5 5. A Blast From The Past

Morning is finally arrived. Kiara has wake up a few moments ago but she is still lying on the bed. She thinks about what happened last night. The warmth of Shawn's body, the look on his eyes, every gentle touch he made...and the kiss. Kiara touches her lips. It was her first kiss and it's perfect. But is it real? Or is it just a wonderful dream? Suddenly she remembers something . She comes down from the bed and walks to the sofa. There it is, Shawn's jacket. So everything is real! "Oh no, what have I done?" Kiara speaks to herself. How could she gave up so easily? What would Shawn think about her? But... it was not entirely her fault. It was Shawn's too. He was the one who started it. What about everything he said, does he really mean it? Or they just something seemed right to say in the heat of the moment? But he is a good person. He is not going to play with her feelings, is he? Kiara is so confused, she doesn't know what to do next.

Kiara hears the door bell rings. "Just a minute!" she says as she walks to the door. She opens it and finds a waiter bringing a bouquet of white roses in his hands. "Good morning Miss. Someone sends this bouquet for you." He says. Kiara says thank you and ask him to put it on the coffee table. Kiara is looking at the lovely bouquet now. White rose is her favourite flower. Who send this gift? She takes the card on top and reads it.

"Good morning, Georgeous. I hope you sleep well. Last night was so amazing. I'm so overwhelmed, I couldn't sleep at all. I'm so happy. I hope you feel the same. Can't wait to see you again. Shawn."

Kiara smiles. "You make me happy, Shawn" she says. It turns out that Shawn can be romantic too. Who would have guess that? But the most important thing is.... he feels the same. And he means it.

Kiara has just finished her breakfast when her phone rings. "Good morning my lady" Shawn says. " I hope you like the roses." He sounds so cheerful. "I just want to remind you that today's activities will start at 9 am. Would you please fulfill this man's whish by taking a ride with him to the place?" He asks. Kiara chuckles. "Good morning, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the Roses. They are beautiful. How did you know I love white roses?" She says. "You do? I'm glad. I love them too. And I think they are perfect for you. But there is something i don't like," Shawn says. "What is that?" Kiara asks. "I don't like when you call me "mr. Chairman". It makes me feels like there is a distance between us. I do not want to be just "mr. Chairman" to you. So please just call my name." Kiara understands. "I'm sorry, i didn't mean to keep a distance between us, Shawn." She says. Shawn replies "That's better. I love the way you say my name." Kiara doesn't know what to say so she changes the subject. "Well, it is almost 7.30 now. Don't you think we better get ready?" She says. "Sure. But what time should i pick you up, my lady?" Shawn asks. "8.30 will be fine, Shawn. Thank you " She replies. "Alright my lady. Your wish is my command. I'll see you at 8.30 am" He says. "Shawn....." Kiara says, "you just steal my line." And she can hear Shawn laughing happily on the other side of the line.

Kiara looks at herself in the mirror. Her oufit today is much simple. Her uniform t-shirt, the purple slayer with her graduation year sewed on it, a black jeans, sneakers and simple make up. She makes pony tail hair because there will be a lot of outdoor activities today. The door bell rings. She puts on her glasses and walk to the door. She opens it and finds Shawn standing there with his hands onthe back. He looks soo "manly". Shawn is surprised to see Kiara with her pony tail. She looks georgous and sporty. He loves it. "Here I am, my lady. Exactly 8.30 am." He says. "Shawn.." Kiara is still taken away. "You look so georgeous Ki. But there's something missing." He says. "What's that?" She asks. Shawn takes out his hands. He is holding two black caps. "One for you and one for me" He says then puts one on his head. He gives the other one to Kiara. "Thanks Shawn. Would you please come in and wait a while? I have last minute preparations. It won't take long." Kiara requests him politely. "Sure. Take your time" He says. Shawn enters the room and sits on the couch. He puts his bag and his cap on the table. He watches Kiara from the back. "She's georgeous in everything" He thinks. The nerdy girl or the pretty doctor, he likes them both. Kiara is trying to put on her caps. But she seems to have trouble pulling her hair out the back. "May i help?" Shawn asks. "Yes, please" Kiara responds. Shawn stands up and approaches. He stands behind her. Kiara holds the cap on her head. He opens the cap strap and gently pulls out Kiara's pony tail. Then he puts back the strap. He accidentally looks at her nape. Kiara's fair skin must have been so silky. Shawn traces his hands softly down the back of her neck and places them on her shoulders. Kiara closes her eyes. Her heart is pounding so fast. The smell of lavender drawns Shawn's face closer the her neck. His breath tickles her sensitive skin. Shawn closes his eyes and gently plants a kiss on her nape. Kiara takes a deep breath. The kiss sends electric shocks through out her body. "Shawn" She whispers. Shawn opens his eyes. He turns Kiara around facing him. Her eyes is still closed. He lifts her caps a little, brings her face closer and kiss her lips passionately. Kiara opens her eyes in surprised but she closes them again and lets herself taken away by the demanding passion of Shawn's lips. Her hands squeezes his back as the kisses go hotter.

