“Who are you?”
The woman stared at Clark, and it surprised him. She has a beautiful face. She has long lashes which, he knows, are not fake, her perfectly curved nose, and her red lips, and he knows it is not a lipstick that makes it red. Her cheeks are red, and her fair white skin feels smooth. And as she was talking with Ashlee, she was smiling, so he could see her deep dimples on both cheeks.
“Clark, you look at her like you don’t want her here,” said Belle.
“Her name’s Gaby. She’s our new roommate.” Ashlee said.
“A roommate. Why is she here with us?” Clark asked.
“She’s our roommate, a sweethearts. She can sit with us, duh!” Belle said, rolling her eyes at Clark.
“Gaby, he is Clark. He’s a heartthrob member.“ said Ashlee. “The grumpy one.”
Gaby just stared at him, smiled a little, and ignored him. Clark lifted an eyebrow. Gaby didn’t even show a little admiration for him, didn’t even speak to him or anything.
‘Jeez, who’s this girl?’ Clark thought.
Dylan sat beside Clark. He immediately placed Gaby’s food on the table, and Clark’s order followed.
“Your favorite,” said Dylan.
Gaby smiled. “Yeah! Thank you. You remembered.“
Dylan smiled. Clark took a glance at Dylan and Gaby. Everyone started eating but stopped when they noticed Gaby was praying before she ate, so they waited for her to finish. Clark smirked, and Gaby heard it.
“What’s funny?” said Gaby.
Their friends turned and looked at Gaby. She was looking straight at Clark, who was about to eat, but before the food came into his mouth, Riki gave him a little kick.
“What?” Clark asked innocently.
Riki snouted, and he followed his lips. Gaby was staring at him seriously.
“What’s funny about it?” repeated Gaby.
“What are you talking about? I’m not laughing. It’s just a smirk. It didn’t hurt you.” Clark said.
“Is prayer funny for you?” said Gaby.
The group silenced as if there was a beautiful scene to see. Clark was speechless.
“Don’t you pray?” Gaby asked. Clark scoffs. “You should be grateful for the blessing you receive. You should not laugh when you see someone praying. Would you like me to teach you how to pray?“ Gaby said.
“You’re so noisy,” Clark said, getting annoyed. “What makes you angry? When you pray, you should only think about God and not bother the people around you.”
“Ignore him, Gaby,” said Matt.
Clark was grinning again. The group looked back at Gaby. She was serious but did not argue with Clark. They smiled because it seemed Clark had found his girl version.
“Hello, my friends!”
A group of men came close to where they were. They are the university basketball varsity team.
“Hi, Sweetheart!”
The girls just smiled. The boys rolled their eyes at the table and immediately noticed Gaby beside Ashlee.
“Whoa! Sweethearts have a newbie!“
“Hi, Miss! I’m Steve.“
“I’m Markus!”
“My name is Glenn!”
“I’m Timothy!”
“Good morning. My name is Gaby!” She welcomed them with a smile.
“You look lovely, Gaby,” said Markus. “Are you a celebrity?”
“Supermodel?” says Glenn.
“A beauty queen, perhaps?” Timothy said.
As all the varsity team said, she answered no and shook her head. “But you can be one of them!” said Timothy.
Gaby just smiled. Dylan frowned. “You must go. You have seen us. We are busy eating! You guys are a nuisance!“ Dylan said.
All four of them chuckled. “Seriously, Dylan, we’re just introducing ourselves.”
“Go!” said Riki.
The four men got up and bid them farewell. They sat at the other table but always fixed their eyes on where they were.
-
After class, Gaby thought of sitting on the bench beside the field where the university plays. She sat down and looked around.
“Gaby!”
Gaby turned around and could not help smiling when she saw him.
“Dylan!” she replied.
“Why are you here?” asked Dylan.
“Nothing, it’s nice to sit here,” said Gaby
Dylan just smiled, and Gaby also smiled. “You’ve changed a lot, Gab,” Dylan said seriously.
