How Deep is Your Love?

11 - Natalie

Knock! Knock! The sound of the door opening slightly startled me and I hastily hid my diary and pen under the pillow.

“Yes?” I blurted out, surprised to see Brian bringing in my tea.

“Delivery.” He said before placing the tea on my bedside table. “Morning.”

I caught up my breath as I looked at the man holding up a tray of food, carefully placing it on the bedside table. He just looks so fresh and nice even in just a simple shirt and sweat pants.

“Morning.” I answered as I shyly reached out for the tea. “And thanks for delivering.”

He remained standing there and awkward silence filled the room. He looked at me like he wanted to say something but can’t find his words for it.

“Why are you-“ I started but immediately stopped when he spoke at the same time.

“After eating breakfast, prepare yourself. We’ll go somewhere.” He declared.

“Huh?” I voiced out, a bit confused.

“Let’s have lunch. Meet me at the main door by 12pm.” He replied before walking out hastily, leaving me all flabbergasted.

What was that? I thought, mixed emotions boiling within me.

Did he just ask me out?

Oh, wait. He wasn’t asking me out. He told me to get ready without asking. Tsk.

I sighed as I blew on my hot tea. “So demanding.”

I smiled as I blushed.

***

12pm sharp, I was already waiting at the main door and Brian was quite surprised to me when he got out.

“What? You said 12pm.” I commented and he slightly smirked and shook his head.

“Well, most girls would be here by 12:30pm.” He responded as we both walked to his car, him opening the door for me.

“Well, I’m not most girls.” I added as soon as he sat on the driver’s seat.

“I know, silly.” Brian answered before starting the car.

“So, where are we exactly going?” I asked.

It was actually a question I have been meaning to ask since I was eating breakfast. He just told me to prepare but didn’t tell me where we’re going. Thus, I am not very sure if the clothes I’m wearing now is appropriate to the place we are going.

“Somewhere. You’ll see.” He said and slightly smirked.

“But I’m not sure if I’m wearing the right set of clothes.” I reasoned and tilted my head to the side.

Brian then looked at me quickly from head to toe before turning his gaze back to the highway. “Your dress and shoes are plausible.”

“Plausible? How can you say that?” I asked and pouted slightly. I’m currently wearing a flowy white dress, slightly off shoulders, and clear sandals with a slightly high heels. He’s way taller than me so I opted to wear one. “You didn’t tell me where we’re going so I got no idea how to dress up.”

“You look great. So don’t stress yourself.” He answered as I looked outside to hide my reddening cheeks.

“What is this really about, Brian? Where are we going?” I asked after a while, turning my gaze to him.

“Just wait and see, princess. I’m sure you’ll be fine.” He answered with an amused grin on his lips.

***

I was awoken by a gentle shake on my shoulder. I didn’t even notice that I fell asleep. I shyly smiled and fixed myself as I looked outside, simply wiping the sides of my mouth to remove the drool if there’s any.

“Sorry I fell asleep.” I automatically said as I faced Brian who’s smirking on his seat.

“It’s fine, we travelled for about 2 hours so I can’t blame you for dozing off.” Brian answered and looked at me with amusement. “Except for the snoring.”

“I don’t snore.” I immediately defended myself with a pout which made him laugh.

Control your heartbeat, Natalie.

His laughter always caught me off guard. It’s like music to my ears and it’s something that’s always been rare for him to do whenever he’s with me.

What really changed?

“We’ll be there in about 15 minutes or less.” Brian then said after laughing and I nodded quietly.

That’s when I looked outside and noticed that we’re off to somewhere I am not familiar with. The road is surrounded by trees.

“Where are we?” I asked bluntly. Then I looked at him with my widest eyes after a horrid thought came to my mind.

“What?” He asked.

“You’re not planning to murder me and drop my body around this area right?” I questioned and his eyes widened too as he immediately stepped on the break, the tires screeching, the car making an abrupt stop.

“Why would you say that?” He asked and looked at me like I’ve grown two heads. “Of course not! And who murders people in the middle of the day?”

“I don’t know. Just making sure.” I commented and he sighed deeply, his eyes looked a bit hurt. Then he started the car once more, his aura now is dim, his mood definitely changed.

I was just kidding. I thought and mentally slap myself for ruining the day.

“I know I was a horrible guy and I made you suffer all your life and I ruined your weekend getaway and I was just trying to be nice for once. And even if I was still the same person as before, I would never ever want you dead. Never. So no, I won’t kill you.” He said afterwards which made me a bit guilty.

My cheeks reddened in embarrassment and I turned my gaze to the window. I opened it, the gush of fresh air refreshing my feeling as I breathe out. I then brought out my hand and closed my eyes as the sunlight started to touch my skin. I can’t help but remember the past.

