27 November 2013

Because it was my off day.

It's been a while since I last had fun during my off day. One reason was because I used to have my offs after my night shifts, which I don't really consider offs. Another was because ten hour shifts a day was pretty much taking its toll on me now. So I usually just rest during my offs. Lastly, I was trying to avoid shopping malls because I really spent a lot during the first week of the month for clothes. In short, I already exceeded my monthly budget. So being tired, having limited budget and basically no time were the reasons I was just resting on my off days.
But hey, I did not do that during my previous off. Well, I was away from work for two days so yeah. But I was using my public holiday leave on the first day when I just slept and almost got sick. So the second day was my off technically. And I spent it quite efficiently.
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Brown ankle boots, red shorts, skin color tank top, gray knitted loose top, and a black and white tote bag. I couldn't get any more comfortable with these clothing on a day when the whether is pretty much unpredictable.
First stop: Lucky Plaza for Filipino food. I have been craving for my home cuisines for a while now, especially something with pork. And so I walked all the way to Lucky plaza for a set of pork dishes and a cup of rice. Pork Sinigang (pork in tamarind soup) and Lechon Kawali (deep fried prok belly) were the ones that I ordered.
I tried the store that my friend told me about - Lutong Pinoy in the basement level of Lucky Plaza. I was partly expecting something really good but it was just so-so. Had I ordered something else it might have been different perhaps. But then again, this friend who told me about the store was someone who loves all kinds of food. She always says that something is delicious even if others, myself included, don't agree with her. She knew about this and I always tel her about it. And there was no offense intended here.image
Second stop: Stranger's Reunion. Finally! I've been wanting to go to this cafe for the longest time. I froze my cafe hunting for some months due to the 'healthy' lifestyle that I have been trying. At least, I managed to put it on today's schedule.
The cafe has this really nice ambiance besides that fact that it was very crowded. I like the food and coffee and their service. Actually, the service staff are all nice and friendly and accommodating. I stayed for about two hours, read two chapters of Life, Interrupted book, and finished two cups of cappuccino. There must be something with number two eh?
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So after having my lunch and afternoon coffee, I went for a long walk from Kampong Bahru Road all the way to Temasek Boulevard. It's the same at Outram Park to Esplanade stations. Far? Well, the only places that were far for me here in Singapore were the seaside west - Tuas -  and seaside east - Punggol. And maybe Woodlands as well. But if you're used to hours worth of road trips, then these so-called far places here were nothing for you.
And I took a stroll along Neil Road, Cantonment and Tanjong Pagar and Robinsons Road. It was pretty fun to discover cafes that I have not even found online. Now, my list just got longer.
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I am not sure whether this Church was in operation or not but it looked pretty abandoned to me. Anyway, the contrast of old buildings against a clear blue sky just never failed to get my attention. The ever so picturesque buildings usually has that clear blue sky background.
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And yep, I just loved old, vintage, and rustic buildings. Definitely.
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In this photo, I already reached the Collyer Quay Road or Fullerton Road. How the sun shine through skyscrapers to the ground was just astonishing to me. I love shadows as well that's probably why I like sunshine.
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I was walking along this bridge so I can get to Suntec City. I just felt like taking a panorama shot of this place thinking that 'This is what was mostly known of Singapore.'
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And as I was passing by Esplanade, there were decorated discs floating in the pond-slash-fountain. And being my artistic self, this creation just gave me a good idea of what to do with my non-functional discs back in Philippines. 
And I don't have pictures of what I did at Suntec but I can just simply state it: Window Shopping. Period.
It's quite funny though that I walked the long distance from Kampong Bahru Road to Temasek Boulevard but I took a train from Esplanade to Bras Basah which was just a station apart. Oh well, my feet and legs were probably tired by then.
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And minutes after arriving home, I got a call from my friend who invited me out to have dinner or dessert with them. And so I went. I met with them at Nex Mall at Serangoon, in the Japanese restaurant where our other friend was on shift at that time. And we ordered cakes for dessert. It was my cheat day anyway, but I really ate a lot even for a single cheat day.
We hang around the place for a while and we eventually got free cakes to reduce 'wastage'. That was actually the best part. And by the way, the name of the restaurant was Green Pumpkin Cafe and the pastries were pretty good. Visit the place at the basement 1 of Nex Mall.
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And after our free dessert at Serangoon, we went to Little India and Haji Lane for a chill drinking and shisha session.
And one of the guys brought us to a hidden rooftop bar at Little India. The picture above was taken in that place. I didn't managed to get the name of the place but it was pretty good for a peaceful night out with your buddies.
Then we walked all the way to Haji Lane for another round of booze and some cancer-causing activity.  The place was pretty crowded even for a Wednesday night, when I always thought that every one would actually be partying at Clarke Quay.
And the night just went on like that. We drink. We smoke. We talk. And we actually had a pretty good time talking about movies, a little of the past that I've never heard of, some issues, fun facts, and current events. I don't know why, but sometimes when you're having a good time with people, you talk about sensible things, sometimes weird topics. I still remember the time that I was having dessert with another girl friend of mine and we were talking about the end of the world. Yeah, it wasn't a your usual girl bonding topic over dessert but it just happened.
My day wasn't exactly crazy and exhausting but it was fun. Half of the day was for myself, another half was bonding with friends. It was just a good balance. Most importantly, I had fun which was what I needed for a day off.