“You too. I’m surprised you’re a heartthrob.“ said Gaby. “Aren’t you clunky now?”
Dylan chuckled. “Do you still think I’m clumsy?”
“Isn’t that right?” Gaby giggled.
Dylan kept quiet, looking at Gaby. “I miss you, Gab!” Dylan said. “I am so sorry.”
Gaby smiles a bit. “Sorry?”
“I’m sorry I left you,” said Dylan.
“It’s okay, Dylan. Let’s forget about that. How long has it been? About five years ago.“ said Gaby.
Dylan wasn’t saying anything. He was happy to see Gaby, his closest friend and first love, but he knew that although she smiled at him and was delighted when she saw him, they needed to talk about something. He knows she’s hurt.
“Why are you here? Don’t you have class now?” Gaby asked.
“Yeah, I’m done with my class,” said Dylan. “Civil Engineering is still the course you took.”
“It’s my dream, isn’t it?” Gaby said.
“Why are you only 3rd year?” Dylan asks.
“I’m supposed to be in the first year, but because there are subjects that are credited with my homeschooling, I’m now in the third year,” Gaby said.
“Homeschooling? I thought you were studying at the University of Toronto?“ Dylan asked.
Gaby looked at him. “A lot happened since you left, Dylan.”
Dylan averted his eyes from her. He feels guilty. Since Dylan returned home, no news has been received from Gaby. He couldn’t contact her anymore. He also lost her social media accounts, along with Gaby’s parents.
“I think you should go. Your girl could see us, Dylan. I don’t want trouble.“ Gaby said.
“I haven’t got a girlfriend,” said Dylan.
“Seriously?!“ said Gaby, in shock.
“Why? Don’t you think it’s true? Perhaps you, someone, will suddenly become jealous and hit me here.“ Dylan joked.
“Who will punch you?” Gaby asked.
“Your boyfriend,” said Dylan.
“Boys don’t like me because they think I’m not an ideal girlfriend,” said Gaby.
“Tell me who said that?” asked Dylan. “They should never tell you that. You’re an ideal girlfriend to me. You are lovely and….”
Gaby looked at him. “This is my opinion. You’re the girl I wanna date,” said Dylan.
“You’re a good friend, Dy,” Gaby spoke with a smile.
“I may change physically, but I’m still your Dylan, Gab,” said Dylan. “I’m always the same.”
Gaby just smiled. “Your friends are cool, especially the girls!”
Dylan smiled even though he knew Gaby was changing the topic. “Those are the coolest,” said Dylan.
“But your rude friend. He seems like he conceived out of resentment!” said Gaby.
“Who?” Dylan asked, confused.
“The rude guy at the cafeteria,” said Gaby.
“Clark is a great guy.“ said Dylan.
“He doesn’t seem to,” Gaby smirked.
“You’re pre-judging him.” Dylan chuckled.
Gaby smiled. The noise nearby distracted them. “There’s no us, Liz!” said the guy with irritation.
Dylan chuckled. “He gets in trouble again.”
“Isn’t he the grouchy, Clark?” Gaby asked while looking at Clark.
“Yes, and he’s furious now!” Dylan smirked. “Looks like someone assumed Clark’s girlfriend again.”
“Assumed?” Gaby asked.
Dylan said nothing. They listened to the couple’s arguments. “But you kissed me.” the woman said.
“You’re the one who kissed me. You might forget,” Clark said.
“Go to hell, Clark!” the woman was furious.
Clark never said a word and was looking at that woman. The woman slapped him.
“Do you know what? A woman like you is just a pain in the neck.“ said Clark. The woman left him.
“He doesn’t like her? She’s beautiful.“ said Gaby.
Dylan wasn’t saying anything. He was watching too. Later, he looked at Gaby, still watching the scene from a distance.
