THE SET-UP

EPISODE THREE

Chino: I can't believe you invited her.

That's the first thing he said when he saw him at their meeting place. Alby was sitting in front of their favorite coffee shop, smiling at him. 

Alby: I'm sorry! I forgot. It's like a natural thing for me to invite her.

Chino: Now I don't know if I should go. She keeps calling me, Alby. (he sits at the empty chair in front of him)

Alby laughs to his friend's misery. 

Alby: You're kidding. It's my birthday. You can't be absent. (sips his coffee)

Chino: I don't want to deal with her again. Remember the last time?

Alby burst out laughing again.

Alby: Yes man! That's why I'm really sorry about this. But you gotta be there! Gene said she's going to prepare a party for me in her apartment. 

Chino: Your girlfriend's place?

Alby: Yeah. It's going to be refreshing for us. Also, her friend Raven's going to be there, she is going to help her set-up their place. 

Chino stopped looking at the menu. 

Alby smirked. He's amused to the idea that Chino couldn't even look at him straight in the eyes. 

Alby: So, you're coming?

Chino: Maybe... I'll think about it.

Alby: Because of Raven? (smiles again) 

Chino: I don't know what you mean...

Chino lied. There was not a moment when he thought of asking Alby to get Raven's number from Gene. 

Why can't I stop thinking about her?

He thought that if he'd see her again, he could get her out of his mind. He needs to prove that what his feeling is nothing but temporary. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

A month had passed since the last time Raven saw Chino. Not until today, Alby's birthday. As his girlfriend, Gene decided to throw a party in their apartment. She was left with no choice but to chug the beer on her hand and entertain a bunch of strangers. 

She doesn't like it very much, but assisting people where the bathroom is located, kept her away from interacting with Chino. And he's actually doing the same thing as her, surrounding himself with a group of pretty girls. 

Gene: Thank you so much, Rae! You did amazing helping me with this party.

Gene hugged her as she stood at the kitchen counter next to the refrigerator. 

Alby: Me too, I want to thank you! This is very nice of you.

Raven: I'm only glad to help. 

Gene: Tell me when you need me okay? I'm just going to hang out with Alby's friends for a while. 

They left her with cheers before she finishes her third bottle of beer. She tried to open another one, but someone bump behind her. 

Raven: Hey!

Guy: Sorry about that! 

She rolled her eyes and proceeded to what she was doing.

Guy: Are you friends with Alby? You don't look familiar.

Raven: No, I live here.

Guy: Oh! You're Gene's roommate... Nice to meet you, my name is-

Chino: Is this guy bothering you?