Note:
Zsofi Tapas Bar (Rooftop bar)
68 Dunlop Street Singapore 209396
Tel: +65 6297 5875

Stranger's Reunion Cafe
33/35/37 Kampong Bahru Road Singapore 169355
Tel: +65 6222 4869

Green Pumpkin Cafe
23 Serangoon Central #B1-K1 Nex Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 7990

24 November 2013

To my beloved sister







"The world isn't a mosaic of coincidences. It's all interconnected."
(Jostein Gaarder, The Castle in the Pyrenees)




















Hey there sister dear!
Well, this is supposed to be a retreat letter of some sort but with all honesty, do you really think I'd go with the conventional? I was asked by the parents to do this so I was just complying with the orders. And there you have it. It's not like there was really something I'd want to say.
Let's end the crap here. Just go and enjoy the retreat. Or watch people cry while they read their letters. Or maybe you could just read other people's letters? Yeah, something along those lines. See you March? Take care.
Regards (with all sarcasm),
Lisa ;)



















P.S.
And in case the retreat organizing committee or something of your college returned my email asking me for something more sensible, here goes...
(The aforementioned was really part of this like a prologue or something.)
So you were in a retreat but there wasn't really anything I could say that would be religious since I was not one myself. If you want something of the sort I'd recommend you read The Castle in the Pyrenees or Maya. Both stories were quite mind-boggling and partly touching the topic of religion. Just a bit. I have a copy of both sent back to Cavite, just look for it.
You are ABOUT to finish schooling in a few months' time (keyword: about, but Congratulations! in advance). Most people would call it ending a phase of your life. But aren't you just technically moving out of that phase so you could continue on with what you have started to pursue as your career? Or maybe not. But c'mon. You took something as marketing or finance or accounting for your program and it's not like you'd become a painter after you graduate right? And suck it, you don't have all those creative juices running in your blood. That aside, the moment you have decided to continue on with the program that you have chosen was the start of your career.
The moving on phase was something inevitable that you will eventually have to undergo in order for you to start another chapter of your story. And starting anew equals to changes. What will be awaiting you after you received that diploma and stepped down that stage? Definitely, it will not be the same old quarters and same old life that you have been used to living for four years. There won't be a need for you to drag yourself to go to your classroom and listen to your professors talk the entire daytime. Or watch your classmates go wild when the prof. was absent. No more late nights study sessions for quizzes much more difficult than your prelims. No need to prepare for home-works or group activities. No need to worry about getting called for recitations because you did not read a chapter of your book. And no need to worry about singing or dancing because you were late for your class. And most of all, there won’t be any grades to worry about.
There wouldn’t be anything of those after your summa cum laude finished reading his or her speech, thanking the entire world of things none of you guys actually cared about. What awaits you is a life of plain, old reality - a world not entirely different, but different nonetheless, from what you have known up until now. And after you exit that building where you had your graduation-slash-commencement exercise, everything will just be different and you wouldn’t even realize it.
Where will that piece of paper that you worked so hard for four years actually bring you? Saying that it would grant you easy access to success, given that you actually came from one of the prestigious universities in the country, is old news. Personally, I think that educational background doesn't help you much in real life. Sure you came from a good school and were given basic knowledge of what you chose for your career. That doesn't mean though that all the companies will be going after you to give you employment. It will still be about how you build your name in your chosen field.
In the new phase that you are about take in a few months' time, there will be no fairy-tale like fantasies whatsoever. If you think that a student's life was purely torture, this is your chance to think about it again. Actually, you can enjoy every second of it starting now because in the near future you will definitely long for that. This wasn't meant to scare you or anything. Maybe some stuff during college was just meant to torture you and prepare you for the real world. The thing is, life wants to screw with you. Always. There will be times when you get what you didn't expect. Exciting, eh?
I know this sounds like a lecture and all but heck, I don't even know what I'm supposed to write for a retreat letter. At least there was something right? Oh, and since I'm already at this point why not finish it until the end eh?
So yeah, whatever you choose to do after you graduate – whether you asked for a graduation gift (and you won’t get anything from me just to let you know) and have a tour somewhere, or be a bum for a while or enter the work force as soon as possible – it’s all up to you. You're free to do whatever you want and you deserve a break anyway. I know how school can be such a hell of a place too. And I also know the feeling of getting released from all the stress you had been put through for four years.
So little sister, just enjoy the remaining months that you have left carrying that student title – unless you actually planned to further your studies and enroll for a graduate school for some master’s degree. All those fun times you have as a student won’t last for long. Soon you will have to face the reality of living, of being part of the community as a responsible citizen.
After you start that new phase of your life, even if you try to go back to the old times, it just won’t feel the same. So maybe, you can start to cherish what you have now – your time as it is. After all, nothing lasts forever and change is inevitable.
I know I'm not making any sense at all and I'm mostly talking crap. I actually have nothing to say but I'm forcing the words out of me so bear with it.
And lastly, I know I can be too annoying at times…most of the times actually. But hey, it was my job to do that since only I can be your biological older sister. All you have to do is be annoyed and bear with me, that's actually your job as the younger sister. (insert evil laugh here) I didn't get Mama and Papa's message but I can just make a wild guess. Boink's as well.
We love you (probably) even if you are one crazy daughter-slash-sister all the time...
who couldn't wait until the following day to go to the salon to have her fringe cut, hence spending a few weeks looking like an idiot who had trouble with the fan;
who couldn't peel an Indian mango for dear life (at least I hope you know how to do it now?);
who loves to eat like a freaking hippo every hour;
who likes to rummage through my closet for a top;
who sings like a broken stereo;
who have an addiction for Korean artists;
who spends money with no care in the world;
who felt like and acted like she's an idol every single second;
who used to be mistaken as my twin sister (like seriously?);
who would always keep her closet far from being neat and tidy;
who would always act like she was a sanity-deprived person;
and many more other stuff.
So some things said above could be for exaggeration, but some were true. I think most of it was true to be honest. I really do. And since this was a letter and all, I could just tell you all the other stuff that you didn't know about, since I won't be hearing from your for a while. Or you could try calling me? ;)
And I'm really running out of things to say now. But hey, I'll just be here and you could ask me anything while I'm still breathing. Surely, I'll give you all the nonsense you wanted. :)
Just remember, we love you no matter what kind of person you are. Even if you become someone the entire world will hate. We’ll be there for you. Always.
All good things must come to an end and so is this crap. So just enjoy every moment of your life. Cheers to your batch! ;)

