MY NAME IS DALE

MY NAME IS DALE- CHAPTER 23

We headed back to the party after strolling by the beach. From afar, I saw
Liam with our friends including Gabby. I walked Dale towards them though
I felt how Dale was awkward at first. But, I insisted her to meet some of my
friends.
As we walked to the crowd, I saw Gabby‟s expression changed into
something. I don‟t know if she‟s staring at Dale but hopefully she‟s not. The
next thing I know, Liam has the same expression as well. The only
difference is that he‟s more composed but surprised.
“Hey, guys! Would you mind if we join in?” I said that Levi gave us a glass of
wine.
“Are you not going to introduce us to your beautiful friend?” he teasingly
said.
“Oh, I‟m sorry. Dale meet, Levi, Athena, Bea, Luke, Sam, Gabby, my best
friend, and our birthday celebrant, Liam.” I said as I introduce them to her.
“Everyone, this is…” I was about to finish my introduction when Gabby butt
in.
“Dale…Dale Sy? Unbelievable! You‟re right! She‟s perfect like your ex!” she
yelled at us and ran outside the venue. Levi run after her but Liam was still
surprised after seeing Dale in person.
“I thought you‟re not coming after rejecting my invitation last day. “ Liam
said between my confusion and Gabby‟s outrage.

“Dilann, it‟s quite late. I need to go home. You can stay if you want.” She
said and walked away from all of us. This time, I was not alone running
after her, Liam also did. For that, it made me even more confused of the
situation.
As soon as I reached for my car from the basement, I began searching her
outside. Good enough, I found her with Levi. From there, I asked her to hop
in so that I can drive her home.
Towards her place, we‟re both silent. I wanted to ask her some sort of
questions from what happened but I‟m afraid that she‟ll freak out like what
Gabby did.
I began checking my phone asking for an update with Levi. I asked him to
run after Gabby since I‟ll be driving Dale tonight. Fortunately, he‟s too
available for any errand since he‟s single right now.
After that, I turned towards Dale who‟s still wearing same expression as she did
after walking out. I was curious but more bothered.
“Can we go somewhere quiet?” She asked out of nowhere.
Without any words, I do a U turn instead of driving straight towards her place. I
know a place perfect for her- a place where I first met her. I‟m done containing
this feeling with all by myself. I couldn‟t afford to lose her to someone anymore.
I know this is risky but I‟m ready to whatever the result of this risk.
Driving towards our beach house from the South, I saw her reflection from my
car‟s mirror silently crying. I wanted to comfort her but I totally knew she
wouldn‟t want to. I just let her cry whatever she‟s feeling right now.
It was a two-hour drive before we arrive to the place. I looked at her and there I
saw her sleeping already from the car seat with tears from her eyes.
“Dale, wake up! We are here already?” I said softly.
“Where are we?” She asked while wiping her tears from her face.
“We‟re actually at my beach house-the one I‟m talking to you last time.” I said as
I grab her hand and lead her to the entrance door.
Her eyes wonder. I know she‟s feeling better after seeing the color light display
outside. The caretaker welcomed us from the front gate.
“Your grandparents are already sleeping. Are you spending a night here sir?” She
asked me.
“Yes, I guess. Just prepare two rooms for us and a midnight snack. Thank you.” I
finally said.
“This is your beach house?” She asked curiously.
“Yes.” I replied.
“Bella de Amore. I remembered!” She exclaimed.
“Yes. This is Bella de Amore.” I answered back at her trying to guide her to the
most awaited question I want her to ask.
“I know its owner. It‟s…it‟s owned by Suarez. Wait, you‟re a Suarez, right?” She
asked surprisingly.
“I am. I am a Suarez.” I said while staring at her.
“It‟s not what I mean. I know a Suarez before. In fact, I visited this place once for
a school event.” She said slowly trying to understand things out.
“And, I am that Suarez. I‟m Dilann Amber Suarez.” I confidently and slowly said.
“No way!” She reacted.
“I‟m sorry. I didn‟t mean not to tell you. You should see my I.D.” I said as I
handed to her my driver‟s license.
“I can‟t believe this. Why you didn‟t tell me?” She asked.
“I have my reason Dale. I have my reason.” I said repeatedly.
“Ugghhh!! You‟re adding up now! I‟m totally stressed.” She shouted.
She ran towards the coast area and sat freely in the sand. I can feel her right
now. That‟s actually what I felt after meeting her again. The only difference is
that, I think she has an issue with my best friend and Liam. It‟s what important
right now.“Are you okay? Do you like to eat?‟‟ I asked her.
“I thought I was just having my illusion after meeting you that night at the park.
I thought I was seeing a friend from the past. But after giving me flowers- real
flowers, I realized I‟m not. All along, I‟m convincing myself that you‟re not
Amber- that you only resembled him. I got even more confused when you joined
in my trip. From there, I saw the whole being of Amber. From there, I saw my
friend that I can‟t hug nor freely share everything my heart contained that
moment because I‟m still holding up with the fact that you‟re not my friend. But,
now, you‟re making me believe that you are. You‟re making me believe that my
long lost friend came back after twelve long years. Even my parents wouldn‟t
believe you.” She narrated.
That moment, I couldn‟t simply answer her. This is too painful for her after
abandoning by a friend for twelve years. Instead of answering back, I remained
silent as possible. This perhaps the best way to comfort her and not add up to
what she‟s been up to at the party.
“Dilann, may I ask you? Can you tell me vividly how we met? I‟m not honestly
convinced by simply knowing that you are a Suarez and your grandparents
owned this place. Can you?” She asked as if begging for me to narrate it and clear things up.