The Rumor
I prepared myself to go to work. Putting make up is something I am not used to do but since I am inspired, I want to always look good. I also chose a dress for today since I might meet Lance again tonight. It is only Tuesday but many things have already happened. I can't wait to share them to Annie.
In my workplace, most of my colleagues noticed the changes in me. They began complimenting my looks.
"You should always dress like that."
"You look like a real woman now. Why did you do that too late?"
"You are blooming. Do you have a boyfriend now?"
Those are some of the things I heard from them and instead of answering, I just smiled. Sometimes, it is better to keep quiet so they will stop asking more questions.
When I reached my table, Annie came to me immediately.
"So, are you still going to keep a secret from me? I'm starting to feel like we are not friends anymore. Is it too difficult to share? I won't tell others if that's what you're scared of. You know I can keep secrets." Annie said, looking a bit upset.
"Haha. Okay. Remember Lance Mendez?" I asked.
"Yeah. The band drummer we met last time in the bar. What about him?"
"Can you believe that he is my childhood best friend?" I almost shouted.
"Really? So, you have known each other since you were young? Wow! That's incredible!" Annie seems surprised.
I nodded. "It's surreal. And we went out on a date last night. He's such a gentleman and he is very sweet. We held hands and he kissed me in the forehead!" I can't stop giggling.
Annie's expression changed, from being surprised to being confused.
"Why? What's the matter?" I asked.
"I am not sure whether it is true. You know that they are a famous band in our city, right?”
"Yeah. So?"
"You know he is handsome and many girls like him, but he refused everyone. He is snob to almost everyone which makes him more famous because girls think it makes him more attractive."
"Annie, just go directly to the point." I am starting to be impatient.
"There's a rumor that he has a long-time girlfriend. I heard they are together for around 8 years now and the girl is a ramp model so she is dead gorgeous. But I am not sure. That's only a rumor. Maybe it is not true. You'd better ask him."
"I actually didn't ask him whether she has a girlfriend. Anyway, I will ask him tonight."
"Don't get me wrong. I am really happy for you and at the same time, I don't want you to get hurt. You know how much I love you, Jez. So before you fall for him, make sure that he is unattached, okay?"
"Yeah. Thank you, Annie." We exchanged a short hug then she went back to her desk.
Can it be true? Is he really not available anymore? Or maybe it is just a rumor. Anyway, I will ask him tonight. I shouldn't doubt him. I am sure he would tell me about it. I calmed myself down and concentrated to work.
I got my phone my bag and sent him a message. "Good morning. Send me the address and I will see what I can do. I miss you too." End of message.
After I finish my work, I headed to the bar immediately to see Lance. He sent me the address of the bar where they will be performing tonight. And since it is still early, I need to look for a place where I can have my dinner first. I can't stop thinking what Annie told me this morning. Is it true? Does Lance already have a girlfriend? But why didn't he tell me?
I checked my phone map to see how I can get to the place. I need to take bus number 23 and transfer to bus number 4. I am not used to going to that place but since Lance invited me, and I also want to see him, I will do things I haven't done before to show my interest in him. Commuting is not that difficult for me. I always do that going to work and back home. I'm sure I won't be having a hard time with this one.
After getting on bus 23, I settled on a seat behind. I want to take a nap first since I am also a bit tired from work. The map says it takes 30 minutes and 10 stops until I get to my destination and transfer to the next bus.
I was listening to the radio and tried to take a nap.
I was awakened by the loud voices from students who just got on the bus. When I checked my phone, 40 minutes has already passed and I am already 4 stops away from my original destination. I got up immediately and pressed the button to signal that I will alight in the next stop. I think these are the things a person would do in the name of love. Instead of taking a rest and enjoying the comfort of home, I am here, tired and a bit lost just to see Lance. And he is not even my boyfriend, yet.
Stop doubting! I reminded myself. Lance won't hurt you. He is your childhood friend.
After getting off the bus, I transferred to the opposite bus stop to go back to my original destination. The only way I can go to the bar from this place is by taking a taxi and that would be too expensive.
It took me another hour to arrive to the bar.
As planned, I looked for a place where I can have dinner and take a rest while waiting for Lance's band performance. It will start at 9 pm and it is now 7:30 so I have an hour and a half to wait.
I settled for a fast food restaurant and bought burger and soda. I feel so tired but thinking that I will meet Lance makes me happy. I can't wait to see him tonight.