The Night I Met You

CHAPTER EIGHT
27th October XXXX
Blasting party music.
Skinny girls in either short shorts or short skirts.
Smell of alcohol and cigarettes.
Loud cheers from a lively crowd.
No, it wasn't a list of things I despise. Honestly, I had never thought I'd get to experience seeing these things first hand. I mean, I was the stuck up girl you'd find in a library reading a book. Apart from movies that I have been forced to watch, I never even dreamed of seeing these for real. And there was actually another thing to be added on the list.
Sound of revving engines.
"Hey, Angel. You okay?" A masculine voice pulled me out of my thoughts. The cold feel of the metal bar I was holding onto came rushing back to me. I was standing behind a railing, which was the only thing separating me from a crowd of people partying like mad.
I turned my head to the side to be greeted by Jacob's worried face. Why he was looking worried, I had no idea. I knew very well that I'm perfectly fine. Also, I knew that I looked like an idiot as I glanced between him and the crowd of people and the rushing cars in a dumbfounded awe.
"Look, if you do-" He was cut off by someone calling his name from behind him. The voice definitely belonged to a guy. What surprised me though was the clarity of his voice over the blasting noise of the place.
Jacob groaned when he heard the voice so I was certain that he didn't want to see the guy. Or at least not at that time. I tried to look past him to see who was coming towards us, but he immediately blocked the view as he turned on his heel.
"Hey, bro! I actually thought you're not coming." The guy who approached us greeted with his smooth voice. At a closer hearing range, the voice sounded gentle and smooth. I still couldn't see the owner of the voice though, since Jacob was such a tall guy while I'm a dwarf.
"Definitely wouldn't miss a day of this, man." Jacob responded with a shrug. And I could imagine the smirk on his face as he said that.
"So how's your little date?" The guy asked in a teasing tone and Jacob fell silent. Unable to keep to myself any longer, I stepped to his side and revealed myself to his friend.
I tried to put a small smile on my face. I didn't know if it came out as I expected because it doesn't felt like that. My face was probably distorted from the surrealism of today.
I am not sure why I wasn't astounded too much by good looking people. Maybe it was because I have always been around these kinds of people when I am so dull. You could say I just got used to it. So seeing Jacob's friend, who turned out to be another hottie, did not starstruck me.
He was standing about the same height as Jacob. Yep, a giant who's about a head and a half taller than me. The sides of his hair was in a neat short cut while his fringe was slightly long, covering a part of his forehead. He was wearing a black pullover with the sleeves pulled up just above his elbow. It was paired with dark-washed jeans and black Vans. If he has a car, I would bet that it was also black. The prim and proper emo.
Almost immediately upon stepping beside Jacob, the guy's eyes were set on me. He looked me up and down with a confused look on his face. After a careful inspection, his lips formed into a smirk that was almost identical to Jacob's.
"I see." That was all he said after studying my appearance. I didn't get what he meant and I really didn't plan on understanding it either. I've had more to think about in my mind than his two curious words.
It wasn't only the street racing event that pretty much struck me. It was probably the whole of today. I didn't know if his idea of date was messed up or he just preferred something different. I wouldn't deny that I had a blast though. It's just that the place was never one I would have expected. Not even in my entire existence certainly.
With his sleek car, you would have thought that he would bring me somewhere fancy, like a fine-dining restaurant. Heck, I would have even thought that he could get me on a yacht. Not that I'd enjoy something of that level. The point is his plan never went like that.
First I was woken up at seven in the morning and it didn't make me happy at all. You could say it was the polar opposite and I'm dead serious. Then, I had breakfast which I had not taken for years. The most astonishing part of the day though was the date itself. I was taken to a firing range and I actually held and fired a pistol and rifle. Interesting eh? I was more shocked though.
And the surprise did not end there too. We went fishing afterwards for our late lunch. It was like a riverside picnic because he brought other things to grill besides the fishes that we caught. Correction, the fishes that he caught.
If you were a normal girl living a middle class life, would you ever expect being brought to a shooting range for a first date? Then go fishing for lunch? Okay, maybe the social status wasn't really the problem. I only had one boyfriend for my seventeen years of living. What I was used to with dates were restaurants and cinemas. Normal and typical dates. No gun shooting. No fishing by the river. And definitely no night racing which was most likely illegal.
First time. Every thing about him was like a first for me. Going on a date with him,  who was more or less a stranger - okay, less than a stranger. Pulling a trigger to fire a gun. Going fishing for lunch. And attending a street race. It was all a first time experience for me. But they weren't bad at all.
I felt a tap on my shoulder snapping me out of reminiscing the events of the day. I turned to face Jacob's worried expression. Again. Just why was he so worried?
