Love and its Timing

Chapter 11

Indeed it’s a stunning view. The scene of the sun finally meeting the horizon of the ocean. The touch of yellow and orange rays of the sun giving light to the grey sky.

I feel like I am on a romantic movie where the lovers watch the beauty of the setting sun. The beauty of the rivalry between the light and the darkness.

“See how perfect it is?” he asked looking at me.

“It’s amazing.” I answered still looking at the wonderful sight.

“It’s almost six, we need to go inside.” Without waiting for an answer he carried me the same way he did earlier.

“You still have to prepare for the party.” I told him as he put me down on the sofa and gave me a ‘SERIOUSLY?’ look.

“I told you I won’t go there without you. I still feel guilty of what happened to you because of me.”  He said.

“Can you move on? I told you I’m fine. I’m not handicapped.” I said trying to convince him to go to the party.

“Nope. Not a word you say can convince me.” He said shaking his head.

“Really?” I asked in the tone of a challenge.

“Try me.” He said as he keeps on browsing channels.

“Okay then, would you be my company to that party?” I asked looking at him waiting for him to meet my eyes, hiding my grin.

“Are you serious?” he asked as he met my eyes. I just smiled at him, not breaking the eye contact.

“Can you walk already? Are you sure?” He can’t hide his smile which again showed his dimples. His excitement is all over his eyes.

“Yeah! I am here to enjoy anyway. And I won’t enjoy my vacation if I’ll just stay here.” I smiled at him.

“Okay, just make sure that you can. I don’t want you forcing yourself.” He said full of concern.

“Of course.” I said as I slowly pulled myself up. “Start preparing. I don’t want to end up waiting for you.” I smirked slowly walking to the stairs.

He ran to assist me climbing the stairs. As we reached the door of my room, I felt him looking at me.

“What?” I asked feeling conscious about how I looked.

“This is just the first time you ever asked a guy for a date. At least something about you changed.” He smiled genuinely.

“Da- date? I am not asking you for a date. I, I am just going to the party with you, no other reason” I said as I try not to look at him because I can feel my cheeks burning.

“No need to be defensive Miss. I’ll see you at seven.” He said as he rushed to the other room.

I shook my head smiling as I enter my room. I keep smiling to myself as I go back to what happened to me today. Meeting this person who’s a complete stranger to me but knows me more than I know myself, complicated it may seem but I know I’ll know what my connection with this person is. It is very strange how comfortable he makes me feel. I let out a deep sigh as I opened the closet to look for something to wear.

I started trying out every dress I brought with me but nothing seems to be perfect for this date.

“Date? What? No! What am I thinking?” I argued with myself.

Why am I even panicking with what to wear? Why do I have to impress him? I hate this feeling. I’m like a teenager going on my first ever prom with my long time crush. It’s been years since I last felt this way. Why? Who is this guy? How can he make me feel this way?

I decided to take a quick shower to be refreshed with all the questions that starts to cloud my mind.

After a few minutes of shower, I again looked at the clothes I left lying on the bed. I sighed when I finally decided to go to the simplest dress. A green floral summer knee length halter dress paired it with a white above the ankle gladiator sandals. I pulled my hair into a neat sideways bun.

I was putting my make up on, a bit of mascara, eye liner, blush on and when I was about to put my red lipstick on, my phone rang.

“Hello!” I answered the phone enthusiastically without looking who it was.

“You seem happy. Can we please talk about us now Baby doll? I miss you so much.” The voice on the other line said.

I was shocked as I hear what the person on the other line was saying. I felt like a pail of ice cold water was poured on me. The smile I have was gone. I know this voice, its Jake’s. I felt nervous and scared. I don’t feel the same excitement as before each time he calls, the smile his sweet voice gives me is already gone. I was left speechless.

“Babe you still there?” Jake asked after a minute of silence.

“Yes I’m here. Please don’t call me babe, there’s no more US.”I said nonchalantly as I hear a knock on my door.

“Iyah, are you ready?” Carlo asked.

“That’s a guy’s voice. How could you move on so quickly? Where are you? I’ll be there. You can’t date, you’re still mine.” Jake said full of frustration on his voice.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” I shouted to Carlo.  I let out a deep sigh before I answer Jake.

“Yes, it’s a guy’s voice. Who cares if I have already moved on and where the hell in this world am I? Look Jake, I can date whoever and whenever I want. I am NO LONGER YOURS. You missed your turn.” I said as I hang the phone up. I inhaled and exhaled as I count to ten to possibly release the anger I am feeling towards my still possessive Ex.

I finished putting in my lipstick and stood up to open the door.

“Shall we?” Carlo asked me smiling as he offered his hand to assist me.

I just nodded and handed my hand to him as I give him the best fake smile I have.

“You are still a bad liar and faker you know.” He looked at me with a small smile.

I just looked at him, wondering how this guy could read my soul just by looking at me.

“You don’t really have to force yourself to go to the party if you don’t want to. If the only reason you want to go there is because you’ll feel guilty me not going there because of you, I’ll still go if that would give you peace of mind.” He offered sincerely.

“I’m fine and I’m sure I’ll be better before the night ends. You’ll help me right?” I asked as I sighed and let out a smile.

“Of course.” He said as he escorted me out of the house. “Wait there for a sec.” He said as we reached the gate.

I stayed there as instructed still thinking about what Jake said. I hate him more because of how he still tries to control my life even after I ended everything our relationship. I do not know how I can keep up with the night with the thought of Jake.

“I think you’ll feel better and look more stunning with this.” Carlo appeared beside me with a red as blood hibiscus. “May I?” He continued.

I nodded and he put the flower behind my ear.

“See, it looks better with it on you.” He smiled at me.

I felt lighter, I cannot think about my conversation with Jake anymore. I just feel amazed on how the simple things this guy makes, makes me feel better, no better is an understatement, and wonderful is a better term. I gave him a smile, a genuine one this time.

“I think you mean it makes me look better.” I smiled as we continue walking.

“No. I mean what I said that the flower looks better when you wear it because you are already amazing and your beauty complements the looks of the flower.” Carlo said looking at me as we continued to walk.

A few more minutes of silence…

“And we’re here.” Carlo exclaimed.