Chapter 4: This or That

Tiffie woke up being uncomfortable when the cold breeze touched her face. She rolled herself from the other side of her bed. Her head throbbed. She took the nearest pillow and put it under her head. Her hands began to rubbed her temples, trying to massage away the headache. Sadly, it won’t get away easily. She rolled herself in the other side that made her fell to the carpeted floor. Then, she tried to reach for the bedsheet but her head began to throb again. This time, she felt a painful shot coming from her lower left leg. She screamed out of pain. Because of the loud noise, Bobby rushed to check her.

“Bobby…” Tears came from Tiffie’s eyes as she screamed again. “I can’t move one of my legs.”

“I guess that you need a massage.” Tiffie nodded and instructed him to get a massage oil in one of her drawers. “Which part do you want me to massage?” Tiffie pointed at her left lower leg. Slowly, he raised her lower leg after he poured the massage oil at her lower leg. It smelled between vanilla and mint. One of his hands moved from her thigh and pressed it gently. Then, it moved to upper calf and massaged it. When he’s about to raised it, he could hear her scream again. “Next time, you need to eat more banana or orange to prevent cramps.” He put his lips near her ear. “Plus, you need avoid drinking too much whiskey. It’s not good for girls to get drunk.”

Tiffie swallowed hard as her cheeks turned pink. “I beg your pardon.”

“Breakfast is served in the kitchen, Tiff.” He got up and helped her to stand up.

Tiffie sat at one of the chairs and watched Bobby performed his cooking magic. This time, he flipped the pancakes in the air perfectly. Her eyes were amazed into his unique talent. Then, he turned on the coffee machine. The rich aroma of coffee flowed around the house. After putting 2 pieces of pancakes in each plate, he drizzled it with some maple syrup. Carefully, he placed the plate in each side of the table. Next, he poured the hot coffee in each mug and lightly drizzled the caramel syrup in the foamed milk.

“Cappuccino?” She pointed at the heart-shaped in the middle of the foamed milk. “How did you do this?”

“It’s my magic.” He smiled and his dimple revealed in his right cheek. It made him a little bit sexier. “We must hurry because Eriana’s waiting for us in the Amore Hotel.”

“Ok.” She was about to take a sip of her mug of cappuccino, the looks of her mug caught her eye. The mug was in green and the details were in white. She read the message printed in there. ‘Jake, you’re tea-riffic.’ Oh, she remembered that it was her personalized gift in their second anniversary. Tears flowed as the cappuccino warmed her palms as she took the first sip. The refreshing smoky and sweet taste was heavenly. As she lifted her eye from the mug, Bobby was already staring at her.

“Is there any prob---” Bobby took a tissue and gently wiped her upper lips.

The mug slipped off from her hands. The coffee-stained spattered in Bobby’s shirt. The hot temperature caused him to panic and grabbed Tiffie accidentally. They both fell to the ground. Both of them could hear their deep breaths. Their hearts beat faster as they stared at each other’s faces. Bobby cupped her face. Then, his lips met went near at her ear. She could hear him breathing heavily. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes as their lips were only centimeters away. It almost touched when they heard the sound of alarm coming from her bedroom. It’s the signal that they needed to meet Eriana in the Amore Hotel.

 ---~~~----

At the Amore Hotel, Eriana carefully instructed the boys to place the fragile colorful flowers in each side of the arch. She clapped her hands when she saw the other members arriving. Then, she instructed them to sit into the designated places. Bobby and Tiffie sat beside Pollyie and Fritz. Miriam and Carter sat at the farther side, while Nicholai and Atalia in the left side. Elaine and Lowell sat near the arch. Eriana pulled the cart at the center of the arch and pressed the orange button. A huge television appeared on top of the arch.

