I [don't] Play God (Chapter 7)

Chapter 7 – The Pushover

“Never climb a wall if you are afraid to fall.”

—If you are going to fight for something, be sure not to fight for nothing. Mind all the efforts, that’s pretty smart, if you do.—

“Karl! What happened? Who’s on the line?” Mrs. Serrano asked.

“Nothing, aunt. Wrong number, I-I g-guess,” Karlos nervously answered. His heart stumbled when he heard it was Bettina. After their dinner, he was restless for the rest of the night. He didn’t know what to think, he didn’t even know what to do.

“What am I going to do? Oh no! Not now. Not anymore. Karlos, you don’t love her anymore. You don’t, and you will never be. What about Dorothy? I am falling for her. Yes Karlos, you are. No, you are not falling, you are really in love with her,” Karlos said frantically to himself while walking over and over again into a circular motion. “Come on! You look so stupid Karlos. Stop talking to yourself, Karlos!” he said to the reflection on the mirror inside his bathroom. He was very worried of what might happen with his feelings for Dorothy if Bettina will take the scene.

ͼѦͽ

Sophia Abbe was walking through the corridor as she saw Agatha from a distance. She instantly dialed someone’s number to talk to. Twenty steps, nineteen, eighteen, fifteen, twelve, ten steps – she’s now ten steps closer to her utmost rival.

“Gotcha!” Sophia said when the number on the other line received her call. “Hello? Hi! How are you? Yeah, I missed you already. How are you doing, Hun? Yeah, did you take your breakfast? Yeah, Ahahaha. You’re kidding. You’re so awesome. Smooches. Bye. Take care,” said Sophia as Agatha precisely crossing her way and hearing all parts of the conversation. Sophia just raised her brows as she saw Agatha’s very beautiful face. She was so envious with the girl’s beauty.

“Pick me up later, Theodore.” That’s the last words spoken by Sophia as they passed each other. For some reason, it echoed again and again on the poor cheer captain’s head. She was really containing something wrong, but her nerve cells won’t work. What the hell is the only thing mind couldn’t confer? Never mind.

She reached her first class after walking too long. She entered her first class of the day, Economics. Mr. Fernando assigned topics for them to report and she was ready for it, as expected. Mr. Fernando was a bit late; he entered the class 13 minutes after the bell rang.

“Okay. Class, are you ready for your reports? I bet you do because this will be your 50% in the class participation. All those who fail to report, will simply fail, not unless you pass the exams. On the other hand, the reporter who will do good will see a bright mark by the end of this semester. That’s how it is,” Mr. Fernando introduced. “I would like to see all of you take the qualifying exams for your course so better pass this Economics class. Do I make myself clear?”

A roaring yes was heard from the class. They really found Economics boring. Nobody liked it as a subject. Who does in the first place? Agatha was third in line for the reporting. First was done. The second was next. She wasn’t nervous at all in reporting, but it seemed like somebody was pushing her to get nervous.

“Ms. Serrano, present now your report and start discussing. Class, keep your eyes wide open, and your mouth tightly shut,” said by Mr. Fernando, expecting that Agatha will stand out with her presentation.

“…The reorganization of the government of our country is the best way to diminish the economical set back of our country. It has been proven within South American countries like Mexico and Argentina,” she was reporting gently and decisively not until her eyes hit Theodore’s. She lost her concentration as he smiled reluctantly to her. Such a debonair! She was frozen to where she stands as the magical smile of a very charming guy knocked her entireness. She looked over her other classmates before she continued speaking. Most of them were dumbfounded by her brilliance. Even Mr. Fernando was astounded by her report. While the others are listening, the only girl busy doing other nonsense things was Sophia. She didn’t bother to listen to a loser, according to her, like Agatha. Her wisdom was enough to amaze everyone, as to her belief. Few seconds passed and Agatha suddenly lost her consciousness. The class was startled. It gone beyond their expectation.

“Guys, bring her immediately to the clinic! Rapido!” Mr. Fernando ordered.

“What happened?” asked Sophia to her seatmate.

“Agatha fainted. I hope she’s fine,” she replied.

