Tangled in Notes

Chapter Twenty-One

Gosh. That was one emotional day for me. I couldn’t get over what happened. Jared actually talked to me. That was too good to be true! I cluck my tongue and finished cleaning up the table for my last shift. I still need to prepare for the party I’m attending.

I reached my apartelle at the strike of 3 and I immediately ran to my wardrobe for something to wear. I wasn’t a fashion queen for that matter so I guess a pair of jeans and some sweat shirt would be enough.

I look okay. I thought as I stare myself in front of my mirror. I sighed when my phone suddenly rang. I pressed the answer button. “Hello?”

“I’m already on my way there. Are you ready?”

“I am!” I rolled my eyes.

“We still need to pick a gift for Frances.”

“I know, I know.”

“You were staying in your house this whole day, right?”

Uh. . . No? “O-Of course!”

“LIAR!”

I rolled my eyes again.

“Julia Burton! I told you not to work during weekends! It will be bad for your health, you brat!” He yelled and I scoffed.

“Geez! You worry about me more than I more about myself! Stop acting daddy to me, okay?! Tsk.” I crossed my arms and grabbed my bag in a corner of my room.

“I’m just saying. I’m sure uncle James would be the same.”

I froze. I’m sure uncle James would be the same. I repeated in my head so many times. The mention of my dad’s name made me really miserable.

“You still there?”

 Before I knew it, I was already wiping my tears from my cheeks. “Y-Yeah.” I sniffed. “What’s taking you so long, Min!” I was crying. I covered my mouth for him to not notice this but his sigh made me realize he already knew.

“Five minutes.”

Then the call ended. Dad. I sighed and knocked myself down the sofa in my small living room. I cried and pulled myself together before Armin arrives. I wiped my face with my shirt sleeves and sniffed.

After a few minutes, there was a knock in my door. I opened it with a wide smile and saw Armin in his polo sleeves and some black slacks. “You look good.” I commented and just when I reached out my hands to touch his collar, he spoke. “Are you serious?”

“What?” I asked innocently. I didn’t honestly know what he was trying to say.

“We’re going to an engagement party, not a part-time job.”

“Ha-ha-ha. Can I stop laughing now, Min?” I rolled my eyes crossing my arms. Like, “What’s so wrong about my outfit? I’m perfectly comfortable with it. Plus, it’s still pleasing for the eyes.”

He sighed and stared at me with droopy eyes. He shook his head and my eyes widened when he suddenly pulled my out of the apartelle. I quickly closed my door as he continued to drag me out.

He started the engine and I creased my brows. He wasn’t heading to the place he told me we were going. “Where are we going? I thought we’re going to buy a present for Joshua’s sister in Sulani?”

“Maybe we can do that later. Right now, we need to find you a better dress.” Min winked and I looked away waiting for him to pull for a stop.

We entered a boutique that looked extremely expensive and I followed Min as he continued to unhang dresses. “Here.” He handed them to me.

I stared at them in disbelief. “Seriously? All of these?”

“Go and try it. Okay?”

I frowned and forced myself to walked towards the fitting room. After a lot of changing, he finally told me to stop and buy the dress. It was unusual actually. He never bought me dresses before.

After that, we entered a salon. Armin made me wear the dress already and it was embarrassing. He even insisted to buy heels but I told him I was more comfortable with my Doc Martens. Good thing I convinced him or my knees could’ve been bleeding by now. I hate heels and if it was the only option I had after losing shoes and I had to walk through a path of thorns, I won’t wear it even.

“Hey! Nice to see you again, Min!” the lady in her black apron greeted him. I bowed politely and scanned the place. Hair were around telling me they just ended a haircut.

“Do her.” He ordered and the girl turned to me.

“Your girlfriend?” the girl asked and I blushed.

I shook my head. “No.”

“No.”

Armin and I exchanged glances then chuckled. “She’s a friend of mine. Close friend.” He smiled and I looked down with a gulp.

“Okay.”

Armin raised his card and the lady grabbed it.

A couple of minutes later, “Open your eyes now.” The lady said and I slowly opened them. I stood and for a moment, my sigh went blurry. I blinked a couple of times after regaining my old sight and I was surprised to see myself in the mirror.

The girl in front of me was wearing this pink, violet, blue dress that had this strange net. Its top was sleeveless and her perfectly curled hair was down to her chest. It was put in a half bun but left a small strand of hair falling across her ears. Her lips were glossy pink. Her eyes were – just “Wow.”

I turned and saw Armin frozen in front of me. I closed my lips after noticing it was parted. “I look pathetic.” I looked down as he looks away.

He cleared his throat. “L-Let’s go. We can’t be late.”

“But we have to buy a present for—”

“I already bought one while they were doing you, okay?” he answered and I was speechless.

“Oh.”

“Let’s go.” He pulled me right next to him and my eyes widened. “Thank you, Kels. I knew I can count on you.” He smiled at her.

