Better late than never. Hoho
***
“Help me El. I don’t know what to do anymore”
“Well my dearest, what did you do?” Elina asked with her head hanging upside down on her bed
What did I do? What did I do?!
“I—well… I-i haven’t exactly done anything yet” I smiled sheepishly
How can I do something if Raf won’t even talk to me? He doesn’t even want to see me?
Elina rolled her eyes as her head was still hanging, weird girl! “Surely, Raf will forgive you if you haven’t done anything, sense the sarcasm there honey”
I glared at her but she wasn’t even looking as she was busy with her phone, “Wow, thanks for helping me. I feel really relieved now” I said sarcastically.
“Really?” She beamed looking at me
“No! I was being cynical El!”
I need to talk to a person with a lot of sense right now but Elina is so senseless! Argh!
She seated upright still busy texting, “You should say ‘note the sarcasm’ so I will know if you’re being sarcastic”
“Oh God! Why can’t I have a normal roommate?” I whined pulling my hair frustratingly
“Hey! I am normal, that’s really hurtful coming from you Scar” She frowned, pouting like a baby.
“Ugh! I think I’m going crazy” I plopped myself on my bed
I feel so emotionally wrecked. It’s like everything that’s happening to my life always turns bad. Everything feels wrong and that’s just because Raf is mad at me. I can’t even have a normal day since I started college. Even just for a freakin’ one day!
Elina seated at the side of my bed then placed a hand on my shoulder, “Calm down Miss Restless, did you try calling him?”
“Yes! A gazillion times but he’s rejecting it. I even texted him and explained everything but he won’t respond” I explained.
“Did you try talking to him personally?”
“I tried… but he’s avoiding me like I have some kind of a communicable disease”
After Raf walked out on us, I tried to run after him but Rupert stopped me telling me to let him cool off for awhile. We might end up arguing more and say things that we will regret in the end. Rupert has a point so I let Raf go. Yesterday, I went to their dorm room and tried talking to him but he totally avoided me.
“He can avoid you yesterday since it’s a Sunday but he can’t now. Let’s kidnap him then you’ll have the chance to talk to him” El suggested excitedly
I sighed loudly, “Oh please tell me you’re just kidding!”
“I’m serious!” She grinned but pouted when I glared at her, “Party pooper! If you don’t want that, you can just pursue him. Follow him wherever he will go, ambush him then that’s the time you tell him your side—why are you looking at me like that? It’s giving me goose bumps!”
I grinned from ear to ear, maybe Elina think I’m already crazy, “I think that’s a great idea!”
“It is?”
“Yes! You’re totally awesome!” I beamed, standing up from my bed
“I do?” El looked confused staring up at me
“Yes! I have to go, I have a lot of persuading to do. See you later after lunch” I walked excitedly towards the door
“But—”
“Oh…” I stopped at the door then turned to El, “Thanks El! Bye!”
“Bye…” El mumbled, I think I heard her whispered ‘crazy girl’
I think I really am!
I tread fast headed to the men’s dorm. I kept thinking about the things I will tell Raf, memorizing it so I won’t look stupid when I face him. I should be detailed and precise. I should tell him that I didn’t do anything wrong and that I didn’t answer Liam and planned to say no to him and— “Oomph!”
Ow! My nose! The person who bumped into me held my shoulders to steady me.
Hmmm… I know that smell.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you…” The person trailed and stopped when he saw my face as I gazed up to look at his handsome face. God! I miss him.
“Raf…” He looks really tired. He has circles around his eyes and he looks really depressed and sad. I looked at his shoulders and saw his bag with his camera hung over it.
He stared down at me, studying my face like what I’m doing to him. We stayed there staring at each other’s eyes, no words spoken between us.
I already forgot what I memorized awhile back and the things that I should explain ‘cause I’m captured by his mesmerizing gaze.
If only I can tell him my true feelings maybe he’ll never think that I like other guys. Maybe he’ll never get jealous about Liam asking me out or liking me… but I can’t. I don’t want to take risk and end what we have right now. I don’t want to know the consequences behind it.
Suddenly, Raf blinked, shook his head then turned around leaving me gawking at him.
Oh no you don’t!
