I Wish Time Would Repeat Itself

CONDITIONAL AGREEMENT

Carlo explained, “Why you? (Sigh!) It so happens that you are beautiful or else I wouldn’t have bothered talking to you. God really made a boo-boo when He made you beautiful when there are other deserving ladies out there. Whether I like it or not, you are more beautiful than the other girls I know – even if you are a tomboy. Such a waste. (Grumble!)”

“Hah! I really don’t know if that's a compliment or an insult. Maybe it would be better if I will just beat you up,” Cassandra retorted sarcastically. "Okay, what I don't understand is... why can’t you hit on other girls even if they are ‘less’ beautiful than me, as you claimed? I’m sure that being yummy and (Ugh!) handsome, as you claimed… a lot of ladies out there are sure bet to fall in your charms.”

“Oh my, you really are a turtle when it comes to processing things like that. Can't you get it into your thick skull that... I DON’T WANT TO GET INTO A NEW RELATIONSHIP. With a handsome guy like me, they might not be able to recover once I break up with them. I don’t want them falling in love with dashing ol' me. Everything will just be for show.”

“Sheeeesh! What a humbug” muttered Cassandra.”

“(Giggle!) I’m just telling the truth. Anyway, to be honest, I’m not that kind of guy who plays around with another girls’ heart. Not my kind of thing. Okay, back to my plan. To make the long story short, if I can introduce you as my new conquest, a lot of guys will surely envy me. You’ll come out as a feather in my cap. A lot of mouth will spread the word about the new apple of my eye, which will definitely reach the ears of Eloisa. She will surely seize you up. I know for a fact that Eloisa doesn’t want competition, specially if she’s on the losing end. Even if she's far more beautiful than you... she will still get jealous of you. When that happens, I guarantee you that, in a blink of an eye… she’ll come running back to my arms again. End of your mission and everybody happy. Get it, turtle?”

“Yuck! Just thinking of it makes me cringe. Gross, gross, gross! Ngiiii! No way, Carlo, no way! I can’t see myself doing that. Sorry.”

“Okay, if that’s the way you want it. So, for the meantime… that can also be forever… you are not welcome in our house anymore. Sorry,” Carlo retorted.

“Sheeesh, Carlo… you’re being a prick!”

“Look, Cass… as I’ve told you before, this is all for show. There will be no kissing, hugging – ummm, maybe just a little – but definitely no romantic interlude will happen between us. Some holding hands and on some occasions that it's needed, some embracing, to show a little intimacy… but other than that, no more. Hey, we’ve been doing that as Brothers, so why can’t we now? Don’t worry, you are not even my type. And I promise you, the very moment that Eloisa asked me to come back to her, everything is finished… done! Our charade will be over.”

“Ngiiiii! Just thinking about it now, really makes my skin crawl.”

Carlo is exasperated and close to losing his cool, “Okay, Cass, give it to me straight. ARE YOU IN OR OUT?”

“Oh boy, what did I get myself into?” Cassandra said to herself, “Can I make myself pretend to be Carlo’s girlfriend when I’m a…. Ahhhhh! So gross, so yucky! On the other hand, if I will not agree, this will be the end of all my aspiration with Rachel. I can kiss my chances with her goodbye. Uuhhh, what now?”

“C’mon, Cass, I’m waiting for your answer.”

“(Sigh!) Do you really promise that once everything is okay with your ex-girlfriend, then we’re already done? Even if it happens in one day?”

“Promise, cross my heart.”

“No kissing or intimate loving or romantic show of affection? Or else, you’ll get your lips busted, I warn you.”

“No way, no way. You’ve put the fear in my heart, answered the terrified Carlo.

“YUUUUCCKKK! It really grosses me out. But, okay, okay… for the sake of Rachel, I will go along with your plan. Ahhhh, I can't believe I'm agreeing to this. Hmmp! Just a reminder, Carlo... your promised to butter me up with Rachel, including some brownie points – starts NOW!”

“Yes, yes… that’s a promise!” Carlo giddily answered. “Well then, everything is settled now? We’re good? YEESSSS!!!”

"Hah! Okay? Nope, we're not yet good. You think you can come out that easily? Ha! Ha! Ha! Think again. You forced me into this… you will pay big time, my friend… big time. As starters, please order again the following… one bucket of chicken complete with the side dishes, 4 burgers, 4 french fries… same number of drinks – all for take out! Hah! All that haggling made me hungry!”

“Cass, have a heart!”