The Best Man

Chapter 24

Really, I would want to scream and shout at the top of my lungs!

Justin? As in Justin Adrian Madrigal?

Why the hell is he calling me?

I mean, how did he get my number?

Questions came rushing into my mind and I can’t take them anymore.

I took another deep breath and said, “Hi.”

“Did I disturb you with anything?” he asked.

“Ahm, no. Really. Why did you call?”

“I just want to hear your voice.”

“Okay. Is that it?” The sound of his voice is like music to my ears.

“Actually, there’s more.” I know from the sound of his voice, there’s hesitation.

“What is it? Tell me.” I am smiling.

“Ahm. . . “

I’m waiting for him to continue for what he has to say.

“Ella. . .“

“Yes?”

“Can I. . .”

Oh my gosh, I’m nervous. What is it?! I want to shout.

“Can I invite you tonight?” There at last he said it!

“Tonight? Where?” I asked. I want to jump!

“On a date.”

“Oh.” I gasp.

“But, if you have something more important to do, it’s fine with me.”

“No!” I shouted. “I mean, I’m free tonight.”

“Okay, can I pick you up at 6 o’clock?”

“Sure.”

“So, I’ll see you then?”

“Yes.” “I’ll wait for you.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Okay. Bye.”

“Bye.”

We are not hanging up.

“You hang up first.” He said.

“No, you first.” That’s me.

“I can’t” He said again.

“Haha. Why can’t you?” I asked.

“I just don’t want to hang up. Please, do the honor.”

I smiled, “Okay, Justin, I’ll hang up. You will have a bigger bill if no one from us will do it.” I listened for a while. I really don’t want to hang up too. But then, I ended the call.

I was swirling in my bed.

He just called me, I thought.

I don’t know what to feel.

I am overwhelmed with my feelings.

This would be my real first official date with him.

I can’t help but smile.

I wanted this since the first time I met him at the hallway.

Oh Justin, what you do to me, is very much.

I never felt this way since . . . I erased that thought. It’s from the past. Past should stay in the past. It should not be brought up in the present or in the future.

I tried to call Trish, but she’s not answering.

I want to tell her about this, about my date later.

I remembered that she and Nate will go on a date. So I just sent her a message.

To: Trish-best

**HI. I’LL BE OUT LATER. DATE. <3 **

Message sent!

I went to my closet and looked for something to wear tonight.

What will I wear?

What kind of date will it be?

Hmm, think, think, and think.

It’s already 5 in the afternoon when I decided to prepare.

One hour, it’s enough for me to do my rituals.

I finished taking a bath and covered myself with my bath robe.

I put on my lotion and looked at myself at the mirror.

“Only light make-up will do,” I smiled at myself.

I put some powder and pink eye shadow, then mascara, blush on and my final touch, a pink lipstick.

I slowly wore my pink dress, about 2-inches above the knee. It fits me, and shows some of my lovely curves.

I curled the tips of my hair and let it fall freely at my back.

I finally wore my white wedge shoes. It’s just 3-inches, I can do this. I told myself.

I was about to finish when I heard my mom called from the outside of my room.

“Sweetie,” as she opened the door, “there’s someone downstairs.”

“Okay mom, I’m coming.” I went out of my bath room and I heard my mom gasp.

“Wow, you are very lovely my dear.”

I turned around and smiled at her, “Thanks mom.”

I grabbed my phone and put it in my purse.

We went outside my room, and slowly we went down the stairs when my mom whispered to me, “He is so handsome Ella.” I heard her giggle. I just looked at her and smiled. Yes, he really is, I thought.

While going down the stairs, I can see my dad talking to a guy, and bombarding him with questions.

I looked at the person who is talking to my dad. He is a tall man with black hair and broad shoulders.

My dad was the first one to notice me, and when the guy did turn around, both of them were stunned by my beauty.

My dad went back to his senses and managed to say, “Bring her home before midnight or you’ll regret meeting me,” my dad said.

“Dad, don’t be so rude,” said my mom.

The guy went straight to me and offered his hand. At first I hesitated to hold him but he held my hand and ushered me outside the house.

“I will bring her home before midnight sir,” and he helped me inside his car.

He started the car engine and me, seated beside him, still clueless of what’s happening.

I looked at him and asked him, “Who are you?”