MOA - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Aaron was awake in his room. He can’t sleep. He can’t take Desiree off his mind. She is so beautiful until now. Suddenly, there was a knocked on the door. Oh! Alex, glad you came! He opened the door and to his surprise, it wasn’t his beloved Alex but the girl he kept on thinking about… Desiree. She was on her negligee showing a beautiful curve on her figure. She was smiling. “Would you let me see your room, Aaron?” she asked. A minute later, she was inside his room. “Nice suite!” she looked through the furnishings and the bed. “Eric arranged this for you. But I selected that king-size bed. I know you’ll come. I wanted to see you for so long, Aaron. I missed you,” she said. She went closer to Aaron and held his hands and placed it on her nipples. “Don’t you missed me?” she asked with that gorgeous look.

“Desiree, stop this nonsense!” He took off his hands. “No, please, don’t do this to me. I waited you for so long. You were the only one I loved, Aaron. I love you so much. Do you hear me? I love you!” she said and slowly tears began to flow. “You already forgot me… don’t you?” she continued. “That you never wished to see me. Well, I’m sorry for disturbing you. I better leave…” Aaron holds her on her waist then kissed her. And he could sense the quick response on her lips. “Desiree… I can never forget you. Your long absence had helped me forget you but when I saw you again, I suddenly realized that things had never changed. I loved you, too.” “You make me happy, Aaron. Would you make love to me?” she asked.

What?!!! Make love to you? Suddenly, he realized what he was doing. Alex… I love Alex. She trusted me. “Make love to me, Aaron. I beg you,” she pleaded. “I can’t, Des. I loved you. But I love Alex more. I can’t betray her,” he explained. “She is lucky… Aaron. She has you. Good night!” she kissed him on his lips. He refused to reply. Then, she left. I guess I really love Alex. But what about Desiree? She had been a greater part of his life, his childhood sweetheart. They used to kiss each other when they were young. At first, it was nothing. But then, when they grew older, they soon realized that it wasn’t just a kiss. It was a kiss full of compassion and love. Their parents agree on their relationship but when Desiree decided to make love with him the first time, he refused. He never wished to take advantage of her. And she got angry and punished him by leaving him behind. He was sorry for Desiree’s absence but he did the right thing. He was trying to be a gentleman. Desiree wanted him for no good reasons. She wanted his money, to make used of his body and to make him follow everything she wanted. She loved him so much that it’s no longer good. She wants to possess him. But Aaron wasn’t aware of that. He was too stupid to know that. Men were always like that… a big damn rock!

Outside the door, Desiree was smiling at herself. Now that I found you, I won’t let you go. I’ll have everything of you. Sooner! She thought. I’ll have you, Aaron. You and your money. She can’t wait. I’ll make Alex sorry for stealing you from me. She’ll pay. She will pay. She entered the room beside Aaron’s suite. “Sorry, I’m late, Mr. Taylor,” she said with a smile. “It’s okay. Here are the documents needed for the investment, Ms. Rowell,” a handsome young man replied. He is Vince Taylor, an action star. He’s one of Eric’s grandmother’s visitors. Quite handsome… but Desiree just wanted his body unlike Aaron. She’s so in love with Aaron and if she can’t have his body, she’ll find another one to replace it for a short time. She has many targets. Thrice a day, she can make love to handsome men. It had become a challenge to her. As long as she didn’t possess Aaron’s body, she won’t stop. She wants pleasure.

“Let’s not talk about business for now, Mr. Taylor,” she said. She drew herself closer to him. And when she was that too close, she kissed him gently. And there was a quick response on him. His hands were exploring her body. A while later, they were both naked lying on the bed making crazy positions and sounds. “Be gentle, Vince,” she whispered. “I will. I promise,” he replied. The pleasure that men bring to Desiree wasn’t enough until she have someone as good as his cousin, Eric. And the perfect match for him was Aaron. And she wanted him badly. Even a handsome actor doesn’t fit her. All the men that had a sexual affair with her were the same… but she knew all along, Aaron was different. And because of that, she envied Alex a lot. Oh! That Katherine Alessandra Laurence! I’ll make her pay for stealing the only man I’ve got.