"Are you okay, Angel?" He asked again. I stared at him for a second trying to process his words. Angel. I don't know why, but he kept on calling me that. I didn't mind it though.
"Yeah." I answered simply. I looked around us and found myself to be surrounded with people. I couldn't see the railing that was separating me from the crowd. I was already a part of that crowd.
He leaned in closer to me and studied me for a moment. "Are you tired? You know I can send you home."
"You definitely wouldn't miss a day of this." I stated mimicking him. I remembered his words earlier as he was talking to his friend named Mark. The said friend stood on my other side watching the crowd go wild.
A small smile came to his face and he shook his head a little. "Why do you remember unnecessary things?" He asked.
"Couldn't help it. I was born that way." I shrugged and took a sip of the canned Mountain Dew I was holding. A soft groan left my lips as the fuzzy drink slid down my throat. All of this was real, I thought to myself.
He let out a breathy chuckle. It sounded nice and clear hearing it right by my ear. It even overpowered the loud noise from the crowd. "Just let me know when you want to go home. And-"
"I know. Remember your words." I said cutting him off. He had mentioned the same things over and over again. "One, never take anything from anyone here. Two, never leave your side, or his." I gestured to Mark who just gave me an amused look. I was starting to think that he was a man of a few words. "Three, if someone I don't like talk to me, tell you or him." I gestured again to Mark.
"Or him." His voice surprised me. I never expected him to say something. I followed the direction of the finger he was pointing to. He was referring to the guy who was coming towards us with a big grin on his face.
"Dude!" He called out to Jacob as he came closer. Jacob once again groaned, much like he did when Mark came. Doesn't he like the guy too? But they were friends right? He came closer and closer with the big grin still plastered on his face. The next thing I knew, I was watching the pair as they did the fist bump thing. Wow! A guy thing, I thought sarcastically. As if gun shooting wasn't one at all.
"I really thought you're ditching us. You should show yourself to Chris. He's sulking in his car." The new guy said laughing.
"Seriously? Is he a kid?" Jacob asked in mocked disbelief.
"You know how he thought of you as his lucky charm." The new guy answered. Then his eyes fell on me. He eyed me curiously and looked at Mark.
I heard Jacob groaned again. "No dude, wrong. Danica, Nate. Nate, Danica." He made a quick introduction. I never knew it could be that simple. I always cracked my mind just thinking how to introduce people to each other. Note to self: just do the introduction next time and forget formalities whatsoever.
"Right." Nate said after studying me again with a pair of curious eyes. Much like Mark's response earlier. Just why is that? They were men of few words I guess. That makes Jacob a black sheep then. He seemed to like to talk.
Nate was undeniably another hot guy. Were all of Jacob's friends good looking? Unlike Mark's neat appearance, Nate was more like your comfy and casual guy. Longer and stylishly disheveled hair, dark green hoodie, plain jeans and black sneakers.
I tried to smile at him and offered a hand to shake. It went completely ignored as he pulled me into a bear hug with that big grin of his. And I will be honest, I thought he wanted to crush me to death.
"Danica is it? First time coming here?" He asked when he pulled away. Jacob was scowling at him but Nate ignored him. I could hear Mark's chuckle in the air as well. I only managed to nod, dumbfounded at his enthusiasm.
I didn't know why but he looked stern for a moment. It was just for a split second that it made me hesitate if I saw right. Then he made a quick glance to Jacob before returning his gaze to me. "So, we stick together. People here could get way too rowdy and crazy sometimes."
"Sure. But no bear hugs. You'd kill me otherwise." I answered. For a moment he looked blank but almost immediately a Cheshire cat grin was plastered on his face.
He placed his hands on my shoulders and shook me. Just for clarification, he did not only shook my shoulders, he shook my whole body. It reminded me of the time earlier in the day when Jacob grabbed my arm and I fell in the couch. Just like that, Nate doesn't seem to know how to control his strength as well.
I was only thankful that Jacob pulled his friend from me. I stumbled a bit backwards when I was released from Nate's grasp. His shaking made me a little dizzy. Luckily, Mark caught me. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders for support. I mumbled a thank you to him.
"No problem. He's just always like that." He answered.
I watched as Jacob and Nate bicker with each other. It was actually kind of funny with Jacob looking like he was about to explode. Being with Nate, Jacob's suave aura just disappeared. Like he was demoted from the extremely hot male model to the extremely hot boy-next-door. Still extremely hot yes? That should mean something.
After grunting loudly, Jacob turned his attention back to me, a stern look on his face. "Angel, I'll just be gone for a short while. A really short while. Few minutes. So just stay here with Mark and-"
"Dude, I'm going with you. I need to see the guy too." Mark interrupted him before I could manage to do so.
"Then, I'm staying here until you returned back." Jacob said firmly looking at Nate.
"But you know that it will be better to show up there now." Nate shrugged.
"I couldn't leave her alone here." Jacob defended.
