Last Kiss

Hello guys so here's first post...! it a short story since hindi pa ako nakakagawa or sabihin nating magpapatikim muna ako ng gawa ko sainyo. Ito muna... thankz... by the way this is you newest writter here in Bulong ng Hangin, Chan Erange (the g should be pronounced as j)

guyz comment is very much appreciated...need those comment...para malaman ko kun gusto nyo akong gumawa ng story....

Last Kiss

By: Chan Erange

                “Hay acquaintance party nanaman, anu nanaman kaya mangyayari, ang boring na dalawang taon na akong nag attend ng parting to ganun na ganun pa rin.” Sabi ko habang nagbibihis ng green na polo. Papaalis na sana ako ng malimutan ko ang ticket ko sa party.

“Naku naman oo.” At nabasa ko uli ang nakalagay dito Traffic Jam (Acquaintance Party 2012) Color Coded Green for Singles Yellow for Taken And Red for Complicated “Mabuti pa nag red na lang ako” sabi ko sa sarili ko. Bago pa man ako makarating sa school eh tad tad na ako ng mga text nila Karla parang hindi ako darating.

Message:

       Karla: wer ka na dito na me! Tagal!!

       Me: andali unta na dyn nsa jeep na. . .

       Karla: bilis na!

       Me: sbihan mo si manong!

       Karla: K!!

       Me: Adik

            Pagpasok ko sa school ay agad kong hinanap sina Karla at ang iba pa naming barkada. Di nga nagtagal at nakita ko rin ang mangkukulam.

“Uy Kyle andito kami!” sabi ni Karla habang kumakaway kasama niya ang mga barkada namin. Agad naman ako lumapit

“Karla san ang registration?” tanong ko

“Di ba obvious katabi ko oh” sabay turo

“Sorry naman madilim lang ho!” sabi ko naman

“Sige na mag register ka na bes kasi magsisimula na” sabi naman nito

“Ito na nga diba” habang hinahanap ng assistant ang pangalan ko.

“Good evening ladies and gents welcome to Acquaintance Party 2012 Traffic Jam” pagsasalita nang MCs.

 Makalipas ang halos isa’t kalahating oras ay natapos din ang program at simula na ng sayawan. Parang nakawala sa hawla ang mga estudyante habang ako ay nakaupo at nagmumuni-muni habang kinakain ang dinner na ibinigay ng student body. I was in that state ng may biglang magtanong saakin.

“Hey need a companion?”tanong ng lalake

“No I’m alright” sagot ko naman habang busy parin sa pagkain

“Masyado kang emo ngayon toms no?” sabi ng lalaki. Nang marinig ko ang nickname na iisang tao lang ang tumatawag sakin ay napatigil ako sa pagkain at humarap sa nagtatanong.

“Kuya Raf!” naibulaslas ko at napayakap bigla.

“Oh easy lang na miss mo ako no?” tanong ni Kuya Raf

“Hindi Hindi kita na miss” sabay kalas. Na miss ko talaga tong kuya kuyahan ko. Kasi dati kaming mag on kaso we decided na mas maganda na Bestfriends lang kami kasi an raming complications sa relationship namin kaya ayun. Pero simula nang nawala kami never ako ulit nagka boyfriend. Ahead rin siya sakin ng isang taon kaya nga kuya diba at dahil nga ahead nakapag OJT na siya sa ibang bansa.

“Musta OJT sa ibang bansa I heard my niligawan ka daw doon” tanong ko ng makaupo siya sa tabi ko.

“Bakit selos ka?” sarkastiko nitong tanong

“WAG NA NGA” napa lakas kong sabi

“Uy bat ka naninigaw” sabi nito na nagtatampo tampohan

“Ay sorry na pa lakas. An ingay kasi” Pagaalibi ko

“Ok lang, at dahil sinigawan mo ako sasayaw tayo” sabay hila niya sa kamay ko

            Parang kahapon lang lahat ng pinagsamahan namin. Sa ganitong party ko rin siya nakilala sa victory party yata yun last year. Habang hawak niya ang kamay ko ay hindi ko mapigilan maalala ang mga masasaya naming araw sympre hindi ko rin malilimutan ang mga masasamang alaala. Hindi rin siya masyadong nagbago pinagkaiba lang eh medyo tumaba siya, siguro dala na rin ng pagkain sa ibang bansa. Tumigil kami sa gitna kung saan hindi masyadong pansin ng mga tao. Baka anu pang isipin. Nagsisimula na kaming sumabay sa beat ng magbago ang kanta at mood.

