Chapter 4- OVERNIGHT

Aesthetic Karma

LILAH DAZA

"Sexiest part of Alester's body?" Rich asked me naughtily. We are now at La Conchita Coffee Shop, currently on a break.

It has been a week since Alester and I met the man they are currently talking about. After we had our lunch with his family and girlfriend, we haven’t seen each other again.

"I'm not sure," I said, not taking my gaze away from the sketch pad I was holding.

Despite the fact that I should have been having fun, I kept working. I've also created a slew of new designs. There have also been finalized ones that are simply awaiting the fashion show, so the pressure I feel has lessened.

"Are you sure? Really, Lalah! The bottle was pointed in your direction. Answer my question properly," she whined again.

I just sighed and put down my work. "I already answered, I don't know."

"At least one, Lah," Juvie interjected.

In my mind, I envisioned Alester's physique.

"Lips?" I asked, hesitantly.

"You're still not sure about that?" Tin said.

I just winced. "Eyes?"

"Are eyes considered one of the sexiest parts of the human body?" Shielou, who was taking selfies, asked.

"Yeah, I mean I love his pretty narrow eyes and pinkish lips, his calm voice, his body build is just the right size, sexy too, and his eyebrows are also damn attractive. That's it." Their mouths dropped as they looked at me. I scowled. I repeated my question with renewed curiosity, "What? Why? Is there something wrong with what I said?

"We just want to know which part is the sexiest, but you've already gotten to the attractive blah blah, you're being obvious," Juvie's tone was mixed with teasing.

"It's because it's hard to choose. Every part of his body belongs in the sexiest category."

"Wow huh? It's not obvious that you're in love."

I won't deny that I'm in love with him but I can't admit it either. Me and my pride. "Psss!"

"Why aren’t you doing anything to pull him back to you? When are you going to take your first move, Lilah?" Tin asked.

I didn't respond because I didn't know what to say.

"Perhaps when she completely loses him," Shielou speculated.

I simply ignored it and returned to my sketch pad.

"Perhaps when they have no hope of ever getting back together."

I was a little taken aback, but I pretended not to be paying attention even though I was really affected by what they were saying.

"You know Lalah, sometimes we have to put our pride aside so we can be genuinely happy," Juvie continued. She’s talking as if she has been into relationships.

"Lah, it's okay to lower your pride as long as you don't lower your underwear without a marriage contract," Rich said naughtily, making us laugh.

I just shook my head. Sometimes we really need to have crazy friends who will cheer us up when we are sad.

"I don't even know how."

"Seduce him," Juvie and Rich said simultaneously. The two were not even satisfied and gave each other a high five.

"Speak to him properly, Lilah," Shielou said solemnly, and Tin nodded.

"Tell him the truth, apologize for what you did, and try to win him back in a positive way," Tin added, looking at Rich and Juvie, both of whom were frowning.

"As soon as I finish what I'm doing, the fashion show is coming soon."

"Girl, maybe before that ends, Ale and Dara are already official. Don't be so stupid. Oops, sorry. You've already been a fool tho." Rich commented. I threw my sharp stare at her which made her do the peace sign.

"It's Lester," Tin said, pointing to the door behind me with her lips. I want to turn around, but it appears that I have stiffened in my seat.

"Lester!" Rich exclaimed as he stood up.

"Oh, hi. You're all here as well."

"Yeah, because you know we're all pretty as well but Lilah is way more beautiful in your point of view, right?"

I feel like punching my best friend. She's a real chatterbox, and she's even involving my peaceful soul in their nonsense conversation.

Juvie chimed in, "Lah, wouldn't you even greet Alester? It's as if you two don't have a history."

I just shook my head and looked at the man they were teasing. This one appears to want to relax here as well.

"Hi, Les," I said, motioning for him to take the vacant seat next to mine.

"I'm sorry, I'd like to join you, but Dara is already on her way."

The witches simply exchanged glances.

"Okay, it's fine," I said with a smile, but deep inside, my emotions were slowly building up and seeming to disturb my silent soul.

"Eh, Dara can sit with us here as well; there's still an empty seat," Tin insisted.

I just want to be smacked on the head. Why are they so persistent? He's already with someone else.

"Is that alright with you, Lah?"

I wasn't expecting him to ask that, so it took me a minute to respond. "Yeah, it's fine," I said as he sat next to me.

"Juv, come with me to the restroom. I feel like pooping, shit!" Rich exclaimed, reaching out to Juvie, who was speechless.

"Let's order dessert. Shie, help me pick some," Tin said. They both stood up and placed their orders.

I was taken aback when only the two of us remained at the table. He took the seat directly in front of me.

"I'm going to stay here."

I simply nodded at him.

"How are you?" he asks once more. I paused what I was doing, folded the sketch pad, and set it aside. "I'm doing fine, and I'm not too busy; how about you?"

"I'm always busy, but I make time to unwind."

"You should, because you really need to rest."

He nodded and picked up his cellphone when it lit up. He was frowning as he read something in there. I became intrigued.