While eating, I cannot stop thinking about how desperate I seem for thinking having one date made me and him so close. Does he really like me romantically? Or did he just miss me so he is acting so sweet to me. What if he really has a girlfriend? I will ask all these questions tonight. I will make sure I get the answers before this night ends.
Before 9 pm, I got up from my seat and headed to the bar.
The bar was not so crowded. Men from tables looked at me as I enter the bar. Maybe it is not common for a woman to go to a bar alone.
I chose a table quite far from the stage. Actually, I feel uncomfortable. It is my first time to come to such a place on my own.
A waiter came to me and asked for my order. Since I have work tomorrow and I don't really drink alcohol, I ordered a glass of orange juice and some chips.
I was looking at my phone the whole time and waited for the band performance.
When the band members came out and started checking their instruments, I saw Lance checking the drums. I smiled automatically waiting for him to look in my direction. When he saw me, his face lightened and waved his hand to me. His band mates looked at my direction with expressionless face.
After a few minutes, the vocalist greeted everyone and they started playing.
I was enjoying the band and tried to sing along with them to some familiar songs. I kept staring at Lance most of the time and I realized more and more how cute he is. I still don't want to think that this guy can break my heart. I am willing to take chances with him.
After the first set, Lance came to my table. He gave me a gentle kiss on my cheeks.
"I miss you." He said.
"I miss you too,"
"Do you want to order other drinks?"
"No. I'm okay with this one."
He held my hand and kissed it. He was staring at me which makes me blush. It feels really hot.
"Does it make you feel uncomfortable? Do you want me to stop?"
"No. I will get used to it. You will keep doing it for a long time, right?"
"Of course. As long as you want me to." Then he kissed me on the lips and put his other hand on my hips.
"Do you want me to stay with you tonight?" Lance said.
I was taken aback by his question. I didn't know what to say.
"I have work tomorrow. I, uhm, I think I shouldn't stay up so late." I answered stuttering.
"Haha! Okay then. We can take things slowly if you want to." Lance said. And he kissed me again. "See you later sweetie. I have to go back to the stage." Then he left.
I don't know what I am feeling now. Isn't it too fast? How can he do such things? I am not even his girlfriend. What if he is just playing with me? Am I paranoid? Am I thinking too much? Should I allow him to stay in my place for the night or should I stay with him? Should I trust him? He is making me confused.
The band performance ended at around 12 midnight. I can't believe I stayed here until this time knowing that I have work tomorrow. Am I being stupid? I never imagined myself doing such a thing for love, for a guy who is not even my boyfriend.
After fixing his stuff, Lance came to me.
"Are you tired? Do you want to go a cafe?" He asked.
"I'm already tired. We can do that next time, I guess." I replied coldly.
"Are you okay? I will drive you to your place then."
"I can take a taxi from here. I know you are also tired."
"I insist. And I still want to spend more time with you."
I couldn't reject his offer and this place is very far from my place so it would be costly to take the taxi.
We got into his motorcycle and he wrapped my arms around his waist.
I have so many doubts about him but that time, I felt very comfortable. I realized being away with him allows me to think negatively but those negative thoughts disappear once I am with him. I don't want to ruin this time, so I let myself enjoy hugging him, smelling his scent and loving him.
We arrived at my place after almost an hour.
"Will you not invite me inside?" He asked.
"Yeah. Sure. Come in." I asked though I am a bit hesitant.
I feel really nervous while I was opening the door. It was my first time having a male visitor in my place and I am sure my mom would freak out once she finds out. She is very conservative. Despite my age, she still thinks that I should not allow any man to enter my place without other people.
He followed me inside and after closing the door, he hugged me immediately.
"You know what might happen, right?" He asked.
"Yeah."
He grab my arm and led me to face him.
"You are so beautiful."
He kissed me passionately and the next thing I knew, his hands are already caressing my body. I couldn't refuse his touches. I just gave in. All I knew is I love this guy and I am willing to give everything to him.
The night passed by so fast and I know that I am happy, and I think that's what matters.
