Someone That I Used to Love

Chapter Three

Tonight, is our Acquaintance Party so my friends reminded me to get ready after class.

After video chatting with my parents and sister, I got ready for the party.

My dress is simple yet elegant just the way I like it to be. It’s a long beige dress with a slit on the side, with Swarovski crystal on its upper side emphasizing sparkle and brilliance. I love to dress up and design clothes and accessories since I was a kid. That’s why I am here taking my degree in Fashion design and Visual Arts.

This dress was gifted by my mother when she and my father traveled to Austria. I brought the dresses with me when I moved here in my apartment near the campus. Our house is an hour drive from here so my parents decided to rent a three-bedroom apartment for me just in case my sister will join me in two years.

When my doorbell rang, I knew my friends were downstairs.

One last look in the mirror, I took my pouch and phone before going down.

“Hi guys, I’m ready.” I shouted while going down the stairs.

“Oh my Gosh! You’re a goddess Tori girl! You almost made me straight!” Carl exaggerated.

“You look gorgeous Tori.” Vanessa added giving me hug.

“Well thank you. You two look great!” I said giving them a huge smile.

“Let’s go then, let’s rock tonight missy!” Carl said while heading to the door. We decided to use my car, Carl is driving.

“So, tonight we are partying, I am expecting to enjoy so don’t be a spoil sport Tori.” Vanessa started. “I can do that. Just no alcoholic drinks though.” I answered giving her a look.

“No way, we are going to drink Tori. Just for tonight. After this party we will be very busy studying our ass out!” she said, and I don’t have a choice but to nod. I don’t want them to think that I am a boring friend.

” Okay, fine. But just a little. I don’t want to repeat what happened on my 18th birthday.” Then I told them the incident when my high school friends urged me to drink that night. I lost myself and did something I never wish to do ever again. They both laughed and teased me the whole ride.

We arrived at the hotel where the party is being held. Students are everywhere drinking and chatting. We found our seats before the program started. After the introductory speech from our school headmaster, dinner is being served. After dinner, the party started, and the students made their way on the dance floor.

“Go ahead guys, I will just relax for a bit. You go enjoy yourselves.” I told Vanessa and Carl. “Spoil sport.” Vanessa said while taking Carl’s hand on the dance floor. I smiled and shook my head.

I scanned the place while sipping my cosmo. Yes, cosmo. One shot of cosmo won’t hurt right?

“You should enjoy the night with your friends. What are you doing here alone?” I froze when I heard a somewhat familiar voice. I turned slowly and here he was, standing beside me, looking so dashing even in a darkened room.

My first attempt is to say hi, but nothing. I just stare at him gawking. I tried to speak again but I felt like my throat is dehydrated.

After the incident last Wednesday, I did not see him or his friends before the party. Vanessa and Carly arrived and seems to know him and his friends but never told me what is going on. They told me to avoid their group of senior assholes.

I didn’t push about the incident and just ignore them. Although at some point, the Dave guy visits my mind from time to time. He is gorgeous. I’ve saw a lot of handsome men in school and my parent’s party but never been fascinated with their looks until that day. I have this imagination in mind being his girlfriend. What is it like to be his girlfriend? Some imagination I had right?

“Hey, are you okay?” I was interrupted on my daydreaming when he spoke again.

“I’m sorry, what’s that again?” I asked like a dumb. What’s wrong with me? What will he think of me? I cleared my throat and looked him in the eyes. Some courage I have.

“I think you need some fresh air, Victoria.” I gasped when he remembered my name. “Care for a walk outside?” he added offering his hand for me to take. I blinked and blushed.

“Oh, sure.” I said with so much courage. I glanced at his hand and accept his help while trying to be more modest going down the bar stool. “Thank you.” I murmured shyly. I saw his small smile and again I blushed. We headed to the exit door with some students looking at us suspiciously. I bowed my head, but I felt his arms at my back. I suddenly felt nervous.

When we were outside the garden area, I breath the fresh air and just feel the cool night breeze.

“It’s so beautiful here.” I said starting to build a conversation. He seems to be a quiet guy, reserved.

“Are you in last year of school?” I added when he didn’t say anything. I saw him smile a little and answered. “Yes, in senior year. Graduating next year.” I nodded my head and play with my hands awkwardly.

“What are you taking up?” I asked. “Business Administration. You?” he said shortly. “I am taking Fashion design and Visual Arts. I want to be a fashion designer. I love decorating and creating things. Art in general.” I said emotionally expressing my love in fashion.

“I guess so, you look very beautiful tonight, Victoria.” He said making me blushed even more. “Oh, thank you. You look good in your suite, Dave. Armani suits you well.” I said giving him a smile. He looked surprised for guessing what he wears.

“You know your fashion, I like that. My mom arranged most of my closet. I like them though.” He said lovingly when he mentioned his mom. I smiled and this night gave us the chance to know more about each other. It’s awkward at first but later, we didn’t notice, we spent four hours just telling each other information and stories that made us laugh.

…………………………….