            Somebody that I used to know

            By: Boyce Avenue

            Nagsialisan na ang mga taong sumasabay kanina. At Pinalitan naman sila ng sandamakmak na mag syota. Habang kaming dalawa ay nasa gitna parin nakatayo walang ginagawa, walang kibuan hanggang sa humawak siya sa aking baywang at simulang sumayaw sa sweet na tugtug. Wala na siyang siyang pakialam ngayon, kung may makakita man o ma issue kaming muli. Ibang iba na siya sa Rafael Esquivias na kilala ko. He became sweeter, gentler, and unconscious sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kaniya. Malapit nang matapos ang tugtug ng basagin niya ang katahimikan sa aming dalawa.

            “Tell me toms……….” Putol na sabi niya bago ako sumabat

            “Tell you what tops?” tanong ko rin sa kaniya

            “…….Do you still love me?” pagpapatuloy niya sa kaniyang sasabihin kanina.

            To be honest I still love him pero nagka closure na kami O naclose nga ba? Tanong ko na sa sarili ko.

            “Kyle Edwards Do you still love me?” concreto ngunit malabing niyang tanong ngayon.

            “Ahhh Ehhh” hindi ako makapagsalita ng maayos parabang nawala ang boses ko sa tanong niya. Mga ilang segundo ako rin akong ganoon ng magising ako sa pagkakashock at na pansing tapos na ang tugtug at tinakasan ang kamay niyang nakapulupot sa aking katawan. Dali Dali akong pumunta sa isang booth na nagbebenta ng mga cocktail drinks. And out of nowhere omorder ng isang baso. Siguro para mabawasan ang tension na bumabalot sa aking puso’t isipan. Hindi nga nagtagal at nakita ko na siyang papalapit sa akin.

            “Toms pasensya ka na kanina” bulong niya sa akin habang hinahabol ang kaniyang hininga.

            “Tara patapos na rin to bar tayo. Sama mo na sila kung gusto mo” pagbawe niya sa ginawa niya kanina.

            “Tops pwede tayong dalawa nag magusap as in tayo lang” pagdidismiss sa suggestion nya

            So umalis kami sa aquintance party at pumunta sa boulevard kung saan kami naging kami at eventually naghiwalay. Napaka memorable ng place nito maraming mga naganapo dito na taning dagat at mga ilaw ng boulevard ang saksi. Since mag aalas thres na ng umaga ay wala ng masyadong tao. Huming  muna ako ng malalim bago simulan ang nobela ko simula na sagot sa tanong niya kanina.

“Yes I’m still in love with you that every day of my life I regret breaking up with you. Pero tops hindi ibig sabihin na pwede pa tayong maging tayo uli at hindi ko rin sinasabi na hindi na pwedeng maging tayo uli. If mag kita tayo in the future malay mo magbalikan ta……..” tatapusin ko pa sana ang sinasabi ko ng isang masidhing halik ang pumigil sa aking pagsasalita. It was the sweetest kiss I could ever imagine. Nagbago na nga talaga siya his kiss was still sweet but more intimate and much more hot. Siguro dahil na rin sa pagka miss ko sa kaniya or talgang hinahanap hanap ko lang yung comfort na nandyan siya.

            Tumigil siya at hinarap muli ako.

            “Toms cut me off again” malumanay niyang sinabi. Sa hindi ko maintindihang dahilan eh parang aso naman akong sumagot

            “I won’t” sabi ko.

            Maybe we needed to be in each other arms again. Siguro masyado lang talaga akong nadala sa reputasyon niya noong President pa siya ng student body. He was respected and baka ako pa ang maging dahilan na I misjudge siya ng mga tao.

            “Toms tayo na ulit ha!” parang bata niyang sinabi.

