Loving Don Julio

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Don Julio occupied her mind last night. She couldn’t think of anything else except him. It came to a point wherein she started dreaming about him.

Right now, she’s on her way to the school’s cafeteria. After last night’s incident, Sasha kept her distance from her boyfriend. It was the most excruciating sight she had witnessed.

Amidst what he did, she still loved him. And as foolish as it sounds, she hoped that everything would be alright. It was as if it was a normal afternoon on the campus.

Sasha sat at the corner table. Where she found solace being alone. And ate silently. While minding her own business, she can’t help but notice a delivery guy.

Entering the cafeteria. Holding a bouquet of white roses. And boxes of chocolates. “Aww. Who’s the lucky girl?” she asked in the air.

Smiling as she thought of the lucky person who'd be receiving the sweet gestures. Sasha looked around. And noticed a lot of couples at the tables.

It took him by surprise as the delivery guy walked closer to her spot. And eyes were drawn at her. “To Miss Sasha Fox,” said the delivery guy.

Confusion was painted all over her face. Nonetheless, she accepted what the delivery guy gave to her. “T-Thank you.?” she flashed a crooked smile.

As the delivery guy left, Sasha just then noticed that students were gossiping and taking pictures of her. She didn’t mind them. And decided to read the card attached to the flower.

Her lips curved into a smile. Assuming that the bouquet of flowers and boxes of chocolates were from Aries. She then read the card silently.

“Sorry for leaving you last night. I want to know you more. Please accept the flowers and chocolates as my apologies. All the best, Don Julio.”

Her whole face turned red. She didn’t expect to hear back from him. Thinking that their encounter would be a one-time thing.

Since she’s vacant the rest of the afternoon, Sasha decided to go home. Take a nap. And rest. She hailed a cab and was sleepy on her way home.

While traveling, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Don Julio. “Hi. How are you feeling right now?” he said. She unconsciously smiled.

“A little bit better. Thanks for the flowers and the chocolates, by the way,” she replied. It didn’t take too long to receive an immediate response from Don Julio.

“No worries. It’s the least I can do for leaving you last night. Wish I stayed longer,” he messaged. Sasha was about to type a response. But the driver’s announcement shook her.

“There’s heavy traffic in front of us. Wait. Why’s there a fire truck? Oh! That apartment was on fire!” he said. Sasha’s foehead creased.

Indeed. A lot of cars were stuck ahead of them. “Oh, no!” she gasped. Heart pounding so fast. Huge flames covered the apartment that she rented.

Sasha hurriedly paid the driver. Left the cab. And walked as near as possible to the burnt building. “No. No!” her knees became weak.

She fell onto the floor. Tears flooded her eyes. Lost. Scared. Confused. And dumbfounded. Sasha didn’t know what to do. One of the police officers noticed her.

“Mam!” he rushed and helped her stand up. “W-What happened?” her voice cracked. The police officer heaved a sigh. “One of the tenants forgot to unplug their phone charger.”

“Due to overheating, it exploded,” he added. She massaged her temples. “All of my personal belongings are there. My life is there!” she cried.

“I understand where you’re coming from, mam. But don’t worry, our local government will help all the victims of this unfortunate event,” said the police.

Sasha walked out of the crowd. She found herself sitting on the bench from afar. She opened her phone. And dialed her boyfriend’s number.

After a few rings, he picked up. “H-Hello? Aries?” she said. The blasting sound of music hurts her eardrums. “Wooh! Shots everyone!” he laughed.

“Are you in a bar right now?” she asked. Aries scoffed. “Why do you care? Who are you anyway?” he said. “Aries, what are you talking about?” she was confused.

He smirked. “A lot of them said you’re brilliant, Sasha — well, I believe so too. But do you even think, even for the slightest, that you can cheat on me without me knowing it?!” his voice raised.

Her brows crossed. “W-What? I don’t even know what you are talking about?” she wiped her tears. “Hah! Stop it, Sash! You can’t do better than me! I saw the pictures!” he insisted.

“Pictures about what? Aries, whatever it is, you got it all mistaken—” but the man was too angry to let her finish. “Shut up! You can’t fool me, Sasha.”

“How about I give you a clue,” he mocked. “Lunch time. Delivery guy. Flowers and chocolates. There, I said it all. Now puzzle it!”

“A-Aries, please. Let me explain,” she begged. He snickered. “Nah. I’m not listening to your lies. I won’t let you manipulate me. We’re done now. We’re over,” and he dropped the call.

Sasha couldn’t believe it. She’s at her lowest right now. And when she needed Aries most, he just left her hanging. Alone in this unfortunate event of her life.

It made her cry even more. There are plenty of questions running around her head. Like what would she do once this all happens?

Led to desperation, Sasha looked for a specific name in her contacts. Uncertain if this person would help her, nonetheless, she still tried.

With trembling fingers, she pressed the dial button. It didn’t take long before someone answered the phone. “Hello?” he said.

Sasha was too shy and too embarrassed to speak up. “Hello?” he said again. But she didn’t respond. “I’ll hang up the phone now —”

“Wait!” she interjected. There was a pause. She inhaled deeply. “H-Help me, please?” she bit her lower lip. Sobbing quietly as she prayed he’d help her.

“Sasha? What happened to you?” he asked. “T-The apartment — it’s on fire, D-Don Julio,” she said. “Are you trapped inside?!”

She shook her head. “N-No. I-I just got home from school,” Sasha wiped her tears. “Stop crying now. I’ll be there. Wait for me.”