Chapter 2 I SEE YOU, AGAIN

Christian realized that there's not much sense to it now and no one can ever go back and change it, he thought to himself while gazing up at the ceiling.

Christian let out a weary sigh before standing up and throwing out the can of beer he left last night at the bin and putting his cup in the sink. After tidying a bit, he went back to his room to take a long and warm bath to calm his nerves down for it was too early for another drink, he just decided to bathe it out. He slowly slides his clothes onto his smooth skin and dipped his body into the tub already filled with white bumps floating around. He enjoys the warm water with eyes locked as he caresses his arms and legs with bubbles while drawing in his mind the layout for his big-time clients, what color, fabric he would use, and the one who would use it.

"I love you, Chris."

"Hold me."

"Are you going to leave me too?"

The memories suddenly inhabited him. He could hear his voice, so clear that it seemed like the man is just beside him.

Unexpectedly, the time he had spent in bed with Edward while he was on that break, all that sensual touch, the kiss, the cute noises the once young man brings about whenever he nuzzled his neck and the pleasure and satisfaction he felt on that seven-day romance came rushing back to him. The next thing he knew, he was performing it on his body, giving pleasure in his manhood while imagining that the other is doing it. After he was done, he opened his eyes slightly gasping, and bit his lower lip.

"What are you doing, you stupid man. Snap out of it. You can't have him back."

He whispered under his shaky breath still bathing on the now polluted water as he pushed his body up to go to the shower room. When he was done cleaning himself, he put on white long sleeves matched with grey pants then made himself a club sandwich for breakfast for he felt like all his energy has left him after that little thing he did in the bathroom. He moved to his study area and began to draw the designs he was imagining, giving them life on a piece of paper using his God-given talent.

By the time he finished, it was already ten past eleven and he was so immersed in his drawings, he didn't even eat half of the sandwich yet. He arranged his designs in a black folder and was putting it in his bag along with all his paraphernalia when his phone started to jingle.

"What is it again?"

"They said they would like to meet with you today."

"What happened to tomorrow?"

"Mr. hotness called me personally and insisted that you meet them today since they are in the City already."

Christian's expression changed from tired to aggravated when he heard what his colleague said, stood up from his chair, and heaved an annoyed sigh before talking again.

"Fine. I will be there in an hour."

"Ok good, because they'll be here in 25 minutes."

"Then, let them wait."

"Chris-"

"What?"

"You know how beautiful you look when you smile? Can you put that mask on today and pretend that you're nice? Can you at least do that? They're important people you know and our name is on the line here."

"John?"

"Yes?"

"You're are getting on my last nerve. Now, shut it."

"Okay, Chris, see you later! Don't be late!"

The terrified man gave a nervous laugh, immediately dropping the phone on him and Christian could only whiz at his jolly friend. He sat down and placed his face on his palms, disputing what attitude he should show the "important" clients. Should he be happy to see Edward again and just act normal as if nothing happened between them, offer him a handshake and a pat on the shoulder or, put his more serious and cold behavior and deceive everyone yet again since no one knows what transpired except for the two of them.

Pretending is not hard for him and tossing a simple smile out there is only one of the things he's not afraid of faking.

"Easy." He whispered as he got up and plod to his bedroom to change, puts on a beige cable knit crew neck, then topping it off with a black wool overcoat fitted with black slacks. Next, his brown checkered scarf then matched it with brown leather gloves and lastly, socks and boots to warm up his feet. He grabbed his bag containing the designs and newsboy flat cap on top of his drawer then said goodbye to his little playmate, rubbed its fat tummy and went on his way.

"See you later, nut."

As soon as he stepped outside, his nose began to redden, cheeks started to blush and steam started to appear as he exhales. He looked at the Children from his neighbors happily playing at the piling snow outside of their homes which brought a slight smile to his face. He looked down, quite envious of the sight. Because he wishes nothing more than to return to innocence once again like the youngsters giggling at their little hands buried into the snowdrift.

He took a deep breath, got into his car, and drove off in a hurry but as carefully as possible. He resides quite far from the main city but since he has a car, going back and forth was never a problem.

And after a 30-minute hustle, he finally made it to the location and instantly prepared his things including his fierce expression and professional posture. He looked at himself in the rearview mirror and again heaved a sigh before going out of his car. His brows wrinkled a bit when he saw bodyguards dressed in black suits waiting beside a luxury car and instantly knew that the stars have arrived.

He walked quickly and greeted the men with a slight nod.

As he holds the door handle, he felt a sudden tingling in his chest so he halted for a bit. He gulped at what he was feeling, but, went in with his usual tough demeanor. He was greeted by his employees and friend John who was all smile, but, relatively nervous.

"Chris, so glad you're finally here. They've been waiting for you at the VIP room."

Said the pleased one, extending his hand at the not-so-excited designer.

"Yes, I'm here."

He gave a fraudulent smile at his business partner and went on his way to the VIP room which is located on the 3rd floor of the building, where he and Edward will finally meet again after four long years. They had no communication ever since that day whatsoever and now, he is about to open the door and felt like throwing up all of a sudden.

When he managed to open the glass door, two persons whose backs are turned around were busily glimpsing outside of the glass window, enjoying the view when the girl wearing a pink coat with brownish curly hair noticed him come in. She greeted the designer with a lovely smile and so did the other.

"Mr. Christian! I'm so happy to finally meet you in person."

"Hello, Ms. Maggie. Glad to meet you too."

Both exchanged a handshake but his eyes quickly shifted to the man whose back is still turned away. The woman noticed it and called the man which made Christian's heart beat faster than it should, which Edward can only do.

"Baobei, the designer is here."

It was silent for a while until the man eventually turned around, facing each other once again. Christian's eyes twinkled as he gazed at the man who is still handsome as ever, but, looked different. It was not the same guy he met four years back, he admits. He's matured, but remarkably.

"He's changed. Is it because of me? I guess so. I think so. I know so. Those eyes, the spark, it's gone. And, it's my fault."

He thought to himself, bringing him back to where it all started.

TO BE CONTINUED..