Chapter 4 No.4

I kept looking at my wall clock and buried my face on the pillow, trying to calm my ass down. I'm trying to resist escaping home in the middle of the night.

I want to have some night drive, to get a breather from this godforsaken house. I'm not sure if it is because of the stress building up within me or just plainly because I feel suffocated but this is really making me insane!

I have an early class by tomorrow morning but my mind keeps on screaming to walk out my door, leave the house and drive using my car.

I already finished reviewing my pointers anyway. I've also already checked my requirements first. Everything is clear, everything is finished. I don't feel anxious of my examination tomorrow and instead, I feel so fucking stifled, wanting to meet Josh.

Yes, he is actually the reason why I'm being like this. He is like a drug to me. He makes me feel so addicted that my body yearns for his touch

My hand slowly crept onto my womanhood underneath my blanket and undergarment. I tried touching myself but it was no use.

It is too different compared to when he touched me. If I could do this before by myself, now it feels like I can't. It isn't enough to just touch myself, I need him.

I bit my lip from the thought that had been rising up my head. Am I thirsty or what?

No, maybe I'm not. I'm just probably feeling anew and wanted to see him again; to talk, to cuddle, to see those eyes of his that were full of ignited love

I wonder if he feels the same way? Because if he doesn't... I don't know what I'll do.

I took a long breath before I got up from my bed. I couldn't contain myself anymore and finally grabbed onto my cardigan hanging on one of my racks. Afterwards, I saw myself walking past my mirror only to see a reflection of my body.

I had a voluptuous body that no man could resist, my hair was tied into a ponytail and a silky soft skin wrapping my entire physique. And, across my face was a small pointed nose, long eyelashes for a woman and soft rosy colored lips that had a smirk flashed onto it.

I slowly tiptoed my way out of my room. Everyone was now asleep. I grabbed my keys on one of the key compartments and finally walked out towards the garage and went straight to my car

Once I was inside of my vehicle, I started the engine only for the gate to open on its own.

Taking notice of who opened it up for me, I saw Manong Guard at the corner who did not stop me one bit. I'm sure he was scared of getting reprimanded by me.

As soon as the gate opened, I quickly drove past our house and didn't even turn to look at the staff in my house. I'm sure he wouldn't even report me to my parents since he is likely to be scolded as well.

Anyway, I wouldn't do this if it weren't for my mind. I just feel so stifle, having to live with parents that never really cared for me and a bitch who is pretending to be so nice that others think that she's doing it so naturally.

I rolled my eyes on the side. I need to calm down and think carefully before striking back at that woman.

If she's really trying to steal everything from me then mark my words, I'll have her go down and kneel in front of me.

All that I have to do right now is to stay alert and be careful for the time being. If I want her in her most vulnerable state then I have to let her experience her happiest moments in life before I gradually destroy it all.

I went past the city and was on my way towards the dark area of Tagaytay. The night was so silent with the stars and the moon as my only companion.

As I took a deep breath and shut my eyes close for a moment, I received a phone call.

I turned to look at my device by my side only for a sweet smile to draw on my face.

It was from Josh–Wait a second, from Josh?

I almost panicked when I realized who was the user on my phone. My heart immediately pounded hard while my hands were shaking and put my car onto the side of the road

What the hell, Reina? Why are you so surprised that Josh is calling you?

The first call ended and the expression on my face was about to sink when he sent me another call. I answered it.

"Hi, how are you?" Maybe because I was panicking and at the same time excited that I failed to notice that  I was the first to talk on the phone. My voice was even a little shaky.

Damn. His effect on me is so bad that I'm becoming like this.

"I can't sleep," the man suddenly uttered, which made me stop. It was the same soothing voice that seemed to whisper in my ear.

Fuck! It's so irresistible!

"I'm actually planning to take you out and have a night drive, eat something and–oh God, I am asking you for a mini date, am I right?"

I bit my lip before plastering this silly smile on my face. Tss, how can he be so cute and so hot at the same time?

I rested my back onto the driver's seat and with a foolish grin on my face, almost yelled enthusiastically.

"Yes, I'm actually thinking of the same thing but thought that you were asleep already," I said, almost mumbling.

"Let's meet at the nearest convenience store at your house, I'll pick you up," he said which immediately made me pull over and go back towards the city. I agreed with his plan with excitement engulfing my system. I couldn't help but imagine all of the things we're going to do and how it would feel so good to just be with the person I like right now–oh shocks, I'm acting like a teenager right now!

"I'll wait for you," I responded before finally ending the call. If my lips were made of paper, I wouldn't be surprised if it already ripped a long time ago.

I just can't help it. I feel so happy to see him again. It feels like I've won in some way because he feels the same way as I am and we're now going to meet each other with our parents on our back–well, my parents actually.

Sometimes, it's funny. It makes me feel like I am under the spell of a novel. I am the main character, I have everything that others would yearn for but I also don't have it, for someone is trying to take it away from me. And I have this prince of mine that will come and save me from all this heartache. I shook my head.

