Suddenly Gone

CHAPTER 3

"Looking for me?"

I slightly was able to jump on my seat when a masculine voice just whispered on my ear. I felt some hair on my nape stand like hearing a non-existent spirit just behind me.

I turned to face this, for sure, a man, and to my surprise, our noses almost touched which made me jolt again.

 "Oh gosh!" I bowed my head and covered my mouth.

Shoot! This guy's just too friendly. He thinks his acting cool can grab my atten—

I cut the thoughts in my head when I realized fully that he was seated beside me where Jean left her bag. Since my head was lowered down, my eyes ran from his black trousers to his neatly buttoned blue long sleeve shirt with a black coat that nicely defined his well-built upper body.

Is he the same guy I saw on the corner a while ago? ‘Coz I think I'm assuming but I guess my assumption is right. Wow the nerve, Erin!

And why would someone be interested to sit beside a girl— a lady— a woman—yes self-proclaimed that I’m a woman now, who clearly isn't fond of social gatherings, attention, spotlight or public notice or whatever you call something that includes other people's concern regarding my presence?!

Okay this is awkward. I know, just looking at his torso makes me hope he has a pleasing appeara— fine! Handsome! Good-looking! Whatever! Uhh! Someone snatch me from this uneasiness I’m in.

I slowly raised my vision from his neck to his chin, to his nose and finally to his eyes.

Did I just catch a big fish— oh stop Erin please!

The corners of his lips curved upwards as if he was satisfied by my reaction which made me pull myself backward. I gave him a do-i-know-you face and I didn't expect his initial response! Did he just laugh softly on my face?!

This man! Is he seducing me?

My heart jumped— no! It actually ran away because of too much constrained feeling! He's making me awkward! 

"You're alone?" He asked casually.

I feasted my eyes on his and found it really alluring. Not too round. Not too small. Just enough to be admired together with his eyelashes long and well-curved. Does he probably use a lash curler to maintain it? He even has thick but well-shaped eyebrows and I guess it has never been trimmed! Well, mine's not trimmed too though—

"I know. I get the same stares as you do right now wherever I go." he giggled softly.

"Do I look better off cam?”

"H—huh?" Did I just lose myself in front of this stranger? And what did he mean by off cam? Is he an actor? Host? Politician? If so, why isn't he familiar?

He looked at me intently like examining every part of my face and I’m kind of sure that I’m blushing with what he's trying to do. The tip of his lips curved upward as he, maybe, sensed that I was getting so immersed with the way he was checking me out. Sh*t. I should just close my eyes!

He then took off his coat which I don't exactly know why. I saw him fold his sleeves to his elbows but something he did made my lips part from each other.

"Seems like you're getting kind of uneasy."

He looked around first like trying to check if anyone has their eyes on us which made me do the same too. Suddenly, I felt a smooth silky cloth cover my legs which happens to be his coat.  My eyes widened as I saw him tap my thigh.

"Don't wear anything you're not confident to carry. It makes you really blush and I can't help but stare ‘coz you're cute."

I can feel his oh-so-good perfume lingering inside my nostrils as his face was so close to mine. I felt his breath on my ears. I closed my eyes from the sensation I felt with the cool sound of his voice that loitered inside my ears. His deep-set eyes, his pointy nose, his plump lips, his strong jawline, his masculine stance—

"Erin!"

"Oh f*ck!" I gasped and held on my chest when I heard Jean yell at me in my ear.

"Wow! Cursing at me?!" she lifted her brow with a chuckle.

Wait— where is he?! He was just here a minute ago. 

My eyes tried to look for that cool guy. My head moved from left to right scanning every corner of the hall. Gosh. Was I really lame that he walked out of me when I was seizing every second of his presence and god those stares were really—

"Erin!" my body jumped off my seat at another scream in my ear but my mind was obviously out of my head, still dumbfounded with the other presence here a while ago.

"Oh?" My eyes transferred to Jean's who is now holding both of my shoulders, shaking me back and forth. Was I imagining too much?! 