Waking up beside someone you love can be the most wonderful thing in the world. I realized I missed a lot of things in my life. I wonder how my life would have been if I were more outgoing, and friendlier. Seeing Lance beside me makes me feel so young again, and having these feelings makes me feel safe, that nothing can hurt nor harm me.I watched him sleeping for a few minutes, just staring at his face and how broad his shoulders are. This is the man I want to be with for the rest of my life. I just hope I am not the only one who's taking things seriously.I was not able to tell him all the doubts I had. I was not able to clear things up with his relationship but it doesn't matter. I trust him and I think, that's all that matters.I got up from bed not feeling well. I have muscle pain everywhere, so I decided to call in sick. I usually don't get absent from work since for me, work is my life and that is the only thing that's making me busy.
I woke up the next day not knowing what I feel. I am heartbroken but at the same time, I am more relaxed and determined. Today, everything will change.I spent a longer time preparing to go to work than usual. After having breakfast, I prepared all the things I needed for work. I also spent more time choosing what clothes and shoes to wear. I don't have a lot in my closet, but I think my wardrobe is decent enough. I like shopping during my free time, though I don't normally use the clothes I bought. I just put them in my closet and feel satisfied just looking at them. I think now is the time for me to make use of them. That's the main purpose why people buy clothes anyway.I left home feeling light-hearted. As I took the bus, I could feel some eyes looking at me which made me ask myself. Is my dress too short? Am I showing too much skin?I arrived the office expecting my colleagues would tease me, but this time it will be in a positive way.As I approache
I am still overwhelmed with what's happening with me. It seems surreal and I am not used to it. I asked Mr. Smith to give me some time to think about his offer and I will get back to him as soon as possible.I didn't tell anyone about the offer. I have to think first whether I am ready to level up my responsibilities. I don't have the confidence to handle a team. Anyway, I'll think about it deeply.I was busy thinking about what Mr. Smith said when my phone beeped. Someone sent a message."Hi. This is Gino. Sorry for the late message. I hope you still remember me." End of message.The message made me smile. I don't know why. Maybe it's because it's not common for me to receive messages from other people, especially from a man. I cannot deny that I kind of like it but at the same time, it is also making me feel hesitant. What if he is like Lance? What if he leaves me later, leaving me heartbroken again?I stopped myself thinking more. I am becoming
OMG!Where in the world is my diary?! I remember I have six diary books. I opened the lowest drawer of my bedside table where I put them and to my surprise, they are also gone! I tried to calm myself down, I need to think clearly. Maybe, at some point in the past, I put them somewhere. Maybe, I chose a place where I can put them so no one can accidentally read them. But where?I opened my wardrobe to check whether I put my diaries in there. I removed all the clothes in all wardrobe layers, but I couldn't find my diary! I wrote everything in there since I was 20. All my hopes, my dreams, fantasies, and desires are all there. My diary is like my best friend who knows me from head to foot.The person sending me the gifts, I'm sure that person has my diary. He or she knows what I want exactly. But how would I know who that person is. Lance! He's the only one who came in my place. I'm sure he got my diary and I'm sure he's the one who sent me those presents. How coul
The Unsual ExperienceHow did I become a VIP customer? And how did I have a VIP account? I wanted to ask the clerk these questions, but no words came out from my mouth. I need to calm down and think logically. I know she is just doing her job and it is not her fault why I am in this situation. I left the shop feeling blank. It seems like I'm floating, like my feet don't touch the ground. I never imagined myself to be in this situation, not even in my dreams.I reached my place not knowing how. I couldn't think clearly and as days pass by, I am more and more left in a very confusing situation. I tried to tell myself to let it go and just enjoy the experience. I dreamed of buying anything I want without using my money when I was young and now, I have experienced it so I should just be happy for it.Wait! I remember writing it down in my diary. I remember after college, I started writing entries in my diary. Starting working, I felt so alone, and
"Do you trust me?" The man in a suit asked. I tried to look at his face, but it was too bright. I couldn't see how he looks like, but he is much taller than me, around 6 feet 3 to 5 inches. He was offering his right hand to me. It seems like he wants me to hold it."How can I trust you if I don't even know who you are? Why don't you show yourself to me?""In due time, darling, in due time. But you have to trust me now, okay?""I do trust you." I don't know why I said that. I normally don't trust someone easily unless I know that person well."Thank you, darling. I won't let you down. I will make sure you enjoy everything, and no one can hurt you again." He said with a smile.He came closer to me and held me in my waist. He was about to kiss my lips when I heard a loud noise. I tried to look at the direction where the noise is coming from. It is so bright. I opened my eyes slowly and I am back in the room where I was last night. So, it is not a drea
