Chapter 7

     It had been a long and exhausting day. To say it was grueling would be an understatement. I’m completely exhausted. The jet lag is setting in, and the heat is making me dizzy. I’m bummed that I wasn’t able to take a tour of the town to appreciate its beauty, but I believe I’ll be in for more than a migraine if I stay with Ivy. My younger sister is a real pain in the neck. I dropped myself into the bed with a heavy sigh, my mind racing with things. Earlier, it was quite humiliating. Ivy had to holler that I like guys because the ‘pick me’ girls have begun to appear. It was, nevertheless, a good riddance. I can’t say I blame her for that. People who act as if they are so different from everyone else irritate me. That’s a total embarrassment.

I was beginning to feel sleepy, so I began counting sheep, which is an excellent way for me to fall asleep quickly. I was ready to close my eyes when I heard a yell downstairs, startling me awake. I felt like I was having a heart attack at the time.

Groaning, “Ivy!” I yelled.

I just heard a giggle, followed by the loud creak of my door as Ivy opened it recklessly. Her smile was warm, but her eyes were swollen, indicating that she had wept. It’s like if all of my aggravations vanished.

“What’s the matter?”

“Do you recall the athlete I was referring to when I was a kid?” My brows furrowed in response to her query. Of course, I do remember him. How could I say no if she insisted on me saving money so I could buy that athlete’s wife’s merchandise? Not to mention the numerous invitations she sent me to either watch or attend the game. I let out a sigh. Please don’t tell me she cried over some boring news about them.

“I’m not really interested if it’s not Garrick Glinson.” Before she could say anything else, I interrupted her. She pouted and slightly slapped my shoulder.

“Why are you so fixated on Garrick in the first place? I understand he’s a soccer player. No one, however, could equal Knox Carly’s abilities. He’s the greatest!” I snorted as she stressed the final two syllables.

She rolled her eyes when she saw my look “What the hell. It has to do with Garrick. Have you heard about the rumor of a divorce and a hidden son?” That sparked my curiosity.

I nodded slowly. Now that she’s mentioned it, I recall reading about it in the media. “Yeah, what about it?”

“Can you guess whaaat?” She snickers when she says this. “I uncovered some news that will make you really thrilled!”

As I grew perturbed, I simply groaned and muttered, “Just let me know. I hate you.” She rolled her eyes at my remark once more. I don’t truly dislike her; it’s just an expression I use when I’m frustrated. It doesn’t bother me, or her, in the least.

“Fine. Fine.” She finally speaks something, giving out a short ‘hmp’ as if she’s offended. “First and foremost, they are not divorcing. It’s just something made up by the press to generate negative publicity for Ms. Penelope’s upcoming film after a prolonged hiatus. They were simply having a disagreement that day, it turned out. Because it was so intense, the photos turned out sooo dramatic.”

That gave me a grin. I had a feeling they wouldn’t get divorced. Their connection is quite strong. I really hope they sue individuals who violated their privacy by leaking their images without their permission. I let out a sigh. How could the media go to such lengths for the sake of fame and headlines that they would disregard a family’s privacy and personal situation? It doesn’t sit well with me at all. They don’t have basic human decency or values, do they?

“What’s next?” I puffed my cheeks and turned my focus to Ivy instead.

Her playful grin brightened, and her pupils dilated, causing a sparkle in her eyes. I just felt it was either going to be big news or something silly. “I might or might not have found who the hidden son is.”

I blinked. That soon? We heard another yell from downstairs calling her as she opened her mouth to speak again. My brows wrinkled as I listened to the speaker, my heart racing as I realized who it was.

I smiled as I pushed Ivy out of bed and rushed downstairs, calling out, “Mom!”

As soon as she spotted me, Mom embraced me in a strong hug. Tears welled up in her eyes as she smothered my face in tender kisses. “Ang anak ko!” exclaims her. ‘My son,’ she says, translating. That was incredibly comforting. It was nice to be addressed as such. I missed the warmth of a mother’s embrace.

“Mom, how have you been? You seem to be in great shape.”

She didn’t stop nodding “I am, of course. Ikaw, ang payat payat mo na. Kumakain ka ba?” Why did I expect her to say that? Of course, I eat healthy. I also missed her trying to tell me on how slim I was and asking if I ate.

“I do!” says me. I laughed out loud. “I eat my greens exactly as you instructed. I also don’t drink as much black coffee as I used to.” That was a hundred percent real, no lies, because I now exclusively drink creamed coffee.

“You’re such a sweetheart!” She pats my head like if I were a child. But I’m not complaining. When would I get another chance to do something like this if not now? I’m just here for a short vacation, so I might as well live as if I’ll never return so I can completely appreciate the experiences.

Mom, like she used to do years ago, pulled out a chair for me and Ivy. As Mom chimed in from time to time, we sat there discussing about the islands here and the tourist attractions I should see.

“Hey, Ivy,” I said, stretching my arms wide. The latter gave me a quizzical glance.

“Yeah, but why?”

“Please don’t do it again, okay?” I said, referring to the speed dating earlier.

“KJ,” she said with another tiny hmp. Immediately though, she raised both of her arms with an obvious frown. “I won’t, but you should see this.”

When she handed me her phone, I was taken aback when I saw the website’s name. It is, after all, a dating site. Is it possible that I’m such a hopeless romantic that my sister will continue to press me to find a partner? That’s a source of embarrassment for me.

“Are you for real?” I asked, sarcastically.

“I’m serious about this! But first, please pay attention to what I’m saying, okay? Given how hopeless you are, I have an excellent proposal that you might enjoy.”

     ONE. Two. Three. I’m not sure how long I’ve been staring at my phone’s screen; possibly five, ten, or twenty minutes. I lost track.

I was taken aback when Ivy proposed that earlier. It was strange and unexpected, but it also seemed like something I may enjoy. On the other hand, it will be cruel to those I will meet and speak with. It is, however, a dating site, so having a… false identity is possible and normal, right?

I crinkled my nose and started filling in the blanks. For my fictitious identity, I used the surname of a favorite athlete and the name Pen from Penelope. There aren’t any other names that come to mind. I’m a writer, so I’m good at creating characters, but not when the goal is to deceive people looking for partners. It’s extremely cruel, but why do I find this concept appealing?

I locked my gaze on the sign-up button. Someone’s phone number appeared before I could even click on it. Brie might be the caller. Aside from her, I’ve never given anyone my phone number.

“Hey?” I asked.

“Is this Jax?” That wonderful voice again. It’s her who’s calling. “I’ve made my decision.”

A grin appeared on my face as a result. With that, I swiftly signed up by pressing the home button on my phone. I logged off for the day after using a photo from a gallery program. My grin became wider when she said something else.

“Okay, let’s do it. Help me in reaching and getting back with Aiden, and I’ll support you with your stories.”