Feeling left out again, I interrupted their little dispute. "Why don't we all go together. So you all can go and I wouldn't be left here alone." The three guys stared at me in disbelief. Just what was wrong with what I said? I only said something that was the most logical option possible.
"You know I can stay here with her. Right, Danica?" Nate was the one who broke the silence. He stepped closer to me and stood just beside me. Wrapping an arm around my shoulders. At least the shaking act was gone.
I noticed Jacob shooting daggers at Nate which the carefree guy just ignored. "I think it's better to bring her along than have her stay with you alone."
"Ah, you really think so?" Nate responded with a knowing smirk on his face. Jacob cringe as if he thought something wouldn't go well when I actually came with them to who-knows-where.
At Jacob's reaction, Nate's smirk turned into a grin. "You haven't seen him yet?" Jacob asked Mark.
"Got here just a few minutes earlier than you. Needed to attend to things." Mark replied. Jacob groaned again. "I don't think there would be any harm in him staying with her." Mark added.
Jacob stared at him flatly. "I'll tell you what. This" He gestured to Nate's whole body. "alone is called disaster."
Mark just shook his head tapping Jacob in the shoulder. Oh, I forgot to mention that there was a big grin on his face as he did that.
"Why don't we ask the princess then?" Nate butted in glancing at me. The other two guys followed suit, and looked at me expectantly. Jacob most especially.
Thinking things through under pressure. That was one of my good points. "Yep. I'll be fine staying with him here." I answered confidently, with a smile as bright as the sun.
"See. We'll get along just fine. And I swear, no harm will befall upon her." Nate assured the other guys but I felt like it would be otherwise.
After a little more while of bickering among the guys, during which I have decided it would be better for me to shut up, Mark and Jacob left. I watched as the pair disappeared in the crowd of partying people. When they were completely out of sight, Nate, who stood beside me, nudged me in the arm lightly.
"So if your name's Danica, why was Jay calling you Angel? That your second name or something?" He asked.
I have noticed that Nate and Mark have been calling Jacob as Jay most of the time. I figured it was his nickname since Jay was short form of Jacob, so I didn't bother much about it. But why he was calling me Angel, I had no idea. I mean where did he get Angel if my full name's Danica Felix Reyes? It just doesn't make sense. It never actually bothered me until now. Because someone has actually noticed and pointed it out. Having to explain myself is one of the things I hate. "Honestly, I had no idea. Maybe you can ask your friend for me and then tell me the reason?"
Nate only chuckled at my response. He shook his head slightly, his hair going in all directions. "Say, did it hurt?" He asked snickering. I jerked my head up to him. His question baffled me like it sounded familiar but I can't seem to recognize how.
I looked at him confused which only made him laugh. "Sorry, I didn't get what you mean." I answered when his laughter died down.
"Ah, forget it. I just couldn't help myself." He answered grinning at me. "By the way, where did he bring you earlier?" He asked.
I didn't know if I should answer the question. Would it impress him or make fun of Jacob. I mean, shooting guns is not exactly where you bring a girl for a first date. "Um, fishing?" It wasn't a lie but it was still a safe answer. Safest I could think of under pressure without having to lie at least. You wouldn't normally bring a girl in the riverside to fish for lunch for a first date too.
A glint of knowing appeared on his eyes which were partly amused. "And?" How did he know that there was more? Oh, right. They were actually friends.
"Just fishing?" I answered looking away from him and back into the crowd of partying people. If he already knew where Jacob brought me why still push it?
"Oh, c'mon!" He nudged me in the arm once again. "He brought you to Philip's eh?"
"If you already knew, why are you even asking?"
"Just confirming." He shrugged and took a sip of his canned beer.
"Confirming what?"
"Stuff." He answered simply. "Want me to tell you another place he will bring you to?"
"And how can you be so sure that there will be another time?" I asked.
"I just knew. We can bet on it if you don't want to believe me."
"You sound confident."
"Because I am. So how about it? If he brought you out another time and to that place, you treat me to a meal of my choice. If he did not bring you to that place, I treat you to a meal of your choice."
His offer sounded convincing. There was actually a place that I've been dying to go to. And what do I have to lose anyway? I'm pretty sure that there wouldn't be a next time. "Deal. And you better prepare for it." I answered smirking at him.
Our little chit chat continued on. It was actually fun talking to him that I did not realize how long the other two were gone. I didn't wonder what took them so long since I was drowned in the conversation with Nate. The guy could be so funny and the chat just went on naturally. From a third party point of view, we probably doesn't looked like a pair that just met minutes before.
The day was actually filled with fun and surprises for me. You know the feeling when everything just felt so right and happy? Like you couldn't be bothered by anything? I felt like that for the whole of today. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. What ended my happy and fun-filled day was a little commotion followed by an eerily familiar sound that hung in the air.
<< Chapter Seven