“Raf! Wait! Stop walking!” I shouted running after him
He did stop, thank God!, and turned to face me with a blunt look…
“What?” He asked in a flat tone
I was taken aback by his tone and look so I just stared at his face…
*kroo* *kroo* *kroo*
Sighing loudly he muttered, “You’re wasting my time Scarlet”
Ouch! He’s really mad, he called me by my name.
He started to turn but I held his arm, “Wait Raf. I-uh… well…” My mind is blocked! Dammit! “I didn’t—”
“Scarlet!”
“What?! —oh Mr. Cooper”
Mr. Cooper was smiling walking over to us, I heard Raf snort so I gazed back at him and he clearly looked irritated. Uh-oh.
“Guess, you’re not ready to talk kar—Scarlet” He said turning then walked further away
“Raf! Wait! Argh!”
“I think I’m in a wrong timing. LQ?” Mr. Cooper asked when he reached me, he was smirking widely.
“Huh?”
He chuckled, “LQ, lovers quarrel”
“What?! N-no! We’re not… We’re just…” Why am I stammering again?
I scowled at Mr. Cooper when he started to laugh, “Ha ha, funny” I grumbled
I don’t even know why I always act stupid infront of this hot teacher.
“It is funny. By the way you look like a zombie. Have you been sleeping?” He asked then chuckled.
My cheeks instantly turned red. How can I sleep when I’ve been overthinking and stressing myself on my issue with Raf.
That’s a turn off!
You’re not helping me annoying voice!
I tried to hide my blush and glared at Mr. Cooper, “Did you just call me to make fun of me?”
“I just love seeing you blush” He teased, smirking. I get that a lot! “But that’s not the reason why I want to talk to you. KD wants to see you”
My eyes sparkled hearing KD’s name, “Aww, really? I want to visit him too but I’ve been very busy lately”
Mr. Cooper smiled warmly, “Your face is a good proof that you’re busy—kidding!” He laughed as I narrowed my eyes, “You can visit him anytime you’re free. He’s living with me now”
Aww, he really cares for Kaiden. “Is he okay now? Can he… walk?” I asked awkwardly
“He’s using crutches and having his weekly therapy”
“At least he’s recovering slowly”
“Yeah. Just tell me when will you be visiting so I can tell KD” He said
I smiled remembering Kaiden’s cute face, “Maybe I can try this week”
“Great” He smirked, running a hand through his brown hair, “Well, I’ll get going I still have my class”
“Oh okay. Nice talking to you Mr. Cooper” I beamed
“You too Ms. Brooks” He started to walk past me but stopped when he’s already at my side. He leaned and whispered, “But seriously, I think you should take a break. You look really tired Scarlet. ‘The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.’ See you Miss Brooks”
I blinked stupidly as Mr. Cooper left me standing alone. He’s really good at quoting things huh. But it did help, so now I need to find…
“Raf! Oh my god! Where did that hard headed gay went?” I said out loud. I look stupid talking to myself.
Your annoying voice is always here.
But you’re really irritating!
Oh wait! He got his camera.
I started to walk fast towards the Park at the side of the men’s dorm. He better be t
here. I need to talk to him right here, right now!
If another day will pass, we might end up being a complete stranger to each other and I will never let that happen.
I began searching for Raf when I was already at the entrance of the Park but I didn’t saw him easily like I did the first time I found him here. So I walked further, looking left and right to find him. Then I stopped dead on my tracks and almost did the happy dance but stopped myself when I saw Raf looking at me with raised eyebrow. He was currently holding his camera but hang it on his neck then walked towards me.
Suddenly, I felt nervous with the look he’s giving me. “Raf…” I whispered
Calm down Scarlet.
“Talk.”
Oh so now he’s commanding me?
I sighed before speaking, “Before I’ll explain myself. Can you at least open your mind and listen to every word I say. I’m not asking you to believe me but just… listen”
Well done! I didn’t stutter.
Raf didn’t respond and just stared at me but nodded after sometime. Good. Now I just need to talk…
I can’t do this! He’s stare is melting me.
Be serious Scarlet! Stop perverting Raf!
