Spanish, Chocolate and Kiwi

IV - Fool's Gold (Danielle)

I kissed your friend, I am truly sorry.

It was a night of breeze, Danielle was busy with reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Until her phone vibrated on her bedside table and she read that message from the unknown number. Because of that, she was eager to know who is the person behind the text message.

Should I give this a ring? Call it? Or just let it passed? And my friend? Who? Danielle thought as she stared at her phone, confusion is filling her up.

She was about to give it a ring, not until a name of a friend showed up on her screen.

Charles Parker is calling.

That was strange for it was 6 p.m and for all Danielle knew, Charles is busy with working on his dioramas when it is 6 p.m.

Even though Danielle is confused as f**k, she still answered the phone as she wrapped herself in blanket, looking like a burrito.

Hello?

Charles on the other line is breathing heavily, "Hello, Danny?"

Charles, are you okay?

Yes, uhm, I was just wondering if you are available on a Friday next week?

Danielle stared at her book that is just beside her, "Sure, why?"

You will know the reason why once you see me.

Danielle nodded even though she knew that Charles was not physically with her, "You sound strange. Very strange. Tell me, is there something you are not telling me?"

Charles on the other line swallowed out of being nervous, "I'll just see you, next week Fr-Friday."

Danielle was about to speak, but Charles already hang up on her.

She is still wrapped like a burrito, letting the bed feel her body as she turned around and met the ceiling, perks of over thinking. Because Charles this past few days is gradually changing. Changing into someone that Danielle never thought that her friend will be. From quirky and doesn't give a f**k about a thing to becoming a mysterious and a nervous person.

Then, Danielle get a hold of her phone, typing a text to Julia,

Julia, Charles called me. What is going on?

Danielle didn't wait for a reply and she let her lungs capture her room during the night of cold. She screamed, screamed and screamed.

"f**k!"

As she continuously screamed her windows are making a sound that it disturbed the cat sitting on it, while it was having a night observing the cold temperature that is from the outside of the room.

Then, while the room is filled with loud screams a woman in her 40's came inside with a hot chocolate and a letter that seemed to be for Danielle herself.

The woman saw the lady devastated that she didn't gave her any form of communication not even an eye contact, she just left the letter and the hot chocolate on the bedside table.

Danielle then removed the blanket that wrapped her body, look at the clock and it reads 6:30 p.m. she's been screaming and staring at the ceiling for 30 minutes already. Few seconds later, she sat up her soft bed and led a hand on the letter that is sitting on her bedside table, she saw that it reads,

For Danielle

From: You will know soon

Dear Danielle,

I know that you are devastated to know who is this unknown sender of yours and how does this person got all the information to send you a hand written letter during a night of breeze. First of all, I am sorry for getting you into this. Maybe, because I don't know how to personally talk to you, fear is eating me up every time I see you near me. Hope to see you soon, take care.

P.S. Are you available next next week Friday?

Sincerely,

You Will Know Soon

She took a deep breathe, closing her eyes and is trying to cope with all the situations that she is encountering. She held her hold chocolate that already gotten cold for it is been sat for 30 minutes and she stood up from her bed started talking to herself, "What's with Fridays? What is happening to my life? Who is this unknown sender of mine? f**k. This is f****d up."

Even though it is already dark, Danielle thought of calling Julia because, why not? She knows that when she is already f****d up, Julia is the one that will help her cope up with her stupid decisions in life.

She then walked up to her bedside table to get her phone and call Julia in an instant

Ring

Ring

Ring

Sorry the number you dialed is not in service. Please leave a message after the voicemail

It's Julia, you've reached my voicemail, why all of the sudden?

But Danielle didn't easily gave up on giving this lady a call not now, not ever.

Ring

Ring

Ring

After the third ring, Julia finally answered the call. And no, Danielle didn't speak. She just listen to the background sound that is whispering to her from the other line, sound of flowing waters and,

Hello? Julia said while heavily breathing. For she is taking a shower at this time, "Hello? Yes, Danny?"

Danielle can sense the air that comes out from Julia mouth even they are not physically together and the flowing and the singing of the shower head became music to her ears and finally she spoke, "Julia are you, you know?"

Naked?

"Yeah, n-naked."  Danielle said to her surprise, she stuttered saying that specific word.

Obviously, I am taking a shower, Danny. Julia laughed on the other line, a laugh that sounded like a music box. You would love to hear her laugh, it was different. Mostly of people will be annoyed at the sound of other people's laughter, but in the case of Julia, it was different, it was like the sound of music.

It is so unfair that your laugh sounds nice. Danielle said and frowned even though she knows that Julia can't see that frown of hers.

Julia laughed again, "Wow, it is the first time that someone complimented the sound of my own laughter. Don't hang up, continue speaking, I am out of the shower now."

"Okay, no problem." Danielle said as she took a sip of the hot chocolate and leave her phone on speaker, hearing sounds of a person that is changing clothes on the other line. Now, she found herself leaving the remaining hot chocolate on her table and heading to the bathroom bringing her phone with her, and she heard Julia, "Where are you going?"