Alex was sleeping solemnly in her bed. The connecting door opened slightly and Eric peek on the lady he was hugging an hour ago. When he noticed that she was fast asleep, he went inside carefully. His every step was quite silent. He made sure he didn’t make any noise. He didn’t wish to wake up the sleeping princess. He carefully sat on her bedroom and stared at her face. “She was an angel,” he thought. I wanted you, Alex. Since back those times… I guess I was so stupid to tell you that until now. And I was a fool that I can’t admit to myself way back then that I am in love with my best friend. I really am… But if I ever confess you what I feel, I know it’s too late. I love you but I can’t have you. He felt a sudden sorrow inside him. I could have been the happiest man but the woman I love doesn’t belong to me. Not anymore. He can’t stand the thought of losing her. He stand up and was about to leave when someone hold his shirt. “Eric… Eric…” Alex was calling his name. He looked at her. She is still asleep. She was dreaming and in her dream, he was there. “Don’t… leave… me…” He sat down beside her. He can’t take off his eyes on her. She was so beautiful. But it’s not the beauty that makes him stay with her. It’s the thought that only in her sleeps, he could have her. When she awakens, everything is back to normal again. He holds her hands and draws his face closer to her ears. “I won’t leave you. I promise,” he whispered gently. “Good night. Sleep tight, my angel,” he continued. He holds her cheeks. He wants to kiss her but he can’t. He stood up and went to the connection door silently. He took one last look on her face and smiled. He is lucky to have you. And he entered the room that connects to the door.

Early the next morning, Alex woke up. She had a relaxing sleep. She felt alive again. After taking a bath, she put on one of the clothes Eric gave him. She chose the white one. Looking at the mirror… she remembered those words Eric had told her. I guess I am a lady… an ugly one. There’s no way I could beat the beauty of Aaron’s childhood sweetheart. I’m too ugly. But I’m cute, though. She giggled. She glanced at the connection door. I wander what’s inside there. Suddenly, there was a thought of wanting to enter inside. Her curiosity makes her do something naughty. I shouldn’t but there’s nothing wrong about it, right? He never told me not to enter that room. I am…

She opened the door. And take a look inside it. It was a large room, and the color motif was masculine. Fits him. A picture of her and Eric caught her attention. A minute later, she was inside of the room staring at the picture. Eric was carrying her on his back. They were so happy, she thought. And then there was another picture of him and her together. Then, she realized that every picture in there includes only him and her together. He missed me that much?! It’s flattering me. She walked and took a close look at every picture examining every detail and remembering all the memories they have together. There were so many precious moments… and it ended up with no such happy ending.

“Good morning!” A voice surprised her. She looked back and there was Eric, almost naked if he didn’t cover his body with a towel. She turned around, closed her eyes and covered her face. “Eric, give yourself a little privacy, will you?” she shouted. “I am, Ms. Laurence. You trespassed inside. It’s not my fault for you to see me like this,” he explained. “Eric! You never changed! How many times did I told you not to show your stuff with women?” “Twenty times, I guessed,” he joked. “I better leave!” she exclaimed. She rushed to the connection door but when she was about to open the door, she paused for a while. “Good morning,” she said without looking and hurriedly opened the door and left him behind. He looked at the close door and laughed. I haven’t done that for four years, he thought.

That was a close shot! Alex murmured. The last time he did that to me, they were in college. And when I told that line to him, he’ll answer me with “Are you?” but now, he replied differently. She went to the door and opened it. She was locking her door now. Then, she noticed the guy next door her room. It was Eric, of course. He was also locking his room. “Sorry for that,” he turned a look at her and smiled. “Don’t say sorry if you’ll repeat it all over again,” she replied without taking a glance at him. “Promise! I won’t!” he exclaimed. When the door was finally locked, Alex walked away to the pathway. Eric followed her. “Wait up, best!” he said. He holds her left arm trying to stop her from walking. “You’re going the wrong way,” Eric explained. “I’m not. This is the right way, Sir. I’m not yet old, you know,” she answered. “I thought you might want to see the rest of the arrangements,” Eric continued. “Oh! I’m sorry. I misunderstood you,” she apologized. “You always do that but you always asked sorry… That’s quite unfair for me, don’t you think, best? You better pay me back with something worthy that I may forgive you,” he replied.