            “Anu pa nga ba, ikaw talaga Kuya Rag kahit kailan nadadala mo ako sa mga ganyan ganyan mo” sabi ko

            “Pero serious wag mo na akong iiwan ha!” sabi niya saakin habang hawak ang aking kamay ng mahigpit.

            “Yes I’ll never leave you again” sabi ko habang finifeel ang moment.

            “Don’t dare leave me Rafael Esquivias” dagdag ko habang tumutulo ang luha sa aking mata.

            “I won’t” sabi niya

            But as they say no relationship last and with that last scene I woke up in my room with the sun beaming at my eyes.

“Panaginip nanaman pala” sabi ko sa sarili ko

Nakatulog pala ako ulit habang hawak ang huli naming picture. It’s been half a year simula ng nawala siya. I never believe that he was dead until I saw him in the hospital full of blood. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin , para akong baliw na umiiyak sa harap niya. But he said he won’t leave me that was the thought I was holding on to. That was the night I’ll never forget. He even kissed me after we had dinner that night.

“Rafael I really missed you” pabulong kong sabi habang inaalala ang mga nagyari.

It was exactly 3 months after that night ng nagkabalikan kami. He texted me to prepare we were going somewhere. He even gave me an hour to prepare. Matatapos na san ako mag ayos ng mag ring ang cellphone ko. Si JP tumatawag bestfriend niya. I answered the call and never believe what I heard.

“Kyle it JP I have a bad news for you. Raf Raf is dead we are here at the hospital kun saan siya dinala.”

Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin I just rush at the hospital and saw him covered with blood. Hindi ako makapaniwa sa nagyayari para bang isang bagongot lang ang lahat. Nandoon ako sa state na yun ng lumapit si JP at may binigay saakin. It was a ring with a card stating

“Toms I will never let you slip off my hand again so will you marry me?”

End

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The Last Kiss (Chapter 13)

By gian carlo ♥

Chapter 13

Late and Pink Undies

THE LAST KiSS (CHAPTER 1). <— CLiCK THiS to READ THE CHAPTER 1
The Last Kiss (Chapter 12) <— CLiCK THiS to READ THE CHAPTER 12

“Hello,” I answered my phone that had been ringing wildly which moved me out from a deep sleep. I moved from my bed to the bathroom in slow, dragging steps, with my phone still in my ear but not really hearing any single word the caller, a guy, was saying. I wasn’t very alert till I washed my face with a cool water, and the guy on the other end was now definitely pissed at me.

“…won’t speak up, I’m gonna drive to your house and shove your phone down your throat ‘til you choke to death!” he went, and I laughed mockingly as I realized who it was.

“What’s so funny, huh?” Seth inquired irritatingly, and I could only imagine his face turning red with a frown and eyes were bulging, smokes belching out both of his ears. Just like in cartoons.

I yawned and stretched my back and my free hand. I squinted at the clock on my bedside table, and it read 8:46.

“I mean it,” he said. “I really do. And if I were you, I’d panic and hide myself in the drawer. Right. Now.”

I laughed.

“As if you know where I live,” I sat on my bed wanting to tease him. If he thought he can annoy me, well, he thought wrong. I knew he just called for that. Perhaps he’s still angry at me for calling him a jerk yesterday. He probably got my number from Arielle.

“Yes, I do,” he chuckled. “I had even seen you through your window dancing in front of the mirror with only your undies. And it was pink!” He laughed. I felt the color drain on my face, remembering that one morning when I did what he had just said, out of happiness of the news I received that I got the lead role of a play last spring. But however did he know that? Corinne’s window, perhaps.“You look like a fool. Did you know that? Perhaps you do because you’re looking at yourself in the mirror.”

He let out a very unattractive laugh, and I hang up.

Oh, my gehd! Now that was one, real embarrassing thing. Of all the people… him!

He rang again, and I felt like throwing my phone onto the wall, smashing it into tiny pieces and imagining it’s him. But only it’s a no no because as far as I am concerned, my phone was definitely innocent. So I answered him instead.

“Caught ya!” he said between guffaws. “So that was true then? I just heard it from Corinne. I never believed a word of it. Not until now.”