Did I put them in a bad situation? Did my Genie get mad at them because I didn’t stop by the restaurant? I felt a bit embarrassed with the message. It is not their fault that I decided to leave immediately from the hotel. I hope that doesn't put them in trouble. And the roses, should I ask him to send them to me? And how does he know my address? Did my Genie give all my details to the staff as well? I brushed off all the questions and started replying."You don't need to worry about it. I have food at home, and I didn't want it to get spoiled, so I decided to go home immediately. And about the roses, I think it is okay for you to display them in any part of the hotel. My place is quite small, and I am sure it cannot accommodate all the roses. Thank you, that was so sweet of you to send me a message."End of message.Actually, it was a lie that I had food at home. I just don't have the confidence to eat in a fine dining restaurant with my clothes. I will ma
I was stunned and was just staring at the man in front of me. He looks short and in his early forties. He is wearing a black suit with a piece of equipment in his right ear which looks like a Bluetooth earphone. He was smiling with a bouquet of roses in hand. Is he my Genie?"My boss wants you to have this, Miss Myers." He handed me the bouquet. He is still smiling."Who is your boss?" I asked."He said you already know who he is. I should be going now Miss Myers. Have a nice day." Then he left, leaving me at awe.Everyone in the room was looking at me. After the man left, my colleagues started to gather around me."Wow! That's so romantic. Who is his boss? He looks very rich." Says one."I envy you. I wish someone will also send me even a single rose in here." Says one female colleague."This is the second time someone sent you flowers Jessica. You are so lucky. Is that the reason why you look different these days?" Says another.
After almost a month, Geoff finally decided to introduce himself to Athena. I have been preparing her ever since because I know that someday, she would meet her real dad. Colin supported my decision of introducing her to Geoff. They have talked a couple of times about it. Geoff has invited him to have drinks and Colin never said anything bad about him during their meetings."He's a respectable man. He's too different from how I saw him in the past months. You know I had this image of him as a bad husband because of your story, but I think he's just manipulated. He was furious thinking that the woman she loved betrayed him." He said once before we went to bed."He was nice. I guess love can really make us a monster once we got hurt.""But I think I'm the one who benefited in what happened to the two of you. If Ericka didn't say nasty things about you, maybe you and Geoff are still together until now. Then, I wouldn't meet you in Marshville. I wouldn't be your second husband. So, I shou
I felt very light and dizzy. I didn't know what was happening. Everything around me was turning. I could see Ericka's back while she slowly disappeared from my view. Ericka was just here on the rooftop a while ago. She was here mocking and insulting me. I could hear her voice clearly. She was just here."Aaah!" I shouted as I got up. I was dreaming. It was all a dream. I woke up in a familiar room. It's the master's bedroom in Colin's apartment, it's our room.Colin rushed inside the room when he heard me screaming. He hugged me immediately and patted me in the back. "You're here now. You're safe.""Where's Ericka?!" I asked, panicking. "She's dead. She jumped from the rooftop in one of Geoff's hotels.""Where's Geoff?""He called me and asked me to pick you up. He said you lost consciousness. He told me about what happened to you the other night. You should've told me about your plan.""Sorry. Geoff asked me to stay with him. I thought it was best if I followed what he said.""I und
"Eat!" He said with a smile. He put some food on the plate in front of me."What are you planning? Please, I just want to go home. Ericka is the last person I want to see tonight." I couldn't help but feel scared. She is the person I trust the least and her presence means trouble. She has never liked me and the feeling is mutual. The best thing to do to have a peaceful life is avoid her."I won't let her hurt you. Don't worry.""I really don't wanna see her.""Why would you be scared? If you're telling the truth, then there's no reason for you to be afraid of her. Unless you don't want me to know that you are lying.""I never lied to you. Her mere existence reminds me of all the bad experiences I had after marrying you. I don't want to go back to that time again.""Just eat. The food is getting cold." He turned the video on his laptop. It's an English romance movie. I can't focus well on either eating or watching the movie. All I could think of is meeting Ericka and the trouble she co
