First stop.
We went to a Korean restaurant downtown. I haven't been here before, actually, I haven't been to a lot of places since I don't go out that often. We were ushered by a waitress to a vacant table.
"Do you like Korean food? I chose this place because I think most women like Korean cuisine." Lance explained.
"I am fine with it. Honestly, I haven't tried any Korean dish yet. I just saw it in dramas and heard about it from my friends."
"This is a perfect place then. I am sure you will like the food here."
The waitress came back with a portable stove in hand. She laid it on the table and gave us chopsticks.
"Do you want to use chopsticks? We can ask for spoon and fork." Lance said.
"I don't know how to use these but I want to learn."
"Wait here. I will get everything we need, okay?"
Then he left to get our food.
The restaurant is quite big with a lot of customers, mostly in groups. On the walls, pictures of the food offered by the place can be seen. It is an eat-all-you-can resto and I am not sure whether I will feel comfortable eating in front of Lance. I am not used to going out on dates and even though he was my childhood friend, I cannot still deny the fact that he was also my childhood crush and I am attracted to him now. Who wouldn't be? He is so handsome, with a good body and he is such a gentleman.
Lance came back with two plates: one has thin long sliced pork which I am sure is Korean bacon and the other with meat marinated in soy sauce.
"Wait. I will get side dishes."
"Let me help you," I said.
"No!" He snapped immediately.
"Let me make it up to all the years we weren’t together. Let me serve you today okay? You are my princess for tonight and I am your slave so you shouldn't do anything."
"Okay." I smiled.
In my mind I was thinking, "Only for tonight? How about the next nights? Next month? Is he not planning to invite me out after this?" No! Stop it. I shouldn't be overthinking. I'm sure he didn't mean it that way. This is our first date together and I am sure there will be more nights for us.
He came back with kimchi, pickled radish, marble potatoes, salad, and other side dishes. He also brought some sauce, the orange one, I forgot how you call it even though he explained. He also prepared a bowl of soy sauce with some vegetables and he said I can dip the cooked meat later in here.
He then started cooking and I can't help myself but to stare at him. I was thinking how many girls he could have brought here. He is a band drummer and with his looks, I'm sure he already met a lot of girls who want to flirt with him. I realized how naïve I am for falling for someone immediately. Yes, he is my childhood best friend but I still haven’t seen him for a long time and I don’t even know his background now. I have to keep reminding myself that it is only a friendly date but being someone who has no experience in dating makes me jump into conclusions easily.
My imagination was stopped when he started talking.
"So, how is your mother? Does she still have the same job? Financial auditor, right?" He asked.
"Mom got married 3 years after we moved. After that, she didn't work anymore because she got pregnant right after the wedding. I now have two half-sisters but we are not very close. My stepdad is very nice. He tried his best to get along with me well and I appreciate that." I explained. "How about you? How are your parents?"
"They got divorced the same year you left. Actually, they were already not in good terms long time before that and finally they decided to file for a
divorce. My mom remarried, and my stepdad adopted me that's why I'm using Mendez now as my surname. They don't have their own kids. I miss you when you left, you know. I was really depressed that time. I still miss you now, even though you are already in front of me."I started feeling hot, maybe because of guilt that I didn't send him any letter since I left.
"I'm sorry for not writing to you. I really meant to write but it got complicated. I know it sounded like an excuse but that is true."
"Forget about it. You are here now, that's what's important. We can do many things together now. Do you have a boyfriend?" He asked.
I coughed, surprised and embarrassed with his question.
"Are you okay?" He gave me a napkin immediately.
"I'm okay." I assured him.
"You don't need to answer the question if you don't want to."
"I don't have a boyfriend." I said. "Actually, I never had one."
"Really?" He looks so surprised. "Are men blind? You are so pretty!"
I feel like I'm turning red with what he said so I tried to look at other things and tried to change the subject.
"Do you always come here?" I asked.
"Not often. But I like this place. I like Korean food. That's why I brought you here. I want to share everything I am interested in to you."
He started putting cooked meat on my plate and as we were eating, he was just staring at my face which makes me feel so uncomfortable.
"Anything wrong?" I asked.
"Haha! Nothing. Am I making you feel uncomfortable? Don't mind me. I just want to look at you. I can't believe you are finally in front of me. You are still the same beautiful and innocent Jez I know, and God, I miss you a lot." He explained.
