Chapter 8

   AS the sun slipped through the blinds, I yawned. It’s a new day, and it’s time for a new adventure. Chase was really concerned about me yesterday, as I had expected. When I told him what had happened, he merely stared at me with a strange expression on his face and said nothing. I didn’t make any inferences from it, but I was intrigued as to why he seemed so interested.

I mean, it’s not like I’m already dating someone else. That is, nevertheless, not a bad starting point. Who, after all, adheres to the three-month rule? To be honest… I’ll need more than three months to get back on track.

Of course, I checked my phone for notifications as part of my morning routine. As usual, I received a slew of spam emails, which I promptly deleted. I spent an hour responding to my friends’ messages and scrolling through F******k. There was nothing new under the sun. I only see what’s going on with my German and London-based friends; they’re mostly flexing about their relationships, traveling, or whining about love, life, and job. As I already stated, there is nothing truly new.

That is, until I spotted a new post from a friend. I let out a loud cry of surprise. They’ve arrived in the Philippines!? I yelled with delight and leapt from my bed to rush outside my room. I dashed downstairs in a flurry of heavy, loud steps that likely startled those two. With furrowed brows, they gazed at me with interest.

“Good afternoon to you, too.” Chase initiated, puzzled and perplexed. I grinned back, plopped myself down on the couch, and stretched my body.

But, hold on... afternoon? I stared at the phone once more, and my eyes grew bigger at the moment. It's three o'clock in the afternoon! How exhausted was I that I slept like a log?

My phone rings loudly just as I’m going to say anything. Even without glancing at the caller’s name, I picked it up in a flash. I mean, it’s not like it matters. It’s either just my close friends or… well, just them. I don’t have a large number of acquaintances.

“Hello, yes?” I responded. Unidentified sounds came from the other line, followed by the sounds of a… car screech? Then there was yelling. “Are you guys all right?”

When I heard snickering, I was relieved that they were. “We are!” says someone. I strained my brows in an attempt to recall whose voice it was, but to no effect. I can barely hear them talking since the other line is so noisy.

Chase inquired, “Who is that?” I just responded with a shrug as I glanced at him, perplexed. He approached me and lightly tapped me on the back of the head.

“You would have known if you had looked at the caller.” As a matter of fact, he stated. Even though he was right, I sneered in response. I decided to check the name and saw that it was Clive.

First and foremost, I’m astonished he’d be the one to call. Because he is traumatized, he prefers text messages over phone calls, which is reasonable. Things happened fairly recently, but I won’t go into detail because it isn’t relevant right now.

“It’s Clive,” I said as I put the phone on loud speaker.

Chase seemed surprised as well, but chose to remain silent. He sat next to Nate, who had chosen to focus his attention on the television while munching on his favorite chocolates. I sneered; it’s so ironic that he eats so many chocolates despite being a doctor. It’s worth noting that he despises veggies. Isn’t he meant to encourage people to eat more vegetables and avoid cholesterol and bad junk food? That may be stereotypical, but it is how they are portrayed in the media.

It took several minutes for the other side to settle down. Then we heard the voice of Jess. That explains everything. Clive’s phone was the only one he used.

“Heeeey!” As usual, he greeted merrily.

Chase rubbed the bridge of his nose with his index finger. “Oh, right. I almost forgot. They’re coming here.” He muttered. “You knew?” I mouthed, my jaw somewhat dropped, and he responded with a simple nod.

I looked at Nate, and he only shrugged in response. I have a gut feeling that he also knows. How come I’m the only one who knows nothing? I feel so left out.

Chase chuckled, “Don’t sulk any longer. You were too preoccupied with Reeves the other day.” He stated, emphasizing the name Reeves. Oh, so that’s why, I scoffed. Whatever the case may be, I had a good time yesterday, therefore it’s not worth knowing.

“I think we’re lost. Clive literally nearly veered off the road earlier!” Jess screamed. Is that why there was so much yelling and screeching? They’re troublemakers, to say the least. “This bitch was seriously falling asleep while driving!”

“Then you should’ve drive?” I faintly suggested.

I heard him scoff and make incomprehensible remarks, which I ignored because it was probably just him whining. He enjoys whining and nagging at the same time.

“He claims that driving will wreak havoc on his manicure.” Clive’s voice was heard. As soon as I heard that, my brows immediately raised. That didn’t make any sense, which is understandable given that he’s Jess, who isn’t supposed to make sense. But seriously, wreak havoc? So exaggerated.