Oh right. Talk…
“I don’t like Liam. He just asked me out on that same spot when you saw us talking. I didn’t even answered him and I’m planning to talk to him. To tell him that I don’t have any feelings for him, that he should stop bugging me and that I don’t want to go out with him. I will even avoid him just so you can stop being mad at me. You know that I value our friendship so much and I will never try to ruin it especially ruin it because of a guy” I finished out of breath.
I fidget on my spot looking down and biting my lip. I felt like I just confessed my love for him.
I gazed up to look at his face. He was just looking intently at me, expressionless.
Ugh. I hate this!
“Can you please say something Raf. I’ll do anything just so we can be okay again”
Wow, I sounded desperate. Who can blame me?
“Really?” Raf then spoke
I nodded doing my best puppy dog face.
“I don’t know karmiy…” Scores!
“You called me karmiy” I mumbled but I know my eyes were sparkling
“And?” He asked trying to hide a smile forming on his lips
I grinned, “Well, it means you’re not mad anymore”
He raised an eyebrow, “How sure are you? Come on, let’s go” He held my hand and dragged me. He keeps on dragging me these days.
“Where are we going?”
“To the coffee shop. You told me you’ll do anything so you will treat me a frap” He responded.
“Okay” I chirped, “To the coffee shop!” I sang like what superhero usually does.
Raf stopped walking and looked at me, “Don’t do that again karmiy. It’s creepy”
“I know” I muttered, sighing.
“What’s your order ma’am?” The waitress asked, glancing at Raf from time to time. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Good thing Raf was busy looking at the pictures he took on his camera. Why does he have to be so god damn hot?
“Two mocha frap” I said in an irritated tone.
“Make it three” A voice said beside me. I snapped my head to look at the other god damn hot guy…
“Will you be treating us then?” I teased Rupert
He snorted then smirked, “Only if you say yes when I ask you out—Ow!” He chuckled after I smacked his arm, “I’m just kidding Scarlet but okay I’ll pay for it”
“Yay!” I smiled widely but frowned when I glanced at the waitress who was now drooling at Raf and Rupert.
Raf was still busy on his camera and didn’t bother to look at his brother. Maybe they’re still not in good terms. So I just looked back at Rupert since I don’t want to interrupt Raf.
“So you two are back together?” Rupert asked pointing between me and Raf
I glowered at him but he was not fazed as he started to laugh lightly.
“I don’t see anything funny” I grumbled.
Yeah, they love making fun of me or laugh at me. I don’t really know why!
“You’re just so cute Scarlet” He cooed.
“Ow! Ow! Stop it Rupert!” I tried to removed his hands pinching my cheeks but failed.
He did removed his hands but was laughing hysterically, clutching his stomach.
“You’re so annoying!” I whined.
He ruffled my hair, chuckling, “You know you love me”
“Eww! Who told you that?!”
He scoffed placing his hands on his pockets, looking really cute, “No one. But I know you do”
“Here’s your order ma’am” The waitress said interrupting us, looking pissed.
I was about to get the coffee for Raf to give it to him but he got it first and weirdly, walked towards the door leaving me and Rupert.
“Where is he going?” Rupert asked with furrowed eyebrows.
“I don’t know but I have to follow him. See you later Rupert. Thanks for the coffee by the way” I said in one breath then run after Raf… again.
What now?
“Raf! What’s your problem now? Stop this instant!”
He didn’t even look at me and just continued walking…
“Just stay with your new bestfriend” He grumbled, still not looking.
New bestfriend?
Rupert? Is Raf jealous?
Dream on Scarlet!
Argh!
“RAFAEL LUCAS EDWARDS! One more step and you’ll be drinking your coffee through your nose!” I threatened but even I, didn’t believe myself.
But it worked, Raf then stopped walking and turned to face me with a smirk on his lips, “Make me” He also threatened. He started walking away again after I didn’t respond.
What the hell?!
“Aww, c’mon! You act like a girl Raf” I cried.
He once again stopped walking and look at me, “Technically, I’m gay so I really act like a girl”
“Can you just stop walking out on me and just tell me what your problem is? It’s really, really frustrating!” I shrieked.
He sighed loudly before speaking, “I’m just… I’m still confused with my feelings right now”
“Confuse? What feelings?”