“You’re already rich. You still want money? I thought you’d stop that monkey business you used to do,” I exclaimed. “My monkey business is still going on, Alex. But now, it’s different. It’s no longer money I want to have…” he said with a smile but his eyes were seriously looking at her. It’s you who I want. He holds her hands, knelt down, and gently kissed those hands. “You’re paid,” he said carelessly. She quickly took her hands from his. And held his shirt and pushed him through the wall. “What do you intend to do, young man? You’re insulting me early this morning! I don’t want you playing any tricks on me. You understand?” she blurted out. “I maybe looked like a lady but I’m still the same Alex you knew all along. And I’ll gonna kick your ass if you embarrass me again. Is that clear?” she shouted angrily. “Crystal clear.” That was the reply. Her temper suddenly disappeared and her hands released him.

Then a while later, Eric holds her shoulders and placed her on the wall. The very same position she did to him was happening to her. “Now, Ms. Laurence, you listen! I am not insulting you this morning and I have no intention to do that. And for your information, I am not playing tricks on you. I maybe looked like a young handsome man but I’m still the same Eric you knew all along. And I’ll gonna kiss you if you keep asking stupid questions you already knew the answers. Is that clear?” he exclaimed. He was soft-spoken but still, she can sense how serious he was. “Not quite,” she teased. “Eric, I’m glad you didn’t change a bit. You’re still naughty and boastful,” she added. She was giggling. Eric smiled at her but he didn’t release her. “But it wasn’t really funny, Eric. You’re confusing me with your gestures. And I can’t keep controlling myself to ask questions. Tell me… why do you intend to do all these things?” she asked seriously. I warned you, Eric thought. “Why?” She asked again for the last time. She didn’t forget what Eric told her but she was testing him. Let’s see, Eric. Can you do it? I guess not. I know you. You can’t kiss me. You never try it. Poor man. She gave him a curious look.

His lips pressed hers gently. She was shocked. It was the first kiss she ever received from him. The first person who touched her lips was her best friend. And she couldn’t believe it. She didn’t intend to close her eyes someone inside her ordered her to do that. And without thinking, she followed. She was afraid to see what she was doing. She just couldn’t resist him. Suddenly, she sensed that she was already replying on his lips. His gentleness… I wished I were just dreaming because in my dreams, I could do this over and over again. But in the reality, this kiss was illegal… wrong, a mistake that could lead to a big one. “Eric…” She pushed his chest away from her. “Stop! I beg you,” she continued. “I… I’m sorry,” he suddenly realized that he was kissing her for more than a minute and if she didn’t say a word, there could be more to happen. “Forget it, Eric. Forget the kiss,” she said coldly and rushed off through the pathway leaving Eric behind staring as she walked away.

What have I done? Eric thought. I guessed I scared her. I shouldn’t have. But… it’s one of the most memorable moments I could cherish way back then. I’m sorry, Alex. I could never forget that kiss. It was a kiss from the woman I love The first and only woman I was afraid to admit at first that I am in love with but now, when I can finally face the reality of being in love with her, I can’t have her. How could I forget her lips? If that is the only thing I was able to touch for so many years.

Alex was walking like a robot, unaware of her surroundings. He kissed me, he thought. What have I done? If someone saw us, Aaron will know what happened and that will destroy everything. I will end up losing Aaron. Eric was confusing me. Why is he doing this to me? Why? “Oops!” An unfamiliar voice shouted. Then, Alex found herself bumping with a man leaving the papers he was carrying flew all over. “I-I’m sorry,” she quickly apologized. She quickly picked up the pieces of papers and gave it to him. “You should be careful next time!” the man said angrily without looking at her. “I’m really sorry,” she apologized again. The man looked at her. What a beauty, he thought. “You might hurt yourself. You don’t want to destroy that face, don’t you?” he continued. “Yeah… I guess,” she answered. “By the way, I’m Vince Taylor. I’m an actor,” he introduced. “I haven’t seen you before, Sir. I’m sorry,” she answered. “Oh! It’s all right. I guess you’re not quite interested in Hollywood stars,” he teased. She looked at her wristwatch. “Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Taylor. I must be leaving now. Adios!” she replied. It was a lie. She is not rushing for something.

