LTB— 9
1431 Words
I resisted the temptation to glance or look at him while we were on the trip. I was afraid I might be carried away and go crazy over him once more.
Not again, Cecilia. You've managed to push him out of your mind for a few days.
I hope there's no traffic so we can arrive quickly. Besides being hungry and tired, I want to get out of his car.
My treacherous heart beats strangely again in his presence.
You shouldn't like him, I scolded myself.
Right. You shouldn't—because even if the world were to end, it's unlikely he'd ever like me.
As he parked her car in Adrian and Tasha's mansion front yard, I quickly got out. I stole a glance at him briefly.
"Thanks," I almost whispered. He didn't respond or even look at me, not even for a moment. I sighed. What should I expect from Jetro, who's incredibly aloof?
A few meters from where he parked her car, Adrian's group seemed to be enjoying themselves. There were alcoholic drinks and food on a metal table. When they saw us, their voices grew even louder.
"Whoa! Is what we're seeing real? Are you actually using 'veneno' now?" they greeted with a tease.
"And you even gave someone a ride?" his friends added.
"A girl," a familiar voice chimed in, but I didn't bother to look.
"Shut up!" Jetro said as he started walking towards his friends.
"Cecilia!" they called me. I slowed my pace and waved at them briefly, then continued walking.
I paid no more attention to their conversation. I continued walking into Tasha's house.
I headed to the kitchen to get some water and grab a bite to eat. There was pasta and pizza on the counter island. It's getting repetitive! We had the same food with my coworkers earlier.
I wanted to eat. "Haven't you eaten yet?" Tasha asked. I glanced at her as I looked for something easy to cook in the fridge. She walked over to the center island.
"I did eat. But I'm still hungry because I couldn't finish my meal," I replied. There's no rice left.
"You didn't even feed Cecilia before coming here. You could've at least gone to a fast food drive-thru," Tasha said. I turned and saw Jetro next to her. He was also looking at me, his expression serious.
"You didn't tell me," Jetro said shortly and seriously. I frowned. How can I tell him? He was so rude earlier, and it was clear he was just doing this out of obligation. He's not very talkative.
I couldn't think of anything to say, so I just stayed silent.
"I'll just order you food. You don't need to cook," he said while holding his phone. Was there a miracle? Tasha is here, I thought to myself.
I didn't argue. It's not every day I get free food from Jetro. I might as well take full advantage.
I sat on a high stool, and Tasha sat beside me.
"Just wait," Jetro said before he left.
"Your friend is so grumpy," I told her, confident that Jetro had already left the house. Tasha laughed.
"He's actually kind," she replied. "They were moody, though." We chuckled softly.
True.
"By the way, tomorrow you're going to try on gowns. They'll be selecting ready-made ones since if the wedding preparations take too long, I might end up pregnant." Her excitement was evident in her eyes and the broad smile on her lips. Her eyes sparkled with overwhelming happiness.
Tasha and I became friends when they moved to our province. She confided everything in me, from her relationship with the company's CEO, her boss Adrian. I knew how deeply she loved Adrian, and I could almost envision my situation with Jetro if I continued my infatuation with him.
But the thing is, her story has a happy ending, while mine has a tragic one. Not like a novel or those romantic stories I've read. Because from the start, Jetro made it clear that he didn't like me.
Why was I thinking about it again? I smiled at Tasha, blushing with cheeks aglow as if I were smitten.
"Adrian seems so serious and strict, but when it comes to you..."
As I said that, Jetro was on my mind. If he ever met the woman he would spend his life with, I was sure he'd be like Adrian.
"I really thought we wouldn't make it this far. That he'd get married and have his own family, but I wouldn't be the woman. And the secret about the twins would remain hidden," Her tone held sadness, but she smiled again later.
"You two are really meant for each other," I said. She nodded. I wish everyone could have forever. I wish everyone would be loved deeply by someone.
"As for you, have you also started liking someone here?" Her question left me speechless for a moment.
"Wait, I'll just check if they still have food outside." She got up and stepped outside.
It's good that she didn't force me. It doesn't seem like Adrian told her that I like Jetro. That's a relief.
I was amazed by the amount of food Jetro had delivered. He's so generous, isn't he? Instead of assuming he was concerned about me being hungry, I just thought they were all going to eat together.
I don't want a tragic love life, so I'll avoid thinking about him and wait for the miracle that he'll notice my beauty.
I only took a little from each dish in front of me.
I was almost done eating when I received a call from Bjorn. It's almost midnight, but he still decided to call.
"Hello," I answered before taking a bite.
"Have you arrived home?" he asked immediately. I quickly swallowed my food to respond.
"Yes, a while ago. I came to Tasha's place. How about you, have you arrived? Where are you now?" I asked one question after another.
"Good to know. I just arrived at the hotel. I'm in Davao," I nodded as if he were right in front of me.
"Okay. You called just to check on me? It's late at night." I took another bite.
"I just wanted to hear your voice. You're not going to sleep yet, are you?"
"Hmmm," was my only response because I still had food in my mouth.
"You sound so sexy," he said mischievously. He laughed softly, and I laughed too when I realized what he meant. This guy is such a flirt.
"I don't know about that. How long will you be there?" I changed the topic. I wasn't bothered; I just wasn't used to this kind of conversation. He said he's not a playboy, but his lines reveal some experience in flirting.
"Four days."
"Is that so?" That was all I could say.
"Why do you sound sad? Will you miss me?" he teased. He's so playful. I laughed.
"Crazy! I already miss you," I went along with his teasing. He laughed as well.
Wow! This guy got thrilled. His laugh is so flirtatious, but it sounds so good.
I also laughed, then bit my lip. I continued to nibble on my lip while stifling a grin as I listened to Bjorn's hearty laughter from the other end of the line. Just as I raised my gaze, I was shocked to see Jetro in front of me. He was inspecting the lined-up food containers on the center island.
Has he been here for a while? I wondered.
Well, what if he's been here for a while and heard what I said, I thought.
"Oh, I see. I kinda want to go back there right away," Bjorn chimed in. I burst into laughter at his remark, suddenly feeling embarrassed as I remembered I wasn't alone.
I looked at Jetro and saw him shrug. He quickly turned away to grab a food container.
"Just say it," Bjorn said.
"Crazy!" I replied with a laugh, and he chuckled even more. I didn't bother looking at Jetro anymore. Let him be. He's not the only guy in the world. I'm not going to chase after him. I'm not desperate. I won't force myself, especially since he made it clear he didn't want me.
I should just forget about him. There are plenty of others out there. And among those, there's one guy who's really meant for me. Maybe it's Bjorn.
If Bjorn is serious about me, I'll choose him. He's handsome and attractive. He's wealthy, and most importantly, he appreciates my beauty. He's not boring.
- Writer