"Tsk, Ciana and Fei, really. They know nothing but gimmicks ," he whined calmly.

"Why?" I couldn't stop myself from asking. He handed me his cell phone. Because I was hesitant to accept it, he simply placed it on the table. I read the message on the screen.

Fei: Kuya, I wanna invite Ate Lalah tonight. Girls bonding. Can she go, please?

"Are you free tonight?" he inquired.

I thought about it. Something in my mind tells me that this is an opportunity to reconnect with him and have a proper conversation with him.

"Yeah, sure. I want to relax too."

"Or maybe Fei's mischievousness will stress you out."

"Let's see," we both said, laughing.

After a while, my close friends returned, at the same time Dara arrived. The setup was awkward, but the conversation flowed smoothly thanks to Rich's silliness.

I was the first to say goodbye because I had to return to my office. I spent some time at Lala Boutique. I went straight to the condo to prepare for the girls' bonding that Fei had mentioned. I just brought extra clothes and changed out of what I was wearing.

It was around 5:00 p.m. when I left my condo. Dara entered the elevator as I was exiting it. We passed each other without saying anything. I also don't want to get close to her, so I usually ignore her whenever our paths cross.

When I got out of the building, I noticed Alester leaning against his car, his large hands inside his pocket. He simply stood up when he saw me.

"Give me your bag, I'll put it inside," he said, pointing to my small backpack.

"No, I've got a car..."

"I didn't say you didn't have a car," he replied sarcastically. He appears to have turned grumpy.

"What I mean is that-"

"You should come with me. I've been waiting for you."

My heart appeared to leap from my chest and was carried into space by a whirlwind.

"I didn't ask you to wait for me," I casually said.

"I didn't even say you told me to wait," I said wimpily.

He lightly scratched his brow. "Just come with me."

"All right," I said, giving up and not waiting for him to open the door. I got into the car by myself and put my bag in the back seat.

"Doesn't it contain anything fragile?"

"Nope," I answered.

He didn't say anything else. We took a long time to arrive due to heavy traffic. When we arrived at their house, it was very late.

"Does Auntie know I'm coming here today?" I wondered as we walked into their mansion.

"No, they're out of the country for business, so it's just me and my siblings here."

I simply nodded. When we finally got inside, a cute white dog greeted us.

"You're cute! Come here," I said cheerfully as I carried it. "Is it a female?"

"Yeah," he said with a smile. It smells fragrant, and you can tell the dog is well-cared for.

"F."

"F? As in letter F?"

"Yeah, Fei owns it, you know."

"That explains. By the way, where are they?"

"Fei just picked up Ciana at LC Mall, and they're already on their way home," he said as he led me to the living room. I'm still carrying the dog who seems to want to play with me as well.

"Do you like dogs?" he inquired.

"I'm not sure. I've never had a pet."

"What about the goat?"

I want to squirm. Is he still able to recall that? That is merely my defense.

"Yeah, right. That's the only one I took care of." He nodded. I put F down because she no longer appears to want to be carried. "I think I'd like to have a dog if it's as cute as F," I said, smiling. It helps to alleviate stress and fatigue.

"There are so many lovely and adorable dogs."

"Hmmm, I think I need one as well."

We looked at the newly opened door, which revealed the sisters who had just arrived.

"Ate Lah! Kuya Ale! You are here already!"

Ciana's tone was filled with joy. She came over right away and gave me a hug.

Fei came next. "Sis, I appreciate you accepting my invitation for tonight."

"That's nothing, Fei. Thank you for the invite."

"Small thing, sis," We both laughed.

"Bro, can you accompany Ate Lah upstairs? Just look after her. Ciana and I will cook because all of our maids are on their day off."

"All of them ?"

"Yeah, I allowed it because they only get to see their families once a year, don't worry, I know how to do housework. You know, I grew up to be a strong, independent woman," she proudly stated.

He had simply messed up his sister's hair.

"Let's go," he suggested. I went after him. Their house is enormous and stunning. "You can stay in the room next to mine."

"Okay."

"Just let me know if you need anything."

"Okay."

"Please make yourself at home."

"Okay."

"Lalah, really? Why do you keep on saying “okay”?" he questioned.

I was suddenly embarrassed. "Ah, thank you?" I said in a questioning tone.

He only smiled and scratched his brow. He opened the door to the room he was referring to, but we were both taken aback by the mess. He immediately shut the door.

"I'm sorry, I forgot our maid wasn't here, so it hasn't been cleaned yet. You can stay in the other room."

I simply nodded. I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry because the four rooms we opened were all a mess.

He yelled angrily at his younger sister, "Fei!" He cast a glance downstairs.

"Yes, big bro?" she replied, hurrying upstairs.

"How come the rooms here are so cluttered?"

"Oh, yes, because we were supposed to do general cleaning earlier, but we didn't finish it because the housemaids requested a day off; it will be cleaned when they return."

" How about, Lilah? Where do you want her to stay huh?"

"In your room, she's your girlfriend anyway."

"What?" we both asked, looking at each other.