She just can’t stand another man who’ll enter her life. She hurriedly walked away. The man followed her. “Wait! Señorita!” he shouted. She paused for a moment. And looked back. Vince Taylor was standing beside her. “May I know your name?” the man asked. “Katherine… I better go,” she hurriedly walked away and this time, he wasn’t following her. Thank God! She reached Aaron’s room. I’m here, she thought. She knocked on the door. The door was locked. I better go down. He might be around somewhere, she thought. She reached the lobby. Anita was waiting for her. “Ms. Laurence, you’re breakfast is ready. You’ll be joining the host, ma’am. This way,” she said. Without any questions, she followed.

Anita brought her into another large room. It was the dining room. Sitting on the host’s chair was Eric’s grandmother, Alice. She doesn’t look like turning ninety. She was way too beautiful to be compared to a ninety-year old woman. Alex can’t still believe that she’s going to celebrate her 90^th birthday. At the right side of Alice was Eric and at the side of Eric was Aaron. “Come, join us, my child,” Alice said. “I would be glad to, grandma. Happy Birthday!” she exclaimed. Alex used to call Eric’s grandmother “grandma” and the old lady treated her like her great granddaughter since way back then. She had witnessed the two children grew up to become good friends and became best of friends. She was so happy seeing them together again. But now, she felt sorry for each one of them. She knew all along that each one felt the same way for the other. But they can’t admit they were in love with each other and now might be too late.

“My child, why don’t you sit beside me?” Alice asked. Alex sat at the left side of Alice and she was now in front of the guy who kissed her a while ago. She can’t look at him directly. “Thank you, grandma. I still can’t believe that you’re ninety now. You still look young. I wish I could be as young as you look when I reached ninety, grandma. Happy Birthday!” she said happily trying to cheer everyone. “Thank you, dear. I missed your praises for years. You were the only one who adored me so much,” she replied. “Alex, you have found quite a perfect boyfriend that you deserved to have. I remember my husband when he was still alive. He was handsome and a true gentleman. I longed that one day, you’ll have that kind of man, too and now, you did. I’m so proud of you,” she continued.

“Grandma, you were learning from my praising techniques, I guess. You’re flattering Aaron,” Alex teased. Everyone laughed. “You were too lucky, dear, unlike my great grandson here. He was becoming too busy with all our business. Now, I can see him growing loveless,” she explained. “Grandma, that wasn’t very funny,” Eric joined in. “Eric, my child, I was just telling the truth. It was too unfortunate for you, dear. You were unable to find another lady that can beat up this gorgeous maiden on my left. Why can’t you admit that?” she replied. “Grandma, you’re embarrassing me again,” Eric told her. “Give me a break, dear. Today’s my birthday,” she answered. Everyone laughed again. “Oh, it’s been a while since I have a breakfast of laughter. Thanks for being with me, my child. I could be more happier if you’ll promise me that you’ll search for your true happiness, dear,” she exclaimed. “I promise, grandma.” Alex swore.

After that breakfast, Alice decided to have a little walk with Alex. “I have something not so important to tell you, my dear.” Those words from Alice kept bothering Alex’s mind over and over again until they were in the Garden Forest. One of the best tourist spots you could find in the Kruger Hills Island. The two ladies were riding horses, one was white, and the other was black. “You know, Grandma, I admire this horse. What’s her name?” I asked curiously. I was riding at the white horse. It was so beautiful like a unicorn. “Oh, her name’s Laurence. Eric named that horse, dear. It’s one of his favorites,” she explained. “Nice. He even named it after my family’s name,” I replied. I’ll kill him once I saw him. He’s doing a lot of explanation sooner.

“Grandma… I was just wandering,” I said. There was a sudden pause for a moment. “Aren’t you angry with me?” I continued asking. She gave me a surprised look on her face. “Of course, not. Why would I get angry with you, child? Have you done anything wrong?” she asked worriedly. “I don’t know, Gran. Something’s bothering me…” I paused a moment and carefully search the right words to say for her to understand. “Eric is confusing me since we arrived here, Gran. He’s… he’s doing weird things that quite puzzled me. He’s acting so weird, Gran. I don’t know what he’s up to,” I blurted out. “This morning… just this morning, we had an argument. Suddenly… I…” she paused. And this time her voice was low and soft. “I found myself kissing him, Gran. Oh! I know it’s wrong. Aaron will kill me if he learned about that kiss,” I exclaimed.

