The Red Lipsticked Woman

Chapter One

“Cause we’re young and reckless, they’ll take this too far.”

   My favorite song is now playing from my stereo system. Driving an automatic car has its perks and losses as well. Driving is comfortable. I don’t need to shift the gears anymore, unlike in my old car – manual transmission but, automatic cars consume a lot more gas than the manual ones. I remember the time when they sold my first car, I got depressed. But, they surprised me with a new car a few weeks before tomorrow.

   I can see the old signage of Cubao Expo already. I slowed down the pace of my driving, breathing heavily as I drive closer to the area. I parked my car near my favorite bar – Fred’s Revolucion. Before going out, I put on my favorite red matte lipstick. Perfect. I told myself as I smiled at the mirror.

   As I got off my car, I can already see that sinister smile from that tattooed bald man as he walks towards me. I crossed my arms while waiting for him to get closer. He suddenly ruffled my hair. I knew it. Now my hair’s a mess.

“Look at you now! You’ve got that sexy red Vios now huh? The last time, you had that old moss green Lancer ride. I still remember how depressed you were when they sold that. So, when did you get that chick?”

“Two weeks ago. We went to the store. I thought they were buying a car for themselves again but my old man asked me to give this a test drive. Afterwards, they asked me to sign the papers. I was really surprised.”

“You don’t seem to be,” he raised his thick eyebrow.

“I am. What do you want me to do – scream now?” I sarcastically bluffed.

“Why not?” he amusingly replied.

“Well, no. I’ll pass on that. Anyway, are the others here already? I haven’t eaten anything yet. I came straight from school. I just changed my outfit when I was about to drive going here.”

“They’re here. Grab a bite first. We’ll be exhausting ourselves later anyway,” he casually said, just like an older brother to me.

   We walked towards Bellini’s. My stomach is grumbling now. I’m so hungry. Greg opened the door for me. He’s really such a gentleman despite having those tattoos all over his body.

“Je t’aime Copic!” shouted annoyingly by that Chinese man.

“Shut the hell up Emile Tan,” I shrugged my shoulders.

“So cold, why are you addressing me by my whole name? Don’t do that my dear Copic,” he joked, somehow it doesn’t seem to be a joke either.

   I took a seat beside Greg. I stretched my legs as I sat and arched my back – for some stretching. My back always ache. I get tired easily nowadays. I was watching them have their little fun while I somehow gather my energy while sitting. Greg’s like me. He’s kind of a serious dude but does know a little joke somehow. That Chinese man is full of jokes. Even his creative shots for graduation is a joke itself.

“I already ordered you a meal. Roast beef right?”

“Yeah. Thanks Micah. If in any chance, is it also your treat?” I carefully asked him with a wonderful grin painted on my face.

“LMAO. Ask that Chinese man,” Micah replied.

“Couldn’t agree more with Micah,” Russel nodded.

    Everybody laughed. I did too. I like being with these guys. They’re awesome. They’re my third family and all are older than me. Makin’ me feel alive. My food finally came. The waiter served it. The meat looks so tasty I can feel my saliva dripping already just from its scent.