Chapter 7
1004 Words
Fatima
Time flies so fast, it's been 3 months since I stayed here at Northridge. I remembered my first friend here, Jacob. He left the town, after the fight between him and his brother Eros a month ago. Ma'am Lily told me that he stays in San Francisco now for some business expansion. I never ask again about him and never talk to anyone about him either. I never saw Aria again after the talk that we had at the cafeteria. I don't know what happened to her too, but according to Aunt Karen, she went to San Diego to ran her family's business. And Kevin is now staying at home, we barely talk and just say hi to each other every morning and saying goodnight in the evening. I never talk to Kevin and ask him why he chose that path. I'm just happy right now because I can see Kevin's life is now going back to normal.
Today is my off and I'm going to California State University-Northridge to inquire about my Master. I have enough savings for the first semester, with the help of my 3 months wages at Dawn's restaurant and the money that my parents gave me before I left the Philippines. I think I can enroll this coming semester.
I rode a taxi to reach the University of Northridge because I'm terrible at directions. When I reached the University, I'm impressed by how huge it is. My previous university in the Philippines is also huge but not like this one. With my amusement, I bumped into someone. I felt hot water in my skin, and guess what, it's his coffee…
“What the f...”
"I'm sorry” before he finishes what he's going to say, I manage to apologize while looking at the empty cup on the floor.
“Look at me” he orders and I remember his familiar voice. I raise my head and saw a familiar face. The guy who had the eyes like Jacob. The opposite character of his name. Eros.
“It's you again.” he declares with a smile. I like his smile. He looks innocent right now wearing plain white long sleeves and black jeans. He didn't tack in his long sleeves that's why he looks so handsome.
“Is this your first time to saw a devil who turned into an angel?” he teases. I roll my eyes at him and walk away.
“Hey, you need to pay for my coffee” he grabs my hand and looks at me with a frown. I saw the people looking around us, worry is visible in their eyes when they saw Eros. Maybe they know him. I look at him and now I know why they were so scared. Eros's eyes are full of anger, and he's holding me so tight it seems like he has a plan to beat me or something. But instead of being afraid, I feel something different.
“Fine. I'll pay for your coffee.” I say without breaking eye contact with him.
“And the damage?”
“What damage?”
“My only white long sleeve,” he says and I look at his shirt. It's full of the coffee sting. I manage to stay with my calmness.
“Okay, I'll buy you one.”
“But I have an interview right now! At 3 pm." he shouts and then lowers his voice again. I look at my wristwatch and saw the time. It's just 10 am. I have a bright idea.
“Let's go!” I hold his hand and run fast. Really fast, his hands' trembles.
“We... Where are we going?” he stutters. Why is he stuttering?
“Here.” we stop in front of the ladies' room.
“Why did you bring me here?'
“I'll wash your sleeves.”
“Where's your soap?”
“I have a dishwashing liquid here.” Ma'am Lily gave it to me for Aunt Karen.
“So you're using a dishwashing liquid for my sleeves?” he mockingly asks.
“Yes”
“Are you stupid?” he asks with his serious tone. I try to hide the irritation that is rising in my veins right now.
“No, I'm not. I'm just trying to help.” I try to lower my voice.
“Just bring it to the laundry shop. Don't you have any money? Are you a beggar?” His face is serious again.
“I... I don't... I don't know where's the laundry shop is.” I admit while looking on the floor. It's so embarrassing.
“So stupid.” he adds and walks away from me. He's a jerk. I stay in my position and watch him walk away. Hoping he'll never look back. He looks back.
“What? You're just going to stand there like a toad? Don't you have any conscience?” he teases with a small smile on his face.
“Wh...what?” I ask.
“You owe me a coffee and a sleeve,” he declares and I understand what he's saying.
“You want me to go with you to the laundry shop?” I ask.
“Of course lady, it's all your fault.”
“What if I don't want to? I don't know you clearly and the last time we met? You put my friend in danger. Even my cousin.” I don't mean to say those things but it just came out.
He just laughs. And after that…
“Why? Are you scared?” he frowns and moves closer to me.
“No.” I say without breaking eye contact.
“Then come with me. Jessie's laundry shop offers a nice coffee. It's just 1 street away from the University. Let's walk.” he suggests like a decent person. I stare at him.
“Look, I have an important interview today and it's your fault by the way.”
“Okay. I'll come with you.” I surrender.
- Writer