The lady nodded crossing her arms. “Anything for you and your family.”

We were finally back in his car. I watched the trees that had passed us by. Armin was quiet and he looked like he was mad at something. It was weird but since he did this all for me, I won’t – who was I kidding.

“Hey.”

“Hm?” he replied not looking at me but focused on the road.

“Thanks for this. You didn’t have to—”

He finally chuckled. “We needed to make you look, less animal.” He turned to me with a smirk and I frowned sticking my tongue out to him.

“Less animal, huh?” I leaned closer to him and started tickling his stomach which I knew was a very sensitive part of his body. “Hey!” he shouted but I didn’t stop. “Park Ji Yoon!” he shouted once again but I paid no attention.

I kept laughing. “Hey! STOP IT! YOU’RE GONNA GET US KILLED!” he yelled and I finally stopped.

I was surprised when he suddenly pulled for a stop in corner of the street. I turned to him confused. He was throwing me ‘Clash of Clan’ arrows! His glare was really intense that it made me more speechless.

I looked away and let out a one last chuckle and crossed my arms looking out the window.

“That was seriously not funny, Julia.” He turned to me and I examined his face. He was really serious. I wanted to laugh but I figured it wasn’t the right time. I covered my mouth and nodded. “Yeah, sure. You can tickle me anytime you want, but in a car? While I’m driving?”

I froze when I realized he sounded like he was scolding me already. I bit my lower lip in guilt.

“Can’t you picture something that might happen if I wasn’t able to balance and control myself that moment you started doing it?”

I frowned for a moment. Geez. He’s acting all daddy again. I rolled my eyes lightly and sighed trying not to answer the lad back.

“We could’ve met an accident!”

I looked at him. He was indeed angry. Guilt ran over my blood as I watch him gripping the wheels tight. I was completely frozen.

“I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happens to you and you know that!”

“Hey, man.” Armin greeted Joshua as soon as we entered the hall full of people in their formal attires. He turned to me with a smile.

I smiled back.

“Julia.” He called and I looked at him. “You made it.” He gave me a peck in my cheeks and I blushed at his gesture. “You loo gorgeous.”

“I’ll go find Will.” Armin walked away.

“Come. You can sit with the other members of the club.” He placed his hand behind my back and I felt electricity run down my spine. I followed him and it led me to a table of familiar faces.

“Julia!” I turned and saw Sean standing up. “Wow. You look good in that dress!” he applauds and I looked down. It was embarrassing having them around me. I felt somewhat awkward.

“You’re making her flush.” Kevin pulled him down to sit down and I chuckled.

“Take a seat, Julia.” Sed offered the seat next to him.

“Yeah. Thanks.” I smiled and sat anyway.

A lady walked towards the stage and a spotlight hit her. She was beautiful. She looked especially like Joshua. Of course, they were siblings after all.

“I just want to thank everyone for making it tonight. This meant so much to me. Joshua, how dare you surprise me like this. I thought we were together.” She chuckled and I looked at Joshua seated down their family table. He was laughing as well. “First of all. . .”

The night went on and when I looked at my watch, it was already 6:48 pm. I rested my cheeks down my palms and sighed. “Getting sleepy too sudden?”

My heart shrunk at the sound of a creepy whisper in my left ear. I turned and saw Sean laughing as he took the vacant seat next to mine. I frowned. “Don’t do that again.”

He smiled and nodded. “Aren’t you enjoying the party?” he asked and I looked down with another sigh. Armin.

I shook my head instead and forced a smile. “No. It’s pretty amazing to be honest.”

He looked at me as if he knew I was lying. “You know you’re not really good in lying, Julia.” He chuckled and so did I.

He gulped down his water. “Who do you think is close to your ideal type in our club?”

I looked at him bewildered at his sudden question. “Do I really have to answer tha—?”

He nodded. “I really do ship you and Jarri. I don’t know why but I see sparks whenever you two are together.” He winked and I let out a disgusted expression. Not Jared’s not a good man.

“Well—”

“Wait.” He stopped me. “Let me guess.” He paused closing his eyes and when they opened again, it eyed me. “Joshua?”

I froze. No? I don’t think so. I shook my head. “To be honest, it would be Armin.”

His jaws dropped like he did it obviously. “Armin?” he creased his brows. “But he’s your best friend.”

“Exactly.” I smiled.

He fell silent.

“I’ve known him for over four years and I guess, my ideal type would be someone like him. The type that gets along well with me. You know what I mean?”

He nodded but his reply was obviously bitter.

I chuckled. “No lies.”

“Do you like him?”

“What?!” I exclaimed. “God, no! I can’t like someone who’s close to me because he’s like a brother to me already.”

He sighed in relief. “Good. I thought my bet wouldn’t stand a chance.”

I smiled.