I felt the anger rising onto my throat. Fine, he won.

Corinne’s also one of the Barbies (aka Bitches) who was living next door. Her bedroom was also on the second floor of their house, facing mine. And we definitely see each other through our glass windows. I even saw her having a god-knows-what with Tim Perkins, long before she realized I might be watching them. She saw me gawking at them, and gave me a finger before closing the shutter. But I didn’t mention it to anybody even to Arielle and Kirsten. Now that was unfair!

“Cut the crap, Harris!” I belted out, wanting to smack his face. If only my fist could get inside my phone, I already smack the crap out of him. “Believe what you wanted to believe. You believe whatever is told to you anyway.” I switched my phone from one hand to the other because I felt like it’s heating my ear. “If somebody would tell you eating a worm would make you look good, I doubt you would even give it a second thought before you eat one. You’re like that, and you’re not worth the trouble of straitening things up with.”

“Eww. That’s nasty,” he said, enjoying himself. “Now he’s annoyed. Haha. Chill out, man!”

“Yes, I am totally annoyed. Who would not be when someone call you and knock you out of your sweet dream just to tell nonsense craps? But then again, you’re like that. Nothing’s new, really, right? So I’m already tired of your I-don’t-know-I’m-being-a-jerk-all-the-time act you put on,” I looked sharply at Corinne’s window and she’d just woken up. That bitch. “Why don’t you just…die?”

“Okay. Fine. Sorry.” He said. “Now that’s so cruel of you.”

“And you just called just to destroy my Saturday morning?” I said, eyebrow rising. Not that he could see it, but still.

“No and Yes. Okay. No, I didn’t call you to give you a bad morning which turned out that I have done anyway. So. Sorry for that, pancake. And yes, it was Saturday today! Yay!” he said cheerfully. And then his voice shifted to being cold and serious. “And you forget that today’s the day the different school clubs and orgs open for those who wanted to join what. Which means you need to get your ass in here.”

“Oh, crap, no!” I smacked my head with my palm. “Why didn’t you tell me immediately? Anyway, thanks for reminding me.” I paused, and joked. “Oh! Is that concern I am sensing?”

“Ha ha. Dream on!” he said frostily. “Just want to let you know that… You. Will. Gonna. Be. Goddamn late for our appointment with Mrs. Pascal, you fag!”

“Ah, hell no!” I smacked my head, this time a little harder. “I’ll be there in a…” I glanced at the clock on my bedside table and it read 8:48, and our appointment with Mrs. Pascal must be at 9:00. “I’ll be there right away!”

I hang up and threw my phone on the bed where it bounced a little on the mattress. I slid out of my shirt and pajama bottoms, and went for a shower.

* * *

Thirty minutes later, I was glancing wearily at the throng of students crowding the entrance hall of Crustville High. I knew I was supposed to be hurrying up but what for? I was already lat anyway. I just felt like watching the perky-looking freshmen who were wandering here and there, chattering about what club they will sign into. I scanned the crowds for familiar faces and saw Arielle flocked with her cool cheerleader friends (The cheerleaders were divided into two. The Barbies of Andra and Arielle’s Herd) who were all wearing their red-and-white costume.

I waved at them, and they waved back at me. And I was confused why they’re all giggling, and even from a distant I could see them batting their eyelashes.What? They fancy me now? Ew.

The reason just dawned on me when I turned on my back and saw Seth standing behind me. He was wearing his basketball jersey and looked really gorgeous. He looked even more attractive in his jersey; muscles showing and all that. I almost admired him. But the problem was… it’s him.

He’s angry. I could tell by just looking at his way of looking at me (like I’m a greedy dog who’d just eaten his lunch) as he strolled towards me.

He grabbed me by my hand and pulled me, and was dragging me as he made his way past the crowd of students, and I almost stumbled. When I regained my composure, I put force on my feet, arching my back, and tried to break his grip on my wrist. He still dragged me a little slowly and my sneakers squeaked onto the tile floor.

“Hey, hey, hey!” I punched his knuckles that were now white because of the tightness of his grip. “Loosen up! Or else I will bite you.”