14 November 2013

The Night I Met You

CHAPTER SEVEN
Jacob
Silence. It was only filled with the music of The Fray and the sound of the car's engine. Even the sound of my fingers tapping softly on the wheel was audible despite the music. I really don't think I could be best friends with silence, soundless, quiet. It has always made me uneasy. Just thinking that it would be like this for the whole of today was already killing me. Just why won't she speak?
It has already been twenty minutes since we left her house and during the entire drive, there has been no exchange of words. That was not cool. Am I that boring to be with? Usually girls would break the ice and talk non-stop about anything under the sun. I didn't even have to get so worked up about it. This was a first again.
I don't hate silence. I knew how to appreciate it at certain times. Though the only constant twenty minutes and more that I have been quite was during my classes or when I'm writing. I needed great amount of concentration at those times. I'm just not used to being kept silent. I could blame it on the environment that I grew up in. There has always been someone who would keep bothering me and I couldn't help but to talk and to respond, which was just proper manners.
The quietness between us was a comfortable kind, though a bit awkward. People who knew nothing about each other would definitely have a lot of things to talk about right? Like interests, schools since seemed to be the same age as me, food, music, bands, and lots of other things. But that was the complete opposite of what we were doing now. Instead of getting to know each other, we were getting comfortable in being at peace with each other. So, just what is wrong?
Maybe she was not happy? I already apologized for waking her up early, so that couldn't be the reason. Unless she had a grudge about it, which was possible. The girl couldn't wake up in the morning for damn life. I could bet that she wouldn't even bother waking up to check the war that has been going on just outside her door.
Could it be the food I brought? I may not be the best cook out there but I know that my cooking was above average. And it was only a simple American breakfast with bacon, sausage, eg- Oh, shit! Was she not happy that she was obliged to eat cholesterol-filled breakfast? That should be it right? Girls and their weird diet.
"So Angel, did you like the breakfast I brought?" I glanced at the passenger's where I forced her to seat. The girl doesn't like to seat shotgun for some reason and I have to force her to do so, just like last night. Who in the world wouldn't want to seat beside the driver? Her, apparently. I need to make sure that she heard me because she had only been looking outside the windows or windshield during the entire drive. Not even a single sneaky glance in my direction. And to think that I even bothered trying to look a little better than normal..
"It was good. I usually don't eat breakfast, but it sure is nice once in a while. Where did you bought it anyway?" Her angelic voice filled the car. I also liked her voice over the phone, especially that morning voice of hers. I can see in the corner of my eye that she shifted in her seat to face me. Time to show off my smooth driving skills.
Thankfully the road was mostly empty since it was a weekend morning and all. I revved the engine for a while before speeding forward. She slumped on her seat as I did, not expecting the change in driving speed. Her hand gripped the armrest of the seat tight and her eyes slightly widened. She made a wary but surreptitious glance in my direction, her gaze travelling from me to the wheel I was holding firmly. Then she kept her eyes on the road as she bit her lower lip. Was she afraid that we would hit someone at how fast we were going?
"I cooked it." I said just to break the silence and tried to slowed down the speed a little. She eyed me like she did not believed what I just said.
"You cooked those?" She asked skeptically. I only nodded in response, feeling smug about my cooking ability. Some girls say that they find guys who can cook handsome. "A guy who watches Disney films and cooks."
So that’s where this was going. So much for my manhood. "A guy who can cook is awesome. A guy who watches Disney films with his girl is sweet." I stated matter-of-factly.
"Really now? So, where is your girl?" She asked teasingly. I side glanced at her. She was looking at me with keen interest about my girl. What kind of guy would actually talk about his girl in front of another girl during their date? Girls just love this kind of topic way too much.
"At home." I simply answered. I can see that she was pursing her lips so as not to smile. I was fighting back my own smile too. Teasing her would be a little fun. And making her cry? Definitely not.
"You're living together?" She asked again, obviously interested to know about my supposedly cohabiting story.
"Yep. It was difficult, believe me." I answered vaguely. Her lips formed into an 'o'. She's seriously buying it!
"Aren't you like nineteen or twenty? Living together at such a young age, really? Wait, how old is she?" She asked skeptically. I was silent for a while increasing her suspense. "How old is she?" She repeated when I did not answer. I was trying hard to fight back my laughter.
"Tw..." I purposely trailed off, trying to look hesitant as I glanced at her. Thankfully, the lights just turned red. "Twe....elve." I continued with a straight face, my eyes locked with hers.
She blinked once then stared at me as if waiting for me to clarify it. When I did not say anything, she furrowed her eyebrows as if she was still processing my answer. Then her eyes widened in shock. It was cute and pretty funny how her reactions were completely shown on her face. But I held back the laughter until she said what I wanted her to say.
"You're a ped-"
I did not let her finish the word. One because I did not actually wanted to be called as such. It just sounded awful. Two, and the main reason, was because I couldn't hold back my laughter any longer. I knew that that was what she would be thinking. Her reactions were just too hilarious.
When the lights turned green, I dashed off without a word, sending her slumping back in her seat again and giving me death glares. It only made her look sexier though, and not a bit threatening. "So you really are joking. I couldn't believe I almost bought it."
"First, I'm eighteen. Second, it was my sister, twelve years old. She's cute and annoying." I said when my laughter died down. I smiled when I imagined my sister pouting, just like she always did every time I call her annoying, which was one hundred percent true. My passenger crossed her arms over her chest and puffed her cheeks, which just made her look cute.
"But seriously, don't you have a girlfriend? Because if you do, I don't really feel like being hunted down by some girl I don't even know." She asked, rubbing an elbow with one hand.
"I wouldn't be here if I do." I answered glancing at her direction for a second.