Then their lips slowly parted. Their heads lean on each other and Shawn whispersy "I love you , Kiara..." Kiara opens her eyes and look deeply into his eyes. Shawn continues "I fell in love with you since the first time I saw you in high school. I still do. And I always will." Kiara feels like her heart is about to burst with happiness. But she turns back and says "I'm sorry, Shawn." Shawn looks confused. "What's wrong Ki?"He asks. "I've been thinking about what happen. And I think i don't..." Kiara pause. Shawn is shocked. "what are you trying to say?" His voice is now weak and tremble. Kiara looks at him and says "I'm sorry Shawn. I do not feel the same as what you feel" Shawn's heart hurts so bad, he doesn't want to hear it anymore. "Stop. It's enough" He says. Kiara replies carefully "No. Listen to me Shawn. I didn't feel the same because I didn't know you well back then. And I regret it. I wish I have known you better before then surely I would fell in love with you like you did. Like i do now." Shawn looks at her and says "Really?" Kiara smiles and nods. "Say it to me clearly please" Shawn says. Kiara moves closer and says "I love you too Shawn. And I always will." Happiness overflows in Shawn's heart. He grabs Kiara's hands and pulls her to his body. He holds her tighly and says "You almost give me a heart attack, you know?" Kiara laughs and says "Please forgive me...." Shawn puts on his angry face and says "No. You need to be punished for that." Then he pushes Kiara against the wall and they kiss again...and again... and again.

It's 9 am now. Kiara and Shawn is in the elevator. As much as they hate breakup from their kisses, they have a reunion to attend to. So they rush into the car and head to the Beach hall. By the time they finally arrives, it's already full of people. "Let's go inside" Kiara says. Shawn holds her right hand and says "Ok. Stay with me and don't let me go, alright?" Kiara smiles and says "I won't". They starts to walk into the crowd and finally found their friends. "Hi everyone!" Shawn's greets them all. "Shawn, you are finally here!" Frank says. He sees Kiara and says "Hi Kiara! My o my, you are looking pretty and sporty." Ronny comes near and says "You better stop that playboy act Frank. She knows you so well. She'll never fall for that" They laughs. " Boys, boys, we should be approaching the stage now to see the performances." Suddenly a man comes by and talks to Shawn. "Shawn, All members of the committee must gather in the back stage now. We'll have a brief meeting. Shawn doesn't want to leave Kiara. He looks at her. Kiara says "It's ok Shawn. We are fine. We'll be here when you come back." Shawn lets her hand go. He looks at Kiara once more and then walks to the back stage.

