness, he rose from his sit and ruffled his hair into submission. He should do something, but the question was, what?

But when he heard an engine roared outside, he immediately ran toward the door and opened it. And all at once, Audrey’s gorgeous face shown up. “Audrey!” he yelled in mixed emotions. He didn’t knew what to do, and the only thing he did to respond was that to enclose her in her massive arms.

“Hey, what’s the problem?” Audrey narrowed her eyes at instance. She was perplexed with the weird expression on Ian’s face. And if she would be given a chance to describe it, it’s like they had not seen each other for a long time.

“Nothing, I’m just worried.”

“Can’t breathe.”

“Oh, sorry.” Then Ian released the pressure on his tight hug, and faced her seriously. “Why are you late?”

“No important reason. It’s just that the restaurant was in a total jam earlier,” she explained without looking at him.

“I see.” He nodded. “Are you hungry?”

“Nope,” she answered lifeless. Then she walked inside without any expression drawn in her face. But everybody could say that it was more likely irritated. Which she surely was. And indeed that it’s because of, none other than, Ian. In her idea this must’ve not had happened to her if Ian’s not here. Because of his presence, it’s all making it worse. But what could she do, she wanted this in the first place. And it’s too late to regret.

This is because of you! This must’ve not happened to me if you’re not here! she wanted to shout. This is all your fault! I hate you!

Ian followed him inside. “Hey, is there a problem?”

Yeah! There is! And it’s you!

“No,” she answered lifeless again.

“Are you sure?”

“Will you just please stop asking me, all right? I’m tired, and I want some rest. Just give me this time alone.” Then she walked to her room, and shut the door loudly.

“O-kay?” Ian mumbled.

He guess he had to find himself another place to sleep. And in his mind, it’s none other than this: the sofa.

“Let’s just call this a night, Ian,” he whispered to himself. “Good night, myself.”