“Wish not. If she’s sick, I will now be the captain,” Sophia said to her mind. “Where are you going?” said she as she turned over to Theodore who appeared to follow where Agatha has been brought.

“I’ll check if she’s alright,” he firmly said.

“She will, stay and sit down,” she said. Theodore gave a disconcerted look on her as his reply.

“If you leave, we’re over,” Sophia threatened.

“There’s nothing to get over with, we’re never together.” Theodore turned his back and rapidly went to the clinic. Mr. Fernando tried to stop him, but he failed. Sophia, sitting irritably, was so helpless not to do anything to stop him and felt embarrassed because of the dismay Theodore has given.

Clinic.

Agatha, still having pain on her head, tried to open her eyes and know what happened. As she moved a little bit, Theodore was rattled. He called the clinic nurse to check out the now conscious Agatha.

“Are you alright?” Theodore rned Theodore asked. Their face went too close when Agatha accidentally turned not knowing of his presence. They are just one breath away as that moment. It was the longest two seconds of their lives as they relished each other. The choirs of angels went down from the heavens for Theodore. “O-oh. Oh no. I think you’re okay now,” Theodore uneasily answered his question.

Still in shock, Agatha raised her body trying to go back to the classroom.

“I-I must go now. Nurse, did Mr. Fernando go here?” she asked the nurse who happily nodded at her. She also told Agatha that her report was okay, coming from her professor, and gave her some forms to fill up.

Meanwhile, as she went out of the clinic, Theodore followed her. He assisted her all the way to their room.

“What do you want? Don’t you understand your status? You’re with Sophia so stop acting like you want something from me,” Agatha said, slightly irritated.

“What are you saying?”

“You and Sophia are dating, right?”

“W-what?”

“You heard me.”

“Yes, he heard you and all that you said is true,” said by some voice somewhere in the corridor. “So do not intervene with what we have, okay?” It’s Sophia. She went directly to Theodore and wrapped her arms around his. “Stay away from us.”

“Don’t say that to me, say it to your guy,” Agatha answered back.

“Theodore, let’s go, we still have our class.”

“No. First of all, we’re not dating. Second, I will not go with you. And lastly, never threaten Agatha or else…” Theodore solidly responded. He then walked out and disappeared. Agatha still didn’t know what was happening and she’s trying to ignore all these.

ͼѦͽ

“What happened with you, huh?” Sophia asked.

“Never ever talk to me that way. Do not flirt with me because I will refuse you because I never liked you ever since,” Theodore said.

“No, never do that to me,” Sophia begged.

“I forgave you when you followed me to the coffee shop and sat with me, thinking it was a date. And also, when you called me up without asking permission if I will be glad if you ask my number from somebody. But assuming that I have feelings for you and acting like something happened, that’s too much. I found it offensive. So please, stop it. You know for sure, I have feelings for Agatha, if you don’t like her, then, never like me too. I have to go,” Theodore said to Sophia, leaving her mouth open, not saying anything.

**Whistle blown**

“Ms. Abbe! Don’t be a fool there! Practice time,” said Ms. Riza, the cheerleading coach of Layville University.

“Yes, I’m coming.”

“Never act like that with anybody. Be strong, lass,” advised Ms. Riza.

“Even with any other hunk there with oozing sexy body?” Sophia joked.

“You slut. Go back to the practice.”

Gymnasium.

“So you want war?” Sophia talked to Agatha while standing, jumping, clapping with their pom-poms, and cheering out loud.

“What do you mean by war? I’m a peaceful person,” she calmly replied.

“Thought you’re the brightest student? You know what I mean, guy snatcher,” Sophia retorted. “Back off with Theodore. He’s all mine.”

“Then take him. I don’t like him. Never interrupt me cheering with your silly girl talk.” She smiled with sarcasm.

“You’re rude. Liar! Arrrgh!” Sophia threw her pom-poms and tried to hurt the harmless Agatha. When she’s about to be hit by her envious archrival, Sophia’s arm was clasped by Ms. Riza.

“Catfight. I hate that. Go to the principal’s office.”

