For a moment Malik disappears from my sight, and when I find him, he's sucking a Popsicle whilst holding a bucketful of vanilla ice cream and a box of popsicles at the bucket top.
"Are you having fun?" I ask laughingly."Totally." He beams brightly.Seriously? I just shake my head to the sides, stunned. "Okay, I guess." I shrug."I love this shopping thing, it's nice." He grins."Oh yeah? Because of having a popsicle so early in the morning?""Among other things.""You're really something." We laugh,Malik adds a carton of beer, four bottles of wine; two whites and two reds, and I add a gallon of tropical juice and two cartons of drinking water."Oh, I totally forgot," he utters, regarding the water."I know," I whisper in his ear, before pushing my way to the counter.Our cart is full, and I'm sure we've got all the necessities. I open my wI pause for a second, watching her. I wish I could tell her that Liam is the one I'm crazy about but I don't have the guts to; call me chicken, coward, and all other names to fit the scenario, but this is it. I can't do it."Yeah, we just get along fine, nothing more," I stipulate seriously. "And please don't insinuate this again, it's annoying," I add, moving back to my business."Sure, if you say so," Sam mutters, and I know she's still unconvinced. "I got a call from the office," she says, and I smell trouble."Why? What happened?" I ask warily."They were asking if I'm in L.A, that way they can trap me into an emergency work." She takes a seat on the barstool, and I place my arms on the countertop."They should go to hell.""I know, right?""Yes. They should find that bitchy assistant you hate so much." I laugh, and I'm sure I've landed myself a new topic.There's one colleague of hers an
"Why can't you just tell him how you feel already? I'm tired of the same old song, you know. Are you afraid that he may not feel the same way?" I cock my head to face Sam,Well, what can I lose from a simple question?"Maybe," she answers with a heavy sigh. "I've never been rejected before, and I always get all the attention I need. But for the first time I'm scared to be a loser; I'm afraid that he—" She suddenly gives me a suspicious look. "Wait, why should I tell you about it while you refuse to tell me about your secret affairs?"Secret affair? I almost hit the brakes."What do you mean?" I woman-up and ask, my heart racing."You keep exchanging glances with Malik, and when I ask, you keep denying," she starts the same speech, and I'm kind of relieved either way. "If it's not the secret romance, then there's something you two are hiding from us; I wasn't born yesterday."Well . . ."Suppose you're
I arch my brows. Just okay? I don't think he's excited at all, and I wonder what he really likes about his idea of having fun."You don't like beaches, do you?" I take my chances."I just don't have time for this." Liam smiles, but seems to really mean it."Oh come on, Liam! It's just once in a while, and you're on a vacation for Christ's sake!" I practically sound reproachful, and he seems amused. "You should seriously loosen up a bit, like what your mother said, work can wait sometimes.""Liam, huh?" He looks down at me, and I gawp. "I love it, Kira." He gives me his best smile.I've so forgotten about our infamous honorifics. I blush profusely."I mean, Mr. Darcy." I tease, and we both laugh. God, I love talking to him. "So you're not really happy being here, in the middle of this tropical paradise?" Our hands are constantly colliding, sending me a light shiver as our fingers graze."I'm only here becau
We had an amazing time at the beach. After dinner we are now having drinks at this cool club with nice Latino music filling the air. Jamal and his gorgeous blonde are the one who led us here. I'm not really a clubbing material, but right now it simply feels perfect. I'm having so much fun . . . talking and drinking with my two girls.The guys kept arguing about football earlier, so we kindly asked them to get lost. Who wants to know what Messi and Ronaldo did, or did not do last season? Even right now we can still hear them arguing as they're seated at the bar, not far from our booth."I hate football," Jamal's blonde utters."Tell me about it." Sam rolls her eyes while pulling the cocktail glass to her mouth. "But it's like every guy in the world loves it, and some of us just have to put up with the nonsensical arguments."I smile and say, "Exactly how they put up with your discussion about the type of nude lipstick to match your skin tone."
