BOUNDED TO A MAFIA KING

THE VAL PARTY

But then, out of the blue moon. I suddenly heard the most shocking news of my life.

That's when Liam told me he was leaving the country; he was going to finish his high school in France. I was dumbstruck, shocked, and angry.

I tried stopping him because I couldn't take it, but he insisted due to some personal clash with his parents.

He didn't want to stay with them anymore.

I felt saddened and I cried. I stopped talking to him, I stopped replying to his text messages, I stopped hanging around him, and I ignored him totally in class.

I felt so deeply hurt; he was the only guy I considered my true male bestie, but a puzzle kept ransacking my brain.

Why would he make such a hurtful decision all of a sudden? Even after pardoning him for leaving for France several times, he still insisted. So I felt so infuriated... He's just too stubborn, and I so much liked him for that, but never for once had I thought that it would end up affecting me. It's crazy." She scoffed out with sarcasm.

"One day, he came knocking at my door. I didn't care how he managed; still, I didn't budge. He knew I was in, so he just left a few words behind.

“I'm so sorry, Rose; I'm just helpless. I hope you understand.”

These are the words I heard him mutter. It's still crystal clear and fresh in my mind. His voice was ever so sweet and soothing, but he sounded weak, as though he was sobbing softly.

I jerked off my bed. I've figured out how madly I'm in love with him, but it's one-sided love.

I felt deeply hurt hearing him weep. It must have been the toughest decision for him ever; I knew he needed me right there, at least my friendly support.

I changed my mind instantly and headed out to look for him, at least to take a glance at him for the last time.

I ran as quickly as my legs could take me. I must see him for the last time.

I don't know why; I just felt as though I was doing it all wrong. But it seemed late; there was traffic, and I knew I was never going to catch him if I waited till the road cleared up.

I got out of the auto immediately, not minding whatever the driver was going to say or perhaps saying.

I ran and fell abruptly with a loud thud. I teetered alongside the road, trying my very best to make me speedy.

I ran a helter-skelter to the airport without giving a damnit attention to my injuries.

I screamed out his name, hopefully waiting for a response, not even minding what the hell people were saying or thinking.

I was deemed crazy as different pairs of eyes peeked at me. Well, I couldn't care less; instead, I cried out his name even louder.

Right then, my only priority was to see him, and I didn't care if the universe was against it.

I recited his name in a high-pitched voice with utter despair, but he wasn't responding still.

Liam was never like this. Or is it that his flight is up there already?

I wept profusely.

And people were just like, ‘Perhaps she has lost it already.’

I felt different, pathetic looks seeping into me. I couldn't care less; I'm already gone, as I just lost a friend, a bestie, and a fervent supporter, and it hurts more like it.

Tears gushing down my watery eyes. I thought of the memorial moments we shared, and I couldn't help but wept profoundly in deep agony.

My knees suddenly felt weak, and I was about to give in when I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. It was warm and cozy.

I stood stock still for a moment. What's that? I'm daydreaming now. Hella no, I closed my eyes gently.

I don't know what it was, but I would rather not get the shock of my life.

Wait! What was I thinking? I gently opened my eyes and still felt that same heartwarming touch on my shoulder.

This cannot be my illusion.

I quietly made a sharp turn as my mind meditated. I saw a ghost shadow of someone.

No, it was my bestie, Liam.

Words cannot emphasize how delighted I was right then and there.

I clashed into his body with all my might, not minding the f**k people were probably thinking right then.

He enveloped me in his warm embrace, and I felt the world was giving me a second chance. If only the universe could allow us to be together.

I withdrew from the warm hug and unhesitatingly gave him a big, sloppy kiss on his right cheek. I hugged him again so damn tight, squeezing the hell out of him, not even giving him the chance to breathe.

I felt like my world was back to me. I just prayed inside me; he changed his mind this time.

It's a pity he doesn't feel anything more than the friendship bond we shared.

I disengaged from the sloppy hug after satisfying my urge with his warm body. I felt cozy and frizzy at once, perhaps crazy. I don't know; I'm probably going crazy for him.