With that question from Julia, Danielle smiled as she tasted the soup that drips from her upper mouth down to her neck, "I am doing my skin care routine."

Julia then teased Danielle, "Wow, self-care at its finest, teach me how?"

Danielle rolled her eyes while looking at the mirror, and yes they are having a phone call inside a bathroom. "Wow, sarcasm at its finest."

Danielle heard Julia laughed again and heard a loud thud from the other line, "Ouch, fuck."

Karma's a b***h, huh, Julia?

Yeah, that hurt, a lot!

Danielle then kept quiet as Julia continued talking,

Also, why did you call? What's the problem, Danny?

Are you hurt?

Did someone broke your heart?

Are you just bored or?

You miss me during this night of breeze?

Hearing these statements from Julia made Danielle smiled and surprising for her, the cold temperature of the night is slowly becoming the warmth of her confusing feelings towards the person on the other line.

"I am so lucky to have you." She whispered under her breathe, yet Julia was able to picked up what Danielle said.

I am lucky, too.

You heard that?

I did. Julia said while she let out a laughter.

Danielle then rested her palm on her face, "I am embarrassed!"

Julia then asked for the real reason why Danielle called in the middle of the night.

"Why did you called me in the first place? What's the real reason?" Julia grew serious on the other line.

Danielle then took a deep breathe and, "I received a mail, a letter from an anonymous person."

"And what does have to do with me?" Julia said on the other line as Danielle heard a crunch of a chip.

"You prepared for this? What are you eating?" Danielle said on the other line bringing another set of questions.

"Yes I did, and don't change the topic just tell me what is with the letter, please?"

"Fine." Danielle said as she gave a sigh to the person on the other line."

"This person, the anonymous one knows that I am devastated about things. Like what the f**k? Over 9000 stalking skills?" Danielle added and heard Julia laughed so hard.

"Maybe this person is your secret admirer!" Julia teasingly said.

"Ugh, this person should let me know his/her identity!"

Julia smirked on the other line even if she knew that it is not seen by Danielle, "You got a feeling that it can be a female?"

"Why-why not?" Danielle said as she stuttered.

Julia smiled by that act of Danielle, "Well, whoever this person might be. He/she is lucky for you are such a treasure. Anyway, I got to go. See you in school?"

"See you, Jules."

Julia smiled and, "You just gave me a nickname."

Danielle was about to speak, but Julia decided to hang up.

Half of me wants that anonymous person to be you. Danielle thought.

Julia on the other hand hang up just because she was preparing a gift for Danielle to be given next Monday.

A paper bag that is full of her favorites. Danielle's favorites. And maybe you'll wonder, where did Julia got the information of Danielle's favorites?

From Charles Parker, obviously.

A whole jar of Nutella that reminded her of Danielle's baby photo

Chips

Anything snack that is available in cheese flavor.

Because Danielle loves cheese. She is very fond of it.

She then put it inside the paper bag with a design of purple polka dots. Of course, she will not forget a little note to include inside,

Hey, here are some of your favorites. Happy eating, you sweet, weird, little goofball!

Afterwards, Julia kept that under her bed to give to Danielle on Monday for it is already a Sunday breeze of the night.

An afternoon on a Monday on the month of October, It was the dismissal time in their school but for Danielle, she is not yet going home for she will take a special test on her Math subject. Julia walked with Danielle to the room assignment of the students who are taking special tests.

"Good luck, Danny!" Julia wished Danielle a good luck and giving her a warm hug.

"Thank you, well I gotta go. How about you?"

"I was thinking of waiting for you outside, if that's okay?"

Danielle led a palm on Julia's shoulder, looking straight into her eyes, "No need, I'll be okay, don't worry." she said as she drew a smile on her lips.

Julia on the other hand insisted, "I will wait for you, no matter how long it will take. Right here."

With that, Danielle didn't argue and she walked towards the door of the room she was supposed to be in by now. She was about to turn the knob but, "Danny, you can do it!" Danielle heard a sound from someone that she admires, it was Julia wishing her a good luck for the second time. She didn't made any eye contact upon hearing that, instead she raised a hand that formed a thumbs up.

Julia waited there, outside the room that is Danielle physically visible in, hours and hours have passed songs in her ears played repeatedly, her standing up and walking back and forth, opening her locker repeatedly not bothered to make any noise in the empty corridors.

Ariana Grande's voice filling up her ears as she sat down beside her locker, waiting for the girl that is a reflection of the song that she is listening to, Just A Little Bit of Your Heart.

I don't ever tell you how I really feel

'Cause I can't find the words to say what I mean

And nothing's ever easy

That's what they say

I know I'm not your only

But I'll still be a fool

'Cause I'm a fool for you

She then felt rivers streamed down her face, as she quietly sang along to that Ariana Grande song.