He pulls my face closer, his eyes bored into mine condescendingly; but I don't fret. "The special one I've been waiting for," he whispers, and I turn into a melted cheese right away.Damn! I want a piece of him. For the first time in my life I'm in an uncontrollable urge for the manly touch.Liam's touch, to be more precise . . . Only him."Don't mislead me, Mr. Darcy," I remark. "It's easy to get confused with your promising words," I add, and he doesn't say a thing but smile.The music is still rocking heavily. I hear 'hips don't lie' by Shakira.Again I feel like a teenager in love. Making out in the club, at some abandoned corner, and it's extremely exciting. I've never done this before, but better late than never. Liam nuzzles his lips against mine, tantalizing with a sexy smile.How I want to go away with him! Somewhere far from everyone.I decide to respond by digging my hands into Liam's hair, and
Nostalgia enwraps me as I watch Liam moving away. It's suddenly cold, physically and emotionally cold. I embrace the loneliness, hugging myself tight, homesick, my mind ablaze.He's mad . . . so mad and hurt.Sullenly, I make my way back to the girls, and Sam's gaze is what takes my breath away as we bump into each other. She's on her way towards the bar, where Jamal and Natasha are having a lovebird moment. She looks dubiously at me, her face crunched."Hey, where were you?" she asks, and seems a bit tipsy that she nearly stumbles on the barstool."The restroom," I answer.She doesn't buy my answer at all."I'm just coming from the restroom myself, you weren't there," Sam says.Should I just blow everything away?Staring intently at Sam, my heart beating so fast, I find myself uttering, "I was in the restroom first, and then I was with—“"We were together. We went to get some a
I watch it with anticipation, my breath ragged, but Liam chooses against it as he drops his precious hand on his knee. He looks confused, and I know I’m the reason why. Oh no!"You're so heartless.” He shuts his eyes, and I can feel the sadness in him."I'm not heartless." I move closer, and he flies his eyes open with difficulty. "I just— “ And my mouth gets shut by his lips taking mine briskly, surprising me.“Don’t talk,” he commands, placing my body secured in his arms. I say no syllable; I place my hands on his shoulders as he assaults my lips gently, making me feel his every move as our tongues swirl together in synch.Holy Mother, will I get tired of it? The taste of scotch is such a turn on.We kiss like there's no tomorrow, oblivious of anything and anyone. I can only feel the warmth of his body right now, as he presses me closely to his side, and the sweetness of his tongue that dominates mine wildly."You lov
"That was quite a scene. Who is that woman? She kind of looks familiar," Sam asks about the wild brunet."Sheila Mateo, the CEO of SM fashion,” Natasha answers indifferently. “Girls, I got to go. My puddles must be hungry by now, and I have a sleep to catch on." She is in a rush."Oh, sure," I reply."I hope to see you again before you leave, huh?" Natasha smiles, and Sam gives her a nod. "Now where is my mister again? He has to drive me home, there's no way I'm taking a taxi like this,” she mumbles to herself as she wanders off.With Natasha gone, my friend finally takes notice of me. She joins me by the pool and starts talking of Malik. We both wonder who that wild brunette is."Are you okay?" Sam asks afterwards.And here we go again."Hey, how many times do I have to tell you that there's nothing between us? I do like him, yes, but only as a brother or a friend." I’m seriously getting tired of this.
Smiling faintly, I turn my back to hop into the taxi that's been waiting for ages. The driver is probably wondering why we're having a display of affection in the middle of the city, instead of wherever we came from.It's when Malik grabs my wrist suddenly, right before I grab the door handle.He steadfastly pulls me to his side, like he's forgotten something very important. I'm so startled as I land my hands on his chest, and find myself tightly against his body. He swallows nervously, his shiny eyes piercing into mine.I don't understand this attitude, until his lips land onto mine.I don't do a thing. I'm just too puzzled to react. He's kissing me, I know he is, but it's like I'm hypnotized with the shock or something. Everything ceases to exist, and I can't even feel my own heartbeat.What is this? What is Malik doing now? My two subs widen their eyes, utterly shocked.He suddenly frees me, and I look up at him
"What happened?" Malik eyes my suitcase with pure dismay."She knows," I sob, wiping my tears. "She's found out already."Malik says nothing. Slowly he pulls me into his arms and I easily dissolve in his embrace. My hiccups take the best of me like a child, my chin on his shoulder. I feellost and empty. I just cry . . . and he rubs my back gently, no word coming from his mouth. I still can’t believe the worst has happened."I'm sorry for this." I finally tug out and manage to smile while picking my bags, ready to face the aftermath; my scary unknown after ruining everything."It's okay," Malik tells me softly, smile forced and rueful. "You're still leaving?" He sounds indisposed."Yeah, I can't stay here anymore." I lift my eyes to meet his, a bittersweet laughter escaping my lips at this mess I'm in. "I don't want to be here, Malik. I don't have any right to be here." Tears fall down yet again, blurring my vision
"I can't believe this! So you're trying to excuse yourself by pretending that you had no choice?" Sam is gravely amused."No, I'm not making any excuses! The last thing I wanted in my life was hurting you, and you know that perfectly well.""No, I don't think I know." She shakes her head in denial. "And you've succeeded to hurt me, just so you know, Kira. And I'll never forgive you for this.""Sam," I breathe, "I'll understand if you decide to do so. But truly, I'm really sorry.""With that face of yours, everyone thinks you're a saint," Sam snarls with a fine deliberate to hurt me, which works perfectly. "The nice one." She twirls around me. "The good one . . . Always the loved one." Now she stops moving."Sam, that's not true." I wipe off the fallen drop."And of course I'm the bad one, right? So tell me, Kira, how did you seduce him?" she mockingly asks. "How were his kisses like?" she adds, and I swallow the anger t