Kiara and her friends sit under the trees near the stage and watch the performances from each class. Some of them sing while the others dance along. They meet a lot of their seniors and juniors. Kiara even meets some of her patients who turn out to be the students of her high school, a few famous artists, some well known public officers, sports athletes, and many more. She meets her teachers and greets them. She thanks them for everything they thought which made her who she is today. They were getting older and many have retired. But they are happy and proud to see all of their students. She is talking to her music teacher Mrs. Bradley when Shawn comes back. "Kiara!" He calls her and approaches. "Oh hi Mrs. Bradley. How are you? Remember me? Shawn shakes her hand. "Shawn, my handsome boy, I'm great thank you. Of course I remember you. How could i forget the Robot." She laughs. "Mrs. Bradley, not every man can perform traditional dance you know?" Shawn feels embarrased. "Yes, but you were almost the worst." She laughs again. "I'm sorry I was just joking" She says. "You must learn from Kiara. She is an excellent singer and dancer you know." Shawn looks at Kiara. "Really?" Kiara replies "No, I weren't that good. You taught me well Mrs. Bradley." Then some other people come and talk to Mrs. Bradley. Shawn holds Kiara's hand and take her away from the crowd. "How come I never know that you are a singer and a dancer?" He asks. "We performed traditional dances outside the school. Mostly e my classmates, Mrs. Bradley and Mr. Hanson knew I can sing." Shawn responds, "I thought Mr. Hanson was a Math teacher." Kiara replies, "Yes, he was. But onetime i came back late to his class after a choir rehearsal. He asked me to sing a song in front of the Class. But everyone including Mr. Hanson himself seemed to like my singing. So it wasn't really a punishment at all." Shawn is curious. "Someday, would you sing for me, Ki?" Kiara looks at him and says "It will be my pleasure, Shawn." They smiles at each other and go back to their friends. All people seem to have good times. The activities continues until 3pm. At the end of it, Kiara and all of her friends take pictures together on the stage, at the welcome gate, the big poster, and a few other places. And then they home. They must get ready for the event tonight.

The dress code for Kiara's class is Blue. Kiara already has a navy sabrina midi dress. She only wore it once to attend one of her colleages party about 2 years ago and she wears it again tonight. She pairs it again with her kitten heel shoes. She apply natural make up and she made loose low bun for her hair. Last she puts on two beautiful earrings.She looks at herself in the mirror. "It's perfect" She thinks. Then she hears the door bell rings. It must be Shawn. She walk to the door and opens it. Shawn is standing in front of the door. He's wearing a navy blue blazer with matching color pants and light blue shirt underneath. "Good evening..." that is all he manage to say. He is stunned. Kiara looks so beautiful. There is this sensual aura on her. He feels so lucky to be her man. "Shawn?" Kiara's voice sounds so sweet it brings him back. "Good evening georgeous" He says. Kiara smiles shily and lets him come in. She closes the door and when she turns around she finds Shawn is standing in front her. He walks closer to her while looking in to her eyes. Kiara starts walking backwards and bump into the door behind her. Shawn move closer until his body touches Kiara's. He whispers in her ear "You look amazing Ki.." Then He cups his hands on her face and kiss her lips very gently. Kiara closes her eyes as she wraps her hands on his waist. Shawn raises his head slowly and kiss her forehead. "I love you" he says those magic words again. Kiara opens her eyes and says " I love you too." They slowly separates. Kiara holds Shawn hand and leads him to seat in the sofa. "Just a minute, love" She says. She puts her glasses on and takes her bag. "Shall we?" She says. Shawn stands up and smiles. "Sure, my love".

The Beach Hall view at night is already beautiful. And now with all the decorations it is just impressive. People starts to come and take a few pictures with their friends. After that they enter the hall. Shawn and Kiara arrives just in time. They take pictures with their friends, seniors and juniors. Then they go inside the hall and find their seats. The party begins. The host of the event is one of well known TV host who happens to be their senior at high school. In the middle of the event, Shawn gets called by the chairman of the comittee to arrange something. So he leaves Kiara with their friends. It's time for another singing peformance. Jake is one of their seniors who becomes a famous singer. Kiara used to watch him performed at the students affair. "Wasn't that the same guitar he used to play at high school?" Someone says as he sits on the empty chair besides her. Kiara recognizes that voice very well. She quickly turns her head to the left. ADRIAN! Kiara can't believe her eyes. Adrian smiles. "Hi, Ki. How are you? It's been along time since the last time i saw you" He says. Kiara lost her words. "What is he doing in here? I thought the boys said he lives in London now. Why does he have to come?" Kiara has so many questions in her mind. "Ki? What's wrong? You look like you just saw a ghost or something" Adrian tries to make a joke. Kiara is back to her senses. "Hi Adrian..." she says. "You look beautiful" He says. "Thank you" Kiara replies. Adrian is more mature. His face is clean shaven. His hair is cut short. He wears a blue blazer with white pocket square, white pants and white shirt underneath. He just looks more handsome. Kiara turns her head back to the stage. She doesn't want to look at him. She doesn't want to remember everything.