We stopped and he freed my hand. I released a heavy sigh. “I not a baby, you know. I can walk.”

“He turned to face me with a fierce look. Like he’s going to eat me alive. “Now don’t look at me like that. I’m scared. Okay.”

I smiled cheerily at him, with all my teeth showing, wanting to make his anger left in a sudden rush, flowing out of his body like a bubbling stream.

“Whatever,” he let out a breath and shook his head before returning to walk.

I followed like a puppy behind him, rubbing my wrist that was marked red by his fingers.

“We’re goddamn late,” he said coldly.

“I know. I’m sorry,” I said, putting an extra kindness to my voice as much as I can. I knew better not to start with him. After all, it was my fault we’re late.

Now we were on the courtyard. The Barbies are practicing their routines, tumbling and spinning. And Andra, looking like at ease that she would still be the captain, was sitting on the lap of (none other than) Lance, who was leaning on a tree, wearing the same jersey as Seth’s. He’s very amuse, huh! Aahhh. How sweet. I bet the ants were crawling onto their skins, and that they just didn’t notice.

My eyes (not to mention my mind) were practically glued on them while walking that I didn’t realize Seth stopped in his pacing and I bumped onto his chest. I was glad he threw his arms around me which prevented me from falling down which would definitely be a one, humiliating accident. I stomped on his foot though which made him yell “ouch!”. But I bet he’s just overreacting. What with both of those big shoes of him. Jeez.

“Watch your steps, will you?” he retorted, and his gazed swept to where Andra and Lance were flirting. He then look at me and his face lit up into a grin, along with a shaking head. He turned to continue walking, and I followed behind him. I was glad he grinned. That only meant he was now cooling down.

But that made me think if he knew a thing about us, Lance and me. What with that look on his face, and a grin that seemed saying I know something. Well, it could be he’s just thinking I envied them. I don’t care, really, we’re over anyway.

We’re now entering the building where Mrs. Pascal’s office was. I greeted Mr. Heffley a good morning, suppressing my laughter as I remembered the look of his face when I accidentally threw a Kleenex right on his face.

“You’re a courteous lad, huh!” Seth said.

“I know,” I replied, eyes rolling. I looked onto his back, on his jersey that was number 8 and made a mental note to ask him later if it meant something to him.

“We’re almost an hour late,” he said.

“I know.”

Mrs. Pascal must be very angry by now.”

“I know.”

“She might make our punishment even harder.”

“I know.”

“Now will you please stop saying ‘I know’? It’s very irritating.”

“I know.” I covered my mouth with both of my hands so that the laughter that was now forming would not escape.

He knocked at Mrs. Pascal’s office door, and whispered, “Good Luck, to us!”. He looked at me, smiled, took my hand and we went inside the office.

TO BE CONTiNUED…

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The Last Kiss (Chapter 12)

Chapter 12

My Savior

THE LAST KiSS (CHAPTER 1). <— CLiCK THiS to READ THE CHAPTER 1

The Last Kiss (Chapter 11)<— CLiCK THiS to READ THE CHAPTER 11

“Perfect,” I moaned as I looked at my watch.

This Friday was one of the ugliest days in my life. First, I’d bumped into Seth and got oil washed all over me. Second, Seth splashed a soda on my face when he opened it, and claimed that it was just an accident, which, of course, I wouldn’t buy ever. And lastly, because of Seth, I got myself into detention for yelling and throwing Kleenex at Mr. Yeah, I know I’m the one who did those, but still.

And now, my car was gone. It probably went home already. Jeez. I knew Arielle stole it again. My only possible transport was the guy I’ve been avoiding the whole day who was now pulling out of CH parking lot. The last thing I wanted was to get myself bitten off─ again.

Once again, I scanned the parking lot, hoping I’d see a potential transporter because I’m so not riding Seth’s car. But as my sight traveled the whole lot, I was disappointed. No one could ride me home but Seth’s that was revving in the driveway.

I walked confidently as possible, Seth’s car behind me. I could use a little pride, you know. I pretended to be texting when he finally overtook me.

“Hi,” he said.

