Married By Accident

08: Lovefool

| Diana |

Last night was quite something.

There was that confrontation with Gino while Franki was inside, waiting for us to fetch that lonely lemon meringue pie sitting on the kitchen counter.

"What the f**k, G!" I pushed him hard on the chest. He almost lost balance, but picked up right away.

"Okay calm down, I was just messing with you." He said with a little laugh, sauntering back to me.

"It's not funny. It's rude and I f*****g trusted you." I pushed him again.

"Calm down, okay? It's just Jodie and Sky. They're like, oblivious to things all the time." He explained with his hands.

I gave him a hawk-like stare.

"When have I ever spilled any of your secrets? We cover for each other, remember? I was just playing. The dinner was boring, okay? Plans here and there it's boring. I was just trying to lighten up the mood. Plus, have you seen her ex? She was smokin'."

I felt someone pinch through my heart. Was I jealous? About someone that I haven't met before?

Absolutely.

That may have somewhat fueled my rage.

"Lighten?! Well, we both sure have a different understanding of that word. Grow the f**k up."

"Jesus, Diana. I didn't realize you really liked this girl." He had this sudden realization on his face and sounded serious.

I lowered my gaze, trying to look for words to say, "Please go."

"D, cmon—"

"Get the f**k out of here, Gino."

He gave me a pleading look, we both fell silent for a while and he eventually left. He's mostly a d**k but he's still scared to lose me. Sure he has a lot of friends, fake friends... But I'm one of the only people who truly knows him and would still put up with his nonsense. We've shared too much secrets with each other, that's somehow keeping us together, that's our bond.

Brushing those thoughts off, I stared at the boxes and suitcases in front of me then I'm instantly filled with regret. I should've asked for help from Jodie when she offered earlier. I'm gonna be late for my job interview.

I'm moving to a condo building just a few minutes away. The rent's a lot cheaper there, and I didn't really want to keep lounging at my cousin's place.

I've also been waiting for a reply from Franki. She texted me that she was going to the gym but she's probably busy now.

Or she might be chatting up some hot guy or a gorgeous chick right now. Wait is she even into guys, who knows. She probably already forgot about you.

Stop overthinking and finish your stuff up!

Does she think about me while doing some crunches?

I gazed at the empty coffee cup in my hand as if it was going to answer my question.

I shook my head to brush those thoughts off, threw it away and decided to start gathering my things.

"Ah, f**k it." I carried two small boxes and thought, y'know what, I can do with another. I tried to lift one more box and dropped it.

"Need help?"

Franki was wearing a black yoga tank top, skinny stretch tights and white running shoes. She stood with her red gym bag hanging off her shoulders. She had that post-workout glow, her cheeks were flushed, glistening in the sunlight with a thin sheen of sweat. She pinned back her fringe and had a cute ponytail that swayed a little whenever she talked.

Her gym was just a block away from our street.

"Well, I don't know. Are you strong enough?" I replied, giving her the not-so-sure look.

She smiled, raised her brows, then walked towards me.

"Thanks, but you don't have to—" I said but she immediately grabbed one of my suitcases. She may have rolled her eyes too.

"They don't have the best facilities in this building but they have a cute pool in the back." She said, wheeling my luggage in. I think I felt a brief flushing sensation of heat when I heard the word pool.

"Thanks, this is what I can afford now. Beggars can't be choosers." I explained as we stepped inside the elevator.

She turned to face me with a smirk, "You were in the VIP lounge the other night. Doesn't exactly scream beggar to me."

And there it is.

"G—" I hesitated to mention Gino, she's probably still royally ticked at him, "A friend introduced me to a lot of people who might offer me a job. They were in the VIP area, so..." We were both facing the elevator door. I turned to see her grinning like she's enjoying how I'm struggling to explain myself.

I leaned closer and softly whispered, "I was job hunting."

"How convenient." She added, still avoiding my stare then stepped out of the elevator first. She was acting so casual.

We made a few trips and finally moved everything. We stood inside my barren place, boxes littered all over the floor. The carpet was recently refurbished. It was soft and placid underneath our feet. Franki walked around and surveyed what was to be the living room. I shuffled boxes out of the way here and there, visualizing where things went. It was cramped, but it was perfect for me. First thing we did was lay the new mattress on the bed, then we started opening boxes.

"It's cute." She said as she looked out the window and checked the view.

"Are you just saying that, or?"

"Okay then, it's just... alright." She smiled, scrunching her nose.

"What a liar." I replied, shaking my head.

She laughed, "See nuh nga leng pala." (sinungaling is filipino for liar)

"Correct word, incorrect pronunciation. But your Tagalog's getting better." I chuckled, sounding like a know-it-all while picking up a box.

"I've been here four years but I just started learning the language."

