Broken Strings (18+)

07

I didn’t know Danielle had this side. I never saw it before. For me, she was just that quiet girl sitting at one corner of the classroom. She wasn’t like this back in high school. Time had definitely done her good. Maybe Japan as well.

She chuckled. “I’m sorry. Did I bore you?” She turned to me, giving an apologetic smile. “By the way, I’m Dani. I co-own this gallery with some friends.” She offered her hand.

I took her hand and shook it. “Hi, I’m Mischa.”

Her smile quickly faded, and her expression turned into surprise. I saw recognition in her eyes. “Mischa Brillantes?” I smiled and nodded in response. “It’s me, Danielle Zamora. We went to the same high school.”

“Oh, yes. I remember. How have you been?” I asked out of courtesy. We were not exactly the best of friends, but she’s an acquaintance. And I think my boyfriend knows her personally.

“I’m fine. Japan’s treated me well. Everything has been about art since college. I only came back because my parents asked me to. Now I keep myself busy with this gallery and teaching art part-time at PSU.” I couldn’t believe that the woman in front of me was the antisocial Danielle I’ve known. Wait, did she say she’s teaching at PSU? So that explains why I saw her at the university cafeteria. But why was Storm with her? “Mischa.” She was waving her hand in front of me. I think I just spaced out.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You were saying?”

“No, I’m sorry. I’ve been talking a lot. But I was asking, how have you been?”

“I just finished my MS in Biology last year. I’m currently working at a private research institute. You know, laboratory work and scientific papers and stuff that bore the hell out of people.” I chuckled, and she did too. I just realized the impression my work would give to ordinary people – lackluster.

“For others, that may be the case, but I’m sure you’re enjoying it as much as I enjoy art. Each of us has our own thing. What’s interesting for you will be boring for someone else, that’s for sure.”

“You’re right.” I smiled. “So… you’ve been practically living for art. Doesn’t your boyfriend get jealous of your passion?”

Her cheeks turned rosy. “I don’t have one,” she whispered, shaking her head.

“Oh. A husband?” I asked playfully.

“Even more impossible.” She let out a shaky laugh.

“Why not?”

“I guess I just haven’t found the one yet.” She shook her head again. “Oh, enough about me. How’s your love life? Are you married now?”

It was my turn to shake my head. “Not yet, but I’m hoping. We’ve been together for six years now.” Danielle’s forehead creased, her eyes inquiring. “Storm Peralta. I’m still with him. First love never dies, huh?”

Her eyes grew wide for a second. She seemed shocked. Was it that shocking to find out that the campus playboy remained faithful to me all these years? I couldn’t blame her.

“Wow, congrats! That’s such a long time – six years.” She beamed, but I could sense that something was wrong. Or I’m just overthinking again.

“You two know each other, right?” Her mouth went agape. She didn’t speak, so I went on. “He mentioned you a few times. I didn’t know that you two were friends in high school.”

She shook her head. “We’re not really friends back then. I just chanced upon him last year, in one of my exhibits. I think they had a game held in Japan that time.” I nodded in acknowledgement. I didn’t question any further.

I tried to shift the topic back to the painting. I bought the cherry blossom piece. She gave me a discount and a freebie. It was a soccer ball sculpture. She asked me first if I’d like to have it. I asked her why. She shrugged and said that I’m a soccer player’s girlfriend. She also explained that the sculpture was made specially for last year’s soccer match in Japan, and it was one of the few pieces left. I took it graciously and thanked her.

I left the mall and hailed a cab. It was only during the ride that I remembered Storm telling me to text him when I’m done. I texted him that I rode a cab on my way home. When he didn’t reply immediately, I knew he was still preoccupied with the ‘family emergency’. I was starting to worry, but I think he wanted me to stay out of it. I should just trust him.

Speaking of trust… to be honest, I was surprised that Storm didn’t tell her about us. He knew her for a year, yet he never mentioned to her that I’m his girlfriend. But maybe they’re not even that close, that’s why he didn’t feel the need to tell Danielle. Yeah, that must be it.

And oh, I couldn’t even see Danielle as the other woman. She just looked so naïve—so innocent.

I really should stop overthinking. Question is, could I?

© Cyan