Archnemesis

"Giovan!" Amara warned.

"What? Didn't I tell you to finish your drinks first?"

"You got to be kidding me!" Amara frowned. She reached the tissue and wiped the spilled drink, which, fortunately, landed only on her bare stomach and some in her jeans.

"Oh, I see, you haven't forgotten that name." Gio gloated.

"Mention that name again, and you're next in the list on my death note." Amara glared at Giovan's gloating smile.

"But dear, he might be your one and only savior from this dilemma." Gio grinned while watching the conflicted expression on her friend's face.

"Gio, I expected more from you." Amara disagreed.

"Sis, with your infamous reputation in City A and your personality, I really have no idea who can handle you other than this person, and me, of course." Gio exaggeratedly explained.

"I don't believe it. There might be someone out there who can."

"You can try. But dear, I'm telling you, either the girl will be intimidated, and insecure living with you, or the boy can't keep his mind and hands lusting over you. I can already imagine a girl roommate crying, offended by your bluntness, or a boy cursing you for kicking his balls."

"And you think that person wouldn't do the same?"

"You mean Xav--"

"Hep! Don't say his name."

"You mean 'he-who-must-not-be-named'? Are you playing dumb right now, Amara? We all knew that other than studying, he won't even blink if you got naked in front of him. He might as well be a priest!"

"Are you sure he can tolerate my presence?" Amara doubted.

"Well, Sis. If you stop annoying him like before, he might even treat you like air. And isn't this great? Your roommate is someone you knew very well. Why, of course. He's the one and only unreachable ultimate crush of Amara Mondragon!"

"Heh! My feelings for him have long been gone ever since he started associating with my step sister, Gio." Amara scoffed. Her expression turned a little grim at the mention of her step-sister.

From across the table, Gio reach for Amara's hand and rub it in comfort. Gio has always been the only one who knew the face behind the mask of Amara and everything that she went through alone.

"So, you mean to say that he's in City B? What for? Did he finally realize that he loves me and followed me here?" Amara joked.

She was acting calmly as if the last grimace didn't occur.

"Oh please, what can be that person's drive in life other than pursuing education? You have to try harder, Sis." Gio laughed, easing the tension. "He took a Master's Degree in Business Administration in your university, don't you know?"

"You didn't tell me, and I didn't see him. Probably because the Master's department is far from ours and, didn't he study medicine in City A? Don't tell me he's taking both classes?" Amara's jaw dropped in disbelief. What kind of brain that guy really has?

"Well, you didn't ask! I've known because Jacob mentioned it before. He's actually adamant about helping his friend find an apartment near the school here, so Xav-- won't commute for 2 hours from City A to City B and vice versa every weekday. And Xav-- I mean, finally relented and accepted his friend's help as long as Jacob found a suitable one. Whereas Jacob asked me to help him since he knew I usually visit here. Well, isn't this a great coincidence?"

"You mean destiny just wouldn't pass a day without dropping troubles in my life, no?"

"Don't tell me you're not considering this?" Gio asked in disbelief.

"Well, damned Sis. You knew the man is my living archnemesis. This idea won't definitely go anywhere!" Amara countered.

She just can't imagine sharing a room with Xavier Sylvester. Maybe, if it happens before, she will definitely jump in delight. But now? Heh! She can't help but question his intelligence for not seeing the real face of her step-sister after witnessing them being together.

"Do you have any other choice? I knew you wouldn't accept me lending you more money, Sis. But, really I'm glad to be of help. Just don't be shy to me, dear; I already saw you pooping in class since we were kids."

"Giovan you--. Hmph, says you who pee all the way home after being chased by the dog. And fainted after your father caught you wearing lipstick! If not for me, you've been long gone to military school."

Together, they burst out laughing as they recall all the embarrassing moments they've shared since grade school.

*ring ring

"Wait a minute; I'll just take this call." Gio excused. Amara nodded.

Outside, the rain was starting to pour heavily. Amara couldn't help feeling melancholic after unintentionally remembering the memory before leaving City A. The downpour of rain always reminded her of that very night. Cold, numbing, and empty.

Noticing the thunderstorm outside, Gio couldn't help but look at his friend, who looked so lost in thought while gazing outside the glass-to-ceiling window of the restaurant.

For a moment, Amara let go of the towering wall she built and immerses herself in pain and vulnerabilities. She looks like a detached and lost Queen waiting for her King to fill her lonely life.

That's what Gio witnessed when he came back from answering the call.

"Amara, are you okay?" Concerned, Gio asked.

Amara snapped out of her thoughts and mindlessly answered her friend.

"Of course! Anyway, I'll think about your suggestion tonight, Gia."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I think you won't have the luxury to think about it until tonight." Gio rebutted.

"Huh, why?"

"'He's here."

"Who?"

"Who else?"

'Speak of the devil, and he shall appear,' that's what she understands from Gio's eye signal while nervously glancing at her back.

Before Amara could turn around to look who it was, a deep and cold masculine voice that she would never forget froze her in her seat.