"What- why is that?" I asked.

"My ex said I didn't really need to learn. She wanted us to move back to Australia, but that's another story." She was opening up.

It terrified me. When someone opens up it means that you have to say something about yourself too and I'm just not very good at that.

"Sometimes in life exes will hold you back." She added, staring at a box of polaroids.

"Um, yeah... Well I'm here if you need to have anything translated."

"Like a Diana Translate." She gazed at me with a huge grin on her face. The sun's rays was hitting her perfect, poreless, porcelain skin.

She's so damn beautiful.

"Yeah, just like that." I smiled back.

"So... Hawaii." She casually brought it up.

"I didn't see that coming. Have you ever been there?" I responded after a long pause.

"No, you?"

"Yeah, once. With S.. Sky and his mom." Why on earth did I have to say that. I should've just said no. No is good. No is simple and not opening a can of worms.

She turned away, "Oh, well did they say if the gift card was refundable?"

See what you just did? Everything was going so well Diana. Now she suddenly wants a refund.

"No, um, not the package we got." I then realized that sounded like it was the first thing that I asked on the phone call.

I am so pissed at myself.

"I mean— not that I asked about it... because I didn't. They mentioned it when they were laying down the conditions of the... whole thing." I may have sounded nervous and probably looked like a dummy grasping for words.

Both of us have not been hinting at a huge desire for Hawaii, I think there's some sort of self-containment after what happened last night. No one has openly mentioned about going. I'm waiting for her to say something concrete before I start assuming things. I think she's doing the same.

Plus I can't afford to go to Hawaii right now.

I hope that before the gift card expires I'll be able to get myself a job and bring her there and we can just spend some time together. In peace.

Okay that sounds perfect, that's never gonna happen, Diana. The universe has been bullying you ever since you were born. You're not allowed to be happy.

I had all these thoughts and didn't realize that she was silent for a while.

...the silence continued.

I turned around and she was gone.

"Franki?!" I scanned the room and got nervous. Is this what she does when her feelings get hurt? She leaves without saying anything?

I checked the bathroom and she wasn't there, went back to the living room and proceeded to the bedroom.

I saw her standing and carefully inspecting the cabinets. I let out a sigh of relief. Then she turned to face me,"This bed looks old."

"It came with the place." I explained, my heart pounding in my chest. Then she sat at the edge of the bed.

"Come here." Her soft voice melted my insides.

I slowly walked closer. She looked up while I towered over her.

"You didn't reply to my text." I flatly said.

"Why? Miss me already?" Her eyes never left me while she interlocked our fingers.

"Absolutely not." I leaned down to kiss her. She slowly crawled up and she moved with me while I pressed my lips onto hers. I couldn't suppress a moan when her hand roamed up and under my white shirt, sneaking my bra and gripping the full flesh of my chest. I trailed soft kisses along her jaw, ear and down to her neck.

She was about to lie down when we heard bed springs squeaking under our weight.

"Okay, I am not that heavy." She said, giving a sarcastic-no-way emotion on her face.

"Don't be silly." I brushed her off and pushed her gently down the bed.

We heard another cracking sound below us.

"What the—" She lowered her gaze as we both wondered what it was.

We suddenly heard a loud thump and our mouths dropped open as we sag into the mattress, shocked.

"s**t!" We burst out laughing. We stumbled backwards looking above our heads. I kissed her softly and whispered, "We're gonna have to buy a new one. I hope you're free later."

We broke the bed. She let out a shaky breath and laughed.

"Hmm. I don't know... I'll have to think about it." She swiped a small chunk of my hair covering my face.

We both helped ourselves up and she had to leave for a contract signing for Spark. They officially hired her for future events, and I think that's awesome. She stopped playing for bands months ago, I have no clue why, so it's a good thing that she's a full-time DJ now.

I suddenly realized that I have to keep up and get myself a job too. I got this new place, bought a lot of new stuff from my savings and I have a few extra to keep me going for maybe two months.

Part of it was me wanting to tell my mom that I have a job before I finally meet up with her. I'm sure that's the first thing she'll ask me.

After minutes of slaving in front of the mirror, I was finally ready to leave. I drove for thirty minutes to the office building.

I shut the car door as I look up at the tall structure in front of me. I read the words, "Studio 24 Creatives" engraved in its facade. I walked forward as I collected myself.

This is one of the top video/photography production companies in the Philippines. Gino introduced me to a bunch of people who were cooped up at the VIP area the other night. I think I may have met a girl named Abi, she was very sweet and nice.

Glass doors opened for me and I smiled at the doormen. I slowly walked in clutching my folder against my body and reached the receptionist's desk. There were four girls sitting who gave me the kindest smiles.