"Wait Jeans you're making me dizzy!"

"What the hell did I just see?!" She asked in a tone of annoyance.

"W—what?" Why am I stammering? She saw us didn't she? For sure, she'll interrogate me better than an NBI and tease me to death!

I was confused which eye to look at ‘coz she fought with me through a scary stare but suddenly, her eyes grew bigger like a bulb was just lit on top of her head. Okay. I’m cornered.

"Were you sleeping? Are you sleepy?!" I sighed after I heard her. I thought I'll be confined in her endless questions just like what she did when Dave and I broke up—

 "Oh my gosh Erin. Have fun! The people here are enjoying the music from the band and here you are, rotten and sagging!"

"You’re mean!" It was just then that I was brought to my own reality when I heard the live band entertaining the audience. Oh my. Have I really slept for a second or so? I seriously didn't notice the band singers and the music. That guy. He hypnotized me!

"Hmm. I’m alright. I’m fine. I was Hmmm.. you know, feeling the song they sang a while ago." I reasoned out. I hope it was one believable excuse though.

"Wow?! I didn't know you had to close your eyes and smile like a jerk while listening to a pop rock song?!" She laughed and tied her arms on her chest as I looked back at the stage where the singer starts jumping on the platform with the song. Holy cr*p. This time, I know she’s suspecting me of something else.

I want to face palm myself. I didn't know they were singing an upbeat song. Damn Erin! You lost your senses!

"Ahh.." That was the only thing I was able to utter.

"You're out of your mind Erin. Well anyway, I'll be there on the other table. Make yourself comfortable. I'd be so happy if I'll see you there— she pouted her lips, pointing the bartender's place at the back.

"Ugh. Whatever. Whatever. Go ahead. I’m fine here," I shooed her away.

"Wow someone’s shooing me away?! Hmmmm.. If I know, you want to go fishing too, right— ouch! Dawn?!" The lady shouted when I slapped her arm. This friend talks so much. I wonder how I came to meet this clamorous woman.

I pushed her lightly and she walked away. I laughed when I saw her sway her ass like a mean b***h.

I stayed on my seat and shifted my attention to the band now singing the song So Slow by Freestyle. Just seconds, my mind was already filled with the thought of that guy who just caught my whole system for a few minutes only. He's really something. How can he be so full of impact? He never left me thinking of other else since I saw his glances at me.

Again, I found myself looking everywhere to check for that presence around and to my shock, my eyes caught a familiar figure for the second time just when I glanced at the bartender's place. My heart suddenly raced when a ray of light from the disco ball struck his face and now, it was clear that his eyes were really into me. 

It's him.

He sat there leaning his back on the bar nook with his legs crossed while holding a shot glass. I then faced my back at him and breathed in and out. 

"Okay. Chill. You just have to give this back—“ I paused when I raised the coat and smelled it. This scent is so tempting and enticing. Damn. This man is giving me anxiety.

I stood and walked towards that small secluded spot. While I was nearing that corner, I saw a rack complete with different kinds of bottles of liquors. I want to laugh at myself ‘coz I seriously don't know any of those bottles. I pity myself for being so innocent about these when it kind of is appropriate for my age already. Like? I've never grown any interest about liquors and I’m 21 and never drank any of those. I just don't find its smell pleasing to my nose, how much more inside my mouth?! I know it's bitter and it—

"Want a shot?"

I saw myself standing beside the high stool he was sitting on. Oh my. I’m now here. Close to him. And so I made a step back and slightly lowered my head. He's something like a star too hot to be near to. I just can't handle his aura. Every moment I make a move towards him, my feet voluntarily pulls me back ‘coz I feel like melting. Add the song being sang this time makes the whole situation really fiery. Let's take it slow. D*mn.

"Hey. Hey. It's not like I’m scary. Chill." He smiled and I just knew I already fell for his charms. Those eyebrows. Those eyes. That nose. That lips. That face!

"You want some?" He asked as he raised his shot glass.

His shoulders. His arms. His chest. His whole being! He's a sculpture perfectly carved.