“I'm sorry,” he pleaded in a silky, low voice. He smiled; I don't know why, but I felt so relieved.

That cute smile made me fall head over heels for him. I couldn't help but smile too—a bittersweet one.

“Thanks for looking out for me,” he calmly uttered without the scarcity of a smile on his gorgeous face ever since I hugged him.

And I so much love that maddening composure of his. It soothes me whenever I feel down. I might be deemed a dumpster, but I felt like a world gem whenever he was by my side.

“I still like you, Liam, as much even if your decision is hurting. You'll remain my best friend ever. I still want to see you off this one more time.” I muttered as tears found their way down my pink cheeks.

He only nodded. I know he's going to reply, but I just prayed in silence for a positive one.

“I'm so sorry for making you go through all this hassle, even if it hurts so badly. I'm sorry for leaving, I'm sorry for letting you go, and I'm sorry... I'm sorry for not loving you back, Roseline.”

I jolted out of my silent prayer. For some moment, I felt paralyzed. His last statement made me blink in bewilderment as a tear gently fell from my eye.

I finally released all the pent-up tears I've been holding back for a while now. I couldn't hold it back anymore.

I felt someone's warm hand cleaning my tears away, and he was smiling again.

Gosh, can he just stop smiling? It's intoxicating. The words roamed around my brain.

As if he heard what I was thinking, he voiced out...

“I want you to remember me with this smile, Roseline. You're wrong all along... There's no doubt I like you more than friends, since... since that day you bumped into me, even though I never admit it. No guy can remain just a friend with you, Rose. I'm sorry for being a dastard right now, but I promise I'm going to come back for you, Roseline. It's a promise, not a wish.”

He enunciated the last line so effectively that I couldn't help but tear up again, my heart jumping at the overwhelming feelings that enshrouded me wholly.

A hint of hope flashed across my eyes. Gosh, that's so heartwarming.

Before I knew it, I was clutched in his tight embrace, and I patted his back slowly and gently.

I couldn't recall when I started smiling like a fool. He finally wanted me, and he liked me too.

No more one-sided love. That s**t sounded useless right now.

But somehow, I felt a hint of sadness because he was leaving. I'm so going to miss his cute self a lot.

No, I still don't want him to leave like that. Just like that after his whole convention?

I don't want to know how it felt so badly to miss someone. He was my best friend and now my lover.

I grinned widely at the thought of that. He's just too strong-headed. He still insisted on going to France.

Though I entirely don't know why, I believe there's no need to stop him when he has made up his mind already.

All I could do was just respect his decision and shower him with some friendly support.

Perhaps that's the biggest gift I could give to him right now.

We tear up for a moment, and I wholeheartedly encourage him even though I'm not happy with him leaving, but it's not like I can do anything to stop him, right?

I was doomed right there watching him pull his luggage behind him and bidding each other a' TILL WE MEET AGAIN' bye.

I'm in love with my best friend. I smiled so weakly as his shadow disappeared gradually and finally disappeared into thin air.

I don't know when my fake smile turned into a soft sobbing as if crying for momma. I didn't get that point, though.

I smiled in satisfaction that, finally, I managed to fulfill my last wish. Getting Liam all to myself at least, at last.

I loved the way he kissed me on my forehead before setting his luggage to leave. I was so full of myself right then until I noticed my tummy growling.

As if an alarm is waking me up. Time to grab some quiche. I put on my normal smile as I hopped home.

Days might seem different or probably back to my typical way of living.

It's so funny and incredibly strange—just the thought that it all started with a plate of quiche.

I grinned; I'm supposed to have gotten myself a reward for grinning so beautifully all day like lizards. I chuckled at my foolish thought.

I'm supposed to be home before now. Gawd, need more lies!

Thereafter, we stayed well connected by chatting and having some fun through our cell phones.

Interesting talk, you know. I forgot to say he's good at cracking jokes. A lot is really going for him.

It always cheers me up, even when I'm perfectly fine.

He's not dippy at all." She smiled with mixed emotions altogether, and she continued.

“We frequently use video calls, and I got to see his cute face whenever I wanted.

