In Another Life

12: It's potentially over

Eisley 

She stopped talking to me after our 10th date. I thought it was going well, so I had no clue what I did wrong. Tyrese was like a puzzle; a complicated one. Or maybe, I was just stupid? In my opinion, all our dates were successful. There were even more than 10, but she said some of them weren't counted. 

I had experienced so many things I hadn't done before because of her. We went camping, hiking and jogging. She even convinced me to go to her gym even though I hated being around many people. It was awkward. 

Last month, we flew to Cebu for business reasons, but we hang out everyday. My mom also introduced us to her new partner, and I couldn't hold back my tears. 

"Are you crying because you're upset? Are you jealous?" She asked, her eyes squinted. 

I shook my head. "I hope he takes care of her." 

She nudged me. "You're relieved. aren't you?" 

"I am. I'm happy she won't be alone anymore." 

Tyrese gave me a tight hug. "You're the sweetest, Eisley boy!" She also pinched my cheeks and I felt like a kid, but I liked it. She was adorable. 

A week after coming back to Manila, we went to the beach and catch the sunrise and sunset. Just the two of us. For some reason, after that trip, she seemed upset again. 

"Didn't even kiss me. That place was so romantic," she whispered before she got out of the car, but I couldn't understand what she said. I asked what I did, but she just shrugged, dismissing my question. 

So, I asked for help. 

Bev: You're slow kasi hahaha gustung gusto ka ni Tyrese noh bruha yun eh. Hindi naman siya usually passive aggressive pero nahihiya na kasi mag first move hahahaha 

Eisley: What did I not do? 

Teri: Have you held her hand? Kissed her? Hugged her? Any physical stuff? 

Eisley: Should I have done them? 

Bev: MY POINT EXACTLY: SLOW! 

Teri: Alam naman namin na gentleman ka, pero I think, medyo frustrating din for Tyrese na wala ka ginagawa. 

The next day, Bev said she was on her period and maybe it was also one of the reasons why she was so moody after the trip. She was also experiencing menstrual cramps, so I cooked pumpkin soup for her with my mom's help. 

Before I even knocked on her door, she sent me a message. 

Tyrese: I'm so sorry about last night. Stupid menstrual cycle aka period. 

I knocked on the door. It took her a while before she opened it. She was wearing a white robe, her hair was messy and she looked pale. She didn't have any makeup on. 

"Sorry, just woke up." Her voice was raspy. 

Yet, she was stunning. She was just so natural; it made me smile. "I made a pumpkin soup. Also..." I whispered, "I know what period means." 

She chuckled. "Oops." 

As soon as she took the bowl of pumpkin soup from my hands, she spilled it on her hand. "Aw fuck. Fudge! Shit. Shiz!" She ran to the bathroom, while I stood there as "memories" suddenly flashed through my mind. 

It was Tyrese saving a kid from getting hurt by his dad by trying to take the knife from him. It didn't end up well because the man cut her wrist and she ended up going to the hospital. At the hospital, it seemed like I was worried about her and also angry that she almost died. Unexpectedly, I gave her a kiss. 

I couldn't remember dreaming about it. What was that? 

I followed her to the bathroom, wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into a kiss. "Please don't get hurt anymore." 

She gasped for air, bringing her unaffected hand to my cheek. "You actually like me." She grinned before kissing me again. 

And it was a passionate one. 

It was also our 10th date, and potentially the last one. Hopefully not.