One of them pointed to the elevators and instructed me where to go. I reached the twentieth floor and I walked out to see another reception desk. I was told that there was a long queue ahead of me and that I had to wait in the lounge like the others.

"Diana!" It was Abi. She was wearing a button up shirt with the top two buttons undone and a pencil skirt. I stopped staring, composed myself and gave her a smile.

"She was referred to by Mr. Gino Roque. Put her on top of the list." She informed the receptionist. I felt guilty while I glanced at the people impatiently waiting in front of me. Some of them glared at me.

Abi shouldn't have probably said that out loud and put me on the spotlight.

"Have a seat." She pointed at an empty seat in her office and sat behind a white desk as our heels clanked against the marble floor. I handed her my resume and she carefully studied it.

"You came from a huge international company so this is going to be really quick. First off, we don't have an opening for photographers at the moment. We're looking for videographers. I checked out your website last night, great portfolio." I smiled nervously and thanked her.

"But," She added while flipping a page of my resume.

This is the part where she tells me, you're great but there are far better candidates outside and she was just being nice to Gino so she agreed to meet me.

"I have to see video samples from you. We have a very strict team and they want to go over the material to make sure that your work reflects the same aesthetic."

"I understand. After I graduated I've only worked with Photography, but I assisted a few people to plan, film and edit videos. I don't have a professional portfolio for it but I'll see what I can do. I hope you give me a chance." I replied with a halfhearted, nervous smile.

"I respect Mr. Roque and I promised him I'll give this a look and put you on priority. We're looking for four people in total to be a part of the team. Send me something next week. And I'll take it from there. Then we'll call you. Oh— I will also need a referral from your previous company in New Zealand."

'We'll call you' means they will not call you.

Also, that last part took every ounce of confidence away from me. There's absolutely no way that NZ will refer me. I humiliated their boss and they fired me right then and there. I felt a huge wave of disappointment while she was still talking about other things in the background, she sounded muffled over my thoughts.

I wanted to be a part of this company so bad and I realized that there's no way that's happening.

I stared blankly at the elevator door as I was waiting for the ground floor. I stepped out looking like a total zombie. I didn't want to call Franki and tell her that I absolutely flunked my first interview. Things were going so well earlier I didn't want to ruin that now.

I expected so much, I already moved and bought a s**t ton of stuff for my new place. What am I gonna do now? My life is definitely just a series of bad decisions after bad decisions.

I started dialing Sky's number.

"What's up?"

"I'm fucked."

We met up at a coffee house just beside Gino's bar.

"I don't think I can do this. What if everybody asks for a referral from New Zealand?" I sighed as I took a sip of my coffee.

"I told you, you can come work for my dad—"

"We both know that's the last thing that I need to do right now." I cut him off.

I'm absolutely not working for his dad because I've been trying to dodge his family fo days now. I didn't want to deal with a few things. Although, unfortunately I could not escape his mom last night. We had a short talk but I mostly just fed her what she wanted to hear. I have gotten dependent and really close to them after I moved out. There's a different kind of sadness when you're abroad. Sometimes you have to combat the feeling of being homesick. His mom would always check up on me, she has always been there for me since we were kids. She was my go-to person whenever my mother and I had a few disagreements.

"But you're taking charity from Gino." He looked down as he stirred his drink. He seemed unusually low-spirited today.

"I'm not exactly working for him, he just referred me to a bunch of guys."

"Well then, try those other guys. It's just your first interview, D. You did great work in NZ. You've been to Fashion Week in Vegas." He assured me.

I took a deep, calming breath, "Yeah I think you're right."

I checked my phone and there are no texts from Franki. That's okay, she probably thinks I'm still at the job interview.

Then Sky and I spoke about me possibly going freelance and just get clients online. I'll start posting my shots from the gig the other night. Gino has a lot of connections anyway.

Here I end up depending on my friends once again. I hate this feeling.

*phone beeps*

Shit.

Is that why she's suddenly not texting me?

"Hey Sky, wanna drop by The Island?" I asked, staring at my phone and trying to decide if I want to text her.

"They're dropping me from the show." He confessed out of the blue.

"What?! Wait your travel show? Did they tell you why?"

"They told me last week. They're replacing me with this female model, they won't renew my contract. They said it was because of creative differences with the executive producers." Tears almost welled in his eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? Are you alright?" I reached out to hold his hand. He was shaking.

Of course he's not alright, what kind of question is that?

I felt so bad for him. I was there from the moment he started that job and I witnessed how he struggled because of his parent's expectations and now he's out. They are not gonna let him off the hook easily, God knows how long the torment will last.

So yes, I was feeling genuine sympathy for him but at the same time I saw flashes of a really gorgeous girl, who had a golden singing voice in my head and Franki just looking at her lovingly while Sky's here, in front of me, almost about to cry.

