Another Love Story (editing)

Chapter 13: "Out of the Blue"

I want to end my life, I thought as I woke up one Saturday morning. But of course I won't, because I'm not that stupid. I've been going steady with Ralph for a month now. Without Ed, I had no one to hang with except Ralph. I've been avoiding the gang if I could; it would only mean a chance that we talk about Ed.

I was the only one left inside the house, aside from the staff. Bea's back at Los Angeles because of a big project where she gets to play the lead. Mom and dad aren't home as usual.

Nothing at all felt right; the house felt like it was deserted, I had a boyfriend who I didn't feel anything toward to, I've been pretending to be someone I'm not (and introduced her to the world as Lin), I've brought my alter -ego to a world she shouldn't step in, and the guy I like is going out with my alter-ego.

The past month I've been busy switching places from time to time; Ed at 1, Ralph at 5. I never thought I'd get a break. I never thought I'd have a day like today.

This was the day that I was to rest from all the mess. Ed was invited to Ellen, and for some reason, Ralph wasn't available too.

The weather was getting hotter as summer was only at the corner. Everyone was studying for the finals, everyone but the exception of me. I didn't find the will to bury my nose into my textbooks.

I got up and dragged myself to the shower. I decided to bring my study materials with me as I got ready; you never know I might decide to flicker among the pages. Sylvester drove me to the local cafe and I ordered myself an Oreo shake frappe. I sat down at the nearest table by the window as soon as the waiter returned with my order.

"Excuse me," a female voice called as she gave a few light taps on my shoulders. She was likely a tourist, probably from Europe, at around my age. She was wearing a black halter-top, a vintage necklace, and a cute pink light flowing above-the-knee skirt. "I'm using this table; I don't mean to be rude. But I just left to take a minute at the loo. I left my books to indicate that I won't be long gone."

"Awfully sorry about that," I said, immediately standing up as I snatched up my frappe and my books and made my way to the next table, but as soon as I turned ‘Ms. London’ called me up and offered to sit with her instead. She introduced herself as Genevieve Summers, an aspiring fashion designer.

"But why Norwich?" I asked the moment we started talking about my country, "There's not much to see here. There are plenty of other 'must-watch' spots in our country. I could take you for a tour if you want," I said already comfortable with her.

"You make it sound quite easy," she smirked as she raised her left eye-brow ever so slightly.

"Well, it's not bragging. But I got my connections."

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" I said setting out a serious expression.

"How much?" she asked digging into her pouch. She looked up back at me and looked unsure. “Uh, how about this necklace?” she offered as she displayed her necklace as if it were for sale.

"Oh no, no. Please, forget about the payment. You'll probably think it's weird, but I'm thankful that you're here. I mean, the past months. This is but a chance to get myself some time off.”

"Surely, I could give you something," she said her look indicating that she was determined to repay me in some way, "how about if you have the time to visit London, I give you a tour ‘round the place. It's not really of the same expense but I'd still be helping you with whatever's bothering you.

I took this into consideration. I couldn't see why not; After all, it was almost summer. It was an opportunity to detach myself from my situation for a while. She was delighted to hear that I agreed.

We chit-chatted for the rest of the morning. I've never spilled so much about me in one blow. A warm feeling of being safe wafted around. And I told myself, I've found a friend. We talked about our dream jobs, our friends, our family, our likes, our dislikes, our hobbies, our preferences, our schools, and we couldn't leave out our boyfriends. I found out that she was staying in Norwich for a week with her parents and her brother to visit her cousin, who died of cancer. All of a sudden, I heard a growl. I turned around and looked for the source of the sound but saw nothing.

"Sorry," Gen said as her face changed to a bright shade of scarlet, "I haven't had my breakfast yet. I kinda spent my last dime in this place, and now I'm stranded in this cafe. I have no idea where to go."

"You should have said so," I grinned. I picked up my phone and signaled Sylvester to come pick me up. It didn't take long for me to spot mom's blue BMW convertible speeding around the corner. I saw Gen's jaw drop from the corner of my eye. My inner Lin beamed with pride while Addie's heart sunk into a feeling of guilt. "She's beautiful," she said as her eyes sparkled, "yours?"

"My m... aunt's," I almost slipped, "hop in."

"Surely, now I owe you tons of money," she said as we got in the car.

"Why don't we talk about that later? Right now, just do what I do, and enjoy the ride," I smiled.

"Take us for a spin, Sylvester!" I called out. Sylvester didn't waste a second and soon enough we sped around the town. "Woooooh!" I shouted as I raised my arms up high, feeling the warm breeze whip my hair in every direction. Gen just reluctantly looked at me at first, but joined the fun any way. As soon as we got home, the guards and the gardeners all stared at our hair as we both looked like we were mobbed though smiles were practically glued to our faces. I fixed my hair into a pony tail as Gen combed her hair back to the pale blonde wavy hair I'd seen that morning. She blankly looked at our mansion, not seeming to react at all. She probably got over the gasping, oohing, and staring at the expensive stuff and seeped in the fact that we weren't just people from the country side. --

"Golly, I couldn't possibly go inside. It's too... too posh," she said.

-- or so I thought.

"Of course you can. You're a guest to my country, and now you're a guest to my home," I beamed slightly pushing her in.

"Your neck’s gonna hurt if you don't look straight," I said tilting her head away from the ceiling and the high walls.

She came with me inside the kitchen (though I did insist that she stay at the living room) as we made Hawaiian Tacos and Skillet Chicken Chervil. After the scrumptious meal, we watched movies at the guest room and I could see that she was easily at home. It was fun to have someone to talk to.

It was already sundown when I dropped her off at the hotel that she and the rest of her family were staying. I did offer her to stay at my place instead but she said that a week's worth of the bill was already paid for.

We exchanged contact numbers and email adds before she went down the car. She flipped her long blonde hair as she walked into the hotel; she was met by a male figure. I scooted to the window to get a closer view.

I was stunned, then angry, and what became of my rage was happiness. Gen gave him a quick peck on the cheek and he in turn put his hand around her protectively. Tall, blonde and well-built, just as she described. "Let's go home Sylvester."

I smiled to myself thinking that I finally found a reason to break up with Ralph. But I still felt weird. I didn't love him, but somehow, in some way, I got hurt. I dug into my bag and grabbed my phone.

I stared at it for a few moments before I dialed his number. I crossed my fingers when I heard his voice, "Hello. You have reached Ralph Riggs, I can't answer my phone right now. Please leave a message after the tone."

"Uh... Hey Ralph," I started with a hint of sadness in my voice, "I need to tell you something. Can we, like, talk?" Hmm, yeah... PM me back as soon as you get this. I love you," I gave out every bit of non-existent emotion in the last three words.

Lucky that Gen came out at Cafe Blues. Now I owe her much more than a trip around the country, I owe her much more than that.