“Give it up, lovebirds.” Chase cut short. “Turn on your GPS; I’ll track you down. Stay wherever you are until I can come get you.” He added rapidly, without allowing them time to respond.

“And you!” I sprang back in astonishment as I pointed at myself, unsure if he was referring to me or his boyfriend. “Yes, you knucklehead. Take a bath and tidy your hair since you stink. Your bedhead is quite filthy.”

After he finishes speaking, I have a disgusted grimace on my face. Is my hair that disgustingly dirty? I hung up on the call and turned off my phone as soon as Chase left the premises. I looked at myself in the reflective surface and was embarrassed by how unkempt my hair was and how greasy my face was. Yes, I was so ecstatic that I have forgotten to brush my hair and wash my face. I smelled my breath out of curiosity and nearly screamed when I realized how nasty it was.

Now is the time for me to wash my teeth. Seriously.

After an hour of showering and a brief performance in the tub, I finally finished. I was likewise dressed casually today, with no jewelry or fancy clothing, just a hoodie and slacks. My hair is styled and I’m feeling really warm right now. Chase will no longer have to point out how filthy it is.

I threw myself into bed, yawning, as I was still exhausted from yesterday’s adventure. I stared at my phone, swiping through the installed apps. Then I noticed a new, unfamiliar app. I squinted my eyes, trying to recall when I put it in.

What kind of app is this? Is it likely that I didn’t bother to read the reviews? Is this even necessary? Ah… I don’t really remember.

I gave up on remembering it and clicked on it to explore the app. It turns out it’s a dating website, and I’ve already filled in the necessary information. There are also pending matches. Talk about a last-ditch effort. This must have happened in the airport or while I was inebriated.

I let out a sigh. Let’s put this to good use and have some fun with it. I looked through the matches but couldn’t find anything that sparked my curiosity. They almost all enjoy sports and extreme activities, which I enjoy as well, but they despise nature, mountains, and the beach. Which is odd because those are the places where most extreme adventures take place.

I then went to the ‘partners nearby’ area and scrolled through everything. Nobody has truly piqued my interest or gotten my attention to the point where I’m willing to take a risk with them. They aren’t compatible with me, in my opinion. But, well, this is my first day with the app. I still have several days to go.

My bedroom door swung open just as I was going to switch off my phone. Then there came Jess, who stood with a broad grin on his face, leaning against the mahogany doorway. I was surprised and perplexed when I saw him, as I am most of the time.

“What’s up with you?”

“Oh, come on!” He frowned. “Aren’t you excited to see me?”

“My excitement has faded.” I timidly replied.

I’m not in a foul mood, but my enthusiasm has waned. I’m guessing I’m still weary because I’m still drowsy. I let out another yawn. What’s the matter with me? Why am I feeling so fatigued after yesterday’s tour? Ugh.

Jess leapt to his feet and fell down alongside me, kicking his shoes away. “What are you doing?” He inquires, then casually takes my phone from my grip. When he saw what flashed on the screen, he gasped. “Oh my God, are you actually on a dating site?!”

“Why are you so surprised?” I grumbled.

His pupils dilated. “It’s you! Fennimore, Valentin! Who only knows what it’s like to be madly in love with his ex? Of course, I’ll be taken aback!” He screamed at the top of his lungs, making me grunt even more. Why must he be so obnoxious?

“Come on, Jess, I’m not that whipped.” I murmured something. That is a fabrication. I’m still in love with him, but I’m giving it my all to move forward. That’s still an effort.

He let out a snort. Despite the fact that he knows I’m lying, he chose to focus on my phone and enter something in my bio. I gave it a quick peek out of interest before looking at him puzzled.

“What do you mean, I’m looking for a sugar daddy?”

He burst out laughing. “I also attached ‘no strings attached’, ‘non dating’, and ‘for fun only’ here. Hey, you’ve got everything you need right here. Money and a short-term commitment. What more could you ask for?”

Well… he has a point. And he’s an expert when it comes to this so I’ll just let him be. After couple of minutes, he snickered.

“Hey! Look what I found!”

My phone was thrown in my face by him. I was irritated and hit his shoulder as a result. It was a profile of a man on the screen when I looked at it. I skimmed through his interests and couldn’t help but be impressed. I think we will be a good match.

Jess chuckled at my expression and hit the ‘match’ button without warning.