There were many messages and missed calls on my phone. Most of them were from Colin and some from my mom. I was hesitant at first to call Colin and tell him I wouldn't be home for another night. Actually, all I want now is to be home and hug Athena. I felt so sorry for growing up without a father, but now that I heard Geoff's side of the story, I felt happy that he wasn't that bad of a father after all. I can't say that he wasn't to be blamed for what happened to us though. I didn't want to stay here for another night with Geoff. I can't fully trust him, but I don't have a choice. I need to be nice to him and get his trust, so I would be sure that I could get out of here alive. Ericka is a smart woman, maybe she is part of Geoff's plan of bringing me here. I still need to be careful with what I say and do.With hesitation, I dialled Colin's number. "Hello! My God, Jez where are you?" He answered the phone right away. I didn't even hear the ringing sound on the line."I'm okay. Sorry
"Please, let my hands go, then we can talk. I promise to be honest. I have actually always been honest with you." I was already begging. He could do anything he wants to me without me defending myself. I also want to listen to his explanation about what happened to us since I got pregnant."I don't know what to believe anymore.""I was your wife. You promised to protect and be with me. I have always trusted that promise. I escaped when I felt it wasn't safe for me and my daughter anymore. You saw how violent you could be when you're angry.""You're the one who made me angry!""I didn't do anything. Anywhere I went, I was with Nancy and the driver. You could have asked them what I did for you not to believe me.""They were your allies. Of course they would not tell me what you were really up to.""Nancy did her best to protect me from you, and so did the driver. They saw I suffered because of you.""Ericka told me your plans from the very beginning. She showed me pictures of you and al
Having a headache, I woke up in a small dim room. The curtain covers half of the glass window on the right side of the bed. Based on the light, it seems like it's early in the morning. I immediately got up from the bed, but my left hand was pulled by something. It was tied to a metal which was fastened to the side of the bed. I couldn't see it clearly yet. I could feel pain all over my body especially from my left hand where the metal was tied and my head. A pitcher of water and a glass were set up on top of the side table. The room seems like one of the cheap motel rooms you can rent while on the road. Outside the window, I could glimpse some trees and a view of the sky. I was still wearing the same clothes I had worn since yesterday. My shoes were neatly arranged on the side of the bed. My phone and my small pouch were nowhere. I could finally check my left hand. I was handcuffed with the other end attached to the bed. Where am I? I wanted to scream and maybe ask for help from anyo
The next day, I was so anxious waiting for a message from whoever has Nancy. I was still trying to convince myself that Nancy is just somewhere, calming herself down before meeting me. She would show up in our house unannounced anytime soon and say how much she misses all of us, especially me and Athena. I decided to be on leave from work indefinitely. I kind of blame myself for being so busy that I didn't spend much time with my family, including Nancy. It feels like I abandoned them just because I want to prove something to Geoff and Ericka. I got so busy avenging that I forgot the most important people for me.We also asked for Athena to stop going to school for the meantime. She sounded hesitant about the plan at first since she likes spending time with hwr friends, but later she realized that playing with her toys and reading books at home are more fun.Mom is sometimes suspicious of how I was acting, but I was happy that she didn't ask too many questions. I don't want to make he
The next day, I decided to take some days off to spend more time with Athena. I also would like to wait for Nancy and have a chat with her. We haven't talked for months now and partly I blame myself for being so busy that I never even tried to reach out to her. I never asked her how she is despite knowing that she comes home late almost every night for the past months and she sometimes doesn't come home. If only I tried talking to her, sending her a message or calling her, maybe this wouldn't happen. I still didn't tell mom about what happened and I don't have any plans of telling her.Two days has passed and no signs of Nancy. Her phone can't be reached and she also doesn't respond to messages. I was starting to get more worried but as Colin said, we should give her some space. She also needs time to think. We spent our weekend to an amusement park like what we promised to Athena. It was a happy day, but I can't totally ignore the worry I feel for Nancy. I don't know Cristoff's phone
Cristoff! I haven't seen him in ages! He was not that nice to me either when I was still living with Geoff. If I remember it correctly, the two don't really have a good relationship. I looked at Nancy in disbelief. "What is this guy doing here? Why are the three of you together?" To give her the benefit of the doubt, although I already know the answer, I still asked her that question. I am hoping, although it may sound impossible, that it was just a coincidence that he was with her and Athena."He's my boyfriend." She confidently said. I was expecting her to say more, maybe to explain her side why she didn't tell us about him, but she remained silent after."Since when?" I picked Athena up and carried her in my arms."Long time ago.'"Why didn't you tell us?" I said coldly."For this exact same reason. You will just ask me to stay away from him.""You saw how I suffered when I was with them. Didn't you learn anything at that time?" Cristoff didn't utter any word. He was just there, li