"You know that I could doubt that." She looked solemn for a moment but she tried to hide it by curbing a fake smile. The ex. The thought of the asshole affecting her so much was annoying. I opened my mouth to say something but closed it immediately when she spoke.
"Or maybe...a boyfriend?" She asked eyeing me warily. Her eyes were twinkling with interest. I suddenly stepped on the break, making us stumble towards the dashboard a little bit. The wheels produce a screeching sound in the process. Good thing the seat belts were invented, because she would have hit her head in the dashboard if not for it.
"Danica..." I grunted. "For heaven's sake! I'm not gay." I looked at her sternly, but she just gave me an innocent smile. I groaned, frustrated that I couldn't keep a reprimanding look on my face as I looked at her. I resumed driving, eyes fixed on the road.
"Defensive, aren't we? A handsome guy who doesn't have a girlfriend could only have a boyfriend. Just FYI." She reasoned, shifting in her seat to face me again. She was planning to keep the teasing on.
"So, you think I'm handsome?" I asked cockily, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. I've ignored her gay remarks, which was almost immediately forgotten. It just really irked me. For one, I am not gay of any sort, no being defensive whatsoever crap here. Two, it just crushes my ego to be thought of as a gay by a hot babe.
I watched her from the corner of my eye, capturing her blushing cheeks in my memory. She looked cute when she blushes. "I didn't say that." She defended quickly. Way too quickly.
"You so did." I shot back, eyes fixed on the road.
"Where are we going anyway?" She asked in an annoyed tone, looking away and into the road. She sounded desperate to change the subject and I wouldn't risk the chance of this date being cancelled again. Who knew when I could get the chance to take her out again? If not for the whole killer thing, I probably wouldn't be driving her right now. I should try to find even the tiniest bit of chance to ask her out again. It doesn't seem like she was used to being approach by guys. So being casual about it was out of the question.
Me: Hey, are you free tomorrow? I have these movie tickets that will be expired the day after, so how about we go and make use of it?
Her: Oh, really? Why don't you go ask your sister then? I heard a new Disney movie was out.
Surely, that is how it would go. A five-year steady relationship could make her so stuck up. Look at what happened. She was cheated on. Maybe I could turn her into a player like me. And we could both have a good time while she forgets her cheater of an ex.
I am fully aware that it was not easy to get over a broken heart. Taking her out of her nutshell, where she could think of God-knows-what horrible things, was probably the safe way to play it. I wouldn't want Little Miss Hot Angel turning suicidal. Yeah, right. Like I really care. Okay, a little.
I had decided last night that those thoughts of wanting her were just because of the suspension bridge effect. The first girl I ever saw cry, besides my sister of course, and I didn't know how to deal with the situation. Result, I thought of wanting to protect her and to keep her for myself. It was all because she was all broken and fragile and vulnerable. Still, I wouldn't deny that I was interested in her. But only that. Nothing else.
"Some place interesting." I simply answered, smiling as I think of how she would be reacting on my choice of venue. The place definitely was not one she would be expecting. It was probably not in the first-date-places list, or the normal date places for that matter. Restaurants and movies are too overrated and I liked to be different. I just hope she enjoys it.
The rest of the drive was normal. And by normal, I mean it was not silent. I tried my best to keep the conversation going. I told her all about myself and a little of Max, since she already met my old buddy. I also mentioned about my three best friends and she seemed to be interested in the twins for being 'too funny'. The thing is, it was only me trying to keep the conversation alive. Sure, she would ask about what I'm telling her every now and then but it was only me doing all the talking.
She wouldn't tell me anything about herself unless it was an answer to my question. Like her age, school, siblings and stuff about her. There was no initiative from her to introduce anything about her. It felt like she was avoiding making too much contact with me, which I wasn't used to. I mean, come on, girl always offer themselves to me, and in silver platter too. But this chick, no. It was like there was a boulder she built between us with huge letters saying 'stay behind the line'. Why doesn't she just keep quiet altogether instead of trying to entertain my nosiness? Right, like I would actually allow that.
The little chat that I was trying to contain was interrupted when Maroon 5's Moves Like Jagger suddenly played out of nowhere. It took me a while of internally complaining as to where that damn sound came from, before I realized that it was Chris calling me. He set the ringtone without my permission. My best friends and I were close like that. They can enter the house and my room and leave without even me knowing. At least Mark was decent enough to let me know he's coming over my place just before he actually opened the door to my room. The twins would not even bother knock. I sometimes wonder how I've been buddies with the guys for such a long time.
"Dude, where are you?" Chris voice greeted me, just right after I swipe the phone screen to answer the call. I had forgotten that I was using a Bluetooth ear piece. It was a habit of wearing it when driving. I find it very convenient and safe.
"Obviously not in my room." I answered flatly. For all I knew, the three were already making a mess out of my room right then.
"Yeah. We thought you'd be hiding in the closet, but as it turned out, you wouldn't even fit in those tiny spaces." He answered chuckling. I could here people talking in the background. From the sound of it, the other two were teasing the hell out of my sister.
"Tell Nate and Mark to leave the kid alone." I told him sternly. Even if we always tease my sister a lot, I didn't like it when I'm not the one doing it. Chris shouted over the phone to the guys. Disadvantage of the Bluetooth earphone device? You couldn't take it off immediately since you're not holding it. And when you’re driving too. So, Chris's loud voice made me cringe.
"Siscom, is what they said." He told me chuckling. "Anyway, we wanna know if you're in tomorrow night? There was a gig at Ryan's."
"Fuck, yeah! Of course, dude. I wouldn't miss that for dear life." I immediately answered. Ryan was a good friend of ours that we met in college. His family owns a pretty popular bar and we were usually being called to fill in for bands who made last minute cancellation. We never passed up on that. I mean, a live performance was a big deal for the four of us. It's something that we actually really like to do.
