Chapter 3.2

“I love coffee, you see. So I always want to be at my brot- at Grian’s coffee shop.” Nikki is also in on the lie. The coffee shop is owned by her family, specifically her brother. She didn’t want to do it at first but she eventually got persuaded.

“I’ll get these for my brothers,” Fatima whispered to Grian which made Chris annoyed.

“If you’re going to say something, let us hear it as well,” he complained and she almost rolled her eyes. “Leave her be,” Grian said and sighed.

After they had their dinner, Fatima hurried outside when she found out what time it was already. “I’ll take you home, it’s dark now.”

“We’re coming as well-“ Nikki covered Christopher’s mouth and laughed.

“Both of you get going now, we’ll just call our driver. Bye!” She winked at Grian and gestured to them to go. Christopher tried to retaliate but the two already got in the car and left. “What was that for!” Chris exclaimed and she shrugged.

“They look good together,” she said and his eyes widened.

“What?! Are you insane!” He scoffed and crossed his arms. She eyed him before raising an eyebrow. “Why are you acting like you’re jealous? You’re marrying Hannah! Let Grian have a love life, besides, he liked her when all of you were still studying!” Nikki said and crossed her arms.

“How’d you know that?” he asked her sister.

“He told me before Fatima applied at the coffee shop.”

WHEN GRIAN AND Fatima arrived at her home, she bid him goodbye. He was about to return to his car when Timothy came running their way. “Fatima!” he exclaimed happily and hugged her.

“You’re very active today, did something good happen, hmm?” she asked and he nodded.

“The landlady gave me new clothes,” he said and she smiled together with Grian.

“I got food for you and Phil, go bring this inside.” He took the food and ran to their house. Fatima chuckled before turning to Grian.

“He’s my youngest brother.” His mouth agape before nodding.

“Who takes care of him when you’re gone and Philippe is gone as well?” He curiously wondered about their current situation.

“The landlady helps us even if we pay the rent late,” she said and chuckled. He smiled sadly as he watched her make light of their bad situation. “You can get going now,” she added.

“It’s nice to have dinner with an old friend,” he said and she chuckled.

“Yes, it was.”

“See you tomorrow, Fatima.” He entered his car and before driving off, Fatima waved at him. He smiled as he continued driving. Why does his heart beat fast even after years of not seeing her? She really is something.

[Flashback Start]

February 14

Grian was walking at the school grounds holding chocolate and flowers in his hand. It’s currently Valentine’s day and he can’t help but smile while holding his gifts. It’s been a while since he liked anyone, and he likes her too much to let this chance pass.

He looked at the court and saw Christopher sitting in a chair while playing his guitar. A flock of girls surrounded him while he played a song. “This song isn’t just for anybody, it’s for my lovely friend, Fatima Mendez.” The girls clapped and Grian watched from afar. Fatima was pushed to the front as he continued singing.

Grian started walking to them and Chris finished the song. “Will you be my girlfriend, Fatima?” Grian froze in place after hearing those words come out of his mouth.

(Please say no, please..) he thought to himself.

“Yes! Yes!” She hugged Christopher, shattering Grian’s heart. He lost his grip on the flowers and dropped them on the ground. He approached his friends and Fatima waved at him.

“Hey, Grian! Where’ve you been?” He forced a smile and showed the chocolate he’s holding. “Some girl gave this to me,” he said and she laughed.

“Why do a lot of girls like you, hmm?” she teased.

“And… we have great news! I’m dating Christopher now,” she said and Chris stood up and hugged her from behind. “Why don’t we all eat together later? My treat!” Chris exclaimed.

Grian clenched his jaw and fist. He forced a smile and uttered, “Congratulations.”

“I forgot something, I’ll go back to the classroom. You two love birds, enjoy yourself, okay?” He smiled fakely at the two before turning around and leaving. His tears started to fall as soon as he turned around. He gripped the chocolate harder as he walked to his classroom.

February 21

“Stop that!” Fatima frustratedly screamed at Grian who’s drinking alcohol.

“I thought you already quit! Now you call me in the middle of the night to pick you up because you’re drunk?! Are you insane!” She slapped his face, trying to wake him up from his half-asleep state. “Aish, you’re ruining my expensive dress.” She tried pushing him away but he leaned towards her and hugged her.

“Fatima..” he whispered and pouted.

“What now?!” She screamed in anger and he hugged her.

“I liked this girl.. b-but she l-liked my best frie..end. I didn’t kno..w she did, but if I knew, I would’ve stopped myself from liking her… Now I’m too late in pursuing her!” he said half-asleep. She sighed and patted his back.

“There’s a lot of girls out there, you can move on and date someone else. You’ll be fine, okay?” He chuckled at what she told him.

“How can I be fine when I see her every day?” He sobbed as he opened his eyes.

“Avoid her?” she said, not really knowing what to advise her broken-hearted friend.

“I can’t.. I can’t avoid you, Fatima.” She froze and stared at him.

“M-me?” She tried to comprehend what he said. She laughed, thinking he’s just drunk and has no idea what he’s telling her right now.

“You’re the person I like, stupid.” He closed his eyes and laid his head on her shoulder.

[Flashback End]