The Nth Side: Caleb

Chapter 1: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

"You better be buying me a hell of a good dinner. And we're going in at 6."

"I think a burger will do, and no. We go in at 5."

"A double cheeseburger, extra-large fries, fresh coconut shake and we go in at 5:30 or you go alone," I smirk.

Yrina folds her arm. She sits up and stares at me. Her eyes were glaring with annoyance but I know she's gonna fold.

"Yes with whatever food satisfies your elephant-like appetite but we go in at 5."

"I guess it will be solo flight for you then," I tease her as I open my book to resume my adventure with Mr. Potter.

She grabs my book and smacks me in the arm, "Fine. You're driving."

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The rest of the week passed by quickly and I find myself driving to the mall, with Yrina busily looking at the mirror, practicing her smile and other different facial reactions.

"Are we going to a talent contest or to a role audition?" I ask her teasingly.

"Just keep driving," she answers with a smile, not even bothering to look away from her reflection.

"Okay. Be careful though. Your face might not return to normal after all your practicing," I say, trying to maintain my serious face.

"Whatever you say Mr. Ocampo, as long as you keep driving," Yrina replies, still smiling.

After driving for about 30 minutes, we finally arrive at the mall. It is a small L-shaped building with a large open parking lot at its side. Despite the size of the mall, I believe it is still enough to cater to the needs of the little city.

I try to find a parking space while Yrina retouches her make up. I was teasing her when a motorcycle suddenly appears in front of me. I instantly step on the brake to avoid collision. The other driver was also quick though and skillfully makes a sharp turn.

"Oh my gosh, Caleb! Is he alright?" Yrina says in panic.

"Yes, I believe he is. I was able to stop just in time and he too was able to make a turn," I feel my heart beat twice as fast as I look around for traffic signs and realize that it was my mistake for having turned on a one way area. The driver stares at our direction. Thank heavens Yrina's car was heavily tinted and I nervously hoped he wouldn't get off his motorcycle and beat the hell out of us. Fortunately, after a few seconds, he turns and goes on his way. Yrina and I breathe a sigh of relief. We wait for a few more minutes inside the car until we were certain the driver would not return. We let a good 15 minutes pass and no longer caring whether or not we get caught both by the rider and the police (Hey! I still got a student driver's license!), Yrina gets out the front seat.

"Let's go, Caleb! It's almost 6 and we still need to feed your intestinal pets' huge appetites!" Yrina dashes off, not even waiting for me to respond. This girl is impossible! She does not even care if we get reported as long as she arrives on time to her friend's show!

"Yrina, wait up!" I run after her. Man! She sure walks fast for a small girl!

"Hurry, will you? I don't want to lose the good seats!" she answers aloud, not even looking back at me. She goes through the mall entrance and in a few seconds, I lose sight of her in the sea of people.

Seriously! She knows how I hate being in crowds! I growl as I stretch my neck up and try to get a glimpse of Yrina. There she is!

"Oh, you are so gonna pay-,"

"Ow!" I hear someone cry out and I realize that I had accidentally stepped on a girl's foot in my hurry to catch up to Yrina. The girl gets down and touches her pained foot.