Why am I getting my hopes up from just a mini date? I do feel tingly from the inside because of this opportunity and I can't deny that I have feelings for him but it shouldn't cloud my judgement and I shouldn't compare my life to a novel, much less a fairy tale with a happy ending.

I drove faster to our meeting point because of the extreme excitement I have. Once I halted my car, I immediately saw Josh's car at the far corner with him standing, leaning onto his door. He was smoking.

Shit. We just didn't see each other for a short while but he already looks so handsome in my eyes. What did he do to himself?

I parked my car on the side and came out. When he noticed me approaching him, a sweet smile flashed through his lips and was about to kiss me when I dodged and grabbed onto his cigarettes.

I lit one and then with a smirk said, "Easy, lover boy." I blew smoke on his face, only to receive a tight embrace from him.

I was caught off guard but managed to regain my composure. He buried his face onto my shoulders before whispering.

"Fuck, it's been just a short while but I missed you so bad," he said that made my heart race.

Damn it, I feel the same way.

After what had happened to us, when he confessed and I reciprocated him, had my womanhood eaten... nothing more happened aside from kissing and hugging.

He was so gentle with me that I couldn't help but fall quickly.

He even treats me differently compared to the past women he had ever held in his life.

"I missed your scent, your warmth, I missed everything about you and it haunts me every night. I'm sorry if I called you this late," he continued while I gave him his cigarette stick.

"I also escaped home today because I wanted to be alone," I responded. He was now looking into my eyes with sincerity and I couldn't help but mess his hair up. "However, when I realized that you called me and wanted to meet up, I thought that it would be lonely if I were to go and eat by myself.

Josh suddenly turned away from me and before I could frown and complain, I noticed the back of his ear reddened.

Did he just blush?

"A-Alright, let's go and grab something to eat." Josh said but I was the first to walk towards the convenience store.

When we were inside, the cashier took notice of us and greeted us with a smile. I then turned to look at the section of the alcohols and immediately pointed at the beer bottles.

Josh was now paying up for the alcoholic drinks he picked up when I was close to the section of the chewing gum. I am unsure what I was thinking at that time but I managed to pick up some and then immediately put it into my pocket.

My heart was pounding hard. I just stole something from the convenience store.

After Josh paid, we came out of the store and I hurriedly walked towards his car.

"Let's go, immediately," I commanded suddenly, which made him crease his forehead.

"Huh?"

"I said, faster!" Josh couldn't do anything but obey me. When he got up onto the driver's seat, I immediately commanded him to start the engine and drive fast away from the store.

"Why did you suddenly made me–"

His words were cut off when he noticed me open a beer bottle and took out some chewing gum inside of my pocket.

Honestly, my heart was pounding so fast, I was nervous about getting caught red handed.

"You're a bad girl." And the two of us laughed.

The adrenaline in me is making me feel so powerful. It made me feel fearless, enough that I was even able to shoplift together with Josh.

"Don't worry, I won't get caught, anyway," I said, trying to reassure him. I opened the window of his car and immediately felt the cold breeze touch my skin

It was so soothing.

"Also, that was my first time doing it. And I wanted to experience it with you," I added before looking into his direction. I noticed that he was looking at me as well before gazing back towards the road.

"Me too, I want to be with you all the time," he responded before I felt his hand crawling up towards mine and locked out fingers together.

It didn't take long for us to drive away from the express and onto Tagaytay.

"I've been planning to eat some bulalo lately since I just finished reviewing for tomorrow's examination," I suddenly commented and looked towards his direction. He was still focused on driving.

Truth to be told, my older sister is in the same batch as Josh. He is also graduating now. He took up Business Administration and I heard that his parents own various hotels and restaurants in the Philippines, although they started way back from Paris, with one restaurant and a hotel

Aside from that, his parents are Italians but seemed to choose to live here. They say that it was because they feel much happier here and their business was taking a good strike which made them adapt the Filipino lifestyle.

"You know that being a bad biy js my defense mechanism, right?" Josh suddenly said and my attention was immediately caught by him. He slowed down his driving when we were now out of the expressway.

"I don't want to be a golden boy like what other people see in me. I know that when I am a good person, others will just abuse me. I think it's better that I'm always at my worst so I'll know that whoever stayed is actually true to me," he continued, which made me silent.

"All women wanted to be with me, not because of me but because they wanted my money and to use me." My hands slowly tightened its grip around his.

There was a hint of a bitter smile flashed onto his lips.

I feel bad for him, it's so sad being manipulated and used by the people you trust. Although, we feel the same way. That is also the reason why I started acting like a bitch.

People wouldn't understand anyway.

"I had a friend before," I started. I felt his stare right at me and so I lowered my head a little.

It was now my turn to open up.