It happened fast; we lost contact, and I have never heard from him since then.

I finally realized how much it hurts to lose a loved one, your best person. I don't know; I'll probably stand tall for Liam coming back. I know he's eventually going to be here for me someday.

And I smiled whenever I remembered his sweet talks, his lovely embrace, his cute falling smile, and his friendly encouragement.

He's such a darling.

I just pray to finally meet him again, just like my best guy ever. I hope that day comes. I hope so.” She gently closed her eyes as she heartfelt her last sentence, taking it to her deepest soul.

She looked as though she were done with her oh-so-long tail.

But Kate just watched her in silence. His two palms were placed on her jaw, resting her elbows on her knees as she watched her, waiting for the continuation.

And that's the end of my lovely dreamy story," she exclaimed, jolting Kate back to reality.

Katherine shook her head in disbelief until she believed she was not kidding around.

“No, no, no, get the hell! Don't tell me this is all your imagination; what the f**k?" Katherine screamed, and Roseline laughed out loud in amusement.

"Just look at you; you are so focused on listening; if I didn't stop, you would have fallen for the invisible Liam. Roseline jokingly mocked and laughed out loud again.

Katherine violently stood, and just like in the morning, they started running around couches. Until Katherine stopped.

“Cut it off, b***h, that's it! You're a perfect actress, no doubt. What the hell was that?" She screamed and laughed out loud as she pants. Roseline chuckled while panting too; well, that's more like it; if she could deceive her damned crazy friend, it's just more like it.

Being a famous model and actress has always been her dream, and she's chasing it, girl. Believe it or not, with her friend's full support, they ride on.

She's such a sweetheart and a fervent supporter.

But she is so crazy goddamn hell! Don't cross her lane.

Katherine's phone rang, drawing their attention to the phone. Her boyfriend's calling.

“Goddamn s**t Rose!” She muttered to her friend as she picked up the call.

God, she forgot it's Valentine's Day today.

Roseline gasped, realizing today is Valentine's Day; it's supposed to be for lovers, right?

She chuckled, not feeling a pang of guilt whatsoever; she was so happy she was back with her best friend again.

"Hi Greg, I'm sorry, I've been sick and admitted to the hospital yesterday; I never saw any of your calls.

“But how is that possible? We saw each other last night, right? You know what? I'm coming over right away.”

“No!!!” They exclaimed together.

“What?”

“Um… Greg… I got admitted over the night, and I'm not in school right now.

I'm with my dad at one of his hospitals. Yeah, you know how he can be, right? I'm getting better; you don't have to worry about me; I will be in school tomorrow. Bye, take care!” She blurted and hung up instantly.

She looked at her friend, and they both burst into laughter.

“You dirty liar,” she said amid laughter, increasing the laugh even more. Well, a good thing she used her dad; her dad can be very strict and grumpy, and that happens all the time. After a while, Katherine halted immediately, as though something just piqued her interest.

“Rose, that reminds me, there's a VIP val party tonight; I was invited by one of my classmates; you wanna join?" She threw the questions at her, and she leaped up to turn off the disturbing TV."

“Okay, I will,” she replied casually, and she gulped down a glass full of drinking water.

Katherine looked as though she were flabbergasted. It's so apparent in her expression that she wasn't expecting her to respond so casually.

Roseline came back without any flaw that felt as though she was the one inviting her and not her. It's strange.

“Just like that, I mean, you're ok partying tonight?” Katherine queried for a better confirmation.

She wasn't praying for a decline after all. Roseline tilted her head back a little.

“Um…Yeah, it's been a long time since we hung out together. Or is there a problem with that? I can stay behind if you want...” Katherine simpered, sending her remaining words back into her throat.

“Of course not, I was just surprised, you know. It's rare for you to reply so casually like that since you're such a damn introvert." Katherine said, and sipped some water, too.

“Back off, don't start what you can't finish,” Roseline warned jokingly.

“Alright, princess, your wish is my command,” Katherine replied as she walked away, hands in the sky, surrendering to her introverted girlfriend.

Roseline just chuckled at her boyish acts. Her cute, lovely, crazy friend.