About Time

Chapter 3

July 2014

7:30 AM

I woke up to the sound of the door opening and closing. I was still half-asleep when I saw my roommate who just got out of the bath. I looked for my phone to check the time.

"Fuck! Its quarter to 8. I overslept!"

I got up hurried to the bathroom to take a shower. After finishing, I quickly dressed up and went downstairs to the cafeteria to eat. I then entered class on the second floor of the building which, thankfully, I wasn't late for. It was gonna be another 3 hours of lecture, but as much as I wanted to listen, I was still sleepy and light-headed.

And then...

"Let's take a short break."

Finally, a 30 minute break. Just what I needed. I hurried back to the dorm rooms upstairs to take a breather and before I knew it, I dozed off.

January 2014

I won the bet.

Now what?

Why did I even bother with this?

I was in a stand-still. It resulted in me pondering everything happening up until now.

Why her of all people? Why did I fall in love with somebody who already has somebody else? The same girl who broke my heart all those years ago.

I don't know why. I may never know why. Maybe love is just like that, I guess. Same is true for life.

Unpredictable. Unbelievable. Unprecedented in its attempt to go against your favor.

In the end, I don't regret anything. Everything I did, I did it for her. It sucks that it didn't go my way, but there are just some things that aren't meant to be. But like the unpredictability of life itself, another opportunity rose.

I finally figured out what to do with the bet.

For a week, she pestered me with the question, "What is it you want to do?"

Of course, much to her frustration, I only replied, "You'll know when we meet this Saturday."

 The days prior to our scheduled meet, I was busy with my thesis and I assumed she was still busy with her training. 

"This is gonna be the craziest thing I am ever gonna do."

The day came and I went to pick her up on my scooter that afternoon. It was supposed to be in the morning so that I could've had lunch with her, but things don't usually go as planned, so we met by 2 PM in the afternoon.

We then went to the mall and the whole time riding on my scooter, she was still asking me what to do. I only laughed though and told her that all will be revealed after we eat some ice cream at the food court. She only groaned out of frustration.

We arrived at the mall and then picked what ice cream to buy.

"What flavor do you want?", I asked.

"Uhhh, this time, I want mango.", Marge replied.

"Mango it is then."

We then went to a table to talk while we ate our ice cream.

"Mmm, yummy. It's been a while since we last ate ice cream together."

"Uh huh, Ralph, c'mon, tell me already.", Marge insisted.

Honestly, I did not know what to tell her. Words were gathering at the tip of my tongue but I couldn't spill it. I was stuttering. I took a deep breath while she looked on with anticipation of what I was about to say. I don't know how she'll react. For the most part, this was a bad idea, but I don't want to waster her time by screwing up this opportunity now.

My heart was beating fast. I tried my best to look her in eye. Inhaled deeply and then...

"Be my girlfriend for the rest of the day."

I said it. I finally said it. The most conceited stipulation in the history of bets. What can be more conceited than making a girl be your girlfriend even if its just for the day? That's low. I stooped low. I was already expecting the worst like a slap, or a resounding NO, or even walking away without saying a word.

"Huuh?", she asked.

"Uhhhh, be...my girlfriend...for the rest of the afternoon..."

I didn't want to repeat saying it. I knew it was dumb, I should've just said nevermind after she said huh. I should've walked away, lived to fight another day.

But there was no turning back now, since I've already repeated myself.

 "Uhm, s-sure..."

That startled me.

"What?", I asked.

"I said sure, as long as it lasts only this afternoon."

I was stunned. S-T-U-N-N-E-D

Over the course of the half a second, many thoughts crossed my mind.

"She said what?"

"Is this for real?"

"What the fuck is going on?"

"I don't know what to do, I never thought it would go this far."

"Oh well, I hope it goes okay."

I then stood up, got my senses back, and opted her to follow me.

"Well, c'mon then. Let's not waste the afternoon."

"Yeah, sure thing, Ralph."

We walked around the mall for hours even calling her dear, hon, and all those other cheesy terms of endearment much to her frustration. I felt trapped, like I forced her into this situation but it will all be over soon.

"You know what, Marge? I feel like this is a lost bet."

"Why'd you say that?"

"Well, because, even though I told you to be my girlfriend for the rest of the afternoon, it feels like nothing changed at all."

She only managed to chuckle at it. I couldn't blame her though, of course this doesn't feel natural for her. I mean, I'm not her real boyfriend, and her boyfriend is out there far away so of course this situation makes it even more awkward that it already is.

"Sigh, you know what, I'll make it up to you someday. I'll bake you a cake if I can find the time."

"Really? For real, Marge?"

"Yes, yes..."

"Deal."

After all things were said and done, it was time for me to take her home. We rode on my scooter on a busy night. There wasn't much of a conversation during the ride. Maybe because there isn't anything left to say. Before I knew it, we arrived at her house. She got off and went to open their gate. I then called her out.

"Marge, thanks for everything. Let's break up.", I smiled at her as I waved goodbye.

"Oh you.", she nodded while smiling upon entering her home.

I looked at the time, Revved my scooter, and bolted out, not looking back.

"All is well that ends well, right?"

July 2014

12:45 NN

"Fucking hell, I overslept again."

I felt groggy, so I didn't get up right away. I missed half the class but I didn't mind it that much, I'll make up for it soon. I went on my way to get lunch. The days soon after, I got back on track. I was reading books, taking weekly exams, rarely got out to take a break. I finally had a routine.

How long will it take for me to go on like this?

I miss her.

Everyday.

Would I allow it to go on until I forget about it?

One thing is for sure though, I wouldn't get my answers if I leave things as they are. It's time to do something about it.