Days, weeks and months, Dave has been a part of my freshman year. We became friends and most of the time we hang out with his or my friends. Sometimes we went out alone and go on a road trip during weekends. We helped each other in homework, decision making, food to eat and I end up being his fashion guru. I arranged his closet, chose his clothes and so on.

Day by day, I fell in love with him. But it’s a secret. I don’t have the guts to tell him. We’ve known each other for three months. I know it’s very short, but I can’t dictate my heart. Falling in love is not on my list when I enter college. I need to focus, learn and be the best fashion designer someday. That is my goal and still is.

My phone vibrates making me jump in surprise. I saw his name on the screen and answer his call. “Hey, what’s up?” I answered with a frown looking at the digital clock.

“I’m here, can you come down?” he said. “I’m about to sleep Dave. It’s ten.” I answered getting up from bed. “Hold on. On my way to the door.” I open the door and saw him still inside the car. I turn off the call and went inside his car when he gestured for me to enter.

“Hey, is there something wrong?” I asked but him being him just stare at me without saying anything. I laughed and punch his shoulder. “Another prank really?  What is it this time?” I added shaking my head. I looked like a racoon wearing my night wear. This man is something.

“You are very beautiful; you know that?” he said while tucking my hair behind my ear. “Why, thank you mister. Are you okay though?” I asked with a blush, suddenly became shy. What’s wrong with him?

“Yeah, I just miss you. That’s why I’m here.” He said and breath heavily. I got worried and felt like he needed someone right now. “Are you okay? Is there something wrong?” I asked full of concern. He shook his head and stared at me. He caresses my face in a gentle manner. I closed my eyes and let him relax.

“Now, I’m okay.” He said then bury his head on my shoulder. I stroke his hair and let him relax. “I’m here, you can tell me anything.” I told him gently. He nodded his head but remain on my shoulder. I felt his body relaxes. “Let’s go inside. It’s chilling here.” I said after a while. He nodded and we went out of the car to my apartment.

“Drink this. It will make you calm.” I gave him a chamomile tea and sat beside him.

He just stares on the cup and look at me gently. “I don’t know how to say this. But I like you Victoria. I like you a lot. I don’t want us to be just friends. I want more.” He said making me freeze on my spot. “I know this is sudden, but I can’t sleep, I’ve been thinking about you every time. I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore.” He added, and here I am almost fainting.

“What do you mean you can’t do this anymore?” I asked in panic. “You don’t want to see me anymore?” I added blinking back my tears. “No, no, God no. I want to date you do the stuff that couples do. Not just a friendly dinner and road trip.” He answered pulling his hair out in frustration. I bet he never asked a girl in a date. Him being the guy next door and stuff.

I wanted to laugh at him, and I know it’s not the best time to do that. Seeing his frustrations, I changed my mind. I held his chin up to let him look at me. I gave him a soft smile and kiss his cheek sweetly.

“It’s okay. I know what you mean. I don’t know what to say or do, but I am willing to do anything just to make you happy again. I don’t want to see you like this again, Dave. You looked like lost and sad. It made me sad too.” I said giving him smile of hope. I saw his eyes lit up and hugged me tightly in a gentle way possible.

“Oh God, I’m getting crazy. I never asked a girl on a date until now.” He said giving me a huge smile. I laughed and we just stare at each other after a while. His face became serious. His face is getting closer staring at me. I know what is happening, but I just waited. I closed my eyes and waited. I felt his lips on mine and I stood there frozen. He kissed me! I just stood there and let him kiss me. I like it very much; I felt the urge to do the same and let our instinct do the rest.

This is my first kiss. The best kiss ever.

……………………………………

“Honey, can you check the oven please. I need to replace the rugs.” I shouted while heading upstairs. I am making dinner for us at Dave’s place.

“Okay, babe.” I heard him answered. I smiled and went to the extra room where things were stocked.

When I arrived in the kitchen, I saw him picking out the roasted chicken I prepared. “Hmm, smell’s good.” I said back hugging him. “Hmmmm, smells good too.” I added smelling his back. I giggled when he turns me around being a tickle master. “Stop it, it tickles. Dave!!” I shouted and fight for my life. We ended up fighting.

“I’m sorry, I’m just joking beautiful. I promise not to tickle you again. I swear.” he said giving me a puppy dog eyes. I ignored him and arrange the table for dinner.

“Dinner is served, let’s eat while it’s hot. Then I can go home.” I said motioning for him to sit. We started dinner quietly. I heard a click on the plate which stopped me on my bite.

“I’m really sorry. Please don’t be like this.” I heard him said in frustration. I signed and stare at him in the eyes. “I hate it when you tickle me. I really hate it.”

“I know, I promise not to do that. Will you please forgive me?” I nodded my head and went to him hugging him tightly. “I’m sorry too. I overreacted.” He nodded giving me a gentle kiss on my forehead.

After dinner I stayed a little bit longer before he sent me home.

“I’ll see you tomorrow hon.” I said giving him a smack. He nodded and drove off after I enter my apartment.