“But, Ms.! She was the one who started it,” Sophia denied.

“Now!” Coach Riza yelled.

“I never wanted things like that. If you don’t want to go to the office, say sorry to your captain!” Ms. Riza commanded.

“I won’t.”

“Then, you know where to go, dear.”

Sophia, full of disgust, went to her somehow favorite place in the campus, the principal’s office.

“You may not love me today, but I’m pretty sure, in time, you will,” she said to herself and went on walking.

I [don't] Play God (Chapter 6)

Chapter 6 – The Jeopardy

“The third party is not always the suspect, most of the times they are the victim.”

—Never go onto something with a second thought, that’s dangerous.—

It is 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Karlos was lying down on a nearby shady tree beside the Serrano’s home. He was just thinking – thinking of something about his past, about all that he had done. Suddenly, Dorothy was walking inside the Serrano’s to fetch Agatha. She was silently walking, not making any noise, she noticed Karlos. She tried to surprise him, but it was the other way around. She looked closely to the guy, Karlos’ eyes were closed, his lips were also tight closed, and when she moved a little bit closer, boo! Karlos’ eyes opened and Dorothy was shocked with what she saw, his eyeballs were rolled up, leaving only the white portion of his eyes. Dorothy was terrified with what she saw. She almost cried out loud without uttering any single word. She thought she might die at any moment, she was that panicky to react that much. Before she caught her relief, Karlos laughed so hard after seeing the poor lass’ reaction. He picked her thick eyeglass, which fell down after she was thrown away with shock. Dorothy became angry with the trick Karlos did.

“You’re not funny, aren’t you?” said Dorothy while fixing herself as she stood up from the lawn.

“But your reaction is,” he suavely answered. “You are a lot prettier if you are under terror,” he continued.

“You know what, I thought we will be in really good terms, but you know what, cut yourself because we are ENEMIES. E-N-E-M-I-E-S,” spelled Dorothy with putting much pressure whenever she’s saying and/or spelling the word enemies.

“Hey, that’s just a joke.”

“But it isn’t funny.”

“I’m sorry!”

“Well, you’re not. You’re rude.”

“I’m not.”

“Then die.”

Dorothy walked out of the Serrano’s, but she was slow enough to catch by Karlos. He grabbed her shoulders and she was instantly caught by Karlos’ strong muscular arms.

“You’re not going anywhere, alright?” Karlos said as he again flashed his killer smile.

“Let me out. You’re out of your mind.” Dorothy still tried to shrug the guy off, but her prowess was insufficient to match the guy’s. She was now regretting that she did not take up her karate lessons that her dad insisted.

“No. You are just freaked out.”

“I did. It’s all because of you, so thank you!” she sarcastically said. She was still wrapped around him, face to face. She didn’t know what to do. She also didn’t want to make a scene, but what she felt was really disturbing. As they continued the same position, her heart was mumbling something she couldn’t anticipate. It also started to pond so fast that The Flash would be ashamed of himself.

“I-I’m s-sorry, okay?” He slowly detached his arms from the poor girl’s body. His face blushed because Dorothy was about to cry. He didn’t know that she was that weak with things like that. She was continuously gawked with Karlos and she didn’t know why, but she really was. They stood up looking at each other, tight-lipped.

“I’m really sorry. I-I just recalled my ex-girlfriend. Ah, I just like her reaction whenever I do that. I’m really sorry; I didn’t mean to scare you or what… I-I really don’t know. I hope you can still forgive me. Another chance, I mean. Will you?” Karlos humbly explained; he was so guilty.

“You don’t have to explain. It’s already done. You don’t know my traumatic experience, that’s alright. Just don’t do it again,” Dorothy, now calmed, unconsciously uttered. She again tried to get out of Agatha’s home.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m leaving,” she said shortly. She walked demurely and glanced once again to Karlos whom she left alone. She was surprised to see tears falling from his eyes. It’s her first time to see a real man cry. She felt culpable for that, so she went back to where the guy is.

“Don’t be so gay. Why are you crying?” She tried to cool down the aura around them. She felt doomed on that wild afternoon.