“I’m parched.” He rubbed his tummy. “I’ll go get lemonade. See ya later.”

I nodded and he finally stood leaving.

People started dancing and I was just there sitting down. It felt surreal that I was in a party but anyway, it was fine for the first time except the fact that Armin and I had our very first real fight this time. I sighed at the thought. He’s been ignoring me the whole time and I just— don’t think it was really a big deal. We do that almost every day but he got mad only this time.

“I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happens to you and you know that!”

I pressed my lips together. I just hope we’d be okay in time. I can’t afford to lose him. He’s my best bes tfriend and it’s a total waste if our friendship gets ruined now.

“Pick up! Pick uuuuuuup!”

I immediately looked for my phone in my bag. Jaimee! I hurriedly answered the call and stood in glee. “Jae Hyun!” I exclaimed.

“Julia. . .” I could imagine her pouting.

I smiled and started walking my way out of the hall. “Hey. How have you been? Are you okay?” I asked and realized I reached this garden that had about three or five lights.

“I’m fine. School was great. I met friends. They were Winnie, Reanne and Kim. They were really nice!”

Hearing her voice made me want to hug her. She’s all I have now. “Is that so? Behave okay? You don’t to be a burden to Aunt Sue.”

“Mmhm. I won’t. I promise.”

“Remember what I said?” I asked. “No one—”

“—understands you better than yourself.”

“Good.”

“I’ll see you soon. I miss you soooooo much.” She made a sound of a kiss and I was trying so hard not to cry.

“I miss you too, Jaimee.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” A tear fell down to my cheeks. I sniffed.

“Don’t tell me you’re crying again…”

I chuckled. “No I’m not, silly.”

“Okay. I’ll do my assignments. Bye!”

“Bye.”

The line got cut and I stood there still shredding tears. I miss her. So bad. I need to see her anytime soon before I die for missing her so much—

“Liar.”

I turned wiping my tears and saw Jared leaning against the tree. He was wearing a white suit only he was wearing a vest, not a coat. Its white was more visible than the black but it looked nice. He was wearing slacks and some sneakers. His tied blonde hair was pulled back by his hat.

He smiled.

I suddenly remembered that small moment I had with him during my shift. He shared me his problem and he’s not supposed to know that I knew about it nor the mascot was me. “Hey.”

“I guess lying is your hobby.”

“Wow. You have the urge to say that to me after ditching me for who knows what.” I crossed my arms and arched a brow at him.

I was surprised when he suddenly chuckled. “I sent you a message, stupid.”

“It would’ve been nice to send it to me not two hours later, hm?”

He looked at me. “I’ll make it up to you, okay? I just had some business to finish.”

“And what business would that be?”

“You’re not in the right position to know.”

He’s turning back to his dragon self. “Stop minding other people’s business.”

“Is it bad that bad to share obstacles in your life to someone who could actually help you?” I blurted. “Why do you keep closing every time someone tries to help you? It’s not like we’re gonna spill it if that’s what concerns you.”

He frowned. “Look who’s talking. You don’t have to know okay? You don’t have to!”

“See!” I exclaimed back staring at him. “It would be nice to trust someone once in a while. You can’t cover up some things all the time, Jared. You can’t keep them to yourself forever. Even if you don’t want to, there would still be a time you’d open up and maybe, just maybe you can finally be softer.”

“Stop lecturing me like you’ve known me for ten years, Julia. You’re only a percent from what I’ve been through—”

I stared at him. From here, I could see his eyes getting watery and that his voice was turning shaky. “At least you admitted I knew a percent about you. Can’t you make that ‘two’?”

“You don’t know me like that. You were not there when I was exactly suffering! So, don’t yell at me like you’ve been there for me from the very start.”

“Isn’t that why I’m here?” I asked. “Don’t you think it’s time for you to show your soft side? This is exactly why I got to curious about—” I coughed and before I knew it, I was down the lawn. I could feel the grass hitting my legs.

“Julia!”

My sight was getting blurry and – I coughed again. My chest began to heavy. I couldn’t breathe. Oh no. I pushed him away while my eyes were closed in pain.

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

I opened my eyes and saw him in front of me. I looked away and began coughing hard. I need to see my doctor any time soon.

“Hey! If this is a joke then it certainly is not funny.” I could hear Jared’s voice near me and when I felt his hand touch my shoulders, I pushed them away and raised a hand to stop him. I coughed.

“I’m fine.”

He stood with a sigh. “Fine.” He started mumbling but I couldn’t hear it because it was too loud inside the hall.

 “Hey, Jared?” I looked up to him who was starting to walk away. He stopped but he didn’t turn to me. “I just want you to know that,” I paused. . . . “If you ever need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to talk to me. I’d be pleased to help you with whatever you’re going through.”

He continued walking away.

I sighed. I guess he’s right. I need to think of a way to approach Armin. I just hope he won’t play hard to get because it would be hassle.