I turned and looked at him through his rolled down passenger-side window.

“Hey,” I said, and started walking off again.

“Need a ride?” he got out of his car and leaned his arms on its roof. “I saw Arielle left a while ago with your car.”

I surveyed him in silence for a moment, thinking whether I should take or leave his offer.What if he’ll get me into a huge car accident this time? Jeez. I still wanted to live.

“Come on. I just wanted to get even with you. You know . . . after all those oils, and soda and detention you got because of me.” He smiled apologetically.

“Wow! Just wow!” I clapped my hands, slowly yet loudly. “I’m so glad you’ve finally realized it was your entire fault.”

“No,” he countered. “They were not my fault. They’re all accidents. Maybe I’m the reason but still. Plainly accidents, ‘kay?”

I was about to take his offer when I heard a Mustang engine revving in the driveway. I sighed in relief. It was Rolf. Maybe I could ask him to give me a ride home.

He stopped near Seth’s car, and then poked his head out of the window.

“Hi.” He flashed me that smile that was filled with friendliness. But it made my scalp tingle. “Arielle took your car. He asked me to give you a ride home.”

“Oh, definitely!” I started walking towards his car. “I’m glad you came because some jerk was offering me a ride home.” I said, loud enough for Seth to hear.

“Goodman it, Rile! I am a jerk now? Look, I was trying to be nice to you. And if you don’t want it, then fine!” He said angrily, got inside his car and slammed the door very hard.

He went away at extremely high speed I was scared he’d knock into me.

I turned to Rolf and shrugged. He shook his head and smiled.

“Thanks,” I walked around his car and onto the passenger side. I pulled at the door handle once, twice. It didn’t open.

Rolf leaned over with a grin and easily popped the door open. “Hop in.’

“Oh, thanks,” I climbed in and slammed the door. “This has been the worst day of my─”

I turned towards him at the exact moment he twisted his torso around to glance behind us. My nose was practically touching the center of his chest. I pushed myself back into my seat, but not before smelling his light but distinctly citrusy scent.

“Worst day?” Rolf asked as he shifted his gears.

“Never mind.” I said.

He leaned over to turn the radio dial, and as he withdrew his arm, it brushed against my knee. Suddenly, a vivid dream flashed on my mind. It was like yesterday when he came down the beach and found me there so lonely. What made it different from reality is that, there had been lips and hands and fingertips involved. That was why I didn’t want to wake up but my alarm clock kept on ringing, pulling me out of the Utopia.

What am I thinking? Get a grip, Greswode! Why are you thinking like this? Jeez. I forced my eyes to stare straight ahead. We were now heading downtown.

Maybe I got a crush on him. I pressed my palm on my chest. My heart beats fast. It’s not as wild when I’m with Lance. But still. I inhaled and exhaled, trying to calm myself.

Yes, I got a crush on him. I glanced down at his fingers, wrapped around the gearshift. I almost reached out and placed my hand over his just to see how it felt. But I looked out the window instead.

“How was your day?” he asked, interrupting my internal babbling. “I bet you’ve been through a lot today.” He laughed lightly.

“Yeah, right,” I looked into his eyes. “Well, thanks to Seth,” I said sarcastically and shrugged. “He made my day real perfect.” I rolled my eyes.

“Have you been crying?” his brows merged together as he looked me into the eyes. I remembered the scene between me and Lance inside the detention room. I almost said yes, but managed to hold the words before they come out of my mouth.

“No,” I shook my head. “Hey! Keep your eyes focus on the road. I don’t wanna die yet.” I chortled lamely.

He shifted his gaze from me to the road.

“Have you heard the story of the elephant and the mouse?” he asked.

“No,” I answered. “Will you tell me?”

“Sure,” he smiled. “The story goes like this. One day, a mouse told the elephant, ‘Elephant, I am pregnant and you’re the father.’ Upon hearing this, the elephant was shocked that he collapsed. The next day, they went to a doctor for a test. Then the elephant happily whispered something into the ear of the mouse. Then the mouse was so shocked that she collapsed.” He turned to me. “Do you know what the elephant whispered?”

I raised my brow as if I was thinking. “No?”