All is finally coming true. I finally get to college. Thinking forward of how things would be excites me. I have been here for about a week now with no signs of Brian yet since he went on a business trip. Tita Lorie said she already informed Brian about me moving in and that I’m already here. She also said that he should be back tonight or first thing in the morning. I smiled widely. I missed him so much. I haven’t seen him for a while since my graduation. His parents brought me here last weekend and introduced me to Carmen, a middle aged lady who comes here to clean the condo from time to time and cook food for Brian when he’s around. She was very nice and accommodating. So far, we like each other. She went home right after cooking dinner for me around six in the evening. It was sad to eat all alone for the past whole week but I know I have to get used to it since Brian is a very busy person, having his master’s and working for their company at the same time.

Today was the first day of classes and so far, I’m still adjusting but I totally like it here. And now, I was busy doing a simple homework waiting for Brian. I sighed when I checked the time and it’s already past 11pm.

‘Maybe he won’t come home tonight.’ I thought sadly.

I prepared myself to sleep so that I can wake up early and prepare some food for Brian tomorrow morning. I just happen to close my eyes when I suddenly heard weird noises just outside my room, some giggling and soft voices.

Brian?

My heart leaped with excitement and so I stood up and fixed my hair. Putting on my glasses, I realized that I was only wearing my jammies and decided to change when I heard a squeal followed by a laughter.

That’s not Brian. It’s definitely a girl’s squeal.

With my heart pounding so fast, I slowly approached the door. Putting my ears against it, I heard more giggling and murmurs not far from my door. I was a bit afraid but for sure they’re no thieves, because if they are, they should be super quiet. I carefully opened my door, making sure there is no sound. When I looked at the side where the noise is coming from, my body froze. I am completely sure that man’s back is Brian and he’s carrying someone who’s legs were on his hips, hands encircling his neck. Moving sideways, I saw how both of them gobbled each other hungrily, the woman moaning seductively as Brian targeted her neck. I don’t have any experience with anything like this but I know for sure what they’re doing.

The woman slightly opened her eyes and it widened when she saw me standing behind my door, closely watching them.

“Brian, stop…someone’s here.” She said, looking a bit embarrassed.

Brian abruptly stopped what he was doing, carefully putting the woman down, slightly backing away from her. The woman immediately fixed her hair and went to pick up her shirt on the floor, putting it back. Brushing his face with of his hands, Brian finally turned towards me, his face looking so annoyed.

“W-what’s going on?” I managed to asked.

“She is?” The woman asked Brian, enclosing her hands on his arm.

She looks like a supermodel, beautiful, tall and sexy. And I was just an ordinary girl with glasses compared to her. Erase that! I am nothing compared to her and her looks.

‘But I am his fiancé, right?’ I alleged, trying to keep my heart intact, afraid that it will shatter once I move or speak more.

“Don’t mind her. She’s just a numskull who’s sent here to study for college. Mom wants her to stay in the condo.” Brian coldly answered, finally averting his gaze away from me.

My tears immediately poured down as soon as those words left his mouth and my heart shattered into thousands of pieces.

“Why here?” The woman continued to pry.

“She’s like my parent’s foster kind.” He answered and tugged the woman to follow him to his room. “I said don’t mind her.”

“Nice to meet you!” The woman managed to say and smiled softly as she was dragged away.

I didn’t even hear the sound of Brian’s door closing. And I didn’t even know how long I stayed standing there.

‘I am just a nerd numskull for him.’ I thought as I finally recovered, brushing my tears away and stepping back to my room and a loud bang as I closed door, locking it. He was never nice to me and he hated me ever since he met me. But I didn’t know that he hated me this much. He knew that I already moved here. He knew that I was already here. His fiancé. He knew about my feelings for him. He knew that I love him. But still, he decided to bring some other girl and show me how insignificant I am and my feelings for him. I just felt my world crumbling down as I cried. I suddenly had the urge to throw everything away and I did. For the first in my life I cried loudly, throwing everything to the tiled floor. I even broke my mirror. I didn’t care if I got scratched or anything, I just felt like all the cells of the body had started aching. The pain that I was feeling inside me was just too much to bear and I can’t take it anymore.

I slumped on the floor and cried more. I just didn’t care. Then I heard some distant cursing and someone banging at my door.

“Natz! Natalie! Open the door! s**t!” Brian cursed outside.

But I was in too much pain to even care. Then I saw the bottle of painkiller that I usually use for my severe migraine. Without further thinking, I opened it and gulped everything in it. I then closed my eyes and hoped that the pain relievers work because that pain was too much. It was all too much.

After a long while had past I started to feel like I can no longer breath. My vision was all blurry as I blink a couple more times, catching my breath. Then I heard a loud indistinct curse as the door finally opened. Everything was all fuzzy and clouded. But I remembered a familiar voice cooing me repeatedly.

“I’m so sorry. I never wanted any of this. Please, stay with me. Please don’t die.” He said over and over again.

I was pulled out of my reverie when I felt the car stopped once more.

“We’re here.” Brian said and he tried to smile.

***