“Nothing. I just missed Bettina.”

“Is she your ex?”

“Yeah. The one I loved most.”

“Why did you break up?”

“It is because she’s leaving.”

As Karlos continued telling his story, they sat on the floor, trying to relax them. Dorothy tried to cool down the intense emotions of Karlos.

“She and I were together for two years. She’s been a constant honor student while I’m a surfing champion way back. She’s the breadwinner of their family. And the bacon is always on hers,” he continued. Dorothy, on the other hand, was just looking at Karlos while absorbing his story. “When we were fourth year, we promised that we will be together in college. But that promise was broken into pieces. Our plans shattered when her greatest dream came in – a scholarship in Stateford University.”

“What’s the problem with that?” she butted in.

“I’m happy for her. It’s an achievement. The problem is our connection with each other. And yes, after graduation, she flew there and I was left in our town with my surfboard. Few months later, our relationship went on the rocks. Problems that we found hard to handle arouse. And few months ago, I have received a note from her. It was an official letter of her breaking up with me. She had another guy then on. It really torn my heart into pieces. I was so desolated with what I have learned. That’s one of the main reasons why I move here,” Karlos declared. “That’s why I really felt guilty when I hurt you, twice. I don’t want to see anybody sad, anybody hurt, because I already felt it. I want this world to have a hate-free country,” he added.

His sad story made Dorothy cried. She hugged him so tight that made Karlos blush again. In return, he also hugged her.

“I promise you, I will never hurt you. Not any time of the day,” she clearly said.

Dorothy’s day ended without knowing that Agatha was already out of the house waiting for her – for several hours.

Dorothy’s bed.

She’s thinking what had happened that afternoon. She knew that she already love Karlos the first time he spoke. In any way it is, all she knew is in the phrase I Love You, “you” is Karlos, but something in her heart said that there is a hesitating factor about loving him. Yes, technically, Karlos and Bettina were over, but in the guy’s heart, Bettina’s caress still lingers. She didn’t know what to do. One thing’s for sure, at a very short period of time, Agatha’s right; she fell in love with Karlos.

ͼѦͽ

The Serrano’s were eating their dinner happily.

“Karl, you didn’t tell me D was just here in the house, I’ve been calling and waiting for her for hours,” Agatha started the talk.

“I don’t know she’s looking for you, we had a talk here and she didn’t mention it. She forgot maybe because of me,” Karlos defended Dorothy.

“Well, maybe you had a great time. It’s a blessing in disguise. What happened?” Agatha smiled at him.

“Nothing much.”

“Hmmmmm. Jillian, did you saw Dorothy and Karlos together?” Agatha asked her sister Jillian.

“Nope. Haven’t caught them. Maybe in time I will,” Jillian facetiously answered.

They were having a good time talking together, when a phone call came in.

**Ring! Ring!**

“I will answer that. Excuse me.” Karlos stood up and walked to answer the call. “Serrano’s residence, who’s this?” he said.

“Can I talk to Karlos Monreal? Is he there?” the girl on the other line answered.

“Speaking. Who’s this?”

“It’s Bettina. Bettina Dantes, still remember?”

He was shocked with what he heard. Bettina’s back.


“R-really?” he answered obnoxiously.

A Warble of Love

I watched over the blues

And what I saw was you

Standing amidst the plains

Water of the soul, already drained.

Witness how you cry

Made my heart almost die,

Breaking up, your misery

Make it happen, my greatest reverie.

But you’re torn into pieces

Painful sobers turned into screeches

You’re messed up I wanted to comfort

But how? Will you accept my effort?

I am just a friend

Of such a wasted soul,

Downed by a person

Who trashed a precious stone.

Your love is what I’m asking

But it’s not what you’re looking,

Please forget that lying stupid

Hope to help me little cupid.

Listen to me now

As I softly whisper,

Moving on is the best thing

Let me help you keep it doing.

Loving is always giving

But giving, not always loving

So I say to you,

Free your heart

Let us make a brand new start.