"Let's go to the bar, we'll have a few drinks and talk about it. You're gonna be fine. I'm here for you." I squeezed his hand as he lowered his gaze and slowly nodded. He's one of the strongest people that I've ever known and to see him like this was such a total turnaround. But to be honest, I think he's more concerned about what his parents will say.

We both walked out of the coffeeshop like lifeless robots, each preoccupied with our own troubles.

As we grew nearer, I could hear faint music playing.

Why are they playing in the bar at almost four in the afternoon? Aren't gigs supposed to start at night or something?

We slowly walked inside and they were doing a sound check, playing Pretty Girl from Clairo. There was no one at the bar except waiters who had their eyes glued at the stage. Some of the guys were whispering at each other, they looked like they were gossiping about something.

My heart was beating so fast as we approached the area where we can fully see the entire stage. Where is she? Where was Franki? 

Did Gino make another stupid ass joke?

Did he bait me just so I'd talk to him again? I mean, he's capable of doing some ruthless stuff and joking about this is absolutely ruthless... for me.

"D! You came." Gino with his annoying smirk approached us, then he gestured something to the waiters.

"Sorry, I'm gonna sit in the bar for a while." Sky dashed off, ordering a few shots.

"What's his problem?" Gino asked looking all confused while we both sat down.

"His tv show's going to drop him. They'll replace him with someone else. It's real bad." I explained while my eyes scanned the room. The vocalist was talking to the drummer and had her back against us, I couldn't fully see her face.

"Damn those assholes. Oh man... his parents are gonna be furious! I don't even want to think about it. Why'd they drop him? Is it because he's being shipped with his co-host? I saw some male to male fanfiction online, I mean I'm not disturbed by—" Gino continued with a soft laugh.

"Will you quit it for just one f*****g second?!" I snapped at him and he immediately stopped talking.

"Excuse me sir, your drinks." A waiter approached us and served us with what looked like a kiwi mojito.

"So... this is our newest cocktail. It's called I'm Sorry Diana. And it's kiwi infused because of course, you're my favorite kiwi." Gino explained, looking so proud of what he's done.

I glared at him, rolled my eyes and took a sip.

To be fair, it was surprisingly good.

I wanted to ask him where Franki was but I didn't want to be too obvious.

I patiently waited for the girl on stage to turn around but it seemed like they're having a discussion and stopped playing for a few minutes. Then the door opened and in came Maza, Juls and Franki. We were in the corner so they didn't notice us.

"I told you, she's cool." Maza playfully hit Franki, she looked too happy and they seemed like they were having fun.

Then they sat in front. Still chatting and laughing.

She really doesn't have any plans to text me. I mean, what are we anyway? Do people who normally does the things that we do have to text each other? Like how do strangers who got drunk married treat each other? How does a relationship even work?

I started to think of a time when I have been fully committed to someone.

It felt like white noise.

I am such a piece of s**t.

The only good relationship I ever had with another human being is with Sky and maybe Gino if we're not at each other's throats. It scares me to even think of losing that.

Then the girl, the vocalist, her ex-girlfriend turned around.

My stomach did a little backflip and I felt like I was going to hurl.

"Oooh, I missed Liz. They used to play here all the time. Damn look at that face." Gino commented and kept on saying some more stuff that sounded incoherent over the jumbled feelings that currently tormented me.

Liz. That's her name.

Well... I think Diana is a better name.

She had long dark hair, was wearing a black leather jacket, tight blue jeans and black ankle boots. She had strong features. I then swallowed what seemed to be the biggest lump in my throat.

She jumped down from the stage, had a smug little smile, eyes fixed at Franki's table then approached them.

I was starting to have cold sweat.

After a few minutes, Liz climbed back up the stage and they started playing a funky version of Lovefool. I was amazed as soon as they played the first few notes. It was a really good cover and she has this unique, soothing voice.

I felt like all of my insecurities started popping in my head through a checklist. She was talented, beautiful and was way too cool. There's also no way you're not falling in love with that unique voice.

[Please play the song 'Lovefool' by Ree from the Macarons Project, I promise you won't regret it@]

♫ Dear, I fear we're facing a problem

You love me no longer, I know

And maybe there is nothing that I can do

To make you do ♪

"Oh s**t. I just realized something. Holyshit." Gino started laughing.

"What is it now?" I replied, my voice laced with annoyance.

He looked at me, then glanced at Liz. He did it twice. With enthusiasm.

"She kinda looks like you!" He put his hand on his mouth and started laughing, "Well, seems like your girl has a type. This is gonna be fun."

TO BE CONTINUED⫸⫸

Sorry, it's been a while. I thought I'd finish this story here. I f*****g hate w*****d. Lmao. Thanks to everyone who's still reading this, appreciate the comments on my old chapters!