“I don’t know! I just need to think through…”
“What will you think? I thought we’re good. I told you I don’t like Liam and I didn’t answer him yet but I planned to—”
“What’s your answer then babe?”
Aww, why oh why?! Why now?
Raf stiffened looking straight at me while Liam was also staring at me, waiting for my answer… suddenly, I felt very hot. It’s like I’m in a hot seat!
“I-uh… ahm… Liam…” I tried to explain but stuttered like a toddler, I inhaled deeply before speaking again, “I’m sorry but I have to decline your offer. I-i… It’s not that I don’t like you—” Raf faked cough, “It’s just that… I don’t want to date anyone right now. I need to focus on my studies. So… that’s it. My answer is no, sorry”
Whew! I did it!
Liam gazed at my face, I thought he’ll walk away or get angry but I was surprised when he smirked widely, “Scarlet, sweetheart… I told you—”
“You don’t take no for an answer, I know” I said, cutting him.
He’s so persistent!
“Well, I think you got me. I don’t care if you don’t like me right now, you will be… soon. I will still persuade you and one day…” He leaned forward, his face close to mine, “You’ll fall for me”
He said huskily.
I gulped looking straight at his eyes, same color as mine. Raf faked cough once again interrupting our staring contest. Liam stood up straight and gave a smile at Raf.
“Have you seen your brother?” Liam asked, Raf didn’t talk and just pointed the coffee shop, “I need to go babe. I’ll leave you two for a while” He walked towards the café with a big smile.
What the hell is going on?!
I glanced at Raf and saw him blushing, looking at Liam’s retreating back. Rawr!
I also faked cough to get Raf’s attention, “So now, I told him I don’t want to go out with him. Are we good?”
He tilted his head and studied my face, “I guess so…” He trailed and started to walk towards the women’s dorm
“You guess so? What do you mean by that? C’mon Raf!” I trailed behind him
“Well you heard him. He will still woo you”
Can you not see that I’m the one wooing you? Oh god!
“I don’t care about him for Christ’ sake! And why are we heading to our dorm?” I asked irritatingly
“I’m waiting for Christina. It’s almost our next class, you don’t have any class this afternoon?”
Oh shoot! I totally forgot!
“I… er-”
Raf snapped his head to face me, “You skipped class karmiy?!”
“Well…”
“Hey Raffy!” It’s tarsier! Not now! “Let’s go?... Why is she here? I mean, you don’t have class Scarlet?” Christina asked with a fake smile as she gripped Raf’s arm.
My eyes turned into slits but an idea came to my mind. I can still make it to my next class but I have to do something first…
I smiled sweetly, “I do have my class today so I need to go now. Bye Christina…” She responded with her evil lopsided smile, “Raf, are we good?” I asked hopingly. Please say yes.
“I’ll think about it…” He smiled with his dimples appearing
“Rafael”
“If you remembered what I told you the first time we went at the Park, you would know the answer”
I tried to remember the things he told me at the Park
"...I can’t stand being mad at you. You make it too hard for me to stay mad at you"
My face instantly lightened as I spoke, “So you’re not mad at me anymore?” I beamed
“I don’t know karmiy. You’re too slow… Okay! Okay! We’re good! Don’t give me that face karmiy” He pouted when he saw my puppy dog face.
I grinned from ear to ear, “Good. I’ll better go now, bye”
I started to walk away but turned back to face them with a smile on my lips…
“You look different today Raffy—”
“I totally forgot Raf!”
Christina yelped in surprised by my voice, removing her grip on Raf’s arm. I walked towards a confused Raf…
“What did you—” Raf asked but I immediately cut him, giving him a peck on the lips.
I did not just do that! Woohoo! What confidence I have just because of love.
“Now, we’re good” I mumbled dreamily then walked away with a proud look. Raf looked stunned by my action.
“Did she just kiss you?” I heard Christina shrieked. Booyah!
“Yah…” Raf muttered softly.
“Why did she kissed you?” Christina probed
“Well, we do really kiss on the lips. More like me, kissing karmiy on the lips… actually that’s a first…” I heard Raf explaining faintly as I walked away further.
Yeah, we’re good. Totally good.