I am just a hopeless mouse

Wishing to be your spouse

Gone all those melancholy

Sing a vivacious melody

Sing it now sing with me.

Make Believe

Long is the journey

For is the ride

Looking for somebody

No one on my side.

Soon as I envy

Oh, I get jealous

‘Coz you two are happy,

That should be me.

Plan is I made

Accidental it is

I somehow pretend,

I make believe.

Silhouette on my pane

A man on my brain,

There’s someone here

Seem to love, seem to care.

Diddle-doo diddle-Dee

Call the birds, come with me

In front of the crowd

Still on sham, I am proud.

Notice all the bad

Change all what I had,

Looks all that mean

Spill off the beans.

Year all that wander

Love not truly matters

Deal yourself with truth

Not a lie on a chatter.

Deal all the scorn

Dump the man with horns

Fly the bird of freedom

Long live your kingdom.

Agony of Rejection

I won’t cry for you

Because you may say things to me

You may throw bricks at me

But I am strong

I really am

Nothing can hurt me

Not a single one

I’ll just sing my heart out

Because I am saved

I am saved by my Savior

Redeemed from my downfall

Because I understand more

Morons don’t

And life may start with criticisms

They will end with praises

I promise that

Say that I am not like you

Because I am smarter than you

Piss me off

Kiss my ass

I say you’re sorry

I’ll laugh last

Strength is on me

‘Coz I’m happy

Don’t mean if it’s gay

Such a shallow thing

It’s never easy to say

I’ll just sit back

And pray for my

Sinister hack

I’ll wait for your downfall

Because you’re in trouble

Doomed with what you say

No, cross that word I say

I will be me

‘Coz I do what I say

Not just a puppet play

Cross your fingers

Let it hinder

I’ll call my Father.

Bubble-dee, Bubble-doo [You Let Me Fall For You]

I never meant to fall this pit

Am that oblivious, never thought of this,

‘Cause of that can’t go far, got broken feet

I think I’m dying maybe this is it.

But as I glance my head up high

I saw a bubble across the shallow sky,

So silent, shy and kinda meek

And from afar, it’s that so sleek.

I tried to reach that solitary bubble

But as I move, muddy pit suddenly wobble,

Got so anxious, don’t know what to do,

To my surprise, I’m saved I flew.

Flew amid air, around that bubble

I felt the warmth I never stumble,

 So said I as wind brushed me away

“Please take care of me, is that okay?”

Suddenly, I felt such a tremor

Bubble shrunk, popped out and disappear

And let me fell to a land full of spear,

I was hurt again, I couldn’t esteem

The thought of having me redeemed.

I was really hampered when you left,

I couldn’t grasp any breath

I then thought I was lost,

But I stood up wound is my cost.

It recurred I got confused

Come unto me, again it’s so good

As I approached, about to hug

Yet you’re gone, didn’t give a shrug.

Is that how you love

So good and all?

Free me, stay and let me fall

But then you’ll leave for good until

You find someone you’ll live for real.

Like the foolish bubble

Present at first, but in a sec

Completely gone, what the heck,

Knew nothing but to let you wait

But in the end, it’s not your fate.

I [don't] Play God (Chapter 5)

Chapter 5 – The Order

“Head over heels.”

—Falling in love is like falling on a cliff, it hurts on your way down and as you fall deeper, you have no choice but to try to survive. After all, only wounds and bruises are just the price.—

           

            “Thank you. Enjoy your coffee and come again,” said by the service crew as she gave the coffee to Agatha. And as she was drinking, she saw someone from a distance, which seems to be familiar. A guy and a girl whom she thought was an acquaintance of hers. As she kept on staring on the couple, she saw it was Sophia. She was shocked. And what was more surprising is the guy who accompanies Sophia – it was Theodore. She couldn’t believe what her eyes were seeing. The two people she’s irritated with were together. On the other hand, she felt a sudden strange feeling on her chest. She couldn’t explain what is it and why was she feeling that way. She finished her drink and walked out the coffee shop for her next class.

“You can’t believe what I will tell you,” Ben excitedly talked to Agatha. But she was not in the mood and she just lent her ears without paying him too much attention.