Adrian looks at Kiara. "The nerdy girl turned into a pretty woman" He thinks. She wears natural make up and simple navy dress which gives her an elegant look. She still wears glasses. But that just adds up the smart look. Adrian looks into her hands. "No rings.Yes!" His heart cheers. He remembers how Kiara used to be so clumsy and shy. He knew her when they were working together as the of the annual art festival. She always talked straight to the topics. She seemed to avoid any long conversations with him. He never knew why. But she was the only one who's truly nice to him. She never tried to seduce him and never cared about his wealth. Onetime she gave him a small green note book and a pen for his birthday. It was the simplest gift he ever received. It touched his heart because it simply meant she knew his favourite color and how much he liked to take notes. But few days after the art festival she became hard to find and soon after that she disappeared. He never saw her again. Not even in their graduation party.

Kiara can feel Adrian eyes is now looking at her. She tries to ignore him by watching Jake's performance. "What's the title of this song again? Oh, yes. It's -Because I know You-, isn't it?" Kiara pretends she doesn't hear that. "Ki...you are not answering my question" Adrian says. Kiara is still pretending to watch the show. Suddenly Adrian touches her hand on her lap and say "Kiara!". Kiara startled She quickly pull her hand out and look at him. "What Adrian?" She says. "Now i finally get your attention. I know Jake is a very good singer. But his voice is not the type you got lost into. I start to think that you are ignoring me or maybe you just don't like me sitting here." Adrian says. Now Kiara feels bad. She doesn't want to be near Adrian but she doesn't want him to feel unwanted too. "I'm sorry. I just love this song. What's the question again?" Kiara tries to be nice. Adrian smiles and says "never mind. How are you?" Kiara lower eyes and pretend to fix her glasses. "Oh, I'm okay" She answers. "I'm sure you are great" she says and quickly turn her slef back to watch the show. "I'm not." Adrian replies. Kiara look at him. he just continues, "I had trouble finding my nerdy girl. I mean where have you been? Why you just disappeared?" Kiara closes her eyes awhile. "I studied harder. I wanted to become a doctor. So I have no time to play around." She lies. "Not even to say hi? Or help me with history? Or my to give me another note book at my birthday party? Or even attending our graduation party? because the exams were already over by that time. You surely had no reason to stay studying. Why were you so devoted to be this nerdy girl?" Adrian says as he gets emotional. "I..... You know, It's not you business. You had plenty of friends who followed you around and I was not your personal assistant. Why would you notice the nerdy girl when you could had all the pretty faces? Did you even bother? Don't pretend like you actually care." Kiara speaks up. She is annoyed. Adrian is surprised. And just at that moment, Felix comes. "Hi Bro! Long time no see. How are you? Did you come all the way from London?" Adrian gets distracted. Kiara quickly says "Well, I leave you boys talking here now. Felix, you can use my chair". Adrian looks at her. "Excuse me. I need to go to the restroom." Kiara says. She passes both of them and walks as fast as she could to the restroom.

Kiara looks at the mirror. "Why do you say those words, Ki?" Her mind speaks to herself. She thought she has forgotten about Adrian. She thought he wouldn't bother her anymore.

Why could't she just keep calm? Adrian is just a past. He is nothing but someone she knew at high school. That is what he supposed to be. The nerdy girl has gone and she'll never going back. "Now pull yourself together, Kiara!" She says to herself. She fixes her appearance and washes her hand. Maybe water can cool off her feelings.