"And of course, I thought she was nice. I treated her in every way I could. I tried to please her just so she would stay by my side," I added before lifting my head up to stare at the ceiling of his car and let out a deep sigh.

"But..." I paused for a second and then stared right through his eyes. There was a weak smile curled onto my lips before I removed his hand from mine and opened a bottle of vodka for me to drink.  "I caught that person stealing from my wallet and now, she's friends with Febi."

I drank some vodka, only to notice Josh staring right at me as though he was dumbfounded. "Honestly, it's funny how I'm being treated like this," I continued.

He remained silent.

"My parents... they treat Febi more of a daughter than I am when she's only a daughter of a maid. And... it's suffocating me." Again, I drank from the bottle in my hand. I could feel my tears welling up and my thoughts sinking down due to my negative thinking.

Damn it. I have to try my best and hold my tears together.

"But don't worry, I'm actually used to this setup now that I'm older. When I can manage myself on my own, I will never beg for their attention anymore."

The car stopped in a parking lot and Josh finally opened his mouth to speak.

"I see, then it's no wonder that most men on campus are scared to approach you." Josh reached my hand gently and kissed it slowly before looking straight into my eyes. "You have a strong personality and weak men are scared of it because it crashes their pride." He placed my hand onto his cheek as he closed his eyes.

"You know, Reina... I always love the warmth of your hand."

Somehow, when he said those words, I felt a ticklish feeling in the pit of my stomach. He was unlike any other men who have approached, it was giving me a europhic touch. I didn't move an inch while he moved my hands across his cheeks. It seemed like he really liked the gesture and I didn't want to ruin the moment.

He stayed like that for a few more minutes until I saw him open his eyes slowly. Once our eyes met again, his forehead creased.

What?

He then removed his hand across the back of my palm before removing his hoodie and gave it to me.

"Wear this, it seems that you're cold," he added which made me flushed. I thought that he didn't notice that I was already shivering despite wearing a cardigan right across my clothes. "It's like, I'm already hugging you from behind," he added and gave me another smile.

Damn, that smile of his is dangerous. It feels like he can melt me at any time. His teeth were perfectly aligned and the color of it was just as white as the commercial shows.

I slowly reached my hand to touch the cloth before putting it on the side. I removed my cardigan first before wearing his hoodie right across my shirt.

Honestly, it was a good thing that the hoodie was a good styling for my shorts or else, I'll look like a mismatched clown. It was too long for me, enough to consider that the hoodie became my dress.

When we finally came down the car, Josh escorted me from the passenger's seat and opened the door towards the place. Afterwards, the two of us walked side by side while our hands were intertwined with each other.

The twenty-four hours restaurant was a small building made of bamboo wood. Unlike when it is morning, the place was packed with only a few people eating, a staff behind the counter and a bus boy who seemed to be cleaning the other tables.

The place was silent. Only the sound of the crickets, the sound of the wind whispering, the clattering sound of plates and the sound of a radio playing an aesthetic music engulfed the space.

Before we could reach any of the tables, I halted for a second which made him stop as well. I then took a photo of Josh while our hands were still intertwined.

His rough hands were bigger than mine and it feels so warm whenever I touch it. I used boomerang on IG to continue the pictures before we settled for a table to sit on.

"What would you like to order?"

Not long after, a waiter came to serve us. I pointed at the food I wanted to eat to Josh and then leaned my head onto the table afterwards.

It's currently three o' clock in the morning. I still have some time to get a wink of sleep since my classes start at eleven o' clock.

"What time is your class today?" I asked and turned to look at him. I failed to notice earlier that he was already staring at me all this time.

I looked away for a second when I realized he had been checking me out. I then touched my skin, especially near my eyes if I have some dirt right across it.

"My class starts at eleven o' clock in the morning, how about you?" Josh looked torn now and so I held onto his hand.

Is he alright? His nose and his forehead seemed to be red.

"Did you get drunk from the alcohol? We can check out some room if you can't drive," I suggested. "Or, I can drive on your stead," I added. The orders seemed to come at the right time and I suddenly felt famished.

"No, Baby, I can drive," Josh responded after a short while. "It's just that, it's cold and iwantedto" he added, almost mumbling to himself.

"What did you just say? I didn't understand the–" He suddenly came near my ear and I could feel hot breath touch my cheeks.

"I said, it's just that you're so gorgeous and I badly wanted to hug you," he whispered, making me feel the heat right across the cold restaurant.

Damn it. Why is he acting like this?

He then put his head against mine while we waited for our meal to turn cold a little.

"You're just feeling cold," I retorted and rolled my eyes. After a few moments, I noticed him take out his phone from the insides of his pocket and then saw a reflection of the two of us.

"Say hotdog, Reina," he suddenly said before he flashed a smile onto the camera while I had a creased forehead.

"What the hell? Why hotdog?" I complained and he finally took the photo. He looked so clingy in the picture with his left arm around my shoulders and my facial expression, an annoyed and confused one.