“What’s that?”

“Sophia and Theodore are dating,” Ben continued.

“I already know that,” she smiled and answered sarcastically.

“Really? When? But I don’t think Theodore likes Sophia, maybe that slut was just flirting with him,” Ben theorized.

“Ben, whatever is their status, you must accept what it is. You disgust or not, it won’t affect them. Just be happy for them. Don’t prejudge them. We are not sure. Let’s just be happy for them. When I knew that, I didn’t bother… as long as they do not hurt others’ feelings.” Agatha was shocked with what she was saying. That’s not on her mind.

Ben, confused, agreed on what Agatha said. “Yeah. I better should. You know what Agatha, I was just wondering, don’t you like Theodore?” he asked. “You look good together, honestly. If I were Theodore, I will pursue you. I swear.”

“Oh, come on! Don’t say and ask things like that. He’s not the type of the guy I like…”

“Maybe I am that one. Haha,” Ben chuckled.

“You’re silly, Ben,” she answered shortly and sneered at him.

At the back of her mind, something told her that it was very sad to know what she has learned. It confused her, but she still insisted what her mind had already set: Theodore was nothing to her – NOTHING.

ͼѦͽ

            “Sis! What’s with the face?” Dorothy started as she saw her on the cafeteria.

“Nothing. It was just I was thinking of something.”

“What is it?”

“Sociology. Twenty-five pages of research about human behavior. I don’t know what to do first,” Agatha said, but the truth is, it’s not a dilemma. What really is her dilemma? Her head – what her head is thinking, specifically. She was very puzzled with all the things she’s been thinking.

The school bell rang. It was already three in the afternoon.

“Hey!” Karlos yelled.

“Why are you here?”

“I’m picking you up.”

“Really? You got to be kidding. I have a practice at 3:30, will you wait for me?” Agatha asked. “Dorothy is not part of the cheering squad, mind you.”

“A... e... It’s alright. She’s not the one I’ve been searching for. It’s you couz,” said Karlos while scratching his head.

“I’ll sleep first.” Agatha jumped into Karlos’ amber red 2009 Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Cuda convertible and started resting. While she was sleeping, Karlos was playing songs in his car. Suddenly, he noticed that something was also clamorous. He searched for that sound and found out that it was Agatha’s cellphone. He couldn’t wake up Agatha because she was onto a deep slumber. He answered it instantly thinking it was important. He didn’t notice who was calling, he just answered it. And surprisingly, it was Dorothy.

“Hi Ag! Oh my super jeepers creepers! You won’t believe what I’m telling you…” Dorothy told things so fast. She was so eager to tell many things that she forgot to know who’s on the other line.

“Hey? It is not Agatha. It’s Karlos.” He answered back.

“Oh my! Why do you have her phone?” she said, baffled.

“She’s sleeping. It was a long story.”

“Oh, ok.” She then shut her mouth up.

Awkward silence occurred. Few minutes later, Agatha woke up.

“Karl! Who’s on the line?” she pondered.

“Dorothy,” he replied.

“Why? Did you call her?”

“No. She did. Here.” He gave the phone to Agatha. The two chatted for such a long time leaving him alone.

On the other hand, the duo crossed their chat to the lonely kid outside his car, Karlos, as their topic.

“Is Karlos single?” Dorothy asked with giggle on her voice.

“Yes, he is. Why are you curious, huh?” teased Agatha.

“Nothing. Just wondering. We’re friends, right?”

“Yes. I know you like him. Don’t hide it anymore.” Agatha never heard her best friend like that. But she must admit, unlike her, some boys are intimidated with her. She’s sexy, but she’s a geek. She’s so reserved, but very tactless. A very ironic lady. Only few guys were strong enough to court her. Dorothy was the kind of person who falls in love so deep.

“No. How are you and Theodore? Haha.” Said Dorothy, diverting the topic to Agatha.

“What about us? He and Sophia are now dating,” told Agatha. She started to feel the same feeling she felt early this morning.

“That’s good. They look cute together.”

“Yeah,” said she with a low voice.

“What’s with the tone?”

