“I’m going on a date.” he gave the same answer as he slipped into his sneakers, “Bye!” Grabbing his bag, he walked out of the house and closed the door behind him. Like always, a sour taste gripped . She tried very hard to shake off that feeling but all ended up in naught.

Why should I even bother who he goes out with? But the more she wanted to not think about it, the more troubled her heart was. In irritation she switched off the TV and threw its remote on the coffee table.

“Wow. Looks like Sly has got a girlfriend.” Florence stepped into the living room with a smile of pride.

“Yeah.” muttered unenthusiastically she was almost sighing.

“At least he has something to keep him busy with.” Florence said, “Or else he would come pestering me to prepare chicken rice for him. , its time you get yourself a boyfriend.”

’s shoulders tensed. Her head yanked up and she eyed at Florence as though she were an alien. “Come on, I don’t need a boyfriend to keep me busy.” she snorted in a childish manner. Too vexed to stay, she bounced off the conch and trudged towards the stairs.

She marched down the hallway to her room. It was then did an object in front caught her attention. She paced down faster and closer scrutiny revealed it was a big bouquet of red roses lying at her bedroom door. wrinkled her eye brows in confusion. She bent down and scooped up the bouquet.

As far as any girl could derived joy from receiving flowers, a sweet smile of delight craved on her face. Attached to the bouquet was a little card. As flipped it open, it read:

‘For my Fair Lady - ,

The trip to Singapore was a pleasurable one because of you.

I wish for the honor to date you.

Chrissypoo’

Suddenly she felt pinpricks of nervousness as an exclamation in her mind bombed her rationality. What the hell is this? Chrissypoo? Her emotions ran from mildly excited to meek disappointment upon the knowledge of the person who gave her the flowers. Why wasn’t it him?

She thought it was him at first. That was why she was happy. But reading the card and soaked out her happiness.

Because that person turned out to be someone else and not the ‘him’ she was thinking of.

::::::::

“Its nice during night time here too.” complimented with a smile. Christopher and her were walking along the sandy beach under the dark starry sky after the dinner at a classy restaurant.

“Yup. The beach is also the best place at night.” Christopher agreed as they continued strolling, listening the sound of the gentle waves sweeping at the brim of the shore. “Know what? Walking along the beach is the best peace God could ever give. Yet, its even better to walk with someone special by your side rather than walking alone.”

“Really?” choked out abruptly and looked away at once. “Ah Chew!” she sneezed. Indeed, she was shivering slightly due to the cold waft of the surroundings at night. She hugged herself for warmth and before she knew it, Christopher had threw his coat over her shoulder gently.

“Don’t get chilled.” he reminded with care as he carefully wrapped with his coat.

“Thanks.” she muttered softly. Silence swept in. Truth was, this was the first time ever felt so uncomfortable around Christopher. For the past weeks of his stay here, they had managed to click along pretty well. Sharing almost the same interests was what prolonged their conversations. But something was just missing between them. The spark of chemistry wasn’t there at all.

As for Christopher, it was a different story. ’s optimistic character and ebullient attitude never failed to brighten up his life. He realized that yes, he had fallen in love with her. Perhaps, she was so different from other girls and this captivated his heart. Picking up all his courage, he decided to confess to her.

“.” he began in a sincere tone. “I like you.” he emphasized his words as he stared right into her eyes. Somehow, Christopher’s gaze possess power to look through her soul, making her more panicky than ever. Her face turned frigid with shock.

Stunned, her throat lacked ability to make noise.

“Will you be my girlfriend?” Christopher finally expressed the bottom of his heart as he placed both his hands on ’s shoulder. He looked at her intently, waiting for her answer.

“I…” stuttered.

:::::::::

It was late in the night. As the clock read eleven, the door opened and a deadbeat Sylvester entered the house. He was so exhausted his eyes simply refused to open wide. Locking the door softly, he turned and was about to head for the stairs when something (or rather someone) at the sofa caught his attention.

“WAH!!” He screamed and bounced back a few steps, “! What are you doing here!” Quickly, he reached for the switch and turned on the lights of the room.

“What’s keeping you so long to return?” she asked, shooting up from her seat. “You should have at least called to say you’ll be coming home late.”

“I’m sorry. I forgot the time and my hand phone’s low batt.” he explained with a tired smile. Upon being frightened by , his remains of sleepiness were blown off. “Don’t sit here in the dark next time. You could scare people easily. I thought you’re a ghost.”

“Really?” she rebuked sarcastically. “Then you should have come home earlier!” Part of her was troubled by Christopher’s confession but a bigger part of her was severely worried for Sylvester’s safety. She had stayed up all night to wait for him. But alas, that was what she got as a ‘reward’ - Being labeled a ghost.

“What’s wrong with you?” Sylvester frowned, taking a step closer to her. “PMS? Or are you jealous because I have a date?” he meant it as a joke but wasn’t in the mode of cracking jokes.

“Why should I even care about your girlfriend!” she screamed, obviously fuming. “You can enjoy your date for all I care! Why should I even bother to wait for your return!”

“You mean you’re waiting for me?”

“I’m not!”

“But you just said it!” This time, Sylvester got more baffled by ever. Communication breakdown worsen the situation. “All right, lets stop arguing. We won’t want to wake the whole house up.”

“I’m not trying to stir up a fight or what!” retorted brusquely. Her exasperation was burning so hard she felt like smashing anything within her sight. “I just want you to be more responsible next time! Call home if you’re returning late!”

“I’m sorry.” Sylvester gave a sigh that held all disturbance. “I really forgot the time. I didn’t mean to.”

“You mean it! Bet you must be having so much fun with your date you forgotten everything!” she shot back grudgingly, waning his patience.

“I have no choice if you don’t believe me.” he shrugged, already giving in to her.

She was still angry and perhaps a little in distress. pushed him off and dashed to the stairs, thundering all the way to her room.

Just what was wrong with me? She thought.

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End of chapter…

Okay guys.. Will be back for more… Thanks for reading ya!! ^^,

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