chapter 13

VII

Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

It happened so fast. It is almost as if it didn’t really happen.

            But it did.

            I know it did.

I felt it. I have savored it.

My serendipity.

***

Again, we were on our banter – throwing jokes and hurling insults against each other. If scored, I could say Corrine’s winning landslide. One thing I know is that for me to fight her is to tower her. Physical closeness as if invading her personal space was her weakness. With my height and built, she would cower like a little girl. Though, by no means she is little and ‘a girl’. She’d also admitted grudgingly that she’s really insecure with my height.

I can imagine my victory. Make it a double victory: shutting her up and having her in my arms.

“No, no, no!” She stepped back as soon as she realizes just what I’m intending to do.

I gave her my best, wicked grin.

“I’m warning you, Nick, don’t come any closer!”

I crossed my arms over my chest as I try to think of the best way of grabbing her without her screaming rape.

“Stop it!”

“I wasn’t even doing anything.” I am just standing there looking at her.

“You’re thinking it. Stop it!”

“You want me to think, you don’t want me to think.” I shook my head in exasperation. I’m enjoying my win. “What do you really want me to do?”

She composed herself and stood her ground. Corrine glared at me in her most intimidating way. I felt three feet shorter but I wasn’t going to budge. Not now. She’s not going to get her way this time. I will.

“Nick, I’m warning you!”

In two quick strides, I’ve her in my arms. God, she felt so good. She didn’t scream, struggle nor shove me away. The wicked woman punched me hard, right below my rib!

“Ugh!” I held her tightly. My flesh is throbbing but I am not going to let her go. I sighed. Why I love her is beyond me.

She must’ve felt me caught my breath and tensed, Corrine Laughed. “Gotcha, huh?”

“Nope, I got you.” I’m staring directly down at her face. Her head tilted back slightly. Her forehead’s a few inches away from my chin. “You promised me something.”

“I did?”

I nodded.

“You know I wouldn’t let go until you do what you promised, right?’

            In her cutest ‘oh-God’ look, she tried to smile. “Can I give it to you later?”

            “Sure. I can wait until later, standing here, holding you like this, waiting. I can do that.”

            “Nick!”

“It’s all up to you, you know?”

            Corrine nodded grudgingly. “Okay.”

            I gave her my best smile. “Okay.”

            “But I’m not gonna.” She shook her head. It’s my turn to glare. “I mean, I can’t.”

            Her pleading eyes told me everything.

            Right. She damn well can’t.

            But I can. It’s a promise.

            I leaned and kissed her. It’s supposed to be a quick peck on the tip of her nose but she struggled. The kiss landed on her lips. It was as if we were both electrocuted that we quickly moved apart. I was about to apologize when the most unanticipated and unexpected thing happened.

            She closed her eyes.

            I leaned, cupped her face and kissed her.

***

            I didn’t really think he would kiss me.

            I most certainly won’t. For God’s sake, no!

            We were just teasing. He made me promise a kiss if he ever won. And I wanted him to win. Seeing him exert his full effort and be the best that he could be is considered as one of my best achievements. I know that he can be better than what he let on. I thought it would be a good motivation so I agreed.

            “A kiss, then.”

            “A kiss.”

            It was a deal. My one promise that I never had any intention of doing. I can’t. I shouldn’t. No.

            So, he kissed me instead.

            I hoped he would kiss me on the cheek or in the forehead. Not in the lips. But when Nick’s lips touched mine, I felt waves of electricity enticing me, exciting me. I felt dizzy. I stepped away. I shouldn’t get excited. Oh, God. I closed my eyes to clear my head.

            And then it happened.

            He kissed me.

***

            I never imagined it to be like this.

Sweet. Soft. Warm.

Beautiful. It was magic.

I can’t seem to get enough that I had to pull again and again. Exploring every inch of it. Tasting it. Savoring it.

Lips. Teeth. Tongue.

It was a moment I will never forget.

My serendipity.

I feel my body becoming feverish now. Reacting. Responding to the kiss.

Now, hands began to move.

Demanding. Pulling. Searching…

***

“No!”

I gasped for air. “Yes!”

“No!” Corrine’s breathing hard, face flushed. “No.”

“I-I’m sorry.” I came to my sense. The realization hits me on the face, mocking me. I remember where we are. What’s going on. Who she is. Who I am.

I wish I didn’t.

She stood quietly, looking at me. I hate that it had to end this way.

“I’m sorry. “ I took a long breath in. “I’m not sorry that I love you. I love you. I’m sorry that we’re not supposed to.”

“I…”

“No, you don’t have to say anything.”I tried to smile but my tears betrayed me. My heart’s being torn in pieces and I can’t do anything.

“Nick…” She reached for me. I stepped back. Her touch would only complicate things.

“I’m okay.” I’m dying. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, God…” Tears began to well in her eyes. She nodded. “I’d better go.”