He chuckled as he saw my eyes run down every inch of his parts. "I believe your silence means yes,” he turned his head to the bartender right away.

“The same as mine please—“

"N—no! No." I stopped the bartender before he pours it to a shot glass.

This angel-sent-from-heaven guy beside me paused with his lips apart. Maybe he never thought I would decline his invitation of a drinking session.

"A—ahh. I... I don't drink." I seemed to lose my voice. He tilted his head and his eyes grew smaller while observing me. I smirked in response to his reaction. An awkward smirk I can say. C’mon. Keep your senses together Ms. Santos. Don't be too obvious.

He then smiled at me and answered, "Oh okay. I’m sorry."

Gosh. He's such a nice man but he also has this bad-boy appeal. Why does he have this kind of effect on me?!

"Hmmm.. I just.. W—want to.." I removed his coat hanging on my shoulders. "Hmm.. g—give this back.. Uhh.. Thanks." I slightly raised the tip of my lip while looking at him. But of course, I already knew I wouldn't ever win with stares and such so I looked away. 

I handed him his coat but I think I'll just eat up my regret coz it's kind of cold in here. Why did I even give this back?

And the fact that I’m wearing something that's not thick and didn't even cover at least half of my whole body, I’m just going to try to shake this coldness off coz I’m left with no choice. Well, I had a choice and that choice is to give the coat back to him!  As what I saw in him, he was unsure if he'll take his coat from my hand. I noticed his eyes looking at my shoulders. Maybe he saw how open my dress was. Then, his eyes went down to my chest which made me raise my brow at him.

What did that look mean? Was my chest— wait?! Does he find it small?! Hey! I know this dress has paddings inside but—  He shouldn't be judging my—  

He stood and I felt his presence nearing me. I looked steadily in one direction only and that led my sight to his divinely favored upper body. 

Okay. Okay. C’mon Erin Dawn. Stay calm. Inhale. Exhale. This is what you get for being a good girl. Blessings always come your way!

He took the coat from my hand and wore it to me. He let it hang on my shoulders which made me a bit warm. I think I just blushed.

As our bodies were just inches away from each other, I smelled the most seductive scent in the world. Honestly, this perfume he's wearing smells better than that of Dave's. I know! I’m crazy!

"I don't want you getting cold beautiful." He whispered as he held the coat and slowly covered my front fully.

I raised my head and my eyes found its way to his. Of all the parts of his face, I think his eyes are where I’m most attracted to. His pools with curved lashes and his eyebrows compliment so well. It was what beyond beauty is. I was so drowned with the way he looked at me. I know both of us are so immersed with the connection our eyes made but this time, no one lost and dared to stop the link between us.

I checked his cheeks. It was damn pore less. I’m jealous. My butt cheek has been the only part of my body that’s extremely flawless. His nose. Its pointy-ness was just enough to make his face look more mestizo. His lips. Seriously? They look more plump than a girl's! Did he undergo plastic surgery by any chance?!

My thoughts were interrupted when his face was getting near mine slowly. As I took notice of what he was doing, my body froze in the same position. It was like I wanted what he's planning to do. His eyes gazed my lips and this time, I paid attention to his face slowly closing the distance between us. I badly want to escape from this confusion I’m in. I think I like this sensation I’m feeling but at the same time, I don't want this to deepen ‘coz I’m scared. 

Seriously Erin? This fast?

I was short for him even if I wore heels ‘coz I was looking up but I wasn't expecting him to come this near when I already felt the tip of his nose touching mine. His head was slowly slanting to have the access probably to where I’m most sensitive - my lips.

I can already feel his breath and it was pure liquor. Just being able to smell it, I can be drunk by the way he's making me inhale all his breath. My lips were trembling and I felt a drop of sweat crawling along my spine. Yes, I also thought I was cold but this just made me perspire and it is damn hot! I didn't know whether I'll close my eyes to feel his lips or remain awake to watch him claim mine. 