“There’s something unusual last time. A terrible fight between ladies that gave a lot of negative vibes instead of positive.” Eriana glanced at Miriam, Atalia, and Elaine. “It meant bad luck for my empire.” She sighed. “In order to minimize the same situation, I prepare something unusual too.” She pointed out the screen using her laser pointer. “It’s called Compatibility Quiz.” She explained the rules of the game. Each players had two sets of erasers and black felt pens. There will be a set of fifteen questions to test them. If they will raise the same answer, then they will have one point. If they will not have the same answer, then they will not earn any point. And, they had only five seconds to answer each question. “The winning team will have a surprise date sponsored by me. But the losing team will lose their partner. Tonight, I will introduce another set of handsome and eligible bachelors for you to choose. Later, I will give you the other mechanics for that. Let’s have the game first.” Then, she rang the golden bell. The first question was about “do you believe in second chances?”.

Tiffie remembered the day when Jake left her. She drew a big “no” in all capital letters. Then, she glanced at Bobby’s board after Eriana asked them to raise their answers. Bobby answered “yes”. She wanted to ask him why, but they had a limited time to talk.

“I guess that it’s Elaine and Lowell lucky day.” Eriana waved at them. “Don’t worry. It’s only a warm-up.”

“You’re probably right, Eriana.” Elaine stared at Miriam and rolled her eyes. Miriam sticked her tongue at her. “You may give up now, Mirry, because you know that Lowell and I will definitely win this.”

“Yeah, Lowell will be the best man here.” Nicholai said.

Tiffie elbowed Bobby to catch his attention. “Do you think that we can win this, Bobby?” She whispered.

“No worries, Tiff.” He draped his arm around her. “It’s only a warm up. Just believe in our friendship, and we’ll prove them that we can smash this.”

 ‘Friendship?’ Then, she remembered about what she told him that they will remain as friends. At least, they knew a little about each other.

They heard another buzzed and focused their eyes on the screen. Eriana read the second question. If you will have a chance to plan your vacation together, will you stay in the Philippines or go abroad. Tiffie remembered that Bobby owned a coffee shop. Therefore, the right answer will be staying in the Philippines. Tiffie hugged him when they got the same answers.

“Why are we going to stay in the Philippines?” Pollyie widened her eyes.

“Of course, my dear.” Fritz gently tapped her shoulders. “Plus, we can visit my grandparents in Lian, Batangas. I know you will love to eat my grandmother’s special lomi.” It’s a local dish in Batangas. It was composed of thick fresh egg noodles mixed with pork liver and chicharron.

“Maybe, I can tour you in my Ireland after.” Pollyie replied with excitement.

“Definitely.” He kissed her forehead.

Atalia flipped over her board. “I know that Nicholai loved to visit the Eiffel tower in Paris.”

Nicholai nodded. “Then, we’ll kiss there as we watched over---” Atalia covered his mouth to stop him.

“Well, I guess that we have three couples in the competition. Pollyie and Fritz, you can still catch up even though your already behind.” Then, she clicked the laser pointer to proceed to the third question. Where are you going to spend your Christmas holiday, your place or his place?

Tiffie observed Bobby quietly before she answered the question. She took a quick glance at his answer when they flipped their boards. “We’re in the same page, Bobby. I can’t wait to meet your parents.”

“Yeah, I know that my mother can’t wait to meet you. That’s why, I write ‘my place’ inside the board.” Then, they made a high-five when they got the same answers.

The game continued. It lasted for an hour and Atalia and Nicholai felt that they will need to give up. Good thing, Eriana told them that they might get the answer the fourteenth question. Which spirit-animal do you relate your personality, dog or a cat?

“I want to be the dolphin!” Miriam showed her doodled dolphin in the board. “Because dolphins are intelligent and love to socialize.” She crossed her legs.

“I know that really reflect in your personality, Mirry.” Eriana shook her head. “Too bad, it’s too far from the choices. You and your partner will not earn any point in this round.” She walked to the side of Tiffie and Bobby. “It seems that you are enjoying each other’s company. Do you mind to show us your answers?” They both wrote ‘dog’ in the board. “Good for you. Tell us why did you choose a dog, Bobby?” She pointed the mic to him.

“Dogs are loyal and brave too. I think that I could be a loyal best friend for my partner.” Bobby glanced at Tiffie. “Are you loyal too?”