"Why don't you just enjoy your food?" I said. My heart seems like it will burst anytime soon. I feel like a high school student having my first date. But I didn't experience having a date when I was in high school. I feel like if he proposes to me tonight, I may not able to stop myself and just say yes instantly. “Stop overthinking!” I tried to remind myself.
He was very caring the whole time we were eating. He always filled my plate with food. He makes sure that I always have water to drink and asked me what else I want to eat. He also took some pictures of me while I was eating which I find so sweet. Gosh! I think I already fell for him.
After we were done eating, we moved to a café near the Korean restaurant. We didn't need to use the motorcycle since it was a walking distance. While we were walking, he held my hand gently and looked at me with a smile. I couldn't help but feel shy and even though I thought it was quite fast, I didn't complain and also held his hand.
The night ended when he brought me to my place.
"I had fun tonight. Let's do this often okay?" He said.
"I also had fun and yeah, I would love to go out again with you." I answered.
"Good! So take a rest then, you still have to get up early tomorrow."
And before I knew it, he already kissed me in the forehead.
I was left shocked and I couldn't say anything. It was so surreal. Is it really happening?
That night was the happiest day of my life. I couldn't contain my happiness and can't stop reminiscing about the things we did and the things he said. Why did we just meet now? I never thought that going out on a date would be as happy as this.
I went to the bathroom to clean myself up before sleeping and before going to bed, I checked my phone for any message. Lance did send a message!
"I am home. Thanks for tonight sweetie. I can't forget how lovely you are. I hope to see you again so soon." End of message. Time: 12:23 am
I wanted to shout in my room. I feel euphoric.
I replied: "I should be the one thanking you. Can't wait to see you again. <3"
Everything may seem so fast, but I don't care anymore. I am not too young to play games and have a long courtship stage. What I know is I like him, I missed him so much and now that we are together, I won't waste anytime anymore. I have to show him how much I miss him and how much I want to be with him.
Beep. Beep.
Another message from him: "Good night sweetie. See you in my dreams."
"Good night."
I couldn't sleep well that night. I was just thinking about everything and how happy I am. Tomorrow, I will share everything to Annie.
I woke up the next day being greeted by a message from Lance.
"Good morning sweetie. I already miss you. We have a gig tonight. How about dropping in the bar where we will be playing? I would love to see you there?" End of message. Time: 6:23 am.
I can't help but smile. He wants to see me. Is he already my boyfriend? I am not familiar with having a relationship since I never had one yet. Should I play hard-to-get? Nope! I am not young anymore to do that. I won't hide my feelings for someone. And it is Lance anyway, so I am sure I can trust him.
The RumorI prepared myself to go to work. Putting make up is something I am not used to do but since I am inspired, I want to always look good. I also chose a dress for today since I might meet Lance again tonight. It is only Tuesday but many things have already happened. I can't wait to share them to Annie.In my workplace, most of my colleagues noticed the changes in me. They began complimenting my looks."You should always dress like that.""You look like a real woman now. Why did you do that too late?""You are blooming. Do you have a boyfriend now?"Those are some of the things I heard from them and instead of answering, I just smiled. Sometimes, it is better to keep quiet so they will stop asking more questions.When I reached my table, Annie came to me immediately."So, are you still going to keep a secret from me? I'm starting to feel like we are not friends anymore. Is it too difficult to share? I wo
Waking up beside someone you love can be the most wonderful thing in the world. I realized I missed a lot of things in my life. I wonder how my life would have been if I were more outgoing, and friendlier. Seeing Lance beside me makes me feel so young again, and having these feelings makes me feel safe, that nothing can hurt nor harm me.I watched him sleeping for a few minutes, just staring at his face and how broad his shoulders are. This is the man I want to be with for the rest of my life. I just hope I am not the only one who's taking things seriously.I was not able to tell him all the doubts I had. I was not able to clear things up with his relationship but it doesn't matter. I trust him and I think, that's all that matters.I got up from bed not feeling well. I have muscle pain everywhere, so I decided to call in sick. I usually don't get absent from work since for me, work is my life and that is the only thing that's making me busy.
