Chapter 2

Flashback.

I am asleep when I heard my phone buzz. Five missed calls. So this is it. We are finally going to meet.

"Uhm, Chris? I fell asleep," I said, smiling.

"Again," he answered.

"I didn't mean..."

"I'm about to turn to your street right now."

"But..."

"YOU are not cancelling this date. Not again," he said slowly, smirking, I think.

"Give me a moment."

"I'll be waiting."

And just like that, he ended the call.

I took a quick shower, wore a black fitted v-neck shirt and ripped jeans, put my hair up in a messy bun, and sprayed on my favorite scent. I did not put much make up on-- just made my face look fresh and presentable with powder, light blush, and lip tint. This will do.

It's been four months since we started exchanging messages. And in between those random talks, we keep on planning to meet in person. It is true that whenever our agreed date comes, I make excuses. Don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't like him. It's just that he is the only guy who intimidates me this much. Just thinking about how he'll look like in person sends a shiver down my spine.

We knew about each other's existence through my best friend, Marco, who happens to be under the same model management he is in. Recently, they are having the same events and projects which made them good friends.

I remember how I refused being introduced to him. Talk about being bitter- not! I just got so used to being single. Negative vibes aside, I am not ready to share my life with someone yet.

"Why so serious, li'l sis? (Laughs) I said I'll introduce him to you! I don't remember telling you to make him your boyfriend. Chill," Marco said, playfully teasing me.

"Whatever, Marco!"

"Get out from your shell. You're not getting any younger. If you don't wanna get serious, then just go with the flow. Mingle."

I smirked.

That's what I love about my best friend. He is the most playful and jolly person I know. He keeps on bugging me to go and meet guys. He's not a player, mind you. In fact, he is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend.

With Marco continuously convincing me to go give it a try, I did.

I'm going to meet you now, Chris.

My phone rang and after drawing a deep breath, I pressed accept.

"I'm here," his voice sounded both firm and calm.

"In a minute, hold on."

"Royal blue. LCA 1509."

I gave a quick look around as I went out to see him leaning on his car, slightly pulling up his right sleeve.

What the hell. My heart almost leaped. He is wearing a gray pullover shirt with sleeves rolled high enough to cover his elbows, ragged jeans that perfectly fits his bottom, and white sneakers. I should have dressed better. In my mind, I slapped myself as if I was dreaming. I smiled unintentionally as he looked and walked my way. Ash, get a grip of yourself!

And there he is. Right. In. Front. Of. Me.

"Oh, Hi," was all that I managed to say.

He laughed. He did that, seriously? What the. He playfully and gently messed with my hair.

"Now, I believe that you just woke up," he teased.

"Told ya," I tried to sound annoyed but failed.

"Still look gorgeous, though."

"Whatever..."

I looked the other way, thinking of something in his appearance to make fun of. He's got the perfect smile. His beautiful dark brown eyes are too enticing to ignore. Damn. My brain failed to cooperate. He's just too distracting!

"Anything on your mind, Ashley?"

"Nothing, I.. Just.. Let's go," I said, changing the subject.

"As you wish."

He led me to his car and opened the passenger seat.

"Windows down?"

I smiled and nodded.

"We'll go to Tagaytay."

"And have coffee," I muttered.

"As you wish," he said, smiling.

He turned up the music and we enjoyed singing together. We spent almost an hour just like that, laughing and teasing whenever one of us goes out of tune.

We decided to go to Bag of Beans Café and Restaurant. I loved how the place gives off a cozy and relaxing vibe. We settled at the courtyard. I've been here several times but the way nature and art were incorporated here still amazes me.

Black Forest Frappe for me, Mocha Frappe for him. Coffee has always been my saving pill. That, added to the ambiance of this place, made me feel really comfortable.

"Blueberry Cheesecake?" he asked.

"Perfect."

We talked about random things. One topic comes naturally after the other, making us lose track of the time. My tummy ached from laughing a little way too hard. He's fun to be with that I forgot how handsome he is. His looks is just a bonus, I thought, basing from this first meeting of ours.

"I think it's time to go?" he said.

"It's almost midnight! I didn't notice," I answered.

We laughed as we made our way out from the resto and back to the car.

"So.. See you again, soon?" he asked with a hint of hesitancy.

"We'll see?" I teased.

"I enjoyed more than I expected."

"Is that a good or a bad thing?" I asked, faking sarcasm.

"I'm not telling. Unless you see me again."

"Whatever."

"Whatever," he tried imitating my tone.

"Tch."

"So, see you AGAIN?" he asked, half-smiling.

Geez, that was sexy, I thought. And I gave him a meaningful smile.

"What?" he asked, bemused.

I shook my head. Instead of answering, I gave him a kiss on his right cheek. Suit yourself, Ash.

"I'll see you again," he said in a tone that sounded more like a promise.