Chapter 5

"Mom won’t allow me. Swear!" I hissed for the nth time. It was Vettinah on the other line. She’s inviting me to a night pub, I guess. I wanted to come, but my mom will surely disagree.

"I'll talk to your mom." Vettinah insisted. She's very persistent. I shook my head, letting the wind coming from the open window caress my face.

"You're just wasting your time. Surely."

Our school organized a small welcome party for the varsity. It will be held at Monte de Cafe and Bistro tonight. It is as clear as the sun that my mother won’t allow me to come.

“Have you ever tried to convince her?” it was still her on the other line.

“I didn’t tell her--”

“I hope you at least tried.”

“For what? She will not allow it, either.”

"I'll take care of it, trust me," she said over the phone. “Give me a minute; I’ll be there to fetch you. And oh, no buts and no and. Period!”

My mom, especially my dad, was too strict and a bit kill joy. They do not allow me to wander around too much, so sometimes, I am forced to lie or sneak in. Alcohol, boyfriends, and some other stuff are strictly prohibited. But I had one before. It was Ace. Of course, I needed to feed my curiosity.

It took Vettinah an hour to arrive.

"Good morning!" Vettinah greeted politely. "Hi, aunt! You don't seem to be getting old. How old are you again? Seventeen? Eighteen? Twenty?" she added, which obviously makes my mother flattered.

“Be careful, young lady, I might believe it.” mother teasingly replied.

They both laugh together. I even saw how Vettinah winked at me as if she’s assuring me.

“Aunt, I was wondering if you can allow her our today?” she asked, referring to me.

"Where are you going?" mother asked curiously. “My daughter didn’t say anything to me.”

"Just at home, aunt. We need to finish our Research Proposal as early as we can," Vettinah explained politely.

"Is that so?”

The level of my nervousness started to rise, while my friend, on the other hand, seems calm.

“What time do you think you will finish? I can’t allow her to go out at night.”

“I'm not sure, but I promise to send her home when it's a little late," she answered. "But it would be safer if she spends with us there." Vettinah gave her sweetest smile. "If you will allow her, of course," she said afterwards.

My jaw literally dropped when my mom nodded as a sign of consent. I blinked more than thrice to make sure that I was not dreaming.

The Monde de Cafe and Bistro has a nice ambience, a cosy place perfect for entertaining. It is the best al fresco drinking spot in Paniqui, Tarlac. It gives a cosy vibe complete with acoustic music, great food, cold beers and friendly staff.

It is my first time at the Bistro because my nightlife was not active before. Upon entering here, you will hear noises coming from different people that smell fragrant food and wine. There is also a performing live band in front of the crowd.

When we arrived, the free play band's performance started already, so it was a bit noisy. I'm wearing high waist ripped jeans paired with a white off-shoulder top.

"Our beautiful cheer dancers are here!" one of the boys announced. They shouted and offered us a seat and beers.

"Cheers!"

They offered us a can of San Miguel Light. I was about to taste it, but someone grabbed the drink away from me. I automatically shifted my gaze and saw a familiar face. It was him again. Why is he here?

“No high alcoholic drinks for you, darling,” Leo said.

Few minutes had passed when he came back, holding a blue drink in his left hand. A Gatorade, I guess. He offered it to me while smiling from eye to eye. I can’t stop rolling my eyes.

Our friends and colleagues keep on teasing us upon seeing what he did.

There were few rumours about us. People keep on insisting that we are dating, that he’s courting me, and something is going on between the two of us. It all started at the gymnasium, right after the training. Also, when they saw us eating lunch together.

Ah! I can say that they have a dirty mind.

“So the rumours are true!”

I was just shaken by their nonsense, especially by Cristan's noise. Cristan is Leo’s best buddy and a member of the school varsity, too.

We were singing along to the band when they suddenly sang 'Here I am' by Air Supply.

Just when I thought I was over you,

And just when I thought I could stand on my own,

Oh, baby, those memories come crashing through,

And I can't go on without you.

We really feel like singing, even if sometimes we don't reach the tone.

“Sing with us!” one of the band members said, which makes the crown even wilder than I expected.

"Come on, guys, louder!" Their vocalist added. They were enjoying the song more than the way we did.

I just stopped singing when I heard Cassandra's little giggle. And when she whispered something in my left ear.

"Tatiana! His eyes are captivating!”

“Who?” I asked curiously with my knotted forehead.

“The band vocalist!” she screamed. “He’s handsome and actually my type.”

I just shrugged, hiding the fact that almost everyone in her eyes was handsome. They are almost the same as Vettinah. The only difference is, she is girly while Cassandra is a bit lesbian-look.

“He’s been looking on us for a while!” she screamed again. “Does he like me too?”

“Why don’t you ask him after their performance,” I suggested.

“Not going to happen, dear. Because he will come to me voluntarily.”

"Less assume, less pain," I said jokingly. I laughed when she gave me his hand and raised her middle finger.

I can't live without you. I miss everything about you.

Just when I thought I was over you,

And just when I thought I could stand on my own,

Oh, baby, those memories come crashing through,

And I can't go on without, go on without,

It's just no good without you.

Without you.

After the free play band, they announced that the floor is now ours.

They screamed when they saw me in front. "Don't judge me, guys. I am not a good singer." I jokingly said.

"Woah!"

The crowd clapped and cheered for me. I saw Leo standing near the right-wing. He was looking at me intently but with a hint of amusement plastered in his eyes.

Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees

And all will be alright in time

From waves overgrown come the calmest of seas

And all will be alright in time

Oh, you never really love someone until you learn to forgive

Ohh, you never really love someone until

You learn to forgive

I’m on the last step of the stair when a small grain dripped from my eye. I thought I was okay, but why do I have this feeling deep inside me that I wasn’t?

Am I happy?

I left the area and moved to the stool bar, near the entrance of the bistro.

"Hi!" someone approached and greeted me.

I shifted my gaze and saw the band vocalist. His voice was cold, and his smile did not reach his eyes.

Was he faking it too, as I did?

"Alvin," he introduced himself as he offered his hand for a handshake.

"Tatiana," I replied and accepted his hand.

"Tatiana," he muttered. "A beautiful name for a beautiful lady like you."

”How many are we? Have you told that to?”

“Come again?” he asked, raising a brow. “Having trust issues, are we?”

I just laughed at its flattery on me. Boys will always be boys.

“You can say that,” I replied before drinking the last alcohol I have.

"Looks like you're going through something."

"Not really. Just memories that keep on crushing through.” I answered honestly.

Ace doesn’t deserve my trust and loyalty. I was a real fool back then for falling into his traps, into his sweet lines and promises.

"Well, it's tough to forget someone who gave you so much to remember," he laughed jokingly.

He offered me another glass of margarita, and I gladly accepted it.

“Cheers?”

“Yeah. Cheers to the love we can’t have--” I stiffened in my seat when I felt something strange.

Someone grabbed my waist and pulled it closer to him. I lifted my gaze and saw Leo with a straight face.

"Don't flirt with my girl, dude. It's rude and disrespectful."

What?