He chuckled. “What the elephant whispered was, ‘Yes, I am the father. And our babies are twin; twin elephants’.”

Upon hearing this, I burst out laughing my stomach hurt. I smacked him lightly on the shoulder as I held my chest. “That was just so funny, Rolfy!”

“You like it?”

“Supah like,” I winked at him.

“You wanna hear it again?”

“Hear what?” I rubbed the tears of joy out of my eyes. “The elephant and the mouse?”

“Yup.”

“For what?” I frowned.

“So that you’ll laugh. I want to hear you laughing.” He grinned at me. “You snort like a pig.”

“No I don’t.” I crossed my arms on my chest as I leaned by the window. “What’s the point of retelling it? You can’t laugh with the same joke over and over again.”

“I know,” he said, and I turned to him with a questioning look. “But why do we keep on crying with the same thing, or person, over and over again, Rile?” he said in a voice that was almost a whisper. And I could sense a deep pain on it that was waiting and wanting to surface. “Why, Rile?”

I sat there silently staring at the seemingly endless road ahead of us, taking in what he’d just said. Suddenly remembering the times I cried over and over again. For a lost love. For Lance.

“You okay?” he asked cautiously.

“Yeah,” I said in a broken whisper. I cleared my throat. “I’m okay.” I smiled, attempting a light, breezy expression.

“You want to go out for a hamburger?”

“Sure.” I said.

“How about the Red Tongue?”

“Okay. Fine with me.”

Then there was silence for a minute or two.

“How are things going on with Lance?” he asked when we stopped at a light.

I didn’t answer. I just shrugged my shoulders.

“The trick is not to let him see you’re affected. Just smile. Walk with your nose high until it scrapes the ceiling.” He laughed.

“Woah! That was one bloody advise.” I laughed. “I think I’m gonna right that on my to-do list.”

Then we drove a little bit in silence.

We pulled in to the parking lot of the Red Tongue. Rolf got out of the car first to open my door, but I was already standing outside. He did manage to hold open the glass door of the restaurant for me, though, and watched as I passed through. I hoped the other diners didn’t notice because that’s just awkward. I mean, I’m not into PDA. Well, if you count that act an ‘affection’. I didn’t know. But that was just plainly awkward.

We settled into a booth overlooking the parking lot, and Rolf ordered us both burgers, cokes, and a side of French fries to share.

“What street do you live?” I asked.

“East Sixty. Why?”

“Just wondering.”

The waitress brought our foods and we both began to eat. I took small bites, chewed and swallowed as silently as I could, dabbed my mouth daintily to make sure there were no crumbs and mayo. I was careful to alternate my reach for fries with his, one to one, giving his fingers ample time to retreat.

“Do you have a girlfriend right now?” I asked as I took a tissue from the table.

“Did. She dumped me for another guy.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“That’s fine,” he took a big bite on his burger, leaving a crescent shape on it. “I’m moving on.”

“And by that, you mean, you still love her?”

He paused for a while before nodding his head slowly.

“It’s her loss. You’re a nice guy. Ideal boyfriend. I bet it’s turning her nuts realizing what she’d lost.”

“I doubt that. She’s happy now. And I’m happy for her.”

“Please. That’s a bull.” I waved my hand in front of me. “Of course you aren’t happy for her. Because when you haven’t let go yet, you could only feel pain and nothing more. Pain. Even me. No matter how much I try to be happy for him, I just can’t.”

“We’re the same, eh?”

“Definitely! And let’s drink to that!” I raised my glass of coke and he did the same.

We tossed and laughed, loud enough for the heads of the other diners to turn our way.

Rolf deposited the last of his burger into his mouth. “We might as well work hand in hand in nursing our broken hearts,” he chuckled.

I wasn’t quite sure what he meant, but I agreed anyway.

“Come on. I’d better give you a lift to your home.” He took the sole, remaining fry, swirled it in catsup, bit off half and offered the other half to me.

“Fair is fair,” he said, smiling.

I took it through my mouth, my lips brushing against his fingers.

He threw his arm over me, and together we went back to his car, laughing.

TO BE CONTiNUED…

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