He hasn't told them about our breakup yet? Why?

"Plus, she can't be in my room because I have something else to do before bed, and Ate Ciana isn't used to having someone next to her because she sleeps naked."

I want to slap myself across the face. Are they doing it on purpose? It doesn't appear so. I hesitantly remarked, "I thought we'd be bonding as girls."

"That's correct; of course, we'll do that before going to bed. We can't not sleep, can you?"

"No," I replied.

Alester is frowning at his sister, as if he wants to poke her in the eye.

"Anyway, I'm going down now, we haven't even finished half of what we're doing. Do whatever you two want," Fei said as she rushed downstairs.

“So, what do we do?" I questioned with interest.

Alester let out a sigh. "Do you mind sleeping in my room? I have a sofa."

In disappointment, I pouted my lips. Will he allow me to sleep on his couch?

"Of course, Lilah, I'll be the one sleeping on the sofa."

I just followed him with a frown. I'm going into his room for the first time.

I took a quick look at everything. His room's color scheme is a mix of white and gray, which makes it look clean, spacious, and fragrant. There is a closet, and there is a section with many books. It's similar to a school library in that it contains books of various genres.

"Have you read them all?" I asked, surprised.

"Yeah, but I haven't done extensive research on other books; I only read the pages that contain the information I'm looking for."

Cool, still.

The bed is also quite large, and there are numerous pillows, though I dislike the color gray. I used to like pink, but now I prefer yellow.

We eventually went downstairs. I didn't grow up as a spoiled brat, which is why I can cook and do other things. I assisted Ciana and Fei in preparing the food. We sat in front of their pool after we finished cooking.

They intended to go night swimming. I refused because I couldn't stand the coldness of the water, so only the siblings were able to enjoy the pool. I also enjoy watching them drown and chase each other.

Because his two sisters didn't appear to have any plans, he was the first to go up. I swallowed because he was only dressed in boxer shorts. As soon as our eyes met, I looked away.

I hurriedly poured some wine into the glass after frantically opening one in it and drank it right away.

"Enough!" he said as he moved to my side.

It's as if I suddenly caught a cold despite not getting wet. Because of the way he was staring at me, I frowned. "Why?"

"Because you're not used to drinking, you might fall asleep somewhere else later."

"That's harsh. It's fine. I know you're here, I'll be fine." It's too late to retract what I said. We both remained silent, and it seemed as if an angel had just flown by.

"Of course, but I don't want you to get drunk."

"Just one more," I explained. It's sweet, and their wine smells nice.

"That one is strong. Take it easy."

“Okay.” I smiled and gave him the glass, adding a small amount of wine to my own and on his. "Cheers," I said.

"For?" He asked, looking at me intensely.

I snorted. Should there be a reason?

"For... nothing?" He chuckled, ruffling my hair. My heart was warmed by that touch. It's been a month since we broke up. "Cheers!" And finally, he went with the flow.

I took one big gulp of the whole drink, but this time I felt excruciating pain in my stomach and throat. Then there was an unexpected sensation of warmth. I removed my jacket, leaving only my white shirt. I'm also only wearing bathing shorts to move around freely. When I caught his gaze, my chest began to beat erratically.

When I stood up, I felt dizzy. I was about to fall if he hadn't grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to him. I landed on his lap. I felt a swirl forming in my heart, filled with an emotion I'd been feeling all along. I felt his hug tighten around my waist, immobilizing me and almost suffocating me.

"I missed you," he whispered but I clearly heard it. I couldn't say anything because I was at a loss for words.

C'mon Lilah, this is your chance.

But no matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise, I can't bring myself to admit how I really feel.

"Me too."

"You too, what?"

I bit my bottom lip and swallowed.

"I miss you too."

"Really?"

"Yeah but..."

"But?"

"But it shouldn't be."

"Why?"

I closed my eyes briefly before responding again. "Because... you are dating someone else now."

Alester immediately fell silent. My chest aches at his unassuming silence.

"Who?"

"C'mon Alester Hernandez, I'm sure you know who I'm referring to."

"Is it Dara?"

"Is there anyone else?"

He was silent once more. I stood up and walked over to his sisters. I put up with the chilly air because I came to my senses.

We decided to go to bed in the morning. I rinsed off first and changed in the shower room. Once I was done, he walked after me.

"Let me help you dry your hair."

"No, it’s fine."

I was unable to object when he took the towel and wiped my hair by himself because I never blow dry my hair unless absolutely necessary.

I thanked him after he had finished drying my hair.

"You sleep here, I’ll be on the sofa." He took three pillows with him.

"What... Uhm..."

"Hmmm?"

"I-if you want, we can sleep next to each other.."

Alester appeared surprised by what I said.

"But it's fine if you don't want to..."

"I like it. I'm not really comfortable on the sofa, and I haven't tried sleeping on it yet," he admitted before leaping onto the bed.

I can’t stop myself from smiling.

I think there's nothing wrong with us sharing a bed? We won't do anything, and Dara won't even know.