I woke up the next day not knowing what I feel. I am heartbroken but at the same time, I am more relaxed and determined. Today, everything will change.I spent a longer time preparing to go to work than usual. After having breakfast, I prepared all the things I needed for work. I also spent more time choosing what clothes and shoes to wear. I don't have a lot in my closet, but I think my wardrobe is decent enough. I like shopping during my free time, though I don't normally use the clothes I bought. I just put them in my closet and feel satisfied just looking at them. I think now is the time for me to make use of them. That's the main purpose why people buy clothes anyway.I left home feeling light-hearted. As I took the bus, I could feel some eyes looking at me which made me ask myself. Is my dress too short? Am I showing too much skin?I arrived the office expecting my colleagues would tease me, but this time it will be in a positive way.As I approache
I am still overwhelmed with what's happening with me. It seems surreal and I am not used to it. I asked Mr. Smith to give me some time to think about his offer and I will get back to him as soon as possible.I didn't tell anyone about the offer. I have to think first whether I am ready to level up my responsibilities. I don't have the confidence to handle a team. Anyway, I'll think about it deeply.I was busy thinking about what Mr. Smith said when my phone beeped. Someone sent a message."Hi. This is Gino. Sorry for the late message. I hope you still remember me." End of message.The message made me smile. I don't know why. Maybe it's because it's not common for me to receive messages from other people, especially from a man. I cannot deny that I kind of like it but at the same time, it is also making me feel hesitant. What if he is like Lance? What if he leaves me later, leaving me heartbroken again?I stopped myself thinking more. I am becoming
OMG!Where in the world is my diary?! I remember I have six diary books. I opened the lowest drawer of my bedside table where I put them and to my surprise, they are also gone! I tried to calm myself down, I need to think clearly. Maybe, at some point in the past, I put them somewhere. Maybe, I chose a place where I can put them so no one can accidentally read them. But where?I opened my wardrobe to check whether I put my diaries in there. I removed all the clothes in all wardrobe layers, but I couldn't find my diary! I wrote everything in there since I was 20. All my hopes, my dreams, fantasies, and desires are all there. My diary is like my best friend who knows me from head to foot.The person sending me the gifts, I'm sure that person has my diary. He or she knows what I want exactly. But how would I know who that person is. Lance! He's the only one who came in my place. I'm sure he got my diary and I'm sure he's the one who sent me those presents. How coul
The Unsual ExperienceHow did I become a VIP customer? And how did I have a VIP account? I wanted to ask the clerk these questions, but no words came out from my mouth. I need to calm down and think logically. I know she is just doing her job and it is not her fault why I am in this situation. I left the shop feeling blank. It seems like I'm floating, like my feet don't touch the ground. I never imagined myself to be in this situation, not even in my dreams.I reached my place not knowing how. I couldn't think clearly and as days pass by, I am more and more left in a very confusing situation. I tried to tell myself to let it go and just enjoy the experience. I dreamed of buying anything I want without using my money when I was young and now, I have experienced it so I should just be happy for it.Wait! I remember writing it down in my diary. I remember after college, I started writing entries in my diary. Starting working, I felt so alone, and
"Do you trust me?" The man in a suit asked. I tried to look at his face, but it was too bright. I couldn't see how he looks like, but he is much taller than me, around 6 feet 3 to 5 inches. He was offering his right hand to me. It seems like he wants me to hold it."How can I trust you if I don't even know who you are? Why don't you show yourself to me?""In due time, darling, in due time. But you have to trust me now, okay?""I do trust you." I don't know why I said that. I normally don't trust someone easily unless I know that person well."Thank you, darling. I won't let you down. I will make sure you enjoy everything, and no one can hurt you again." He said with a smile.He came closer to me and held me in my waist. He was about to kiss my lips when I heard a loud noise. I tried to look at the direction where the noise is coming from. It is so bright. I opened my eyes slowly and I am back in the room where I was last night. So, it is not a drea
Did I put them in a bad situation? Did my Genie get mad at them because I didn’t stop by the restaurant? I felt a bit embarrassed with the message. It is not their fault that I decided to leave immediately from the hotel. I hope that doesn't put them in trouble. And the roses, should I ask him to send them to me? And how does he know my address? Did my Genie give all my details to the staff as well? I brushed off all the questions and started replying."You don't need to worry about it. I have food at home, and I didn't want it to get spoiled, so I decided to go home immediately. And about the roses, I think it is okay for you to display them in any part of the hotel. My place is quite small, and I am sure it cannot accommodate all the roses. Thank you, that was so sweet of you to send me a message."End of message.Actually, it was a lie that I had food at home. I just don't have the confidence to eat in a fine dining restaurant with my clothes. I will ma