“Did you love your first kiss, child?” she asked. “Pardon?” I asked surprisingly. “I am asking if you love your first kiss. Did you?” She was smiling at me and her face was waiting for my answer. “Well, honestly speaking… the kiss was shocking. I don’t know what to do. I let him kissed me. And that makes me feel guilty, Gran,” I answered. “What did you feel while kissing him? Is it great?” she asked again. I giggled a bit. “Gran, you were becoming impish. Keep me a secret… well, I felt nervous at first. It was so terrific. Suddenly, I could sense my lips replying on to his. I swear I never want that to happen. It was… softly touched and I can’t resist it,” I confessed her.

“Child, do you love Aaron?” she changed the topic. “I don’t know… maybe. Of course, Gran. I’ll be marrying him. I should love him,” I replied. “Was that the right answer, Gran?” I added. “Come…” A while later, we were crossing a bridge. “My dear, look at yourself in the crystal clear water. Are you happy?” she asked. “Of course, Gran. I am…” I answered. “Look into my eyes, Alex. Are you happy?” she asked again. “I… I guess I’m not,” I answered sadly. Slowly, tears began to fall down in my eyes. She opened her arms and automatically, I hugged her and cried on her shoulder. “Am I doing a big mistake, Gran?” I asked. “No, child… if you wish to stop fooling yourself, you’re not yet making a big mistake,” she answered softly.

“I’m afraid to leave Aaron… and I am more scared to know that Eric didn’t love me…”

“Believe me, child. He loves you. You must be the first person to know that because he’s your best friend.”

“I guess I’m all blind by my fear now, Grandma. I… I’m afraid to love someone who doesn’t love me… Aaron loves me. Eric loves me as a friend. I’m scared, Gran. Really scared.”

“Child, you worry too much. It seems you’re the one turning ninety here,” she joked. I returned her with a girlish giggle. “If you’re happy, I’ll be happy for you, dear. Just please be happy, okay?” She looked at me seriously. Her eyes were gentle and beautiful. She never changed. “I will, Gran. I promise.” Things never change to her. Through the years, she’s been one great lady I had always admired. And every word of advice that came in her mouth serves as a guide to every decision I make. But now, she’s telling me to be happy and those words had bothered me since the night of celebration came.

There were a thousand of visitors in the island. People dressed in nightgowns and formal attires coming from distant places. People that had became a part of Alice’s life. They all gathered to one very special night of Alice Andrews. Alice, seeing her great grandson watched his best friend danced with the man who took her away from him, broke her heart into pieces. He was drinking a little champagne while entertaining the visitors with his sweet smiles but she could see him glanced at the two dancing lovers. And she could sense his loneliness. My great grandson was such a fool to let go of her. She thought.

“Frederick, my dear…” she called up rushing towards him. He looked back at her with a smile. “Gran, happy birthday! Do you love the arrangements?” he quickly asked. “I’m very much pleased, son. I really love it,” she answered. She hugs him. “I’m proud of you, dear,” she whispered. “Thanks, Gran,” he replied with a whisper. Eric watched the two dancing lovers again while drinking his champagne with a mortifying look on his face. Alice quickly noticed it. She patted his shoulder. “Why don’t you ask her for a dance, dear? I would be very happy to see the both of you dancing together again,” she requested. Eric gave a surprised look on her. “Remember, I haven’t received a great present from you, child,” she added without looking at him. He smiled.

Then a while later, he was in front of Alex and Aaron who had paused for a moment in the dance floor when they noticed him come in. “You’re dancing alone?” Aaron teased. “No… I was just wandering why you can’t take your shoes off the floor, sir,” he replied naughtily. “It’s fun dancing with a fair lady, see? Why don’t you try it?” Aaron suggested. “I can’t find anyone as fair as your lady, pal,” he answered glancing quickly at Alex. “Why don’t you change partners?” Desiree suddenly joined in. “Aaron, shall we?” she asked while offering her hand. “Shall I, dear?” He looked back at Alex asking her permission before doing any move as if she were his mother. “You should,” she replied with a smile making him breathe once again. And he holds Desiree’s hand and dances with her nervously.

