Unknown Mishaps

Chapter 4

KHIONE CYRA

The loud blaring of the alarm clock woke me up. I grunted as I reached out to swat the clock away, making it drop to the floor and shutting off. I slowly sat up, rubbing away the sleep from my eyes as my head started pounding.

"s**t. How much did we drink last night?" I mumbled to myself.

I was laying on Essia's bed while the said girl was already splayed on the floor. I grabbed her blanket and draped it on her.

Yawning loudly, I headed to her kitchen and drank a cold glass of water. We were lucky that we fixed the leftovers after we ate, but the mess on her bedroom was a little... too much.

"Why did she even want to drink in her room, anyway?" I groaned, fixing up some coffee for the both of us.

While waiting for the water to boil, I grabbed my phone to check for any notification. My eyes widened when I saw 4 missed calls from Jase and a couple of unread messages.

Well, it's not like it's my fault that he didn't get to check on me. Hey, I deserve a break from my overthinking brain, too, you know.

I was about to put my phone back at the table when it suddenly rang. The caller ID showed Jase's name and I thought for a second if I should answer or not.

I sighed, picking up back my phone and swiping the answer button.

"KC! I've been calling you all night! Where were you?!"

He sounded so mad and his voice was really hurting my ear so I had to put my phone at a safer distance. I winced.

"I was with Essia." I simply replied.

Call me petty or whatever, but I'm sick and tired of understanding what's going on between him and little miss perfect.

"You could've texted me at least. I was so worried you weren't even contacting me."

You see the audacity of this man?!

I scoffed, "Me? You said at the beginning of this relationship that you would make sure to fix everything, but you actually haven't. Why should I be making an effort?"

I felt so annoyed. I could feel my body buzzing with bottled up anger and frustration.

"I'm trying, KC. That's why I'm calling you right now. I was worried about you."

I would believe him if he wasn't with another woman last night, but he was and what's painful is that he didn't even bother to tell me he was with that woman. He knew how she was. He knew how badly I didn't want him with her and yet...

"Whatever. Let's just talk later." I said, massaging my temple. My head was pounding heavily and I needed coffee so badly.

"Come to my place, ok? We'll talk."

I ended the call without any other word. Frustration crept up under my skin and I did my best to take some deep breaths. I promised not to let myself be swayed by something so trivial.

"I heard what that asshole said." Essia said, yawning as she walked up to me.

I sighed, "I thought of not going, but he's leaving in a month... I don't want us to fall apart like this."

"You still want to make this relationship work, don't you?"

I bit my lower lip and nodded, looking up at her. Essia sighed deeply, pulling me in an embrace.

"You deserve to be treated well, KC. Forget everything and just be happy." She mumbled.

Essia never failed to amaze me with how she handles her alcohol. No matter how drunk she was, the next morning, her head is always clear and calm. Unlike me, whenever I get drunk, I get pissy and annoyed after a night of good drinks.

My lower lip wobbled as tears pooled at the corner of my eyes.

"I want to, Essia. I really do." I whispered, burying my face on her shoulder and sobbed.

My past with Jase was bittersweet. He became my boyfriend then my best friend, my older brother, and now? I realized how much I love him the moment I agreed on all his terms. I was stupid, young and dumb, but the heart wants what it wants.

"You will, darling. I know."

A few moments filled with tears and then we're both back to being our crazy selves. I made us coffee while Essia made breakfast. For a moment, I forgot all about Jase and I was happy.

°°°°°°°°°°

It was late in the afternoon when I decided to text Jase to meet me in our usual coffee shop instead. I felt bitter about going to his place especially with what happened yesterday.

I headed home for a bit to change my clothes before going out again. The weather was still so cold so I decided to wear a loose pastel violet sweater, faded jeans, and my white sneakers. I let my hair cascade down my shoulders and wore my favorite white cap.

Walking to the coffee shop was refreshing and it gave me some time to gather my thoughts and calm my nerves. The fresh aroma of brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries made me drool. Many people are still in a hustle which gave me a more wintery vibe even though this country does not produce snow.

As I entered the shop, I immediately saw him sitting down on our usual spot by the window, third table with the blue and white pillows. I walked with confidence and sat across him.

"I thought you wouldn't be able to make it." He said, placing his phone down on the table.

"I asked to meet at this place so I had to go." I stated nonchalantly.

"Look, I'm sorry I didn't get to message you last night. I was busy with work and I fixed my paperworks for the trip." He began, leaning forward to hold my hand.

Oh? So now you're going to lie to my face?

"You could've messaged me once you got home." I pretended to be hurt and sad, but I could see right through him.

His eyes shifted to the left and his right leg shook. He was obviously lying, but of course, I had no intention of letting him know that I saw through his pathetic lies.

"I'm really sorry, baby. I was just really tired."

I'm tired too, Jase. I've been loving you since forever and this is how you want to return my love for you?

I sighed softly, "It's... It's fine. Let's just hang out today."

I smiled at him softly which he returned with a wide grin. He caressed the back of my hand softly, like a feather grazing against my skin. I felt a shiver down my spine as the cold breeze from the airconditioning blew towards us.

"So what did you and Essia do yesterday?" He asked, propping his arm on the table and resting his chin on his arm. A sign that he wants me to tell the whole story even if he wouldn't really listen.

"Oh. Well, we had some drinks and we cooked. We ate and drank and chatted. The usual." I said, glancing at the menu if their seasonal drink was already out.

Jase shook his head with a chuckle, "You guys really do love drinking, huh?"

Drinking is a way for me to forget that I've been overthinking, you know.

"Well..." I trailed off then found their new drink. I audibly gasped and said, "I'll just have to order. I'll be back."

"Oh. Alright. I'll wait here." He fished out his phone and smiled at me.

It was idiotic of me to think that he would pay for my coffee. I knew that he wouldn't, but that still made me frown. I walked to the back of the queue and waited for my turn. I took a peak of their pastries and the blueberry cheesecake looked so good so obviously, I had to take one.

It was finally my turn and I ordered their peppermint latte and the blueberry cheesecake. Starbucks has good quality of coffee, but this is the only place closest to our homes so we had no choice.

Once I finished ordering and grabbed my food, I slowly crept up behind him to see what he was doing on his phone.

My eyes widened when I saw him chatting with Joelle. There was even a heart and a kiss emoji sent to him which was a clear sign that she was flirting with him. I blinked several times before walking back to my seat.

"Oh! You're back. I didn't notice you." He giggled and placed his phone back on his pocket. I grabbed my cup and took a sip, humming to the sweet and bitter flavor of the coffee.

Jase ordered a cup of americano afterwards. I was eating my cheesecake in peace when I realized I brought a book with me. I fished it out and turned to where the bookmark was placed. Now, this. This is my peace. This is my comfort.

"So... about us going to the mall next weekend." Jase started as he sat down on his seat. I hummed in response.

"Would it be alright if we meet up after lunch?" He asked. I looked up at him and closed the book I was reading.

"That's fine. Did you have work to finish?"

"Y-Yeah. I forgot to sort out a few paperworks so I have to do it in the morning. But don't worry! It'll be quick. I promise."

I was a bit skeptical, but what other choice do I have, right? It's not as if I would accuse him of cheating when I don't even have proof so I just did what I usually do. I smile.

"Alright."

"Thanks, baby." He caressed my cheek. Normally, I would lean against his touch, but right now, I feel as if my feelings have numbed.

Time went fast just like the wind brushing against my skin on an open window car ride. Just like now. Where Jase finally leaves for the United States...