Roller Coaster

7: Secret Garden

The most bustling restaurant in town was a small family-owned business that served Filipino food fresh from the sea. They had a variety of seashell delicacies and a few fishes. Francis hated the place, but he knew Aidan loved their grilled tuna and barbecued chicken. He remembered her saying that she would love to have her own barbecue house. That's how she got the nickname Yogi Bear. She was all about the food.

Perhaps, because his life was always too serious, Aidan was his buffer. She had big dreams, but she never complained about staying up late for an assignment or a project. Once, he commented on her eye bags, and she just smiled saying, "Had to memorize Kero-Keropi's muscles. You know how frogs are. They're so... complicated."

Francis opened the passenger's door of his black Isuzu D-Max. Aidan rolled her eyes and got out of the vehicle. She didn't like his new pick-up truck. It was too... masculine for her. She's always told him that she preferred his well-maintained Civic. He couldn't refuse his uncle though. Having worked hard to run the family business, it had been all-bowed-up as a present for his 22nd birthday.

"Thanks, altar boy."

Altar boy? She's angry again, isn't she? He must have done something to disappoint her again. What was it this time? He let out a heavy sigh and allowed himself to digest the tone, the choice of words, and the way she lowered herself from his truck. "Y-Bear, what's wrong?"

She didn't speak. She just stared at him and smiled tight-lipped. Aidan stuffed her hands in her pockets. She wore a pink frilly blouse and a skirt that covered her figure to her knees. It was a pleated skirt that enhanced her curvaceous features. He would have drooled had he not seen her sleeping with a pair of short shorts and a large Pokemon t-shirt. Now that, he thought, was sexy.

"Are you really going to do that to me at a time like this?" Francis groaned in frustration. After all the effort he's gone to: reserving the entire balcony for them. She was in no mood for surprises. He dipped his fingers in his pocket to touch the velvet box he had slipped in it.

Aidan walked past him and found a seat located near the self-service counter.

Francis thoughtfully followed the path she trod and sat across her. "We're not sitting amongst the crowd, Y-Bear." He stood up again and offered her a hand. She reached for it and pulled herself up. He had always held her gently, even back when her break-up with Jeff finally sank in.

The bus boy led them through the mini-stairway that flower to the Dainty Kitchen's beautiful balcony. When she reached the top, her eyes sparkled at the sight that presented itself in front of her. The entire space was turned into a secret garden with a virginal white dinner table at the center and two cream-colored couches tucked beneath it. Different plants had decorated every corner, from wall to wall.

There were orchids hanging on each side. Some had tiny white blossoms, while others had elegant petals with colors that popped out. Glass bottles hung artfully from the branches of the tree that hovered over the dinner table. Within them were candles that flickered in the night, oblivious of the cool evening breeze that swept the second-floor parcel of heaven.

Her jaw dropped at the picturesque view. 

"It's beautiful." Aidan said, mesmerized. The romantic gesture was over the top.

Francis beamed at her, proud of his own accomplishment. This was no party planner's work. It took him an entire month to research on the venue and the vibe he wanted to project. The hanging candle lamps were his idea, and the owner had patted him on the back when he was done. "She sure is one hell of a lucky gal," the owner said. "Are you planning to propose?"

No, Sir. It's our friendship anniversary, he remembered his words. Now, that he thought of it, he did realize one thing out of the ordinary today. Aidan was wearing a skirt—a skirt other than her school uniform. He stole a glimpse of her attire and also discovered that she had worn a really cute pair of wedge shoes.

"Aidan..." His voice trailed off. "You look"—the word got caught in his throat—"gorgeous."

In the warm light, the blush on her cheeks turned more rosy red than pink. She lowered her eyes to the ground and tried to return the compliment. Nothing came out but a choked cough and modest grin. "Thanks, Boo. I thought you'd never notice."

He took her wrist in his and walked her to the chair. She almost slipped, but he caught her just in time.

As she sat on the cushion, she apologized to him. "Sorry, I almost fell."

"You should," he whispered to himself.

Clearly, Aidan didn't hear what he said. "What?"

He sat across her and called for their private waiter. As the young man approached them, he just had to ask. "What happened to Rodel?"

The waiter, who stood tall at six-feet, removed the cork from the bottle and poured its content into the wine glass. Admittedly, the new guy looked capable and confident enough to serve their dining needs. He dismissed the fact that Rodel had not messaged him prior to this evening's happening.

"Has Rodel mentioned tonight's three-course meal?" Francis took a sip of the golden brown liquid that occupied the glass goblet. "Don't worry. It's not red wine, Y-Bear." He faced her to catch a confused look. "Y-Bear? Are you alright?" He reached out for her hand, but she withdrew hers in an instant.

Aidan's eyes were affixed to the waiter's. He poured some of the liquid into her glass and gave her a brief smile before leaving them both to bring them their appetizers.

"Aidan, what's wrong?" He raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

An unmistakable aura surrounded Aidan. After having been her best friend for so long, he could fine-tune her feelings and pretty much determine the exactness of her reaction.

There was something bothering her and he was going to find out what...

Author's Note: Let us not focus on their reactions but rather the effort Francis has placed in setting up this wondrous evening for the the two of them. Curious on the next series of events?

Alright! If you like this chapter, please don't forget to vote, star, and/or comment on it. I truly hope you enjoy reading it so far.

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to an old-time Wattpad friend AlaraChan.