Are you sure about this Erin? Do you want this? You think you deserve something like this? You think some stranger here who made you feel giddy deserve something that's precious from you through making you uneasy but amused just with his stare? No more turning back Erin Dawn? Is this what you really—

"Please give me a drink!"

The bartender turned his gaze at me when I suddenly shouted after forcing myself to step back from that tempting scene. I didn't know how to escape myself from that hour-like second so that was my only choice I breathed in deeply. I'm putting myself in danger! I swear this will be my first and last alcoholic drink!

At first, the bartender waited for me to speak again but I wasn't able to get what his stare meant until I realized he was waiting for me to ask for a specific alcohol.

"Hmm.. S-same as his'," I uttered softly. My thoughts seemed to scatter all over the place and I just can't pick myself up from that weird situation I was in a while ago! F*ck. I hope no one saw that.

I can see from my peripheral view that this guy beside me brushed his hair upward as I heard him sigh. Was that a sigh of disappointment? Did he really intend to kiss me on the lips? He sat back on his high stool and leaned his back against the counter.

"I thought you don't drink?" I heard the cool voice from this man beside me. I know he's acting cool like nothing happened. Or maybe he's used to these kinds of situations ‘coz he steals kisses for a living?! 

"I... I j—just want to try.." I stuttered when I answered him. C’mon Erin. Don't lose the poise. Keep calm.

"Hmm.. Okay." He casually said.

The bartender gave me the small glass that was filled with a yellowish liquid. I know I was in trouble the moment I held it. I can see him on my left and he was just staring at how I'll be able to get this liquor flow down my throat and burn my chest. This is embarrassing.

I looked at the small shot as I raised it before my eyes. My lips touched the mouth of the glass and I swallowed the liquor the moment I felt the burning sensation inside my mouth. It was like a liquid with thorns as it ran down to my chest. I closed my eyes with its strong scent creeping inside my nose. I’m really going to screw up in just minutes.

"Haha." I heard this man beside me laugh a bit. What? This is my first time and it's obvious that I’m not used to these kinds of vices! I stared at him badly which made him grin. This guy has something weird inside him.

"One more please." I asked the bartender in front of me. No turning back.

"Hey. Easy there beautiful."

I looked at him and his face showed a worried expression. He came closer and sat on the stool next to me.

"It's okay. I want to try." I answered casually.

When I transferred my eyes to the bartender, I wanted to laugh ‘coz he was about to pour the liquor in my shot glass, but he was frozen and was waiting for any go signal from one of us. He looked at me then looked at this man beside me, then back to me again.

"I'm fine. I just need to have some of this. It may probably fix my broken heart," I joked as I gave the bartender the permission to give me another shot.

"I can fix it if you want."

I turned my face to him and I was shocked to see him grinning so wide. Damn that smile. So inviting.

I drank the poured alcohol in my glass and it gave me the same burning feeling. I sneered the moment I felt its strong taste along my throat.

"Another..one..please." I can't even put my words together with how the drink starts to dominate me. I can already feel the sweat on my forehead and the hotness of my cheeks. Don't you think it's too fast to get drunk? I just had two shots!

Since I'm already here, I promised myself this will be the first and last liquor session I'll have in my entire life! If it wasn't because of that tempting kiss this man beside me tried to pull off, I wouldn't be here! But come to think of it, if I never came here to check him again, this wouldn't probably happen too! Wow! What's up with me?? Does being broken always lead to something like this? It's easy to fall for someone else after a break up?

As I kept myself up for more shots ‘coz I maximized the moment that I’m up for a drink, Dave's face suddenly appeared in my thoughts just when I drank my eighth shot. Imagine, I’m on my eighth shot without Mama Jean’s supervision!

I closed my eyes and giggled as I reminisced every single memory I had with him. How he used to hold me on my hips whenever we walk from building to building when in school, our Friday night-outs in our favorite restaurants, our out-of-town trips with our circle of friends or with his or my family, our little immature fights which always ends up with Sorrys and I-love-yous, our surprises for each other every monthsaries, and who would ever forget the grandest surprise I ever had in my life. It was during our first anniversary together.

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