Julia sang Just A Little Bit of Your Heart repeatedly as the empty corridors made echoes from this petite girl, just letting herself scream what she truly feels with the help of a song.

She sang, and sang and sang.

Then, Danielle came out of the room, a wide smile written on her lips. As she walked, she heard Julia's singing voice and saw how she is in pain while singing. Danielle slowly walked towards her and sat, letting her head rest into Danielle's shoulder.

Julia then stopped singing as she felt someone's head on her shoulder, as she opened her eyes she saw Danielle, sound asleep as they sat on the cold floor of an empty school corridor.

I cannot take this anymore, Danny. She whispered under her breathe as her feelings for this girl eat her up and break her slowly.

She then observed Danielle's face, removing her rose colored reading glasses.

"Whoever you will be with, I'll be happy for you." Julia said as she gave warmth to Danielle's forehead and tears streaming down her cheeks.

Moments after, Danielle finally opened her eyes and saw Julia writing something, "Hey, what time is it?"

Julia slowly turned her head to face Danielle, "You're awake. Here have this." Julia handed the polka dotted purple paper bag to Danielle.

Without hesitation, Danielle led a hand on the paper bag but a trace of confusion wrote onto her face, "What for?"

"Just a gift." Julia said as she gave Danielle a smile. The kind of smile that you will feel that she is in pain, as her eyes starts to feel up with water and a reflection of a light is visible inside it.

Julia then stood up beside Danielle led a hand, to help her stand up, "Let's go?"

"Are you going straight home?" Danielle asked as soon as she stood up.

"Yes."

"And why is that?"

"Because, I need to?"

"Are you okay?"

"I need to be okay." Julia said as she gave a glance to the girl beside her and walked leaving that person behind.

Danielle then shouted a question as she is left behind standing still in the spot of the lockers, "Are you sure?"

Julia continued walking trying her best to ignore Danielle because she felt she needed to for she is hurting by the feelings she has for her.

After that day confusing day, Danielle came to see Charles and he grew confuse for it was only a Tuesday and they talked that they will see each other on a Friday.

"Why did you decide to see me right this second?"

Danielle then took a bite of her cheeseburger before talking and, "Something's not right, Charles."

Charles then dip his fries to his sundae, "What do you mean?"

"I saw it in Julia's eyes. Something is not right."

"So, you already know it?"

Danielle then leaned forward to Charles, "Know what? What do I need to know?"

Charles eyes grew because of being nervous as he looked down and muttered under his breathe. "I should have not said that. Fuck."

Danielle then held Charles chin to make him look at her, "What is it, Charles. What?"

Charles took a deep breathe, "Promise me first that you will not get mad as I tell you it?"

"Why would I?"

"Because, the anonymous texts that you have been receiving is from-"

"Is from you?"

Charles then shook his head as a sign of a no.

"It's from who then?"

Charles then sighed, "Danielle, you are so blind. It is from Julia."

"But why? Why not tell me this herself?"

"She is planning to, but because you are so eager to know it, I just let that confession came out of my mouth. You good?"

"I think it is only fair that I received those texts."

"Even it is anonymous?"

"Yeah, I mean, Charles don't you forget that I became experimental with Julia because you convinced me."

"And you are not really mad that Danielle is texting you anonymously?"

"No."

Charles was about to speak when Danielle interrupted him, "Can you think of the reason why she done it, though?"

Charles smiled and looked at Danielle straight into the eyes, "It's because she have feelings for you, goofball."

"But, you know that I like you, right?"

"Yes, I am very aware of that."

"But how about her? Julia?" Charles added as he took a sip of his iced coffee that is sitting beside his arm.

"Charles, don't you have feelings for me, too?"

"I do, I like you, Danielle. But not in the way you like it to be."

Hearing that made Danielle felt that her eyes is prepared to cry a river. For she really likes Charles.

"I am sorry." Charles then stood up leaving Danielle on her seat staring at the empty seat in front of her.

What just happened? Danielle thought.

Danielle is left on her seat, as tears continuously streamed down her cheeks and she notice something flashed on her phone screen that hurt her even more,

Julia Joselyn is calling.

"I am so f****d up." Danielle whispered to herself as she read who was requesting to call her in this crowded fast food restaurant.

She then get her iPod from her bag and played a song to filled her ears and in order for her to ignore Julia's request to call. Fool's Gold by One Direction started to play.

I'm like a boat on the water

You're the raise on the waves that calm my mind

Oh, every time

And I know in my heart, you're not a constant star

And yeah I've let you use me from that day that we first met

But I'm not done yet

Falling for you

Fool's gold

And I knew that you turn it on for everyone you met

But I don't regret

Falling for you

Fool's gold

As she listened to those lines, she got herself a tissue and wrote, "Why do we keep on chasing the people we want, who doesn't care for us? For there are people who are there dying to chase us?"

Danielle left that sitting on her table and walked home alone. She walked and walked as her ears kept on listening to heartbreaking songs. Moments after, five meters away from her home, she saw an unexpected figure by her door.

"Julia?"