“Yes, I do.” Tiffie nodded. “Dogs are cute and friendly too. Just like me and my partner.” Bobby patted her head.

“Well then.” Eriana went back at the middle near the arch. “I want you to think wisely for the last question.” She pressed the orange button. They heard a loud buzz before the screen flashed the fifteenth question. Which one do you prefer having kids or no kids for the next three years? Since Atalia wanted to see herself being a mom, she wrote the ‘yes’ to have kids. Bobby made a massive grin when he flipped over the board.

“Nice to know that both you are almost compatible.” Eriana walked around Bobby and Tiffie. “The question is…” She bit her lower lip. “How many kids do you want to have, Bobby?”

“I want to have a dozen.” He planted a small kiss at Tiffie. “If we’ll be together in the future, we’ll build a basketball team or a cheerleading team.” It made Tiffie giggled and blushed. “Still, it’s up to Tiffie’s capacity.”

“I always wanted to have kids.” Atalia’s eyes sparkled. “Imagine the cute babies that I used to deliver in the delivery room. They usually have chubby cheeks and soft skin.”

“Yes, they are. I hope our baby will have your beautiful eyes and rosy cheeks.” Nicholai cupped his both hands to her cheeks. “That’s why, it’s my answer.” Atalia pushed him away that made him fell to the floor. Good thing, he didn’t bang his head.

“Thank you for participating in this compatibility quiz.” She pressed the pink button. The results appeared and it seemed that Elaine and Lowell got the highest score. They came in front to reveal their prize. They lifted up the white blanket and revealed a rolled paper at the silver plate. Lowell unwrapped it and read it for them.

“It says that we will meet at Tagaytay. What does it mean?” Lowell raised his brow.

“It means that all of us will go to Tagaytay except for Atalia and Nicholai.” Eriana gave a sad look to Tiffie’s twin who hugged her partner so hard. “Nicholai needs to prepare for a sad goodbye. Our bus will be here any minute so better run to the lobby.

Before Tiffie joined the others, she reached for her twin sister. “Oh, I’m sorry that I can’t be with you…” She could see the tears coming from her twin sister’s eyes.

“It’s ok, Tiff.” She hugged her. “You better join them or else you’ll be left behind. Nicholai and I need to have a private time here.” She wiped her tears with her hanky. “Don’t worry about us, Tiff.

“But…” Tiffie sniffled.

“We’ll be ok.” She said in a muffled tone. “You must go now or Bobby will start to get worried.” Then, she waved her a goodbye before they parted ways.

---~~~----

Since Bobby and Tiffie got the second place in the compatibility quiz, they also got a surprise in Tagaytay. They got the ride-all-you-can passes in a theme park near the hotel which they checked in. The others also got their passes except for Elaine and Lowell which they got a romantic dinner in the most expensive restaurant. In spite of having fun, Bobby could sense something wrong with Tiffie. It seemed that she lost all the energy and looked sad.

“Is there something bothering you?” He asked. “You can tell me if you want.”

“None at all.” She shook her head. “Maybe, we can ride that one.” She pointed at the rollercoaster.

“Ok, but…” He didn’t have a chance to finish his sentence when Tiffie grabbed him by him arm.

Bobby couldn’t stop looking at Tiffie when they seated right at each other. Tiffie gave him a half-smile and breathed heavily when the ride started to move. He held her hand and pressed it gently. They both screamed their hearts out as they got through the wildest experience. Tiffie enjoyed the ride and asked him to ride it again. It took him five seconds before he finally gave in to her plea. They pushed their bodies in the queue. When they were finally near the gate, someone recognized Tiffie.

“Is that Tiffie O’ Hara the famous social media influencer?” The teenager girl pointed at Tiffie then she looked at her friends. “I must be dreaming that she’s right before our eyes.”

“Let’s not lose this chance.” They ran towards them. “Can we get an autograph?”

“Hey! Can you stick with the line, young lady!”

“Yeah! Better go back to your place.”

