12. FIERCE KISS AND BULLSHIT SYNDROME

It's been hours and nothing strange happened yet. When I walked back home, I half expected that Leo would be in my room, awaiting my return from work with great anticipation, so we can pick up right from where we stopped. 

But I returned home to meet the house cold and empty, just as I left it.

Although I felt stupid, I could not help looking around my room and Jake's, in my bid to check if Leo was there. I even checked the bathroom as well because who knows? He might have gotten into the house through the tiny window high up on the wall in there.

Disappointment filled my heart after my search. He was nowhere close. 

As I began to prepare for the night, it dawned on me that I was treading dangerous paths. I was wholeheartedly willing to be in the company of a renowned thief that was wanted by a lot of people. Even private security agencies run by the rich people he had stolen from were after him as well.

Yet, I felt at ease with him. I felt that he would not do me harm. Although I cannot deny that his eyes pulled me in, as if it was inviting me to the nothingness and mystery that was hidden behind them, the fact remains that he is a thief. A bad guy, by all standards.

Perhaps it was the kiss. 

I had never been kissed by anyone. Through high school and med school, I was a nerd through and through. I didn't have time for dates and relationships and sex. I just concentrated on my studies so I could come out with flying colors. Which I did. I graduated top of my class. I felt I had to do that much for all my loans and stress to count. For me to fulfill the dream I and my dad shared.

And I did well. In fact, offers for housemanship from top hospitals began to trickle in before I was even issued my certificate. 

So it came as a heavy surprise to Jake, Sophia, and some of my colleagues when I declined those top offers and settled to work in a tiny hospital located at Gayville. 

That's why I thought that maybe it was the way he had claimed my lips like they were his instead of mine that has me so unusual. Maybe the effect was lasting a while, even though I had seen him just twice.

But then again, it might be that thing called the "damsel-in-distress" syndrome or whatever. Perhaps, I was taken by the fact that he came to my rescue when I was in a difficult situation.

Now that I think of it, I do not want to be affiliated with a bad guy. He was everywhere and nowhere, living his life like a fugitive. That was not the life I wanted. Not the one I wanted to make myself and my brother put up with.

So, this sudden madness has to stop. The effect of his fierce kiss has to wear off and I am coming down the hill of that bullshit syndrome. 

I finish my night routine and climbed my bed, with a strong resolve to walk him out of my house if he ever returns, even though a tiny tug at the back of my mind still wished that he does.

I wanted to be the one to end it because, in the first place, I had started it. Or so I told myself. A much more truthful reason would be that so I do not feel abandoned if he left and never returned of his own will.

It was near the weekend and I was still thinking about the transfer to Hallow-hospital through. I didn't go to work that Thursday and just as I was making myself lunch after the whole morning in bed, Sophia called me.

"What are you calling me for, cute ass bitch?" 

She giggles before responding.

"You sound so cute when you use swear words. They roll off your mouth like sugar." She said.

"Get to the point, girl. I'm in the middle of something."

"It doesn't matter if you're not in the middle of a man's legs." She said." What exactly are you doing?"

"Eating. Why?"

"What why? I was calling to ask when I can come over to take you. We have a date to prepare for. Remember?"

Yes, that fake date.

"Right. So, where are we going?" 

"Nowhere really. Just here and there. I'd come to pick you up in an hour, how about that?"

It was difficult to keep up with Sophia's expensive and naughty hedonistic lifestyle but then, what does that say about opposites attracting? 

Exactly.

The enormous difference between us was probably the reason we're still friends after all these years. 

A psycho and a psychiatrist. Perfect blend.

Of course, I am the psychiatrist. The sane one.

"One hour is fine," I reply to her, before going back to eating.

Exactly an hour later, I got into her car which was parked in front of our building. Again, I was surprised when Sophia began to horn loudly and Rogers, the building owner didn't come out to yell. Maybe he was in reflective and non-violent mode these days.

We drove into town and around unfamiliar places. Then we stopped by the entrance of Lush tresses and make-up.

It was the most popular of all the make-up brands in the city and only people of the jet set went there for their body and hair maintenance. By that, I mean, artists, actors, models, and all of that. You would think that they would operate on the same level since they were all rich but it's said that they have a VIP section and treatments for VIPs as well.

Crazy, if you ask me.

"What are we doing here?" I ask Sophia.

"We're getting your hair done, girl. You have a date to go to."

"Are you beginning to be stupid, Soph? I am going to jeopardize this date, not seduce the man so I do not see the need to go there all dressed up in the first place."

"It's just your hair Debby. It's like a mop on your head. Why do you never want to straighten it? I'm sure you'd look better."

I swat away her hand running through my brown curly strands. "No, I am not straightening my hair," I said firmly. "Besides, shouldn't I wear a wig like always?"

Whenever I impersonated her on her dates, I always wore blond wigs since Sophia is blond.

"I wanted you to go with your hair this time. You know, something for a change."

"If that's the case, let me go with my hair." I reply, stressing the 'my'. "I could just comb it out and make it less frizzy. I also think it's fine this way."

She stares at me sternly for a second. "Fine!" She gives up.

That's more like it. I am not detexturing my hair for nothing. 

"Where next?" I ask.

"Nowhere else. Since you're bent on doing things your way, then fine. Wear whatever you want to the date." She said, crossing her arms across her chest. 

The girl can be as nutty as a fruitcake. 

I ignore her tantrums. Being the only child is the cause of all this childishness, even though she's a year older. 

She reclined on the driver seat where she was sitting. Whenever we went on outings like this, Sophia ditched her driver and drove herself.

"Ugh, heard anything about the Leo guy?" I ask, trying to not sound very interested.

"The thief?" She asks. Her tone stings me and I don't know why. "No. Why are you asking?"

"Nothing." I shrug. "Was just curious."

"Nothing else happened after the police issue right?"

It was then I remembered that I did not get around to telling her about being mugged.

"Ugh, there might have been a little windy unserious scenario that...

"He went to your house?" She cut me off. "Don't tell me he was at your place!"

I didn't know if it was a question or a statement but then I nod. "Yes, he was at my house."

"Fuck! Do you think he is a stalker?"

"Stalker? I don't think so. I was mugged." I reply to her unbelievable thought. "Well, not exactly so since nothing was missing. I believe he was there for his jacket. That's what officer Steve said too."

"I can't believe you called that burly officer and not me. Girl!"

"Chill, Sophia. You were busy with work."

"Regardless." She sighed. "Are you making plans to have a change of best friends? Because I know you keep a lot to yourself but this is out of hand, Debby."

"I was going to tell you. It just skipped my mind. Sorry."

She lets out a dramatic sigh. I take a cue from her look and decide to ask my next question.

"That Leo guy, he is quite dangerous yeah?"

"You can't imagine how much."

My heart squeezed.