Alex was about to return on her seat after staring at her fiancé and her best friend’s cousin dance together, when Eric hold her right hand tightly but in a gentle manner. She looked back at him and stared him directly to his eyes. His face was confusion and he could barely speak out the words. “Sh-shall we?” he asked, offering his hand to hers. She smiled. “It… it would be my pleasure,” she replied laying her hands on his. And he led her at the middle of the dance floor placing her hands on his shoulders and his hands on her waist.

There was silence between them. Their bodies were swaying and dancing with the flow of the mellow music in the dance floor. Their eyes were attracted to each other as if there is a magnet between them that they can’t take off their eyes staring at one another. There was a moment of excitement. “I’m really sorry about what happened this morning,” he said stopping the tick of silence between them. You never say sorry for kissing the person you loved, Alex thought. You don’t need to say sorry for kissing me, she added in her mind. Unconsciously, she blurted out those words in front of her best friend and this gave her a sudden alarm as she noticed Eric’s face turned into shock.

“Did I said something wrong?” she quickly asked. “Ah… No, not at all,” he replied at her with a boyish smile. She knew he heard it but she’s afraid to ask. Again, there was a moment of silence between them but this time, Alex can’t look at him directly. Did he really hear it? She cogitated. If he did, he’ll come to a conclusion that I love that kiss and that I’m allowing him to kiss me again because I like the kiss. Am I right? No… this is wrong. I can’t possibly fall for him… You’re a fool, Alex. You really are! She said to herself deep in her mind.

“What’s bothering you, best?” Eric asked. He noticed the confusion in her face. She might be thinking what she had said to me, he thought. You never say sorry for kissing the person you loved. What could that mean then? Did she know all along that I loved her? “N-nothing, Eric,” she replied after regaining her consciousness from the confusing questions floating in her mind.

“Do you remember our JS Prom?” he asked suddenly. She nodded. “You were my first dance that time,” he said in a whisper. “Am I?” she asked surprisingly. “Of course you are. You were my partner in cotillion dance during third year and my partner in rig Odon during fourth year high, remember?” He reminded. “Now, I remember! But I’m not your first dance, Eric. Do you remember our first JS Prom? A lot of our girl schoolmates ask you for a dance and most of them are way too beautiful enough to be ignored,” she said. “And did I danced with them?” he asked making her stop reminding him of the event. “Of course you did. As far as I remember, you danced with Faye, Aubrey, Natalie, Dianne, Gem…”

“You still remember that?” he suddenly asked. “I was there and I was watching you. I was counting all the ladies you danced with, my dear best friend,” she exclaimed. “Really? How come you forgot who my first dance is?” he answered. “Your first dance? I guess it was Faye… or maybe Trisha,” she said. “It’s you!” he informed. “Me? No way! I can’t remember you dancing with me… You never danced with me except for dance presentations. Did you?” she asked. Eric wet his lips then suddenly speaks with that soft gentle voice he has.

“You were my first dance, Alex. I can never forget that. And I won’t,” he said. “Yeah, it’s true I danced with those girls you were talking about but before them, I had danced with you. I saw you that time,” he continued. “You were watching all the people in the dance floor dancing with that mellow love song. You asked me to get you a glass of fruit punch, remember? I followed. And when I was waiting for my turn, I saw you sitting on that chair watching your beloved Aaron danced with the girls you said was asking me for a dance. He’s the Number One Ideal Boyfriend that time. Have you forgotten? So it’s possible that girls lined up for a dance with him,” he narrated. “What’s the big idea about it?” Alex asked in an insulting manner.

“Well, Alex, when I returned from my seat and I was handling you the fruit punch, I was smiling at you naughtily. I can’t stop giggling that time. You were staring at your crush that never asked you for a dance. Poor girl! And I began teasing you remember? I asked you…” he told. “If I were a good dancer, why can’t I dance up there? And I answered you that I’m not crazy to dance alone… and you danced with me!” she said remembering every detail on the event. “I can’t believe that you are my first dance, Eric!” she exclaimed. “You must, Alex,” he replied. And after that conversation while dancing, both of them forgot about those confusing words and actions that happened before that. Everything seems back to normal once again!