Darren’s POV
After our last class in the afternoon, Angela, Eduard, and I went to the school oval as our agreed meeting place. Other group members were already there sitting on the benches, laughing while throwing jokes and funny stories. We were like this ever since, and we treat each other as sisters and brothers. As we came towards them, my eyes immediately looked for Jeyah but she was not there yet.
“Hey bro, bubs!”, I greeted them all and we gave each other an exuberant high five.
“Jeyah and Clarisse are not yet around bro. But I guess, they’re on their way now”, Andrew spoke.
I just nodded and sat beside them. But suddenly, Bridgette appeared together with her group of friends.
“Hi everyone, hello my love!”, she said and was about to hug me, but I quickly stood up and dodged away. I was just trying to control myself because I don’t want to ruin my mood. No! not this time.
“Are you guys wanna join us for a night out?”, Bridgette asked, showing her flirtatious smile. Her other friends were obviously doing the same, trying to flirt with my group mates.
“I’m sorry Bridgette but we’ll be having our hangout later”, I responded with a blank expression.
“Oh, okay, maybe some other time, love. Uhm.. by the way, I heard Jeyah is now a member of your group. So, that means—“, she paused for a while then grabbed my collar and softly uttered.
“That means you don’t really like her. Because if you do, you won’t let her join your group”
“Oh, speaking of Jeyah, she is coming, with Clarisse “, Bridgette spoke and rolled her eyes.
“Hi bubs, are we late?”, Jeyah asked, trying to avoid Bridgette’s sinister look.
“No, it’s okay bubs”, I responded and gave her a high five.
“Hi Jeyah, I’m glad you’re now a member of Darren’s group so, that means you are prohibited to steal my man!”, Bridgette smirked.
Jeyah was just giving her a brittle smile without any word.
“Okay guys, I think we’re now complete. So let’s go!”, I snapped out.
“If you’ll excuse us, Bridgette”, I said, and gestured my group mates to leave. We were heading to where we parked our cars. I told Jeyah to ride with me, since she was not bringing her car this morning because her brother was the one who drove her to school. Clarisse and Angela would also be riding with me, while the rest would be riding with Eduard and Andrew. I let Jeyah sit on the passenger’s seat, while Angela and Clarisse were in the back seat. When everyone was settled in, I started the engine and departed UP campus. As usual, I was driving ahead while Eduard and Andrew were following behind.
“Are you okay bubs?”, I asked Jeyah who was just silent, while Clarisse and Angela were busy chitchatting with each other.
“I’m fine Darren”, she responded without looking at me.
After thirty minutes of driving, we reached our favorite hangout place, the NINYO Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge.
“Here we are!”, Angela exclaimed in excitement.
Angela and Clarisse had gotten out of the car and told Jeyah that they will go ahead for some personal necessity.
I unfastened first my seatbelt and then Jeyah’s seatbelt. Afterwards, I got out of the car and went to the right side to open the door for her. I offered my hand and as soon as her palm touches mine, I feel so elated, and my heart beats so fast.
“Thank you bubs”, she smiled at me.
We went inside NINYO and headed towards the area that is only exclusive for our group. Since we are regular customers here, so we are given the privilege to choose an area that is not so crowded.
As usual, we ordered our favorite food, two bottles of Ciroc Vodka, and ladies’ wine. We should not drink too much because we will be driving later when we get home. The ones in charge of our expenses were Andrew and Eduard but most of the time, it’s me. There are also times that the group would counterpart for the expenses because whatever we have, we share it with one another. Our parents know about this, and we had their support for as long as we will make good of our studies.
And yes, we used to hang out, and sometimes we’re having a night out. Some of my male friends were having a sex life, after all, they are men. But me? I haven’t experienced it yet. Because whenever I feel like I’m having that sexual desire, I looked for something that would help me forget about it like playing basketball, singing, playing instruments, and surfing. But my friends don’t have a serious relationship because we agreed not to get into commitments, not unless we will finish our studies.
“Okay guys, today we celebrate the presence of a new member of our group, Jeyah Abby Arguello”, I spoke and started opening the bottle cap of vodka and ladies’ wine. Everyone was clapping their hands as I started pouring wine into their glasses.
“Uhm, do you drink ladies’ wine, Jeyah?”, I asked her.
She nodded and smiled. So I poured some on her glass and others’ glasses. Ladies wine for the girls and vodka for us.
“Okay, cheers!”
“Cheers!”
