Chapter 18: Memories

"One early morning, at sunrise, you summoned me by saying, "Anthony, come to me."

He smiled wistfully.

"So I came to you."

"You are lying!" I accused him of pretending to be my long lost friend. If that is the case, I could not think of any reason why he must do that to me.

My mind was in a terrible case of disarray.

"I am not. You know well that "silly me" is very bad in lying." he reminded me.

Unable to comprehend everything that he was revealing to me, I decided to leave him.

"Don't go." He stopped me. I pulled my hand away from his grasp. "Let us talk about this." he pleaded.

"I just need to think. Alone." I mumbled and ran away from him.

I do not know how far or how long I have ran but somehow it helped me overcome the rush of emotions building up inside me. Exhausted of my ordeal, I sat under a huge and shady tree. Its leaves and branches covered the red full moon that seemingly followed my shadow.

I was in a state of shock.

I could not believe that Antoine, is indeed, Anthony. Deep in my heart, I knew that he is telling me the truth.

I have been so blind.

How could I have not realized it sooner?

I was too stupid to not realize that everything I have been seeing are real.

I felt so angry at him for keeping secrets at me but somehow, also relieved that he is Anthony.

I am glad that he is alive and safe.

A lot of questions were popping out of my mind.

How did I get trapped in this time?

If everything I've seen in my dreams, were indeed, real, how could I and Antoine meet?

Was I with him all that time?

Did I summon him?

But, how?

I just can't remember!

As I was too tired and weak, I leaned on the trunk and decided to take a nap.

The faint rays of the sun passed through the leaves above me. I felt a nudge on my shoulder. I blinked and saw Antoine sitting beside me.

"Let's go home now. You should be sleeping on a comfortable bed." he told me with so much care.

I sat up. He stroked away a few strands of hair that gathered in front of my face and carefully fixed them at the back of my ear.

Just like Anthony always does.

"Buddy..." I muttered. "Are you still my best buddy?"

"Yes." he answered with a warm smile.

"I don't feel so good, you know...maybe..."

Soon, I felt myself being lifted up. He plans  to carry me back home.

"Stop." I refused as he held my waist and the back of my knees. "What I meant is maybe, we could stay here for a while. The air is fresh and I like the scenery."

So effortlessly, he carried me in his arms and he began walking.

"You need some rest. Then, we'll talk. I would explain to you everything. No more secrets." he promised me.

"Maybe, you are right! I feel so bad and it's all your fault."

"I'm sorry."

"You should be. Cook me something nice this breakfast for our peace agreement."

The cool morning breeze made me feel cold. I would have liked to bask more in his warmth but I was too embarrassed to be carried by him.

"You can put me down now." I shyly ordered him.

"It's alright."

"I insist. Please."

As he let me go, I leaned on his shoulder for balance. He smiled kindly to me as he carefully assisted me to stand up.

"Are you sure? I would gladly carry you home."

His eyes caught me off guard. He was not wearing his eyeglasses. I always avoided looking at him in the eyes as I knew the terrible consequence for a female like me.

In an instant, I was accidentally enchanted by him. I tried to control myself by closing my eyes and stepping back. But fate loves to prank me so my long skirt got in the way and I almost tripped.

This, indeed was my unluckiest day.

"Careful." He caught me so quickly. I found myself staring at his face with only about an inch away from mine. "I told you. I would just carry you..."

I put my hands on his cheeks. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Bianca, this is bad...mmph..."

Without any warning, I closed my eyes and kissed him.

He was completely stunned.

He breath was like an addictive drug to me. As I got a taste of how enchanting he could be , the more I wanted to claim him as my lover, suddenly forgetting the platonic relationship we have.

The warmth of his lips against mine felt so magical. It is both wonderful and empowering.

I wanted all of him.

Surprisingly, he reciprocated my kiss and embraced me affectionately.

I felt so safe with him.

And loved.

Forever.

For a moment, I was lost in his presence.

I was under his spell.

Memories came flooding in my mind.

As a scared and lonely little girl, I saw myself summoning him to come to me.

"Anthony, come to me." I called while reaching out my hand to him.

"I will, Bianca." He was foolish enough to say so without any second thoughts.

He did come for me.

As our kisses became more passionate, I came back to my senses. I slapped his arm to let me go. With utmost effort, I was able to break away from the kiss.

"Stop!" I uttered with panic in my voice. "What have I done?" I wiped my lips with the back of my hand.

He too, was taken aback with what just happened. He was quick to move away and free me from his embrace.

"It's alright now. Calm down...please..." he said, trying to pacify me. He might have noticed that tears are starting to brim from my eyes.

"You should have stopped me! How could you?" I pointed at his gorgeous face, shifting the blame on him.

In reality, I was about to breakdown.

Never in my life have I imagined that my first kiss would be from Antoine Sta. Maria.

Surely, he is the most ideal man if I could have not known that he was indeed my best friend.

Anthony dela Vega!

That silly, silly boy!

That kiss was the most awkward thing to happen between us two.

It definitely was not a simple smack.

I did kiss him so torridly.

How I wish I could erase that humiliating event so easily just like how it is done in the stories!

He stared at me innocently, as if he is trying to read my behavior again.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Now, I feel terrible!

It felt like I took advantage of a silly, silly man.

Shame of all shames!

"Why aren't you wearing your eyeglasses? That kiss wasn't intentional, OK?" I attempted to excuse myself out of the untoward incident. "It was an accident! Don't think of anything else!"

He nodded meekly.

"I understand."

I turned to leave. A few steps after, I returned with my hands on my waist, planning to scold him more. He was quick to apologize.

"I'm so sorry. I'll replace my broken eyeglasses soon." he assured me while flinching.

"Yes, you should take a hundred with you all the time! Don't you have any idea of how dangerous you are? Or, are you just pretending to be naive?'

He stifled a smile and looked at me with his extremely dangerous eyes. They glittered so beautifully.

So inviting.

I was about to be enchanted again.

Heaven, help me!

"Look down. Please. Just look down." I begged while pointing at the ground.

He did look down.

I started walking away.

"The house is in that direction." He pointed while still looking down.

"I don't care. I'm going...wait...uh...I'm still thinking...anywhere!"

He silently trudged behind me.

"Stop following me! You are so like my stalker!"

He shrugged his shoulders.

I left him in haste.

Yet, he still followed me.

Silly, silly, Anthony.