“Is he a heartbreaker?” asked Gaby suddenly.
That’s what she hears in conversations at the university. Dylan didn’t answer any of her questions. Gaby assumed that Dylan wasn’t saying anything that might hurt his friend.
“I’ll go home, Dylan!” said Gaby.
Suddenly, she got up, and Dylan got up as well. “I’m going with you!” said Dylan.
“Okay,” said Gaby with a smile.
“Gab, what’s happened?” asked Dylan. While walking, the students were staring at them. They run after the eyes like they saw something. Gaby just looked at him and looked back at the road again. “Ever since I’ve been here, I haven’t heard from you. I tried to contact you and Auntie. I can no longer view your social media account.“ said Dylan. Gaby didn’t answer Dylan’s question. Someone called them from behind. “Dylan!” They stopped walking and turned around. Clark approached them, running. Dylan stopped walking so did Gaby. “Are you going home?” Clark asked as he approached. “Yes,” Dylan said. Clark looked at Gaby, but she wasn’t looking at him. She just turned around after he got closer to them. They both walked together. Clark lifted his hand to the back of his head. “What was it earlier?” asked Dylan. “It’s nothing.“ said Clark. Dylan smirked. “Have you given her any hope?” “No, women are just making assumptions,” said Clark. “They will never assume if you don’t give t
“Good morning!” Everybody greeted Gaby with warmth. The group and her new friends had breakfast together when Gaby went down. “Good morning!” said Gaby Dylan got close immediately. “Let’s have breakfast, Gaby!” Gaby smiled at him. He held her hand and dragged her onto the table. “You’re such a different person, Dylan!” said Riki. Dylan chuckled. Dylan sat on the other side of the table in front of her. As she picked up the food, she noticed Clark seated across the table. He looked at her for a sec and came back to his food. ‘He is such a bad vibe for the morning!’ Dylan looked at her, frowning. “Why?” Dylan asked. She smiled at him. “Nothing!” Dylan smiled at her as well. “In all fairness, you two are good together.” The two of them turned to the speaker, and that was Sasha. “Do you think so?” said Dylan. “I do!” said Sasha. Sasha even approaches their table and is about to sit beside Clark, but she accidentally collides with him before she can sit. “Watch your step, Sas
After Dylan left, Clark and Gaby left at their table. Gaby never even looked at him. She turned to Sasha. They dance happily at the center. She laughed a little because they were still quarreling. “Hey, Miss Beauty.” said the man. It stood in front of her with two other men. “What is your name?” one man asked. Gaby looked at them and didn’t say a word. One even sits beside her. She was looking at Clark, and he wasn’t even looking at her. It was hard for him not to notice that there were males at their table. “Leave. I have friends with me,” said Gaby calmly. “As I see it, you’re by yourself.” the man said. They noticed Clark sitting on the other side, just looking at them. “It seems that you are not close to him, that you sit separately, that you do not speak to one another. But we can talk to you. We can have a long chat if you like.“ The other guy said. “I’m not interested in you,” she said, annoyed. “You are snotty! Let’s get to know you.“ the man said. The man was about t
They pulled up in front of the big villa. It was the rest home of the Sasha family. From where they are, they can see the vast sea at a distance, the blue water of the sea, and its white sand. “I love the air,” Gaby said after getting out of the car. Gaby opened her arms and savored the robust, fragrant air surrounding her body. The air flew off her hair. “Fortunately, she’s not ice cream because if she is, she’s melting now. You and Clark are truly best of friends.” Matt whispered to Dylan. “The hot stare you and Clark gave Gaby makes her melt away.” Dylan turned towards Clark, standing across and staring at Gaby. It was the first time Clark had stared at the woman, just like last night when he caught Clark and Gaby staring at each other. Dylan smiled as he approached Gaby. He made her smile. “It’s lovely here!” Gaby said, looking at Dylan. “I’ll bring your stuff,” said Dylan. Gaby smiled, and they went in together. Clark got left out, his eyes chasing after them. — It is spa
