Ella

CHAPTER ONE | THE CURRENT

“Babe, Transformers is now showing, can we watch it at Megamall on Friday?” I asked Norman, my boyfriend. We're currently at their house on a Saturday night, watching TV and drinking beer. When we don't have any other plans to hang out with my friends or his friends on the weekends, it's where we typically go.

Norman manages a restaurant in a shopping center. Unlike the typical 8–5 office job, his hours are varied and in line with mall hours. Despite the proximity of our homes, we rarely see each other. Nonetheless, we make it a point to get together every Saturday night, even if it's just to hangout.

“Does it really have to be in Megamall?" Norman said while taking a bite of chicharon and sipping beer.

“Yes babe, because I also want ramen at Ippudo. Besides aren't you the opening shift? So you can go straight to Megamall when you get out of work.” I answered excitedly.

"Megamall is a bit far, babe. Also, I don't want to stay up too late on Friday as I'll be biking with my buddy cyclists on Saturday morning. Plus, I asked for a closing shift on Saturday so that I could cycle early in the morning." Norman reasoned, while focusing on what was being watched on TV.

When I learned that he had plans for the next weekend, I chose not to respond.

"So we won't see each other on Saturday?" Later I asked him.

"Friday night babe, we'll meet. I'll just wait for you in antipolo. Let's just have dinner at Giligan's in Vista Mall. Creamy tofu sisig, isn't that your favorite? I'll treat you." the i***t grinned at me.

He was bribing me with tofu sisig just so I wouldn't sulk.

"But how about Saturday night?" I asked him with a frown.

“When I get out at 11pm I'll pick you up, you can just sleep here. Hmm.. would that be okay?"

“Alright then.” I agreed with him.

I've been dating Norman for the past seven years. Although we have been friends since high school, I was eighteen when we started dating after four months of courtship. I was in my second year of college at the time. Neither he nor I were each other's first romantic relationship.

Norman and I have quite different personalities; perhaps our only points of connection are nights out and alcohol consumption. We share a similar taste for music because we both enjoy Siakol, Parokya ni Edgar, and Eraserheads. But, there is none in practically all aspects.

Norman enjoys partaking in sports, cycling, basketball, and other stuff. I personally don't care much about sports. I'm not skilled in any sports. Even jogging in our town makes me sluggish, but Norman is physically healthy and athletic.

I, on the other hand, enjoy reading electronic books, cooking for Norman, and baking treats for my friends. I also enjoy going to see movies or hanging out with friends in hip nightclubs while drinking. Haha.

I am aware of how unhealthy my lifestyle is. But what do I do? That's what I enjoy at the moment. We're still in our mid-20s, so it goes without saying that we still appreciate the nightlife. With things like that, I find it easier to manage my stress. Yet, unlike in college, we now choose to lounge in some chill vibe bars rather than dance to loud music in disco pubs and clubs.

Our plan for the evening is Netflix and chill. We would occasionally make fun of each other, and after a few beers, we were already somewhat drunk. We put away our clutter and went straight to his room. It's also part of our routine every weekend for me to have a sleepover at their house. Of course, that includes sexy time.

Every weekend, Norman demands that we have s*x. He won't take no unless I'm on my period. It was part of our weekend routine. He is unable to tolerate the lack of s*x, and I can't help but give in whenever he asks of it. Norman is also aware of my preferences for romance and physical intimacy. He sometimes even convinces me to have s*x while we are arguing. And I'm easily persuaded... In fact, Norman is an excellent lover.

"Good morning, babe. Wake up. Go wash up. I'll drop you off before I go to work.” Norman kissed me, waking me up because he was about to go to work.

"Good morning too, babe." I stood up and headed to the bathroom. I washed and brushed my teeth then Norman took me to my house.

“Thanks, babe. Take care. Text me when you get in." I said goodbye to Norman.

“Thanks too, babe. I'll text you. I'm leaving."

After Norman left, I went inside our house. I caught up with my mom having coffee.

“Good morning, mom.”

“Good morning, hun. Are you hungry? I'll make you breakfast."

“Not yet, mom. I'll go to my room first. I want to sleep again."

“Okay”

She kissed her mom’s cheek and went to his room. It was the weekend and she didn't have work today, so she would catch up on sleep first.

She hooked her ipad to his speaker and started playing Taylor Swift songs as soon as she entered her room. She sat down on her bed, knowing that her day would be long. She doesn't have anything else to do and it looks like she can take a break while Norman is at work.

She thought that she might be able to make Norman's favorite dish tonight. She would first text Norman to see if he could join them for dinner later. The young man could end up staying over at their home as well. She will take a moment to rest so that she'll have strength later, then she might do grocery shopping to buy ingredients.

Her excitement over her plan makes it seem hazy that she will become sleepy. She made the decision to take a shower. She will just go to the mall close to them and buy groceries there; perhaps first she will take a look around and decide to buy something for herself. She'd also invite her mother, who might be interested in accompanying her.

Her mom did not accompany her to the mall. It was still early when she got to the mall, so she pondered hanging around at the coffee shop. She chose a cozy spot after placing her favorite caramel macchiato and sticky cinnamon bun order. Fortunately, it wasn't too crowded in the coffee shop at that time—possibly because it was still early.

She had already texted Norman about her plan, so she simply needed to wait for his response before she goes shopping for the ingredients.

Norman eventually responded and agreed with her. Before heading to the grocery store within the mall, she finished her coffee and pastry.

For the sake of not being too worn out to cook, she considered simply making a hotpot for dinner. After all, her partner would undoubtedly enjoy it because Norman loves soupy dishes.

She bought the items she needed: meat, fish, veggies, soup base, prepared sauces, and other hot pot components when she arrived at the grocery store. She also purchased two soju bottles. She headed home after her shopping trip.

Norman arrived at theirs with a cake for dessert, just in time for dinner. On the dining room table, she completed setting up the hotpot. Her mother assisted her with the preparation.

Norman was ready to eat after he had settled down. They conversed cheerfully while eating. As soon as dinner was over, they headed to her bedroom to spend the night.

They decided to drink the remaining soju from dinner.

They talked over drinks while also rehashing what had happened during the day. Until the topic of their prior memories came up in conversation. They recalled the occasions in their relationship with joy. They occasionally laugh when they are reminded of a humorous event. They tend to get agitated when everyone's sins are mentioned. They kept talking about their past and how long they had been together.

As the night grew longer, they decided to get some sleep.