Chapter 3- Memory of the Past

Vera Anderson's POV

It was Monday in the morning when I decided to buy a new cellphone to replace the old one. I think I badly need it since I am now busy applying for a new job.

Actually, I worked before in one of the Lending Institutions in Washington. After I took my master's degree, I was hired as Financial Officer with a much higher salary. But after two years of work, I got bored and decided to go back to LA since I wanted to stay with my brother. Besides, I wanted to fulfill my dream to work at the best talent agency in the entire city.

I'm supposed to be applying at META, but because of the accident happened to Reid, I was taken aback. I shook my head when I remembered Reid. Still, I couldn't believe he is in coma for two weeks already. I hope he will get well very soon because he is very much needed in META.

After 15 minutes of driving, I arrived at the Cellphone Care Center.  I decided to bring with me my documents inside to have them photocopied. I placed them in a folder, and then I went out of the car. It took 30 minutes before I finally decided to buy the latest model of iPhone.

After my documents were all photocopied, I went out of the shop but I suddenly bumped into someone in the hallway. My heart was racing as I took a quick glance at him. I hurriedly picked up all my papers scattered on the floor because I could no longer resist the tension I'm feeling deep inside.

The man in front of me, helping me pick up my documents, is no other than Royce Miller! Of course, it could not be Reid, since he is still now in the hospital.

I heard him saying the beginning letter of his name but I hurriedly left because I am afraid he would remember me.

My hands are sweating as I went inside my car. Oh my God! I did not expect I would meet him again after 3 years. And he looked even more handsome. How could I forget him? How could I forget the man, who happened to be my first kiss? In spite of the flaws and quirks I heard about him, but I wasn't turned off. I even asked myself many times, why it has to be him and not his twin brother Reid, when in fact, I've known Reid very well since he was my schoolmate and friend at Claremont McKenna College?

I could still remember my college days. I was in my second year and Reid was in his 4th year when he confessed his feelings to me. I did not expect he would have that nerve to do that since I've known him to be a serious type. Well, he is a good person and undeniably handsome. In fact, there were plenty of women who wanted to get his attention and even did motives to win his heart but all turned out in vain.

Reid has a refined personality. Despite his social status, he remains to keep his feet on the ground and never bragged about his family's wealth and power. However, I cannot force myself to love him. I could only be his friend and nothing more than that.

It's not him whom I liked, but it's Royce. It's always been him. Gosh! I closed my eyes as memories of the past flashed back in my mind.

The night after our graduation in college, my best friend Alexa, was inviting me to her thanksgiving party that was held at Skybar. I know how much she loved having a party in a place where there are swimming pools. To grant my friend's request, I asked my brother's permission and he allowed me on one condition that I would not take alcoholic drinks.

It was exactly 7:00 0' clock in the evening when the party had started. Females were wearing a whole dress while males were wearing long sleeves that were folded up to the elbow. Paired with them, were jeans and sneakers. I, on the other hand, was wearing a pink off-shoulder fitted whole dress on my knee level and a wedge sandal.

Our classmates and friends were enjoying themselves as they danced to the beat of the music and I think it was only me who did not join them on the dance floor. The fact is I am not used to it. I am not used to going outside for socialization. Though I belong to the middle class but I just preferred to stay at home rather than have that kind of party. If it were not for Alexa's request, I wouldn't be there for sure. I looked around to recognize those who have attended the party. Suddenly, I spotted Reid who was with a group of men, gulping a bottle of beer. The area was a little dim and only the dancing lights were turned on.

"Hey gurl, why are you not joining? C'mon. Let's just have one drink", It was Alexa's voice whispering in my ear that make me startled.

"Who are you looking at?", she said loudly since the music was getting louder too.

"Isn't that Reid gurl?", I exclaimed and gestured my hand towards a certain direction.

"Nope, it's not Reid, but his twin brother Royce", Alexa answered. 

I was shocked because I did not expect Reid has a twin brother. I never had seen his brother in the campus. Besides, Reid did not mention him ever since.

Alexa told me about Royce, and I feel a little upset about him.

"Actually, I invited Reid but you know that man is too damn serious in his business career that he doesn't like to go to parties anymore", Alexa smirked.

Suddenly, she pulled my hand and told me to wear my swimsuit because the swimming time would start in a moment.

"Swimsuit? Oh no! I can't wear that gurl, not here. Besides, I did not bring any", I protested.

But Alexa was persistent enough and held my hand going to the dressing room. Then, she threw at me a dark blue piece halter swimsuit.

"You wear this! I really had brought this for you. It doesn't show much of your skin, so don't worry okay?", Alexa uttered as she took off her dress and put on the sexy black halter suit, that shows much of her cleavage. I also put on mine, though I was a little hesitant.

Alexa was a liberated type of woman. She had gone to a lot of parties and even enjoyed the nightlife. She was used to it since she was in middle school. She came from a well-off family in Westwood and being the only daughter, her parents gave her all the luxuries in life. Just to try out something new, she decided to study here in LA and stayed with her Aunt. Alexa is liberated while I am conservative. Although we have different personalities, but she remains my best friend and I know she cares for me and even respects our individual differences.

"Wow, you look so sexy gurl!", she exclaimed and even whistled at me. I was a little shy looking myself in the mirror.

"Gurl, it perfectly fits you! You have a nice and sexy body gurl, so you have to flaunt it off sometimes. Hmm. I'm sure men out there would go crazy over you", Alexa continued jesting me around.

"So are you ready? Let's get out of here!", she uttered and held my hand.

I only made a few steps but when I reached the door, I paused and took a long deep sigh. Alexa turned around when she noticed I was not following her. 

"Hey, what's wrong gurl? C'mon. Walk straight and heads up! You have to get used to it. This is a part of socialization. Get rid of that old-fashioned way", she snapped out.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply as I continued walking. When we reached the pool, the lights were already turned on since nobody was dancing on the dance floor. Everybody was standing around the pool, already wearing their swimwear and waiting for Alexa's go signal. I could feel that some of our male classmates were staring at me and I felt so conscious. 

"Wow! You're so sexy, Vera!", some of my classmates complimented. And it made me totally blush. I just smiled and thanked them. I felt even more conscious when I spotted Reid's twin brother who was seriously looking at me. I could feel my hands clamming with sweat and my heart was beating fast when I met his gaze.

Alexa quickly grabbed the microphone and began to talk. 

"Thank you guys, for coming here. It means a lot to me. And to my best friend Vera, thank you so much gurl!", she hugged me tightly.

"But guys, I know you are now very excited to swim. Aren't you? Well, well...", Alexa paused for a while to make everyone go excited. 

"Before our swimming time, we will be having first a kissing game", she uttered.

I furrowed my brows because I didn't get what she meant to say. Some were shouting,

"Yes, we like that. That is totally exciting!", everyone was clapping their hands.

Alexa requested all the females to stay on the right side of the pool while the males were on the left side. 

"Now, try to remember where the person you like is standing. And of course, familiarize as well the whole place, or else you will fall into the water", Alexa chuckled.

"As soon as you hear me giving a 'go' signal, the lights would be turned off and you will only be given 60 seconds to approach the person you like and kiss him/her. Remember guys, no string attached. This is just a game and let's all be professional. The best pair that will be caught intimately kissing each other when the lights turned on, will be declared a winner and will receive a grand prize", Alexa exclaimed in excitement.

Oh no! I said to myself. I was thinking of not participating in the game because I really can't do it. I couldn't imagine myself being kissed by someone. I haven't yet experienced such thing in my entire 23 years of existence.