“Tone? My voice?”

“No. My voice! You’re freaking me out, sis. What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing. I’m fine. Hey, lemme clear this, I really had no feelings for that guy. I’m not a liar, right?”

“You’re not a liar. You’re just in denial. Ahahaha.” Dorothy laughed out loud. “Maybe we got same problems with boys. You bet!”

Their conversation was interrupted when somebody knocked on the car’s window. It’s Karlos.

“You’re practice is on now, get up couz.”

“Oh no! I’m late. Got to go, sis. Bye,” said to the girl on the other line. “I’m going. Thanks for the reminder Karl!” She jumped out of the car and elegantly walked out toward the gymnasium.

I [don't] Play God (Chapter 4)

Chapter 4 – The Other Mess

“A pretty woman must walk down the street to find his man.”

—You will never know whenever cupid is going to use his arrow of love, so you must always be poised and ready when you are about to be shot and fall, not on the ground, but on your lover’s arms.—

Dorothy, carrying her briefcase full of paper works, was walking down the streets alone. Her iPod was her best friend at the moment. The songs played on her iPod were her inspiration in writing poems and songs. Anyway, she was walking because she’s going to window shop on the boutiques along the sidewalk. Suddenly, she stopped at ‘The Manors,' something caught her attention. A beautiful yellow cocktail dress with white lace and little details on the bottom. She bought it easily and walked rapidly straight home.

As she walked down the road, she easily withdrew all the things she’s carrying and try to cover her face because of something that was approaching and caused her to panic. A bicycle was fast approaching on her. Splakk! Toogsh! Spoinks! Toogshingg! She fell on the floor recklessly. Her poise was completely gone and couldn’t handle to stand quick. The guy on the bicycle was thrown down to the other side of the street. It’s Dorothy’s unfortunate day – the pavement has no people around because it was a sunny noonday and only few dare to get burned by the heating sun. That means no one will help. The guy hushed back at her trying to assist her from standing up the ground.

“No! Don’t hold me. I can handle myself. Back off!” she shouted as she slowly picked up all her things.

“Miss, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you, it was just my bike got no brake.” The guy explained.

“Yeah right. Your bike doesn’t have a brake. And me? Look at my skirt. What the hell did you do? It was torn apart. I hate you. Get out of my way.” Still fierce, she looked at the eye of the guy with much anger. Who will not? Your skirt was ripped off, you just can’t smile with that.

The guy just looked down and didn’t say a thing. Only after, his eyes followed Dorothy as she entered a boutique to change clothes. He really felt bad. He stood up, flipped his bike up and walked slowly like a million dollar loser. After that incident, the sidewalk’s silence returned and the sun shone brightly.

ͼѦͽ

In Dorothy’s bed. Agatha’s on the other line of the phone.

“Ag! I got in trouble few hours ago.”

“What do you mean?”

“A damn guy bumped into me when I was on my way home. And my skirt ripped off. It was very embarrassing. L”

“What did you do?”

“I killed him. Haha.”

“How does he look like?”

“He’s cute. Chinky eyes, nice lips. He’s hot. Haha.”

“Well, it’s time for you to have another man.”

“I hate him. I don’t like him.”

“Shut up. Haha. Anyways, come in Cafe Ghiotto tomorrow, 7 in the eve.”

“Why? What’s new?”

“My cousin is here. Mom wants to have dinner all of us tomorrow night. It was just a simple celebration. Be there D!”

“Ok. Ok.”

ͼѦͽ

            It was already past seven, but still, no Dorothy in Agatha’s place. Agatha was very worried. Dorothy was once lost when they were little and she was so anxious about her being lost. It is not impossible for her to get lost again because she has no sense of direction. Besides, she has her driver with him. She pulled her cellphone and dialed her Dorothy’s number to confirm where she is. **Ring! Ring!** The phone rang.

            “Hello. Where are you?” Agatha asked softly.

            “Oh, I’m sorry to make you worry. I’m on my way. My driver and I were stuck on something and my phone hung up,” Dorothy explained.

“Okay. Thank God. My cousin’s here.” Agatha smiled.

