Kill for Love

Chapter 58

Cytherea is already in her tweety bird PJs. She’s lying on the bed while holding her phone close to her chest. Athena hasn’t come back yet even though it’s already 11:30 PM.

The date is already over but Cytherea feels like she was still on cloud nine. She remembers how Gaus treated her like a queen while having dinner in that wonderful place. On how they dance under the shadow of the moonlight while the violinist plays a romantic song which she found so sweet. She couldn’t help but compared him again with Ares.

She shook her head. She doesn’t understand herself while she keeps on comparing Gaus with Ares.

‘Because he treats you way better than Ares!’ her mind shouted.

She got stunned by her thought. Does it mean that her feelings with Gaus are greater compared to Ares? She bit her lips with her realization. It hasn’t been a year but it seemed like she already forgot about her feelings toward Ares.

She took a deep breath.

The silence is deafening but she likes it this way. She was able to think clearly without any distractions. She can finally weigh her heart.

She was still in her deep thoughts when her phone vibrated. She peeks at her phone and saw Gaus sent her a message. She couldn’t help but smile.

[Are you asleep?]

Her fingers were too excited to type for a response. It’s like her whole being is excited when it comes to Gaus.

“Yes, I am. Why are you still awake?”

She was waiting for his response but it’s been a while and there was still none. She seems to be down in the mouth.

“Argh! My god, Cytherea why are you sulking when you didn’t receive any response from him? Did you fall for him that deep already?” She covered her mouth with her hands when the realization hits her again.

She almost threw her phone away when the ringtone beams the whole room which startled her.

“Gaus?” she asked herself when she saw his name flashing on her phone screen. She cleared her throat a couple of times before pushing the answer call button.

“H-hello?” she stammered as her heart was pounding so loud.

“Hey, did I disturb you?” he asked. His sexy deep voice was like a piece of music to her ears.

“Nah, I was just waiting for Athena.”

“Oh, she’s not back yet? You are all alone there, do you want me to come over?” he asked worriedly.

She smiles as she hears the worry in his voice. It gives her warmth in her heart. He’s just the sweetest. “Nah, I’m good. For sure, she will be here any minute. Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”

“I can’t sleep and I also forgot to ask you earlier.”

“About?”

“Can I ask you out again tomorrow? I have two movie tickets and I’m wondering if you can watch them with me tomorrow?”

Cytherea’s eyes widened. She covered her mouth to contain her squeal. Of course, she would love to! But as a demure lady, she innocently hesitated, “Umm…”

“If you have any plans tomorrow, that is okay. We can watch it next time if you want.”

“Not that I have any plans for tomorrow but aren’t you busy? I mean I’m worried that you spend so much time with me.”

“You are worth every second of my time, Cy. Other things can wait but not you. So, let’s watch a movie tomorrow?”

Cytherea giggled, “I didn’t know you are a smooth talker, Gaus.”

Gaus chuckled as well. He definitely enjoyed talking with Cytherea. "I'm still learning how to, Cy. And I hope it's effective."

"Oh, yes it is. Very effective, Gaus."

"Yes! So, tomorrow before lunch? That way, we can have lunch together then see the movie."

Cytherea giggled again, "Yep, seems like you don't give me no choice."

Gaus chuckled and excitedly thanked her, "Thanks, Cy. See you tomorrow, then."

"See you tomorrow. Good night," she whispered.

"Sweet dreams, Cy. Dream of me."

Cytherea disconnected the call and dreamily sighed. If only things were different…

"You're still not sleeping?"

She immediately turned her gaze by the door as soon as she heard someone talking. It was Athena. She didn't even notice that she already arrived. She smells a combination of alcohol and cigarettes and she couldn't help but cover her nose because of the unpleasant smell. This is the very reason why she hated going to bars.

She got up and looked at Athena. She looked like she had fun and she's glad.

"I know, I know, I smelled alcohol and cigarettes. I will take a shower first," she immediately said as soon as she saw Cytherea's reaction. "And you better not be sleeping, lady. You will tell me about your date with Gaus. I won’t be too long," she added, giggling.

She immediately runs to the bathroom and all Cytherea could do is watch as she shakes her head. She heavily drops her body on the bed with her arms wide open while waiting for Athena.

It going to be a long night for her.

True to Athena’s words, she got back from the bathroom after fifteen minutes. She was already in her PJs too and was drying her hair using the towel in her hands. She sat beside Cytherea who was still lying on the bed.

“So, tell me how was it?” she excitedly asked.

Cytherea got up excitedly and faced Athena. Her eyes were sparkling because of happiness. “It was great! Super great! I enjoyed every minute of it.”

“Well, I can definitely tell you are happy. Your eyes are sparkling!”

“I am. I have never felt this way before. I mean I loved Ares there’s no question about that but Gaus is giving me this feeling that I haven’t experienced before. Unknown but good and he was asking me again to watch a movie tomorrow.”

“That’s great! But why do I feel I heard a ‘but’ in the end?" Athena asked. She got up and went to the bathroom again to put the used towel in the hamper. She proceeded to the dresser and took the comb and sat beside her best friend again who looked serious.

“I’m still confused, Bestie. What if because of this Gaus will be in danger? The police haven’t captured Astilbe yet. Besides--”

“You know, Bestie,” Athena cut her off. “You worry too much. Just enjoy the new experience with Gaus. I can tell he is a good man and I’m actually glad that for all those months that you are here alone, never did he make any advances to you. He never took advantage of you. If he was any other man, for sure you are already pregnant by now.”

“Bestie!” she yelled in disapproval.

Athena just laughed and held both of her hands. She looked into her eyes and said, “Bestie, even if you don’t tell me directly. I know you’re starting to have feelings for Gaus. Just go with it. Don’t hinder yourself because of Astilbe or any other reason. You deserve to be happy. I know that you want justice for Ares. I want it too. He’s been a great friend to me. We both want justice for him, but that should not be a reason to stop yourself from being happy. If you’re happy with Gaus, then go.”

“But what about Astilbe?” she worriedly asked.

“Oh, the hell with him!” She threw her hands in the air. “Don’t you think that’s what exactly what he wants you to do? That guy is obsessed with you, Bestie. He wants to put fear in your heart so you wouldn’t go out with anyone. Show him that you don’t care about him. Besides, he’s quiet now so take that as an opportunity and besides, if anything happens, I know Gaus will help you and there’s Lemnos too.”

Finally, Cytherea smiled. Athena has a point. Why would she contain her feelings? She does deserve to be happy and no Astilbe can hinder that! She threw herself over Athena and hugged her tightly.

“Thanks, Bestie. I will heed your advice. Thank you for opening my eyes,” she said, smiling. “You are the best, best friend in the world.”

“C’mon! I’m the only best friend you have,” Athena joked as she also wraps her arms around Cytherea.

“I know that’s why you’re the best. You’re the kind of friend that anyone wants to have and I’m glad that I was able to meet you,” she sincerely said.

“Oh my god, Bestie! Do you have any intentions of making me cry?” Athena exaggeratedly reacted. She tried to push Cytherea away but Cytherea just embraced her tighter and let out a hearty laugh.

“Of course not! I just want to let you know that I’m so thankful that you’re my best friend.”

Slowly, Athena’s smile fades away. She’s still feeling guilty about what she’s done. It was not something that anyone could just forgive and forget. If Cytherea will know what she did and what she knew, she will never hug her like this nor tell her she’s the best. Because she is not the best, she is the worst. The worst kind of friend that no one would like to have...