Second Chances (Kathneil FF)

Second Chances - 25

Second Chances - 25

"Hi."

"Hello."

"Sorry I'm a bit late tonight."

"That's OK, I'm up watching TV."

"That's good... So, what did you today?"

"Nothing much, work, that's about it," Anita replied, pressing the silent button down on her remote. "What about you. The interview went OK?"

"Yeah," he sighed, leaning against his bed post, wishing Anita was beside him instead of thousand miles away. "Like I said, Teddy can be tough."

"Yeah, I noticed. The segment is already out on stream.

"Wow, that fast?" he exclaimed, not even bothering to ask if she understood the segment even without subtitles, knowing full well that she did.

"Uhuh," she nodded as if he was in front of her, peering into the iPad on her lap. "It was on Pinay Tambayan."

He laughed at her increasing knowledge of the Pilipino online sites and entertainment in general.

But then again, it may really not be new knowledge but more of unearthing repressed ones.

"That's the ladies' online hangout lounge?"

"What is?"

"Pinay Tambayan," he answered. "Pinay is Pilipino women and tambayan means hangout."

"Aah... I see. I know that," she gave a small laughed.

She was glad that Kevin was laughing again. He sounded a little subdued and tired earlier on. Just like he was the night before.

Calling her at nights has been his daily routine ever since he left Malacca.

He must be chalking up a bomb in phone bills, she thought.

But even though she offered to return his call from time to time, he kept reminding her that he was the high paying film star while she was just a lowly painter.

She smiled, thinking back at the conversation, knowing that he gave the remark in jest.

Kevin too kept silent for a while, just enjoying the smooth conversation he was having with Anita. Missing her more than he thought he would.

He was also happy that she was slowly warming up to him and has never rejected his calls. In fact, she was a willing participant in all their late night conversations that could last two to three hours at a time.

"That's two talk shows and one PC down. Then I'll have week's break before the final promo and summer concert is on," Kevin said.

"That's going to be hectic, huh? At least you can rest for a week," Anita said, expecting him to announce his visit.

"Yup, a break, but still a working one."

"What?" Anita exclaimed. "No... Don't you have to rest?"

And does that mean that you won't be coming down to visit? She asked silently.

"It won't be stressful, just a stunt workshop. More learning than working," he told her.

"Aahh, I see."

"Yup, it'll be conducted by Sam Yusof."

"Yusof? The Malaysian director?"

"Uhuh," he nodded.

"Oh," Anita said, sitting up in attention.

"I'll be leaving for KL in two days. We are having the workshop in Putrajaya and Sepang circuit."

"Oh," she said again.

"Yup, it's only for 2 days."

"Uhuh..."

He smiled at her dazed reply, her monosyllable answer giving him a mental picture of her.

"I'm coming down to visit you once I finished, OK," he said huskily.

It was more of a promise rather than permission.

"I'm sorry it took longer than the 2 weeks I promised you."

"Uhmm," she silently shook her head, not trusting her voice at the time. "That's OK."

"OK, I'll let you get your beauty sleep now."

"No, I don't any," she laughed, giddy at the prospect of seeing him again.

She missed his company. She missed him. And she missed the feeling of being home whenever he was near.

She did not realize how much she wanted to see him again. The past few weeks of talking to him, got them more acquainted with each other. However, it did give her the same safe feeling she had the few short days they spent together before.

There were also questions and things she wanted to ask and say to him, but not simply over the phone. So, she was so glad that he seemed as eager to meet her and she him.

"Yeah, that's right," Kevin teased her. "You're already too pretty. Anymore sleep would cause your Miss Malaysia to quit her day job."

Kevin was glad Anita sounded excited to see him again. He could hear it in her voice. Though he tried not to compare Anita and Inessa, he sometimes could not help himself. They were too similar and too distinct at the same time. This gleeful young lady on the side of the phone line was definitely Anita. Or perhaps the real person Inessa was suppressing a long time ago, he thought.

And if it's true Nessie had to hide her true self back then, it's really sad that I didn't realize it then, he thought.

Maybe that's why God gave you this chance, man, Kevin's inner voice whispered again. To find out why and perhaps rectify the problem.

So, instead of sleeping the two talked for another hour, from exchanging their itinerary for the next day to Kevin and Anita playing Lingo with one another.

In the end, it was Kevin who threw the gauntlet, having exhausted himself with his tight schedule.

"Tidurlah," Anita prompted him, after catching the sound of his yawn.

"Sleep?" He asked. To be fair to Anita, Kevin too has picked up a few basic Malay words. "OK, maybe I should."

"You should," she smiled at his sleepy voice. "Call me again tomorrow, OK?"

"I will. You take a rest too, ya."

"I will."

I love you, he suddenly thought to himself. His eyes suddenly wide in realisation. I do.

"Good night," she whispered, as if hearing his thought.

"Good night," he replied reluctantly, opting to keep his silent declaration remain as such for the time being.