My Illustrious Lover

XVI

"Do not kiss her with lying lips, nor french kiss her with a sharp tongue and a deceitful heart.

That is a crime."

~

The sound of violin echoed throughout the four corners of the restaurant where the cheerleaders decided to celebrate their victory.

The atmosphere is comforting and calming. When you enter, you'll immediately feel relaxed because of the dim candle-like lighting. There's a peaceful violin classical music playing faintly that calms you just like when the evening wind brushes your skin as you enter the place.

The permeating aroma of the restaurant also hits your nose as the intermingling scent of pasta, bread and soup assault your senses so that you swear you can taste just by the smell.

The walls has a warm and inviting beige color or castle-like brick that gives you a sense of upper-class. There is a grand and classy chandelier that hang at the center of the restaurant which screams elegance. There are also a small fireplaces around, keeping the temperature warm which makes you feel as though you are home.

They reserved the whole place so that they can move and talk freely. Two long tables was set up to accommodate sixteen people including me, and Audrey. Isabelle is seated at the further left and then to her right is Harper, then there's me, beside me is Audrey and then Emily, Andi, and the rest of the girls. After a while, the food was served and we started eating.

The room is filled with indistinct chatter and I can't help but to look at Harper. Kanina pa siya tahimik simula nang matapos ang game namin. Ilang beses ko na rin siyang tinanong kung ano ang problema but she's just giving me silent treatment. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang isipin na baka may nagawa akong kasalanan.

"Here love. I know steak is your favorite." I said at sinubuan siya.

"Thanks." She said, still not looking at me.

Ilang ulit ko rin siyang sinubuan but I'm still getting the same reaction from her. Hanggang matapos ang dinner ay hindi pa rin nagbabago ang mood ni Harper.

Andito kami ngayon sa kotse niya. Nauna na ang ibang umalis papunta sa condo ni Isabelle dahil doon talaga magsisimula ang totoong celebration.

They prepared a party at invited ang volleyball women dahil nga sa championship na rin nila bukas. Isabelle is one of the player so early celebration na rin daw dahil nakapasok sila sa finals.

They also invited the basketball men so I'm sure that it will be fun kung hindi lang sana ganito ang pakikitungo ni Harper ngayon. Soundproof naman at malawak ang unit ni Isabelle kaya walang magiging problema.

So before Harper can start the car, I decided to talk to her. Kanina pa ako naiiyak at hindi ko matiis na ganito kaming dalawa.

"Love, please naman oh. May problema ba?" I said as I held her right hand.

"Nothing." Akma niyang babawiin ang kamay niya sa pagkakahawak ko pero naunahan ko siyang kunin ang kaliwang kamay niya kaya ngayon hawak ko na ang dalawa niyang kamay.

"Please? If may nagawa man akong kasalanan, will you please tell me? Ayoko nang ganito tayo love eh." I sobbed. Hindi ko na mapigilang maiyak. Nagiging iyakin talaga ako pagdating sa mga mahal ko sa buhay.

I saw her expression softened before releasing a heavy sigh then she cupped my face and wiped my tears.

"Shhh. Don't cry, love. I'm just jealous and hurt nang makita ko ang titigan niyo kanina ng kapatid ni Austin. It's uncomfortable seeing the way she stares at you and the way you stare back. This is the second time na nakita ko kayong ganun. It seems like you knew each other. What's with you and her?" She softly asked.