“She’s my best friend in Canada. We separated when I returned to the Philippines.“ said Dylan. “You mean separated? You have a relationship with her?” Belle asked. Dylan shook his head and glanced at Gaby. “When we returned to the Philippines, I could not say goodbye to her,” said Dylan. Gaby was looking at the sea. She didn’t seem interested in what they were talking about. “Why? What happened?” Belle asked curiously. “Because Granddad had a heart attack and was hospitalized, Daddy was in a hurry to get home because of the news,” Dylan explained. “And because it happened suddenly, I never have time to say goodbye to Gaby.” Gaby never said a word. She looked quietly at the ocean. “So you have never returned to Canada?” asked Riki. Dylan nodded. “I never came back. After Grandpa died, Dad took care of everything he left behind. Even Aunt Yvonne didn’t make it back to Canada.“ “So that’s Gaby?” Sasha said in disbelief. “The woman you’re crazy about in Canada?” Of course, Sasha k
They stayed by the beach until nightfall. The gang enjoyed the night with their antics and quarrels. It’s been a while since they made such bonds. Sweethearts have another member, so their vacation is memorable. Now they surround the bonfire the heartthrobs had prepared earlier. They were sitting on the body of the gigantic tree on which they placed it. They were all drinking, except Gaby. Along with Gaby are Dylan and Sasha. On the other side are Ashlee, Belle, Riki, and Matt. Clark was sitting alone on the sand with only the lining of his shirt. Clark even played with fire with a stick he had picked up earlier. “What happened to you, Clark? You got a splendid aura.“ said Sasha. “Yes, your smile looks excellent. Not fake in fairness.“ Belle added. Clark smiled with two hands over his head. “What do you suppose I’m not human?” he smiled. “Let it go. It’s good, and you’re smiling. At least it won’t frighten us!“ Gaby said, laughing. “What’s your point?” asked Clark. “That you’re
Gaby flipped through the bottle and stopped at Clark. It surprised everyone and silenced them. Later on, Matt smiles at Clark. Before Matt could get the salt, Clark had preceded him. The group teased him. “Oh, come on!” said Riki. “Are you excited, Clark?” “Shut up, Riki!” said Clark, annoyed. Everyone is laughing. Gaby blushed. “Can Gaby just pass? She doesn’t drink alcohol?” Dylan replied with no smile. “Geez, Dylan. You’re just jealous, so you want Gaby to pass,” said Riki. Dylan took the slipper and tossed it to Riki, and everybody laughed. “Is that OK with you, Gab? You never drink beer, do you?” said Dylan. Gaby smiled. “It’s OK.” Gaby approached Clark, and he was looking at her with seriousness. Gaby was jumpy again. She couldn’t understand. Gaby immediately drank the contents of the shot glass. She could manage but frown to taste, so everyone laughed except Dylan, who was looking. Then she swallowed the lemon wedge and approached Clark’s neck with her lip. Clark couldn’
Gaby woke up early. No matter how wakeful she was, she used to wake up early. She left the house and went joyfully toward the beach. She took a deep breath and drew near the water, where her foot was wet. The saltwater was warm, so her body relaxed. “Thank you, Lord!” she cried out. “Whooohoooo!” Gaby opens wide her two arms and lets the air envelop her entire body. It was the most relaxing since she went back to the Philippines. In Canada, she was right at home; sometimes they would walk to get some air. But she prefers it here. It’s all-natural when she’s here. She feels better. “Thank you, Lord! Wake me up again tomorrow!” She shouted again, then laughed as if there was no tomorrow. Gaby was so happy. She could not do so in their apartment. She can only wake up her housemates. But on the beach, she can shout as loudly as possible. Gaby was so grateful and extremely happy. Clark just got into a bath. He woke up early because he couldn’t sleep after drinking last night. His roomm