She really hung up on me. Frank could only say that in his mind while staring at his phone, wondering why she hadn't responded.
He just placed the phone on his table. It was late already, and he needed to rest.
The next morning, still no reply. That girl was really ignoring him. He got ready early to head to the office because he had something urgent to finish.
He'd have more freedom once his dad went on another business trip. He didn't drive his mom today either, since his dad was around.
She might be the only one who completely ignores all my texts and calls. Frank, what now? She's too elusive. He sighed to himself.
He walked toward the office. He was the first one there, so he sat on his office chair and let out a sigh as he fell deep into thought.
His day was packed. Several projects were piling up, and he had to meet with clients and business partners.
Meetings everywhere. He could only complain in his mind, shaking his head.
When he got back to the office, his oh-so-talented cousin Clover was already there, sitting down and holding his head.
"Did you drink again last night?" he asked him. He shook his head at his cousin's habits. "I have to say, even with your schedule packed, you never skip out on booze, girls, and clubbing."
"Oh, shut up. When you go to clubs, you have your fun with the girls there too," Clover shot back.
"Yeah, whatever. I'm not like you," Frank replied.
"Hey, we're the same breed, Frank," Clover said with a smirk.
"By the way, I'll head home before you today," Frank said.
"Yeah, sure," Clover replied.
Time flew quickly. Frank hurried out of the office. He didn't get to catch her yesterday since she left school early with Veron.
Ah, fate really does play tricks. He thought to himself when he saw Mariely walking quickly toward the gate. It was obvious she was in a rush.
She's seriously avoiding me, huh? he said in his mind, grinning.
She hadn't gotten on a jeepney yet. It looked like she was checking for something.
Is she aware I'm here? he wondered.
He approached her. Her face showed surprise.
"Where are you going? You're early," he said casually.
She raised an eyebrow. He got out of the car, knowing she'd try to escape. He pulled her inside his car. She tried to resist, but he quickly locked the window.
"Just calm down," he told her.
She didn't speak, just glared at him.
"You were the one at fault yesterday, and yet you're acting like this?"
She frowned. "What are you even talking about? And why should I explain myself to you? Are you my brother or something?" she snapped.
"You sure ask a lot of questions. You should be thankful someone's actually worried about you."
"Worried, my ass. I'm just heading to the grocery store. You think I care? A lot of people love me." She retorted and reached for the door.
He started the engine.
"What the hell," she muttered.
"You're going to the grocery? Let's go. Maybe it'll cool that hot head of yours," he teased.
She's so much fun to annoy. He grinned to himself at the mischief.
****
She really ended up going to the grocery store with this jerk, Frank. He'd been teasing her nonstop since yesterday. She couldn't even focus on what to buy.
Frank tapped her shoulder. "I'll grab some condoms," he whispered.
Mariely glared at him. "Like I care. Did you really have to announce that?"
Frank just grinned at her while browsing the sanitary section.
"Oh, now I get it. You're on your period, huh? That's why you're so moody. My bad, my bad," he said.
Calm down, Mariely. Calm down. She repeated in her head, trying to stop herself from punching him.
She grabbed a pack of sanitary pads—with wings.
"I thought you were buying something? Why are you still here?" she asked irritably.
"You're coming with me, right? You need to help me pick the right size," he smirked.
"Do you want me to kick you again?" she shot back.
He just laughed. "Chill."
He waited for her while she paid at the counter. It was almost 6 p.m. Her mood, which was supposed to be good today, had been ruined again by this guy.
After paying, she carried her groceries for herself and her family.
"Want me to help?" he offered.
"No thanks, I'm an independent woman," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Hey, I'm a gentleman. Give me that." He took the bags from her.
"I said, give it back," she protested.
He walked off with her groceries. She sighed and followed him as he headed to the nearby fast-food area.
He motioned for her to hurry up.
When she reached him, she asked, "What are we doing here?"
If only I could leave him here, but my groceries are with him. She scratched her head and sighed again.
So annoying! she thought.
He looked for a seat, and she followed.
"Hey, what do you want to eat?" he asked.
"You eat. I'll eat at home. Don't bother worrying about me," she muttered.
Her stomach growled.
He laughed. She took her wallet.
"Fried chicken and fries, sundae and float," she said and handed him money.
"On it."
He didn't take her money.
"Hey!" she called, but he ignored her and went to order. She even saw some girls staring at him in awe while he ordered.
She admitted it to herself—he was the perfect guy. Tall, great build, and a face worthy of a billboard. Who wouldn't stare? Even she sometimes did. But she had to stop herself from admiring him.
Don't fall, Ely. Don't you dare. If you do, your heart won't survive. She warned herself silently.
He returned with her food.
"Here's your order," he said.
"Thank you," she muttered, taking it.
She could feel the stares from others. And why wouldn't they stare? Who was she to be sitting with someone like him?
She ate in silence, not saying a word.
"So it's just hunger, huh? I'll remember that next time you get mad," he teased with a laugh. She didn't respond.
"I'm so full," he said after eating. Still, he carried her groceries back to the car.
Frank put the groceries in the backseat. She sat silently in the passenger seat.
My brother will be going to scold me again. She thought.
The car started. Frank drove quietly, glancing at her.
"Here, check the size." He tossed something to her.
Trust Condom. Her eyes widened. She threw it back at his face, speechless. He just laughed harder.
Traffic, of course. It was rush hour, and now it was drizzling.
"Am I invited to your brother's wedding?" he asked suddenly.
"I don't know. I'm not sure if you're invited," she replied.
He fell silent again. "Do you dream of getting married someday?" he asked.
She looked at him. "I'm not thinking about that. I haven't even passed my board exam yet. That's not my priority."
"Oh, right. You just graduated from college. My bad, my bad," he said.
She fought off the drowsiness, but her eyelids were getting heavy.
Suddenly, she felt a kiss on her lips and jolted.
"You're so hard to wake up; I thought I'd try kissing you," he whispered.
She blinked awake. They were already near her house. She quickly fixed herself.
Frank stopped her and kissed her again, this time more intensely. She tried to resist, but he pinned her down with his body.
He stared at her, smiling, and kissed her again. Then he grabbed her groceries.
Her knees felt weak. She wanted to cry.
"Shh, don't cry. You're not getting out of here until you calm down," he whispered to her.
Her cheeks burned. She quickly took her groceries.
"I—I'm leaving," she said.
"Yeah, be careful," he said, brushing her hair back and touching her cheek. She flinched.
She jumped out of the car. She took a deep breath to calm herself, not wanting her family to see her cry.
She heard him honk.
"Go on now, walk. I'll wait until you're inside safely," he said.
She rushed to their house. Once she got in, Frank drove off.
She sighed again.
Ely, not now. Not now. She told herself.