Missed Call

XIII. Silent Prayer

[ D O M ]

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It's been an hour since the party started. And she's still not here. I called her a few, maybe more than a few, times already but her phone keeps directing me to that annoying voice.

I decided to call her house for now, "Hello?" Her dad is the one who picked up the phone.

"Is Air still there, sir?"

"Dom? No, son. She took off two hours ago. She said she don't want to be late and have a bad impression from your family." I said my thanks before dropping the call, not caring if her father has to say more.

Grabbing my car keys and wallet, I head out of the party. My cousins block my way out, concern flashing in their faces, "I'm going to look for Air."

My eyes caught Dion raise her brow when she heard me, "You two are friends, do you know where she is?"

She looks hesitant but still decide to spill it, "Someone saw her enter Cain's condo." I know Air is not that kind of girl but the way my sister say it, a person who knows her more than I do, the doubts started to flood my system.

Pressing my lips to a thin line. I forced her into this relationship, maybe she really can't look at me like I look at her. If that's the case, then I should do better to win her. Passing through my cousins and sister I rushed to my car, to Cain's condo not a bit worried with the possibilities I'll see... maybe a little? It's normal to be scared of losing someone, right?

I whisper little prayers over and over, "Please don't be mom. Please don't be Yuri." Sighing deeply, I stare at the building in front of me. Wiping my face of the tears that I unconsciously shed I said my last prayer, "Please let Aireen stay."

The moment I stepped in the lobby, a frantic Air is running towards the exit. Her eyes wide and teary as she run faster and gave me a bear hug.

"I'm sorry! Did I make you worry? I'll explain." She mumbled so fast that I barely understand it considering that her face is even buried in my chest. Relaxing a little, I wrap my arms around her too.

We settled for pizza and buffalo wings. A nagging feeling is still within me even after seeing how sorry she is for not being on my party on time, so I asked, "Why are you at Cain's place?"

"He called me asking for help. I panicked since Cain has a history of suicide. I was about to text you but I heard him screaming inside his room." My breathe hitch at the word, suicide. Uncomfortable series of flashbacks hit me making my chest cringe in pain.

"Heart, are you okay?" Her voice smoothly registered through my ears, lifting the pain I was feeling. My mood lightens up immediately, it's weird and cheesy but I love that she can do that. I'm glad she could do that.

Taking some of her buffalo wings I nod giving her an assuring smile. Her feature softens at my gesture. And of course I won't let a momentous event pass just like that, "It's the first time you called me 'heart'."

She fakes a cough attempting to hide her blush. Acting like it's no big deal, she raises her chin when she answered, "It's your birthday. It's a one-time promo." I smirk making her squint her eyes, threatening me not to say another word.

"Here," Air pushes a taco-designed paper bag to me. The tacos take me back to the first time we ate together, technically, I watched her eat. "Happy Birthday, Dom!" She claps and started singing Happy Birthday in a fast version like an excited kid for the cake.

After her dorky display of her singing skills, I stare at her. A pink aura illuminates her, adoring the sight of her I blurt out, "Do you love me, Aireen?"

"Ye- Yes." She stuttered, surprised from my serious tone. Silence, I stare at her again, unconvinced with her answer. Sensing that, she composes herself before saying, "I love you, Dom."

"You won't leave me for Cain or anyone, or anything?" The question draws out a chuckle from her. She pinches my cheeks, feeling like it'll tear apart any minute I slap her hands away.

While massaging my swollen cheeks, she flash a challenging smile, "I won't... but you need to give me a reason to stay." Leaning closer to her, I smirk feeling her eyes on my lips as mine to hers.

A reason to make her stay? Easy, "I love you, dork."