In order not to create any commotion, Bobby grabbed Tiffie out of the queue. Forget the rollercoaster and forget the huge crowd. They needed somewhere that they could talk in privately. That’s why, they chose to ride the Ferris wheel. It almost night time. The stars began to shine above the Taal Volcano. Although Taal volcano is still active until today, it seems that it won’t dare to ruin the perfect night. Silence went between them as they stared at the magnificent view.

“So.” They both said.

“I just want to ask, Tiff.”

“What is it, Bobby?”

“Do you feel something special when you are with me?” He touched her hand and gently rubbed it. Then, he placed it near his chest. “If you’re going to ask me the same question, my answer will be yes.”

“Uhm…” Tiffie quickly removed her hand. Then, she cleared her throat as she tried to looked away. “I have to…”

 She stood up from her seat. The gondola wobbled when the strong wind passed through it. It caused her lost her balance and fell to Bobby’s lap. Her legs were between in his lap. When their eyes met, it made her a little bit uncomfortable. She looked away, but Bobby held her chin. It meant that she cannot avoid him anymore. His arms wrapped around her waist. She could feel his minty breath whenever he breathed. When Tiffie looked within his eyes, she could see the fiery desire. His lips planted a quick sweet kiss at her forehead. Then, he lowered his lips to hers and caressed her mouth in an enticing kiss. Their kiss became torrid until they went on catching their own breaths. They parted from each other when the Ferris wheel operator knocked the door. It was the signal for them to leave the ride.

For Tiffie, she won’t forget that kind of kiss. And, she yearned for more.  

“Uhm…” Tiffie tried to hold Bobby’s hand. “I have something to tell you.”

“Me too.” Bobby stopped from walking and tried to reach her hand. “I have something to tell you.”

Their conversation was interrupted when Miriam and the other girls arrived to fetch Tiffie away from Bobby. Bobby was snatched away by Carter and the other boys.

---~~~----

 After an hour, Tiffie and the other girls arrived at Pollyie’s boutique. There were different gowns, jumpsuits and skirts scattered on the floor. Pollyie almost fainted to see her precious boutique was on a disaster. Tiffie and the others volunteered to help her out. They even helped her changed the curtains from white and black to teal and cream. Then, they shared together some red wine and cookies after the dirty work.

“By the way, Eriana will host a ball in Amore Hotel tomorrow. I believe that’s the time she will introduce the new guys.” Pollyie carefully sipped her red wine from her goblet.

“I bet Atalia can choose someone who’s sexier and handsome than Nicholai.” Miriam hissed while munching her cookies.

“Hey, Nicholai is a good guy.” Tiffie defended.

“But, he’s not hotter than your Bobby.” Miriam raised her eyebrow. “See if I will say your partner’s name you’re getting pissed off.”

“I am not pissed off!”

“Girls!” Pollyie tried to calm them down. “You better choose the right dress for tomorrow’s ball.” She took the four dresses from the clothes’ rack. Then, she gave the teal green lacy dress. “Why don’t you try this one, Tiffie?”  

“Actually, that’s my choice!” Miriam quickly snatched the dress away from Tiffie. “Sorry, you better look for other colors except with blue or teal shade.”

Pollyie sighed. “I guess this will be Tiffie’s perfect dress.” She presented a gray crisscross bodycon Cami dress. “This will easily charm someone.”

 “Definitely, it will be Bobby.” Miriam glanced at her painted nails. “Especially, they might share another hot kiss just like the last time.”

Tiffie blushed. “What…do you mean?”

“Is it true, Tiffie?” Pollyie glanced at her then she glared at Miriam. “Never mind her, Tiff.” Then, she carefully zipped the dress at her back. “See, your beautiful inside and out.”

 Tiffie took a glimpse of her reflection at the mirror. “Thanks, Pollyie. Do you have any jewelry to mix with this?”

“Of course, I will let you choose among my collections when we will arrive at Las Casas.”

Tiffie’s vision began to blur. She remembered herself kissing Bobby. It’s kind of tantalizing and addictive as she wanted for more. She hoped that she could find time to be with Bobby all alone. Then, she wondered how’s Bobby with the other men. Is he enjoying their company or is he missing her out too?