Twenty minutes more and Dorothy came in.

“Hi. Good evening Mr. And Mrs. Serrano. Sorry if I came late,” greeted Dorothy.

“No problem Dorothy. It’s good to see you again. Haven’t seen you in a while,” said Mr. Serrano.

“I’m good sir. Just kinda busy with all the paper works in school.”

“You’re really diligent like my Agatha. You two are undoubtedly brilliant and… beautiful,J” Mrs. Serrano butted in.

Everybody laughed with what Mrs. Serrano said. There were five of them sitting, but six seats were reserved. Dorothy noticed it.

“Who’s missing? Where’s your cousin, Ag?” Dorothy wondered.

“He’s…” Agatha was about to say when his cousin appeared from her back coming from the washroom.

Dorothy was so shocked with what she saw.

“Yo... You?” Dorothy asked.

“Oh my, why are you here, missing?” Agatha’s cousin replied.

“You both know each other?” Agatha was confused.

“He was the one I was telling you Ag!” Dorothy answered back to Agatha.

“Oh no!” Jillian exclaimed.

“Jillian, what’s her name?” Karlos asked Jillian, Agatha’s younger sister.

“She was Dorothy. Ag’s best friend. She is so pretty, isn’t she?” the eight-year old Jillian said to Karlos with full of cuteness as she hugged her self so tight.

“Ah, darling, maybe you already know each other but to introduce you formally, he’s Karlos, my nephew,” said Mrs. Serrano with a big smile on her non-wrinkle face. “Karlos, sit beside the lovely lady.”

“Yes, auntie.” Karlos was so reluctant to sit beside Dorothy, but he was left with no choice. A little scorn on Dorothy’s face was somehow noticed by Agatha. She tried to smile and talk with the Serrano’s.

“Anyway, how did you and Karlos met?” asked by Mr. Serrano.

“Uhm, it was an accident. He was biking down the road yesterday and his stupid bike went all the way down to where I walk and poof! I lied down on the street and the rest is history,” told Dorothy without controlling her being a geeky tactless. Karlos was totally embarrassed.

“But I did apologize to her…” Karlos said.

Silence then arouse as the night deepen. Dorothy and Agatha stepped out of the restaurant and talked about Karlos.

“You know what, I can’t believe that you and Karlos already met,” Agatha started the conversation.

“Me neither,” Dorothy shortly replied.

“But he is a true gentleman…”

“Maybe he is, but the thing is, I just can’t take what had happened yesterday. I felt like ‘Oh no!’ like that. I’m not mad at him. I just don’t like him.”

“Oh D! Don’t be like that.”

“And you with Theodore?”

“Never mind.” They then sat on a bench near the restaurant when Karlos appeared again like a ghost.

“Hey,” he started.

“You know what, I got to go and check Jillian. B-R-B.” Agatha winked at her cousin, walked out and left the two alone. She didn’t want to break the moment of the two.

“AGATHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!” Dorothy shouted and she turned over to Karlos quickly changing her mood.

“Karlos, don’t worry I’m not mad at you. I just don’t like what had happened. Sorry if I overreacted,” apologized Dorothy, while looking at his eyes. As she stared at him, she was stuck with her position and felt that there was something wrong.

“Thank you. Ugh, are you alright?” Karlos carefully asked.

But Dorothy was fallen under Karlos’ spell. She was mesmerized with his handsomely figure. He was standing six feet and three inches tall. His face was so charming especially when he let out his drop-dead smile. His cute chinky eyes were very lovable. Seconds later, Dorothy brought back her senses.

“I… I’m alright. Do… do not w-worry about me,” she just didn’t know what to say. She was stuttering.

“Really? Anyway, are we friends?” Karlos then flashed his dashing smile and his sparkling white teeth.

“Sure. F-f-friends.” They shook hands and started to talk about things.

    On the other hand, Agatha, from afar, was just looking at them shuddering with what she saw. Jillian also watched them together with her parents. It was a one pleasant night.

“I am now my best friend’s cupid,” declared Agatha to herself, leaving a smile before the night ended.