"You're finally back," Sam utters casually, her eyes stone cold. Seeing my astonished face upon the sight of the diary, she lifts it up, smirking."Did you read my diary?" I manage to ask with much difficulty, as though a fishbone is stuck to my throat."Oh . . . tthis? I didn't mean to read it," she says coolly."What?" I scoff angrily. "That's my fucking diary!" My body trembles, fear and worries engulfing me wholly."I only wanted to return your charger, and by pure coincidence, your lovely diary dropped and flipped." She smiles, a very bitter smile, and I'm stuck to my feet. "Why, Kira? Why this?" she asks me in a soft voice while getting closer.I press my lips together to repress whatever that's about to burst in me. My worst nightmare is here. I'm not sure which one is scary, between my dreams at night or this foreign situation that I've brought upon myself.What should I say now? That I'm sorry? That I can expla
I return to where I parked the car. I can't say I've had my fill, but I've quite enjoyed this Ocean drive neighborhood. Well, eventually I realized where I am during my promenading. I even had a pleasure to relax and grab a big bite of cheeseburger so cheer myself.And I usually eat a lot when I'm stressed.I'm about to hop in the car when the incoming call on my cellphone stops me halfway. I slam the door sharply before rummaging inside my bag. I clutch my phone and a hard scowl appears on my face when I find it's a new number. I swipe the receiver hesitantly."Hello?" I croak."Where are you? We need to talk.” A male voice snaps quickly, causing a shiver throughout my skin.And I could recognize this voice even in my deep sleep.”Liam,” I breathe softly."It's good that you know my voice by heart," Liam remarks. "Where are you, Kira?" he practically snaps at me again."Liam, please, no
They tried talking to me, the girls, the boys, but none succeeded to open my mouth. The world had lost its colors in my eyes, but some brunette kid named Samantha didn't give up. She tried until I opened my mouth."It hurts," I utter, tears streaming down. "That's what I said." I lift my eyes at Sam. "Why are you reminding me?""Nothing," Sam says softly. "I just want to say that you're the person I love and trust the most in my life. I know you'd never hurt or betray me, because you're my bestfriend. I want to be that person to you too, Kira. I know I can be bitchy . . . but I never intend to hurt you. If I did, by any chance, please forgive me." She sits next to me, and my heart shatters.Guilt. Pain. Loss. I feel them all at once."No, you haven't done anything to apologize for," I breathe and I know I'm the one who should apologize to her.But I don't have the guts to."Did Jay do anything to offend y
"Are you deaf? I said let go of her.” Liam’s voice isn't harsh, but the threatening vibes it exudes is quite alarming."Easy there, bro." Jeremy releases me from his grip. "We're just talking,” he says and my eyes are on my wrist, faint finger marks accented on the skin."Don't call me bro, kid!" Liam snaps, his fists clenched as he glares at Jeremy with blazing eyes while pacing closer. "Are you okay, Kira?" He glances at me . . . at my wrist, too, and I nod like a little girl would.His jaw ticks. He pulls me to his side and I'm worried whether he has heard the rest of our conversation or not. I hope he hasn't. He then glares back at Jeremy, eyes dark."She told you to leave her alone, didn't she? Why were you forcing your hands on her?" He places himself between Jeremy and I, making me stay behind him. He’s tense.Jeremy roams around, like a tamed dog, holding his head and waist with either hand. I know he usually acts macho and a
Once again Malik restores back my sweetest smile. Only he can influence good even in bad times, and I'm so grateful for his being supportive: at least I've got someone to share this ordeal with. Jamal and Natasha join us shortly, and I believe I'm more relaxed with them than my previous companion."And my job here lads and ladies . . . is done!" Jamal announces cheerily, and from a distance I see the others enjoying the self-service."You're the best barbeque maker, I swear." I give compliment when due.I can't explain how tender and juicy this meat tastes inside my mouth."I know, right? My boo is the best." Natasha kisses him.Malik and I share a smile."I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Kira," Jamal says, his voice calm and reverent."Oh you got that right." I thumb up. "And I seriously need the recipe for this vegetable noodles," I tell Natasha and she promises to give it to me anytime.
Liam is now out of sight and I’m only thinking of him. I wonder what he is doing right now. Malik, Jamal, and Natasha are still around the grill, chatting over something humorous judging from their laughter.I have been oblivious of whatever Sam and her friends are hilariously discussing about, and only drop a comment when necessary. Sickly enough, Jeremy has been eyeing me and it’s uncomfortable."This house is so damn terrific," Veronica utters, her eyes batting around like butterflies. "Who's the owner?" she inquires while her boyfriend stares around snobbishly.Sam gives them a clear picture of the owner by pointing out at Malik's direction. She tells them more than asked when Veronica swears to have seen Malik before. Discretion is never in my friend’s dictionary."And are you the one riding his dick?" Jeremy asks Sam, and the two ladies laugh as though it was something beautiful to say . . . or hear.So disgusting.