We all chuckled and gave each other a high five.
“All for one! One for all!”, we shouted merrily.
Sam, as the clown of our group, was throwing plenty of jokes and funny stories while we were eating, and we could not help but laugh out loud. I looked at Jeyah and I know she was also enjoying, although she was just silent most of the time. Maybe because she is still new to the group and still in the process of getting to know us.
“Okay, I guess we’re done eating already so, let’s have a heart-to-heart talk this time.”, Angela spoke.
“Bubs Jeyah, would it be too much if we ask you some personal questions?”, Angela asked again, intently looking at her.
“Yes bubs, we are one here. And whatever you share with us will remain within the group”, Clarisse uttered, taking some bite of beefsteak.
I stared at her and as soon as our eyes met, I was totally lost. My heart beats at a higher rate, and I am powerless to control it.
“Okay guys, listen. In order to be fair with Jeyah, why don’t we play ‘truth or consequence’, “Clarisse suggested, holding an empty bottle of wine.
“Okay, cool!” everybody exclaimed.
I asked Jeyah if it’s okay with her and when she said ‘yes’, everyone clapped their hands and felt excited to play. We immediately started the game and I, as the leader of the group was the one spinning the bottle.
The bottle hits Clarisse first, so she was asked what would she choose, ‘truth or consequence’. When she said ‘truth’, the girls were shrieking and so excited to ask her.
“Uhm, do you like Jeyah’s brother, the first time you saw him?” Angela asked giggling to the nth level.
Clarisse cleared her throat and looked at Jeyah who was smiling at her.
“Well, Jeyah’s brother is undeniably handsome. So, ‘yes!!!, Clarisse uttered, while her hand gestured a ‘peace’ to Jeyah.
Girls were shouting and giggling. I looked at Jeyah who was also laughing. I spun the bottle again and this time it hits me.
“Okay, I will be the one to ask bro”, Eduard spoke.
“If ever you are in love with anyone else in the group, are you willing to go for it and break our “pure friendship” policy?”, Eduard asked intently and everyone was silent.
It’s obvious that Eduard intentionally asked this question because he knows, I am attracted to Jeyah.
“Just yes, or no dude”, Andrew spoke.
“Yes!”, I responded, as I landed my eyes on hers. I could see the girls were giggling while Jeyah was just smiling with no words coming from her mouth. I could see she was blushing, but she was avoiding my gaze at her.
I was sweating, despite we were in an air-conditioned room. Gosh! Is this how it feels when you like someone?
The game was still going on, and when it hits Jeyah, everyone became noisy again. I am a little surprised because she chose “consequence”.
“Uhm bubs, look straight into Darren’s eyes, while he is staring at you and hold it for 60 seconds without blinking”, Angela asked excitedly.
I looked at Jeyah’s facial expression. I thought she would refuse but I know she wanted to please everyone so she nodded in approval.
As soon as Angela started counting, we began staring at each other. My heart kept on racing as her eyes were locked into mine. My world stopped in a moment, and all I wanted to do is kiss her and pull her in a warm embrace.
“Yes! you made it bubs!”, Angela shrieked and gave Jeyah a high five.
I really enjoyed my time with my friends like I don’t want to end it yet, but it’s already 7:30 in the evening. I told everyone that it’s time for us to go home since I promised Jeyah’s brother that I would drive her home at 8 o’clock.
Angela and Clarisse were riding with Eduard, While others were inside Andrew’s car. And the one who was riding with me is only Jeyah since I need to drive her home, as I promised to her brother.
Jeyah was so silent even we were inside the car. So, in order to break the silence, I turned on the stereo and inserted my flash drive. As the music kept playing, I heard her singing in a soft voice. But I could not hear it clearly since the music is a little louder than her voice.
“Uhm bubs, do you sing?’, I curiously asked.
She shook her head and said ‘no’. She asked me the same question and I told her that I only sing in the bathroom. And we both chuckled.
She continued singing in a soft voice but after a while, she closed her eyes and fell asleep. I gently pulled her and let her head rest on my shoulder. I could feel the warmth of her breath as her face was closed to mine. Damn! I wanted to kiss her.
We finally reached her home in Loyola, and I really don’t want to wake her up because I know I can carry her in my arms, but what would her brother say if he sees me carrying his sister?
“Bubs, we’re here”, I whispered.
She rubbed her eyes, and looked at me.
Ryle?
I was shocked.
Why did Jeyah call me Ryle? Who is he in her life?