Tomorrow may never come

Vow

Tamara and I were seated under one of the kiosks outside the canteen.  We were busy working out the details of the tutoring session as well as the opening of a waitress job in one of the pizza parlors near the campus.  She was excited to introduce me to her cousin as they were looking for girls to work there especially during lunch break as the number of customers would overwhelm the staff.  Tamara works there and adds tutoring students who are academically flawed as extra credit since she was thinking she could earn enough credits to get a scholarship to a famous university.

Now, why didn't I think of that?

I scoffed at myself.  I was too focused on what my responsibilities were that I forgot to think for myself.  Good thing, my parents gave me enough to study in this school but for my plans, I need to earn my own.  I need to get money to revamp my image and learn a skill.  That way, the tainted me can't overwhelm my solemn vow to make myself better.

I made a promise that I will be.

Huh?  I zoned out of Tamara as I tried to remember something.  I made a promise before.  I know I did but for the life of me, I can't seem to remember what it was or to whom I made that promise to.

Suddenly, my phone lit up.  I picked it up and saw Kyle's name pop up.  I smiled at that and excused myself from Tamara.

"Hi, Kyle.  What's up?"  I asked.  There was some shuffling before a sigh comes over the line.

"Hi, Miss Dela Roux.  I hope I did not get you at a bad time."  His voice was as gravelly as I remembered but he can't hide his chirpiness.

"Call me Cat since I get to call you Kyle you know."

He laughed heartily.  "I just called to give you an update."

I stiffened.  I almost forgot that there were people who hurt me.  Damn him for reminding me.

"So, what happened?"

"We were able to catch all of those guys who beat you up.  The police will be wanting a face validation from you.  Whenever you feel like coming to the station and all."  He added.  I sighed.

Baby steps, okay.  Baby steps.

"I'll see what I can do afterwards.  I'm still in school so I'll call later to verify them.  Thanks so much for the help, Kyle."

He chuckled.  "Anytime, beautiful."

I turned back to Tamara and we continued discussing my resume.  There's no going back now.

*****

After school, Tamara and I met up again and started our walk towards the pizza parlor.  And just my luck, the new in couple were in my way.

Janine eyed me mischievously before trying to eat James's face up but his eyes remained glued to mine.  Tamara looked at me in concern but I smiled at her gently.  She understood what I was trying to say and gave me a sympathetic eye roll.

"Lipsuckers."  She coughed in her hand.

Janine glared at us as I giggled at Tamara's comment.  

"Cat, listen."  James started and made a move to intercept me but Janine clung to him like a leech making it difficult for him to move.  I laughed at the image of a snail carrying a huge house.  I walked on with Tamara and avoided their way.  I waved my fingers at him and smirked before facing forward.

We were walking amicably a few steps to the pizza parlor when I noticed that Janine and James were going into the opposite pizza parlor.  The one that he usually takes me to.  Somehow, I felt a little tug of jealousy.  I mean that was my date place.  It was the eatery where I had my moments with my first boyfriend even though I was never heard when they were discussing things like the games or what parties to attend.

I squared my shoulders.  They want to flaunt their relationship in my face then so be it.  I can make it on my own just fine.

Tamara opened the doors and gestured for me to go in.  The pizza parlor was simple and rustic and quite different from the place I used to frequent with my EX.  I chuckled at the thought.  Better get used to it.

Tamara picked up a bell from the counter and rung it five times.

"Yeah, yeah.  Hold your horses.  Welcome to - " A deep voice muttered from behind the counter and petered out when his eyes met mine.  He was busy tying up a black apron on but a man wearing an apron was not something that made me stop in my tracks.  I mean, the guy was super hot.  Even the doctor and Kyle looked like poodles compared to him.  He has chocolate brown eyes covered by thick eyelashes that makes you want to eat one.  He also wore a pair of simple eyeglasses.  He had a strong aquiline nose and pinkish pouting lips gracing a square jaw and thick neck.  His chest puffed up as he tried to breathe while his muscles bunched up as he finally succeeded in tying up his apron.  Immediately, he ran his hands through his dark locks that made me remember a certain shampoo commercial.

Tamara nudged me a the ribs to get my attention.  I turned to her with my head tilted to the side.

"Why don't you sit there for a moment?  I'll get you something to drink."  She told me, gesturing to one of the vacant tables by the windows.  I thanked her and made my way slowly towards the table, acutely aware that the guy was staring at my back.  Oh my lord!  Is this really happening?  I mean, I have seen the look of admiration from the doctor and Kyle as well as the look of lust in James's eyes but this is the first time I've seen a man literally look dumbstruck in my presence.

I sat down and pulled out my bio folder from my bag before pretending to read the book for my next assignment.

"Hey, Cat.  Can I sit with you?"  A small shy voice called out to me.  I looked up and saw a pimply faced boy who I remembered was the object of James' constant bullying.  I helped him one time and since then, Janine used him as a weakness.

I nodded and smiled.  When he sat down, we launched a talk about science that was in a way a catch up for my lessons.