No Strings Attached

-----51st string-----

“WHAT? Over my dead body.”

“Really. I was your first kiss, right?” I said as I gave her a silly smile.

“Oh please, Phil. Don’t start. You were drunk, you jerk.”

“But you liked it, didn’t you?”

“Shut up, Phil! You have the nerve to flirt with me when the love of your life is surely mad at you now?”

“Why would she be mad at me?”

“She looked jealous! Are you numb or are you dumb?”

“Well that’s a great news.”

“What?”

“You want her jealous, right? I like that too.”

It took her a minute before she finally realized what I was saying.

“Oh right! That’s part of my plan! Hooray!”

“I didn’t know that Bella Blaire is an obtuse.”

“Whatever, Phil. You really are enjoying this, huh?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I? I feel loved.” I answered confidently.

“Just because she’s jealous, you think she loves you now?”

“Why are you against us all of a sudden? I thought you’re on my side.”

“Because you stole my first kiss, you scumbag!”

“It’s been years yet you haven’t moved on?”

“Because it was my first kiss! Do you not understand that...”

“Okay, I surrender. I won’t mention that again.” I said raising my hands.

“Good. Because remembering that my first kiss was stolen by a drunken boy is making me... UGH!”

“So how are you feeling?”

“Now you’re asking me how I feel about it? I’m irritated! You are seriously getting on my nerves, Phil. I...”

“I was referring to your stinging...”

“AH! Right! Now you’ve mentioned it, I feel it burning again. WHAT TO DO?”

Then she started fanning again.

.....................

Faye has been quiet throughout our dinner. She’s looking everywhere but Bella and me. She only talks to Natal. I don’t know if what happened earlier was a good thing. I want to tell her that what she saw wasn’t what she thought it was. Bella told me not to tell her.

“Baby, you’re done already?” Kevin asked her. He looks amazed. Who wouldn’t be? She barely touched her food. Didn’t she like what we cooked? Or is it the effect of...

“Blaire... Pwede na ba kong magbake?” She asked Bella while looking straight into her eyes.

“Are you sure? You look tired.”

“I’m good.” She gave us a weak smile.

“Let me give you a hand.” I volunteered as I finished my food.

“Wag na. Kaya ko mag-isa.” Then she stood up. “Wag kayo magmadali kumain para umabot yung cake ko pangdessert.”

Did she say ‘cake’? I wish she’s going to bake a chocolate cake. I love her chocolate cake.