Sapphire.

Chapter Five

RHYS'S POV

"But it's our anniversary," mother says over the phone. "We're celebrating."

"Yes, mom but I can't come tomorrow." I replied.

"It's not fair, you're my only son," mother whines. "You've got to come!" she protested

"I wish I could, but I'm stuck up here, mom." I said, trying to sound reassuring.

"What is more important than your own parents' anniversary, my boy?" she nags. "C'mon!"

"I would've come but I'm not prepared," I say to her. "It kinda...slipped my mind." I regretted that immediately after I said it.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. I could practically feel my mom's disappointment.

"What did you just say, son?..You forgot your parents' 30th anniversary?," she says, sniveling.

"I'm sorry about that, mom." I exhale.

"I'm putting your father on the line now!"

"I told your mom that you'd forget our anniversary," dad says. "She didn't believe me." my dad said, sounding amused.

"But I've told your mom it's alright." dad says. " You'd come next year, won't you?"

"Yes, dad, I'll make sure I come." I assured Dad.

"Goodbye, Rhys," dad says. "Take care of yourself, son."

I could hear some rustling as Dad passed the phone back to mom.

My mom sighed. "Well, I hope so," she said. "Anyway, your father insists I don't force you, so I have agreed. Take care of yourself, Rhys. And call more often, okay?"

"I will, Mom," I said, smiling. "Love you."

"Love you too, sweetheart. Bye!"

I hung up the phone and sighed. I hated disappointing my parents, but I couldn't just drop everything and go home. I had responsibilities, bills to pay, a girlfriend to take care of...

I put on my headphones and continue my workout on the treadmill, my favorite playlist blasting through the earbuds and driving me forward with its upbeat tempo. Going to the gym is something I never miss a day off, and as I run, sweat dripping down my face, I remind myself why. I have to keep those biceps intact, that's definitely a perk.

Mom is a peppy and talkative woman, known to chat endlessly. Her hugs are so warm and tight, they could almost crack a bone. Meanwhile, Dad has a more reserved personality.

After turning 20, I moved out of my parents' house, eager to start my own life and explore the world beyond the comfortable confines of my childhood home. It's been a year since then, and while I love my parents dearly, I know that this was the right decision for me. Growing up, I always knew that my family was well-off, my father and his older brother co-owned a successful business.

"Would you chill out for once?," Vaughn, the owner of the gym center and my only cousin from my father's side, said dryly. Despite his intimidating build and tough exterior, he was a softie at heart. I knew he would knock me out if I ever said that out loud. "You set that treadmill to the highest speed, know that?."

"Shitty week." We were alone in the private gym room, so I spoke more freely than I would have otherwise. Vaughn Carter was the only person I considered a true friend, he was the older brother I never had.  "Holly keeps on texting me, i don't know what she wants."

Vaughn is four years older than me and at 25, he seems to have his life all figured out. With two successful gym centers and a girlfriend, sometimes I feel like I lack direction in life, but I do I mind?- NO!

"Holly, huh?." he raised an eyebrow. "I've told you several times to give her a second chance, dude." he sits on the bench next to the treadmill.

I turned off the treadmill and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Sure, my limbs were starting to feel like jelly and my body was a mess of aches and sweat, but that was just the price I had to pay for staying in shape. As I toweled the perspiration off my face, I sat on the bench, taking a few moments to catch my breath.

I shrugged. "Second chance?. I've got a girlfriend, man"

"Oh, I forgot about that," "But just one date, see how it goes." Vaughn winked.

"A year and half of a relationship. She cheats on me and then blames me for it. She knows how to stroke the ol' ego. I'm not interested in her anymore. and i'll never be."

"Might be a good idea for you guys to get back together,"  Vaughn clapped me on the shoulder. "Just reply her texts at least."

One thing about Vaughn is that he gives bad advices. But i'm no fool to heed to any of them. One time back in high school, he advised me to try and sneak into the principal's office to change my grades. Of course, I didn't take him seriously, but I couldn't help but wonder how he always came up with such ridiculous ideas.

"Sapphire and I are getting serious." I muttered. "Then how am I any better than Holly, if i get back with her?"

Holly is my ex-girlfriend. She seemed so perfect at that time. She's an ambitious fashion designer. She's über-egotistical and she fought with me all the time.

"Just think about it, man."

"There's nothing to think about," I took a swig of water. "I'm in love with Sapphire."

"Whatever you say, man," "See you, later."

After he exited the room, I checked my phone for new messages. Nothing. I fired off a quick text to Sapphire. Sapphire is a compulsively fast replier so she texted me back almost immediately.

Sapph ;): Hey, did you hear about the kidnapping at the playground?

Me: No, what happened?

Sapph ;): He woke up

Me: Haha, very funny Sapph. You're so bad at telling jokes.

Sapph ;): I know, that's why I have to resort to sending them via texts.

Me: Well, I appreciate the effort.

Sapph ;) How was your workout?

Me: I'm all sweaty and gross, but my biceps are looking great as usual.

Sapph ;): Mmm, can't wait to see them later ;)

Me: Whoa, Sapphire. You're making me blush. I better go take a cold shower.

Sapph ;): Haha, have fun with that. Love you.

Me: Love you too, babe. I should come pick you up so that we can have lunch at that new local deli that just opened, yeah?

Sapph ;): You mean, 'The Gourmet Court'?

Me: Yes, that one!

Sapph ;): See you at 2.

I put my phone into my sweatpants pocket and stood up from the bench, feeling a little lightheaded from the intense workout. My body was a mess of aches and sweat. I toweled the perspiration off my face before making my way out of the gym. I can't wait to shower and change into some clean clothes.