"Then, I'll tell Ryan to put us in." He informed me at the same time that she called my name loudly. I immediately snapped my attention back to her. Damn, I almost forgot that I was with her. Band and music was just my life and it certainly makes me forget the rest of the world. It makes me forget everything.
"Eyes on the road! Focus on driving!" She scolded, her eyes narrowing at me. Chris was telling something but I had already tuned him out, even if his voice was actually just by my ear.
"Yes, ma'am." When I returned my gaze to the road, I immediately stepped on the break just in time when the traffic light turned from orange to red. That was so damned close. Luckily there was no pedestrian in the road, otherwise I could have hit someone.
"Dude, you're with a girl?" He asked incredulously. I heard shuffling sounds and Chris groaning in pain. I could just imagine how the other two crushed him when they heard what he said.
"Was it the same girl from last night?" Mark’s voice asked.
"Seriously, the freak?" Nate’s voice followed.
If it was about my date, my friends would scramble from the ends of the world just to hear about it. But if it was the other way around, they wouldn't let me into it too much. Unfair, right? Worst, they wouldn't tell me why.
"Yes I am, yes it was, and no...just no, not." I hesitated on the last part, aware of the pair of curious eyes on me. I glanced at the passenger seat a bit, her eyes fixed on me.
"So, you're not going tonight?" Chris asked, sounding slightly dejected. Maybe he didn't like the idea of me choosing a girl over him. He doesn’t like cancellations in appointments. Despite being an idiot all the time, he was actually a timely kind of person. If you arranged a meet up with him first but had to cancel, you could expect a World War III. Okay, that was too grand. Maybe just Poseidon swallowing up an entire island in the Pacific Ocean.
"I never said anything about that. I'll go of course. Expect me there."
"Alright, then. See you tonight. Oh, and enjoy your little date." He said in a teasing tone before he hung up. And once again, silence filled the car. I should start another chit-chat.
"Bluetooth?" I heard her say while I was thinking of what to tell her next. It pretty surprised me that she actually initiated a conversation. Sure it was only a one-word question but initiation nonetheless.
"Yep." I answered taking the device from my ear and handing it to her.
She inspected it like a test subject. "This looks cool. I always thought that people using these looked like creeps, walking around and talking to themselves." She giggled to herself.
"I used to think like that too. But it was pretty convenient for driving." I answered.
"I wouldn't know. I don't drive." She informed me.
"You don't?"
"Nope. Don't like it. Too much hassle." She answered quickly.
"It's great though. I mean you can go anywhere and everywhere, as long as you have a car and gas and you know how to drive."
"And you own a driver's license." I nodded in agreement. "Still, I don't like driving. I always get my cousin to drive me to anywhere and everywhere I want. We even have a contract for that.” So her cousin was her personal driver huh? I feel sorry for the girl.
"I can teach you to drive." I offered, taking the opportunity to see her again.
"I wanna live longer, thank you. And if you also do, I suggest you keep me out of the wheel." I chuckled at her response and she just shifted on her seat again to face the front, fixing her eyes on nothing in the road.
"Then, can I also have that contract of driving you anywhere?" I teased. I noticed her cheeks turned a light hue of pink, which was cute on her. What could have made her blush? Realizing my offer of being her personal driver? So she was not as hard as a rock like I thought.
"N-no way. It was one and only, and I don't have vacancies." She defended quickly, not even meeting my eyes.
"Too bad then. Should I send you my resume so you can call me up once the position was free?" I asked.
"No need. It will never be vacant anyway." She shook her head.
"You'll never know, Angel."
"Are we there yet?" She tried to change the subject yet again.
"Yep." I answered as I pulled into a parking space of the venue I had chosen. She looked outside and tried to study the surroundings and I just smiled to myself.
I got out of the car and quickly made my way to her side, opening the door for her. She mumbled a thank you as if she didn't expect me to do that. I may not look like it but I could always act like a gentleman. I studied her face as she took in her surroundings. Fenced field, a simple brick house, lots of trees, a lake and just a few cars. She furrowed her eyebrows. I know she wouldn't know where we were from studying the place. She probably wouldn't even think of it. She could think of being in an eco park or something. But that was completely wrong.
I held her had in mine and pulled her gently towards the brick house. Just before we could get there, a middle-aged man came out from the house. He beamed upon seeing me and jogged to my direction.
"Jacob, boy! How long has it been?" He greeted me tapping me on the shoulder with a wide grin on his face.
"Just a few months Phil. Been busy with school." I answered grinning at the old guy. "How are things here? Been peaceful lately?"
"Yeah. But since you showed up, it will surely be one heck of trouble." He answered me, chuckling. "It's rare to see you here without your three musketeers. But I can see someone else." I noticed the teasing tone in his voice. He looked at her who was a little behind me.
"Yeah, by the way. This is Danica." I gestured to her and she managed to say a polite greeting and a courteous smile. "Danica, this is Philip. He owns the place." Phil held his hand to her which she took in for a shake.
"So Danica, I believe this is your first time here. Have you tried it before?” Phil asked her. She looked at me first before shifting back her gaze to my old friend.
“I’m sorry but no, I don’t think so.” She answered hesitantly, her polite smile still on her face. She looked like she was having an internal debate. I would bet that it was how she would push me off the lake when she got the chance.
“Oh, a first timer, I see. By the way, welcome to my Rifle Club!" Phil greeted her brightly and I watched as her reactions became one of confusion.
"Ri...fle Club?" She asked as her brows furrowed. I was feeling smug inside but I didn't let it show in my face. I noticed Phil looked at me but I just shrugged when I glanced at him for a brief moment.
"Yeah. This is a shooting range with guns and bullets and everything."
At Phil's words, her eyes almost bulged out of her sockets. She was very surprised to learn where I had actually brought her. Did she think I had brought her to a rest house or something? Maybe another time if she wanted to and when there was nothing or no one she would be thinking of.
I couldn't hold my laughter any longer and so I laughed aloud. Phil looked at me like I was crazy and she, well, I was satisfied with her shocked face. Surprising her was really fun. She was so easy to read like an open book. This was only part one. I couldn't wait for the main event today.
<< Chapter Six